K Let's Talk

Welcome to the third episode of this six part series covering the music of Heated Rivalry, where we break down the soundtrack and score for each individual episode of the show. This week, we are tackling the uniquely stand-alone episode following Scott and Kip's story, and discuss the music choices, placement, and difference between this episode and Shane and Ilya's 5 episode arc. This episode is also the debut of a very important song, "I'll Believe in Anything," and we touch on Jacob's brilliant use and placement of that song that helped create the narrative payoff in episode five. Let's chat!

Welcome to part two of a six-part series discussing the music of Heated Rivalry, one episode at a time.

In this week's episode, we are covering every sound in Episode 2 "Olympians." We dive into the soundtrack choices, including the song chosen for the show's first ever montage. We also deep dive into the score by Peter Peter, and how the music he created for the show adds context, nuance, and emotionality to each scene. We link lyrics to story beats and also provide some history lessons for certain classical pieces.

Each episode in this series will focus on one episode of the show, unpacking the storytelling behind the music selections and highlighting the intentionality behind every song choice and moment. Let's talk!

This week, we are diving into more hockey-specific questions sent in by listeners. The goal is to help paint a better picture of Shane and Ilya's careers, positions, and their impact as players as they enter The Long Game / Season 2 of the show, so SPOILERS AHEAD for anyone looking to avoid plot points for The Long Game or Season 2!

Welcome to the first episode of a six-part series breaking down the music of Heated Rivalry, one episode at a time.

In this installment, we're exploring every song featured in Episode 1, "Rookies." I'll also dive into Zoe Si's article, "Power Play: Behind the Music of Heated Rivalry," which examines creator and showrunner Jacob Tierney's philosophy on music and the role it plays in his creative process. As Tierney has shared in numerous interviews since the series premiered, music is a foundational part of how he develops and shapes scenes and builds his version of Heated Rivalry.

Each episode in this podcast series will focus on one episode of the show, unpacking the soundtrack, score, and storytelling behind the music selections.

In this episode, we are (once again) answering listener-submitted questions pertaining to The Long Game and Heated Rivalry Season 2! Spoilers ahead for those looking to avoid them. We are focusing on the largest story beat of The Long Game. I'll share my opinion on how it was written in the book vs how it may appear on screen in the show. We'll also talk about music and music choices. Lots to dive into, so let's talk!

It is hard to believe, but this week we are breaking down the final episode of the Outlander series, Season 8, Episode 10, titled "And the World Was All Around Us." This show has meant so much to so many, alongside the books. I feel lucky to have been along for the ride since season four premiered, to have read the novels more than once, and to see these characters I love so much on screen for eight seasons.

Breaking down this finale left me with a flurry of emotions, many of which are mixed. This breakdown points out the highlights and the critiques I had, but at the heart of it, I feel grateful that we were able to witness a proper ending and finale season given to this show. Not many shows are afforded that!

So one last time, let's talk Outlander and revel in Jamie and Claire's love story together as it comes to an end on screen.

*Apologies for any audio inconsistencies/issues*

On this week's episode, we're discussing a listener-submitted question which asked, "What makes Shane and Ilya's relationship distinct from other romance stories?"

I touch on a few narrative distinctions, discuss how they fit within traditional romance tropes, and touch on how the very specific framework that their characters exist within informs our investment in their story.

This week, we are diving into Outlander Season 8 Episode 9, "Pharos." This episode was written by Diana Gabaldon herself, and sits as the penultimate episode of the season and the series as a whole. We discuss the rescue of Lord John Grey after he was kidnapped by Captain Richardson, the emotional reunion between Jamie and Lord John, how William is coming to terms with having two fathers, and the lead-up to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Let's talk.

In this fifth (!!!) episode of our Heated Rivalry Q&A series, we tackle three questions submitted by listeners. We discuss what David doesn't say to Yuna when he returns home after discovering the boys, how I think Shane would have finished the sentence "and I guess I thought we... never mind" on the Vegas rooftop, and whether or not Svetlana knows Jane is Shane. Let's talk!

This week, we are diving into Outlander Season 8, Episode 8 "Into the Forst." This episode is the final time we see my beloved Marsali, get to witness Jamie and William grow closer in their strained relationship, watch as the Ridge continues to prepare for the looming battle ahead, and learn some very significant show changes to the character of Fanny.

As we grow closer to the finale, more and more storylines seem to be wrapping up, and while some of them feel natural in their conclusions, others feel worthy of commentary and discussion. Lets chat!