Genre Blender

Kris and Rian talk about one of gaming’s most beloved formats: open-world games. What makes them so immersive? Why do they often feel overwhelming? And why is it that sometimes the best thing a game can do is gently pretend it's not telling you what to do? It's a big conversation with plenty of opinions, and a healthy dose of Bethesda jank appreciation. Plus: our Read Watch Play lists, Coming Right Up, and Backlog Roulette.💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.net0:00 Intro and episode overview1:45 Read Watch Play8:34 What we’ve been playing16:05 Main Topic: Storytelling in open world-games16:39 Defining open-world games22:49 Our favourite open-world games34:00 What we love: immersion & escapism36:27 Creating your own stories41:41 Exploration & freedom of choice43:41 The downsides: overwhelm & quest fatigue57:35 The Witcher problem and Bethesda jankiness56:54 Non-linear vs. linear storytelling1:08:07 Games we’re looking forward to1:15:37 Coming Right Up1:19:11 Backlog Roulette1:24:46 OutroBooks: Demon Star https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c7d399fd-543d-4ee9-9348-7a7ab2dc2c55Together is a Distant Star https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/619b8744-6298-4845-9a16-9d689e74ac45 Contact https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc4440f5-4b50-4c83-b45a-db313713bc01Film/TV:On Swift Horses https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1092506-on-swift-horses?language=en-AUCompanion https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1084199-companionSix Feet Under https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1274-six-feet-under Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Games:The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion https://store.steampowered.com/app/900883/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV_Oblivion_Game_of_the_Year_Edition_Deluxe_2009/Bully https://store.steampowered.com/app/12200/Bully_Scholarship_Edition/Fallout 4 https://store.steampowered.com/app/377160/Fallout_4/L.A. Noire https://store.steampowered.com/app/110800/LA_Noire/Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey https://store.steampowered.com/app/812140/Assassins_Creed_Odyssey/Yakuza 0 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2988580/Yakuza_0_Directors_Cut/Cyberpunk 2077 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1091500/Cyberpunk_2077/Ghost of Tsushima https://store.steampowered.com/app/2215430/Ghost_of_Tsushima_DIRECTORS_CUT/Starfield https://store.steampowered.com/app/1716740/Starfield/Mass Effect Legendary Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328670/Mass_Effect_Legendary_Edition/Fable https://store.steampowered.com/app/2769570/Fable/Kingdoms of Amalur https://store.steampowered.com/app/102500/Kingdoms_of_Amalur_Reckoning/ Breath of the Wild https://www.nintendo.com/au/games/nintendo-switch/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild/?srsltid=AfmBOopFMbSarCY0gJA8y94fQuqZlCx4vjAK2CHi6ukMCArk1P2lPnETDinkum https://store.steampowered.com/app/1062520/Dinkum/Windrose https://store.steampowered.com/app/3041230/Windrose/Traveller’s Rest https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139980/Travellers_Rest/Saint’s Row https://store.steampowered.com/app/742420/Saints_Row/Crimson Desert https://store.steampowered.com/app/3321460/Crimson_Desert/ Dragon’s Dogma 2 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2054970/Dragons_Dogma_2/Return to Moria https://store.steampowered.com/app/2933130/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Return_to_Moria/My Time at Sandrock https://store.steampowered.com/app/1084600/My_Time_at_Sandrock/Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/ Rise of the Tomb Raider https://store.steampowered.com/app/391220/Rise_of_the_Tomb_Raider/ Ananta https://www.anantagame.comNeverness to Everness https://nte.perfectworld.com/en/Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced https://store.steampowered.com/app/3751950/Assassins_Creed_Black_Flag_Resynced/Star Wars: Outlaws https://store.steampowered.com/app/2842040/Star_Wars_Outlaws/🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube📸 Instagram🦋 BlueSky⁠🌐 Website

💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netKris and Rian are back with a packed episode after a hectic few weeks.This month, we deep dive into the topic of re-reading: why we do it (or don’t), what we gain from returning to a book years later as a different person, and whether there’s still value in rereading when an AI can just summarise it for you.We also have a full-to-the-brim Read Watch Play segment, share what we’re excited about in Coming Right Up, and spill the beans on what we thought of the Wheels of Chaos video game picks we made for each other from a couple of months back (it’s a wonder we’re still friends after that!). And, of course, we have some new Backlog Roulette spins for the coming month.So strap in, people. This one’s a rollercoaster ride between serious and silly.0:00 Intro4:00 Read Watch Play34:20 Re-reading (main topic)1:07:16 Coming Right Up1:10:57 Backlog Roulette (& Wheels of Chaos)1:15:59 Where to find usMentioned in this episode:Dreams of the Dying https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/437b0c11-9b2c-4c59-9827-4049b1184bf5The Dead Zone https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4cfb63a-2477-479e-99ea-e1003ce107d5Vile Lady Villains https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1428054a-07af-4064-aeeb-a174c8174833Mother Mary - https://letterboxd.com/film/mother-mary-2026/The Silence of the Lambs - https://letterboxd.com/film/the-silence-of-the-lambs/Hannibal - https://letterboxd.com/film/hannibal/ Deliver Me from Nowhere - https://letterboxd.com/film/springsteen-deliver-me-from-nowhere/A Big Bold Beautiful Journey - https://letterboxd.com/film/a-big-bold-beautiful-journey/ Suffragette - https://letterboxd.com/film/suffragette/Mary Queen of Scots - https://letterboxd.com/film/mary-queen-of-scots-2018/The Friend - https://letterboxd.com/film/the-friend-2024/The Bikeriders https://letterboxd.com/film/the-bikeriders/Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter https://store.steampowered.com/app/3375780/Trails_in_the_Sky_1st_Chapter/Late Shift https://store.steampowered.com/app/584980/Late_Shift/Minishoot’ Adventures https://store.steampowered.com/app/1634860/Minishoot_Adventures/Slay the Spire https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/I Was a Teenage Exocolonist https://store.steampowered.com/app/1148760/I_Was_a_Teenage_Exocolonist/The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449690/The_Walking_Dead_The_Telltale_Definitive_Series/ Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/Neopets: Mega Mini Games Collection – The Neopian Arcade Odyssey https://store.steampowered.com/app/4244160/Neopets__Mega_Mini_Games_Collection__The_Neopian_Arcade_Odyssey/I Am Future https://store.steampowered.com/app/1658040/I_Am_Future_Cozy_Apocalypse_Survival/Starfield https://store.steampowered.com/app/1716740/Starfield/🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast🦋 BlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.net🌐 Website - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netWe're back! After a month off, Kris and Rian return to talk about why handheld gaming is having such a major moment right now. From the Steam Deck to the Switch 2, from retro emulation handhelds to PC gaming on-the-go, we explore what makes portable gaming so compelling in 2026. And, as always, we cover our Read Watch Play for the month, which was surprisingly jam-packed.Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:46 - Read Watch Play36:23 - Topic: Handheld Gaming58:42 - Coming Right Up1:04:29 - Backlog Roulette1:07:05 - Wrap Up and LinksRead: Necessary Fiction https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4443d9a7-010b-45b3-aaa7-bf31c4a26c98 Bone of my Bone https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e5fd67ae-67d6-4817-964f-0a07c5b998e7 Contact https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc4440f5-4b50-4c83-b45a-db313713bc01The Call of the Wild https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/42ab7a3e-6bd3-4c83-8325-8fae765c3df4Babel https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c2245d9c-2042-4c9b-8f00-c37253576fc0Watch: Heated Rivalry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/301507-heated-rivalry?language=en-AU The Beauty https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/273160-the-beauty?language=en-AU Six Feet Under https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1274-six-feet-under?language=en-AU  The Bikeriders https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1008409-the-bikeriders?language=en-AUThe Silence of the Lambs https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/274-the-silence-of-the-lambs?language=en-AU Dexter: New Blood https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/131927-dexter-new-bloodDexter: Resurrection https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/259909-dexter-resurrectionPluribus https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/225171-pluribusPlay: Dredge https://store.steampowered.com/app/1562430/DREDGE/  Windrose https://store.steampowered.com/app/3041230/Windrose/ Crimson Desert https://store.steampowered.com/app/3321460/Crimson_Desert/ Persona 5 Royal https://store.steampowered.com/app/1687950/Persona_5_Royal/On-Together https://store.steampowered.com/app/3707400/OnTogether_Virtual_CoWorking/Pokemon Pokopia https://pokopia.pokemon.com/en-us/Replaced (demo) https://store.steampowered.com/app/1663850/REPLACED/Why are all gaming handhelds huge now? - Brendon Bigley from Wavelengths (video) https://youtu.be/Pgd-5tBzZy8?si=ijawo2k0Zun7yUBU🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast🦋 BlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.net🌐 Website - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netAt least one of your favourite podcast hosts has been keeping a consistent writing schedule, so in this episode we share our writing habits and routines, current projects, writing environments, and tips and tricks to stay motivated and make real progress towards our creative writing goals.Of course, it wouldn’t be Genre Blender without our usual segments: Read Watch Play (featuring everything from Speak No Evil to The Handmaid’s Tale), Coming Right Up for what we’re excited for in the coming months, and the introduction of the brand-new Wheels of Chaos for our Backlog Roulette segment!Curious about what we’ve forced each other to read, watch, or play this time? Tune in to find out!Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:38 Read Watch Play31:27 The Writer's Desk56:37 Coming Right Up1:01:05 Backlog Roulette1:09:29 Where to find usBooks:Notes of a Native Son https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8b80b768-acab-4970-9379-aa59d3bc255fLuminous https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1f7bb53e-da74-4298-bb7a-d52eb3f5d40eThe Handmaid’s Tale https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/623a7568-a386-4f4f-acca-86f32897e064Iron Widow https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8f403954-2950-4903-bdc3-cecb460279e2 Cephrael’s Hand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/49b43f0a-24c2-4890-924a-25a32a16c455  Dune https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1ee3f05f-17bd-4cc1-bc6b-af353b97698a Bone of my Bone https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e5fd67ae-67d6-4817-964f-0a07c5b998e7 Pillion https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1287141-pillion?language=en-AU The Beauty https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/273160-the-beauty?language=en-AU Movies/TV:Stranger Things https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/66732-stranger-thingsStar Trek: Discovery https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/67198-star-trek-discoveryBlack Mirror https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/42009-black-mirrorPrincess Mononoke https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/128Apocalypse Now https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/28-apocalypse-nowHeartstopper https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/124834-heartstopper?language=en-AU Speak No Evil https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1114513-speak-no-evil?language=en-AU 28 Days Later https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/170-28-days-later?language=en-AUGames:LEGO: Voyagers https://store.steampowered.com/app/1538550/LEGO_Voyagers/Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/Saint’s Row https://store.steampowered.com/app/742420/Saints_Row/I Am Future https://store.steampowered.com/app/1658040/I_Am_Future_Cozy_Apocalypse_Survival/DREDGE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1562430/DREDGE/🔎 Where to find usYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastBlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.netWebsite - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

Join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netSign up for more free content on our website: https://www.genreblender.netIn this special start-of-the-year episode, Kris and Rian deep-dive into their personal and creative themes, goals, and projects for 2026. They also cover a few big news items that happened over the last month, and discuss the books, movies, TV shows, and games that have captured their attention and hearts throughout December (ahem… let it be known there was absolutely no cramming to fit everything in before the year closed out). Kris surprises Rian by adding a little danger to Backlog Roulette, and the pair announce their buddy read for the first quarter of 2026.How about you? We’d love to hear your themes, goals, or projects for 2026! Feel free to share them in the comments below.We wish you all a happy and safe New Year!0:00 Intro2:10 The Newsstand8:48 Read Watch Play17:46 Main Topic: Themes, Goals and Projects for 202651:49 Backlog Roulette55:35 Coming Right Up (buddy reads pick for Q1)57:25 Connect with usRead: Wuthering Heights https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a72b94aa-4d4a-47dd-841b-583036ae006dYou've Lost a Lot of Blood https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/0076165b-dba2-49a6-8e15-2618bba670fb Run Like Hell https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/76f65c1f-c464-4153-8bec-65e27d2cb8c4Level Apocalypse https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97df550b-5bf8-471b-9312-7c713d40479b The Only Good Indians https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/79437676-42a1-4936-86ac-b885a7f33ac9The Long Walk https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/65a4aeef-9821-48ef-914a-79fb8646ab83This Skin Was Once Mine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe204dee-e161-4a95-832b-e4fae34a49e9Watch:The Grand Budapest Hotel https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/120467-the-grand-budapest-hotelAll’s Fair https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/258742-all-s-fairHeated Rivalry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/301507-heated-rivalryThe Abandons https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/223300-the-abandons?language=en-AUPlay:Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/Metroid Prime 4: Beyond https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/metroid-prime-4-beyond-nintendo-switch-2-edition.htmlSkate Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/1263240/Skate_Story/Dispatch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/Terminator 2D: NO FATE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718460/Terminator_2D_NO_FATE/Genre Blender on the web:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastTikTok - http://tiktok.com/@genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblender.netFollow Kris and Rian:Kris on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistKris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Kris on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialRian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rlfloydRian on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com

A wolf-PACKED episode to celebrate the launch of Kris’s debut novel ALPHA with a spoiler-free interview with the author himself about writing, world-building, and the journey to becoming a published author. We also sift through a ton of gaming news to discuss a few of the biggest stories. Plus our Read Watch Play lists, what’s Coming Right Up, and the spin wheels are back for Backlog Roulette.ALPHA (The Alpha Cycle, Book 1) Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLW6XHSB?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D1QGKKV46QJDT7D29R05ALPHA (The Alpha Cycle, Book 1) by K. D. Marchesi on The Storygraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5a22ee4f-eb80-49fa-9064-692b2b0fcf87Join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netSign up for more free content on our website: https://www.genreblender.netChapters:00:00 Intro02:20 The Newsstand14:19 Read Watch Play34:37 Guest Spot: Interview with K. D. Marchesi1:02:52: Coming Right Up1:08:57 Backlog Roulette1:11:42 Find us onlineNews:Valve’s Steam Machine https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steammachineValve’s Steam Frame https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamframeValve’s Steam Controller https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamcontrollerBioWare’s N7 Day blog post https://blog.bioware.com/2025/11/07/n7-day-2025/Zoopunk https://www.tigames.com/zoopunkAlanah Pearce’s video about The Game Awards drama https://youtu.be/AYFAlImQR74?si=kRsqmLGbUSr3GBl-Books:Automatic Noodle https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4932a31d-9ece-44a3-a9bf-0b0735976cedCity of Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4754905a-5f8a-491c-803a-bf315929c95fScorched Grace https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4f3b1723-8342-4c9f-b1a6-4806b59791aeLabyrinth's Heart https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/137d7922-09ae-418f-b844-12275db3d939Triple Sec https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f01fa561-3254-483f-96e0-ee0565323b30 Level Apocalypse https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97df550b-5bf8-471b-9312-7c713d40479bCity of Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4754905a-5f8a-491c-803a-bf315929c95f   TV/Movies:Wayward https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/255859-waywardNow You See Me: Now You Don’t https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/425274-now-you-see-me-now-you-don-t Red, White & Royal Blue https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/930094-red-white-royal-blue IT: Welcome to Derry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/200875-it-welcome-to-derry All’s Fair https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/258742-all-s-fair Bring Her Back https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1151031-bring-her-backGames:Bloomtown: A Different Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/2445990/Bloomtown_A_Different_Story/ Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/ Inn Tycoon https://store.steampowered.com/app/2749000/Inn_Tycoon/ ARC Raiders https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/Terminator 2D: NO FATE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718460/Terminator_2D_NO_FATE/Kingdoms of the Dump https://store.steampowered.com/app/2159270/Kingdoms_of_the_Dump/Other Links:Developmental Editor: Olivia HoferGenre Blender on the web:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastTikTok - http://tiktok.com/@genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblender.netFollow Kris and Rian:Kris on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistKris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Kris on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialRian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rlfloydRian on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com

Be one of the first to join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netSign up for more free content on our website: https://www.genreblender.netThe Genre Blender podcast has a new format, and Kris and Rian are excited to tell you all about it. The duo share their Read-Watch-Play updates and discuss some news after a hectic month. Stick around to the very end to see a brand new segment that should be as useful as it is entertaining.00:00 Intro to new format02:13 Updates07:09 Read Watch Play38:48 The Newsstand1:00:07 Backlog Roulette1:14:21 Outro and linksWe’re Evolving! Upcoming Changes for Genre Blender - https://www.genreblender.net/were-evolving-upcoming-changes-for-genre-blender/A Head Full of Ghosts https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2a55e7e5-8eaf-478e-82cf-62f717654fb1This Skin Was Once Mine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe204dee-e161-4a95-832b-e4fae34a49e9The Haunting of Hill House https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/cd81e978-d1dd-487b-ae20-1a16a63c425cThe Pallbearers Club https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/13845c2c-b586-490a-a8b4-1d164e02814dDark Bloom https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1217ace1-c7dd-43f7-aa3f-6b609b13eb5fEverything the Darkness Eats https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/358e9c7e-b767-4b32-8dde-415845fed7cbEXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9Queen of Faces https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/898a134e-3df2-46f1-9c41-44fbc68ba04aDune https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/438631-duneThunderbolts https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/986056-thunderboltsThe Hunting Wives https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/244447-the-hunting-wivesNow You See Me https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/75656-now-you-see-meNow you See Me 2 https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/291805-now-you-see-me-2In the Lost Lands https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324544-in-the-lost-landsWelcome to Derry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/200875-it-welcome-to-derryWayward https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/255859-waywardFrankenstein https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1062722-frankensteinPokemon Legends Z-A https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/pokemon-legends-z-a.htmlTravellers Rest https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139980/Travellers_Rest/Habbo Hotel Origins https://origins.habbo.comFallout 4 Anniversary Edition https://fallout.bethesda.net/en/article/N00XVTawnzBBH7HNwv0hN/fallout-4-anniversary-edition-announcedNeopets mini games collection https://portal.neopets.com/news/oct23-neopets-mega-mini-games-collection-revealDispatch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/The Outer Worlds 2 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/Rue Valley https://store.steampowered.com/app/2126190/Rue_Valley/Pigface Bookstore in Perth CBD https://perthisok.com/lifestyle/pigface-bookstore-perth/Episode of MinnMax podcast with guest Jason Schreier to explain the EA requisition (1:30:27) https://youtu.be/se-CQM_rXwM?si=drCfRuN1oQK78uW9Signourney Weaver on the 50-pages of movie script and her meeting with Disney https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-star-sigourney-weaver-has-met-with-disney-1236397969/Genre Blender on the web:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastTikTok - http://tiktok.com/@genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblender.netFollow Kris and Rian:Kris on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistKris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Kris on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialRian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rlfloydRian on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com

Kris and Rian get a healthy dose of nostalgia in this gaming-focused episode with a discussion about retro gaming, emulation, and gaming handhelds.Be one of the first to join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netCheck out our website: https://www.genreblender.net00:00 Intro and announcement02:27 Read Watch Play14:32 Intro to main topic: retro gaming14:54 What is retro gaming?21:59 Is there a resurgence in retro games?32:46 What retro game devices do we use?49:54 The retro gaming scene is not just for millennials54:08 Speculation time58:17 Outro and linksBooks and games mentioned:Boudicca’s Daughter https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/efe69962-7e30-4f08-9fce-e98f8cb68acc EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9AI: The Somnium Files https://store.steampowered.com/app/948740/AI_The_Somnium_Files/Earthbound https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBoundTrails in the Sky: First Chapter https://store.steampowered.com/app/3375780/Trails_in_the_Sky_1st_Chapter/The Touryst https://store.steampowered.com/app/1796410/The_Touryst/Hades II https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/ Articles and YouTube channels mentioned:Addicted to nostalgia | abc.net.au https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-14/how-retro-video-games-obsolete-collectors-items/105331068Team Retro https://www.youtube.com/@TeamRetro/videosWhy are younger generations embracing the retro game revival? | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/02/why-are-younger-generations-embracing-the-retro-game-revival Retro Game Corps https://www.youtube.com/@RetroGameCorpsMiyoo Mini (and Miyoo Mini Plus) Starter Guide (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2022/05/15/miyoo-mini-v2-guide/Anbernic RG35XX Family Starter Guide (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/06/07/anbernic-rg35xx-family-starter-guide/Guide: Shaders and Overlays on Retro Handhelds (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/09/01/guide-shaders-and-overlays-on-retro-handhelds/Follow us:Kris on YouTubeKris on InstagramKris on BlueskyRian on InstagramRian on BlueskyGenre Blender on the web:YouTubeInstagramTikTok⁠BlueSky⁠Website

What’s better than curling up with a good book on a chilly day? Why, becoming a bookseller and moving to the seaside with your tiny bookshop, of course! Kris and Rian played several hours of the latest cozy gaming phenomenon and, as usual, they have some thoughts.Be one of the first to join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netCheck out our website: https://www.genreblender.netTiny Book Shop - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2133760/Tiny_Bookshop/BooksLeviathan Wakes: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c83664bb-15bf-4404-b896-af6bbb0cfc18Those Left Behind: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d482b2d7-e672-4e9d-a7bf-3e168de41968The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9Movies / TV ShowsConclave - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/974576-conclaveNosferatu - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/426063-nosferatu A Complete Unknown - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/661539-a-complete-unknown Battle of the Sexes - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/369192-battle-of-the-sexes The Hunting Wives - https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/244447-the-hunting-wivesAlien: Earth https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/157239-alien-earthStar Wars: Andor https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/83867-andorGamesPokemon FireRed https://pokemondb.net/firered-leafgreen World End Diner https://store.steampowered.com/app/1647190/World_End_Diner/Earthbound https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBoundJetpack Joyride https://www.halfbrick.com/games/jetpack-joyride-classicCanabalt https://canabalt.comFlappy Bird https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flappy_BirdUnpacking https://store.steampowered.com/app/1135690/Unpacking/Neko Atsume https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_AtsumePower Wash Simulator https://store.steampowered.com/app/1290000/PowerWash_Simulator/House Flipper https://store.steampowered.com/app/613100/House_Flipper/AFK Journey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFK_JourneyFarmville https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FarmVilleAnimal Crossing: New Horizons https://animalcrossing.nintendo.com/new-horizons/ Intro music: Heatwave by Bransboynd https://pixabay.com/users/bransboynd-51721546/Follow usKris on YouTubeKris on InstagramKris on BlueskyRian on InstagramRian on BlueskyGenre Blender on the webYouTubeInstagramTikTok⁠BlueSky⁠

Rian reads Kris’s current favourite classic book, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and the pair go on a meandering deep-dive discussion about its themes, which are fascinatingly prescient.00:00 Intro01:52 Read Watch Play15:05 The Picture of Dorian Gray - First Impressions21:23 Synopsis23:29 Core themes38:45 Lord Henry52:15 Art for art’s sakeThe Picture of Dorian Gray - https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9490a57a-6be5-40e1-a156-728193375daf LITERATURE - Oscar Wilde https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZoUlMrWuCUWhat book turned Dorian Gray evil? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIM6mR6VS-AOther BooksLady Tan's Circle of Women https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/33485277-c11d-49f5-ab19-6926034d941a The Ninth Rain https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/887561c2-d851-407c-a372-9fded8089d51 Leviathan Wakes https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c83664bb-15bf-4404-b896-af6bbb0cfc18 How High We Go In The Dark https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3fd47396-f85e-4877-9b53-ed7a2198b280The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380GamesGrimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/Discounty https://store.steampowered.com/app/2274620/Discounty/Tiny Bookshop https://store.steampowered.com/app/2133760/Tiny_Bookshop/Xenoblade Chronicles 3 https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/xenoblade-chronicles-3.html?srsltid=AfmBOorZ4gyaIJ6ggzJIfxlNmXBYswakvDUzIFtdusB1duyW_S_ZWkVDPersona 4: Dancing All Night https://www.atlus.com/p4dan/TV ShowsThe Penguin - https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/194764-the-penguinAlien: Earth https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/157239-alien-earthFollow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠Website

Happy Birthday to us! Genre Blender turns one year old, so Kris and Rian celebrate with a cold beverage or two while taking a look back over the past year, and forwards into the upcoming year.00:00 Intro01:53 Read Watch Play14:48 Intro to the birthday tag16:05 How many years are you celebrating?18:12 What has kept you motivated to continue making episodes?21:29 What are three of your favourites episodes you’ve made in the past year?29:18 What did you struggle with in the past year and how did you overcome that struggle?36:50 Choose one moment from the past year you would love to re-live39:23 Shout out a huge supporter of your channel42:15 What is the best book/film/game you’ve experienced in the past year?52:23 Where do you see your channel in a year’s time and what do you hope to have achieved?BooksWhen the Wolf comes Home https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6d69e374-5135-431d-ac8a-dbc51de57b1a Witchcraft for Wayward Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/290a13de-3ecf-4b8e-b9d0-48b1f06c92bf Only a Grave will Do https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/85eaaaec-1343-40be-99e8-15c4dccd74c6 The Genesis of Change https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/668fd4f5-f5c6-4b9d-9476-7d384ec0a246 The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380How High We Go in the Dark https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ea351dab-0002-4385-b6fb-001e4e7fe5a1The Picture of Dorian Gray https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e9ee4254-15b7-4e2b-9c0f-60580fe32d51Kafka on the Shore https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4aeb14f-891f-4ae9-882e-9dcdf43b6bf1GamesKeep Driving https://store.steampowered.com/app/2756920/Keep_Driving/Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1903340/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33/Is This Seat Taken? https://store.steampowered.com/app/3035120/Is_This_Seat_Taken/Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time https://store.steampowered.com/app/2993780/FANTASY_LIFE_i_The_Girl_Who_Steals_Time/Shows/Movies: Queer https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1059128-queerK Pop Demon Hunters https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/803796-kpop-demon-huntersThe Substance https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/933260-the-substanceLong Way Home https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/262594-long-way-homeFollow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠Website

KPop Demon Hunters has become a worldwide phenomenon, and Kris and Rian—with returning special guests Jack and Michael—hold a roundtable discussion to find out what makes this animated action musical film so special.00:00 Intro01:35 Read Watch Play13:55 Intro to KPop Demon Hunters16:40 Initial impressions23:55 Story, characters, and themes41:39 Music and soundtrack48:19 Art style and animation58:48 Fun facts and random stuff01:10:59 Outro and linksKPop Demon HuntersBooksJamaica Inn - Daphne du MaurierThe Name of the Wind - Patrick RothfussThe Stand - Stephen KingTV/FilmBlow OutGrimmSpider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseSpider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseThe Mitchells vs. The MachinesGamesGrimshireDragon Quest III HD-2D RemakeBaldur’s Gate 3Day of the ShellDonkey Kong BananzaFollow MichaelBlueskyThe VookcastFollow JackLetterboxdInstagramTikTokFollow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyWebsiteFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠genreblender.net

It’s the middle of the year! That means it’s time for Kris and Rian to do a check-in for their book, video game and movie plans and goals. Find out just how much our hosts are freaking out throughout the 13 questions for this tag.00:00 Introduction03:45 Read Watch Play13:09 Intro to the Mid-Year Freak Out Tag14:34 Q1. Best book you’ve read so far this year18:38 Q2. Best sequel you've read so far this year23:00 Q3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to29:34 Q4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year39:56 Q5. Biggest disappointment48:49 Q6. Biggest surprise54:10 Q7. Favourite new author (debut or new to you)1:00:46 Q8. Newest fictional crush1:04:19 Q9. Newest favourite character1:07:40 Q10. Book that made you cry1:10:45 Q11. Book that made you happy1:15:06 Q12. Most beautiful book you've bought (or received) so far this year1:20:12 Q13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?1:31:14 We did it!Creators Mentioned:@theshadesoforange@willowtalksbooksVideos and ArticlesSilvia Park on the significance of the Luminous coverRian’s video of the 35th anniversary box set of AkiraFlowers for Algernon: Sometimes Books Are the Best Teachers BooksThe Picture of Dorian GrayBabylon’s AshesFlowers for AlgernonLuminousThe Crippled GodOnly a Grave Will DoWitchcraft for Wayward GirlsVolatile MemoryThe Broken SwordLevel ApocalypseTell Me What you DidTerminal SecretsThe Expanded EarthThe Court of Broken KnivesThe Fires of HeavenLabrinth's HeartButterClub ContangoExodus: The Archimedes EngineWraith and the RevolutionThe Picture of Dorian GrayThe Genesis of ChangeThe Hitchhikers Guide to the GalaxyAkiraA Memory Called EmpireThose Left BehindThe StandThe Wise Man’s FearGamesSun HavenFantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals TimeWitchbrookGrimshirePokemon Legends Z-AThe Outer Worlds 2Life is Strange: Double ExposureClair Obscur: Expedition 33The Last CampfireTV ShowsLong Way HomeMurderbotMindhunterSinnersThe ResidenceFollow Kris:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialFollow Rian:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rian.floyd/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite https://www.genreblender.net

Michael joins the podcast to talk about the state of physical media across all our favourite types of entertainment, from movies to games to books, and what the future might hold as digital-only inevitably takes over.The film cartridge Michael mentioned https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/110_filmAnd the camera to go with it (Lomomatic 110) https://petapixel.com/2024/03/28/lomography-lomomatic-110-review-the-perfect-camera-for-the-age-of-imperfect-photos/Print Book Sales Saw a Small Sales Increase in 2024 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/96842-print-book-sales-saw-a-small-sales-increase-in-2024.htmlLionsgate Inks Deal With AI Firm to Mine Its Massive Film and TV Library https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lionsgate-deal-ai-firm-runway-1236005554/BooksThe Crippled God https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/53c8340a-edd7-4e6c-8da6-09383f773978Red Rising https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/240f2048-8438-49b7-90a3-a5dc1018270fThe Wager https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4e2161d3-6b7a-4692-a279-81369f1efbe9  Flowers for Algernon https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af39702f-0c79-454e-b025-b601eba0da94The Picture of Dorian Gray https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/489732.The_Picture_of_Dorian_GrayMovies/TVKPop Demon Hunters https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/803796-kpop-demon-huntersSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324857-spider-man-into-the-spider-verseSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/569094-spider-man-across-the-spider-verseThe Mitchells vs The Machines https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/501929-the-mitchells-vs-the-machinesGamesMario Kart World https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/mario-kart-world.htmlClair Obscur: Expedition 33 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1903340/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33/Follow MichaelBluesky https://bsky.app/profile/subelement.bsky.socialThe Vookcast on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAZDxEN2O2b9WXjZBdPS71-ZnOb25Bc-&si=PONMkz5jwiFgRvY6The Vookcast audio-only https://www.buzzsprout.com/7770Australia & New Zealand Blu-Ray Club (Discord) https://www.anzblurayclub.comFollow KrisYouTube https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialFollow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floyd/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comFollow Genre Blender for podcast updatesYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.netWebsite https://www.genreblender.net

Part two of our Pride month episodes! Kris and Rian share the LGBTQIA+ characters from books and video games that have stuck with them the most.Chapters:00:00 Intro01:00 Read Watch Play12:43 Memorable queer characters1:07:18 Podcast info and linksTV Shows:The Legend of Korra https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/33880-the-legend-of-korraTorchwood https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/424-torchwoodBooks:The Bone Ships https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc1b9447-d41c-4758-b47c-bede2aa9e89eThe Iron Crown https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe9185ad-8505-4c4c-a04d-01ea1e12048cThe Tainted Dominion https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/400f90d3-4bce-4eec-8de7-a4822aa98976Rook and Rose https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9975504d-8095-49a1-a294-48894047cc2eA Strange and Stubborn Endurance https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/53eb31b3-04a3-4bcf-a9fd-a639f57ba59cLegacy of the Vermillion Blade https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e2d0955e-d544-42fc-a995-7b101a344752Neuromancer https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/0a2e6342-d2a0-45ab-b3e2-364747f6546bGyo https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8da5357e-b2ab-4337-8ba8-4ecc05043bf6 A Psalm for the Wild Built https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/558447b4-d2ce-4d28-8e1c-0ab459e6aa38A Prayer for the Crown Shy https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/33b2f7d2-82ee-4a0a-8519-71e1d988f378Kafka on the Shore https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4aeb14f-891f-4ae9-882e-9dcdf43b6bf1Batwoman Elegy https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f055f9a5-e7e2-47bf-bd46-0c7dac5858ecGames:Sun Haven https://store.steampowered.com/app/1432860/Sun_Haven/GEX Trilogy https://store.steampowered.com/app/3183970/GEX_Trilogy/Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time https://store.steampowered.com/app/2993780/FANTASY_LIFE_i_The_Girl_Who_Steals_Time/Mass Effect Legendary Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328670/Mass_Effect_Legendary_Edition/Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/47810/Dragon_Age_Origins__Ultimate_Edition/Dragon Age II - Ultimate Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1238040/Dragon_Age_II_Ultimate_Edition/Dragon Age: Inquisition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222690/Dragon_Age_Inquisition/Dragon Age: The Veilguard https://store.steampowered.com/app/1845910/Dragon_Age_The_Veilguard/Bully: Scholarship Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/12200/Bully_Scholarship_Edition/The Last of Us - Part I https://store.steampowered.com/app/1888930/The_Last_of_Us_Part_I/Life is Strange Remastered https://store.steampowered.com/app/1265920/Life_is_Strange_Remastered/Tell Me Why https://store.steampowered.com/app/1180660/Tell_Me_Why/Cyberpunk 2077 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1091500/Cyberpunk_2077/Baldur’s Gate 3 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1086940/Baldurs_Gate_3/Follow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSkyTikTokWebsite

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ To celebrate, Kris and Rian talk about their favourite and most memorable queer and LGBTQIA+ characters in TV shows over the years. This is part one of two-part series.00:00 Intro02:08 News 04:12 Read Watch Play18:06 Memorable queer characters in TV1:15:18 Wrap-upTV Shows with LGBTQIA+ characters mentionedMurderbot https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/241554-murderbotThe L Word https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/3475-the-l-wordThe L Word Generation Q https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/89630-the-l-word-generation-q Queer as Folk https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/2902-queer-as-folk-usQueer as Folk (2022) https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/134967-queer-as-folkSense8 https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/61664-sense8Xena: Warrior Princess https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/4616-xena-warrior-princessThe Fosters https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/46880-the-fostersShameless https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/34307-shamelessGrey's Anatomy https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1416-grey-s-anatomy Heartstopper https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/124834-heartstopperSchitts Creek https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/61662-schitt-s-creekLost Girl https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/33852-lost-girlTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/117830-tomb-raider-the-legend-of-lara-croftDevil May Cry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/235930-devil-may-cryStar Trek: Discovery https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/67198-star-trek-discoveryThe Umbrella Academy https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/75006-umbrella-academyMovies & Mini Seriesmother! https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/381283-motherAdolescence https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/249042-adolescenceGamesFantasy Life https://store.steampowered.com/app/2993780/FANTASY_LIFE_i_The_Girl_Who_Steals_Time/Death Stranding Director’s Cut https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850570/DEATH_STRANDING_DIRECTORS_CUT/Mario Kart World (Switch 2) https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000096802BooksThe Crippled God https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/53c8340a-edd7-4e6c-8da6-09383f773978 Tell Me What You Did https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b16d05bd-a4f4-4667-94d5-aabd820e142e  So Gay for You https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1a15a788-557e-498e-840a-6f4bf1ee6331 Humble Bundle: Power up Pride Deal (June 2025) https://www.humblebundle.com/games/power-up-pride Follow Kris:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialFollow Rian:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floyd/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblenderpodcast.com

Kris and Rian get inspired (thanks, Jack!) to talk about arthouse and auteur cinema. After some hazy definitions, the duo discuss why these styles of film-making are important, and share some of their favourites.00:00 Intro01:56 News05:52 Read Watch Play18:28 Intro to arthouse and auteur films27:11 Why are these films important?36:29 Our frustrations with mainstream films40:52 Celebrating arthouse and auteur cinema48:21 The Lighthouse55:34 Favourites and noteworthy1:15:24 Films we want to watch1:19:10 Wrap-up and linksBooks:    Outline - Rachel Cusk Norwegian Wood - Haruki MurakamiLevel: Ascension - David DalglishThe War of the Flowers - Tad WilliamsGames: Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals TimeXenoblade Chronicles 3Little Sim WorldGEX TrilogyCyberpunk 2077Films & TV: Baby Driver https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/339403-baby-driverJohn Wick https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/245891-john-wickTrue Blood https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/10545-true-bloodThe Social Network https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/37799-the-social-networkThe Bikeriders https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1008409-the-bikeridersThe Wheel of Time https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/71914-the-wheel-of-timeThe Lighthouse https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/503919-the-lighthouseThe Substance https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/933260-the-substancePoor Things https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/792307-poor-thingsmother! https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/381283-motherQueer https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1059128-queerKinds of Kindness https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1029955-kinds-of-kindnessEl Laberinto del Fauno https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1417-el-laberinto-del-faunoThe Shape of Water https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/399055-the-shape-of-waterMemento https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/77-mementoEverything Everywhere All At Once https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/545611-everything-everywhere-all-at-onceEx Machina https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/264660-ex-machinaPrimerhttps://www.themoviedb.org/movie/14337-primerBrick https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/9270-brickMoon https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/17431-moonBlack Swan https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/44214-black-swanDonnie Darko https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/141-donnie-darkoThe Lobster https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/254320-the-lobsterRequiem for a Dream https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/641-requiem-for-a-dreamEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/38-eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mindThe Whale https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/785084-the-whaleLost in Translation https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/153-lost-in-translationBeing John Malkovich https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/492-being-john-malkovichThe Blair Witch Project https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2667-the-blair-witch-projectParanormal Activity https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/23827-paranormal-activityDon’t Look Up https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/646380-don-t-look-upSaltburn https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/930564-saltburnClose to You https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1139467-close-to-you Follow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:PatreonYouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠TikTokWebsite

Jack, our resident movie expert, joins the podcast for this special episode. Rian picks Jack’s brain about favourite and underrated movies, filmmakers, adaptations, and what makes storytelling in films so unique, followed by a lightning round of questions just for fun.00:00 Intro01:18 Jack’s introduction03:19 Read Watch Play15:36 Topic intro: Let’s talk movies16:41 Jack’s movie-a-day project21:08 Why movies?26:03 Favourite movies?30:16 Favourite filmmakers/actors?34:00 What are some characters that resonate with you?38:00 Thoughts on film adaptations?54:17 Underrated and lesser known films?59:04 A story you would like adapted to film?1:04:10 Lightning round!1:11:26 Outro and linksBooks/ComicsIronheart (Marvel)Butter - Asako YuzukiOutline - Rachel CuskDungeon Crawler CarlFoundations (Tower of Somnus)A Psalm for the Wild-Build - Becky ChambersA Prayer for the Crown-Shy - Becky ChambersEight Billion GeniesTVHysteria!Brilliant MindsFilmsThe Accountant²SinnersUntil DawnSnow White10 Things I Hate About YouBaby DriverPitch PerfectThe GentlemenSeven PsychopathsSerenityHarveyKing Arthur: Legend of the SwordAladdinShaun of the DeadScott Pilgrim vs. The WorldClerksGet OutUsNopeJohn WickLaw Abiding CitizenAdaptationSin CityReady Player OneThe Chipmunk AdventureThe Lord of the RingsDuneTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesPhoebe in WonderlandThe Boondock SaintsCivil WarThe Green MileThunderbolts*Bridge to TerabithiaPaprikaPerfect BlueOldboyGamesMurdered: Soul SuspectThe Bazaar https://playthebazaar.comGrowing UpI Was a Teenage ExocolonistYouTube Channels MentionedCorridor Crew https://www.youtube.com/@CorridorCrew Follow JackLetterboxdGoodreadsInstagramTikTokFollow RianInstagramBlueskyLetterboxdFollow KrisYouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updatesYouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠Website

Kris and Rian are hyped over some recent video game news and rumours. Rian actually finished some video games this week, Kris surprises Rian with a classic book he enjoyed, and the pair discuss how they immerse themselves in stories for escapism.00:00 Intro02:07 News13:03 Read Watch Play25:37 Stories for escapism45:33 Writing for escapism52:38 Our tips for being mental health consciousRead:Pride and Prejudice The Tome of Haren ForeordainedWatch:The Old GuardThe PittHerculesMid-Century ModernYellowjacketsThe Wheel of TimePlay:Seed of Nostalgia (Kickstarter)Wandering SwordChef RPGDeath Stranding Director’s CutClair Obscur Expedition 33Saints RowFollow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:BlueskyWebsiteFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates: YouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠Website

No matter how you spell it, there’s something to be said for curling up with a cozy game, book, TV show or movie. Kris and Rian dive into some of their favourites, and discuss the role that cozy stories (in their many forms) play in their lives.00:00 Intro03:29 Read Watch Play23:35 Tangent: Gaming handhelds25:58 Tangent: Witchbrook announcement28:47 Defining ‘cozy’ games and books43:32 Reasons and purpose for cozy storytelling01:01:28 Rian’s lukewarm take about influencer marketing01:05:10 A few more tangents before we wrap up01:07:15 Outro and links#podcast #genreblender #bookspodcast #gamespodcast #cosygames #cozygames#booktube #rpgArticles:Cozy Gaming: Trend ExplainedCozy games redefine relaxation for a new generation of gamersCozy games offer relaxation, inclusivityWhat is cosy gaming and why is it beneficial?What Happened to FarmVilleFilm and TV:Mid-Century ModernThe Wheel of TimeFellow TravelersYellowjacketsThe Watchers The Crow (2024)Small Things Like TheseTwistersThe PittGames:KynseedFields of MistriaPixel CafeTravellers RestWitchbrookDave the DiverNeopetsMiniclipThe SimsAnimal Crossing New HorizonsKiller FrequencyMonster Hunter WildsAssassin’s Creed ShadowsDragon Quest III HD-2D RemakeBooks: The Crimson FireThe Angel of Indian LakeLegends & LattesThe Legend of UhThe Nameless RestaurantThe Bartender Between WorldsBabylon’s AshesButterChannels: https://www.youtube.com/@simpleSG101https://www.youtube.com/@primitivepixelsgames Follow Kris and RianYouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠ Website

Kris and Rian often talk about all the books and games they love and are currently reading or playing, but in this episode it’s all about the stuff they won’t be reading/playing, don’t like, or find problematic—all in good fun, of course.The Anti-TBR/TBP Tag: A popular book/game EVERYONE loves that you have no interest in reading/playing? A classic book/game (or author/developer) you don’t have an interest in reading/playing? An author/developer whose books/games you have no interest in reading/playing? A problematic author/developer whose books/games you have no interest in reading/playing? An author/developer you have read/played couple of books/games from & have decided their books/games are not for you? A genre you have no interest in OR a genre you tried to get into and couldn’t? A book/game you have bought but will never read/play? (this can be a book/game you have unhauled/returned to the library/store unread/unplayed) A series you have no interest in reading/playing OR a series you started & have DNF’d? A new release you have no interest in reading/playing?00:00 Intro01:16 Giveaway winner02:10 Read / Watch / Play12:15 Anti-TBR/TBP Tag intro13:04 Question 117:02 Question 222:15 Question 328:24 Question 437:09 Question 544:00 Question 651:16 Question 756:50 Question 801:04:40 Question 901:09:34 LinksReferences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_11fD44EU&t=0s Nicole and Her Books - https://www.youtube.com/@nherbooks Books and games mentioned: Confessions of a Mask - Yukio Mishima Fourth Wing Andy Weir Charles Dickens F. Scott Fitzgerald Best Served Cold When the Moon Hatched Dragon Riders of Pern Murderbot Wind and Truth Butter The Liar's Knot Level Unknown Pantheon Fellow Travelers Monster Hunter Wilds Fortnite League of Legends DOTA 2 Overwatch 2 Valorant Castevania 2K Games BioShock Borderlands 2 X-COM 2 Riot Games Five Nights at Freddy’s Tales of Vesperia Tales of Symphonia Tales of Arise Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Shin Megami Tensei V Mato: Anomalies Two Point Campus Two Point Museum Red Dead Redemption God of War The Witcher Avowed Lies of P Black Myth WukongPeople Mentioned: Colleen Hoover, Salley Rooney, Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Fredrick Bachman, Freida McFadden, Larry Coreia, T.J. KluneFollow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:PatreonYouTubeInstagram⁠BlueSky⁠TikTokWebsite

Kris is joined by author Shayla Morgansen to explore the world of fanfiction! Kris and Shayla discuss their introductions to fanfiction, and the relationship between fanfiction, fandoms, and publishing. Stay tuned for the giveaway!00:00 Welcome Shayla!02:05 Giveaway and intro to Mythos Unbound11:55 Read Watch Play18:26 Shayla’s smooth segue into the main topic: Fanfiction!39:18 Fanfiction and publishing52:50 Links and where to find Shayla’s workTo enter the giveaway, don't forget to subscribe to Genre Blender Podcast on YouTube, and let us know what your favourite fandom is! Open to international entrants, closing March 1st, 2025.References: https://www.fanfiction.net/Books: The Sorceress in ExileDark EmpathyThe Love HypothesisFifty Shades of GreyPoint PleasantMovies: EileenBarbieFollow Shayla: WebsiteInstagramTikTokFollow Kris:YouTubeInstagramBlueskyFollow Rian:InstagramBlueskyFollow Genre Blender for podcast updates:YouTube⁠Patreon⁠Instagram⁠BlueSky⁠TikTokWebsite

Kris and Rian take on Taylor's Personal Canon Tag and talk about the books, TV shows, movies, and games that shaped them throughout their lives. Chapters 00:00 Intro to the Personal Canon Tag 02:07 Read Watch Play updates 06:37 Early childhood 16:37 Childhood 28:09 Early adolescence 40:27 Adolescence 51:32 Young adulthood 1:05:50 Adulthood 1:18:17 Links and next episode preview Books:  The House with the Golden Door Exodus: The Archimedes Engine Nemesis Games (The Expanse #5) Dust of Dreams Mike Higgs (author and illustrator of House Mouse) The Magic Pudding - Norman Lindsay Goosebumps - R.L. Stine The Complete Book of Naughty Stories for Good Boys and Girls - Christopher Milne A Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snicket Tomorrow, When the War Began - John Marsden The Last Vampire (series) - Christopher Pike Animorphs Lord of the Flies - William Golding Neuromancer - William Gibson Die for Me - Karen Rose Embassytown - China Mieville The Stand - Stephen King Shows/Movies:  The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988) Barney & Friends Mr Bean Homeward Bound: Lost in San Francisco Earth 2 (1994) Xena: Warrior Princess (1995) Neighbours Farscape (1999) Charmed Blade Runner (1982) Battlestar Galactica (2004) The Fosters (2013) Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002) Atomic Blonde (2017) Games:  No Man’s Sky Totally Rad (NES) Complete Gameplay video Toejam and Earl (Sega Megadrive) Donkey Kong Country Banjo Kazooie The Simpsons: Hit and Run Neverwinter Nights (2002) Star Wars Galaxies (2003) The Sims Mass Effect (Legendary Edition) Saints Row Life is Strange (all games) Tell Me Why Fable Stardew Valley Original Tag:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NZwVffyU0&t=2s  Channel Mentioned:  @MaedBetweenthePages  Follow Kris: YouTube Instagram Bluesky Follow Rian: Instagram Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram ⁠BlueSky⁠ TikTok Website

It's no secret that life can get in the way of things we enjoy! This week Rian and Kris take you on their journeys of how their physical and mental health sometimes interferes with their favourite hobbies. Join the free (and only) tier of our Patreon for members-only content and access to our private Discord server. Chapters 00:00 Intro  00:47 Read Watch Play updates 12:57 Main topic: How physical/mental health helps/hinders our hobbies 13:47 Rian talks about POTS 18:15 Rian talks about insomnia 20:12 Kris talks about chronic kidney disease 24:44 Neurodivergence 24:58 Rian talks about autism 25:14 Executive dysfunction and task switching 27:53 Hyperfocus 30:40 Routines and rituals 32:00 Sensory processing disorder 33:58 Agnosia 36:51 Kris talks about auditory processing 40:10 An interruption 40:29 Noise-blocking earbuds 42:20 Mental health 43:17 Trigger warnings 43:37 Kris talks about depression 46:29 Rian talks about anxiety 52:21 Coping tools and advice (end trigger warning) 1:00:21 Links and socials Tendril Theory - https://eisforerin.com/2015/08/10/tendril-theory/ Books:  Absolution - Jeff VanderMeer Days at the Morisaki Bookshop - Satoshi Yagisawa The Fall of the Giants - Gregory Kontaxis Swan Song - Robert McCammon Exodus - Peter F. Hamilton Films: Sharper (2023) Nightcrawler (2014) The Mauritanian (2021) Longlegs (2024) Nightmare Alley (2022) Road House (2024) Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) Wicked (2024) Games:      Exodus Follow Kris: YouTube Instagram Bluesky Follow Rian: Instagram Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram ⁠BlueSky⁠ TikTok Website

What a year! Kris and Rian discuss their approaches to goal-setting for the new year, compare their yearly themes for 2025, then celebrate their best-of-2024 books, TV shows and games. They also hint at their wish lists for the podcast. Join the free tier of our Patreon for access to our Discord community and buddy reads chat: https://www.patreon.com/GenreBlender Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:28 Read Watch Play updates 10:43 Intro to main topic: nerding out for the new year 11:16 Kris’s books, TV, games of 2024 14:26 Rian’s books, TV, games of 2024 21:30 Our approaches to new year goal-setting 26:48 Rian’s 2025 theme and goals 31:18 Kris’s 2025 theme and goals 35:17 Intentions for our personal hobbies 42:39 2025 podcast wishlist and goals 52:51 Links and socials Books:  The Genesis of Change - Livia J. Elliot Ice Station - Matthew Reilly Absolution - Jeff VanderMeer The Blood Stones - Tori Tecken Kokoro - Natsume Sōseki The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams Normal People - Sally Rooney NeuroTribes - Steve Silberman Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami East of Eden - John Steinbeck Stories of Your Life and Others - Ted Chiang Movies/TV:  Yellowjackets The Resident Pantheon Arcane Arrival True Detective Terminator Zero Games: Chef RPG Dave the Diver Killer Frequency Worms Dragon Age Firewatch Unavowed Follow Kris: YouTube Instagram Bluesky Follow Rian: Instagram Threads Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram ⁠BlueSky⁠ TikTok Website

It’s time for the end of year book tag! Kris and Rian talk about their unfinished books, Summer reads, and 2025 reading plans, then cap off the year with a holiday book exchange while trying not to be awkward while unwrapping their gifts. Chapters: 00:00 Intro to the end of year book tag 01:06 Read / Watch / Play updates 04:05 Gift book exchange info 05:05 Rian’s new project 07:04 Discord server announcement 08:45 End of year book tag 09:26 Are there any books you’ve started this year that you’ve yet to finish? 16:59 Do you have a Summer book to transition into the end of the year? 20:26 Are there any new releases that you’re still waiting for this year? 25:27 Are there any books you want to read before the end of the year? (and thoughts on reading goals) 29:27 Is there a book that could still shock you and become your favourite of the year? 32:45 Have you already started making reading plans for 2025? 44:24 Book tag final thoughts 45:12 Gift book exchange 51:45 Wrap-up and links Books mentioned: Dust of Dreams - Steven Erikson The Advent of Winter - Dom McDermott Duet of Pernicious Eels - Kaden Love LastRock - Phil Tucker Blood of the Kami - Baptiste Pinson Wu The Island of Dr. Moreau - H. G. Wells Parable of the Sower - Octavia E. Butler Books of the Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin Absolution - Jeff VanderMeer The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams Normal People - Sally Rooney The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin Kokoro - Natsume Sōseki Travels with a Writing Brush - Meredith McKinney (editor/translator) Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World - Haruki Murakami The Stand - Stephen King Swan Song - Robert McCammon Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse Series) - James S. A. Corey Imperium (Cisero #1) - Robert Harris Confessions of a Mask - Yukio Mishima A Memory called Empire - Arkady Martine Those left Behind - N.C. Scrimegour Elder Race - Adrian Tchaikovsky Games mentioned: I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival The Expanse - A TellTale Series Shows mentioned: Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2024) Follow Kris: YouTube Instagram Bluesky Follow Rian: Instagram Threads Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram BlueSky TikTok Website

Rian gives a spoiler-free mini review of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Kris discusses the origins of his upcoming self-published book, and the duo discuss the concept of the “aspiring author” and what that means to them. Chapters: 00:00 Intro | Read/Watch/Play updates 18:07 Main topic: The Aspiring Author 18:43 What even is an ‘aspiring’ author? 20:42 Writer vs author 23:37 When did we get the writing bug? 25:28 Tangent: fan-fiction 26:34 Back on topic: When did we get the writing bug? 30:08 Tangent: poetry 32:19 What made Kris decide to start his writing project? 39:21 When was the last time Rian took writing seriously? 42:33 Different writing processes 49:55 Inspiration in our childhood 57:35 Where to find us | Preview of next episode Mystic River The Advent of Winter Chef RPG Night Shift - Stephen King Hardcore Literature (YouTube) Close To You (2023) Dragon Age: The Veilguard Rian’s posts on Threads Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) Star Trek: Voyager (1995) The X-Files (1993) Sliders (1995) Farscape (1999) Firefly (2002) Fringe (2008) Torchwood (2006) Tomorrow series - John Marsden The Last Vampire series - Christopher Pike The Forsaken Planet - Bryan Wilson Hybrid Helix series - J.C.M. Berne Follow Kris: YouTube Instagram Bluesky Follow Rian: Instagram Threads Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram TikTok Website

Rian reveals their Dragon Age: The Veilguard play time, Kris is emotionally destroyed after reading a book he was not prepared for, and the duo have a philosophical discussion about what, why, and how hobbies fit into their lives. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Read Watch Play updates 09:22 Main Topic: Hobbies and how they fit into our lives 51:54 Outro, links, next episode The Road - Cormac McCarthy The Penguin (2024) Bear and Breakfast Batwoman (2011 comic book series) by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III Culture Warlords: My Journey Into the Dark Web of White Supremacy - Talia Lavin Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America - Talia Lavin Disclaimer (2024) Dragon Age: The Veilguard SBS statistics infographic about Australians reading and buying books (Instagram) Follow Kris: YouTube Instagram Bluesky Follow Rian: Instagram Threads Bluesky Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram Website

In celebration of Trans Awareness Week, and to show trans visibility during such a tumultuous time, Kris and Rian share their thoughts on the trans memoirs they’ve read, and the impact they’ve had on their own journeys through gender transition. 00:00 Intro to the episode and Trans Awareness Week 01:37 Trigger warnings 02:48 Read/Watch/Play updates 08:06 Our experiences with trans memoirs 12:52 Sorted by Jackson Bird 19:51 As Beautiful As Any Other by Kaya Wilson 36:53 Pageboy by Elliot Page 51:04 Man Alive and Amateur by Thomas Page McBee 54:52 We Both Laughed in Pleasure: The Selected Diaries of Lou Sullivan 01:01:37 Trans memoirs on our TBR 01:05:34 Outro, links, and next episode Trans Memoirs Mentioned: Sorted: Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place - Jackson Bird As Beautiful As Any Other: A memoir of my body - Kaya Wilson Pageboy - Elliot Page Man Alive: A True Story of Violence, Forgiveness, and Becoming a Man - Thomas Page McBee Amateur: A True Story About What Makes a Man - Thomas Page McBee We Both Laughed in Pleasure: The Selected Diaries of Lou Sullivan - Lou Sullivan Trans Memoirs on our TBR: Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us - Kate Bornstein She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders - Jennifer Finney Boylan Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity - Julia Serano Stone Butch Blues - Leslie Feinberg A Trans Man Walks into a Gay Bar: A Journey of Self and Sexual Discovery - Harry Nicholas Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir - Akwaeke Emezi Becoming Eve: My Journey from ultra orthodox Rabbi to transgender woman - Abby Stein Other Books Mentioned:  Perdido Street Station - China Mieville Foot in the Grave - Zachary Forbes The Mask of Mirrors - M.A. Carrick Games Mentioned:  Dragon Age: The Veilguard Life is Strange: Double Exposure Travellers Rest Follow Kris and Rian: A Fictional Escapist (YouTube) A Fictional Escapist (Instagram) Rian (Books Instagram) Rian (Games Instagram) Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram TikTok Website

Games, games, and more games, oh my! The duo discuss storytelling in their favourite video games (and their gripes with being too time-poor to enjoy said video games), and Rian mentions Mass Effect fifty-six million times. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:51 Read / Watch / Play updates 08:33 Main topic: Compelling storytelling through gaming 54:58 Outro and links Blog References:  The Power of Storytelling in Video Games The Art of Video Game Storytelling 101 Games Mentioned:  Chef RPG, Super Zoo Story, Persona 5 Royal, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Life is Strange, Star Wars Outlanders, Star Wars Galaxies, Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotai, Assassins creed, Halo, Pokémon, Donkey Kong Country, Yoshi’s Story, Banjo Kazooie, Knights of the Old Republic, Age of Empires, The Sims, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, The Haunted Chocolatier, Witchbrook, Bauldurs Gate, Little Sim World, Fable.  Books Mentioned: The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle - Steve Hugh Westenra That Way Lies Camelot - Janny Wurts The Shadow Rising - Robert Jordan The Cycle of Fire Series - Janny Wurts Cool School: You Make it Happen - John Marsden Creep Street: You Make it Happen - John Marsden TV Mentioned: Constellation Heartstopper Follow Kris and Rian: A Fictional Escapist (YouTube) A Fictional Escapist (Instagram) Rian (Books Instagram) Rian (Games Instagram) Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: Patreon YouTube Instagram TikTok Website

The duo queer it up this episode as they consider the topic of queer representation in media; from reminiscing over queer characters that informed their early years, to realising just how much queer rep—on paper and on-screen—has improved over the years. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Trigger warnings 01:06 Read / Watch / Play updates 07:44 Main topic: Queer representation in media 56:23 Outro and links Books:  Tipping the Velvet - Sarah Waters Fingersmith - Sarah Waters Silk Fire - Zabé Ellor The Expanse series - James S. A. Corey TV and Movies:  Jane Espenson (TV writer) Foundation (2021) Heartstopper (2022) Queer As Folk (2000) The Fosters (2013) The L Word (2004) The L Word: Generation Q (2019) Xena: Warrior Princess (1995) Will & Grace (1998) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) Six Feet Under (2001) Sense8 (2015) Boys Don’t Cry (1999) The Umbrella Academy (2019) The Danish Girl (2015) Orange is the New Black (2013) Games:  Chef RPG Super Zoo Story Metaphor ReFantazio Life is Strange Dragon Age (series) The Sims 4 Mass Effect (Legendary Edition) Baldur’s Gate 3 Cyberpunk 2077 Tell Me Why Follow Kris and Rian: ⁠⁠A Fictional Escapist (YouTube)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠A Fictional Escapist (Instagram)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Rian (Instagram)⁠⁠ Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: ⁠⁠genreblenderpodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠

Rian and Kris cross the border to the mysterious Area X for their very first buddy read. The duo discuss Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy in-depth, and walk away forever changed. Join our ⁠Patreon⁠ for free to participate in the book discussion! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Kick-off with a quote 06:33 Non-spoiler intro to the trilogy 08:52 Structure of the discussion 10:16 Plot and characters in Annihilation (Book 1) 24:01 Exploration of themes 30:46 Exploration of Authority (Book 2) 40:07 Acceptance (Book 3), more themes, WTF moments 58:43 Favourite WTF moments 01:03:50 Rian’s final points 01:07:31 Author intentions 01:09:38 Thoughts on our first buddy read 01:12:29 How to support the podcast 01:14:18 Links, socials, and intro to the next episode Annihilation - Jeff Vandermeer Authority - Jeff Vandermeer Acceptance - Jeff Vandermeer Movie: Brick (2005) written & directed by Rian Johnson An explanation (Jeff VanderMeer article):  https://commforum.mit.edu/the-spooky-science-of-the-southern-reach-an-evening-with-jeff-vandermeer-3f2faaf0dbb6 Follow Kris and Rian: ⁠A Fictional Escapist (YouTube)⁠ ⁠A Fictional Escapist (Instagram)⁠ ⁠Rian (Instagram)⁠ Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: ⁠genreblenderpodcast.com⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠

Rian nerds out over a new favourite anime, Kris gets hooked on a game about…. cooking? And the pair barely scratch the surface on a mega topic for discussion: adaptations and cross-overs. ⁠Best movie adaptations of popular novels⁠ ⁠The Way of Unity - Sarah K. Balstrup⁠ ⁠Leviathan Wakes - James S. A. Corey⁠ ⁠The Three Body Problem - Cixin Liu⁠ ⁠Annihilation - Jeff Vandermeer⁠ ⁠Authority - Jeff Vandermeer⁠  ⁠What you are looking for is in the library - Michiko Aoyama, translated by Alison Watts⁠  ⁠Terminator Zero⁠ ⁠Aliens (1986)⁠ ⁠The Wickwire Watch⁠ ⁠Chef RPG (Steam)⁠ ⁠Of Love and Loss - B.S.H. Garcia⁠  ⁠The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan⁠ ⁠Mass Effect⁠ ⁠Death Stranding⁠ ⁠Obsidian Awakening - Sienna Frost⁠ ⁠Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami⁠ ⁠Jurassic Park - Michael Crichton⁠ ⁠Foundation - Isaac Asimov⁠  ⁠The Life of Pi - Yann Martel⁠ ⁠A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin⁠ ⁠Icebreaker - Steven William Hannah⁠ ⁠Neuromancer - William Gibson⁠ ⁠Altered Carbon - Richard K. Morgan⁠ ⁠Firefly⁠ ⁠Serenity (2005)⁠ ⁠The Shannara Chronicles⁠ ⁠Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)⁠ ⁠The Salt Grows Heavy - Cassandra Khaw⁠ ⁠Lilly Wachowski to co-produce animated adaptation of trans novel Hell Followed With Us⁠ ⁠Wicked (2024)⁠ ⁠The Greatest Showman (2017)⁠ ⁠Burlesque⁠ ⁠Shrek The Musical⁠ ⁠Willow Talks Books⁠ —————— Follow Kris and Rian: ⁠A Fictional Escapist (YouTube)⁠ ⁠A Fictional Escapist (Instagram)⁠ ⁠Rian (Instagram)⁠ Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: ⁠genreblenderpodcast.com⁠ for all the links. Join our ⁠Patreon⁠! ⁠YouTube⁠ for the video podcast. ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for clips.

Rian watches an artsy lesbian thriller, Kris watches a renowned sci-fi classic, and they both dig themselves a hole while discussing the main topic of the week: modern vs classic fiction. Article Mentioned:  What makes a classic? Books mentioned:  - The Shining - Stephen King  - Old Man's War - John Scalzi  - Annihilation - Jeff Vandermeer - Club Contango - Eliane Boey - The Tale of Genji - Murasaki Shikibu - Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen  - Most Ardently - Gabe Cole Novoa  - Middlemarch - George Eliot  - The Picture of Dorian Grey - Oscar Wilde  - Frankenstein - Mary Shelley  - Toll the Hounds - Steven Erikson  - Moby Dick - Herman Melville  Films mentioned: - Love Lies Bleeding    - Alien  - Poor Things Channels mentioned:  Willow Talks Books My Name is Marines Follow Kris and Rian: A Fictional Escapist (YouTube) A Fictional Escapist (Instagram) A Fictional Escapist (Goodreads) Rian (Instagram) Rian (Goodreads) Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: YouTube Instagram

After sharing their read/watch/play updates and Kris’s current writing project, the pair discuss why they read, and Rian shares their ridiculous number of reading projects. Books and authors mentioned: Toll the Hounds - Steven Erikson Legacy of Brick & Bone - Krystle Matar The Swamp - Palmer Pickering The Host - Stephenie Meyer Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami The Shining - Stephen King Rage - Stephen King Old Man’s War - John Scalzi Redshirts - John Scalzi Salem’s Lot - Stephen King Carrie - Stephen King The Eyes of the Dragon - Stephen King Misery - Stephen King V. C. Andrews Perdido Street Station - China Mieville Embassytown - China Mieville This Census Taker - China Mieville Daphne du Maurier Guy Gavriel Kay Robert A. Heinlein Arthur C. Clarke Isaac Asimov Films, TV, games mentioned: Twilight: New Moon Valheim (Iron Gate Studio) Star Wars: The Acolyte Star Wars: Outlaws Oxenfree (Night School Studio) Shout-out: Johanna Reads (YouTube) - www.youtube.com/@Johanna_reads Follow Kris and Rian: A Fictional Escapist (YouTube) A Fictional Escapist (Instagram) Rian (Instagram) Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates: YouTube Instagram

Rian and Kris introduce the podcast and themselves, and have a very non-confrontational debate about sci-fi vs fantasy because the first episode is way too early for the friends to enemies narrative trope. Books and authors mentioned: Jeff Vandermeer - Area X (series) Stephen King Adrian Tchaikovsky - Elder Race (novella) Christopher Ruocchio - The Sun Eater (series) Patrick Rothfuss - The Name of the Wind Steven Erikson - Malazan Book of the Fallen (series) Douglas Adams - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Terry Pratchett Haruki Murakami - Kafka on the Shore Susanna Clarke - Piranesi James S.A. Corey - The Expanse (series) Peter Watts - Firefall (duology) Guy Gavriel Kay Tom Dumbrell - A Killer and a King Robert A. Heinlein Arthur C. Clarke - Rendezvous with Rama Robert Jordan - The Wheel of Time (series) Films and TV mentioned: Annihilation (2018) Star Trek - Deep Space Nine (1993, 7 seasons) Earth 2 (1994, 1 season) Farscape (1999, 4 seasons) Battlestar Galactica (2004, 4 seasons) Kris's social links: A Fictional Escapist (YouTube) A Fictional Escapist (Instagram) The Escapist (Goodreads) Rian's social links: Rian Floyd (Instagram) Rian Floyd (TikTok) Rian Floyd (Goodreads) Follow Genre Blender for updates: Genre Blender (YouTube) Genre Blender (Instagram) Genre Blender (TikTok)