
Hot and Bothered is all about the power of romance culture. We analyze romance novels and movies to better imagine our own happy endings. Episodes release weekly on Tuesdays.
CURRENT SEASON: Jane Austen’s Persuasion
For Season 6, Hot and Bothered is returning to its roots with a classic romance: Jane Austen's Persuasion. Many readers consider Persuasion Austen's most romantic novel. As a podcast o... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 331 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsRelationshipsSociety & Culture | |||

In Chapter 17 of Persuasion, we meet another new character, Anne's old school friend Mrs. Smith. She's poor and sick and also really great.
This week we're joined at the end of the episode by Dr. Laura Mooneyham White to talk about how Austen's Chr... more
In Chapter 16 of Persuasion, the Elliot house is aflutter with the news of Lady Dalrymple's arrival to Bath – their fancy Viscountess cousin. Anne is embarrassed about the fuss her family is making.
This week we're joined at the end of the episode b... more
Anne has her first night in Bath in Chapter 15 of Persuasion. Her father and Elizabeth are less awful than anticipated and Mr. Elliot stops by for a late night visit.
This week, Julia Argy, author and past host of our show, joins us at the end of t... more
It's Christmas in Chapter 14 of Persuasion and Anne and Lady Russell do their last round of visits to Uppercross before heading to Bath.
This week, Dr. Jane Gregory joins us at the end of the episode to discuss misophonia.
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Hot and Bothered is ... more
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I listened to Harry Potter and the sacred text and was devastated when it ended (and when JKR turned out to be awful). I was ECSTATIC to learn that Vanessa had another podcast going over some of my favorite books, and I have not been disappointed! The discussions are funny, thoughtful, and well produced. Definitely subscribe.
I never was able to read P & P before this show deconstructed it and showed the feminism behind it and I could peer into what life was like in regency England. Their discussions of Jane Eyre were just as enlightening. I also liked their movie discussions.
On Eyre helped SOOOO much with my English class! Thanks for making it fun and interesting!!!
Smart, funny, and insightful.
Hot and Bothered has been one of those podcasts that’s just always been part of my life. From the early days talking romance novels and Jane Eyre, to Twilight in Quarantine, rom-coms, LGBTQ+ love stories, and even the deep dives into the American wedding complex — every version of it has been a treat. The hosts are so sharp and funny and thoughtful, and Vanessa Zoltan is just the best. I would, and do, happily listen to anything she’s involved in. There’s something so comforting about hearing sm... more
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Apple Podcasts | #5 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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This show blends literary analysis of romance with cultural context, pairing close readings of beloved romance texts with scholarly commentary and pop-culture film discussions. Episodes mix intimate conversations about love, aging, grief, and social expectations with interdisciplinary guests—from literary scholars to historians and film experts—often expanding the discussion into historical eras, class, gender, and media studies. A notable strength is the panel format that brings diverse expert perspectives, plus a host dynamic that balances warmth, rigor, and accessibility. Listeners can expect thoughtful takes on romance across books and films, with episodes that model how to read romance critically without losing its emotional heart.
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Hot and Bothered launched 9 years ago and published 331 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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Recent guests on Hot and Bothered include:
1. Claudia Johnson
2. Margaret H. Willison
3. Julia Argy
4. Hannah McGregor
5. Natalie Hanley-Smith
6. Amy Hollywood
7. Briallen Hopper
8. Jenny Davidson
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