In part one of this special two-part episode of Long Game: A Heated Rivalry Podcast, Declan and Silvan are joined by trauma therapist and comedian Eliza to unpack why Heated Rivalry feels so emotionally intense. Together, we explore the obsession, attachment, longing, and emotional pull that has made the show so impossible to stop thinking about.

From ADHD hyperfixation and dopamine hits, to yearning, restraint, masculinity, and queer joy, this episode digs into the psychology of why the story lands so deeply for so many people. Eliza brings both her therapist lens and her sharp sense of humour to the conversation. We reflect on the artistry of the adaptation, the emotional intelligence of the writing, and the way the show trusts its audience.

We also get into attachment styles, emotional suppression, the role of hockey culture and toxic masculinity, and why Shane, Ilya, Scott, and Kip all resonate in such different ways. Plus, a brief detour into sad songs, gym motivation, and why sometimes a scene from Heated Rivalry works like emotional “charcuterie.”

This is part one of the conversation. In part two, we go even deeper into trauma, defence mechanisms, and humour.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 29th March at 10am (GMT).

Join the Long game book club on fable here: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod

Write to us: [email protected]

Find Declan: 

Instagram: declan712

Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:

Instagram: Silvates

Tiktok: silvates1

Find Eliza on Instagram and tiktok: elizaisntfunny

Watch it on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHnYmpPeBsI

Chapters:

00:00 Book Club Announcement

01:18 Exploring the Intensity of Rivalry

02:54 The Impact of Media on Emotions

06:05 Cultural Representation in Romance

08:58 Psychological Perspectives on Obsession

12:40 The Role of Toxic Masculinity

16:34 Emotional Suppression and Trauma

20:22 Longing and Its Narrative Power

24:19 Fantasy vs. Reality in Relationships

28:10 Aspirational Love in Media

38:08 The Podcasting Journey

38:15 Yearning vs. Actualization in Relationships

41:16 The Reality of Post-Honeymoon Relationships

42:27 The Addictive Nature of Longing

43:54 Dopamine and Emotional Connection through Media

51:28 Attachment Styles and Their Impact on Relationships

57:17 Emotional Maturity in Relationships

01:03:35 Scott and Kip: A Study in Love Bombing and Emotional Availability