Culture Lit
Episodes
32. Intentional Living: Wellness Insights and Black Romance Novels to Savor in 2026
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes your heart knows what to do before your mind catches up. In this deeply personal episode, Octavia is opening up about her wellness journey p...
31. Wrapped in Love: Black Christmas Romance Book Recommendations for Your Holiday TBR
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Curl 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 ...
Unapologetically Black: Love, Legacy, and the Power of Storytelling in Jahquel J's Universe
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging conversation, Octavia Marie interviews Jaquel, a prolific author in the Black romance genre. They discuss Jaquel's extensive literary...
Game Time: Why Sports Romances Hit Different (And My Picks for Football & Basketball Season)
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Octavia breaks down exactly what makes sports romance so emotionally compelling — the high stakes, the public vs. private dynamic, ...
Living in Portugal After Cancer, Exploring Life Abroad at 54!
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a hiatus filled with international exploration and life-changing decisions, Octavia returns to share why she disappeared—and what happened whe...
Solo Travel, Living Fully & August Lane by Regina Black
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Octavia shares a moment of pure alignment - discovering Tracee Ellis Ross's solo travel series while living her own Portuguese adventure. This episode...
How Black Love Stories Shape Culture and Why the World Needs Yours
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As you may know, I've had to start over at the age of 54 and I want to share something that's been on my heart. Today, I want to delve into the profou...
Redemption, Kink & Knowing Your Worth: Tanvier Peart on Madison’s Full Circle in Tender Offer
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed "Ella Gets the D," "Miles Apart," or "The Seven Month Itch," by Tanvier Peart. In this episode, we sit down with Tanvier Peart, indie r...
The Best Black Romance Books of 2025 (So Far!) - Spicy Reads, Second Chances & More
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
 Today I bring you my top reads so far of 2025! The struggle was real trying to narrow this list down. What I love about this collection is the vari...
"Plus Size Player" by Danielle Allen: Why Curvy Heriones Are Changing Romance
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of my newest favorite authors is Danielle Allen, author of "Curvy Girl Summer," among many other titles. Danielle is a life and relationship coach...
Sex on the Beach and on the Page: Solo Adventures and TBR Black Romance Escapes
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm coming to you from Puerto Vallarta on a solo adventure to talk about self-discovery and treating yourself.  If it's been a while since you've do...
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan: Caregiving, Childless by Choice, Black Love, and Sexual Autonomy
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'll be focusing on themes of healing, self-love, and resilience inspired by my personal journey over the last two and a half years. I delve int...
Love, Power and Black Royalty: An Interview with LaQuette, Author of Royal Bride Demand
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Octavia Marie as she welcomes award-winning romance author LaQuette to discuss her latest book, 'Royal Bride Demand.' Dive into black love, ...
RE-RUN: Black Girl Joy, Not Guilty Pleasure
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve been on a roller coaster of unprecedented times. Every time I think things are looking better, the world throws more chaos at us. During times...
Songs of Survival, Art, Healing & Finding Yourself with author Monica McCollough
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You're in for a treat with today's visit with Monica McCullough, the author of the debut novel "Songs of Lost Things: Sonata for the Sun." We'll discu...
The Soft Life and Black Women Choosing Ease, Love, and Luxury with "Can’t Get Enough" by Kennedy Ryan
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past few years, there's been a movement towards the "soft life" among women, particularly black women. More and more women are choosing a li...
Still Can Get It! Black Women, Black Love, and Black Romance After 40
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who says love is only for the young? Today I'll dive into the enriching and magical world of love after 40, particularly for mature Black heroines. Se...
Make a Date with These Black Romance Books | New 2025 Releases
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Culture Lit, host Octavia Marie celebrates Black romance novels with 9 brand new upcoming 2025 releases that promise to make your h...
Top 10 Black Romance Books of 2024! A Must Read List for Your TBR
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today'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 cha...
Navigating Love and Grief: The Journey of Laniah and Isaac in “A Love Like the Sun” by Riss M. Neilson
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join 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 rom...
From Online Dating Disasters to True Connection: Insights from 'Curvy Girl Summer' by Danielle Allen
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Culture Lit" spotlights "Curvy Girl Summer" by Danielle Allen, a novel blending humor, romance, and self-discovery. The book follows Aaliyah James, a...
RE-RUN: Love Reclaimed. Finding Romance & Renewal in “This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 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 releas...
Summer Rewind: Love & Ms. Fat Booty
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there ...
Crossover Charm: Magical Black Romance w/A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Culture Lit, host Octavia Marie delves into Tia Williams' enchanting novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. This novel blends contempo...
Saddling Up: Exploring Black Cowboys and Cowgirls in Black Romance Books
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrating Black Cowboy Romance in LiteratureIn this episode of the Culture Lit podcast, Octavia Marie delves into the significance of Beyoncé's alb...
Romance Rewind: Best Black Romance Novels of 2023
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I briefly discuss my journey to recovery after cancer, emphasizing ease and self-care in my life. I share how I found solace in Black ...
Love Reclaimed. Finding Romance & Renewal in “This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Hiatus is over and I finally getting into a groove. And what better time to come back than when one of my fave Black romance authors releases a ne...
Embracing Second Chances
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back! I’ve had a few curve balls thrown at me since my last episode and I’m glad you’re back with me.The biggest thing I’ve had to dea...
Black Girl Joy, Not Guilty Pleasure
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve been on a roller coaster of unprecedented times. Every time I think things are looking better, the world throws more chaos at us. During times...
Love & Ms. Fat Booty
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there ...
Second Time Around
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re new to Tia Williams, buckle up. Her new novel, “Seven Days in June,” is smart, sexy, and makes you feel light and floaty, in the...
A Little About Me
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m your host, Octavia Marie. I’ve been toying with the idea of making a podcast for over a year now, but I couldn’t settle on what I would talk...
Welcome to Culture Lit!
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast and community that explores Black women and romantic love through the lens of romance novels. Each episode of Culture Lit trains a spotlight...