Unbound

Hosted by romance authors Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne, the Unbound Podcast explores the Intersection of Pop Culture and the steamy world of romance Literature. Join us as we celebrate the voices and stories often left in the shadows and unravel the threads of joy, passion, and heartache that keep us all coming back to the page and the screen.

Last refreshed: July 19th, 2025 at 6:20 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Episode 4: Cowboys and Vaqueros, Unveiling the True Legends of the West

Send us a text Ever wondered how Mexican vaqueros shaped the American cowboy myth? Join us as Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne shed light on the forgotten pioneers of the West. Learn how Hollywood's portrayal of Mexico as a lawless frontier served to justify American expansionism, and discover the vaquero's true legacy that dates back to the Spanish conquistadors. Prepare to challenge your understanding of cowboy skills and uncover the often-overlooked influence of vaquero culture on today's West...

Jul 19, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 4 Interstitial: Be that Girl in the Renaissance

Send us a text In this week's episode of "Unbound," Nikki Payne and Adriana Herrera, invite you to indulge in a sensory overload as they dissect Beyonce's latest masterpiece, "Renaissance." Through their unique blend of pop culture expertise and candid conversations, our hosts will not only break down each track but also complement them with delicious wine and cheese pairings in the form of a book recommendation. From the first thumping notes of "I'm That Girl" to the rousing finale of "Summer R...

Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 3 Interstitial: Everything Your Man Won't Do

Send us a text In this week's intriguing episode of Unbound, titled "Everything Your Man Won't Do," hosts Nikki Payne and Adriana Herrera dive headfirst into the complexities of relationships and the myriad ways their male protagonists might differ from what listeners expect. They explore the fascinating topic of how certain actions or inactions can make or break a connection, particularly when it comes to characters of color in a Western romance setting. The discussion revolves around the idea ...

Jul 05, 2024•52 min

Episode 3: The BJ Episode with Special Guest Beverly Jenkins

Send us a text In this scorching installment of Unbound, hosts Nikki Payne and Adriana Herrera welcome acclaimed author Beverly Jenkins to the podcast. Known for her captivating blend of historical romance and western adventure with BIPOC leads, Jenkins brings her unique perspective on the genre as she joins our dynamic duo for a riveting discussion about the allure of the Wild West. Episode 3 dives into the heart of the western romance genre with Beverly Jenkins' take on the frontier experience...

Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Interstitial 2: We talk Bridgerton and all things geek chic with Amanda-Rea Prescott

Send us a text In this special interstitial episode of Unbound, your favorite hosts, Nikki Payne and Adriana Herrera, dive deep into the captivating world of Bridgerton. Their enchanting conversation explores the show's cultural impact, its intricate plot, and its diverse, empowered characters.Discover insights on how the show deconstructs and redefines societal expectations while preserving the charm of a period drama. They discuss the role of the regency era as a backdrop for exploring issues ...

Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Episode 2 - The Dry and Wild World of Gay Cowboys

Send us a text In the second episode of Unbound, Nikki Payne and Adriana Herrera explore the wild, wild world of gay cowboys. They delve into the history of the bandana code, a secret language used to communicate sexual desires within the LGBTQ+ community. But what happens when you're a queer cowboy living out on the range? How do you find connection and community in a place where there aren't any women around? Join us as we unpack the unique challenges and joys of being a gay cowboy in the mode...

Jun 21, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Interstitial 1: Politics and Romance with Guest Regina Black

Send us a text The first interstitial of the Unbound Podcast, we are getting political. Adriana and Nikki pic up the mic to unpack what makes romance with BIPOC inexorably tied to a message of resistance, and why that matters. Our guest this week is Regina Black. She discusses the impact of Authors on relationships and romance as political. The conversation revolves around the idea that authors are not just writers but visionaries who can inspire change and create new possibilities. We'll be dis...

Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 19 min

The West Episode 1 with Satoria Ray

Send us a text The first episode of the Unbound Podcast, where the worlds of pop culture and steamy romance literature collide. In this series your hosts and romance authors Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne, will guide you through the depths of passion, exploring the corners of literature and storytelling that are often overlooked. In our inaugural episode, we're diving into the wild west of romance. Join us as we explore the ways in which the western genre has been reimagined as a love story. Fr...

Jun 07, 2024•59 min

Episode Zero, Welcome to unbound!

Send us a text Straddle up, romance aficionados and pop culture buffs—your journey through the Wild West of love just got a sizzling upgrade! We are excited to take you as we go West on our inaugural season of Unbound: "How the West Was Won." You're in for a treat, as we explore the Western as genre and delve into the iconic films and romance novels that have shaped our sense of the frontier. But hold onto your hats, because we're not just rehashing old legends—we're breaking new ground with Bev...

Apr 19, 2024•7 min0

Hosted on Buzzsprout

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android