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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 weeklyEpisodes224Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Gays Reading

Latest Episodes

Re-release | Host Jason Blitman talks to Shobha Rao (Indian Country) live at Camino Books in San Diego. They discuss Laura Ingalls Wilder, the title’s double meaning from Rao’s childhood experience as “Indian,” the book’s central themes of water and ... more

RE-RELEASE In honor of the Booker Prize 2026 Longlist announcement, we're re-releasing the conversation with Katie Kitamura, shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2025 for Audition. Jason talks to Katie about learned behaviors, the nature of intimacy, the... more

Re-release | Host Jason Blitman chats with accidental poet Lyndsay Rush (A Bit Much) about the unique flavors of snacks, traumatic school memories, and the importance of embracing one's "bit much" personality. This episode originally aired October 29... more

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Laura Dave about her latest thriller, The First Time I Saw Him, a Reese's Book Club Pick. This conversation was recorded live at Warwick's in San Diego. 

Laura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of se... 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

Katie Kitamura
Author of Audition
Author
Episode: Re-release | Katie Kitamura, Audition
Lyndsay Rush
Author of A Bit Much, poet
Self-published author / poet
Episode: Re-release | Lyndsay Rush, A Bit Much
Laura Dave
Author of The First Time I Saw Him and The Last Thing He Told Me
Episode: Laura Dave, The First Time I Saw Him
Jessica Knoll
Author of Helpless
Author
Episode: Thrillers & Summer Book Recs feat. Jessica Knoll
Nate Berkus
Designer and author of Foundations
Nate Berkus Design
Episode: What Are You Reading? feat. Nate Berkus
Jenny Jackson
Author of The Shampoo Effect
Episode: Jenny Jackson, The Shampoo Effect
Ryan O'Connell
Author and TV star discussed on the episode
Author of Inspiration Porn
Episode: What Are You Reading? feat. Ryan O'Connell
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

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 191 ratings
  • Love Jason’s Interview

    Jason has the best interview style that feels so genuine and brings out each author’s personality. His thoughtfulness that goes into reading books and then coming up with unique & fun interview questions are what keep me coming back whether I read the book or not!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kourtney16
    Canada2 months ago
  • 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
    Canada4 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 Kingdom9 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 States9 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 States9 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.

Top Books Podcasts

The Book Review
The Book ReviewThe New York Times
The Book Club
The Book ClubGoalhanger
Myths and Legends
Myths and LegendsJason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
Selected Shorts
Selected ShortsSymphony Space
Fantasy Fangirls
Fantasy FangirlsFantasy Fangirls

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Laura Dave, The First Time I Saw Him
Q: For this one, what is your elevator pitch for The First Time I Saw Him?
The sequel is conceived in tandem with The Last Thing He Told Me, picking up five years later with a woman and a teenage girl who must form an alliance to uncover what happened to Owen, the husband/father they both love, while navigating forgiveness, identity, and whether the life they imagined can still be recovered.
Jenny Jackson, The Shampoo Effect
Q: What's been announced that readers should pencil in for the future?
The guest shares forthcoming titles including What Luck by J Courtney Sullivan and One Trick Pony by Frankie Zwick, promising an exciting lineup of new releases to anticipate.
Jenny Jackson, The Shampoo Effect
Q: What should listeners be reading next, and what are you excited about?
Jenny recommends Make Nice by Ryan Fox? Kin and One Trick Pony by Frankie Zwick as upcoming debuts to watch, along with Chris Bajalian's The Amateur and Emily St. John Mandel's new Exit Party, highlighting a mix of debut voices and established authors.
Jenny Jackson, The Shampoo Effect
Q: Who would be your celebrity bacon, meaning who could lift you out of a funk?
Jenny names Jason Bateman as her celebrity bacon, someone who feels all-American, funny, and universally appealing, capable of meeting her family and fitting into various social situations.
Jenny Jackson, The Shampoo Effect
Q: What are five things Jenny hates?
Jenny lists several dislikes, including hypocritical displays of success during conversations, doctor's appointments, and the annoyance of frequent small irritants, all presented with humor and personal anecdotes to illustrate character and worldview.

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. Book Riot - The Podcast
4. Book Talk, etc.
5. From the Front Porch

How many episodes of Gays Reading are there?

Gays Reading launched 3 years ago and published 224 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Gays Reading?

Recent guests on Gays Reading include:

1. Katie Kitamura
2. Lyndsay Rush
3. Laura Dave
4. Jessica Knoll
5. Nate Berkus
6. Jenny Jackson
7. Ryan O'Connell
8. Sophie Chen Keller

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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