Hot and Bothered - podcast cover

Hot and Bothered

Not Sorry Productionswww.hotandbotheredrompod.com

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: Hot and Bothered (Movie Edition)

We make Hot and Bothered because we are interested in the way that love stories have impacted our lives and culture. For our fifth season of the show, we’re turning our attention to romantic films. Vanessa and Hannah McGregor dig into the canon of romantic films, from Titanic to Twilight to When Harry Met Sally, (just to name a few). Every other week they do a close scene analysis of how each movie ends, always asking the question ‘what does this movie believe about love?’



SEASON 4: Live from Pemberley

In Live from Pemberley, we continue our deep-dive into the classic texts of romance literature. This season we take a close look at the most famous Romance novel of all time: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Every episode, Vanessa Zoltan and Lauren Sandler read through the book, talk with experts, and ask themselves the question ‘is this still a story for our time?’


SEASON 3: On Eyre

Vanessa Zoltan and journalist Lauren Sandler embark on the English class you always deserved, diving deep into Jane Eyre through the themes of power and desire. Discussions range from ideas of class and colonialism to sex and gender as Lauren and Vanessa explore the roles of oppression and inequality, empowerment and rebellion in the text. Major “Eyreheads” and first-time readers alike are invited into Lauren and Vanessa’s conversation as they grapple with this complicated work—and as they try to figure out if Jane Eyre is a book they want to pass on to their daughters, and to future generations.


SEASON 2: Twilight in Quarantine

You may remember BFFs Vanessa & Julia from their all-star advice giving in Hot and Bothered Season 1. In this season they’re sheltering in place in different cities, but they’re getting on the phone three times a week to read and talk about Twilight. On Twilight in Quarantine, they work their way through the Twilight saga one chapter at a time, giving brilliant well-informed advice to Stephenie Meyer’s characters along the way. Advice like: “have you considered talking to each other about your feelings?” and “maybe you shouldn’t kidnap people.”


SEASON 1: Writing Romance

Season one of Hot and Bothered follows ten first-time romance writers as they try to write their own romance novels. Each episode explores a particular romance trope and why we love it so much. Along the way, Julia Quinn, writer of the Bridgerton series, gives weekly assignments so listeners can follow along in the process. Season one was made in collaboration with Spoke Media.


Hot & Bothered is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/

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Episodes

Twilight in Quarantine: The Hunt

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 18 and they want you to JUST SAY NO to kidnapping. --- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 13, 202016 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Twilight in Quarantine: The Game

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 17 and have an important sports update: baseball is dumb. --- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 11, 202019 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Twilight in Quarantine: Carlisle

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 16 and they think that you should always pack an umbrella. Or at least not laugh at those who do. --- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 08, 202018 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Twilight in Quarantine: The Cullens

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 15 and are blowing the whistle on creepy rocking chair dynamics. If you see something, say something. --- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 06, 202015 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Twilight in Quarantine: Mind Over Matter

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 14 and they applaud Bella for living her best quarantine life. --- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 04, 202019 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Twilight in Quarantine: Confessions

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 13 and they're already planning their Edward/Bella Halloween costumes. --- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 01, 202018 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Twilight in Quarantine: Balancing

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 12 and they continue to find Edward's outfits better than his behavior. -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 29, 202012 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Twilight in Quarantine: Complications

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 11 and they finally find out why this book is called Twilight. -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 27, 202017 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Twilight in Quarantine: Interrogations

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 10 and they realize that everyone really wants to smell like vegetables. They also both come to a very important conclusion: using your dog to get a message to your boyfriend is a fool's errand. -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 24, 202016 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Twilight in Quarantine: Theory

This episode, Vanessa is joined by our friend Meredith Goldstein of the Love Letters podcast. Meredith is an actual advice columnist and an actual fan of Twilight, so it's a real treat to have her on. Vanessa and Meredith discuss chapter 9 and recommend some moral philosophy to Edward. -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 22, 202027 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Twilight in Quarantine: Port Angeles

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 8 and they are #TeamAngela.  -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 20, 202017 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Twilight in Quarantine: Nightmare

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 7 and beg Bella Swan to do literally anything else but wait by the phone for a boy to call. Bella--take a nap, eat a banana, pet your goldfish and call your mom! -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 17, 202019 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Twilight in Quarantine: Scary Stories

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 6 and they have different takes on the character of Lauren. -- If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 15, 202016 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Twilight in Quarantine: Blood Type

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 5 and they'd like to teach the residents of Forks some things about consent. -- Note: We've relaunched our Patreon ! If you're enjoying our advice for the characters of Twilight, please consider supporting us in our work! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 13, 202020 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Twilight in Quarantine: Invitations

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 4 and they're ready to start casting for Twilight the Musical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 202020 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Twilight in Quarantine: Phenomenon

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 3 and, surprisingly, they're actually starting to like this book! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 08, 202017 min

Twilight in Quarantine: Open Book

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 2 and they have some questions about the weather patterns in Forks, Washington.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 06, 202019 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Twilight in Quarantine: First Sight

Is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer the best book of all time? No it’s not. Is it the kind of cotton candy escapism joy we need during these uncertain times? Hell yes it is.  You may remember BFFs Vanessa Zoltan & Julia Argy from their all-star advice giving in Season 1. In this mini-season they’re sheltering in place in different cities, but they’re getting on the phone three times a week to read and talk about Twilight . On Twilight in Quarantine , they’ll work their way through the Twilig...

Apr 03, 202019 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Epilogue

This week Vanessa talks about how the Friends-to-Lovers trope reflects the love she has for her real life partner, and how writing her own romance novel has allowed her to discover the importance of trust in her relationships.  Meanwhile, Ariana interviews Vanessa about the importance of happy endings, how romance novels have helped her through her own life, and why she and Ariana started this podcast anyway.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Dec 03, 201925 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Let This Drive a Wedge Between You: Lauren Sandler

Vanessa and Julia deal with a Reddit question from a woman whose boyfriend has recently found religion. Should his attempts to convert her end their relationship? To explore this question, Vanessa talks with journalist Lauren Sandler about her research on Christian Romance Novels and their writers. At the heart of their discussion lies the question: how religion can affect romance? They discuss how religion can bring some people closer, and can tear others apart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

Nov 26, 201933 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Extra-Virgin (Like Olive Oil)

This week, Vanessa’s friend, Liz, writes on the “Widowed Virgin” trope, telling the story of a Jewish widow who finds sexual awakening after her husband’s death. Vanessa reflects on her own Jewish upbringing, and confronts the familial urge to marry within the religion.  Vanessa, whose partner is non-Jewish and German, examines what it means to love someone outside of the community she was raised in. She turns to her brother, who married a wonderful Jewish woman, to discuss how important it...

Nov 19, 201943 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Delete Your Social Media: JenReadsRomance

This week Vanessa and Julia discuss a boyfriend’s jealousy of his girlfriend’s dream man. Can someone’s fantasy life be threatening to their relationship?  To get answers, Vanessa talks with popular Romance advocate and critic Jen Prokop, of @JenReadsRomance on Twitter, about romance novel covers and why they should (or shouldn’t) change. We also hear a clip from Vanessa’s interview with Nichole Perkins who talks about representation in romance covers, and how they could improve.  Send...

Nov 12, 201943 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Treat Today Like No One is Watching

Jen wants to write a romance with her daughter as the main character. Vanessa just doesn’t understand why it has to be so...creepy. This week on Hot & Bothered, Jen uses the trope “Fake Relationship to True Love” to explore what her daughter’s future relationship might look like as a powerful, self-actualized woman in the modern world. When it takes a creepy turn, Vanessa wonders what sort of message Jen is hoping her daughter will hear. With the help of The New York Times’ romance columnist...

Nov 05, 201952 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Stay Safe: Steve Almond

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy tackle one of the most intense Reddit questions yet: a girlfriend considering leaving her boyfriend -- a serial drunk driver.  With the stakes high, Vanessa and Julia struggle with how to give the best advice. For advice on advice giving, Julia turns to advice columnist, podcaster, and writer, Steve Almond. Together, they discuss the patriarchal problem of male rage, and what lies between the lines of love advice questions.  Send us your own rom...

Oct 29, 201933 minSeason 1Ep. 15

A Really Solid 60% Guy

Elizabeth and Vanessa’s parents both got married fast, and fell in love after.  This week on Hot & Bothered, Elizabeth writes about the trope “Marriage of Convenience.” She’s taking this opportunity re-write her parents failing marriage with a happy ending. But the more Elizabeth writes, the more Vanessa wonders if Elizabeth is carrying some of the worst parts of the trope into her own life. She and Vanessa explore: how parents can inform our own idea of love, what it means to settle ve...

Oct 22, 201936 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Monogamy Isn’t Working: Katie and Pam Mingle

This week, Vanessa is joined by Katie Mingle from 99% Invisible. They explore this week’s Reddit question written by a woman in a 10 year relationship who’s experiencing feelings for another man.  To find an answer, Vanessa and Katie call Katie’s mother, romance novelist Pam Mingle. Together, they revisit a question from earlier in this season: whether love at first sight exists. Pam, Katie and Vanessa consider the difference between romantic love and motherly love, the failures of monogamy...

Oct 15, 201933 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Mom, Don't Listen

Marissa Martinelli is writing a real sex scene. Vanessa is READY.  This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Mistaken Identity.” As Marissa tries to write a good sex scene for her mistaken characters, she and Vanessa explore the vulnerability of explicit sexuality, and wrestle with the freedom and the oppression of coded sexual language. Vanessa turns to writer, romance-novel reader, and co-host of Thirst Aid Kit Nichole Perkins to understand what we talk about when we talk abo...

Oct 08, 201939 minSeason 1Ep. 12

It’s Eyeballs: Meredith Goldstein

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy marvel over their favorite Reddit dating advice question yet: a girlfriend curious about her boyfriend’s LOCKED DRAWER containing a secret object he refuses to divulge.  For insight into the most mysterious relational secrets, Vanessa turns to advice columnist, entertainment reporter, and paranormal romance novel reader Meredith Goldstein. Together, they explore the boundaries of privacy, paranormal intimacy, and what we keep in drawers.  Send u...

Oct 01, 201931 minSeason 1Ep. 11

In the Next Exam Room

Vanessa and Brigid share everything with each other - their thoughts, their feelings, even their endometriosis diagnosis. This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Friends to Lovers.” In her writing, Brigid reckons with the way love changes in the transition from friendship to partnership. Together, Vanessa and Brigid wrestle with what they share with friends, what they share with their partners, and the intimacy born from shared pain.  Along the way, Rev. Dr. Matthew Potts ret...

Sep 24, 201945 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Questionable Man: Amy Hollywood

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy fight over the appropriate unsolicited advice to give a Redditor who just discovered his girlfriend lied to him about her virginity. To make sense of their conflict, Vanessa turns to feminist and religious scholar Amy Hollywood. Together, they explore the religious history and origins of virginity, and the implications of how virginity is portrayed today.  Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hot...

Sep 17, 201935 minSeason 1Ep. 9