Bothered Stories: Smut Talks

What actually goes into creating great erotica?In this behind-the-scenes episode, we sit down with the Chief Editor of Bothered Stories to unpack the full journey—from submission to final story. We get into how pieces are vetted, what separates a good story from a standout one, and the editorial decisions that shape what gets published.We also dive into the craft itself: what makes a sex scene hot (and what makes it fall flat), how to write with both heat and substance, and why the best erotica is about far more than what body parts move where.Beyond the writing, we talk about intention—specifically, the importance of elevating marginalized voices in this genre, and how Bothered Stories is actively working to expand who gets to be seen, heard, and desired in erotic storytelling.Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or you're just curious about it all, this episode pulls back the curtain on how erotica—and Bothered Stories—really works.

Angelina M. Lopez, bestselling author of After Hours on Milagro Street, joins us to talk about the impact of “ferocious love stories”—her emotionally rich, deeply sexy romances that center Latina heroines, legacy, anger, and joy.In this conversation, we explore:How pleasure and resistance fuel each other in politically volatile timesWhat makes a sex scene actually hot (hint: it’s not the mechanics)How the dismissal of romance is rooted in the devaluing of women’s workWriting Latin American stories as an act of cultural preservation and humanizationThis episode is about how smut can be deeply subversive. Angelina's writing centers the intersection of joy and anger, escapism and resistance--and we get into all of it in this conversation.

What makes Heated Rivalry work so well—and why has it resonated so deeply with audiences? In this roundtable discussion, we dig into the cultural, emotional, and narrative forces behind Heated Rivalry: what this romance offers that other stories don’t and why audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that aren’t afraid to center smut.Joined by bestselling and award winning romance and erotica authors Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy, and Jane Boon, along with Meg Casebolt, co-host of podcast First Dates and Soulmates, we talk craft, craze, and what Heated Rivalry reveals about how romance—and what we want from it—is evolving.

Hear our founder's take on what you can expect from this podcast and Bothered Stories. We'll be bringing on leading voices to dive into smut, desire, the patriarchy--aka the cultural forces that shape this space. We'll also be elevating the artists behind all these beautifully written, hot-as-hell stories and hearing them discuss the genre, their writing process, and why these stories matter. Expect candid conversations, surprising insights, and some unhinged humor along the way.