Rivals Make Better Lovers (featuring Rachel Reid)
Summary
Hosts Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford welcome best-selling author Rachel Reed to Vibe Check Live in Boston to discuss her Game Changers series and its adaptation, Heated Rivalry. Reed shares how her background as a burlesque dancer influenced her writing and reflects on the surreal experience of seeing her characters brought to life by the show’s cast. The conversation explores the cultural impact of the series, highlighting themes of consent, masculinity, and the importance of libraries, while also addressing the rapid rise of the books from niche audiobooks to a global phenomenon.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: FX's The Drop and L.L. Bean
Hosts' Vibe Check: Boston, School, and Summer
Zach's Vibe: Heated Rivalry and Renewal
Welcome Rachel Reed and Set the Tone
On-Set Experience and Adapting the Books
Burlesque Past and Writing Rhythm
Sponsors: Ralph Lauren and Ozempic
Character Development: Masculinity and Hockey
Casting, Hair Colors, and Writing Process
Writing Sex Scenes and Audience Reaction
Praise for Actors and Director's Vision
From Niche to International Phenomenon
Themes of Consent and Vulnerability
Importance of Libraries and Public Support
Sponsors: FX's The Drop and Ozempic
Q&A: Mental Health, Women, and Cast
Q&A: Life Changes and Writing Rituals
Q&A: Music, Fingering, and Erotic Lit
Q&A: Advice for New Authors and Outro
Listen ad-free on Castria