Welcome to Slowburn — a slow burn podcast designed for creative renegades, deep thinkers, and passionate readers. We celebrate the stories that smolder, the books that face bans, and the deep conversation that ignites without rush. Hosted by Steph and Mis, Slowburn is the intersection where the witchy meets the wordy.

Slowburn was born from a love of books, deep conversation, and the desire to create a cozy, defiant corner of the world where stories and people unfold slowly and honestly. As creative renegades, we believe in radical curiosity, creative rebellion, and building something beautiful in the in-between. Hosted by Mis and Steph, this slow burn podcast explores what happens when we stop rushing and start revealing.

Steph has a soft spot for dystopian worlds and a slow burn that sizzles. As a creative renegade, she's always ready to start a rebellion—fictional or otherwise—and gravitates toward fierce female leads who take no prisoners. Whether it’s a banned book or a battle-scarred heroine, Steph loves to dive into deep conversations about these themes (and she’s probably finished the book before you even started, especially if she’s discussing it on her slow burn podcast).

Lifelong learner, dark romance enthusiast, and unapologetic book devourer (yes, she really can read a book a day), Mis is all about the books that challenge, enchant, and haunt. As a reformed school librarian with a passion for shadow wielders and slow-burn plots, she brings a sharp eye and a smoldering curiosity to every episode of the Slow Burn podcast. Mis thrives in the company of creative renegades, diving headfirst into stories that are banned, brooding, or a little bit witchy, ensuring every deep conversation is as engaging as the tales she loves.

In this episode, we introduce you to the world of the Slow Burn Podcast, where creative renegades explore the amazing possibilities available for those willing to dive in. We engage in deep conversation about the many different ways that the Slow Burn Podcast can be used to create, innovate, and push the boundaries of what's possible.
Books we discussed in episode 1
A Court of Thorns and Roses:(entire series)Sarah J Maas
Onyx Storm Rebecca Yarros
Black Dagger Brotherhood (series)(Lover Unbound #5) - JR Ward
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Wild City (series called Fae of Manhattan) by Evie Marceau
The Wrong Bride ( The Windsors) by Catharina Maura
The Azure Crown: The Dreamers Saga Book One by Elizabeth Bird
if we missed any and you want to know the name and/or author, let us know!
In this episode, we lean hard into obsession—the delicious kind that makes your pulse race and your brain spiral. We talk about how sexy the word “Mine” is when it shows up in a story, how we actually rate our reads (because, let’s be real, stars don’t always cut it), and why trigger warnings matter.
We dig into what happens when books don’t warn us—especially when it comes to things like self-deprecation—and how that hits different. Plus, we go off on all the tangents you’ve come to expect, with plenty of chaos and bookish hot takes along the way.
This is messy, real, and a little unhinged…just the way we like it.
Books we discussed in episode 2
The Wallflower J.L Beck
The Wildflower J.L Beck
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Judy Blume
Iron & Embers - The Ashes of Thezmar Book 1 Helen Scheuerer
Diary of Anne Frank
Chronicles of The One (series) Nora Roberts
The Unwanted Wife L. Steele
the Bible
Crescent City (series) Sarah J Maas
This week on Slowburn, we’re saying the quiet parts out loud. From intrusive daydreams to guilty-pleasure reads, awkward tropes that happen in real life, and the secondhand embarrassment of spicy audiobooks in public—we’re spilling it all.
It’s weird, it’s raw, it’s hilarious, and it’s exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Stories have power — to heal, to harm, to shape culture. In this episode of Slowburn, we explore words that give us the ick, the hidden consequences of censorship, and what we lose when stories disappear. Plus, a confession booth for the tropes we secretly hate, and a challenge: what banned or missing story would you resurrect?
This week, we’re flying straight into the fire. 🐉 Author J.G. Gates joins us to talk Dragons and Aces — a story where dominance meets desire, and every choice burns hotter than the last.
We dig into the line between power and vulnerability, the difference between writing spice that serves the story vs. spice that just scorches the page, and what it means to craft morally gray characters that still steal your heart.
It’s cozy chaos, fantasy heat, and a deep dive into how storytelling still has the power to make us blush — and think.
Grab your drink (wine, whiskey, or that dangerous third cup of coffee) and come get unfiltered with us.
🔥 Featuring: J.G. Gates
This week, we’re joined by the incomparable duo Madison Chase — co-authors, dreamers, and unapologetic builders of dangerously irresistible men. Together, we dive deep into what makes a morally gray MMC so damn addictive — from the emotional scars that make them human, to the chaos that makes them unforgettable.
We talk writing villains with heart, why women crave complexity, and how the best love stories often live somewhere between redemption and ruin.
Grab your drink, get comfy, and let’s get a little unhinged with the queen of heat, heart, and heartbreak.
This week we lose our minds over the chili pepper scale and realize none of us rate spice the same. We hype strong FMCs who could crush us emotionally and physically. We get into CNC, genre jumping, horror cravings, and the books that keep pulling romance readers into darker corners. We talk about series openers that grabbed us by the soul and finish with a question that sends Steph into a mental spiral that Mis absolutely planned.
In this episode, we explore the captivating world of paranormal storytelling with author Stefany Linaweaver. She shares her journey of writing her debut novel, Ivy's Touch, and how her personal experiences shape her characters. The conversation delves into the balance of writing and life, the importance of reading, and the social aspects of sobriety. Stefany's passion for blending genres and her excitement for future projects and indie authors make for an engaging discussion. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the world of indie authors, the importance of community support in publishing, and the challenges faced by authors in getting their work recognized. They discuss the role of audiobooks in modern reading habits, the emotional impact of storytelling, and the complexities of crafting endings in literature. The conversation also touches on the influence of adaptations on reader expectations and the intersection of tarot and storytelling as a means of self-discovery and understanding.
In this episode of Slow Burn, host Mis sits down(and fumbles pronunciations like it's her day job) with Jessica Ann Disciacca, an author renowned for her captivating series, Dark Throne and Witches of Triara. As they delve into Jessica's creative process, the conversation unfolds at a leisurely pace, mirroring the intricate worlds and layered characters she crafts in her writing. Jessica Ann Disciacca, the owner of the Dark Flame Society, also discusses the significance of creating spaces for indie authors to thrive. Mis and Jessica highlight the lack of support for indie authors, particularly in areas like Arizona, and share insights about various events, including the DFS Con, which aims to unite authors and readers alike.
In this episode of Slowburn, Mis and Steph delve into the complexities of censorship, the importance of unfiltered storytelling, and the emotional truths that literature can reveal. They discuss the impact of banned books, the discomfort that often accompanies honest conversations, and the necessity of addressing challenging topics in literature. The conversation emphasizes the value of open dialogue and the need for readers to engage with stories that may be uncomfortable but are essential for understanding diverse experiences.
In this episode of the Slow Burn Podcast, debut author Samantha Beneke shares her journey into the world of paranormal romance, discussing her debut novel, 'The Pet.' The conversation explores the allure of supernatural romance, the misconceptions surrounding the genre, and the importance of trust in relationships. Samantha reflects on her writing process, the indie author community, and her future projects, while also engaging in a fun discussion about fictional worlds and romance tropes.
"I live for second chances!" Ever wondered how secrets shape our favorite romance stories? Dive into our conversation with Stacia Kay Wood and discover the magic behind her writing process.
Insight: Everyone loves a good secret, especially in romance! It keeps the readers hooked and craving more.

In this engaging — and occasionally chaotic — conversation, J.A. Williams, author of Dwarf Planet, joins us to explore the expansive world of sci-fi storytelling. We dive into the craft behind compelling world-building, layered character development, and the realities of navigating the indie publishing scene, while also talking about the power of live readings and the importance of community support for authors.
This episode also marks our very first attempt at a live recording, complete with a few mishaps, unexpected moments, and a full comedy of errors that somehow made the night even more memorable. Through it all, Williams shares insight into the creative process, the representation of diverse identities in science fiction, and what readers can expect next in the series.
Messy, thoughtful, and full of heart — just the way we like it.
In this engaging conversation, Jillian Arly, a hockey player and romance author, discusses her journey into writing hockey romances, the importance of authenticity in the genre, and the empowerment of female characters in sports narratives. The discussion also touches on the supportive indie author community, the creative process of writing, and the evolving perceptions of romance genres in today's society. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the appeal of morally gray characters. They discuss the importance of allowing stories to unfold naturally, the challenges of writing spicy scenes, and the influence of narrators on the reading experience. The conversation also touches on personal reading choices, the complexities of character arcs in dark themes, and the allure of different romance tropes, including reverse harems and love triangles. Ultimately, they celebrate the joy of reading and the unique connections formed through literature.
What happens after the happily ever after?
Life doesn’t follow the perfect plotlines we crave, and this episode dives into the messy, raw reality of love, obsession, and heartbreak once the story’s "end" has been written. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or navigating the aftermath of love gone sideways, you’ll discover why the thrill of the chase often eclipses the peace of actual connection, and what it means for real relationships.
In this candid, unfiltered conversation, our hosts explore how stories of dark romance mirror our own struggles with obsession, jealousy, and power. We break down:
Why the "happily ever after" isn’t the end of the love story, but just the beginning of its messy sequel.
The difference between healthy vulnerability and toxic obsession, with real book examples like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Hooked by Emily McIntyre.
How the pursuit of intensity can suppress the peace we truly crave, and how some characters and relationships reflect our deepest fears and desires.
The role of communication, trust, and insecurities, how they can make or break that fragile balance after the storm has passed.
Why romantic tropes like morally gray heroes or obsession aren’t just fantasy, they reveal our innermost hopes and insecurities.
If you’re tired of the polished “happily ever after” and craving authenticity, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away understanding the importance, and difficulty, of maintaining intimacy, trust, and healthy boundaries long after the story's climax. Perfect for anyone questioning whether the chaos, the obsession, or the silence truly belong in love, or if the “peace” can ever be enough in a complicated world.
Join us as we turn the pages on what real, imperfect love looks like in the aftermath of the story, highlighting the emotional pitfalls, and opportunities, that come with the inevitable messy deconstruction of romantic fantasies. Whether you’re a romance reader, a relationship survivor, or simply someone curious about why we’re drawn to dark heroes, this episode will leave you contemplating what “happily ever after” really means, and whether we can ever truly find it in real life.
This is Slowburn, where we explore the stories worth telling, those that start slow, burn hot, and linger long after the final chapter. If you’re ready to embrace the chaos, challenge your notions of love, and find beauty in the messy middle, hit play now.
Trust us—your heart will thank you.
In the world of writing, boundaries often blur as stories shape-shift across genres. This week on the Slow Burn podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa M. Lucero, a talented author known for her ability to seamlessly traverse the realms of romance, sci-fi, horror, and thrillers. Join us as we delve into her creative process, the importance of research, and the thrilling chaos that comes with genre-hopping.
patreon.com/Slowburnpodcast

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