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Artwork for Gays Reading

Gays Reading

Jason Blitman
Identity
LGBTQIA+ Literature
Family Dynamics
Grief
LGBTQIA+ Community
Self-Discovery
Queerness
Friendship
Thanksgiving
LGBTQIA+ Representation
Mental Health
New York City
Motherhood
Books
Literature
Wicked
Memory
Polyamory
Queer Literature
LGBTQIA+ Identity

Best authors. Best banter. Host — and gay reader — Jason Blitman is joined each week by bestselling authors, VIP gay readers, cultural icons, and other special guests for lively, spoiler-free conversations. Gays Reading celebrates LGBTQIA+ and ally authors and storytellers through fun, thoughtful, and insightful discussions. Whether you're gay, straight, or somewhere in between, if you love great ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes219Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksSociety & CultureArts

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Gays Reading

Latest Episodes

In this episode of What Are You Reading? host Jason Blitman talks to designer Nate Berkus about what he's been reading and about his newest book, Foundations.

Nate Berkus is one of the world’s most influential interior designers, known for his eleva... more

Host Jason Blitman welcomes back author and editor Jenny Jackson (Pineapple Street) to discuss her new novel, The Shampoo Effect, a Read with Jenna pick. Come for the chat about donuts (Lookin at you, Dunkin!), stay for Jenny's anticipated book recom... more

Host Jason Blitman talks to Ryan O'Connell (Netflix's Special) about what he's been reading and learn about his newest book, Inspiration Porn. 

Ryan O’Connell is the Emmy-winning creator, writer, and star of Netflix’s Special, which is based on his ... more

YouTube

Host Jason Blitman talks to newly minted Oprah's Book Club author Sophie Chen Keller about her new novel, Little Wonder. 

Conversation highlights include

* How becoming a parent helped shape the story

* Social inequalities as added context for t... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Sophie Chen Keller
Author of Little Wonder
Author, Little Wonder
Episode: Sophie Chen Keller, Little Wonder
Colton Underwood
Former NFL player and author of Dear Bishop
Dear Bishop
Episode: Father's Day feat. Colton Underwood
Haili Blassingame
Author of They All Fall in Love at the End; debuts and literary commentator
Episode: What Are You Reading? feat. Haili Blassingame
Ann Patchett
Author of Whistler
Harper Collins (publisher)
Episode: Ann Patchett, Whistler
Rashid Newson
Guest
Episode: Ann Patchett, Whistler
Sonia Feldman
Author of Girl's Girl
Author
Episode: Sonia Feldman, Girl's Girl
Rachel Howzell Hall
Author of Mist and Malice and Fog and Fury
Episode: Rachel Howzell Hall, Mist and Malice
Ayelet Waldman
Author
Episode: What Are You Reading? feat. Ayelet Waldman
Paige Lewis
Author of Canon
Author
Episode: Paige Lewis, Canon

Host

Jason Blitman
Host of Gays Reading; gay reader and conversation guide; leads spoiler-free literary conversations with authors and guests.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 187 ratings
  • Really good pod!

    I actually hate books but for some reason I absolutely love listening to people talk about books. Jason has a really nice voice and sometimes I think about him reading to me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    littlejohnnyr
    Canada3 months ago
  • A happy safe space

    This has become my new comfort listen. From the intro music to the conversations, it is just a delight. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Minitess23
    United Kingdom7 months ago
  • 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️📚

    Gays Reading is exactly what this moment needs. As queer voices are being silenced, we need this space to amplify the perspectives, the artistry, and the beauty of the queer community. Jason Biltman is such an engaging host and selects such amazing guests and such amazing books; I’ve encountered so many great reads through the podcast. This podcast may do some damage to your TBR list, but I promise it’s worth it to support queer voices!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @AutobiographiCole
    United States8 months ago
  • Great host, great guests

    Gays Reading’s host Jason Blitman is smart and funny, and he’s a great interviewer. He gets top authors and has some of the best conversations about books and life. This is my new favorite podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lifelong Bibliophile
    United States8 months ago
  • Exceptional listening experience

    GAYS READING is a quintessential podcast for anyone who self-describes as a book lover.

    Whether you’re trying to read more books or have a healthy appetite for the newest releases, host Jason Blitman deftly guides the casual and intimate conversations. He is an excellent interviewer and a vocal warm hug as you listen on your commute home. You can tell both the authors and his special guests enjoy the experience and aren’t simply on PR stump for their latest project regurgitating the same talki... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CricketNY
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many comment on the show's ability to surface lesser-known books and authors and expand TBR lists.
Listeners praise the warm, welcoming host banter and spoiler-free format that lets books shine.
Fans describe high-quality conversations with top authors and thoughtful questions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#181
South Africa/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#196
India/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#219
Denmark/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Father's Day feat. Colton Underwood
Q: How do you view your coming out and the role you play for others who might be watching you as a public figure?
He describes taking on a bridging role rather than leading a loud charge, choosing patience and empathy to help others understand LGBTQ+ experiences while remaining true to himself and protecting his family's privacy.
Father's Day feat. Colton Underwood
Q: What is being a good dad mean to you?
Colton explains that being a good dad means showing up with honesty, loving support, and a willingness to advocate for their family while balancing life with his husband, prioritizing everyday moments and authentic connection over perfection.
Sonia Feldman, Girl's Girl
Q: What does it mean to be a good friend in this story?
Being a good friend involves listening, showing up for each other through changing circumstances, including the awkward moments of adolescence, and not forcing one's own feelings or rules onto others as they navigate intimacy and honesty.
Sonia Feldman, Girl's Girl
Q: What is your elevator pitch for Girls Girl?
The guest describes it as a sapphic coming-of-age novel about three teenage girls whose close friendship becomes entangled when two begin a romantic relationship, exploring how this changes their dynamics and self-understanding.
What Are You Reading? feat. Haili Blassingame
Q: Why did you choose to focus on open relationships and polyamory?
It mirrored the messy reality of relationships and allowed exploration of identity, community scrutiny, and the broader social conversations around love, fidelity, and belonging without offering a tidy solution.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Gays Reading

What is Gays Reading about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A literary-focused interview show that pairs a warm, thoughtful host with a rotating lineup of bestselling authors and LGBTQIA+ literary figures. Episodes center on books, writing craft, and cultural context, with spoiler-free conversations that uncover themes, process, and behind-the-scenes stories. Listeners can expect deep dives into character, memory, identity, and the author's creative journey, often framed by personal anecdotes and candid discussions about publishing, relationships, and representation. The show tends to spotlight contemporary queer literature as well as broader literary conversation, making it a welcoming space for book lovers who value insightful dialogue, strong questions, and a friendly, informal vibe that still re... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Gays Reading?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Gays Reading:

1. Poured Over
2. Sarah's Bookshelves Live
3. Well-Read
4. From the Front Porch
5. Book Talk, etc.

How many episodes of Gays Reading are there?

Gays Reading launched 3 years ago and published 219 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Gays Reading?

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What guests have appeared on Gays Reading?

Recent guests on Gays Reading include:

1. Sophie Chen Keller
2. Colton Underwood
3. Haili Blassingame
4. Ann Patchett
5. Rashid Newson
6. Sonia Feldman
7. Rachel Howzell Hall
8. Ayelet Waldman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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