Talk Spicy To Me

Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner
  • 4.6 (14)
  • BOOKS

Talk Spicy to Me is a podcast where bestselling romance authors Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling go rogue and talk all things romance — the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. From behind-the-scenes writing stories and industry myths to swooning over messy book boyfriends and the spiciest reads, nothing is off limits. Grab your favorite drink, curl up in your reading nook, and get ready — it's about to get spicy.

  1. 1D AGO

    How to Build an Indie Author Career From Scratch | Talk Spicy to Me

    Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 6, hosts Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling share life updates, celebrate publishing milestones, and break down exactly what they would do differently if they were building an indie author career from scratch today.   💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe   00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 00:55 – Travel episode & Kandi's ski trip in Deer Valley 02:31 – Learning to ski 04:38 – Season sponsors 05:18 – Spice Report 18:03 – Main Topic: Building an indie career from scratch 18:34 – Step 1: Identify your author identity 20:37 – Step 2: Start with a series of standalones 22:28 – Series strategy & saving the fan favorite for last 23:42 – Step 3: Market research & branding 25:52 – Recovering covers & packaging pivots 27:40 – Thinking like a business person 29:16 – Testing covers, blurbs & ads 31:02 – New Release Spotlight: Safe Haven by Kristen Proby 32:00 – Courses & free resources 36:11 – Write more than one book 37:45 – Rapid release strategy 39:02 – Newsletter & reader funnel 41:20 – Film everything (sell the journey) 42:43 – Building super fans 44:02 – Stay positive in the community 45:36 – Sponsor spotlight: Piper Rayne 46:34 – Red Flag / Green Flag: Office Romance 50:32 – Reader Question: Special edition book process       NEW RELEASE SPOTLIGHT Safe Haven by Kristen Proby Hockey romance, best friends to lovers, found family, and a protective hero. Link: https://amzn.to/4gkydGd   SEASON SPONSORS Piper Rayne – The Hot Shot Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hotshot-Piper-Rayne-ebook/dp/B0F3FP2WHQ Lena Hendrix   Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix     Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/   WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast  Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast    Hosts Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/ Kandi Steiner  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/   AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the uncensored conversation?   Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast   Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, writing advice, and unapologetically honest romance talk.

    1h 15m

  2. FEB 11

    Meet Cutes & First Impressions | Talk Spicy to Me

    Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.   In Season 2, Episode 5, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner catch up on life updates, celebrate major career milestones, and dive deep into one of the most important (and underrated) moments in romance writing: The Meet Cute!   💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe   00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:23 – Life updates & Kandi's 10-year publishing anniversary 03:03 – Why authors struggle to celebrate success 05:56 – Season sponsor spotlight: Willow Aster & Lena Hendrix 10:35 – Valentine Vaults: favorite Valentine's Day memories 15:12 – Why your partner should also be your best friend 17:47 – Generational shifts in parenting & partnership 19:06 – What is a "meet cute"? 23:29 – How meet cutes shape a story from page one 26:47 – Tips for writing a strong meet cute 35:54 – Favorite meet cute examples in romance 46:40 – Writing exercise: crafting your meet cute 49:32 – Sponsor spotlight: Jessica Prince 51:14 – Red Flag / Green Flag: Insta-love 59:03 - Reader Question: What's your favorite part about being an author?   BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th.     SEASON SPONSORS Jessica Prince Beautifully Broken Pieces Link: https://geni.us/BeautBrokenPieceebook Website: https://authorjessicaprince.com/   Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix   Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/     WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast Hosts Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/   Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/   AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the uncensored conversation? This week: Reality TV Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast   Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, writing advice, and unapologetically honest romance talk.

    1h 15m

  3. FEB 4

    Kink in Romance Writing w/ Sara Cate | Talk Spicy to Me

    Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 4, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by a surprise guest, USA Today bestselling author Sara Kate, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about kink   Sara Cate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saracatebooks Website: https://saracatebooks.com/ 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 02:10 – Season sponsors 03:07 – Surprise guest reveal: Sara Cate 09:06 – The Spice Report (Hot Salsa) 20:54 – Kink as a narrative and character tool 23:32 – Writing kink responsibly & research 25:28 – Kink and mental health themes 28:29 – Trauma, healing, and power dynamics 30:06 – Kink and empowerment in romance 33:10 – Why romance (and kink) are still trivialized 43:11 – Researching kink and sensitivity readers 44:21 – Exploring new dynamics in upcoming work 48:07 – Writing second-generation characters 53:34 – Aftercare and emotional intimacy 01:18:04 – Red Flag & Green Flag 01:25:00 – Reader Question: how we go about writing with characters in a shared world or another author's world   BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th.   SEASON SPONSORS Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix   Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/   WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast   Hosts Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/   Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/   AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the uncensored conversation? This week: Our Favorite Spicy Scenes     Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast   Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance discussions.

    1h 37m

  4. JAN 28

    14 Lessons in Romance: Surviving a Decade in Publishing | Talk Spicy to Me

    Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 3, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by special guest Melanie Harlow for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about surviving a decade in romance publishing. 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me 02:35 – Patreon & After Dark episodes 03:20 – Season sponsors 04:23 – Introducing Melanie Harlow 10:47 – The Spice Report (Hot Salsa only) 22:36 – Melanie Harlow's origin story 27:17 – Changing covers & reader backlash 35:11 – Staying in your lane & long-term growth 36:10 – Balancing creativity and business 49:28 – Discipline, routine & keeping joy in writing 53:14 – Taking risks & trying traditional publishing 56:06 – Adaptation vs emulation of trends 57:20 – Protecting your peace & consistency 01:17:31 - Red Flag / Green Flag 01:23:52 - Reader Question: Have you ever completely abandoned a project?   Melanie Harlow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie_harlow/ Website: https://www.melanieharlow.com/   BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th.   SEASON SPONSORS Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix   Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/   WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast   Hosts Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/ Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/   AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the uncensored conversation? This week: Aging With An Audience Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast   Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance discussions.

    1h 42m

  5. JAN 21

    Building an Author Team: Editors, Agents & PAs | Talk Spicy to Me

    Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 2, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are back for a full solo episode covering real-life updates, spicy media recommendations, and a deep-dive discussion on building an author team as an indie author.  💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me  07:13 – Season Sponsors Shoutouts 07:34 – The Spice Report  08:35 – Heated Rivalry adaptation discussion 23:39 – Building an author team as an indie author 28:30 – Why delegation is necessary to scale 29:07 – Finding editors & designers 46:53 – The importance of a personal assistant 52:27 – Kandi's PA story & long-term growth 50:10 – Backlist Deep Dive: Jillian Dodd 01:09:57 – Book Club: A.L. Jackson 01:11:06 – Red & Green Flag 01:14:49 – Reader Question   BACKLIST DEEP DIVE Author: Jillian Dodd Series: The Keatyn Chronicles Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753CT91Q   BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th.   SEASON SPONSORS Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/   WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast  Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast    Hosts Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/ Kandi Steiner  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/   AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the uncensored conversation? This week's After Dark episode dives into our Spring TBR's!  Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast   Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance discussions.

    1h 31m

  6. JAN 14

    Writing Secrets ft. Laura Pavlov | Talk Spicy to Me

    Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me, the podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, and everything in between. Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into writing a romance series, featuring special guest Laura Pavlov. We talk series vs standalones, series bibles, character continuity, managing reader expectations, and what it takes to keep readers hooked across multiple books. Plus, a new release spotlight, book club announcement, red & green flags, and a reader Q&A. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Season 2 premiere 02:51 – Season sponsors 05:45 – Laura Pavlov joins the show 07:34 – The Spice Report 20:50 – Series vs standalone romance 34:18 – Building a series bible 40:37 – Second-generation characters 43:52 – Managing reader expectations 50:10 – New release: Jennifer Millikin 01:14:15 – Book club pick: A.L. Jackson 01:15:26 – Red & Green Flags 01:20:27 – Reader Q&A: matchmaking New Release Spotlight: Jennifer Millikin: Hard Feelings (Serendipity & Shenanigans) Book Club Pick: A.L. Jackson: From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Join us for the discussion on February 18th. Season Sponsors: Lena Hendrix:  Chasing the Sun Willow Aster: What It Takes After Dark (Patreon Exclusive): This week's bonus episode explores how sex evolves over time in real-life relationships, from new love to long-term commitment. Join the Patreon for extended, uncensored episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Follow Talk Spicy to Me on Instagram, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platforms for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance conversations. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast  Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast

    1h 28m

  7. 11/19/2025

    How Life Experiences Shape Romance Writing w/ Elsie Silver | Talk Spicy to Me Ep. 10

    Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me: A podcast where two bestselling authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Episode 10, It's Giving Influential: How Life Impacts Art, we're hanging out with Elsie Silver to talk about all the ways real life finds its way into our books: the funny moments, the emotional ones, and the things readers swear are based on our husbands (they're not, we promise). We get into creativity, inspiration, writing joy, and what it looks like to protect your spark when the world always wants "more." Spice Report: • Kandi – hockey playoffs (Panthers vs Oilers) • Giana – second wedding anniversary • Elsie – getting a puppy next month… and Amazon adapting the Rosehill Series   Timestamps  00:00 – Patreon Thank You 01:02 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 05:07 – It's Giving Influential with Elsie Silver 08:25 – The Spice Report 15:37 – How Life Impacts Art 01:09:16 – Red Flag / Green Flag: When a Hero spoils the Heroine 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe Links Follow us on Instagram: @talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast  Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast  Connect with the Hosts:  Giana Darling Instagram: @gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/ Kandi Steiner Instagram: @kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ Elsie Silver Instagram: @tauthorelsiesilver Website: https://www.elsiesilver.com/ Want even more spice? Join us on Patreon for our weekly After Dark bonus episode: plus behind-the-scenes content and unfiltered chats you won't hear anywhere else: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review: it helps more romance lovers find us!

    1h 17m

  8. 11/12/2025

    Dating as a Romance Author (Swoon, Red Flags & Reality) | Talk Spicy to Me Ep. 9

    Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me: A podcast where two bestselling authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.   In Episode 9, It's Giving Swoon & Doom: Dating as a Romance Author, Kandi and Giana are getting real about love, heartbreak, and the hard-earned happily ever afters behind the scenes. From how Giana and Hayden met and navigated long distance to Kandi's dating eras and writing through pain, they're discussing what it's really like to date *and fall in love* as romance authors. Spice Report: • Kandi – The Gilded Age • Giana – Threads • Kandi – Laney Wilson • Giana – PNR books • Kandi – Plotting Stand Your Ground • Giana – Gym and movement   Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 03:58 – Spice Report (Mild → Hot) 25:48 – Swoon & Doom: Dating as a Romance Author 57:12 – Red/Green Flag: Grand gestures in public 1:02:49 – Reader Q & A: Favorite book of each other's (Anti-Heroes Duet and Close Quarters)   💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe   Links Follow us on Instagram: @talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast   Connect with the Hosts: Giana Darling Instagram: @gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/ Kandi Steiner Instagram: @kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/   Want even more spice? Join us on Patreon for our weekly After Dark bonus episode: plus behind-the-scenes content and unfiltered chats you won't hear anywhere else: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TalkSpicytoMePodcast   Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review: it helps more romance lovers find us!

    1h 14m
See All (16)

4.6
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Talk Spicy to Me is a podcast where bestselling romance authors Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling go rogue and talk all things romance — the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. From behind-the-scenes writing stories and industry myths to swooning over messy book boyfriends and the spiciest reads, nothing is off limits. Grab your favorite drink, curl up in your reading nook, and get ready — it's about to get spicy.

Information

  • Creator
    Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Talk Spicy To Me