Gays Reading

In the season finale of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman reconnects with author and former college classmate J.R. Dawson to discuss her new novel, The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World. Their conversation explores the book's themes of grief, memory, and navigating life's inevitable transitions—while also diving into debates about ketchup, Chicago-style pizza, and music in their first chat in fifteen years. Later, Jason ...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Brad Summerville, aka @bradboughtabook on Instagram in this pseudo-bonus episode. They discuss their current reads, ranging from queer sci-fi fantasy to heartwarming romances and engrossing crime fiction. Jason and Brad delve into their tastes in books, the influence of nineties romcoms on contemporary queer literature, and the complexities of writing male-male romance. 

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Host Jason Blitman welcomes author Nicci Cloke to discuss her latest novel and US debut, Her Many Faces. They explore the inspiration behind the book's innovative structure, Nicci's transition from UK to American publishing, and her unexpected background working as an elf. Later, Jason sits down with Guest Gay Reader, author Tess Sharpe (No Body No Crime), discussing her love of 80s action films, the art of crafting rural...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with Ruben Reyes Jr. to discuss his highly anticipated debut novel, Archive of Unknown Universes, which follows his acclaimed story collection, There is a Rio Grande in Heaven. Their conversation ranges from advocating for the perfect 90-minute movie runtime to how specifics become universal, plus Ruben's late-in-life discovery of musical legends Joni Mitchell and Alanis Morissette. Jason then welc...

Host Jason Blitman talks with author Dylin Hardcastle about their new book A Language of Limbs. They explore what it means to be fully present, and Dylin offers insights into the fascinating history of Claude Cahun, the pioneering French artist and writer, then reflects on their experience living in an all-trans household. Dylin opens up about their relationship with their aunt and the transformative journey of self-discovery and i...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Joe Westmoreland to discuss the newly republished edition of his 2001 novel, Tramps Like Us. They explore the book’s evolution from memoir to fiction, delve into the “Pink Bubble” technique, and revisit untold stories from Joe’s hitchhiking days that didn’t make it into the final draft. They also reflect on how everything seems to be constantly changing—yet somehow coming full circle. Later,...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Leila Mottley (The Girls Who Grew Big) to discuss her experience as a doula and how it shaped her portrayals of motherhood. They explore themes of friendship, family, shame, and the evolving landscape of abortion laws in Florida. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader, Chip Pons, who shares insights on his debut book Winging It With You, his love for rom-coms, and his journey from Bookst...

Host Jason Blitman talks with author Allison King about her debut novel The Phoenix Pencil Company, June's Reese's Book Club selection. They explore themes of memory, the importance of preserving and sharing stories, and yes—pencils. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Jeff Hiller (HBO's Somebody Somewhere), who shares his current reads and discusses his new memoir Actress of a Certain Age.

Allison King is an A...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) about books that inspired Cosby early in his writing, the plot holes he found in fairy tales as a kid, his appreciation of Shakespeare's work, and his commitment to being an LGBTQIA+ ally. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, author and theatre producer Richie Jackson, who shares what he's been reading and reflects on the personal motivation behind writing...

Host Jason Blitman welcomes bestselling author Victoria "V.E." Schwab for a conversation about her remarkable milestone—her 25th book, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. They discuss the profound power of names, exploring how identity shapes both fantasy storytelling and LGBTQIA+ narratives, the impact of representation in literature, and the moment that nearly drove Schwab to walk away from writing altogether. Later, M...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with legendary author Edmund White, a towering figure in gay literature, for what would become one of White's final recorded conversations. In this deeply personal conversation, they explore White's latest memoir The Loves of My Life, delving into his reflections on love's many forms, the intimate dynamics that sustain lasting relationships, and the remarkable literary legacy of one of Am...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with debut author Austin Taylor (Notes on Infinity) to talk about themes of ambition, mortality, and the challenges of being a woman in science. They also explore big questions about life, the next big thing in science, and Austin shares an insightful critique of the film When Harry Met Sally. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Nicola Dinan who talks about what she's been reading as well as h...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with debut novelist Lucas Schaefer to discuss The Slip, diving into themes of identity, self-expression, and the inspiration behind the book. They explore Lucas’s personal experiences at a boxing gym, the real-life mentor who shaped one of his characters, and what led to the end of his theater career. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Mike Curato (Gaysians), who shares what he's currently ...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy (Let Them Stare) about astrology, the names of their teenage cars, and early inspirations for their book. And Crock Pots. And British accents. And Nobu. They talk about a lot. Jason is then joined by queer icon Alison Bechdel who shares what she's been reading and talks about her new graphic novel, Spent.   

Julie & JVN Publisher's Weekly Article

Jonathan Va...

In this episode of Spill the Tea, host Jason Blitman is joined by Alison Wood Brooks, behavioral scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Curious. They talk about her TALK maxims, what it means to be curious, tapping the adjacent possible, and Alison shares what makes a perfect conversation.

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Daria Lavelle (Aftertaste) to explore the sensory phenomenon of clairgustance, how words possess distinct textures that can be experienced beyond their meanings, and the fascinating etymology of the word "taste." Daria reflects on the delicate balance between happiness and grief and shares her journey discovering the many dimensions of hunger. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Read...

In this episode of Spill the Tea, host Jason Blitman chats with Alicia Valenski, author of Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, about her journey in creating an inclusive, community-driven resource that highlights 50+ destinations ideal for queer travelers. Alicia shares insights into her interview process with LGBTQ+ insiders and how the book goes beyond standard travel advice by weaving in personal stories and practical tips. The...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with current Good Morning America Book Club author Jemimah Wei (The Original Daughter) to explore what silences born of care open up between families, the importance of chosen family, and the unexpected costs of liberation. Jemimah shares childhood memories at McDonald's and reveals the three definitive ways to eat a french fry. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, fashion icon Prabal Gurung (...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with often-mentioned Rosie O'Donnell to discuss her newest project, Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism. They also talk books, Broadway, bootlegs, and more in this special bonus episode of Gays Reading.

You can learn more about Guide Dogs of America by visiting guidedogsofamerica.org.

Unleashing Hope is produced by NY27 Productions with distributi...