Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Silvan is joined by special guest Jenn from The Book Refuge for a deep dive into the passionate world of Heated Rivalry fandom, fan fiction, and the phenomenon of AO3.

Jenn shares her journey into fan fiction culture, including how Heated Rivalry became one of the biggest fandoms on AO3. We unpack why these characters inspire such devotion, what makes romance adaptations so emotionally powerful when done well and why fandom spaces can feel both deeply creative and deeply personal.

Together we explore what AO3 actually is and how it works, why Heated Rivalry lends itself so perfectly to fan fiction, the blurred lines between authorship, creativity, and community and the legal and ethical complexities surrounding fan works.

If you are a longtime AO3 reader or someone hearing the term for the first time, this episode is a fascinating exploration of why people become so attached to fictional characters why Shane and Ilya continue to resonate so deeply with fans around the world.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 31st May.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:40 Exploring Heated Rivalry and Fan Fiction

03:41 Diving into the Fan Fiction World

06:28 The Impact of Adaptations on Romance

09:42 The Role of AO3 in Fan Fiction

12:29 The Significance of Romance in Storytelling

28:30 Exploring the World of Fan Fiction

30:21 The Legal Landscape of Fan Fiction

37:18 The Gift Economy of Fan Fiction

42:11 The Allure of Heated Rivalry Fan Fiction

46:35 Understanding Tags in Fan Fiction

58:03 The Impact of Wolfbird and Opal Apparition

01:00:33 The Popularity of Fan Fiction

01:02:25 The Impact of Unfinished Works

01:05:17 The Drama Surrounding Fan Fiction Authors

01:07:02 Navigating Fandom and Parasocial Relationships

01:11:03 The Role of Fiction in Understanding Diverse Experiences

01:13:51 Creating a Safe Space in Online Communities

01:14:00 Handling Criticism as a Content Creator

01:15:37 Exploring Diverse Romance in Literature

01:21:00 The Journey into MM Romance

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 Jenn:

Instagram: thebookrefuge18

Youtube: TheBookRefuge

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: 

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

References for material Jenn spoke about today:

Series of YT videos by Jill Bearup: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj4N-R1RQxAs2v9G09lNy4oyAnGBBUtW3&si=d1osuTsCvf_6ykw8 

An Exhaustive Defense of Fan Fiction: https://youtu.be/wvP_BLMgYBg?si=NoOIu5jxUh3AtigJ 

Ao3’s Mission Statement: https://archiveofourown.org/about 

Ao3’s FAQ Page: https://archiveofourown.org/faq/about-the-archive?language_id=en#whatisao3 

Slash Fiction (Wiki): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slash_fiction#:~:text=It%20is%20commonly%20believed%20that,Spock%22)%20were%20used%20interchangeably 

Reddit Thread about Opal Apparition: https://www.reddit.com/r/heatedrivalryfanfics/comments/1sbnnuz/this_has_actually_made_me_feel_physically_sick/ 

Declan and Silvan dive into Part 3 the Heated Rivalry book review. We finally reach one of the most emotionally charged turning points in Shane and Ilya’s relationship and we had a lot to say about it.

From the aquarium scenes with Hayden and the subtle hints about Shane’s fears around family, to the infamous penthouse chapter, ginger ale, tuna melts, and one devastating use of first names, we unpack how Rachel Reid uses intimacy, domesticity, and even sex itself as storytelling devices. 

We explore how these chapters shift Shane and Ilya from “hookups” into something far more vulnerable, and why Shane’s panic feels so heartbreaking once you understand what’s really going on underneath it all.

We also discuss queer identity, denial, internalised shame, reclaiming slurs, chosen futures, and how the TV adaptation changes and deepens the emotional beats from the book. 

Plus, Declan goes on an anti-pickle rant, we accidentally term the phrase “tuna spit,” and we somehow end up talking about Shakespeare in the middle of all of it.

This episode covers chapters 12 onward and sets the stage for one of the most painful stretches of the book.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 24th May at 10am (GMT).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Heated Rivalry Podcast

00:28 Exploring Character Development in Chapters 12-15

05:26 The Complexity of Family Dynamics

09:28 The Pressure of Traditional Expectations

12:35 Navigating Identity and Relationships

16:44 The Impact of Language and Labels

24:58 Shane's Sensitivity and Foreshadowing

27:18 The Complexity of Parenthood and Relationships

31:53 Navigating Long-Term Hookup Dynamics

35:40 Sexual Dynamics and Power Play

47:30 The Shift Towards Intimacy

54:02 Confronting Domesticity and Vulnerability

57:34 Conflicted Emotions and Inner Turmoil

58:23 Denial and Acceptance in Relationships

01:00:24 Character Depth: Ilya's Backstory

01:03:50 Intimacy vs. Physicality in Relationships

01:06:46 The Significance of Names in Connection

01:10:18 Emotional Climax and Vulnerability

01:14:04 Conflict and Pacing in Storytelling

01:19:25 Building Intimacy Over Time

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/tjtQNj3qXr8

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

In part two of our Heated Rivalry book review series, Declan and Silvan dive deeper into the emotional chaos, yearning, and tension that turns Shane and Ilya’s relationship from a physical rivalry into something far more dangerous. What started as criticism in part one quickly becomes obsession as the pair unpack chapters 9–11 of and realise this is where the story truly finds its rhythm.

We discuss Ryan Price’s introduction and the early exploration of anxiety and mental health and Ilya’s protective instincts and the complicated relationship he has with his father. 

We explore why Ilya might be the most psychologically complex character in the series, how trauma and perfectionism shape his behaviour, and why the TV adaptation deepened certain emotional beats even further.

Our conversation also unpacks the infamous Vegas scene, the shifting power dynamics between Shane and Ilya, and the subtle ways intimacy is portrayed differently in the books versus the TV show. 

Plus, we discuss Rachel Reid’s bonus Ilya POV chapter, why it completely changes the tone of the Vegas encounter, and how it reveals just how heartbreakingly in love Ilya already is.

Along the way, there’s discussion of Hudson and Connor’s rising fame, future season predictions for the show, emotional communication failures, improvised TV moments that made fans lose their minds, and why the “we didn’t even kiss” text still hurts.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 17th May at 10am (GMT).

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 Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

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

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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/Bm92FVXKCHI

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Part Two

01:35 Character Development and Emotional Depth

02:34 Introduction of Ryan Price

04:17 Ilya's Protective Nature

08:37 The Impact of Fame on Characters

11:45 Predictions for Future Seasons

14:35 Character Dynamics and Relationships

17:34 The Evolution of Ilya's Character

20:25 Realism in Character Roles

22:39 Shane's Commitment and Actions

25:33 Yuna's Role in the Story

28:55 Sexual Tension and Writing Quality

31:14 Comparing Book and Show Intimacy

37:53 Pressure of the Olympics on Ilya

39:08 The Weight of Leadership

42:13 Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles

47:32 The Complexity of Relationships

48:59 The Pain of Separation

56:36 The Power of Perspective

59:01 Control and Power Dynamics

01:06:17 The Significance of the Extra Chapter

In this episode of the podcast, Declan and Silvan dive into the Heated Rivalry book. Covering the first eight chapters, we begin a multi-part deep dive into how the original story compares to the TV adaptation, and whether the book lives up to the hype.

Coming to the story from two very different perspectives, Declan as a longtime reader and Silvan as a first-time book reader shaped by the show, our conversation explores first impressions, biases, and the challenge of separating beloved on-screen portrayals from the source material. 

We unpack the book’s bold opening, its heavy focus on physical intimacy, and whether the pacing works when read as a standalone versus part of a larger duology. Along the way, we explore key differences in characterisation

Our discussion also gets into adaptation choices: what the TV show adds, what it elevates, and what gets lost in translation. Expect thoughtful critique, a bit of gay panic analysis, and plenty of debate about writing choices, tropes, and what makes this story resonate so strongly with fans.

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

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 Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

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

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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/YIKoVyKK7ms

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heated Rivalry

03:08 Comparing Heated Rivalry and Game Changer

05:46 Character Analysis: Ilya and Shane

08:31 Differences in Character Portrayal

11:23 Pacing and Emotional Depth

14:47 Sexual Dynamics and Their Purpose

16:53 Prologue and Story Structure

20:13 Time Jumps and Character Development

27:58 Realism in Relationships

31:04 Sound and Storytelling in Adaptation

34:24 Creative Adaptation and Elevation of Material

37:38 Character Perspectives and Narration

39:25 Main Character Dynamics

42:49 Character Arcs and Stakes

47:09 Tropes and Character Descriptions

50:06 Easter Eggs and References

51:18 Character Interactions and Humor

53:31 Exploring Anxiety Through Visual Mediums

54:34 The Dynamics of Sexual Encounters

57:24 Power Dynamics in Relationships

57:32 Navigating Gay Panic and Sexual Awakening

59:53 Emotional Distance and Intimacy

01:02:08 The Complexity of Sexual Experiences

01:03:27 Character Development and Emotional Depth

01:07:16 The Significance of Awards and Recognition

01:11:20 Characterization and Emotional Context

01:12:13 Comparative Analysis of Writing Styles

Declan and Silvan are joined by Lizzy from the Self aware podcast in  Part 2 of this special discussion on masculinity and sport in Heated Rivalry. In this episode, we explore the emotional cost of elite athletic culture through the lens of Shane, Ilya and Scott.

Building on last week’s episode, the conversation moves beyond performance and into identity, intimacy, and emotional survival. We question why physical closeness between male athletes encouraged, while emotional vulnerability feels almost impossible. We explore why can Shane and Ilya fight, joke, and touch each other with ease and yet struggle to actually say how they feel.

Drawing on her experience coaching young male athletes, Lizzy breaks down how sport teaches men to process emotion through aggression, competition, and physicality, while often neglecting emotional awareness altogether. Together, we discuss everything from performance anxiety and coping strategies to toxic competitiveness, role models, therapy in sport, and the psychological differences between Shane’s controlled overthinking and Ilya’s instinct-driven intensity.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 3rd May at 10am (GMT).

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 Lizzy:

The shelf aware podcast

Instagram: @ shelfawarepodcast and @ lizzyb_reads

Find Declan: 

Instagram: declan712

Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:

Instagram: Silvates

Tiktok: silvates1

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

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/GcAc7RKrBSM

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Masculinity in Sport

01:28 Physical vs. Emotional Connection in Athletes

04:21 The Importance of Mental Health in Sports

07:29 Role Models and Vulnerability in Athletics

10:31 Coaching Responsibilities and Mental Health Support

13:33 The Impact of Psychological Support on Performance

16:37 Emotional States and Athletic Performance

19:18 Coping Strategies for Athletes

22:16 The Balance of Instinct and Preparation in Sports

25:33 Aggression and Performance Expectations in Hockey

38:51 The Nature of Competition in Sports

44:00 Cultural Influences on Aggression in Sports

48:51 The Balance of Winning and Team Dynamics

54:00 The Role of Coaches and Mentorship in Sports

58:58 The Impact of Role Models in Sports

59:38 Reevaluating Success in Athletic Environments

In this episode of the podcast, Silvan and Declan are joined by special guest Lizzy, who is a college athletics coach, former competitive thrower, and co-host of the Shelf aware Podcast, for a conversation about masculinity, sport, and emotional expression.

Drawing on her lived experience as both an athlete and a coach working closely with young men in sport, Lizzy offers an insider perspective on the pressures, expectations, and unspoken rules that shape male athletes. We explore how environments like hockey and elite sport more broadly, rewarding emotional suppression, reinforce narrow definitions of masculinity and often leave little room for vulnerability.

We also unpack the contrasting ways characters like Shane and Ilya navigate these pressures, linking their behaviours to real-world dynamics in coaching, team culture, and performance psychology. Our conversation moves between theory and lived experience, touching on concepts like anxiety and performance, the role of coaches as emotional role models and the long-term impact of treating athletes as commodities rather than people.

Lizzie also reflects candidly on her experience as a woman coaching in a male-dominated space, highlighting the challenges and the unique opportunities to shift culture.

This is part one of a two-part discussion, so be sure to tune in next week for part two for more analysis.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 26th April at 10am (GMT).

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 Lizzy:

The shelf aware podcast

Instagram: @ shelfawarepodcast and @ lizzyb_reads

Find Declan: 

Instagram: declan712

Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:

Instagram: Silvates

Tiktok: silvates1

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

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/gufn8ixF5z0

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

01:21 Exploring Masculinity in Sports

03:08 Lizzie's Background in Sports and Coaching

06:46 The Role of Coaches in Athlete Development

08:35 Differences in College Sports: US vs UK

12:40 NIL Deals and Athlete Compensation

16:50 The Pressure of Being a Student-Athlete

20:37 Behavioral Expectations in Sports

24:53 Anxiety and Performance in Athletes

30:33 Mental Health Awareness in Sports

36:20 The Role of the Therapist in Psychodynamic Therapy

37:26 Impact of External Factors on Athletic Performance

38:25 The Need for Emotional Role Models in Sports

39:52 Coaching Beyond the Game: Building Relationships

41:19 The Evolution of Coaching Methodologies

42:24 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Coaching

45:28 Challenging Traditional Gender Roles in Coaching

49:29 Empowerment Through Coaching: A New Perspective

54:33 The Future of Coaching: Teaching Beyond the Sport

In Part 2 of our Game Changers book club series, we dive into the second half of the novel (Chapters 16 to the end). This is where the tension finally breaks, the relationship is tested, and the cracks we’ve been anticipating start to show.

We unpack the long-awaited conflict between Scott and Kip and discuss if it was it worth the build-up, or did it fall flat? We talk about pacing issues and repetitive intimacy to the emotional payoff (or lack of it), we get honest about what worked and what didn’t. We also explore the deeper dynamics at play: Kip’s passivity, Scott’s emotional blind spots, and whether their resolution feels earnest or just rushed.

There’s lot of debate, including whether a certain moment crosses the line into cheating, and why no one seems to be talking about it. We also reflect on themes of communication, agency, and what makes a relationship feel genuinely satisfying on the page.

We highlight the moments that do land, such as Scott’s character growth to the epilogue that left us smiling  and discuss how this book sets the foundation for the wider series.

We wrap up with our final ratings, thoughts on Rachel Reid’s writing at this stage in the series, and whether Game Changers is a strong starting point for the Heated Rivalry universe.

Let us know, did you love Game changers?

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 19th April at 10am (GMT).

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 Silvan's Podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/UKu0nyLKDS4

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Heated Rivalry Podcast

00:30 General Thoughts on Game Changer

02:29 Critique of Repetitive Content

05:32 The Role of Conflict in Character Development

08:25 Emotional Weight of the Big Fight

09:49 Underwhelming Resolution of Conflict

11:29 The Dynamics of Relationships

14:16 Toxic Patterns in Love

16:09 The Complexity of Breakups

19:09 Cheating and Its Implications

23:10 Kip's Passivity and Agency

26:38 Character Growth and Pacing

31:43 Coming Out for Yourself

35:43 The Epilogue: A Safe Space

Welcome to the first episode of our book club. Declan and Silvan dive into the Game Changer, the book by Rachel Reid that started off the whole book Heated Rivalry series and introduced Scott and Kip.

Coming to the story from a TV-first perspective, we explore what it feels like to read Game Changers with the show still fresh in mind. We talk about the challenge of separating the book versions of these characters from their on-screen counterparts, and how adaptation can both lose and elevate different parts of a story.

We discuss our first impressions of book Scott and Kip, including how differently Scott comes across on the page, why aging him up in the show was such a smart creative decision, and how Kip feels especially relatable as a young man trying to figure out life after university. We also get into the pacing of the book, the portrayal of romance and intimacy, and whether the show strengthens certain characters and conflicts in ways that make the story feel more emotionally compelling.

Along the way, we reflect on what works so well in the adaptation, what feels more effective in the book, and why comparing the two versions is so interesting when they are telling almost the same story in very different ways.

This is part one of our Game Changers discussion, covering the first half of the book up to chapter 15. In part two, we’ll return to the second half and see whether our thoughts change once the full story unfolds. We also share more about our Fable book club, so if you’re reading along with us, this is the perfect place to jump in.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 12th April 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

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/4y2MeHAAIi0

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Game Changers

02:59 Adaptation Challenges: Book vs. Show

05:44 Character Comparisons: Scott and Kip

11:46 Exploring Kip's Character

17:45 Navigating Early Adulthood

23:32 Family Dynamics and Backgrounds

27:58 Love, Lust, and Relationship Dynamics

35:00 Kip's Boundaries and Personal Growth

39:15 Elena's Role: Book vs. TV Show

45:01 The Role of Sex in Storytelling

57:40 Comparing Book and Show: Strengths and Weaknesses

01:01:49 Community Engagement and Future Discussions

In part two of the trauma focused episode, Declan and Silvan continue their discussion with trauma therapist and comedian Eliza, going deeper into the emotional and psychological layers of Heated Rivalry.

This episode explores how trauma shapes the way Shane and Ilya relate to each other, from minority stress and emotional suppression to dissociation, control, attachment wounds, and defence mechanisms. Together, we unpack the difference between intensity and intimacy, the role of trauma in sexual relationships, and why seemingly messy dynamics can still hold genuine care, trust, and emotional growth.

We also talk about aftercare, power and control, how humour works as a release of tension, and the ways vulnerability and comedy are intertwined throughout the show. Along the way, the conversation expands into therapy, transference, emotional safety, and what each character might look like in the therapy room.

It’s a thoughtful, funny, and nuanced deep dive into what Heated Rivalry gets so right about trauma, connection, and healing, and why the show continues to invite so much analysis from its audience.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 5th February 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://youtu.be/WTOKU953F1w

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Trauma in Relationships

04:52 Understanding Big T and Little t Trauma

08:26 The Dynamics of Control in Relationships

11:13 Trauma and Sexual Relationships

14:10 Transference and Countertransference in Therapy

19:19 The Impact of Projections in Therapy

22:32 Differentiating Trauma Bonding from Deep Connections

29:41 Defense Mechanisms in Relationships

32:27 Communication Styles and Vulnerability

36:29 The Role of Humor in Vulnerability

39:15 Understanding Ilya's Sincerity

41:40 Language Barriers and Humor

45:01 The Intersection of Comedy and Vulnerability

47:20 Creating Comedy from Heated Rivalry

54:08 Therapeutic Insights on Shane and Rose

01:01:26 Dissociation and Trauma Representation in Media

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