Around a year ago, Bryony Blake and Nicola Bonn, both in their early to mid-40s and based in London, discovered a shared enthusiasm for erotic literature, an interest that eventually led them to launch the podcast Bonk! The Naughty Book Club. The podcast explores the growing popularity of erotic fiction, a genre that has flourished in the wake of the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon, which has sold over 150 million copies worldwide since 2011. It also taps into the expanding market for sex-positive podcasts.
Blake and Bonn recount how their mutual curiosity grew from a casual recommendation while Blake was on holiday in Thailand. Bonn suggested a selection of erotic Kindle books, which sparked Blake’s intense reading spree that included titles such as One More Gift: A Spicy Snowed-In Romance by Holly June Smith. The friends noted that these books are often kept private, with many readers viewing them as a "dirty little secret," despite widespread consumption.
The Bonk! podcast aims to demystify and normalize conversations around erotic fiction, featuring candid discussions about books like Want, a compilation of anonymous women’s sexual fantasies curated by actress Gillian Anderson, and Credence by Penelope Douglas. Want’s range of explicit and varied fantasies prompted the hosts to reflect on the freedom and importance of expressing women’s desires openly. Bonn acknowledged the challenges of societal taboos around female sexuality and expressed curiosity about what fantasies other women might harbor. However, both also critique the unrealistic portrayal of teenage sexuality in some novels, highlighting concerns over depictions that do not align with real-life experiences.
Blake and Bonn’s background contributes significantly to the podcast’s tone and content. Bonn is an experienced broadcaster with a history of radio presenting across Heart, Classic FM, and Smooth, and previously hosted the wellbeing podcast Outspoken Beauty. Blake comes from the television industry, having worked on shows like This Morning and Strictly Come Dancing, where she frequently heard personal stories while working as a makeup artist. Their close friendship and mutual support have been crucial, particularly to Bonn during a difficult period marked by severe anxiety and postnatal depression following the pandemic.
The podcast balances humor and warmth with serious discussions about sexual wellbeing and education. Bonn, a mother of two, is actively involved in providing sex education not just to her children but to others, and she plans to train as a sexologist to offer workshops for adults and teenagers. She emphasizes that candid conversations about sex can foster openness and improve sexual health awareness.
While erotic fiction and frank talk about sex can carry a stigma, Blake and Bonn see their work as empowering, encouraging women to embrace and discuss their sexuality without shame. Bonk! The Naughty Book Club is accessible on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, offering a space for open dialogue about a traditionally taboo subject.