Is reading smut mental cheating? Or is it the secret weapon to a more empowered, pleasure-filled life? In this juicy, no-holds-barred episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with erotica author and podcaster Ruan Willow to explore the world of erotic romance, female desire, and why stories that turn women on are about so much more than sex.

From reclaiming "dirty" words to using fiction as foreplay, Ruan breaks down how smut, sensual stories, and sex-positive conversations can actually heal shame, unlock confidence, and transform relationships.

Whether you're new to erotic lit or a longtime lover of open-door romance, this episode is a spicy invitation to rethink what turns you on—and why that's more powerful than you've been told.

💥 If you've ever felt guilty for what you like, or wondered if you're "too much"—this one is for you.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Why reading smut isn't mental cheating—and might actually save your sex life

• The difference between porn and erotic romance (and why women crave the latter)

• How erotica helps women reclaim pleasure, power, and their own damn fantasies

• The healing power of fiction for trauma, shame, and even religious conditioning

• What most men misunderstand about women's desires

• Why sexual empowerment is mental health, period

• Consent, kink, and the truth about ethical non-monogamy

• Ruan's top writing tips—and how her characters lead the story (and the sex)

We get into:

• 00:00 Introduction

• 00:50 Ruan Willow's Journey into Erotic Romance

• 01:55 Debunking Myths About Erotic Romance

• 04:32 Writing Explicit Content: Challenges and Creativity

• 16:01 The Healing Power of Erotic Literature

• 21:51 Exploring Pseudo Incest in Literature

• 23:40 Family Reactions to Writing Romance

• 24:19 Diving into the 'Oh Fuck Yeah' Podcast

• 27:48 Impact of Podcasting on Writing

• 28:54 Writing About Non-Monogamous Relationships

• 32:54 Upcoming Erotic Romance Projects

• 35:06 Normalizing Sexual Conversations

• 39:21 Connecting with Fans and Final Thoughts

Connect with Ruan

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruanwillowauthor/

• X: https://x.com/ruanwillow?lang=en

• Podcast: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/oh-fck-yeah-with-ruan-willow-1592675

• Books: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: [email protected]