Idling In The Impala | a ride through SPN fandom and fanfiction

Sandra and Kasey revive Canon Fodder with an in-depth look at J2 AU fanfiction—the nuanced space where RPF meets alternate universe storytelling. Discover handpicked fanfic recommendations from AO3 that explore this beloved (and sometimes controversial) fanfic category, plus insights into how the Supernatural fandom has shaped this creative corner over the years.

Also, hear from two of the authors themselves in this episode with an excerpt from a 2025 interview with nyxocity and a recent chat Sandra had with Compo67.

Fic Recs (AO3 Links)

Sandra: A Touch of Evil by nyxocity

Kasey: Saxx and Gun Oil by NaughtyPastryChef

Sandra: Back Pocket Verse by Compo67

Kasey: Pretending Is Who We Are by BewareTheIdes15 

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look! 

Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:02 - Canon Fodder Nostalgia

00:03:10 - How did we decide on J2 AU

00:04:16 - Thoughts on RPF Then and Now

00:09:54 - J2 Ken Dolls

00:14:54 - Getting into our picks

00:16:07 - A Touch of Evil by nyxocity

00:36:15 - Saxx and Gun Oil by NaughtyPastryChef

00:41:19 - Backpocket Verse by Compo67

00:47:31 - Pretending is Who We Are by Bewaretheides15

00:55:57 - Special chat with Compo67 about Backpocket

01:39:45 - Outro

The Boys finale has everyone talking—and we're here for it. In this episode, Sandra and Kasey break down the series' biggest moments, compare its themes of power and brotherhood to Supernatural, and ask the all-important question: Did Kripke stick the landing? We chat about character arcs, cameos by familiar faces, and how this show gets graded by some fandom buddies. Buckle up for your favorite hosts diving into another corner of TV gold.

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look! 

Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:26 - Anticipating the Finale

00:23:22 - The Anxiety Spectre of Supernatural

00:35:01 - Season stand out moments

00:38:05 - Series Finale Scene by Scene

01:44:17 - Thoughts on the ending from our Discord Server

01:53:00 - Outro

Dive into the vibrant Supernatural fandom with Sandra and Kasey as they kick off a new series of convention stories. In this episode, listeners share their personal experiences attending ComicCons and Supernatural CreationCons, offering unique insights into the community that celebrates Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, and their legendary adventures. Whether you're a fan of fanfiction, fanfic recommendations, or podfics, this episode transports you into the heart of the SPN family. Sandra and Kasey invite you to join the conversation by sharing your own convention stories, continuing the rich tradition of storytelling within the fandom. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring fandom life, supernatural characters, and the creative fan works that keep the community alive!

Today’s episode has a heartfelt interview with Jen (Jld71 on tumblr). Seriously, you may need tissues. Sandra did.

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look! 

Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:00 - Convention chat with Jen

00:43:28 - Ko-Fi Member Thanks

Fanfiction tags on AO3 can be delightfully cryptic. And then, there's the very obviously unmistakably descriptive "Magical Healing Cock" tag. Join Sandra and Kasey as they explore and discuss how fans use AO3's tagging system to navigate the fandom. Perfect for fanfic readers and writers seeking deeper insights into fandom.

Link to the Magical Healing Cock Fanlore Page.

Doc with all the stats and fic links discussed in this episode can be found here.

Click here to check out a fic rec from a Discord member. Join us in the Idling server’s #backseat to share your recs and thoughts!

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:44 - Tag introduction

00:06:55 - Has this tag been replaced by another

00:09:54 - This is squicky for one of us

00:16:48 - AO3 stats

00:22:35 - Building or recovering intimacy after trauma

00:30:03 - Back to AO3 stats

00:31:46 - Fic recs with these tags

00:45:45 - Final verdicts and outro

Podfic Narration Time – Chapter 1 of “Blackbird” by sorryitsmyfirstdayonearth

Sorry likes to think of herself as the director of her Reader Inserts rather than inhabiting the starring role. And, man, this story is epic! It’s Sam/Reader in the Old West, heavily influenced by the show Deadwood. Narrating the first chapter was such a treat. Definitely going on my TBR list!

~ Sandra

Read the story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/66220714/chapters/170698717

~~~~~

Supernatural Fandom

Rated Mature

Sam Winchester/Reader

Summary:

1880: Blackbird, Dakota territory, is a lawless frontier town. Progress is coming, but for now, whiskey is poured, whores are run and anyone who has a disagreement can settle it with a revolver. Then Samuel Wesson comes to town and to your joint, the Cathouse. He's kind but mysterious, a man with a dark past. He befriends you, the local madam, in his attempt to find his place in Blackbird. Except that Sam’s six foot four of righteous trouble, and you have anything but friendly feelings for him.

But the past isn’t past, and soon Sam’s shadows follow him to town – his brother, his old crew and with them, the cold injustice of the open road.

~~~~~

Podfic sound effect credit used: horse_galloping.wav by telezon -- https://freesound.org/s/368583/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

~~~~~

Listen to all of Idling in the Impala’s Ramble On Podfics by visiting the https://archiveofourown.org/series/2964867 Podfics in the Impala series.

Sandra and Kasey welcome Sorryitsmyfirstdayonearth, a Supernatural fanfiction author, who has made a significant splash in the SPN fandom with over 170 reader-insert fics on AO3. Whether you're a fan of Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, or both, Sorry's work has something for every SPN enthusiast. In this episode, we dive into the world of fanfiction, exploring Sorry's creative process, her "Sorry’s Smutober Spectacular," and why she writes explicit fics filled with emotion and kink. Tune in for fanfic recommendations and conversation with a passionate member of the Supernatural fanfiction community.

You can find Sorry on tumblr and AO3.

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:06:12 - When did Sorry get into Supernatural

00:10:34 - The comfort factor

00:12:03 - It’s Sam for Sorry

00:21:54 - Show thoughts

00:24:50 - All of the Sam versions, please

00:28:28 - Dean deliciousness

00:33:36 - The brothers are weird about each other

00:35:13 - Favorite characters

00:42:23 - Amelia verdict

00:46:59 - Shipping Samwena

00:49:17 - More show questions

01:01:00 - Discovering the SPN fandom

01:03:57 - Writing start

01:05:24 - Finding fanfiction

01:07:08 - Finding the plagiarism trial to tumblr

01:08:59 - Reader Insert revelations

01:13:11 - Identifying a One Shot of Series

01:17:41 - A series of smut events

01:28:41 - Sorry’s MOC Dean

01:32:20 - Prompt and response

01:34:28 - Digging into the Mark

01:42:45 - Writing less is more

01:43:58 - Wipping it out

01:47:37 - The joy of sharing stories

01:51:00 - Shifting writing tones

01:53:46 - Reading list

01:59:27 - Ways to honor your soul characters

02:04:33 - How Sorry tags

02:06:34 - Favorite SPN authors

02:09:59 - Live Kasey story connection

02:12:23 - Supporting friends in their writing journey

02:15:05 - Fanfic exposure therapy

02:19:33 - Kasey’s questions

02:35:40 - Final thoughts and outro

Guess who’s back? It’s Priding in the Impala 2026!

Idling in the Impala’s 2026 Priding in the Impala Fundraiser is live! Visit the merch store and pick up anything with the “Priding 2026” artwork (designed by the immensely talented jayjay-thejet-plane)! Net revenue of this merch between May 4th and June 30th will be split between the LGBTQIA+ non-profit organization The Trevor Project and expenses that keep Idling in the Impala running (things like domain hosting, Zoom, Canva, etc.)

https://idlingintheimpala.com/en-usd/collections/priding-2026

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look! 

Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:06 - 2026 Pride Merch is Here!

00:25:27 - Outro

In this reflective episode, Sandra and Kasey dive deep into the Supernatural fandom as they rerank their definitive top ten best and worst episodes of the iconic show. Drawing from years of podcasting, they revisit memorable story arcs featuring Dean Winchester and Sam Winchester, discussing what makes these episodes stand out or fall short. Fans of Supernatural and those interested in fanfiction and podfic culture will appreciate the insightful commentary that bridges episode rankings with the broader fandom experience. Join us for an engaging journey through the show's highlights and low points, enriched by perspectives that celebrate the enduring impact of Supernatural in fan communities.

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:35 - No problem with ranking here

00:06:24 - Kasey’s Bottoms

00:18:21 - Sandra’s Bottoms

00:33:47 - Kasey’s Tops

00:53:56 - Sandra’s Tops

01:03:13 - Outro

Sandra and Kasey share some exclusive vault tracks in these special outtakes from Idling In The Impala, your go-to podcast for all things Supernatural fandom. When they're not diving into stories about Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, and fanfiction, they offer candid conversations, behind-the-scenes insights, and discussions about the vibrant SPN fan community.

Outtakes from this episode are from April 2024.

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

Podfic Narration Time – Excerpt of “Tainted” by xReika

Liane (AKA ChevroletDean on tumblr, xReika on AO3) loves the Mark of Cain and DemonDean storylines in Supernatural. So much so that they decided to take on the challenge of writing a 60K+ Reader Insert fic about it. I narrated Chapter 3 of this saga. When I was done, I wanted to go back and start from the beginning! I’m hooked!

~ Sandra

Read the story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/60986995/chapters/155798944

~~~~~

Supernatural Fandom

Rated Explicit

Dean Winchester/Reader

Summary:

As his nightmares get worse, Dean realizes he’s turning into something he’s terrified of; he needs his girlfriend’s help. The corruption of the Mark of Cain leads to a heart-wrenching promise. Can the curse be lifted, or will it leave scars?

~~~~~

Listen to all of Idling in the Impala’s Ramble On Podfics by visiting the Podfics in the Impala series.