Best Ayanni Cooper and Corinne Matthews Podcasts (2024)

1
E43 Queen of Tears (Korean Drama) (Divorce Comedy Mini-Series, Part 3) 1:09:46

26d ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Time for the third installment of our divorce comedymini-series! While we didn’t initially plan to include this show, we’re talking about the recently concluded Korean drama Queen of Tears. We consider whether or not the show is actually a divorce comedy at all, how it deploysdivorce in the development of the main relationship, and what about this …

1
E42 Dr. Cha (Korean Drama) (Divorce Comedy Mini-Series, Part 2) 48:14

2M ago48:14

48:14

Welcome to the second installment of our divorce comedy mini-series! This episode, we’re talking about the 2023 Korean Drama Doctor Cha. We get into her messy, maddening marriage, why her husband belongs in the trash, and the rewards of watching our leading lady find herself again. Content warning: brief mention of s*icidal ideation @ 32:03 Show No…

1
E41 Divorce Comedies: An Introduction (Mini-Series, Part 1) 41:33

2M ago41:33

41:33

Welcome to our mini-series on Divorce Comedies! Over the next 4-ish episodes, we’re exploring this genre that caught us off guard with how much its makes us laugh, cry, and yell divorce! In this introductory episode, rather than focus on any one show, we get into the defining features of divorce comedies, why we wanted to talk about them, and wheth…

1
EP40 Hadestown 1:37:44

3M ago1:37:44

1:37:44

"See, on the road to Hell there was a railroad line..." It's time for a deep dive into the Broadway musical, Hadestown. We get into how the musical adapts the Grek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice & Hades and Persephone for a modern setting; the love stories–and tragedy–of the two core relationships; and the productive ambiguity of seeing it all happe…

1
E39 Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2024) with Dr. and Mr. Cooper 1:09:42

4M ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Corinne wasn’t feeling well this week, so Ayanni called in the cavalry. This episode, she's joined by her spouse (and friend of the show) Andrew Cooper to talk about the new action-dramedy series, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They give their general impressions, think about the series’ adaptation choices, and muse about the show’s depiction of married life.…

1
E38 Sparking Joy in 2024: A Pop-Culture Roundup 1:26:24

5M ago1:26:24

1:26:24

Happy New Year, y'all! We continue our annual tradition of checking in about what pop-culture is "sparking joy” in January, our favorites of 2023, and what we’re looking forward to in 2024. (CW: discussion of parental and sibling death.) Oh, and did we mention we have a tumblr now? www.tumblr.com/sexlovelitpodcast Show Notes: Check out Charcooll--t…

1
E37 Lost You Forever Season 1 (Mini-Series Part 3, Spoiler Filled) 1:16:22

7M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

CW: Discussion of s*xual assault, and brief mentions of drugging and s*icide, from 1:00:27 – 1:04:15 You’ve made it to the third and final installment of our semi-accidental mini-series on the Chinese Drama, Lost You Forever. (You either really like us, or you really like Lost You Forever, and we appreciate you either way.) We know you’ve been wait…

1
E36 Lost You Forever Season 1 (Mini-Series Part 2, Spoiler Filled) 53:05

7M ago53:05

53:05

We’re continuing our three-part mini-series on Lost You Forever by diving right into a truck load of spoilers! In honor of the reverse harem-ness at all, we organized our discussion around leading lady, Xiaoyao, and her four suitors. This episode, we start with Xiaoyao herself–and her many abandonment issues. Then, we get into our complicated feeli…

1
E35 Lost You Forever Season 1 (Mini-Series Part 1, Spoiler Free) 1:01:46

7M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

CW: Brief mention of s*icide @ 30:00. Welcome to the first installment in our three part mini-series on the Chinese drama, Lost You Forever (Season 1). If you haven’t seen this drama, don’t worry–the first part of our mini-series is spoiler free! We give some context about the show set up, share some spoiler-free reactions, and wrap up with a game …

1
E34 Trope Spotlight: Demon Lovers with Dr. Sam Langsdale 1:29:19

8M ago1:29:19

1:29:19

Happy Halloween, SLL Listeners! This episode is a special spooky season treat: a Trope Spotlight episode on ~Demon Lovers~ 😈. We’re joined by comic-scholar, friend of the show, and fellow monster aficionado Dr. Sam Langsdale to tackle the deliciously demonic topic. Together, we parse through what makes a demon a demon-as well as what we want from a…

1
E33 Rinko-San Wants to Try (Rinko-san wa shitemitai) 1:15:05

9M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

This episode, on the recommendation of an SLL listener, we’re excited to do a deep dive into the Japanese Drama, Rinko-San Wants to Try. We get into how the show complicates conceptions of virginity, plays with the friends with benefits trope, and maybe get in our feelings a lil bit about a second female lead who really got under Ayanni’s skin. As …

1
E32 The Female Gaze (Part 2): Complication and Expansion 55:55

9M ago55:55

55:55

This is the second episode of our two part discussion on the Female Gaze. Since we laid some groundwork and gave some context in part one, this time around, we dive right in. In thinking through “the female gaze,” we ask questions of whom we presume is looking and who is being looked at. We also think about how the gaze becomes more complicated in …

1
E31 The Female Gaze (Part 1): The Origins of the Gaze 49:48

9M ago49:48

49:48

We’re tackling a big topic in our two part discussion on “the female gaze.” What is the female gaze and why does it matter? In this first episode, we establish some context for the term by getting into the history of the “gaze” as a concept, the psychoanalytic origins of the Male Gaze as theorized by Laura Mulvey, and how the oppositional gaze, as …

1
LP 09 (Re)Introducing Ourselves: Dr. Ayanni and Dr. Corinne 52:08

10M ago52:08

52:08

Content warning: This episode contains a very brief discussion of sexual assault from 27:14 - 27:21. Happy 3rd Birthday to Sex. Love. Literature! 🎂 Since we started the show as English PhD candidates, the two of us have been through a lot. And now, over the last year, we’ve defended dissertations, donned our wizard robes, and officially both become…

1
E30 Netflix's Sex Education (Part 2) feat Dr. Michele Meek 51:18

11M ago51:18

51:18

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of bullying in the narrative from (13:05 - 19:00) and sexual assault from (37:21 - 48:50). This is the second of our two-parter on Netflix’s Sex Education with filmmaker, writer, and scholar Michele Meek! We dive right into the sex with this one, starting with depictions of sex in the show, how we f…

1
E29 Netflix’s Sex Education (Part 1) feat Dr. Michele Meek 58:29

12M ago58:29

58:29

Content warning: While we don’t discuss sexual assault in detail, we do mention it a few times, since it often comes up in conversations about consent.We've got a treat for you all this episode! Along with your usual fabulous co-hosts, we’re joined by filmmaker, writer, and scholar Michele Meek to discuss the Netflix show Sex Education.In the first…

1
E28 Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story 1:23:12

1y ago1:23:12

1:23:12

We’re doing a deep dive into the Shondaland Netflix show, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story! This episode, we talk about the steamy, but bittersweet romance of George and Charlotte, the evolution of the inimitable Lady Danbury, and how this new Bridgerton tale makes space for the complex desires of mature women. Like most Bridgerton series, this …

1
E27 Trope Spotlight: Friends to Lovers 1:24:39

1y ago1:24:39

1:24:39

This episode, we’re talking about the in’s and out’s of the Friends to Lovers trope. We cover what we think makes for a great friends to lovers story, what really really doesn’t, and throw in a ton of examples. (Only half of which are Kdramas.) What's Sparking Joy ran a little long this episode, so it won't hurt our feelings if you want to skip to …

1
E26 Hit the Spot aka Fanta G Spot (Part 2) 49:49

1+ y ago49:49

49:49

This episode continues our deep dive into the sexy and sex-filled Korean web-drama Hit the Spot, aka Fanta G Spot. We get into the ways that the drama centers female pleasure, how it balances education with fantasy, and ask if consent can really be sexy. (Spoiler: yes.) If you haven't listened to part one, check it out for our take on the show’s se…

1
E25 Hit the Spot aka Fanta G Spot (Part 1) 56:43

1+ y ago56:43

56:43

We’re diving into the spicy Korean web-drama Hit the Spot, aka Fanta G Spot. There was so much ground to cover (and once again, so much sex) that we’re splitting our discussion into two parts. In part one–which you’re reading about right now–we give some context for the show’s setup, introduce the cast of characters, and share our reactions to the …

1
LP 08 Sparking Joy in 2023: A Pop-Culture Roundup 57:36

1+ y ago57:36

57:36

It's time for our yearly celebration of pop-culture: "What's Sparking Joy 2023!" We start off with a round of “What’s Sparking Joy” for us in January, move on to thinking about our favorite pop culture of 2022, what we’re looking forward to in 2023, and a round of pop-culture predictions.We also take a moment remembering KPOP! Broadway and our expe…

1
E24 Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 2, Spoiler Filled) 1:06:43

1+ y ago1:06:43

1:06:43

This is our spoiler-filled deep dive into the Chinese Drama, Love Between Fairy and Devil. (If you'd like to hear our take on the drama sans-spoilers, check out "E23: Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 1, Spoiler Free)".) In this episode, we cover the show’s multifaceted depictions of love, the scenes that made us cry, and a spicy take about the sh…

1
E23 Love Between Fairy and Devil (Part 1, Spoiler Free) 38:33

1+ y ago38:33

38:33

Happy New Year, SLL Listeners 🎉🎉 For our first episode of 2023, we’re diving into our first Chinese Drama discussion with the high fantasy romance Love Between Fairy and Devil. If you haven’t seen this drama, don’t worry! The first part of our conversation--AKA this episode right here--is spoiler free! We give some context about the fantastic story…

1
E22 "Lore Olympus and/as Young Adult Literature" (Special Episode) 53:09

1+ y ago53:09

53:09

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, from (28:34 - 35:55). At the last YASA Conference, we answered the very pressing question on the mind of every Lore Olympus reader: Why is Hades So Hot? (Read: many, many reasons.) This time around we broaden our focus by putting Lore Olympus in context. In our "semi-academic" sty…

1
E21 "30% Scoundrel: The Allure of Hades in Lore Olympus" (Bonus Episode) 35:26

1+ y ago35:26

35:26

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, beginning at (18:55). In this special episode, we ask the question on the mind of all Lore Olympus readers: why is Hades so hot? This episode was originally recorded in 2020 for the the inaugural Young Adult Studies Association Conference, so it leans a little more academic than o…

1
E20 The Appeal of Regency Romance (Part 2) 57:13

1+ y ago57:13

57:13

This episode is the second of our two-parter on Bridgerton, Jane Austen, and the appeal of the Regency Romance genre. Continuing our tête-à-tête with Mav and Hannah from Vox Popcast, we get into why Netflix’s Persuasion may or may not have sucked, other delightful Jane Austin adaptations, and what ingredients we absolutely have to have to make a re…

1
E19 The Appeal of Regency Romances (Part 1) 51:07

2y ago51:07

51:07

Back in your ear holes for the first time since May, we’re fresh off our summer hiatus. This episode we’re joined by friends of the show, and fellow pop-culture connoisseurs, Mav and Hannah from VoxPopcast. In part inspired by Netflix’s recent Persuasion adaptation as well as the continued success of Bridgerton, we wanted to put regency romances in…

1
E18 Love Is Blind and Other Dating Reality TV (Part 2) 57:41

2y ago57:41

57:41

In the second of two episodes on Netflix’s Love is Blind, we continue our discussion with June and Lauren on dating reality television. We get into the gendered expectations around love and sex; why you should never feel guilty about enjoying reality shows; and our guests’ favorite matchmaking show of all time, Are You the One? You can find Lauren …

1
E17 Love Is Blind and Other Dating Reality TV (Part 1) 1:02:10

2y ago1:02:10

1:02:10

This episode, we’re joined by Lauren and June, two fellow PhD candidates and podcasters, to discuss Netflix’s Love is Blind and other dating/matchmaking reality shows. In the first part of two, we discuss how being on a reality show turns people into characters, get into our own reality TV viewing practices, and discover that Ayanni has seen way mo…

1
LP 07 Sparking Joy in 2022: A Pop-Culture Roundup 49:39

2+ y ago49:39

49:39

In this "La Petite," we check in about pop culture that has brought us joy in the past and present, and hopefully will continue do so in the future. We start off with a round of “What’s [Was] Sparking Joy” for us in January, move on to thinking about our favorite pop culture of 2021, and then what we’re looking forward to in 2022. What media are yo…

1
E16 Trope Spotlight: Love Triangles with Lia Riley 1:25:05

2+ y ago1:25:05

1:25:05

In the first SLL episode of 2022, we get into why we love (and love to hate) love triangles. We talk what makes a love triangle truly top-tier, second male lead syndrome, and–let’s be honest–a lot of Kdramas. But don’t worry, we talk about other stuff too! As an extra special treat, we’re joined by the wonderful Lia Riley, romance author and co-hos…

1
E15 Hulu's The Great, Season 2 (Part 2) 1:10:20

2+ y ago1:10:20

1:10:20

In part two of two of our The Great, Season Two deep dive, we focus more on the second half of the season. We take a closer look at Peter and Catherine’s evolving relationship, how sex is used to build story, and why, to quote Aunt Elizabeth, “Women don’t end up with men who fuck their mothers.” If you'd like more info about where the season begins…

1
E14 Hulu's The Great, Season 2 (Part 1) 1:01:51

2+ y ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Welcome to the first of our two-part deep dive on Hulu's "anti-historical" comedy-drama: The Great, Season 2. We had so much to say (and honestly, there was just so much sex) we decided to break our discussion in half. This episode, we focus on where we find Peter, Catherine, and the Russian Court as the season opens on Catherine’s chaotic coup. No…

1
E13 Hometown Cha Cha Cha (Korean Drama) 1:31:06

2+ y ago1:31:06

1:31:06

The SLL crew takes a trip to the seaside and deep dives into another Korean drama: Netflix's Hometown Cha Cha Cha. This episode, we’re joined by friend/spouse-of-the-show Andrew Cooper as we chat about the "manic pixie dream guy," the allures of small-town neighborhood stories, and ask ourselves how much rom com is too much rom com 🤔 Corinne was a …

1
LP 06 - Why "Literature"? 46:42

2+ y ago46:42

46:42

In the third and final installment of our keyword mini-series, we ask the burning question “Why Literature?” We cover the difference between "Capital L" and "lowercase l" literature, the so-called canon, and tie it all back to why/how we choose which books, tv shows, films, and other media we discuss on the pod. ...And we somehow end up being even …

1
LP 05 - Checking In & Sparking Joy 49:44

3y ago49:44

49:44

We know we've been missing in action for a hot minute, so this episode we let you know what's been going on in our lives and check in about what media has been ✨sparking joy✨. We've been doing everything from playing video games, to reading Webtoons and (gasp!) actual books, to (of course) watching KDramas. This episode has a little something for e…

1
LP 04 - Why "Love"? 55:07

3y ago55:07

55:07

In the second installment of our podcast keyword mini-series, we continue our reflection on the first year of SLL and ask the question, “Why Love?” We get into the entanglement of sex and romance, our favorite (and least favorite) romance tropes, and other kinds of love that matter to us in the stories we read, watch, and share.(If you took a shot …

1
LP 03 - Why "Sex"? 36:12

3y ago36:12

36:12

Join us for the first of our meta-mini-series on our titular keywords, "Why 'Sex'?" Instead of looking at a particular text, we reflect on the first year of SLL. We chat about our research, the ways we approach questions about sex, and the complexities of desire and desirability. (While you're listening, see if you can count how many accidental sex…

1
E12 Red, White, and Royal Blue 1:32:29

3y ago1:32:29

1:32:29

This episode, we’re joined by Frannie and Sophie, hosts of the Girls Like Us podcast, to chat Casey McQuiston’s runaway hit novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue. The four of us talk queer romance, political fantasy--and what it is that makes so many english majors want to start a podcast! You can find GLU on Instagram and Twitter (@GirlsLikeUsShow), a…

1
E11 Special Episode — Tamora Pierce was Our Judy Blume: Sex (Ed) in YA Fantasy 1:08:28

3y ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In this special episode, we’re joined by the delightful Dr. Leah Phillips to chat Tamora Pierce’s lasting legacy on the landscape of young adult literature, especially as it relates to sex. Join us as we cover everything from Alanna’s first period, to the sex appeal of Nawat the crow man, to some magical butt stuff (lol). If you love the fantastica…

1
LP 02 - Crazy. Stupid. Love. 40:04

3y ago40:04

40:04

Come along as we go way back in time…or back a decade anyway, to the early 2010’s! In this La Petite SLL, we tackle the 2011 romantic comedy Crazy. Stupid. Love. Described by Corinne as “comfort film adjacent,” this classic film makes us think about how re-visiting the old rom coms we love can highlight the ways attitudes toward sex, romance, and e…

1
E10 Promising Young Woman 1:27:11

3y ago1:27:11

1:27:11

Episode Content Warning: Discussion of sexual assault, violence against women, and suicide. For our 10th episode, we dive into Emerald Fennell's Oscar Award winning revenge-thriller Promising Young Woman. The conversation takes a turn toward the academic as we think on consent, unpack the curious nature of rape-revenge films, and sort through our c…

1
La Petite 01 - True Beauty (Korean Drama) 27:23

3y ago27:23

27:23

Episode Content Warning: Brief Mention of Suicide and Abuse. Introducing La Petite SLL, our new mini-episodes! This time, we take a quick look at the use of the tropes “Love Makes You Evil” and “If I Can’t Have You, No One Can” in the popular Korean Webtoon turned drama True Beauty. What happens when a female friendship turns sour because of jealou…

1
E09 WandaVision 1:02:26

3y ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Though the Avengers may have dis-assembled, we've been looking forward to the new Disney+ MCU offerings--and WandaVision did not disappoint. A love story between a super powered witch and a handsome android? That has SLL written all over it! Listen in as we share our thoughts on Wanda, Vision, and all the witchy happenings of this new Marvel show. …

1
E08 Crash Landing on You (Korean Drama) 1:34:21

3+ y ago1:34:21

1:34:21

Episode Content Warning: Discussion of Depression and Suicidal Ideation. The SLL crew digs deep into our feelings as we discuss the internationally renowned Korean drama Crash Landing on You. Joined by our very first guest, the wonderful Minji Kang, we (try to) keep our tears in check as we swoon over the epic love story of South Korean business mo…

1
E07 Schitt's Creek--Singles' Week 1:02:16

3+ y ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Hello bébés! This episode, we're trying something a little different and taking a deep dive into the Season 4 Finale of Schitt's Creek: "Singles' Week." From evolving mother-daughter relationships to how much we adore our OTPs, there's so much to cover in one of our favorite episodes of the entire TV show. Recording this podcast was like one of tho…

1
E06 Bridgerton 1:21:21

3+ y ago1:21:21

1:21:21

Episode Content Warning: Discussion of Sexual Assault. Calling all members of the ton, our Bridgerton episode has arrived! Salacious gossip, ruinous scandal, and--of course--heaving bosoms abound in this colorful regency romance based on Julia Quinn's The Duke and I. This is our longest episode to date, so save us a space on your dance card as we t…

1
E05 Happiest Season (Film) 44:53

3+ y ago44:53

44:53

Happy Holidays! This year, we want to give you the gift that keeps on giving: our reactions to, and analysis of, Hulu's Happiest Season! Though Christmas has passed (and we had a handful of audio issues), there's no better way to end the first year of SLL than with Harper, Abby, and their roller-roaster relationship. See you in 2021! Don't forget t…

1
E04 It's Okay To Not Be Okay (Korean Drama) 1:03:06

3+ y ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Fairy tales and family secrets collide in the Korean drama It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, one of our favorite shows of 2020. Come kick it with us as we discuss the whirlwind romance of an impulsive children’s book author and a repressed mental health caretaker--along with one of the steamiest kisses in recent KDrama history 😘. Cast Info: Moon Gang-tae p…

1
E03 Lucifer (Season 5a) 1:01:41

4y ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Lucifans rejoice! This episode, our hosts dive into the long-awaited 5th season of Lucifer. Though it’s only the first half of the season, there are many devilish shenanigans to uncover. But was it everything we truly desired? 😈Don't forget to subscribe to Sex. Love. Literature! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @SexLoveLit.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ayanni Cooper And Corinne Matthews Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide