Blush - Good Wine, Naughty Books, Naughtier Conversations
Blush - Good Wine, Naughty Books, Naughtier Conversations
Kelly and Branden
We enjoy and rate your favorite wines and smutty books, all while getting tipsy and exploring and celebrating sexual empowerment, feminism, and probably some new sex tips or moves we've picked up from our reading. Not for those who easily blush!Please note that this podcast features themes of drinking, violence, cursing, and graphic descriptions of sexual acts and desires, and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 18. Some episodes also contain themes which may be triggering, and feature content warnings. Please take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Romance, Relationships & Real Talk with Noël Stark
Kelly sits down with author Noël Stark for a candid conversation about writing romance, working in entertainment, and navigating modern relationships. From the impact of the Me Too movement on creative spaces to the challenges women face in media, they explore how storytelling continues to evolve and why representation matters.The conversation also dives into dating app disasters, genuine connection, parenting, self-image, and the importance of open communication in relationships. Funny, insightful, and refreshingly honest, this episode is packed with personal stories, writing wisdom, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Jun 23
59 min
Body Confidence, Bedroom Myths & New Beginnings with Natasha Rose
How much does size really matter? In this candid and entertaining episode of Blush, Natasha Rose joins us to separate fact from fiction when it comes to penis size, sexual satisfaction, body image, and confidence. We dive into the science behind sexual development, common myths about enlargement, and why communication and self-assurance often matter more than measurements.Beyond the bedroom, Natasha shares her journey from the adult industry to becoming an author and creator of immersive sensory experiences designed to help people explore pleasure, connection, and self-expression. Together, we discuss personal reinvention, overcoming shame, embracing authenticity, and finding confidence through life’s biggest changes.Expect plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and empowering insights about sexuality, relationships, and being unapologetically yourself.Find out more a out Natasha at https://www.natasharoseco.com/
Jun 11
1 hr 1 min
Mafia Men, Messy Truths & Tidal Waves of C**: Getting Unfiltered with Brooklyn Cross
Mafia romance, emotional depth, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting… yeah, this one checks all the boxes.In this episode of Blush, we sit down with author Brooklyn Cross—the mind behind the California Made Men series and Forbidden, Forget Me Not—for a conversation that’s equal parts flirty, funny, and unexpectedly raw.We get into her writing process, the real-life struggles that shape her stories, and how she layers personal experiences into characters that feel a little too real. We’re also talking tropes, the ones she avoids, and the characters she can’t let go of.And because this is Blush, things don’t stay serious for long. Expect laughs, a little spice, some chaotic game moments, and at least one snack choice that might haunt you.If you like your romance bold, your stories emotional, and your conversations just a little unhinged… this episode is for you
May 26
52 min
Behind the Bookshelves: Sinful Signings & Crown and Quill
In this episode of Blush, we’re stepping behind the velvet curtain of indie author events with Autumn and Desie, the brilliant minds behind Sinful Signings and Crown and Quill. From organizing signings in sprawling convention spaces to planning a literal castle event, they share what it really takes to create unforgettable experiences for authors and readers alike. We talk event logistics, online community building, inclusivity in the book world, and the delicate art of handling difficult situations without losing your sanity. Along the way, there are hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, candid conversations about friendship in the indie space, and several moments that perfectly capture the energy of what they lovingly call a “conglomerate of chaos.” Whether you’re an aspiring event organizer, an indie author, or just someone obsessed with book convention culture, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and a little beautiful disorder. ✨ In this episode: • The challenges of organizing large-scale literary events • How online author communities become real-life friendships • Upcoming events including Crown and Quill at Castle McCulloch and Sinful Signings in San Diego • Why inclusivity and comfort matter at every event • Funny convention stories and lessons learned the hard way 🔗 Resources & Links: Sinful Signings: sinfulsignings.com Crown and Quill: crownandquillbookevent.com Castle McCulloch: castlemcculloch.com Follow the guests: Instagram: @avanne_michaels_author @author_desie_marie
May 12
44 min
Romance, But Someone Might Die - GOOD FOR HER with Tylor Paige
This week on Blush, Kelly and Branden are joined by author Tylor Paige to celebrate her new release, Good For Her—a horror romance that’s equal parts bloody, spicy, and a little bit unhinged (in the best way). What starts as a conversation about writing quickly derails—in true Blush fashion—into red light therapy for menopause, chaotic honesty about women’s health, and the very real question: why aren’t we treated like dudes? Somewhere between the tangents, Tylor breaks down her creative process, how she builds stories that balance horror and humor, and why the genre doesn’t have to take itself so seriously to be effective. They also dig into horror tropes, the “horror romance spectrum,” and what it actually looks like to write—and market—books that don’t fit neatly into a box. Expect laughs, a little chaos, and at least one moment where you’ll wonder if everyone involved has fully lost control (they haven’t… probably). Links & Resources: tylerpaige.com Come for the writing talk. Stay because things got weird.
Apr 28
51 min
Dark Daddies & Dirty Minds: Whiskey, Chaos, and Unhinged Desires with J.L. Quick
In this spicy and unfiltered episode of Blush, Kelly sits down with Heathens and Heartbreakers attending author J.L. Quick to dive into mafia worlds, military heroes, and her fan-favorite “dark daddies.” They chat about her fast-paced writing process, where her endless story ideas come from, and how she creates strong, unforgettable female leads. Along the way, they swap drink choices, bond over chaotic cult-classic movies, and get into some very candid (and hilarious) conversation. Expect laughs, a little chaos, and plenty of 18+ moments… because it wouldn’t be Blush without them. 💋
Apr 15
31 min
Dream Demons, Dark Romance & the Jennverse Web: Jenn Bullard Spills Everything
If your characters started haunting your dreams… would you write faster or sleep with the lights on? 😈📚This week on Blush, Kelly and Branden dive headfirst into the beautifully chaotic brain of author Jenn Bullard, where stories intertwine, emotions run wild, and mental health is treated with the nuance it deserves (because, as Jenn says, “mental health is not linear”—and neither is this episode).From her sprawling, interconnected Jennverse series (yes, TWELVE books and counting 👀) to her fearless exploration of dark romance themes, Jenn takes us behind the curtain of her creative process—where ideas don’t just knock politely, they kick the door down and demand to be written. Along the way, the trio zigzags through everything from ADHD and sleep struggles to dating chaos, and… somehow… sex toys. It makes sense in context. We promise.You’ll hear how Jenn’s identity, lived experiences, and unapologetic honesty shape her characters, why her writing schedule might secretly be powered by caffeine and cosmic chaos, and what’s coming next—including her upcoming appearances at Heathens and Heartbreakers (bring your TBR list and emotional support snacks).✨ Expect:Tangled timelines and interconnected storytelling magicDark romance with depth, edge, and real-life triggersA refreshingly honest take on mental health in fictionWild tangents, cheeky games, and a round of Put A Finger Down that escalates quickly The comforting realization that even prolific authors are just figuring it out as they goWhether you’re a writer, reader, or just here for the chaos, this episode is equal parts insightful, unhinged, and deeply human.📌 Action Items (because we’re productive like that):Follow Jenn Bullard for upcoming releases and eventsDive into the Jennverse and prepare to get emotionally entangledTake a moment to reflect on how mental health shows up in the stories you loveHit play, fall down the rabbit hole, and maybe keep a notebook nearby… your dreams might start writing back. 🖤
Mar 31
52 min
Dark Romance, Kinks & Hockey Mafia with Samantha Barrett
Dark romance fans, this one’s for you. 💋 On this episode of Blush, Kelly sits down with dark romance author and Heathens and Heartbreakers attendee Samantha Barrett to talk about the addictive world of morally gray book boyfriends and the community that loves them. Samantha shares the inspiration behind her latest hockey mafia series, how she researches crime and power dynamics for authenticity, and why writing dark romance can be unexpectedly therapeutic. The conversation dives into character creation, series crossover ideas, and the realities of life as a romance author. Of course, it wouldn’t be Blush without a little chaos. Kelly and Samantha also play truth-or-drink, swap celebrity crushes, and get candid about kinks, taboos, and the importance of open conversations about sexuality. If you love dark romance, behind-the-scenes author stories, and a little spice with your storytelling, this episode will definitely make you blush. Learn more: https://samanthabarrett.com
Mar 17
54 min
Unplugged: The Art of Dark Romance with M. Violet
This week on Blush, Kelly and Branden continue their Heathens and Heartbreakers special series and sit down with dark romance author M. Violet for a wine-fueled, slightly chaotic deep dive into writing, community, and kink.They talk messy first drafts, gothic inspirations, paranormal influences, and the art of crafting interconnected stories that keep readers obsessed. M. Violet shares her journey, writing tips, branding insights, and why building a supportive author community is essential—especially when navigating events and releases.And because it’s Blush, the conversation turns bold. From dominance and submission dynamics to communication in the bedroom, the trio unpacks sexual preferences, power play, sex toys, threesomes vs. partner swapping, and why many women prefer phone sex over sexting (“I don’t want evidence of it.”). They also discuss the male gaze in porn, female pleasure, and the importance of boundaries and honest feedback. Dark romance, real talk, and unapologetic curiosity—this episode is equal parts craft masterclass and sex-positive roundtable. Pour a glass and press play.
Feb 14
50 min
Healing Through Fiction (and Other Dangerous Ideas) with Lucy Smoke
This week on Blush, we spiral (lovingly) with Heathens and Hearbreakers attending author Lucy Smoke over dry red wine, dark romance, and the messiness of being human. 🍷🖤 We jump from surviving rough weeks to morally gray characters, trauma on the page, healing through writing, and why trigger warnings matter—then immediately pivot to tattoo regrets, emotional movie breakdowns, Kickstarter chaos, and the eternal hunt for the perfect milkshake. It’s funny, raw, unhinged in the best way, and somehow still deeply healing. Dark themes, real talk, reader power, and a little wine-fueled chaos—just how we like it. Trigger warnings and tender topics discussed. Listener discretion advised—but you’re always in control. 💔✨
Jan 30
48 min
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