Shows
Sex. Love. Literature.E60 - Katabasis, Spoiler Free (Episode 1 of 3) - "Magick. Capital M, ending with a K"Happy Halloween!! This episode, we join Alice and Peter, two PhD Students in Magick studies, as they journey to hell to save their advisor in R.F. Kuang’s new fantasy novel Katabasis. We start off spoiler free in this first of three episodes with our initial reactions, thoughts on pretentiousness in relation to academic prestige and precarity, and who we ultimately think this book is for.As a bit of a content warning, Katabasis deals with abuse and suicidal ideation. Because these themes are pretty central to the novel, we won’t be able...
2025-10-3158 minSex. Love. Literature.E58 Dying for Sex (Part 2 of 2) "I told you we were going to cry this episode."Welcome to the second half of our discussion on the Hulu dramedy, Dying for Sex. In this episode, we get into the details about Molly’s sexual escapades as well as the other important relationships that balance out her life, especially with her friend and caretaker Nikki. Content warning: Dying for Sex deals with terminal illness and trauma related to sexual assault. Because these themes are so woven into the show, we won’t be able to provide specific time codes for when they come up in our own discuss...
2025-09-261h 21Sex. Love. Literature.BLACKPINK in Our Area (Bonus Episode)BLACKPINK was in our area and we couldn't _not_ tell y'all all about it. Sharing the same recording space for the first time, we chat about everything we loved about being part of the sea of Blinks to sing with, dance to, and cheer on Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé. Note: We used a different set up this time, so the sound is a little less crisp than we'd like 😩 but still worth it to record together 💛Episode was recorded July 27th, 2025Show Notes:Support us on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sexlovelitpodcast...
2025-08-2934 minSex. Love. Literature.E59 KPop Demon Hunters - "Is this part of my personality now...?Mirror, mirror on my phone, who's the baddest? (Us, hello?) This episode, we are joined by a very special guest, Audrey Hall, to talk about the Netflix animated film, KPop Demon Hunters!We get into productive intersection of idoldom and demon hunting that allows the film to explore internalized–and externalized–shame, particularly through the romance of Rumi, the leader of KPop group Huntr/x and Jinu, our kpop demon boy. (Because no discussion of KPop Demon Hunters would be complete without a little consideration of sexy demons.)What's Sparking Joy this episod...
2025-07-251h 28Sex. Love. Literature.E57 Dying for Sex (Part One of Two) - "Cancer sucks, but life remains ridiculous."Back after a mini, unexpected hiatus, we’ve got a new hot-and-ready episode for you!Prepare yourselves because we’re about to get deep in our feelings as we begin our discussion on the show Dying for Sex starring Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate, and Rob Delaney.In this first of two episodes, we start off with our initial, non-spoilery reactions, think about how the show works from a genre and form perspective, and maybe rant a little about why one of the characters really sucks. Con...
2025-06-2744 minSex. Love. Literature.E56 Ever After: A Cinderella Story - "We have solved fairytales"We’re taking a trip back in time this episode to do a deep dive on the classic fairy tale retelling, Ever After: A Cinderella Story. We consider what makes something a Cinderella story and how Ever After maps onto those criteria; our reactions to the main romance; and the tour de force performance that is Angelica Huston as the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent. What's Sparking Joy this episode: The Residence on Netflix, Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim, and "The Hills of Tanchico" from The Wheel of Time season 3....
2025-04-251h 08Sex. Love. Literature.E55 Trope Spotlight: Red Flag vs Green Flag Characters - "They match each other's freak"We recorded a thicc episode for you this month with our special guest Sarah, one of the hosts of the podcast Afternoona Asks! Together, we get into the nitty-gritty of red flag and green flag characters and cover a lot of ground: from what makes a red flag red and a green flag green, to the surprising gender dynamics of “flagging” characters at all.Along the way, we mention a lot of our favorite love interests, including Baek Seon of When the Phone Rings, Mr. Gu of My Liberation Notes, Captain Ri of gateway KDrama Crash Land...
2025-03-281h 36Sex. Love. Literature.E54 Sparking Joy in 2025: A Pop-Culture Roundup: "Symbiotic Crying on the Couch 😭"It's time for our annual SLL tradition of rounding up the pop culture of the previous year! We start with what pop-culture is "sparking joy” in February, our favorites of 2024, and what we’re looking forward to in 2025.As a treat, Corinne's snark levels were very high this episode (lol).CW: Brief mention of S*icide from (1:06:51-1:06:54)Show Notes: Take the SLL Audience Survey! Closes March 28th, 2025: https://forms.gle/AJhFuMDzjSZeTE1f8 Support us on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sexlovelitpodcast Check out Corin...
2025-02-281h 30Sex. Love. Literature.E53 A Court of Thorns and Roses & of Mist and Fury (Part 2, Spoiler Filled): "The mandatory fairy f*** festival!"Joined once again by our younger siblings, Erin and Akinde, we dive right into Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and A Court of Mist and Fury spoilers in part two of our discussion.
To kick things off, we start with our complicated feelings on main character Feyre. We also ask the hard hitting questions, like: are these sex scenes sexy? Why is there so much growling? And what would actually happen if the wings of the Illyrians were really that sensitive?
As a heads up for people who adore these bo...
2025-02-021h 18Sex. Love. Literature.E52 Sarah J Maas, Romantasy, and Introducing ACOTAR (Part 1, Spoiler Free): "They're fairies and they like to f***."You’ve asked, you've waited, and now, we’re finally delivering! Welcome to our two-part deep dive on the international best selling Romantasy novels A Court of Thorns and Roses and a Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas.
In this first, spoiler free episode, we touch on our initial reactions to the series, and think a bit about what romantasy is and why it’s so appealing to so many readers.
Plus, we’re joined by some very special guests for these two episodes: our younger siblings! They may claim to have been manip...
2025-01-1046 minSex. Love. Literature.E51 Comfort Media for Interesting Times: A Pop Culture Round Up In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot going on *gestures everywhere*, so rather than get into anything too tragic, as we’re wont to do, we’ve instead gathered some Comfort Media for Interesting Times (™)–that is, the pop culture we turn to when things are rough and we’re in need of a boost to help us make it through.
This episode, in the style of our Pop-Culture Round Ups, we trade off sharing cozy books, music, and TV shows that bolster our spirits and help us feel warm inside.
Lit "rounded up" th...
2024-11-3043 minSex. Love. Literature.E50 Last Night at the Telegraph Club (Episode 2 of 2; Spoiler Filled): "It's queer futurity!"Sorry for the delay on this episode folks - October and November have been a lot. But, without further ado, here's Last Night at the Telegraph Club, episode two!
Joined once again by Dr. Kai Chen, we dive right into Last Night at the Telegraph Club spoilers, starting with our feelings on Kath and Lily’s relationship and the high-key stress of classroom makeouts. From there, we consider the queer space of the Telegraph Club, Lily’s complicated and not always likable bestie Shirley, and our thoughts on the admittedly fraught ending.
Show Notes:
What...
2024-11-251h 17Sex. Love. Literature.E49 Last Night at the Telegraph Club (Episode 1 of 2; Spoiler Free): "Easter eggs of historical nuggets!"In classic SLL fashion, I welcome you to another accidental two-part discussion. This time, we’re joined by Dr. Kai Chen to discuss Malinda Lo’s award-winning novel, Last Night at the Telegraph Club. This episode, we keep things spoiler free by first giving some context for the book and then our overall impressions. (Plus, we get a bonus visit from Ayanni's 20 year old family cat.)
Show Notes:
What's Sparking Joy: Kevin can F*** Himself (on Netflix), Mayonaka Punch (on Crunchyroll), Are You The One (on Viki), and Delicious in Dungeon (on Netflix)
Other lit discussed this...
2024-09-2751 minSex. Love. Literature.E48 Lost You Forever Season 2 (Episode 2 of 2): "He is a messy b**** who loves drama."Welcome to our second episode on the Chinese Drama Lost You Forever, part 2! We jump right into Tushan Jing and Xiao Yao’s relationship as the ostensible OTP of the show. From there, we consider just how sad our snake demon man Xiang Liu made us in his determination to push Xiao Yao away, as well as A’Nian’s surprisingly poignant maturation arc. Lit Discussed this Episode: "Spring Snow" by 10 Centimeters, "Love Heart Cheat Code" by Hiatus Kaiyote, "Nightfalling" by John Park, Lovely Runner, Love Between Fairy and Devil(Plu...
2024-08-3152 minSex. Love. Literature.E47 Lost You Forever Season 2 (Episode 1 of 2): "A lot of sad weddings in this one..."Your girls had a lot of feelings and a lot to say about the most recent installment of the Chinese drama Lost You Forever. So welcome to part one of our deep dive that starts with our overall reactions to the show. Then, we go into Cang Xuan and Xiao Yao’s complicated relationship, and especially how some of the changes in adaptation from the novel affect how it all ties together at the end.
Lit Discussed this Episode: Mayonaka Punch, The Earl Who Isn't, Love Like the Galaxy, Snowfall, Little Women (2019), Goodbye My Princess
Sh...
2024-08-3050 minSex. Love. Literature.E46 Summertime Sparking Joy: A Pop Culture Roundup (CDrama Brain Rot Edition): "I don't know how you live like this..."Due to circumstances entirely within our control, we interrupt your regularly scheduled SLL programming for a special summer edition of our What’s Sparking Joy: Pop Culture Round Up. In addition to checking in about what we’ve been watching, reading, and listening to so far this year, we each share three pieces of media that continue to live rent free in our heads.
Lit Discussed this Episode: Lost You Forever Season 2 (no spoilers), Challengers, There's a Door in this Darkness, A Sign of Affection, The Princess Royal, The Bear, and The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
Content Warni...
2024-07-261h 05Sex. Love. Literature.E45 Bridgerton, Season 3: "I do hope he washed his hands..." (Episode 2 of 2)Welcome to our second episode on Bridgerton, season three! Picking up where we left off, we jump right into close reading Polin’s main sex scenes. From there, we think about what made us adore the side plots through discussion of Benedict, Francesca, and Violet’s storylines this season.
Note: there are Bridgerton book spoilers from (37:36 - 38:14) and again from (39:27 - 39:47).
Make sure to listen to part one of our season three discussion- E44 Bridgerton, Season 3: "I need some f*replay, okay?!" (Episode 1 of 2): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show...
2024-06-3057 minSex. Love. Literature.E44 Bridgerton, Season 3: "I need some f*replay, okay?!" (Episode 1 of 2)Members of the ton rejoice! Both halves of Bridgerton, season three have finally dropped. We had so many thoughts about this latest installment of the regency romance series that–just like Netflix–we split our conversation in two.
In this first episode, we consider the season as a whole, break down Pen and Colin’s long awaited transition from friends to lovers, and start to craft "Bridgerton, Season Three: the Corinne and Ayanni Cut."
The second part of our conversation drops on Saturday, June 29th.
Show Notes:
Come visit...
2024-06-2847 minSex. Love. Literature.E43 Queen of Tears (Korean Drama) (Divorce Comedy Mini-Series, Part 3)Time for the third installment of our divorce comedy mini-series! While we didn’t initially plan to include this show, we’re talking about the recently concluded Korean drama Queen of Tears. We consider whether or not the show is actually a divorce comedy at all, how it deploys
divorce in the development of the main relationship, and what about this second chance romance really resonates. We also touch on some of the other things that did–and didn’t–work for us in the drama as a whole.
Content warning: Because of the nature of...
2024-05-311h 09Sex. Love. Literature.E42 Dr. Cha (Korean Drama) (Divorce Comedy Mini-Series, Part 2)Welcome to the second installment of our divorce comedy mini-series! This episode, we’re talking about the 2023 Korean Drama Doctor Cha. We get into her messy, maddening marriage, why her husband belongs in the trash, and the rewards of watching our leading lady find herself again.
Content warning: brief mention of s*icidal ideation @ 32:03
Show Notes:
Other Lit Mentioned this episode: Apothecary Diaries, Lost Your Forever, Legend of Shen Li, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Because This is My First Life, Fight for My Way, Our Blues, A Witch's Love
On...
2024-05-1048 minSex. Love. Literature.E41 Divorce Comedies: An Introduction (Mini-Series, Part 1)Welcome to our mini-series on Divorce Comedies! Over the next 4-ish episodes, we’re exploring this genre that caught us off guard with how much its makes us laugh, cry, and yell divorce! In this introductory episode, rather than focus on any one show, we get into the defining features of divorce comedies, why we wanted to talk about them, and whether or not they can be counted as rom coms.
Show Notes:
Other Lit Mentioned this episode: Lost You Forever, WWE: Wrestlemania, Nettle & Bone, The Legend of Shen Li, Ro...
2024-04-2641 minSex. Love. Literature.EP40 Hadestown"See, on the road to Hell there was a railroad line..."
It's time for a deep dive into the Broadway musical, Hadestown. We get into how the musical adapts the Grek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice & Hades and Persephone for a modern setting; the love stories–and tragedy–of the two core relationships; and the productive ambiguity of seeing it all happen on stage.
Content Warning: Discussions of S*xual Assault from (1:06:41 - 1:14:05)
Show Notes:
Other Lit Mentioned this episode: The Story of Ming Lang, Lore Olympus, When I Arrived at the C...
2024-03-291h 37Sex. Love. Literature.E39 Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2024) with Dr. and Mr. CooperCorinne wasn’t feeling well this week, so Ayanni called in the cavalry. This episode, she's joined by her spouse (and friend of the show) Andrew Cooper to talk about the new action-dramedy series, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They give their general impressions, think about the series’ adaptation choices, and muse about the show’s depiction of married life.
Show Notes:
Other Lit Mentioned this episode: Jujutsu Kaisen, Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2009), Skip and Loafer, Dungeon Meshi, Tell Me That You Love Me, Let's Talk About Chu, The Dark Kni...
2024-02-291h 09
Sex. Love. Literature.E38 Sparking Joy in 2024: A Pop-Culture RoundupHappy New Year, y'all! We continue our annual tradition of checking in about what pop-culture is "sparking joy” in January, our favorites of 2023, and what we’re looking forward to in 2024.
(CW: discussion of parental and sibling death.)
Oh, and did we mention we have a tumblr now? www.tumblr.com/sexlovelitpodcast
Show Notes:
Check out Charcooll--the awesome artist who did our cover art-- on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/charcooll/) and on RedBubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/charcooll/shop?asc=u)
Lit Mentioned By Secti...
2024-01-311h 26Sex. Love. Literature.E37 Lost You Forever Season 1 (Mini-Series Part 3, Spoiler Filled)CW: Discussion of s*xual assault, and brief mentions of drugging and s*icide, from 1:00:27 – 1:04:15
You’ve made it to the third and final installment of our semi-accidental mini-series on the Chinese Drama, Lost You Forever. (You either really like us, or you really like Lost You Forever, and we appreciate you either way.)
We know you’ve been waiting for it, so this episode, we finally get to the last three main players fighting for Xiaoyao’s heart: Fenglong of the Central Plains; Xiang Liu, everyone’s favorite nine-headed sea snake demon man; and last but c...
2023-12-101h 16Sex. Love. Literature.E36 Lost You Forever Season 1 (Mini-Series Part 2, Spoiler Filled)We’re continuing our three-part mini-series on Lost You Forever by diving right into a truck load of spoilers! In honor of the reverse harem-ness at all, we organized our discussion around leading lady, Xiaoyao, and her four suitors.
This episode, we start with Xiaoyao herself–and her many abandonment issues. Then, we get into our complicated feelings about her charming, ambitious cousin, Cang Xuan and his dangerous pursuit of the throne. As a treat (for Corinne), we also talk about Xiaoyao’s bratty half-sister, A’nian, because she’s the worst (and the best).
Don’t worr...
2023-12-0853 minSex. Love. Literature.E35 Lost You Forever Season 1 (Mini-Series Part 1, Spoiler Free)CW: Brief mention of s*icide @ 30:00.
Welcome to the first installment in our three part mini-series on the Chinese drama, Lost You Forever (Season 1). If you haven’t seen this drama, don’t worry–the first part of our mini-series is spoiler free!
We give some context about the show set up, share some spoiler-free reactions, and wrap up with a game of F*ck, Marry, K!ll. Along the way, we also share all the reasons we think you should check out Lost You Forever–if it hasn’t already taken the top spot on your fav...
2023-11-271h 01
Sex. Love. Literature.E34 Trope Spotlight: Demon Lovers with Dr. Sam LangsdaleHappy Halloween, SLL Listeners! This episode is a special spooky season treat: a Trope Spotlight episode on ~Demon Lovers~ 😈. We’re joined by comic-scholar, friend of the show, and fellow monster aficionado Dr. Sam Langsdale to tackle the deliciously demonic topic. Together, we parse through what makes a demon a demon-as well as what we want from a demon lover-throw in some monster theory, and share some of our many favorites.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Opening Banter
02:57 Guest Introduction
12:37 What's Sparking Joy
25:42 Demon Lovers Discussion
Show Notes...
2023-10-271h 29Sex. Love. Literature.E33 Rinko-San Wants to Try (Rinko-san wa shitemitai)This episode, on the recommendation of an SLL listener, we’re excited to do a deep dive into the Japanese Drama, Rinko-San Wants to Try. We get into how the show complicates conceptions of virginity, plays with the friends with benefits trope, and maybe get in our feelings a lil bit about a second female lead who really got under Ayanni’s skin.
As two people who study, analyze, and have a literal podcast about media, we stand in solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike–along with their counterparts in oth...
2023-10-131h 15Sex. Love. Literature.E32 The Female Gaze (Part 2): Complication and ExpansionThis is the second episode of our two part discussion on the Female Gaze. Since we laid some groundwork and gave some context in part one, this time around, we dive right in. In thinking through “the female gaze,” we ask questions of whom we presume is looking and who is being looked at. We also think about how the gaze becomes more complicated in our modern media context, especially when we move beyond binary, heteronormative understandings of gender and sexuality.
We definitely recommend checking out "E31 The Female Gaze (Part 1): The Origins of the Gaze" before list...
2023-09-2955 minSex. Love. Literature.E31 The Female Gaze (Part 1): The Origins of the GazeWe’re tackling a big topic in our two part discussion on “the female gaze.” What is the female gaze and why does it matter? In this first episode, we establish some context for the term by getting into the history of the “gaze” as a concept, the psychoanalytic origins of the Male Gaze as theorized by Laura Mulvey, and how the oppositional gaze, as coined by bell hooks, makes space for alternative ways of looking and being looked at.
You can listen to "E32 The Female Gaze (Part 2): Complication and Expansion" right now!
A quick edit...
2023-09-2949 min
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 09 (Re)Introducing Ourselves: Dr. Ayanni and Dr. CorinneContent warning: This episode contains a very brief discussion of sexual assault from 27:14 - 27:21.
Happy 3rd Birthday to Sex. Love. Literature! 🎂 Since we started the show as English PhD candidates, the two of us have been through a lot. And now, over the last year, we’ve defended dissertations, donned our wizard robes, and officially both become doctors. To celebrate, this episode is all about us. Learn about our research, what projects we’re working on, and what we watch, read, and listen to when we’re not recording new episodes for y’all.
Want to join us...
2023-08-2552 minSex. Love. Literature.E30 Netflix's Sex Education (Part 2) feat Dr. Michele MeekContent warning: This episode contains discussion of bullying in the narrative from (13:05 - 19:00) and sexual assault from (37:21 - 48:50).
This is the second of our two-parter on Netflix’s Sex Education with filmmaker, writer, and scholar Michele Meek! We dive right into the sex with this one, starting with depictions of sex in the show, how we feel about the ways consent does and does not work in-universe, and Corinne works through her angry feelings about Season 3 headmaster, Hope Haddon.
Make sure to listen to "E29 Netflix's Sex Education (Part 1) feat Dr. Michele Mee...
2023-07-2851 minSex. Love. Literature.E29 Netflix’s Sex Education (Part 1) feat Dr. Michele MeekContent warning: While we don’t discuss sexual assault in detail, we do mention it a few times, since it often comes up in conversations about consent.
We've got a treat for you all this episode! Along with your usual fabulous co-hosts, we’re joined by filmmaker, writer, and scholar Michele Meek to discuss the Netflix show Sex Education.
In the first of two episodes with Michele, we first learn about her exciting new book, Consent Culture in Teen Films: Adolescent Sexuality in US Movies. Then, in our discussion proper, we introduce Sex Education; decide whether or not we really like...
2023-07-1458 minSex. Love. Literature.E28 Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton StoryWe’re doing a deep dive into the Shondaland Netflix show, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story! This episode, we talk about the steamy, but bittersweet romance of George and Charlotte, the evolution of the inimitable Lady Danbury, and how this new Bridgerton tale makes space for the complex desires of mature women.
Like most Bridgerton series, this one has a large cast. Skip to (18:56) to bypass the character and series introductions.
A quick note to bolster our discussion of minstrel shows, they rose in prominence and popularity in the mi...
2023-05-221h 23
Sex. Love. Literature.E27 Trope Spotlight: Friends to LoversThis episode, we’re talking about the in’s and out’s of the Friends to Lovers trope. We cover what we think makes for a great friends to lovers story, what really really doesn’t, and throw in a ton of examples. (Only half of which are Kdramas.)
What's Sparking Joy ran a little long this episode, so it won't hurt our feelings if you want to skip to the end (19:36).
Lit discussed this episode: The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir (webnovel & Cdrama version), Next in Fashion, Love Between Fairy and Devil, I'm The Villainess, So I'm Taming The Final Bo...
2023-04-191h 24
Sex. Love. Literature.E25 Hit the Spot aka Fanta G Spot (Korean Drama; Part 1)We’re diving into the spicy Korean web-dramaHit the Spot, akaFanta G Spot. There was so much ground to cover (and once again,so much sex)that we’re splitting our discussion into two parts. In part one–which you’re reading about right now–we give some context for the show’s setup, introduce the cast of characters, and share our reactions to the two main romances. Make sure you listen to part two for our thoughts on the ways the drama centers female pleasure, how it balances education with fantasy, and more!Most importantly though, we need your...
2023-03-0956 minSex. Love. Literature.E26 Hit the Spot aka Fanta G Spot (Part 2)This episode continues our deep dive into the sexy and sex-filled Korean web-drama Hit the Spot, aka Fanta G Spot. We get into the ways that the drama centers female pleasure, how it balances education with fantasy, and ask if consent can really be sexy. (Spoiler: yes.) If you haven't listened to part one, check it out for our take on the show’s setup, the cast of characters, and for our reactions to the two main romances.
On a more serious note, here’s a recent article about one actresses experiences of working on Hit the Spot...
2023-03-0849 min
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 08 Sparking Joy in 2023: A Pop-Culture RoundupIt's time for our yearly celebration of pop-culture: "What's Sparking Joy 2023!" We start off with a round of “What’s Sparking Joy” for us in January, move on to thinking about our favorite pop culture of 2022, what we’re looking forward to in 2023, and a round of pop-culture predictions.
We also take a moment remembering KPOP! Broadway and our experience seeing the final performance of its run. (You can pre-order the original cast recording of KPOP! or stream the song "This is My Korea" to give the fabulous cast some love.)
What media are you looking forward to this year?
Some Episo...
2023-02-0357 minSex. Love. Literature.E24 Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 2, Spoiler Filled)This is our spoiler-filled deep dive into the Chinese Drama, Love Between Fairy and Devil. (If you'd like to hear our take on the drama sans-spoilers, check out "E23: Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 1, Spoiler Free)".) In this episode, we cover the show’s multifaceted depictions of love, the scenes that made us cry, and a spicy take about the show’s finale. Plus, there's a special behind-the-scenes bonus blooper for y'all at the end of the episode~
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter and Instagram @SexLoveLit.
T...
2023-01-031h 06Sex. Love. Literature.E23 Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 1, Spoiler Free)Happy New Year, SLL Listeners 🎉🎉
For our first episode of 2023, we’re diving into our first Chinese Drama discussion with the high fantasy romance Love Between Fairy and Devil. If you haven’t seen this drama, don’t worry! The first part of our conversation--AKA this episode right here--is spoiler free! We give some context about the fantastic storytelling, the fabulous cast of characters, and all of the reasons we think you should give Love Between Fairy and Devil a try. (When you're ready for spoilers, listen to "E24: Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 2, Spoiler Filled).")
Don...
2023-01-0338 minSex. Love. Literature.E22 "Lore Olympus and/as Young Adult Literature" (Special Episode)Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, from (28:34 - 35:55).
At the last YASA Conference, we answered the very pressing question on the mind of every Lore Olympus reader: Why is Hades So Hot? (Read: many, many reasons.) This time around we broaden our focus by putting Lore Olympus in context. In our "semi-academic" style, we discuss how this adaptation of the Hades & Persephone myth blurs the boundaries of young adult literature through audience, themes, and what it means to "come of age."
Catch Corinne and Ayanni at the first ever, live Sex. Love...
2022-10-2453 minSex. Love. Literature.E21 "30% Scoundrel: The Allure of Hades in Lore Olympus" (Bonus Episode)Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, beginning at (18:55).
In this special episode, we ask the question on the mind of all Lore Olympus readers: why is Hades so hot? This episode was originally recorded in 2020 for the the inaugural Young Adult Studies Association Conference, so it leans a little more academic than our usual episodes. We get into how how cartoonist Rachel Smythe’s adaptation of Hades and Persephone myth plays with dark prince tropes, retools familiar characters, and grapples with difficult concepts.
And make sure to check out our next Love Ol...
2022-10-2135 minSex. Love. Literature.E20 The Appeal of Regency Romance (Part 2)This episode is the second of our two-parter on Bridgerton, Jane Austen, and the appeal of the Regency Romance genre. Continuing our tête-à-tête with Mav and Hannah from Vox Popcast, we get into why Netflix’s Persuasion may or may not have sucked, other delightful Jane Austin adaptations, and what ingredients we absolutely have to have to make a regency romance work.
You can find Hannah, Mav, and VoxPop wherever you get your podcasts. But here are links to one of the episodes we mention: e218. Does The Bechdel Test Fail The Bechdel Test...
2022-09-3057 minSex. Love. Literature.E19 The Appeal of Regency Romances (Part 1)Back in your ear holes for the first time since May, we’re fresh off our summer hiatus. This episode we’re joined by friends of the show, and fellow pop-culture connoisseurs, Mav and Hannah from VoxPopcast. In part inspired by Netflix’s recent Persuasion adaptation as well as the continued success of Bridgerton, we wanted to put regency romances in context. In the first of two parts, we get into what, exactly, a regency romance is, why people love them so much, and our own experiences watching them. (Hint: it's the bosoms.)
What's Sparking Joy sparked a litt...
2022-09-0951 min
Sex. Love. Literature.E18 Love Is Blind and Other Dating Reality TV (Part 2)In the second of two episodes on Netflix’s Love is Blind, we continue our discussion with June and Lauren on dating reality television. We get into the gendered expectations around love and sex; why you should never feel guilty about enjoying reality shows; and our guests’ favorite matchmaking show of all time, Are You the One?
You can find Lauren and June's new show, Under Review, where ever you get your podcasts. (But here's a link to their Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/1H32AGeE1ZQeRSNfy3AATI?si=422e16fdf7bf4e8e)
...
2022-05-2357 minSex. Love. Literature.E17 Love Is Blind and Other Dating Reality TV (Part 1)This episode, we’re joined by Lauren and June, two fellow PhD candidates and podcasters, to discuss Netflix’s Love is Blind and other dating/matchmaking reality shows. In the first part of two, we discuss how being on a reality show turns people into characters, get into our own reality TV viewing practices, and discover that Ayanni has seen way more of them than she thought!
You can find Lauren and June's new show, Under Review, where ever you get your podcasts. (But here's a link to their Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/1H32AGeE...
2022-04-081h 02
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 07 Sparking Joy in 2022: A Pop-Culture RoundupIn this "La Petite," we check in about pop culture that has brought us joy in the past and present, and hopefully will continue do so in the future. We start off with a round of “What’s [Was] Sparking Joy” for us in January, move on to thinking about our favorite pop culture of 2021, and then what we’re looking forward to in 2022. What media are you looking forward to this year?
You can find Corinne on episode 199 of Vox Popcast, Nancy Drew & the Hidden Staircase to Pop Culture Immortality~
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex...
2022-02-0949 min
Sex. Love. Literature.E16 Trope Spotlight: Love Triangles with Lia RileyIn the first SLL episode of 2022, we get into why we love (and love to hate) love triangles. We talk what makes a love triangle truly top-tier, second male lead syndrome, and–let’s be honest–a lot of Kdramas. But don’t worry, we talk about other stuff too! As an extra special treat, we’re joined by the wonderful Lia Riley, romance author and co-host of the KDrama podcast, Afternoona Delight.
You can find Afternoona Delight at www.afternoonadelight.com, on Instagram (@afternoonadelightpodcast), Twitter (@Afternoonadeli1), Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast), and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Don't forget to...
2022-01-131h 25Sex. Love. Literature.E15 Hulu's The Great, Season 2 (Part 2)In part two of two of our The Great, Season Two deep dive, we focus more on the second half of the season. We take a closer look at Peter and Catherine’s evolving relationship, how sex is used to build story, and why, to quote Aunt Elizabeth, “Women don’t end up with men who fuck their mothers.” If you'd like more info about where the season begins, as well as in-depth character introductions, listen to the first part of our The Great mini-arc (Episode 14).
You can find The Great on Hulu.
Media mentioned in "What...
2021-12-231h 10Sex. Love. Literature.E14 Hulu's The Great, Season 2 (Part 1)Welcome to the first of our two-part deep dive on Hulu's "anti-historical" comedy-drama: The Great, Season 2. We had so much to say (and honestly, there was just so much sex) we decided to break our discussion in half. This episode, we focus on where we find Peter, Catherine, and the Russian Court as the season opens on Catherine’s chaotic coup. Now that she has Russia, what's she gonna do with it?
You can find The Great on Hulu.
Media mentioned in "What's Sparking Joy":
Happiness (KDrama, Viki);
The Wheel of Time (Amazon);
Doom At Y...
2021-12-231h 01Sex. Love. Literature.E13 Hometown Cha Cha Cha (Korean Drama)The SLL crew takes a trip to the seaside and deep dives into another Korean drama: Netflix's Hometown Cha Cha Cha. This episode, we’re joined by friend/spouse-of-the-show Andrew Cooper as we chat about the "manic pixie dream guy," the allures of small-town neighborhood stories, and ask ourselves how much rom com is too much rom com 🤔
Corinne was a guest on the Afternoona Delight Podcast episode "All About Kdrama Kissing," which you can listen to here, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can learn more about the Noonas on their podcast website: https://www.after...
2021-11-101h 31
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 06 - Why "Literature"?In the third and final installment of our keyword mini-series, we ask the burning question “Why Literature?” We cover the difference between "Capital L" and "lowercase l" literature, the so-called canon, and tie it all back to why/how we choose which books, tv shows, films, and other media we discuss on the pod. ...And we somehow end up being even more thirsty on main than usual 👀
Corinne will be a guest on an upcoming Afternoona Delight Podcast episode: https://www.afternoonadelight.com/
Plus, Ayanni & Corinne will be part of a workshop on finding your hosting "voice" during the Humanities Podcast...
2021-10-1146 min
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 05 - Checking In & Sparking JoyWe know we've been missing in action for a hot minute, so this episode we let you know what's been going on in our lives and check in about what media has been ✨sparking joy✨. We've been doing everything from playing video games, to reading Webtoons and (gasp!) actual books, to (of course) watching KDramas. This episode has a little something for everyone!
All the lit discussed this episode:
star-crossed by Kacey Musgraves (https://www.kaceymusgraves.com/)
Destiny 2 (https://www.bungie.net/) (and Antibaar, https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/Antibaar)
Monthly Magazine Home (https://www.viki.com/tv/37882c-monthly-magazine-home)
Because This...
2021-09-1649 min
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 04 - Why "Love"?In the second installment of our podcast keyword mini-series, we continue our reflection on the first year of SLL and ask the question, “Why Love?” We get into the entanglement of sex and romance, our favorite (and least favorite) romance tropes, and other kinds of love that matter to us in the stories we read, watch, and share.
(If you took a shot whenever we mention a KDrama this episode, you would get *very* drunk #SLLDrinkingGame.)
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
2021-07-2855 min
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 03 - Why "Sex"?Join us for the first of our meta-mini-series on our titular keywords, "Why 'Sex'?" Instead of looking at a particular text, we reflect on the first year of SLL. We chat about our research, the ways we approach questions about sex, and the complexities of desire and desirability. (While you're listening, see if you can count how many accidental sex-puns we make 😂).
Content notice: We don't get into any specifics, but we do touch on some of the difficulties in studying fictional depictions of sexual assault.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can...
2021-07-0236 minSex. Love. Literature.E12 Red, White, and Royal BlueThis episode, we’re joined by Frannie and Sophie, hosts of the Girls Like Us podcast, to chat Casey McQuiston’s runaway hit novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue. The four of us talk queer romance, political fantasy--and what it is that makes so many english majors want to start a podcast!
You can find GLU on Instagram and Twitter (@GirlsLikeUsShow), at https://www.girlslikeus.show/, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
2021-06-251h 32Sex. Love. Literature.E11 Special Episode — Tamora Pierce was Our Judy Blume: Sex (Ed) in YA FantasyIn this special episode, we’re joined by the delightful Dr. Leah Phillips to chat Tamora Pierce’s lasting legacy on the landscape of young adult literature, especially as it relates to sex. Join us as we cover everything from Alanna’s first period, to the sex appeal of Nawat the crow man, to some magical butt stuff (lol). If you love the fantastical worlds of Tamora Pierce--or even just want to know more about what sex in YA fantasy has to do with real life--this is an SLL you don’t want to miss.
You can find Dr...
2021-05-241h 08
Sex. Love. Literature.LP 02 - Crazy. Stupid. Love.Come along as we go way back in time…or back a decade anyway, to the early 2010’s! In this La Petite SLL, we tackle the 2011 romantic comedy Crazy. Stupid. Love. Described by Corinne as “comfort film adjacent,” this classic film makes us think about how re-visiting the old rom coms we love can highlight the ways attitudes toward sex, romance, and even consent have transformed. And of course, Ryan Gosling’s un-photoshopped abs come up, too 👀
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
2021-05-0940 minSex. Love. Literature.E10 Promising Young WomanEpisode Content Warning: Discussion of sexual assault, violence against women, and suicide.
For our 10th episode, we dive into Emerald Fennell's Oscar Award winning revenge-thriller Promising Young Woman. The conversation takes a turn toward the academic as we think on consent, unpack the curious nature of rape-revenge films, and sort through our complicated reactions to this thought provoking film.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
Additional Show Notes:
For more information about RAINN, please visit https://www.rainn.org/. Th...
2021-04-261h 27
Sex. Love. Literature.La Petite 01 - True Beauty (Korean Drama)Episode Content Warning: Brief Mention of Suicide and Abuse.
Introducing La Petite SLL, our new mini-episodes! This time, we take a quick look at the use of the tropes “Love Makes You Evil” and “If I Can’t Have You, No One Can” in the popular Korean Webtoon turned drama True Beauty. What happens when a female friendship turns sour because of jealousy over a man, and why do we hate it so much 😒??
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit. Mention of abuse at (10:55) an...
2021-04-1227 minSex. Love. Literature.E09 WandaVisionThough the Avengers may have dis-assembled, we've been looking forward to the new Disney+ MCU offerings--and WandaVision did not disappoint. A love story between a super powered witch and a handsome android? That has SLL written all over it! Listen in as we share our thoughts on Wanda, Vision, and all the witchy happenings of this new Marvel show.
Skip (6:50-10:16) to bypass the WandaVision character introductions.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
2021-03-281h 02Sex. Love. Literature.E08 Crash Landing on You (Korean Drama)Episode Content Warning: Discussion of Depression and Suicidal Ideation.
The SLL crew digs deep into our feelings as we discuss the internationally renowned Korean drama Crash Landing on You. Joined by our very first guest, the wonderful Minji Kang, we (try to) keep our tears in check as we swoon over the epic love story of South Korean business mogul Yoon Seri and North Korean Captian Ri Jeung Hyeok. With everything from found families to fake-out make-outs, this drama was totally our type 🥰
You can find Minji on Instagram (@Community_Foodwaves) and Facebook (@CommunityFoodwaves), or at ht...
2021-03-031h 34Sex. Love. Literature.E07 Schitt's Creek--Singles' WeekHello bébés! This episode, we're trying something a little different and taking a deep dive into the Season 4 Finale of Schitt's Creek: "Singles' Week." From evolving mother-daughter relationships to how much we adore our OTPs, there's so much to cover in one of our favorite episodes of the entire TV show. Recording this podcast was like one of those moments that you dream about...and we both even had tea.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
Jump to (08:07) to skip the int...
2021-02-011h 02Sex. Love. Literature.E06 Bridgerton (Season One)Episode Content Warning: Discussion of Sexual Assault.
Calling all members of the ton, our Bridgerton episode has arrived! Salacious gossip, ruinous scandal, and--of course--heaving bosoms abound in this colorful regency romance based on Julia Quinn's The Duke and I. This is our longest episode to date, so save us a space on your dance card as we track the twists and turns of sexy time in this steamy Shondaland show.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
Jump to (04:58) to skip the...
2021-01-151h 21Sex. Love. Literature.E05 Happiest Season (Film)Happy Holidays! This year, we want to give you the gift that keeps on giving: our reactions to, and analysis of, Hulu's Happiest Season! Though Christmas has passed (and we had a handful of audio issues), there's no better way to end the first year of SLL than with Harper, Abby, and their roller-roaster relationship.
See you in 2021!
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit
2020-12-2844 minSex. Love. Literature.E04 It's Okay To Not Be Okay (Korean Drama)Fairy tales and family secrets collide in the Korean drama It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, one of our favorite shows of 2020. Come kick it with us as we discuss the whirlwind romance of an impulsive children’s book author and a repressed mental health caretaker--along with one of the steamiest kisses in recent KDrama history 😘.
Cast Info: Moon Gang-tae played by Kim Soo-hyun; Ko Moon-young played by Seo Yea-ji; Moon Sang-tae played by Oh Jung-se; Nam Ju-ri played by Park Kyu-young; Lee Sang-in played by Kim Joo-hun; Yoo Seung-jae played by Park Jin-joo
Don't fo...
2020-11-281h 03Sex. Love. Literature.E03 Lucifer (Season 5a)Lucifans rejoice! This episode, our hosts dive into the long-awaited 5th season of Lucifer. Though it’s only the first half of the season, there are many devilish shenanigans to uncover. But was it everything we truly desired? 😈
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
2020-09-251h 01Sex. Love. Literature.E02 Roswell, New Mexico (Season 2)Ayanni and Corinne talk hot cowboy (and cowgirl) aliens in the steamy second season of the CW’s Roswell, New Mexico. But don’t be fooled, there’s more going on beneath the sheets than first meets the eye.
Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.
2020-08-2456 minSex. Love. Literature.E01 Hulu's The Great (Season 1)A quick note: this was the first episode we ever recorded back in 2020; if you'd like to hear something closer to our current vibe, make sure to check out one of our more recent episodes. Our Keyword Mini-series (Why Sex?, Why Love?, and Why Literature?) is also a great place to start if you're a first time SLL listener.
Welcome to Sex. Love. Literature! In this episode, Corinne and Ayanni dive into the scandalous shenanigans of the Russian Court in the first season of Hulu’s The Great. Your lovely hosts also take a moment to introduce themselves and (hopefully) yo...
2020-08-2459 minSex. Love. Literature.Welcome to Sex. Love. Literature!A quick introduction to the new podcast, “Sex. Love. Literature.” Meet the hosts, see what we’re about, and discover where you can find us online.
2020-08-2300 min