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Artwork for The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast

Heather Rose Jones
Sapphic Historical Fiction
Lesbianism
Sapphic Literature
Historical Fiction
Lesbian Historical Fiction
Lesbian Literature
Lesbian Historic Motif Project
Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast
Sapphic Relationships
Sapphic Romance
Sapphic Fiction
Love Between Women
Amazons
Queer Literature
Dildos
Gender Identity
Sapphic Themes
19th Century Poetry
The Goblin Market
Greek Literature

A show about queer women in history and historic literature, plus coverage of the field of sapphic historical fiction. Content note: May include discussions of sex within an academic context.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes345Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryArtsBooks

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Artwork for The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast

Latest Episodes

When Did We Become Lesbians? (Reprise)

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast - Episode 344 with Heather Rose Jones

In this episode we talk about:

• The history of words for women who loved women throughout recorded European history.

• What words were ... more

Salt for the Unmarried by Khayelihle Benghu

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast - Episode 343 with Heather Rose Jones

This quarter’s fiction episode presents Salt for the Unmarried by Khayelihle Benghu, narrated by Heather Rose Jones.

A transcript of... more

YouTube

A Guide to the Sapphic Regency

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast - Episode 342 with Heather Rose Jones

In this episode we talk about:

• Demographics and economics affecting f/f couples

• Legal and religious considerations

• Friendship and romance... more

YouTube

On the Shelf for May 2026

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast - Episode 341 with Heather Rose Jones

Your monthly roundup of history, news, and the field of sapphic historical fiction.

In this episode we talk about:

• Say hi at GCLS

• Recent and upc... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Khayelihle Benghu
Emerging author, poet, essayist, and nurse based in Johannesburg, South Africa
Independent author
Episode: Salt for the Unmarried by Khayelihle Benghu - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 343
Cecilia Tan
Author of The Mystery of the Bitten Peach; writer focused on lesbian romance and Asian diaspora themes
Self-published author; formerly Circlet Press
Episode: On the Shelf for May 2026 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 341
Helen Rodriguez
Historian
Historian Interviewee
Episode: Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and the Invention of Lesbian Pirates - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 338
MK Hardy
A co-author with Morag Hannah and Erin Hardee, discussing the novel The Needfire.
Episode: On the Shelf for January 2026 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 332
Maya Dworsky-Rocha
Author and co-author of queer romance novels
Riptide Publishing
Episode: On the Shelf for December 2025 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 330
Anbara Salam
An author exploring sapphic narratives in her work
Author of The Salvage
Episode: On the Shelf for November 2025 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 327
Raven Belasco
Author known for blending historical fiction with LGBTQ+ elements, especially vampires and pirates.
Episode: On the Shelf for October 2025 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 325
Karli Wurzelbacher
Chief curator at the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, New York.
Heckscher Museum of Art
Episode: Emma Stebbins Exhibition Interview - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 324
Cathy Pegau
Author of the book A Murderous Business, a historical cozy crime novel
Minotaur Books
Episode: On the Shelf for September 2025 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 323

Host

Heather Rose Jones
Host of the long-running sapphic history and literature-focused show.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 96 ratings
  • A guiding light for lesbian history

    I am so grateful for this podcast and the incredible amount of research and care the hosts puts into every episode. This podcast is better than any "queer studies" course offered at any university at the moment and it's FREE! A big thank you to Heather Rose Jones for being a guiding light, thoughtful educator, and overall genius.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ten1197
    United States3 years ago
  • Fun Listening

    I have found this to be a fun and different way to look at and think about literature. It has a nice variety, especially when you’re looking for a fresh new book. I’ve enjoyed the frank honest approach of the host, who does discuss the thorny issue of reading our modern ideas into historic text. The fun and interesting look at fiction while respecting the real history we draw inspiration from is a rare and wonderful combination.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bandgeek8992
    United States3 years ago
  • Fun and informative

    I love everything about this podcast! I love the exploration of academic themes, the author interviews, the original fiction commissioned for the podcast, the monthly book releases! I always save new episodes for when I have time to actually devote to paying full attention to (vs in the background) because each one is outstanding. Sometimes I pause and look up a book discussed on the podcast in my library app because it sounds so fascinating I can’t wait to read it. I am so grateful this podcast... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ConfusedAnon
    United States4 years ago
  • wonderful

    your blog and podcast are a monumental undertaking and one that is much needed. thank you.

    Audible
    4
    WrenWrangell
    United States4 years ago
  • I always learn something new about wlw in history

    It's always a pleasure listening to Heather Rose Jones. She gives plenty of context to examine people, events and writing in history, placing them within the social framework of the time. I always learn something new from this rarely-studied aspect of history. It's far more interesting and engaging than any history lesson I've learnt in a formal setting.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lianyu Tan
    Australia6 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Offers a fresh, frank look at literature while respecting history.
A must-listen for fans of sapphic historical fiction and scholarly discourse.
Shows rigorous research and care, and is free without a university course price tag.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

On the Shelf for May 2026 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 341
Q: Could you tell us about your new book and the blend of genres it uses?
The Mystery of the Bitten Peach is a time-traveling lesbian romance with a whodunit core, mixing historical settings with a modern sensibility and genre-mashing energy.
On the Shelf for January 2026 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 332
Q: Can you give us a brief synopsis of the plot?
The Needfire is a sapphic Scottish gothic book set in 1890 about a woman named Nora Mackenzie who escapes her undesirable life in Glasgow to marry a lord she has corresponded with, but upon arrival discovers nothing is as expected.
On the Shelf for November 2025 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 327
Q: How does the sapphic aspect come into it?
While Marta is on the island, she starts a relationship with a local woman, which is not a spoiler since their attraction is revealed early in the novel.
On the Shelf for November 2025 - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 327
Q: What was it about this story that called for that specific setting and time?
The author chose the early 1960s because it was a moment before profound social changes in the UK, including civil rights discussions, and found it an interesting backdrop for her gothic and sapphic love story.
Emma Stebbins Exhibition Interview - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 324
Q: How did Stebbins' reputation as an artist evolve during her lifetime?
She was known and respected during her time, making public art commissions, but her legacy faded later due to lack of historical recognition.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast

What is The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on queer women in history and historic literature, with a strong focus on sapphic historical fiction, research-driven storytelling, and author interviews. Episodes frequently explore historical contexts, literary analysis, and new works in the sapphic canon, often weaving in related art, archaeology, and archival discoveries. A standout is the blend of rigorous historical context with creative fiction and fresh scholarly notes, sometimes touching on AI's impact on publishing and the evolving representation of queer women in history. Listeners are likely drawn to well-researched narratives, nuanced discussions of sexuality and history, and curated book recommendations across centuries and genres.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast:

1. Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
2. If Books Could Kill
3. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
4. Stuff You Should Know
5. The History Chicks : A Women's History Podcast

How many episodes of The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast are there?

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 345 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 The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast?

Recent guests on The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast include:

1. Khayelihle Benghu
2. Cecilia Tan
3. Helen Rodriguez
4. MK Hardy
5. Maya Dworsky-Rocha
6. Anbara Salam
7. Raven Belasco
8. Karli Wurzelbacher

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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