Fifty Shades Darker 10th Anniversary Edition (Fifty Shades of Grey Series, 2) Cover
Podcast Mentions

Fifty Shades Darker 10th Anniversary Edition (Fifty Shades of Grey Series, 2)

E L James

Now a Special Edition Hardcover Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

Podcasts 21
Quotes 54
The Daily

Podcast

The Daily

The host recalled the husband describing the AI chats as being "like 50 shades of gray," referencing the wellknown novel.

"

He responded with a cringe emoji and was like, cringe, it's like 50 shades of gray.

— Episode: She Fell in Love With ChatGPT: An Update

Episode: She Fell in Love With ChatGPT: An Update

The host recalled the husband describing the AI chats as being "like 50 shades of gray," referencing the wellknown novel.

"

He responded with a cringe emoji and was like, cringe, it's like 50 shades of gray.

The Joe Rogan Experience

It was mentioned as being a book that was considered to be less hardcore than other similar books.

"

Dude, Shades of Grey.

— Episode: #2157 - Duncan Trussell

Episode: #2157 - Duncan Trussell

It was mentioned as being a book that was considered to be less hardcore than other similar books.

"

Dude, Shades of Grey.

Don't you remember those days?

Dude, this makes 50 Shades of Grey look like Dr. Seuss.

Dude, let me, can I give you like one of her books?

And by the way, now she's like got a stack of these fucking things.

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

It was mentioned by a librarian who was asked to recommend similar books to it, and she described it as 'total garbage'.

"

I think Fifty Shades of Grey is total garbage.

— Episode: MFM Minisode 155

Episode: MFM Minisode 155

It was mentioned by a librarian who was asked to recommend similar books to it, and she described it as 'total garbage'.

"

I think Fifty Shades of Grey is total garbage.

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Conan and Maya discussed the book and Conan mentioned reading it aloud, which he believes would eliminate any sexual tension due to his voice.

"

When I read Fifty Shades of Grey out loud and talk about the various plugs that were put in the butt and stuff like that.

— Episode: Maya Rudolph

Episode: Maya Rudolph

Conan and Maya discussed the book and Conan mentioned reading it aloud, which he believes would eliminate any sexual tension due to his voice.

"

When I read Fifty Shades of Grey out loud and talk about the various plugs that were put in the butt and stuff like that.

Oh, come on.

Yeah.

It just becomes the least erotic experience anybody's ever had.

And then it's still like this forbidden. He's now it's time for you to put on the leather chaps and descend into the pit. And I'm going to take this rubber pickle and I'm going to like, no!

Rotten Mango

The host compared an older French erotic novel to Fifty Shades of Grey, noting that the former was much older and not the same as the popular modern book.

"

was back in the day this was kind of like I wouldn't say it's as old as a hundred and twenty days of Sodom but it's like a older book it's not like a Fifty Shades of Grey book it's a much older book

— Episode: #23- The Girl In The Box

Episode: #23- The Girl In The Box

The host compared an older French erotic novel to Fifty Shades of Grey, noting that the former was much older and not the same as the popular modern book.

"

was back in the day this was kind of like I wouldn't say it's as old as a hundred and twenty days of Sodom but it's like a older book it's not like a Fifty Shades of Grey book it's a much older book

Today, Explained

It was mentioned as a point of comparison, describing AI companions as being tailormade to an individual's tastes much like the novel's personalized romance style.

"

Some people sort of view their AI companions as almost like a personalized interactive romance novel. As one of my sources makes the comparison, like Fifty Shades of Grey, it's just tailored exactly t...

— Episode: I fell in love with my AI

Episode: I fell in love with my AI

It was mentioned as a point of comparison, describing AI companions as being tailormade to an individual's tastes much like the novel's personalized romance style.

"

Some people sort of view their AI companions as almost like a personalized interactive romance novel. As one of my sources makes the comparison, like Fifty Shades of Grey, it's just tailored exactly to her tastes.

The Dan Le Batard Show

The title was repeatedly read aloud for its graphic erotic passages, which the hosts used as a comedic device and to highlight how uncomfortable the content was on air. Various hosts quoted explicit scenes and joked about the suitability of reading such material, but they did not endorse the book as a recommendation.

Episode: Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7

The book was quoted multiple times, with explicit passages read aloud describing intimate scenes. The hosts described various explicit actions and dialogue from the novel.

"

Sitting beside me, he gently pulled my sweatpants down, up and down like a horse drawers.

He flexes his hips, so his **** pushes against me. Yes, right there. He runs his teeth along my shin. He's back. Then he slides into me again. So slow, so sweet, so tender.

He pruts his nipple clamps. He pruts his nipple clamps. He pruts his nipple clamps. He's a sexual mentor. My mouth is already open from panting. I open wider and he slides a large cool metal object between my... Shaped like an oversized baby pacifier.

Episode: Big Suey: Some Guy Named Warde

The hosts read a graphic passage from the novel, describing explicit sexual actions, and discussed its suitability for onair reading.

"

Poppy reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Grey, page 78.

Christian trails a spoonful of ice cream down the center of my body, across my stomach and into my navel. He kisses each of my breast and the finish of my nipples hard. Then follows the line of ice cream down my body, and licking as he goes. This way, he murmurs, and abruptly, he's ***ing me.

He leans over, releases my hands, and pulls me upright so I'm practically sitting on him. He nuzzles my neck, biting down, and he flexes his hips, deliciously, slowly, ***ing again and again.

He smiles against my neck, and his fingers curl around my jaw and throw, holding me fast for a moment.

Episode: Local Hour: The Miami-Alabama Debate

The hosts repeatedly referenced reading passages from the erotic novel, noting how uncomfortable it made Dan and joking about its content.

"

And I totally forgot about when we had Boppy read passages from Fifty Shades of Gray.

And now, Boppy reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Gray, page 121.

And now, Boppy reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Gray, page 75.

And now, Boppy reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Gray, page 437.

I don't think you guys had the ability ... to make me long for my father talking about Fifty Shades of Grey, but you managed it.

Episode: Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 6

Hosts read explicit passages from the novel, describing a sensual encounter in vivid detail.

"

And we have... reading from Fifty Shades of Grey, page 343. I groan and run my fingernails across his neck. I sit down unto him, reveling in the fullness of my possession, washing his unravel beneath me. I feel like a goddess. Anna, touch me, please. I lean forward and steady myself with my hands on his chest. I strip off my clothes and quickly clamber into the shower, anxious to be under the cleansing stream of water.

Papi reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Grey. Page 69. I groan and run my fingernails across his neck. I sit down unto him, reveling in the fullness of my possession, washing his unravel beneath me. I feel like a goddess. Anna, touch me, please. I lean forward and steady myself with my hands on his chest. I strip off my clothes and quickly clamber into the shower, anxious to be under the cleansing stream of water.

The Toast

Podcast

The Toast

In multiple episodes, the hosts referenced the title, with Justin joking that it was "Fifty Shades of Grey, but for gay." They also noted the upcoming release of a spin‑off novel told from the male protagonist’s perspective, and compared its massive fan base to that of Twilight while criticizing the lack of chemistry in the film adaptation. The overall tone was light‑hearted and observational rather than a strong endorsement.

Episode: S4 Ep42: The Firm: Tuesday, March 9th, 2021

They announced the finalFifty Shades of Greynovel told from Christian Gray's perspective would be released on June1st.

"

the final 50 shades of gray novel as told by christian gray is coming soon freed 50 shades freed as told by christian the third and final book in el james's bdsm themed trilogy that serves as a spin-off series for her 50 shades of gray trilogy now has a release date june 1st.

Episode: S3 Ep143: Good Old Fashioned Toast: Wednesday, Sep...

They compared the book's massive following to Twilight's and noted the lack of chemistry in its film adaptation.

"

And I think about a lot of the movies that are very similar to Twilight that don't have that same it factor because of those reasons. 100%. And the one that really comes to mind is Fifty Shades of Grey. Because in like the tabloids and stuff, like Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan like fucking hate each other. ... The Fifty Shades book had the similar following to Twilight.

Episode: Wrapping Up with Justin Sylvester: Wednesday Decem...

A speaker jokingly referenced the novel when describing a gayoriented romance book.

"

Fifty Shades of Grey, but for gay.

The Viall Files

The hosts joked that someone mistakenly thought the character Dorian Gray came from Fifty Shades of Grey because of the actor's name, clarifying it actually belongs to an Oscar Wilde novel.

"

I love how he thought Dorian Gray was from Fifty Shades of Grey because the actor's name is Dorian, but the character is Christian Gray.

— Episode: E1045 - Mormon Wives Reunion, Witney Car...

Episode: E1045 - Mormon Wives Reunion, Witney Carson & Cars...

The hosts joked that someone mistakenly thought the character Dorian Gray came from Fifty Shades of Grey because of the actor's name, clarifying it actually belongs to an Oscar Wilde novel.

"

I love how he thought Dorian Gray was from Fifty Shades of Grey because the actor's name is Dorian, but the character is Christian Gray.

Call Her Daddy

The book was mentioned as an example of how personal stories and experiences vary, suggesting that one person's difficult situation might seem extreme when compared to another's.

"

It's Fifty Shades of Grey. I don't know. Everyone listening is has their own story and their own version.

— Episode: Bethenny Frankel: Hustling, Housewives,...

Episode: Bethenny Frankel: Hustling, Housewives, & Online H...

The book was mentioned as an example of how personal stories and experiences vary, suggesting that one person's difficult situation might seem extreme when compared to another's.

"

It's Fifty Shades of Grey. I don't know. Everyone listening is has their own story and their own version.

StarTalk Radio

It was used as an example of a book with characters and a story, which were the necessary elements of a story, though it was said that this would not be enough to guarantee a best-seller.

"

Are there characters in Fifty Shades of Grey? Yes.

— Episode: The Power of Storytelling, with Salman R...

Episode: The Power of Storytelling, with Salman Rushdie

It was used as an example of a book with characters and a story, which were the necessary elements of a story, though it was said that this would not be enough to guarantee a best-seller.

"

Are there characters in Fifty Shades of Grey? Yes.

Serialously with Annie Elise

The host mentioned the novel as an example of a book that listeners might enjoy, linking it to a recommended reading app.

"

If you read Fifty Shades of Grey, Beach Read, or The Spanish Love Deception, I have the perfect app for you.

— Episode: 179: Social Media Influencer Turned Cult...

Episode: 179: Social Media Influencer Turned Cult Leader &...

The host mentioned the novel as an example of a book that listeners might enjoy, linking it to a recommended reading app.

"

If you read Fifty Shades of Grey, Beach Read, or The Spanish Love Deception, I have the perfect app for you.

How Did This Get Made?

The second book in the series was mentioned as a sequel to the first book.

"

I even bought the sequel to the book and I'm super excited for Fifty Shades Darker to come out in theaters.

— Episode: Fifty Shades of Grey LIVE! (w/ Jessica S...

Episode: Fifty Shades of Grey LIVE! (w/ Jessica St. Clair)

The second book in the series was mentioned as a sequel to the first book.

"

I even bought the sequel to the book and I'm super excited for Fifty Shades Darker to come out in theaters.

I think so I don't know because we haven't seen I guess we'll find out tomorrow night

The Dan Patrick Show

Dan referenced the author of Fifty Shades of Grey while discussing gift ideas, using the popular novel as an example.

"

If your wife likes something like that you know the author of 50 shades of gray I probably get my night my wife like the Friday Night Lights book autographed by Buzz Bissinger.

— Episode: Hour 1 - Simple Court-Storming Solution,...

Episode: Hour 1 - Simple Court-Storming Solution, Pistons H...

Dan referenced the author of Fifty Shades of Grey while discussing gift ideas, using the popular novel as an example.

"

If your wife likes something like that you know the author of 50 shades of gray I probably get my night my wife like the Friday Night Lights book autographed by Buzz Bissinger.

We're Here to Help

The title was brought up as an example of a romance novel that includes explicit sexual content, but where the sex is not the central focus, serving as a contrast to the caller's own work. The hosts used it to illustrate the distinction between plot-driven romance and purely erotic material.

Episode: 40: Parental Guidance with Eduardo Franco

It was mentioned as an example of a romance novel that also features explicit sexual content, contrasting it with the caller's book, which has a similar theme but is not solely focused on sex.

"

Oh, yeah. Where do we live in, Alice? Yeah. I don't know if we're quite... I mean, we're not quite there. Like, there's sex in it, but sex is not the point of the novel.

The Bobby Bones Show

The podcast mentioned that the Fifty Shades trilogy was originally written as fan fiction of the Twilight book series. This fact was discussed during the Elder vs. Millennial segment of the show.

"

The Fifty Shades novel trilogy was originally written as a fan fiction work of what other book series?

— Episode: (Thurs Full Show) Lunchbox Gets Another...

Episode: (Thurs Full Show) Lunchbox Gets Another Chance To...

The podcast mentioned that the Fifty Shades trilogy was originally written as fan fiction of the Twilight book series. This fact was discussed during the Elder vs. Millennial segment of the show.

"

The Fifty Shades novel trilogy was originally written as a fan fiction work of what other book series?

Twilight. Correct.

It's fan fiction. That's crazy, huh?

Episode: Wednesday Post Show (3-6-24)

The book was referenced in a joke about the phrase "Chamber of Commerce" sounding like something from the book. The comedian found it humorous that people laughed at this unexpected comparison.

"

Chamber of Commerce sounds like something from that Fifty Shades of Grey book.

Chamber of Commerce sounds like something from that Fifty Shades of Grey book.

Episode: (Tues Early Bird) Amy Snapped On Her Kids + How Ab...

Bobby Bones mentioned having read this book. He also mentioned a music video that was shot for this book.

"

He shades of gray you read that one

Yeah, cuz we shot a music video. I did reach his grave. Yeah, I Think you had I never saw the movie. No. Yeah, maybe I think

Lovett or Leave It

The hosts referenced the title several times, first joking about its inclusion in a comedy book club and listing it alongside its companions. Later it was used as a comparison for an odd phrase, and finally suggested as a punitive read for a racist incident. Across the episodes the book was treated more as a cultural punchline than a serious recommendation.

Episode: Stairway to Kevin

It was mentioned briefly in the context of Zach Noe Tower's prediction that he might become a father in 2023, using the phrase 'coaxing a load' which was compared to the book.

"

Coaxing a load is not a phrase I've ever heard before. It's horrible. It's evocative.

Episode: Oklahoma, OK!

It was mentioned as a book that someone should not be allowed to reread as punishment for a racist act, showing that the podcast hosts felt strongly about the offense.

"

Maybe she can't access cooking videos on Instagram. Yeah, absolutely. I think we need something right like next. She's never allowed to reread the Fifty Shades of Grey books.

Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

The hosts joked that the 2018 Comedy Book Club featured Jane Fonda reading the erotic trilogy, naming the three titles in a rapid list.

"

It's 50 Shades of Grey, 50 Shades Darker and 50 Shades Free.

This Is Actually Happening

The book was mentioned when the guest described how she first encountered it through her mother’s reading and then borrowed it herself, noting that it introduced her to ideas of punishment and pain that she found appealing in relation to her own feelings of inadequacy. Both episodes highlighted how these themes resonated with her experiences of perfectionism and self‑disgust, framing the book as a personal influence rather than a recommendation.

Episode: 167: What if you had a fetish for disgust?

The book was read by the guest's mother; the guest subsequently borrowed and read it, and it introduced her to the ideas of punishment and pain in a sexual context, which she found attractive. She related this to her own feelings of inadequacy and the desire for external control.

"

My mom was reading Fifty Shades of Grey and whenever she wasn't home, I would steal the books and read as much as I possibly could. That kind of introduced to me the idea of punishment and pain, which I also found attractive because I liked the idea of if I wasn't acting in this ideal way that somebody wanted me to be, that that could be fixed with physical punishment rather than just feeling disgusted with myself or just, like, internalizing those feelings of not being good enough.

Happily Never After: Dan and Nancy

In the episode, the hosts highlighted the book as an illustration of how a work can start as an obscure fan‑fiction e‑book and grow into a massive novel and film franchise, showing alternative paths for authors to reach readers. They noted its early‑2010s popularity, the staggering sales figures—over five million copies per month and nearly $200,000 a day—and its impact on publishing. The discussion was factual and used the title as a case study rather than a personal recommendation.

Episode: How To Murder Your Husband | 3

The book was originally published as an e-book and became a major novel and movie franchise, proving that there was more than one way for authors to find their audience.

"

This was in the early 2010s, the heyday of Fifty Shades of Grey.

But what became a huge novel and movie franchise began as an obscure e-book on a fan fiction site.

At one point, its author was selling over 5 million books each month, making nearly $200,000 a day.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.