FanCastic

Ho ho hold up... its Holiday break time already?! 

Well then, Happy Holidays from FanCastic! We gift thee...a new Post Credits, back with a special holiday-themed episode! 

In this festive episode, we share our holiday season reads, reveal who was voted "naughty" and "nice", and play a spirited round of the book cover game “Neigh or Sleigh”where covers get judged with holiday flair!

We also reveal our 10 Before the End list, counting down the Top 10 Reads of 2025 that truly defined our year. 

Whether you’re relaxing for the holidays or sneaking in a few extra chapters, this bonus episode is the perfect way to wrap up the year with FanCastic.

Thank you for a lovely 2025. Your support, listens, and love for all things fan casting made this debut year so special. 

See you in 2026! 

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

✨ EPISODE 10: PERIOD. — TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS MONTH ✨

We’ve made it to the end of our Trials & Tribulations journey, and it’s only right that we close it out with the most dramatic, emotional, and popular trial on television… Dancing With the Stars Season 34!

Note: This episode was recorded before the eliminations of Danielle, Andy, and — the one that shook us the hardest — Whitney Levitt. So yes… some of our takes aged like milk and we fully own it.

But don’t worry: the timing is still immaculate, because this episode drops just in time for the DWTS Finals. 💃🏽✨

And as if the sparkles we put weren't enough, we also just in to another round of "Casting Chaos"  to fan cast the current pros, the eliminated pros, AND the hosts/judges — WATCH OUT CARRIE ANN INABA!

If the producers hear this… our apologies in advance.

In this episode:
– Our favorite dances + biggest flops of Season 34
– Drama from the ballroom
– Judges being... too judgey
– Which celebs carried, which got carried, and which carried on

💫 It’s glittery, emotional, its... AN 8!  PERIOD.

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

🎙️ Episode 9 – Fan Casting Phantasma w/ Ky & Melle of Plot Twist Podcast!

In this episode of FanCastic, we’re joined by the amazing Ky and Melle from the Plot Twist Podcast for look into Phantasma—its haunting world, gothic romance vibes, and the characters who kept us turning pages. We chat about how COVID reshaped our reading habits, what it’s really like navigating the book-podcast community, and why representation in literature continues to matter.

We also break down our fan-casting choices for the characters of Phantasma—from nailing the right chemistry and character ages to understanding the impact of voice acting and emotional depth. Expect plenty of laughs, differing opinions, and thoughtful insights into both storytelling and the creative process behind fan casting.

Whether you love gothic romance, enjoy spirited book debates, or thrive on all things fandom, this episode is for you!

BONUS: Try the "Devils Margarita Cocktail!" 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6333255724466308/

Check out more Plot Twist Book Podcast and FanCastic on all socials at @officialplottwistpodcast and @fancasticpod -- Happy listening!

Don’t forget to like, comment your own fan cast, and subscribe for more full length fan casts!

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

Fan Casting Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie 

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend and former Broadway-days roommate, Kyle Kokesh, as we dive into I.V. Marie’s debut novel, Immortal Consequences — a haunting, beautifully written story about love, loss, and what it means to keep living after death.

We share what we loved most about this powerful new release, unpack the themes that hit closest to home, and reveal our dream cast for the inevitable film or TV adaptation we’re manifesting. (Hollywood, call us!)

But this episode goes deeper than just fan casting — It’s also about grief, healing, and how Immortal Consequences helped both of us navigate personal loss in unexpected ways.

If you love book discussions, fantasy romance, supernatural fiction, or just need a dose of emotional honesty wrapped in pop culture fun, this episode is for you.

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

It's the end of the month and you know what that means! PERIOD. 

🎃 HAPPY HALLO-WEEEEK WITCHES!!! We dressed up for ya! 🎃

In this episode of PERIOD, Bryce (Emyli) and Danika (Loretta) dive into the fascinating world of fan fiction and its growing influence on traditional publishing. From the Bridgerton musical controversy and the developing ACOTAR musical (why!?!?) to the evolving legal landscape of copyright, they explore how fan creations challenge — and often inspire — the entertainment industry.   Plus, don’t miss their rapid fan casting segment of the newly released "Alchemised"  by SenLinYu, shout out to their favorite bookish cosplayers, and a sneak peek at what’s coming up in November!

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

Fan Casts, Feels & First-Time DNFs – Quicksilver by Callie Hart

This week, we’re diving into Quicksilver by Callie Hart—and buckle up, because we’ve got thoughts. Some hearts may be broken, but all opinions are welcome as we navigate this wild ride of a read.

Joining us are the amazing Genevieve and Scott from the Booked for Two podcast! We kick things off with concert stories and chaos (as it should be), before diving deep into character analysis, the emotional challenges of reading Quicksilver, and what it's like to DNF a book for the first time.

From empathy in storytelling to the messiness of fictional relationships, we’re covering it all—with plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you loved the book or left it unfinished, this episode is for anyone who enjoys honest book talk, big feelings, and a bit of fan-casting fun.

Support the show

🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

🎙️ Episode 5: Spooky Vibes & Fantasy Fan Casts with Lilly Lloyd 👻📚

In this episode,  we are joined by the delightfully eerie whimsigoth fairy... Lilly Lloyd, (@lillydarlingxo) known on Instagram & TiK Tok for her spooky style and deep love for the enigmatic band Sleep Token. 

Lilly and FanCastic dive into Belladonna, a fantasy novel brimming with rich characters and gothic atmosphere written by the amazing Adalyn Grace. Together, we unpack emotional themes, the power of audiobooks, and how certain characters leap off the page and into our hearts.

And yes—there’s the main event, fan casting! Expect deep dives into characters like Blythe, Signa, and Elijah, dream casting debates, and a candid discussion on the importance of representation in adaptations. With a few personal spooky stories sprinkled in and lots of laughs along the way, this episode is a must-listen for fantasy lovers, bookworms, and anyone who enjoys a touch of the mysterious.

Happy Spooky Season, friends! 

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

In this episode of FanCastic, your favorite co-hosts, Loretta & Emyli, peel back the curtain on the bookish community. From cozy reading corners to the chaotic world of book conventions, they dish on their personal reading habits, bookshelf setups, and what it’s really like co-hosting a podcast.

But it’s not all lighthearted banter—things get real as they unpack the recent controversy surrounding Once Upon a Con, diving into the challenges indie authors face and the growing need for transparency and accountability in event planning.

From the bizarre rise of "doubloons" as convention currency to the power of aesthetic venues, this episode blends humor, insight, and a bit of behind-the-scenes tea. Whether you're a casual reader or a die-hard book event enthusiast, you’ll find something to love in this candid and thought-provoking conversation.

This episode contains our personal opinions. Chill. 

Support the show

🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

🎙️ Fan Casting RuNyx's Enigma | Dark Academia, Trauma, and Casting Deep Dive 🎬

In this thought-provoking episode of our fan casting podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Adara Bryan as we journey through the moody, mysterious world of Enigma by RuNyx. From the haunting halls of dark academia to the raw emotional depth of complex characters, this is more than just a fantasy romance—it's a psychological exploration of power, trauma, and transformation.

Themes of the episode: (TRIGGER WARNING FOR TALK OF SA AND SELF HARM)- Please take care while listening!!!

Fan Casting — We share our dream cast picks that match the characters’ unique personalities and gothic aesthetics.

Trauma & Healing — Through layered relationships, Enigma explores how trauma impacts identity and how love and connection can be both a salve and a challenge.

Representation Matters — We reflect on the importance of diverse casting and character representation, and how it shapes the emotional resonance of the story for different readers.

From personal connections with the characters to the immersive world RuNyx has created, we wrap up with key takeaways, favorite scenes, and what makes Enigma a standout in the dark romance genre.

✨ Whether you're a fan of dark academia, character-driven narratives, or just here for the casting drama, this episode is for you!

Drop your dream cast in the comments! Who would you pick to play Baron and Salem? Let’s talk Enigma!

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep-dives, fan casts, and bookish conversations every week.

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🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations. 

In this second installment of Author's Aside, Lauren Cate Leake (LC) discusses her journey as an author, the inspiration behind her series The Dread Descendant, and the importance of community and reader engagement. The discussion delves into fan casting, character development, and the role of music in storytelling, while also addressing the challenges of navigating reader feedback and criticism. LC shares her aspirations for future projects and the significance of creating a supportive environment for authors and readers alike.

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Special thanks to LC for being so open and honest about her career. You can visit her website, Instagram, or look for her doing a live signing at a B&N Books near you!

IG: @writer_lc

Website:https://lcleake.my.canva.site/the-dread-descendant

Thanks for listening! 

Support the show

🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations.