Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Declan is back for Part 2 of our Common Goal discussion, and is joined by Brittany from the Long Game Book Club to finish unpacking Rachel Reid's fourth Game Changers novel.

This time, we're asking some bigger questions, like does the age gap between Eric and Kyle really matter? Why is Eric so emotionally self-aware but so terrible at communicating? And did Common Goal miss an opportunity to explore the realities of retiring from professional hockey and coming out later in life?

Brittany  makes a surprisingly convincing case for changing the reading order of the entire series. Should Common Goal actually come before Tough Guy?

Things get a little competitive as we put our favourite Game Changers couples head-to-head. From chemistry and emotional intelligence to grand romantic gestures and long-term compatibility, we're ranking Shane and Ilya, Scott and Kip, Ryan and Fabian, and, of course, Eric and Kyle. Some couples come out looking considerably better than others. 

Join the conversation in our Long Game Book Club on Fable, and check out our Patreon for early access, exclusive newsletters and more.

As a note, we will be moving our scheduled weekly drops to every 2 weeks. This is to give us more time to balance editing and recording with life stuff so that we can keep the quality high. Thanks for your understanding. 

Long Game Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/DjZ4LJQrWwY

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Declan is joined by Kirsty from the Book Hashira as we move on to Common Goal, the fourth instalment in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series. This is one of the most divisive books.

In Part One, we dive into Eric and Kyle’s relationship and ask whether their romance really feels like a happily-ever-after, or whether “happy for now” might be a better fit. 

We explore the book’s significant age gap, Eric’s anxieties about retirement and getting older, and whether the story misses an opportunity to dig deeper into what leaving professional hockey might mean for someone whose life has revolved around the sport.

We also unpack Kyle’s lingering feelings for Kip, his difficult past and the unresolved questions surrounding what happened to him at 18. We discuss if Common Goalgives Kyle enough space to work through his own story, and if we are we actually convinced that he wants Eric more than he ever wanted Kip?

There’s plenty of discussion about third-act breakups, miscommunication, the evolution of Rachel Reid’s writing across the series, why alot of poeple love Role Model and how Ilya continues his unofficial second career as the Game Changers resident lurker, matchmaker and dispenser of unsolicited relationship advice.

Find Kirsty:

Instagram: thebookhashira_

Long Game Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/VrffkZ_Eix0

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

hashta

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Common Goal and the Game Changer Series

02:19 Character Development and Themes in Common Goal

05:08 Comparative Analysis of the Game Changer Series

08:18 Standout Characters and Their Arcs

10:22 The Complexity of Eric's Character

13:06 The Third Act Breakup and Its Implications

14:36 Realism in Age Gap Romance

18:45 Power Dynamics in Age Gap Relationships

21:45 The Impact of Past Trauma on Characters

26:29 Unresolved Themes and Character Arcs

34:06 Character Development and Unresolved Threads

38:30 The Impact of Miscommunication in Relationships

42:37 Retirement and Its Emotional Toll

48:06 Unrequited Love as a Plot Device

54:33 Character Arcs and Redemption Themes

Silvan is joined by actor and musician Justin Stanek for a conversation about acting, music, Next Door and the reality of pursuing a creative career in Los Angeles.

Justin takes us back to where it all began, from community theatre and an unexpected first commercial to packing up his life and moving across the country to LA. He opens up about the less glamorous side of being a working actor: endless auditions, day jobs, rejection, last-minute bookings and learning to confidently say, “I’m an actor.”

Of course, we have to talked about River, his character from the Next Door. Justin shares the story of almost playing a completely different character in Next Door, his chemistry read with Nick, developing River with director Caroline Plyler, and why those lingering looks at Kit were absolutely intentional. We also get into the rapidly growing world of vertical filmmaking, what Justin thinks the format gets right, and wrong, and why he believes verticals aren't going anywhere.

 We discuss Justin's love for music. We dive into musical theatre, songwriting, finding confidence in his own voice, his love of beautifully sad music, his dream of releasing original material and the musician he'd love to play in a biopic. Plus: Ben Platt, Rachel Zegler, The Last Five Years, Waitress, Phoebe Bridgers, a potentially lost Tori Kelly Vine and our campaign to get Caroline to make a boy-band movie.

This was such a fun conversation about taking chances, finding your people and figuring out what kind of artist, and person, you want to be.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 27th September 2026.

Find Justin:

Instagram: justin_stanek

TikTok: _jutty_

Long Game Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/g0NBXcO3wdY

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Justin Stanek

02:10 The Journey into Acting

05:03 Transitioning to LA Life

08:02 Family Support and Relationships

11:04 The Reality of Being an Actor

14:15 Auditioning and Resilience

17:04 Booking Roles and Project Selection

19:39 Behind the Scenes of Next Door

36:44 Exploring Vertical Filmmaking

40:28 Collaboration with Caroline and New Projects

44:23 Character Development in Next Door

53:11 The Impact of Vertical Filmmaking on the Industry

57:34 Navigating Social Media as an Actor

01:07:35 The Intersection of Music and Acting

01:10:46 Musical Theatre Memories

01:14:49 The Art of Songwriting

01:18:09 Musical Inspirations and Influences

01:24:33 Future Roles and Aspirations

01:30:23 Connecting with the Audience

Declan is joined with Jenn from The Book Refuge for Part 2 of our deep dive into Tough Guy by Rachel Reid. This time, we’re putting Ryan and Fabian to the ultimate test and discussing how they actually compare to Shane and Ilya?

Declan and Jenn go head-to-head across everything that makes a romance work, including chemistry, emotional intelligence, romantic gestures, sex, conflict resolution and, ultimately, whether these couples are built for the long game.

We get into why Tough Guy feels so different from Heated Rivalry, how Rachel Reid moves queerness away from being the central conflict, and why Ryan’s anxiety creates a very different kind of obstacle to love. We also unpack Fabian’s patience and occasional impulsiveness, Ryan’s quiet romantic streak, and why the intimacy between them might be one of the most important parts of their story.

We discuss Shane and Ilya and which is the romatic one. Why are they so terrible at resolving conflict? And just how much of their relationship is actually communicated through sex?

We have ratings, disagreements and Jenn may change Declan’s mind.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 27th September 2026.

Find Jenn:

Instagram: thebookrefuge18

Youtube: TheBookRefuge

Patreon: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fthebookrefuge%3Futm_campaign%3Dcreatorshare_creator&e=AUDcHdy3h2tYt5j5YUAD8Re3PXU1crwrEij1q-82r98fN984taClIYwUaMLBoe1PQnXUsfy1kbJQXvs4wTt0GnLYX0NObFyxW6nlNS1UcBO3-FyOMD1ZLVw6643uo0WL8EueRlFiJe3shYKbyw

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/_rI4UEwRiR8

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Declan is joined by Jenn from The Book Refuge to dive into Tough Guy, the third book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, and it’s quite the change of pace after Heated Rivalry.

This time, we’re talking Ryan Price and Fabian Salah, two characters who couldn’t seem more different, but who might be exactly what the other needs. We unpack Ryan’s anxiety and complicated relationship with hockey, Fabian’s unapologetic confidence and queerness, and why their much slower journey towards intimacy makes their relationship feel so different from Shane and Ilya’s.

We also get into the book’s exploration of toxic masculinity and hockey culture, the importance of friendship and support, Ryan’s experiences with performance anxiety, and the way Rachel Reid writes intimacy without making sex the end goal.

Plus, we ask whether Fabian is always quite as understanding as he thinks he is, discuss why Wyatt might secretly be one of the best characters in the series, and inevitably find several excuses to talk about Shane and Ilya again.

Is Tough Guy actually the best-written Game Changers book so far? 

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 20th September 2026.

Find Jenn:

Instagram: thebookrefuge18

Youtube: TheBookRefuge

Patreon: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fthebookrefuge%3Futm_campaign%3Dcreatorshare_creator&e=AUDcHdy3h2tYt5j5YUAD8Re3PXU1crwrEij1q-82r98fN984taClIYwUaMLBoe1PQnXUsfy1kbJQXvs4wTt0GnLYX0NObFyxW6nlNS1UcBO3-FyOMD1ZLVw6643uo0WL8EueRlFiJe3shYKbyw

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/S22mVMWG5JA

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

00:00 Introduction to Tough Guy and the Series

02:15 Character Dynamics and Emotional Connections

05:18 Themes of Mental Health and Anxiety

08:09 Exploring Hockey Culture and Masculinity

10:03 Ryan and Fabian: A New Kind of Relationship

13:05 The Role of Support Systems in Mental Health

16:08 Fabian: The Antithesis of Traditional Masculinity

19:04 Concluding Thoughts on Character Growth and Relationships

26:59 Exploring Representation in MM Romance

30:10 Feminine Characters and Their Importance

34:44 Diversity in Character Types

38:00 The Complexity of Relationships

41:41 Character Flaws and Growth

47:50 Missed Opportunities for Character Development

52:27 Character Development and Relationship Dynamics

55:00 Exploring Career Choices and Personal Growth

58:38 Navigating Sexual Performance Anxiety

01:06:51 The Complexity of Identity and Relationships

Declan and Silvan are joined by author Alex Cross, creator of Echoes of Us, Becoming Us, When We Ignite and From Our Ashes.

Alex takes us right back to the beginning of her writing journey, from growing up as a chronic daydreamer and discovering fanfiction, to writing her first novel on her phone while nap-trapped with her daughter. We talk about the leap from fanfiction to publishing, learning the industry as she went, and why releasing Echoes of Us was such an unexpectedly emotional experience.

Of course, we get into Atticus and Noah. Alex opens up about creating the complicated relationship at the heart of Echoes of Us and Becoming Us, why forgiveness and second chances provoke such strong reactions from readers, and her decision to portray addiction, recovery and grief with all of their messiness. She also shares just how deeply she inhabits her characters while writing, and why sometimes stepping back out of their world can be harder than expected.

We also talk about the huge role music plays in her writing, the songs that define Atty and Noah, finding the perfect voices for the audiobooks, her love of dark romance, and the characters who have completely ignored her plans and seemingly written themselves.

Alex gives us an early glimpse at what’s coming next, Between Here y alla, her upcoming Spanglish MM romance featuring a Colombian main character, Latin culture, plenty of Bad Bunny and a story she describes as a very, very long book.

Plus, somehow we end up discussing brownies, Basque cheesecake, ‘la chancla’ and why being a professional chef doesn’t necessarily mean you want to cook at home.

Spoiler warning: This episode contains significant discussion of Echoes of Us and Becoming Us, including major plot points.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 13th September 2026.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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 Alex on:

Her website: www.alexcrossauthor.com/

instagram: alexcrossauthor

Tiktok: alexcrossauthor

Find Declan: 

Instagram: declan712

Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:

Instagram: Silvates

Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/long-game-a-heated-rivalry-podcast/id1863459680?i=1000786733601

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: 

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Alex Cross: The Journey to Writing

02:37 The Impact of Dyslexia and ADHD on Writing

05:54 Transitioning from Fanfiction to Original Works

08:29 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Publishing

11:39 Character Development and Reader Reactions

14:37 Exploring Themes of Forgiveness and Healing

17:28 Content Warnings and Revisions

20:41 The Importance of Realism in Writing

23:20 Mental Health and Writing Process

32:41 The Emotional Toll of Writing

36:12 Method Acting in Writing

40:52 Balancing Writing and Family Life

45:15 Reader Interpretations and Author Intentions

50:24 The Realism of Addiction and Recovery

56:45 Resilience in Character Development

58:36 Character Connections and Personal Reflections

01:04:32 The Role of Music in Storytelling

01:13:40 The Audiobook Experience

01:15:45 Exploring New Genres

01:17:53 The Dark Romance Trend

01:21:31 Teasing the Next Book

01:26:34 Cultural Representation in Writing

01:35:30 Engaging with Fans on Social Media

01:39:53 Using Platforms for Advocacy

01:41:55 Where to Find Alex Cross

Just when you thought we we were finished with Heated Rivalry, Rachel Reid has one more dinner waiting for us.

In Part 14, Declan and Silvan dive into the bonus chapter, My Dinner with Hayden, as Shane and Ilya attempt something arguably more challenging than professional hockey, namely hosting Hayden and Jackie for a civilised dinner party.

We unpack the tension between Ilya and Hayden, Ilya’s surprising talent as a host, and whether this fan-favourite bonus chapter actually adds anything to the story. We also take a closer look at Hayden’s reaction to discovering Shane and Ilya’s relationship, the pressure Shane feels to keep their love hidden, and why Ilya seems increasingly ready to stop hiding altogether.

And, of course, we need to talk about the sex scene, including a few lines that gave us the ick, what the chapter says about trust and safer sex, and why its final moments might actually provide a more fitting ending to Heated Rivalry than the original final chapter.

Plus, we discuss the women of the Game Changers universe, the missed opportunity with Jackie, and where we’re heading next as we finally say goodbye to Heated Rivalry (for now) and prepare to meet Ryan and Fabian in Tough Guy.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 6th September 2026.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/0peXxjKP0pg

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 'My Dinner with Hayden'

01:52 Exploring the Timeline Confusion

04:56 Character Dynamics and Dinner Party Tensions

07:50 The Role of Female Characters

10:56 Hayden's Perspective on Shane's Coming Out

13:33 The Weight of Secrecy in Relationships

16:43 Contradictions in Character Development

31:07 Ilya's Readiness vs. Shane's Fear

33:41 The Complexity of Love and Career

37:33 Metamorphosis: Ilya's Transformation

37:56 Exploring the Sex Scene

43:49 The Shift in Safe Sex Practices

48:58 Contrasting Endings: A Reflection on Growth

52:19 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Series

Declan and Silvan make it to the end of Heated Rivalry, but does Shane and Ilya’s story get the ending it deserves?

In Part 13, we dive into Chapter 27 and the epilogue, as Shane and Ilya begin to imagine what a future together might actually look like. We explore Ilya’s changing idea of “home,” the significance of Shane finally letting him further into his life, a semi-proposal disguised as a joke, and why the possibility of keeping their relationship secret for another ten years already feels impossible.

We also compare the book’s ending with the TV adaptation, including what the show adds to Shane’s relationship with his family and if the final chapter left us wanting something more. Does the epilogue provide the emotional payoff the book needs? And is Heated Rivalry really a complete story, or does it only fully work when viewed alongside The Long Game? We are definitely not finished with Shane and Ilya, or the Game Changers series.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 30th August 2026.

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/C7Y2Qtgn2dc

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heated Rivalry and Chapter 27 Overview

02:14 Exploring the Emotional Core of the Story

05:09 Themes of Home and Belonging

07:48 The Symbolism of Water and Vodka

09:42 Humor and Affection in Relationships

12:27 Reflections on the Book's Conclusion and Epilogue

22:17 The Role of the Epilogue in Storytelling

23:40 Emotional Arcs and Character Development

25:18 The Importance of Character Perspectives

28:52 Public Perception and Relationship Dynamics

30:40 The Challenges of Keeping Secrets in Relationships

33:18 Future Aspirations and Relationship Goals

37:08 Contrasting Endings: Satisfaction and Expectations

41:21 The Role of Charity in Character Development

44:10 Concluding Thoughts on the Book and Future Directions

Declan and Silvan finally reached that chapter.

In Part 12 of our Heated Rivalry deep dive, we tackle Chapter 26, and despite our best intentions, manage to spend an entire episode on just one chapter.

We start with the newly announced Season 2 casting and the conversation surrounding Harris, body representation and the expectations fans bring to adaptations. Then it’s back to the cottage, where Shane and Ilya are happier, more open and more in love than we’ve seen them before. Right up until David catches them together on the dock.

We unpack how differently this pivotal moment plays out in the book and TV series, why the adaptation gives Shane’s reaction so much more emotional weight, and what it means for him to have his choice about coming out suddenly taken away. We also look at Shane’s parents’ reaction, Ilya being introduced as his “lover”, the importance of Scott Hunter’s story, and the beautifully understated moment when Shane finally gets to call Ilya his boyfriend.

We discuss Rachel Reid’s growth as a writer, whether Ilya fell in love first, Shane’s relationship with control, queer relationships moving fast, why you should never abandon your friends for a new partner, and whether Declan should read The Count of Monte Cristo live on TikTok.

One chapter. One hour. We regret nothing.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 23rd August 2026.

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/3ls4YLinsgE

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Casting Controversies and Expectations

06:17 Character Development and Writing Style

17:38 Comparative Analysis of Prose and Characterization

24:04 Contrasting Lifestyles: Ilya vs. Shane

25:27 Exploring Voyeurism and Risk in Relationships

27:56 The Sweetness of Love: Building Emotional Connections

29:38 The Impact of Being Caught: A Turning Point

31:07 Passive Protagonists: The Need for Action in Relationships

33:23 The Struggle for Control: Coming Out and Acceptance

34:41 Humor vs. Tension: Different Reactions to Stress

37:50 Validation and Growth: The Importance of Support

39:45 Parental Perspectives: How Families View Relationships

43:15 Character Perception: Ilya Through the Eyes of Others

46:14 Naming Relationships: The Significance of 'Lovers'

49:19 The Nature of Love and Attraction

51:45 Character Dynamics and Relationships

54:58 Parental Perspectives and Emotional Awareness

57:56 The Importance of Communication

01:02:16 Navigating Change and Personal Growth

01:05:32 Inspiration and Bravery in Relationships

01:07:44 The Rush of New Love

01:10:19 Support and Understanding in Relationships

Declan and Silvan are joined by one of the most talked-about voices in MM romance.

In this special interview, we're joined by bestselling author Scarlett Drake to discuss the phenomenal success of Oleander, her haunting queer reimagining of Great Expectations. 

Scarlett shares the twelve-year journey that took her from posting fanfiction on Wattpad to becoming one of the genre's most celebrated independent authors, and how self-publishing changed her life.

We take a deep dive into Oleander, exploring the inspiration behind the novel, its gothic atmosphere, the symbolism of the title, and the complex relationship between Jude and Cas. Scarlett opens up about writing morally complicated characters, depicting trauma responsibly, and why she believes Cass deserves empathy despite his flaws. We also discuss readers' divided reactions to the ending, the challenges of adapting classic stories for a modern queer audience, and the lasting influence of The Song of Achilles and A Little Life.

Scarlett also gives us an exciting first look at her next project: a dark, gothic MM retelling of a popular classic. We chat about her writing process, visualising scenes like films, balancing creativity with a day job, and her advice for aspiring authors hoping to publish their own stories.

There may be some spoilers when discussing the characters, so join us for a insightful conversation with Scarlett. 

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 16th August 2026.

Find Scarlett:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettedrake?utm_source=qr

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scarlettedrake?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Scarlett-Drake/author/B09C6HH6FC?_encoding=UTF8&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: 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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/Z73ROmlKrlU

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697