This month, we are thrilled to welcome Allie Martina, audiobook narrator and host of the new podcast, Zipless as our November cover star. Launching into its first year with a bang, the show covers the romance genre with a fresh twist, incorporating narration, reader letters and author interviews.

From the origins of its name—a direct reference to Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying, who has granted Allie permission to use the name Zipless, which was inspired by the phrase she coined in the 70’s “The Zipless Fuck”—to author interviews that that are open door AF and steamy scenes narrated by Allie herself (and a male narrator you may recognize), this show is as sexy as it is innovated.

In its first year, it has already been nominated for a Webby in the Experimental and Innovation category and also won the Signal Award in the category of Conversation Starter.

The show has featured authors we love like May Cobb, Ashley Herring Blake, Xio Axelrod and more. But Zipless isn’t a one-woman show, the podcast has a team of talented professionals, producing, voicing and creating, including Jill Ruby, Gideon Frost, Dana Christopherson that make the show a hit from the very beginning. Make sure you start by listening to Episode 1 and getting the full story on the show’s origin, but once you start, we promise you won’t be able to finish it. In the meantime, get to know Allie a bit better as you dive into the podcast!

You have a long backlist of audiobook titles you’ve narrated. What got you into audiobook narration and how did this translate into your new podcast, Zipless?

I started acting on camera as a teenager, then earned my degree in Theater Arts from the University of North Texas. After college, my longtime agent, who also specialized in voiceover, trained me behind the mic, which was incredibly rare and such a gift. Voiceover became my home. I loved that I didn’t have to worry about how I looked or what I was wearing; it was all about the performance. That path led me into commercials, anime, and video games, where I’ve voiced everything from McDonald’s and Fisher-Price ads to Catwoman and Black Canary in DC Universe Online.

Audiobooks came later, after my friend and fellow narrator Jeffrey Kafer convinced me to give them a try. The first time I read a book aloud, I was hooked. It felt like coming back to theater. I could inhabit every character and tell the story in full. When I began narrating romance, something shifted. I had never really read romance before, and suddenly I was discovering how liberating and emotional it could be—stories where women’s pleasure isn’t treated like a secret but as a vital part of being human.

That realization became the spark for Zipless. I wanted to create a space where we could talk about desire, identity, and the stories that shape us without shame, but with honesty and curiosity. Producing the show draws on everything I’ve done, from acting and voiceover to my background as a producer, and it’s become this beautiful intersection of storytelling, collaboration, and empowerment.

What have you seen change in the romance space over the last few years and how does Zipless reflect the current state of the genre?

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in the romance space lately has been in how audiobooks are being produced. Listeners are increasingly drawn to duet and multicast narration, where each performer voices multiple characters, creating a more layered and immersive experience. We’re also seeing the rise of dramatized or “graphic” audiobooks that use full casts, sound effects, and music to create something that feels almost cinematic.

These immersive formats have really taken hold in the indie market, where authors and producers are experimenting more boldly even though they’re more complex and expensive to create. But beyond production, what’s even more remarkable is the sheer explosion of interest in romance as a whole. Every subgenre seems to have its moment, and the appetite for love stories just keeps growing.

With that surge in demand, I didn’t want Zipless to only focus on specific books alone. I wanted to go deeper and reflect what feels like a cultural shift, a kind of renaissance in how women read and connect. More and more people are embracing romance without shame, and I think that says something powerful about where we are right now. The show is really my way of exploring that curiosity, that hunger for connection, and the freedom to talk openly about pleasure, identity, and love.

Has your perspective on the romance space changed since starting your podcast? What new insights have you gleaned from your interviews?

What’s surprised me most since starting Zipless is how much deeper I’ve fallen in love with the romance world. Before Zipless, most of my connection to the genre came through the books I narrated. Hosting the show opened me up to an entire world of authors, stories, and narrators I might not have encountered otherwise, and the conversations that I’ve had on the show have been eye-opening in ways I didn’t expect.

Every author brings such intelligence and insight to their work. Talking with people like Sierra Simone, Evie Dunmore, and Sara Cate has shown me how layered romance can be, whether they’re unpacking purity culture, reclaiming desire, or exploring history and the roles women played in relationships and society.

I’ve also been surprised by my own reactions during certain episodes. I’m a really open person, but there have been moments on the show when I’ve felt my face flush or my heart race as I approached questions that felt extra personal, the kind of conversations you usually only have with close friends. That nervous energy reminded me that vulnerability is part of what makes Zipless work. It’s real, and it’s human.

What do you feel is the dance between authors and narrators? How do you approach a project and attempt to embody the author’s intent and desires?

I don’t always get the chance to collaborate directly with an author, but when I do, it’s one of my favorite parts of the job. It tends to happen more often with indie authors or when an author specifically requests me, and those conversations are always special. Being able to ask about their vision, what inspired the story, and how they see the characters gives me a deeper understanding of the world they’ve created. That exchange of ideas is where the dance begins.

Even when that connection isn’t possible, I still approach every project as a collaboration in spirit. My theater background really shaped that. When I was training for the role of Juliet, I had a coach who told me to honor every word because a writer chooses each one for a reason. I’ve carried that lesson into narration. The author builds the world, the tone, and the rhythm, and my job is to listen closely and find the emotional truth in their words.
It’s about getting to the heart of who these characters are and what they want. Sometimes that means paying attention not only to what they say, but to how others respond to them or what other characters say about them. Those details reveal so much. I read with an ear for the emotional arc, what drives each person, what stands in their way, and how they change by the end. And there’s always a little bit of ourselves that comes through in the performance, which I think is a good thing. That connection adds personality and authenticity. In some ways, we’re not playing someone else entirely; we’re exploring how a piece of ourselves might respond in their world. That’s what makes a story come alive.

What do you feel the accessibility to audiobooks has done for the romance space?

I think accessibility to audiobooks has changed not just romance, but reading in general. For so many people, audiobooks have opened up a world that might have otherwise been out of reach. I hear from listeners all the time who say they love a book I’ve narrated, and then mention that they can’t read easily because of vision issues, health reasons, or dyslexia. Audiobooks give them a way to still experience stories fully.

I also think audiobooks fit the reality of how most of us live right now. Not everyone has the time or quiet space to sit down and read, but you can listen while you’re driving, folding laundry, cooking dinner, or walking the dog. It makes books part of everyday life again.

And in romance especially, audiobooks add another layer of intimacy. When you’re hearing a story performed, it can feel personal, like someone whispering a secret just to you. Although, if it’s an extra spicy one, maybe double check your Bluetooth before it starts playing on the kitchen speaker.

What is one of your favorite books you’ve narrated?

I could never pick just one favorite. There are so many authors and stories that have stayed with me for different reasons. But a few stand out.

One that means a lot to me is Gravity by Sara Cate. I’ve narrated several of her books, and this one in particular was powerful. The main character, Zara, is working through grief and desire in ways that felt raw and reckless. The reality of Sara is that there’s always a deep emotional heart to every story she writes, and the spice levels are off the charts, which makes them really fun to play with. Sara’s writing is bold and emotionally fearless, and in many ways she’s shaped me as a narrator and even inspired some of the spirit behind Zipless. Watching her career take off has been such a joy.

Listen now: Amazon

Earlier this year, I had the honor of narrating In Your Dreams by Ginger Scott with Gideon Frost, who often collaborates with me on Zipless. The story felt delicate in the best way, almost like it revealed itself as we performed it. One of the supporting characters has Down syndrome, and bringing that to life with honesty and care was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The book itself feels cinematic, full of emotion and nostalgia, like a John Hughes film.

Listen now: Amazon

Every book is a chance to step into a new world, to learn something unexpected, and to find a piece of myself in someone else’s story. It’s such a privilege, and it’s so much fun.

What is one of your favorite audiobooks that someone else has narrated?

There are so many audiobooks I’ve loved, but for one to become a true favorite, it has to hit on every level. I have to love the story, be moved by the performances, and walk away still thinking about it afterward. When that all comes together, it’s magic. The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann is one of those rare listens for me.

Listen now: Amazon

Jennifer has this uncanny ability to rip your heart out, stomp on it, and somehow piece it back together again. The story is deeply emotional and beautifully layered, and it takes exceptional narration to match that kind of intensity. Neill Thorne and Stefanie Kay did exactly that. Both are incredible on their own, but together they created something unforgettable.

And I’m clearly not the only one who felt that way. The Wrong Heart was nominated for an Audie Award in the romance category, which is such an achievement, especially as the only indie book among traditionally published titles that year.

What are some of your favorite bookish podcasts? Are there any that helped inspire Zipless?

Honestly, I don’t have a lot of spare time to listen to podcasts. My days are full between parenting, prepping and narrating audiobooks, producing and hosting Zipless, and handling all the behind-the-scenes work that comes with running a small business. That said, when I can listen, a couple of podcasts stand out.

One is Fated Mates, co-hosted by romance author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop. They explore romance novels with a mix of analysis, humor, and deep appreciation for the genre and its cultural impact.

Another is She Wore Black, hosted by Agatha Andrews, which focuses on gothic, mystery, and horror books and the authors who write them. It isn’t strictly romance-focused, but I love the author interview format and how it celebrates niche storytelling.

I actually found both of these shows after I started Zipless. To be honest, I hadn’t listened to many podcasts, if any at all, before co-creating it.

What inspired Zipless was less about other shows and more about watching women step into their power, claiming what they want and exploring every side of love and desire through the pages of romance books. It’s about curiosity, courage, and the freedom to embrace all of it.

In a crowded podcast marketplace, what would you suggest to someone interested in starting their own and exploring a niche within a niche the way you have?

There’s no denying that podcasts are everywhere right now. Between streaming, social media, and audiobooks, there’s more content than ever competing for our attention. That’s why, if you’re thinking about starting a podcast, it has to come from genuine love for the subject. You can’t do it for download numbers or money. You have to do it because you care deeply about what you’re creating and have fun doing it.

When Zipless first started, my series producer, Jill Ruby, who’s incredibly talented and multi-award-winning, gave me the best advice: there’s no formula for success. You can have an amazing show and still not find an audience, so the focus should always be on connection and the content of the show rather than chasing dollar signs. She also told me to give it at least six episodes before judging how it’s going, and she compares podcasting to making pancakes. The first few pancakes are rarely perfect, but you keep going and eventually have a nice stack of cakes.

Which episodes of Zipless should new listeners start with?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any episode of Zipless. Every guest is handpicked for a reason, and each conversation brings something different, whether it’s brave, funny, emotional, thought-provoking, or a little bit provocative.

If you want to get a real feel for the show, I’d start with a few of our spicier episodes. Episode 1: Strong, Sexy and… Submissive? An Interview with Sara Cate celebrates women’s desires and the courage it takes to explore what society labels taboo. Episode 3: Fantasies and F-Bombs: Breaking the Rules with Sierra Simone dives into how religion, shame, and desire intersect, and why exploring taboo can be both healing and empowering. Both episodes are bold, thoughtful, and just the right amount of wild.
For something with a little less spice but just as much insight, Episode 2: Dirty Words and Daring Women: Exploring Historical Romance with Evie Dunmore looks at how women have reclaimed the language of love and independence. Episode 12: The Language of Romance with Jayne Ann Krentz is another favorite. She shares why romance continues to resonate with readers and what makes these stories timeless. It’s a master class on writing, too.

And if you want to hear us out in the wild, Episode 5: The Ripped Bodice Live Show was recorded in front of a live audience at the iconic NYC bookstore The Ripped Bodice. It’s a fun, behind-the-scenes look at the art of romance narration, with plenty of laughs and audience participation.

As of October’s episode drop, we have 14 episodes out, each with its own flavor. My best advice is to scroll through the list of authors and themes and start with whatever sparks your curiosity. There’s truly something for everyone.

What’s your favorite fall reading environment?

I’m usually flying from one task to the next, so most of my reading happens wherever I can grab a few quiet minutes. But if I could slow down and create my ideal fall reading setup, it would be in front of a fireplace with soft classical music in the background, a cozy blanket, and a mug of tea or hot cocoa in hand. That’s the dream. Ask me again in December, and I might just have made it happen.

Can you offer a teaser for upcoming episodes of Zipless?

Our next episode drops November 4, and it’s all about rock star romance with author Kate Golden. Her book If Not For My Baby captures the thrill of a love that begins in secret, before the world even knows it exists. We talk about that quiet, sacred space where two people fall for each other behind the scenes, and what happens when that love finally steps into the light. We also explore the tug-of-war between caretaking and chasing your own dreams, and the courage it takes to put yourself first when you’re used to taking care of everyone else. It’s tender, flirty, and full of those emotional crescendos that make romance stories so addictive.

Then, for the holidays, we’re bringing some major festive heat. In December, we’ll be joined by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy to talk about their Christmas Notch series, which is equal parts spice and heart. The stories take some unexpected turns, think small town meets the adult film world, and spark conversations about what really makes Christmas Christmas. We’ll also chat about their upcoming release, The Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl. And with Sierra and Julie, you never quite know where the conversation will go, so hold your horses and get ready for some fun.