
700. An Art History Analysis of Romance Covers with Amanda Matta
Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel PodcastShow Notes
Happy 700th Episode!!
Amanda Matta is a debut author (her book is coming in 2027!), media commentator, royal analyst, and an art historian. I’ve mentioned Amanda, and her podcast Art of History, which I love. In that show, she focuses on one particular piece of art and explains the history, context, symbolism, and even the details of how it was made. I like it. So I thought, why not have Amanda Matta give the Art of History treatment to some classic romance covers?
We also discuss royal watching, racism, influencing and commentating on popular culture, Henry VIII’s codpiece, art history, and more.
This is our 700th episode – woooo! – and it be both video and audio. The audio will be available on your regular podcast feeds, and you’ll hear us discuss and describe the covers in question. However, on the video, you get to see both of us, and the covers!
Want to watch on YouTube? Here you go!
Speaking of YouTube – did you know the podcast has a YouTube channel? It’s true! Each new episode is automatically uploaded, so if you prefer your podcasts on the ‘Tube, we’ve got you covered. Also, this channel is brand spanking new (I had to recreate it after YouTube deplatformed my last one without explanation. I presume bitches are to blame) so I’d appreciate it if you’d be so kind as to subscribe! If we hit 100 new subscribers, Amanda and I will live broadcast something very fun and silly to thank everyone.
Thank you for being part of the podcast community as we reach 700 episodes! This is a big milestone, and I’m so thankful you’re here.
You can find Amanda Matta at her website, AmandaMatta.com, on TikTok, and on Instagram. You can find the show notes with all mentioned books and links at SBTB.com, and you can find our podcast on YouTube, or wherever you get your shows!
Want more romance commentary? Come hang out at Smart Bitches Trashy Books (https://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com)
We also mentioned: Steve Ammidown’s post about Robert McGinnis, who passed away in 2025 Windsor Castle: A Royal Year The Infamous Three Armed Cover The Art of History Podcast Off with Their Headlines Podcast Northern Disclosure Podcast The Midtown Scholar bookshop The Vulgar History Podcast Bachelor Lady Butts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast
By listener request! My guest today is author and professor Jodi McAlister. You might remember Jodi from her appearance in episode 626 when we talked about her Marry Me Juliet trilogy, set within a fictional version of The Bachelor.
We’re going back to 2007 to take a look at the new releases in Romantic Times Magazine, and we’re so glad you’re joining us! We’ve got kooky books, taxidermy, chick lit, and a new entry into the character name hall of fame. Strap in, it’s getting weird.
Adib Khorram’s new book, Isn’t He Romantic, is out this week, so of course I wanted to ask many questions about it.
We’re back in the time machine to check out the ads and features from the February 2012 issue of Romantic Times.
My guest this week is Dylan Allen, and Lucy Wilson-Tagoe, who are conveniently the same person. Dylan Allen is a bestselling author of contemporary romance, while Lucy Wilson-Tagoe’s newest book To Catch a Sinner, is out now.