Podcast
Culture Lit
Hosted by Octavia Marie · EN
Culture Lit is where Black women’s love stories, healing journeys, and cultural brilliance take center stage.
Every week, host Octavia Marie dives deep into the romance novels, authors, and conversations that are reshaping how we see Black love — on the page and in real life. From body-positive heroines to soft life living, from second-chance love to the rise of Black romance adaptations hitting our screens, we’re exploring what it means to be seen, celebrated, and loved on your own terms.
This isn’t just a book podcast. It’s a space for Black women who are ready to reclaim joy, prioritize peace, and say yes to the stories that make us feel whole.
Beyond the episodes, there’s a membership space — The Intentional Edit — for the women who want to go deeper: more reads, more recs, and a community that actually gets it.
Whether you’ve been reading Black romance for years or you’re just finding your way in — welcome home. Grab your tea, get cozy, and let’s get into it.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Representation in Romance: Why Young Black Girls Deserve to See Themselves in Love Stories
Jan 1600:18:29Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the romance books your teen loves don't feature characters who look like them? This episode is a love letter to young Black girls who deserve to see themselves as the heroine—not the sidekick.Octavia Marie shares seven powerful Black YA romance novels that center Black teens in stories of love, identity, and self-discovery.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.comPlease follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaThreads: becomingoctaviaFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!
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Manifest Like a Romance Heroine:Vision Boards, Manifestation & Choosing Yourself
Jan 900:29:42Tap to summarizeWhat if you approached your life the way romance heroines approach love — with clear standards, unwavering belief in your worth, and refusal to settle?In this episode, Octavia Marie breaks down how to create a vision board that actually works, using principles from Genevieve Behrend's 1921 classic "Your Invisible Power." Learn the five intentions that are guiding 2026, example affirmations that feel authentic (not cringe), and why manifesting your dream life is an act of rebellion for Black women. Plus: how Hendrix Bell, Nina, and Eva Mercy are basically vision board queens. This isn't just pretty Pinterest boards — this is about choosing yourself, every single day.📚 BOOKS MENTIONED:"Your Invisible Power" by Genevieve Behrend (1921)"Can't Get Enough" by Kennedy Ryan (Skyland Series #3)"Plus Size Player" by Danielle Allen"Seven Days in June" by Tia WilliamsFind these and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.comPlease follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaThreads: becomingoctaviaFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!
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Intentional Living: Wellness Insights and Black Romance Novels to Savor in 2026
Dec 2000:24:53Tap to summarizeSometimes your heart knows what to do before your mind catches up. In this deeply personal episode, Octavia is opening up about her wellness journey post-cancer, the messy politics of health in 2026, and why choosing joy through romance novels is actually revolutionary.Octavia shares what she learned during three months in Portugal, how therapy helped her silence her inner critic, and why she's skeptical of wellness culture while still being intentional about her health. Plus, she's revealing the Black romance novels she's most excited to read in 2026—from Kennedy Ryan's highly anticipated Score to Danielle Allen's final Curve series book.This episode is about trust, healing, and the wisdom that comes from choosing yourself—in wellness and in the stories we consume.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaThreads: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!
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Wrapped in Love: Black Christmas Romance Book Recommendations for Your Holiday TBR
Dec 900:30:06Tap to summarizeCurl up with your favorite blanket, sis — this one's for your holiday TBR.In this cozy episode of Culture Lit, Octavia Marie shares a curated list of Black Christmas romance novels that bring all the festive vibes: forced proximity, fake dating, second chances, bookstore magic, royal romance, and big feelings wrapped in twinkling lights. If the holidays feel hectic, consider this your invitation to slow down, grab your tea, and disappear into love stories where Black women are cherished, chosen, and celebrated.From Christmas in Spite of You by KC Mills and Not in the Christmas Plan by Etta Easton, to Second Chance Christmas by Jahquel J, The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh, Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory, Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello, The Holly Dates by Brittany Cherry, Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello, and A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane — consider this your guided tour through holiday romance heaven.Loved these recommendations? Share this episode with your Black romance book-loving friends, sign-up for the Culture Lit newsletter for special guides and more, Hit subscribe, and grab one at Culture Lit's digital bookstore — where every purchase supports independent bookstores and celebrates Black authors.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!
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Unapologetically Black: Love, Legacy, and the Power of Storytelling in Jahquel J's Universe
Nov 2701:01:18Tap to summarizeIn this engaging conversation, Octavia Marie interviews Jaquel, a prolific author in the Black romance genre. They discuss Jaquel's extensive literary universe, the personal connections readers have with her work, and the dynamics of her characters, particularly in her latest release, 'Heart of a Goon.' The conversation delves into reader reactions, character development, and the marketing strategies that have contributed to Jaquel's success. Additionally, they touch on the importance of self-care for writers and the authenticity of dialogue across different storylines. In this engaging conversation, Jahquel J. and Octavia Marie delve into the intricacies of character development, the writing process, and the balance between realism and hope in storytelling. They discuss the interconnectedness of plotlines, the impact of community support on a writer's journey, and the importance of redemption arcs for characters. Jahquel shares insights into her writing process, the themes she explores in her work, and her excitement for upcoming projects, all while emphasizing the significance of creating relatable characters that resonate with readers.Find Jahquel's books and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Find Jahquel:Instagram @jahquel_Threads: @jahquel_JahquelJ.comCulture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!
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Game Time: Why Sports Romances Hit Different (And My Picks for Football & Basketball Season)
Nov 1900:29:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Octavia breaks down exactly what makes sports romance so emotionally compelling — the high stakes, the public vs. private dynamic, the discipline that becomes devotion, and the sense of community that makes these stories feel like home. And because representation matters, Octavia is spotlighting the brilliance of Black sports romance and the authors who bring cultural nuance to every page.Plus, I’m sharing my top basketball and football recs, including standout picks from Kennedy Ryan’s Hoops series and other must-reads that deserve a spot on your TBR.Takeaways:Why sports settings deepen emotional and romantic tensionHow Black authors elevate the sports romance genre with cultural authenticityTop-tier sports romance reads for fall and winterIf you love this episode, make sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and join the Culture Lit community on IG and Threads!Find these and other Black romance recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaThreads: becomingoctaviaFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!
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Top 10 Black Romance Books of 2024! A Must Read List for Your TBR
Jan 29, 202500:11:30Tap to summarizeToday's episode is a special one! Tune in for Octavia's list of Top 10 Black Romance Books of 2024! There's more than just romance. There's strong character arcs, cinnamon roll heroes, slow burns, and second chances. What's next on your TBR?Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!
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Navigating Love and Grief: The Journey of Laniah and Isaac in “A Love Like the Sun” by Riss M. Neilson
Jan 15, 202500:41:01Tap to summarizeJoin host Octavia Marie as she takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through the pages of "A Love Like the Sun" by Riss M. Nielson, a captivating romance that explores the delicate transition from friendship to love. The story centers around childhood friends Laniah Thompson and Isaac Jordan, who navigate the complexities of adulthood while rekindling their deep-seated bond amidst personal struggles. Laniah, a dedicated homebody running a natural hair care business with her mother, grapples with financial struggles and health challenges, while Isaac, now a social media sensation, faces the pressures of fame. Their decision to fake a romantic relationship sparks genuine feelings, prompting listeners to reflect on the complexities of relationships transitioning from friendship to romance. With a rich exploration of themes such as grief, resilience, and the impact of the past on present decisions, this engaging discussion resonates deeply, inviting readers to find solace and inspiration in their own love stories.Listen in while Octavia Marie skillfully unpacks the emotional layers of the story, illustrating how Laniah’s struggles with her family business and health challenges contrast with Isaac’s glamorous yet isolating fame. The podcast dives into the significance of their shared history and how it serves as a foundation for their evolving relationship. Through poignant flashbacks, listeners gain insights into their childhood bonds, which enrich the narrative and elevate the emotional stakes. The episode encourages a deeper understanding of how personal experiences, grief, and the challenges of adulthood shape their journey toward love, making it a relatable exploration of the human condition that resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of love and friendship.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!
Transcribe →From Online Dating Disasters to True Connection: Insights from 'Curvy Girl Summer' by Danielle Allen
Oct 4, 202400:13:34Tap to summarize"Culture Lit" spotlights "Curvy Girl Summer" by Danielle Allen, a novel blending humor, romance, and self-discovery. The book follows Aaliyah James, a curvy protagonist navigating love in the digital age.This engaging episode not only entertains but also inspires listeners to celebrate their individuality and approach dating with confidence and humor.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcastCulture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.comSign up for our newsletter to get even more romance recs and news!STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieSP5Dld5FDuXoXA3wy621Mentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!
Transcribe →RE-RUN: Love Reclaimed. Finding Romance & Renewal in “This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan
Aug 16, 202400:13:13Tap to summarizeThe Hiatus is over and I am finally getting into a groove. And what better time to come back than when one of my favorite Black romance authors releases a new novel? One I couldn't put down and read over two days.Today's show features a deep dive into 'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan with themes of self-love, empowerment, and resilience post-divorce. I discuss how Soledad Barnes overcomes betrayal and divorce to rediscover her worth and power. Emphasizing the importance of self-partnering and setting boundaries, the story takes us on Soledad’s journey toward self-acceptance and her supportive friends' roles in her healing process. 'This Could Be Us' challenges traditional romance narratives by focusing on self-love as the foundation for romantic love and introduces a relatable and realistic love interest, Judah Cross, a single dad of twins with autism. Through Soledad’s story, I encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and embrace their journey of self-discovery and growth.Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or website Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.comTo get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!
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