Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast

Kayleigh Donaldson is back! She is the guest on some of the most popular episodes, and I know what that is: she’s brilliant. We recorded this just before the Oscar nominations were announced, so Kayleigh is making (some pretty accurate!) predictions about Oscar nominations, and explaining what makes this year’s group of films so interesting.

Along the way we also talk about vintage Hollywood gossip, character actors who go weird gremlin, and the way actors shape public narrative with their project choices, their fashion, and their cosmetic procedures. And also – Scotland made the World Cup – woohoo!
I love talking to people who think about their favorite aspects of popular culture the way I think about romance fiction, and I already know you love when Kayleigh is a guest. Don’t worry, she will be back.

Technical note: we had some connectivity issues and delay during the recording, so I don’t have a full video episode for this one, though I do have clips, so watch for them on social media. You might hear some muddy audio, and I apologize. Please know I did all the things I could.

CW/TW: At about 2 minutes in, we talk about Elizabeth Taylor’s abusive first husband. We also talk about body and beauty standards in Hollywood.

Patreon folks, you have an extended episode inside your Patreon feed with a whole extra hour of discussion about the Beckhams, the industry of celebrity children, and more.

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You can find Kayleigh Donaldson at her website, KayleighDonaldson.com, on Bluesky, and on Pajiba.com. You can also sign up for her (excellent) newsletter, Gossip Reading Club.

We also mentioned:
The New Yorker: “Amanda Seyfried’s Epiphanies”
Reddit: Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun in Central Park
Reddit: Sydney Sweeney and Christy Martin in Sports Illustrated
Tom and Lorenzo: Sydney Sweeney’s hair on Jimmy Fallon
The New York Times: Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom on the “Enduring Invisible Power of Blondeness” (Archive link)
The Wrap: Kayleigh reviews All’s Fair
The List: Bradley Cooper’s Face and Resulting Rumors
The Wall Street Journal: Club Chalamet/Simone Cromer profile
Wikipedia: The Leveson Inquiry

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Candy recapped Heated Rivalry, and is that enough? No, of course not. We had MANY things we wanted to exclaim at each other about, so why not podcast about it?

We’re going to talk about the show, the acting, the adaptation, and the fact that this show could never have been made in the US. Jacob Tierney is a genius, and we have many a rabbit hole of research to explore.

If you’ve been thinking about this show nonstop, come hang out.

You can find Candy Tan @beautifulduckweed on Bluesky and on Tumblr.

And you can find the podcast with video on YouTube!
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It’s never too late for Holiday Wishes, right? We had such a record number of interviews for the Holiday Wishes episodes this year, and I truly love doing them. Thank you.

But many of you asked about Amanda’s recs and wishes, so to wind up our holiday extravaganza, Amanda and I are talking about the books that we loved in 2025, our wishes for everyone in 2026, and of course we talk about a LOT of other things. One of Amanda’s favorites was about a songwriter and so we discussed our music tastes, which, total surprise, are entirely different. We also look back at the most popular content on SBTB in 2025, and what posts and podcasts had the most engagement.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smart Podcast Trashy Books YouTube Channel!

We also mentioned:
YouTube: Electric Callboy – “Elevator Operator”
Webtoon: Villains are Destined to Die
Podcast: The Sticky Bun Boys
IG Reel: “Dating Grok”
SBTB: Unhinged Bingo!

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Happy 700th Episode!!

Amanda Matta is a debut author (her book is coming in 2027!), media commentator, royal analyst, and an art historian. I’ve mentioned Amanda, and her podcast Art of History, which I love. In that show, she focuses on one particular piece of art and explains the history, context, symbolism, and even the details of how it was made. I like it. So I thought, why not have Amanda Matta give the Art of History treatment to some classic romance covers?

We also discuss royal watching, racism, influencing and commentating on popular culture, Henry VIII’s codpiece, art history, and more.

This is our 700th episode – woooo! – and it be both video and audio. The audio will be available on your regular podcast feeds, and you’ll hear us discuss and describe the covers in question. However, on the video, you get to see both of us, and the covers!

Want to watch on YouTube? Here you go!

Speaking of YouTube – did you know the podcast has a YouTube channel? It’s true! Each new episode is automatically uploaded, so if you prefer your podcasts on the ‘Tube, we’ve got you covered. Also, this channel is brand spanking new (I had to recreate it after YouTube deplatformed my last one without explanation. I presume bitches are to blame) so I’d appreciate it if you’d be so kind as to subscribe! If we hit 100 new subscribers, Amanda and I will live broadcast something very fun and silly to thank everyone.

Thank you for being part of the podcast community as we reach 700 episodes! This is a big milestone, and I’m so thankful you’re here.

You can find Amanda Matta at her website, AmandaMatta.com, on TikTok, and on Instagram.
You can find the show notes with all mentioned books and links at SBTB.com, and you can find our podcast on YouTube, or wherever you get your shows!

Want more romance commentary? Come hang out at Smart Bitches Trashy Books (https://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com)

We also mentioned:
Steve Ammidown’s post about Robert McGinnis, who passed away in 2025
Windsor Castle: A Royal Year
The Infamous Three Armed Cover
The Art of History Podcast
Off with Their Headlines Podcast
Northern Disclosure Podcast
The Midtown Scholar bookshop
The Vulgar History Podcast
Bachelor Lady Butts.
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Happy New Year!

This week we are talking with Katie, Kate, and Adam – we’ve got book recs, wishes, spreadsheet discussions, dungeons, and some wishes that don’t violate the Hatch Act.

There’s also rather appalling poo adventure immediately after my first interview. Pew pew!

Check out the complete show notes at SBTB.com!

Thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads are now turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much!

You can gift a Patreon membership if you’re so inclined! A lovely gift for someone you know who loves the show.

AND! The Smart Bitches Candle Collection is available now for a limited time – until January 5, and boy, howdy, does Wax Cabin Candle Company ship fast.
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