The Mythic Mic Podcast

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this episode, host Sara Santillan sits down with Matt Kaye, co-founder and CEO of Bindery Books, to explore one of the most innovative and disruptive ideas in modern publishing: a tastemaker-driven publishing model that flips the traditional system on its head.

Matt walks us through his 20-year journey across traditional publishing, Amazon, and Patreon, and how watching creators build massive, loyal, book-loving communities inspired him to ask one radical question: What if the people readers already trust — i.e., bookish tastemakers — became publishers themselves?

From Indie authors who never had a platform to books traditional publishers would “never take a chance on” to runaway successes like Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and House of Frank, Matt reveals how Bindery is creating a new ecosystem where authors, tastemakers, and readers thrive together.

This episode is a must-listen for authors, book influencers, industry professionals, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the future of publishing.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 The Collapse of Traditional Book Marketing
Why legacy methods no longer reach readers and how tastemakers organically filled that void.

✨ The Birth of Bindery Books
How a lunch conversation sparked a vision for a publishing model powered by reader trust and community engagement.

📣 What a Tastemaker Actually Is
Not “influencers” but readers with powerful taste, loyal communities, and the ability to champion books they truly love.

🚀 From PitchFest to Publication
How the Bindery acquisitions process works, why authors retain more creative control, and how tastemakers guide cover design and marketing.

📈 Success Stories That Changed Everything
Including Destin J. Munden’s Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and House of Frank,  and how both books took off without the backing of traditional publishing giants.

🎨 The Era of Iconic Covers
Why Bindery books look different — i.e., real artists, real creativity, no AI shortcuts, and no trend-chasing copycat designs.

🛠️ Building a Platform for Readers
How Bindery is creating a digital space that goes beyond content by building a true community home for book lovers.

📉 What Traditional Publishing Is Missing
The reality of “platform requirements,” the stress put on authors, and why so many incredible books fall through the cracks.

💡 The Future of Publishing
Hundreds of niche imprints run by passionate tastemakers, diverse stories, more risk-taking, and a model where authors finally get the support they deserve.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic
📚 Hosts: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
🪄 Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill
📖 Explore Bindery Books – www.binderybooks.com and @Bindery_Books

✨ If this episode opened your eyes to the future of publishing, don’t forget to rate & review — it helps more readers and authors discover The Mythic Mic!

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan dive into their November book lineup, which includes a magical mix of mythology, monsters, knights, and heartbreak. From Greek goddesses and Slavic folklore to political intrigue and dark underworld bargains, this month’s reads took us across worlds and through every possible emotion.

The duo share spoiler-filled reactions, emotional chaos, and (of course) some passionate book rants. If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, this is the deep dive for you.

💀 What happens when a knight loses half his soul?
⚔️ Can love survive a war built on lies and blood?
🐍 And what if Medusa’s curse was never a punishment but a rebellion?

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT...

📖 To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth – Slavic folklore, holy knights, monsters, and the moral cost of redemption. Why Baba Yaga’s bargains are never what they seem, and how found family and queerness ground this brutal, heartfelt novella.

🐍 I, Medusa by Ayana Gray – A feminist retelling that transforms the monster into a martyr. We unpack its powerful themes of justice, vengeance, and survival and why Athena might be the true villain of Greek mythology.

👑 The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino – A sweeping tale of forbidden love, political chaos, knights and mages, and devotion that burns brighter than magic itself. The magic system, the heartbreak, and that slow burn had us screaming.

🏛️ Fallen City by Adrienne Young – A lush, Roman-inspired fantasy of rebellion, forbidden love, and destiny versus duty. Two lovers, two sides of a war, and one breathtaking story of fate and faith.

💀 Daughter of the Underworld by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr – A dark descent into Greek-inspired punishment and power, where soul servers barter freedom in the house of Hades and justice is anything but merciful.

🖤 Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano – A chaotic, irreverent fantasy with Disenchantment energy, following a thief and a half-demon prince on a quest filled with curses, chaos, and reluctant romance. Dark, funny, and delightfully unhinged.

❄️ A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody & C.L. Herman – The ultimate winter fantasy of destiny and defiance. Two chosen ones bound by opposing forces — summer and winter — must unite to save their world before their magic destroys it.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod
📚 Hosts: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
| Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! Whether you love your fantasy cozy or cataclysmic, your reviews help more readers discover the magic of The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with bestselling author Veronica Lancet, the darkly imaginative mind behind the gothic phenomenon Fairydale — a haunting, genre-bending fantasy that has captivated readers across BookTok and beyond.

From writing her first stories secretly in class to self-publishing her debut novel during her master’s program in crime science, Veronica’s journey is proof that passion finds its way, even when it starts on a phone hidden behind a stack of textbooks.

We dive deep into her whirlwind path from indie author to USA Today bestseller, the fever dream that was writing Fairydale, and the powerful themes of otherness, identity, and acceptance woven through her work.

💀 What if the monsters you fear are simply misunderstood?
🗝️ What happens when cozy romance turns gothic, twisted, and unforgettable?
🔥 And how do you stay true to your voice when your stories defy every genre box?

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 Veronica’s writing journey — from writing in secret during class to building a dedicated reader base
🖋️ How Fairydale went from indie success to landing a traditional publishing deal and hitting the USA Today Bestseller list
🌒 The fever-dream experience of writing Fairydale in just six weeks
🏰 Crafting gothic, historical, and fantastical worlds that blur the line between love and madness
👁️ Why limited POV storytelling creates mystery, tension, and emotional depth
💔 Themes of grief, otherness, and learning to see beyond fear and difference
🖤 The rise of morally black heroes (and why Veronica loves writing them)
🪶 A first look at her upcoming dark academia novel Sinister — complete with psychological twists and morally complex characters

💫 CONNECT WITH US

📖 Follow Veronica Lancet – IG: @authorveronicalancet
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode left you rethinking heroes, villains, and everything in between, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎃 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

For this spooktacular Halloween special, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by Noah from @NoahsBriskReviews for a chilling, bloody, and thought-provoking deep dive into Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and its sequel, Empire of the Damned (all leading up to the third book's release next week!).

This isn’t your typical fang-filled discussion. It’s a raw, emotional exploration of faith, monstrosity, and what it truly means to live (and die) in the light. From holy wars and blood feasts to broken saints and heretic hearts, this episode will have you rethinking what it means to be human in a world ruled by darkness. 🩸

💀 What happens when faith is your curse?
🔥 Can light be just as dangerous as shadow?
🕯️ And how do you trust a story told by a man who might be lying — even to himself?

Grab your garlic, stake, and favorite candle because this one gets hilariously dark.

⚔️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

🩸 Faith, Blasphemy, and Blood: How Empire of the Vampire flips religious myth into gothic legend.
💔 Gabriel de León’s Fall: The man, the myth, and the martyr who refuses to break even when the world does.
🔥 The Burden of Light: Why hope burns brightest in the most brutal worlds.
🦇 The Women Who Bleed Power: Dior, Astrid, and the fierce feminine energy behind Kristoff’s vampires.
📖 Empire of the Damned: What the sequel reveals about guilt, grief, and gods that demand too much.
🧠 The Unreliable Narrator: How Kristoff’s choice to let Gabe tell his own story changes everything and why we can’t be sure what’s truth or self-made myth.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod (temporarily @mythicmic)
🧛 Guest: Noah – @NoahsBriskReviews
🎧 Host: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Host: Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill

💀 Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you question your faith in humanity (or vampires), leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with Jed and Liz, the brilliant minds behind Writing Habit, a platform built for aspiring authors who want to finally finish their books and turn writing into a consistent, joyful habit.

From word count challenges and monster-slaying writing sprints 🐉 to data-driven motivation tools and beta reader feedback forms, Writing Habit is revolutionizing how authors write, track progress, and connect with a community that keeps them inspired.

💻 What if writing your novel felt more like a game than a chore?
🔥 What if accountability could actually be fun?
🗝️ And what if the key to finishing your book was hidden in your daily habits?

We dive into the inspiration behind Writing Habit, how Jed turned his own struggles as an author into a full-fledged platform for writers, and how Liz has helped shape its thriving, supportive community. This episode is packed with insights for every writer — from the first spark of an idea to hitting “publish.”

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 How Writing Habit began — from a simple Google Docs add-on to a full author platform
💡 Turning daily word counts into motivation through gamified tools and progress stats
🐉 Slaying monsters, leaderboards, and writing streaks that make consistency addictive
🧠 How beta reader questionnaires and editing marks improve feedback quality
🪄 Built-in plotting tools, AI-powered chapter summaries, and story templates
🤝 Why community and accountability are game-changers for creative success
📈 The upcoming 50K writing challenge (and how to join!)
💬 Jed’s best advice for aspiring authors: “Just start. Even if it’s messy.”

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🖋️ Try Writing Habit – writinghabit.app
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode inspired you to write that next chapter, join a challenge, or rethink your creative routine, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this special episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with intellectual property attorney Kirk Sigmon to unpack one of the most heated topics in the book community right now: the legalities of fan fiction and how far authors can go when their work is inspired by existing worlds.

From the recent controversies surrounding books like Alchemised, Rose in Chains, and The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy — all of which originated as Harry Potter fan fiction — to the blurred line between “inspired by” and “infringement,” this episode dives deep into the gray areas of creativity and copyright.

⚖️ What actually counts as plagiarism versus inspiration?
🪄 Can fan fiction ever truly become original work?
🔥 And what risks do authors take when they publish stories born in another universe?

Whether you’re an author navigating your first book deal, a reader wondering where the line is drawn, or a fanfic writer dreaming of publication, this episode is your roadmap through the myth and law of creative transformation.

⚔️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ What “fan fiction” actually means from a legal standpoint
✨ The key differences between copyright, trademark, and fair use
✨ Why “I’m not making money” isn’t a legal defense
✨ How to tell when a story shifts from derivative work to original creation
✨ The role of public domain and why authors should tread carefully
✨ What to do if you receive a cease and desist or copyright claim
✨ How authors can protect their own IP from being used in fan works
✨ Practical tips for fanfic writers, indie authors, and publishers navigating this space

💫 CONNECT WITH US

⚖️ Guest: Kirk Sigmon, Partner at Banner & Witcoff – https://bannerwitcoff.com/people/kirk-sigmon/
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you rethink fan fiction, respect the line between homage and originality, or just appreciate the legal side of creativity, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this special deep dive episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by artist Karina Giada to unpack the breathtaking fantasy that none of us can stop thinking about: Alchemised.

From the hauntingly beautiful world-building and intricate alchemical magic system to the characters who shattered us (and maybe healed us too), we’re diving headfirst into everything that makes Alchemised pure fantasy perfection.

💔 What makes a villain truly unforgettable?
🗝️ How do you balance love, power, and destiny when the world is falling apart?
🔥 And what happens when transformation costs more than you’re willing to give?

This is Part I of our Alchemised Deep Dive, where we explore the story’s core themes, the characters who linger long after the final page, and the moments that left us completely speechless.

If you’ve read Alchemised, prepare to spiral with us. If you haven’t, you’re about to find out why everyone’s obsessed. 👀 IMPORTANT: This episode contains spoilers! 

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ The alchemical world and the mythology behind its magic
✨ How Alchemised blends dark fantasy, romance, and moral complexity
✨ Our favorite characters and why we all love Kaine Ferron
✨ Themes of transformation, sacrifice, war, and the human cost of power
✨ The aesthetic and symbolism behind Alchemised’s visual world
✨ Our favorite emotional moments (and the ones that broke us)

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎨 Follow Karina Giada – IG: @KarinaGiada
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow co-host Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you scream, swoon, or start annotating your copy of Alchemised, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author K.D. Stark, whose sweeping Greek mythology retelling Where Darkness Bloomed brings the myths of Hades and Persephone, Helen of Troy, and Achilles together in one breathtaking, emotional epic.

By day, K.D. is a criminal defense attorney, but her journey from the courtroom to the underworld proves that creativity can bloom even in the most unexpected places. With lyrical prose, haunting emotion, and the moral weight of Greek tragedy, Where Darkness Bloomed reimagines what it means to strive for love, honor, and light—even when you know Troy will fall.

🗝️ What if Hades wasn’t the villain but the weary king who simply wanted peace?
⚔️ What if Helen and Persephone’s stories mirrored each other—two queens trapped by fate, still fighting for freedom?
🔥 And what if your creative spark could survive the driest realities of law, life, and loss?

This episode dives deep into the inspiration behind Where Darkness Bloomed, the emotional toll of writing Greek tragedy, and what it takes to indie publish a mythic debut that feels timeless.

A must-listen for lovers of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, and anyone who believes even gods can bleed—and rise again.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How K.D. turned a messy passion project into her first completed manuscript
✨ Reimagining Hades and Persephone alongside Helen of Troy and Achilles
✨ The emotional weight of writing Greek tragedy—from honor to heartbreak
✨ Why third-person narration gives epic fantasy its soul
✨ Handling difficult scenes (including violence and loss) with empathy and care
✨ Balancing motherhood, law, and creative life as an indie author
✨ Marketing lessons from the indie world and why “writing the story you want to read” matters most
✨ Sneak peek: K.D.’s next book, an Odyssey-inspired retelling filled with yearning, monsters, and gods
✨ Rapid-fire fun: mythic cocktails, bar fights, and which god would 100% cheat at game night

🏛️ CONNECT WITH US

📖 Follow K.D. Stark – IG: @K.D.StarkWrites
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow co-host Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

🛒 Where Darkness Bloomed is available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode rekindled your love of Greek mythology or reminded you that indie authors are the modern-day heroes of publishing, leave us a review—it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths meet modern creativity, stories take flight, and now—authors find their voice.

In this special new Aspiring Author Segment launch, co-hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with literary power duo Ben and Lauren Grange, the minds behind Books on the Grange and the creators of the brand-new author community and writing challenge Thirty30—the modern answer to NaNoWriMo.

Ben and Lauren bring over 13 years each of publishing experience across major houses like HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Amazon. Between them, they’ve done it all—editing, agenting, marketing, and even helping writers land agents and publishing deals. Now, through their growing online platform (with over 23K followers on Instagram), they’re teaching aspiring authors how to write smarter, query stronger, and build community in a tough industry.

💡 In this candid and inspiring episode, the Granges share the real stories behind the glamor of publishing—from rejection and low industry pay to rediscovering the joy of writing and building sustainable creative routines. They also break down the creation of Thirty30, a supportive, quarterly writing challenge designed to help authors write 30,000 words in 30 days with tools, community, and accountability built right in.

🪶 What if rejection wasn’t the end, but the start of becoming a better writer?
🔥 What if success wasn’t about trends or timing, but persistence?
💻 And what if the next great author community started with a thousand words a day?

This episode is filled with hard-won wisdom, humor, and motivation for every writer determined to make their story happen—whether you dream of traditional publication or indie success.

✍️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…
✨ How Ben and Lauren each found their way into publishing and why they stayed
✨ The realities of low pay, burnout, and creative rejection in the industry
✨ Why social media and author platforms matter more than ever
✨ How Books on the Grange became a go-to hub for writers online
✨ The creation of Thirty30, a seasonal writing challenge designed to revive creative momentum
✨ How community can help writers push through self-doubt and finally finish their stories

📚 CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:
📖 Follow Ben & Lauren Grange – @BooksOnTheGrange
🌐 Join the Thirty30 Challenge – www.thirty30k.com

🎙️ CONNECT WITH US:
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)
💫 Follow Host Bethany Corbin – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
💫 Follow Co-host Sara Santillan – IG: @the_Magical_Quill

🖋️ Remember: every author starts somewhere—and sometimes, the first step is simply showing up to write.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

In this first ever Mythic Roundup episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan share 6 unforgettable reads that defined their October — from gothic romantasy and myth-fueled mystery to twisted fairytales. Whether you love atmospheric worlds, slow-burn tension, or stories that blur the line between hero and monster, this lineup will give you chills (and expand your TBR by at least six).

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig — gothic mists, cursed cards, and the haunting brilliance of the Nightmare
✨ Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber — folklore, fast-paced mystery, and devilish deals in old Hollywood
✨ Hazelthorn — lush worldbuilding, vengeful heroines, and the tangled beauty of blood magic
✨ Red City — rebellion, power, and forbidden romance in a crumbling empire
✨ Gallant by V.E. Schwab — shadows, ghosts, and a girl who refuses to be invisible
✨ Never Ever After — dark fairytales, twisted endings, and villainous charm

🔥 DIVING DEEPER…

Sara starts us off with Rachel Gillig’s One Dark Window — a gothic, mist-filled tale of magic and madness where a cursed kingdom is ruled by fear and a young woman carries a literal monster, the Nightmare, inside her mind. From its eerie card-based magic system to its haunting prose, this is the ultimate dark romantasy to curl up with this season.

Then, Bethany dives into Stephanie Garber’s Alchemy of Secrets — the bestselling author’s adult debut that trades fairytale whimsy for old Hollywood mystery. It follows Holland, a grad student researching the Devil’s secret deals with celebrities, who discovers that the myths she’s been chasing might be horrifyingly real. 

Next, Sara explores Hazelthorn, a book steeped in vengeance and the dangerous beauty of nature itself. With its tangled magic rooted in blood and bone and lyrical writing, it’s a story of rage and renewal and the botanical horror read you didn't know you were missing.

Bethany then takes us into Red City, a brutal, vivid fantasy set in a world of feuding alchemy associations. It’s filled with forbidden friendship, ruthless politics, and a heroine torn between survival and justice.

Sara then revisits V.E. Schwab’s Gallant — a haunting, gothic tale about a deaf girl who belongs nowhere, drawn to a decaying manor where shadows move, ghosts whisper, and a mysterious journal may hold the truth about her family. 

Finally, Bethany closes the roundup with Never Ever After, a beautiful Cinderella reimagining where fairytales have darker edges and magic's exploited and feared. 

Grab your favorite fall drink, light a candle, and get cozy — this episode is packed with immersive worlds, strong heroines, and the kind of book talk that’ll have you adding titles to your cart before we finish the outro.

📚 CONNECT WITH US:

🎙️ Follow hosts Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow Sara Santillan – IG: @the_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic) 

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review if you loved this episode!