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In this special start-of-the-year episode, Kris and Rian deep-dive into their personal and creative themes, goals, and projects for 2026. They also cover a few big news items that happened over the last month, and discuss the books, movies, TV shows, and games that have captured their attention and hearts throughout December (ahem… let it be known there was absolutely no cramming to fit everything in before the year closed out). Kris surprises Rian by adding a little danger to Backlog Roulette, and the pair announce their buddy read for the first quarter of 2026.
How about you? We’d love to hear your themes, goals, or projects for 2026! Feel free to share them in the comments below.
We wish you all a happy and safe New Year!
0:00 Intro
2:10 The Newsstand
8:48 Read Watch Play
17:46 Main Topic: Themes, Goals and Projects for 2026
51:49 Backlog Roulette
55:35 Coming Right Up (buddy reads pick for Q1)
57:25 Connect with us
Read:
Wuthering Heights https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a72b94aa-4d4a-47dd-841b-583036ae006d
You've Lost a Lot of Blood https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/0076165b-dba2-49a6-8e15-2618bba670fb
Run Like Hell https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/76f65c1f-c464-4153-8bec-65e27d2cb8c4
Level Apocalypse https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97df550b-5bf8-471b-9312-7c713d40479b
The Only Good Indians https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/79437676-42a1-4936-86ac-b885a7f33ac9
The Long Walk https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/65a4aeef-9821-48ef-914a-79fb8646ab83
This Skin Was Once Mine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe204dee-e161-4a95-832b-e4fae34a49e9
Watch:
The Grand Budapest Hotel https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/120467-the-grand-budapest-hotel
All’s Fair https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/258742-all-s-fair
Heated Rivalry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/301507-heated-rivalry
The Abandons https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/223300-the-abandons?language=en-AU
Play:
Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/metroid-prime-4-beyond-nintendo-switch-2-edition.html
Skate Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/1263240/Skate_Story/
Dispatch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/
Terminator 2D: NO FATE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718460/Terminator_2D_NO_FATE/
Genre Blender on the web:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast
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A wolf-PACKED episode to celebrate the launch of Kris’s debut novel ALPHA with a spoiler-free interview with the author himself about writing, world-building, and the journey to becoming a published author. We also sift through a ton of gaming news to discuss a few of the biggest stories. Plus our Read Watch Play lists, what’s Coming Right Up, and the spin wheels are back for Backlog Roulette.
ALPHA (The Alpha Cycle, Book 1) Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLW6XHSB?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D1QGKKV46QJDT7D29R05
ALPHA (The Alpha Cycle, Book 1) by K. D. Marchesi on The Storygraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5a22ee4f-eb80-49fa-9064-692b2b0fcf87
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:20 The Newsstand
14:19 Read Watch Play
34:37 Guest Spot: Interview with K. D. Marchesi
1:02:52: Coming Right Up
1:08:57 Backlog Roulette
1:11:42 Find us online
News:
Valve’s Steam Machine https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steammachine
Valve’s Steam Frame https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamframe
Valve’s Steam Controller https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamcontroller
BioWare’s N7 Day blog post https://blog.bioware.com/2025/11/07/n7-day-2025/
Zoopunk https://www.tigames.com/zoopunk
Alanah Pearce’s video about The Game Awards drama https://youtu.be/AYFAlImQR74?si=kRsqmLGbUSr3GBl-
Books:
Automatic Noodle https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4932a31d-9ece-44a3-a9bf-0b0735976ced
City of Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4754905a-5f8a-491c-803a-bf315929c95f
Scorched Grace https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4f3b1723-8342-4c9f-b1a6-4806b59791ae
Labyrinth's Heart https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/137d7922-09ae-418f-b844-12275db3d939
Triple Sec https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f01fa561-3254-483f-96e0-ee0565323b30
Level Apocalypse https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97df550b-5bf8-471b-9312-7c713d40479b
City of Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4754905a-5f8a-491c-803a-bf315929c95f
TV/Movies:
Wayward https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/255859-wayward
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/425274-now-you-see-me-now-you-don-t
Red, White & Royal Blue https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/930094-red-white-royal-blue
IT: Welcome to Derry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/200875-it-welcome-to-derry
All’s Fair https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/258742-all-s-fair
Bring Her Back https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1151031-bring-her-back
Games:
Bloomtown: A Different Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/2445990/Bloomtown_A_Different_Story/
Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/
Inn Tycoon https://store.steampowered.com/app/2749000/Inn_Tycoon/
ARC Raiders https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/
Terminator 2D: NO FATE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718460/Terminator_2D_NO_FATE/
Kingdoms of the Dump https://store.steampowered.com/app/2159270/Kingdoms_of_the_Dump/
Other Links:
Developmental Editor: Olivia Hofer
Genre Blender on the web:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast
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Website - https://www.genreblender.net
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The Genre Blender podcast has a new format, and Kris and Rian are excited to tell you all about it. The duo share their Read-Watch-Play updates and discuss some news after a hectic month. Stick around to the very end to see a brand new segment that should be as useful as it is entertaining.
00:00 Intro to new format
02:13 Updates
07:09 Read Watch Play
38:48 The Newsstand
1:00:07 Backlog Roulette
1:14:21 Outro and links
We’re Evolving! Upcoming Changes for Genre Blender - https://www.genreblender.net/were-evolving-upcoming-changes-for-genre-blender/
A Head Full of Ghosts https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2a55e7e5-8eaf-478e-82cf-62f717654fb1
This Skin Was Once Mine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe204dee-e161-4a95-832b-e4fae34a49e9
The Haunting of Hill House https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/cd81e978-d1dd-487b-ae20-1a16a63c425c
The Pallbearers Club https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/13845c2c-b586-490a-a8b4-1d164e02814d
Dark Bloom https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1217ace1-c7dd-43f7-aa3f-6b609b13eb5f
Everything the Darkness Eats https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/358e9c7e-b767-4b32-8dde-415845fed7cb
EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9
Queen of Faces https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/898a134e-3df2-46f1-9c41-44fbc68ba04a
Dune https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/438631-dune
Thunderbolts https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/986056-thunderbolts
The Hunting Wives https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/244447-the-hunting-wives
Now You See Me https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/75656-now-you-see-me
Now you See Me 2 https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/291805-now-you-see-me-2
In the Lost Lands https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324544-in-the-lost-lands
Welcome to Derry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/200875-it-welcome-to-derry
Wayward https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/255859-wayward
Frankenstein https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1062722-frankenstein
Pokemon Legends Z-A https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/pokemon-legends-z-a.html
Travellers Rest https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139980/Travellers_Rest/
Habbo Hotel Origins https://origins.habbo.com
Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition https://fallout.bethesda.net/en/article/N00XVTawnzBBH7HNwv0hN/fallout-4-anniversary-edition-announced
Neopets mini games collection https://portal.neopets.com/news/oct23-neopets-mega-mini-games-collection-reveal
Dispatch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/
The Outer Worlds 2 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/
Rue Valley https://store.steampowered.com/app/2126190/Rue_Valley/
Pigface Bookstore in Perth CBD https://perthisok.com/lifestyle/pigface-bookstore-perth/
Episode of MinnMax podcast with guest Jason Schreier to explain the EA requisition (1:30:27) https://youtu.be/se-CQM_rXwM?si=drCfRuN1oQK78uW9
Signourney Weaver on the 50-pages of movie script and her meeting with Disney https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-star-sigourney-weaver-has-met-with-disney-1236397969/
Genre Blender on the web:
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Kris and Rian get a healthy dose of nostalgia in this gaming-focused episode with a discussion about retro gaming, emulation, and gaming handhelds.
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Check out our website: https://www.genreblender.net
00:00 Intro and announcement
02:27 Read Watch Play
14:32 Intro to main topic: retro gaming
14:54 What is retro gaming?
21:59 Is there a resurgence in retro games?
32:46 What retro game devices do we use?
49:54 The retro gaming scene is not just for millennials
54:08 Speculation time
58:17 Outro and links
Books and games mentioned:
Boudicca’s Daughter https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/efe69962-7e30-4f08-9fce-e98f8cb68acc
EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9
AI: The Somnium Files https://store.steampowered.com/app/948740/AI_The_Somnium_Files/
Earthbound https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBound
Trails in the Sky: First Chapter https://store.steampowered.com/app/3375780/Trails_in_the_Sky_1st_Chapter/
The Touryst https://store.steampowered.com/app/1796410/The_Touryst/
Hades II https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/
Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/
Articles and YouTube channels mentioned:
Addicted to nostalgia | abc.net.au https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-14/how-retro-video-games-obsolete-collectors-items/105331068
Team Retro https://www.youtube.com/@TeamRetro/videos
Why are younger generations embracing the retro game revival? | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/02/why-are-younger-generations-embracing-the-retro-game-revival
Retro Game Corps https://www.youtube.com/@RetroGameCorps
Miyoo Mini (and Miyoo Mini Plus) Starter Guide (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2022/05/15/miyoo-mini-v2-guide/
Anbernic RG35XX Family Starter Guide (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/06/07/anbernic-rg35xx-family-starter-guide/
Guide: Shaders and Overlays on Retro Handhelds (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/09/01/guide-shaders-and-overlays-on-retro-handhelds/
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What’s better than curling up with a good book on a chilly day? Why, becoming a bookseller and moving to the seaside with your tiny bookshop, of course! Kris and Rian played several hours of the latest cozy gaming phenomenon and, as usual, they have some thoughts.
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Check out our website: https://www.genreblender.net
Tiny Book Shop - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2133760/Tiny_Bookshop/
Books
Leviathan Wakes: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c83664bb-15bf-4404-b896-af6bbb0cfc18
Those Left Behind: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d482b2d7-e672-4e9d-a7bf-3e168de41968
The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380
EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9
Movies / TV Shows
Conclave - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/974576-conclave
Nosferatu - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/426063-nosferatu
A Complete Unknown - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/661539-a-complete-unknown
Battle of the Sexes - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/369192-battle-of-the-sexes
The Hunting Wives - https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/244447-the-hunting-wives
Alien: Earth https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/157239-alien-earth
Star Wars: Andor https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/83867-andor
Games
Pokemon FireRed https://pokemondb.net/firered-leafgreen
World End Diner https://store.steampowered.com/app/1647190/World_End_Diner/
Earthbound https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBound
Jetpack Joyride https://www.halfbrick.com/games/jetpack-joyride-classic
Canabalt https://canabalt.com
Flappy Bird https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flappy_Bird
Unpacking https://store.steampowered.com/app/1135690/Unpacking/
Neko Atsume https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_Atsume
Power Wash Simulator https://store.steampowered.com/app/1290000/PowerWash_Simulator/
House Flipper https://store.steampowered.com/app/613100/House_Flipper/
AFK Journey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFK_Journey
Farmville https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FarmVille
Animal Crossing: New Horizons https://animalcrossing.nintendo.com/new-horizons/
Intro music: Heatwave by Bransboynd https://pixabay.com/users/bransboynd-51721546/
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Rian reads Kris’s current favourite classic book, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and the pair go on a meandering deep-dive discussion about its themes, which are fascinatingly prescient.
00:00 Intro
01:52 Read Watch Play
15:05 The Picture of Dorian Gray - First Impressions
21:23 Synopsis
23:29 Core themes
38:45 Lord Henry
52:15 Art for art’s sake
The Picture of Dorian Gray - https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9490a57a-6be5-40e1-a156-728193375daf
LITERATURE - Oscar Wilde https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZoUlMrWuCU
What book turned Dorian Gray evil? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIM6mR6VS-A
Other Books
Lady Tan's Circle of Women https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/33485277-c11d-49f5-ab19-6926034d941a
The Ninth Rain https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/887561c2-d851-407c-a372-9fded8089d51
Leviathan Wakes https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c83664bb-15bf-4404-b896-af6bbb0cfc18
How High We Go In The Dark https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3fd47396-f85e-4877-9b53-ed7a2198b280
The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380
Games
Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/
Discounty https://store.steampowered.com/app/2274620/Discounty/
Tiny Bookshop https://store.steampowered.com/app/2133760/Tiny_Bookshop/
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/xenoblade-chronicles-3.html?srsltid=AfmBOorZ4gyaIJ6ggzJIfxlNmXBYswakvDUzIFtdusB1duyW_S_ZWkVD
Persona 4: Dancing All Night https://www.atlus.com/p4dan/
TV Shows
The Penguin - https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/194764-the-penguin
Alien: Earth https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/157239-alien-earth
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Happy Birthday to us! Genre Blender turns one year old, so Kris and Rian celebrate with a cold beverage or two while taking a look back over the past year, and forwards into the upcoming year.
00:00 Intro
01:53 Read Watch Play
14:48 Intro to the birthday tag
16:05 How many years are you celebrating?
18:12 What has kept you motivated to continue making episodes?
21:29 What are three of your favourites episodes you’ve made in the past year?
29:18 What did you struggle with in the past year and how did you overcome that struggle?
36:50 Choose one moment from the past year you would love to re-live
39:23 Shout out a huge supporter of your channel
42:15 What is the best book/film/game you’ve experienced in the past year?
52:23 Where do you see your channel in a year’s time and what do you hope to have achieved?
Books
When the Wolf comes Home https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6d69e374-5135-431d-ac8a-dbc51de57b1a
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/290a13de-3ecf-4b8e-b9d0-48b1f06c92bf
Only a Grave will Do https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/85eaaaec-1343-40be-99e8-15c4dccd74c6
The Genesis of Change https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/668fd4f5-f5c6-4b9d-9476-7d384ec0a246
The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380
How High We Go in the Dark https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ea351dab-0002-4385-b6fb-001e4e7fe5a1
The Picture of Dorian Gray https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e9ee4254-15b7-4e2b-9c0f-60580fe32d51
Kafka on the Shore https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4aeb14f-891f-4ae9-882e-9dcdf43b6bf1
Games
Keep Driving https://store.steampowered.com/app/2756920/Keep_Driving/
Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1903340/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33/
Is This Seat Taken? https://store.steampowered.com/app/3035120/Is_This_Seat_Taken/
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time https://store.steampowered.com/app/2993780/FANTASY_LIFE_i_The_Girl_Who_Steals_Time/
Shows/Movies:
Queer https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1059128-queer
K Pop Demon Hunters https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/803796-kpop-demon-hunters
The Substance https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/933260-the-substance
Long Way Home https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/262594-long-way-home
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KPop Demon Hunters has become a worldwide phenomenon, and Kris and Rian—with returning special guests Jack and Michael—hold a roundtable discussion to find out what makes this animated action musical film so special.
00:00 Intro
01:35 Read Watch Play
13:55 Intro to KPop Demon Hunters
16:40 Initial impressions
23:55 Story, characters, and themes
41:39 Music and soundtrack
48:19 Art style and animation
58:48 Fun facts and random stuff
01:10:59 Outro and links
Books
Jamaica Inn - Daphne du Maurier
The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
TV/Film
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The Mitchells vs. The Machines
Games
Follow Michael
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It’s the middle of the year! That means it’s time for Kris and Rian to do a check-in for their book, video game and movie plans and goals. Find out just how much our hosts are freaking out throughout the 13 questions for this tag.
00:00 Introduction
03:45 Read Watch Play
13:09 Intro to the Mid-Year Freak Out Tag
14:34 Q1. Best book you’ve read so far this year
18:38 Q2. Best sequel you've read so far this year
23:00 Q3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to
29:34 Q4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
39:56 Q5. Biggest disappointment
48:49 Q6. Biggest surprise
54:10 Q7. Favourite new author (debut or new to you)
1:00:46 Q8. Newest fictional crush
1:04:19 Q9. Newest favourite character
1:07:40 Q10. Book that made you cry
1:10:45 Q11. Book that made you happy
1:15:06 Q12. Most beautiful book you've bought (or received) so far this year
1:20:12 Q13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
1:31:14 We did it!
Creators Mentioned:
@theshadesoforange
@willowtalksbooks
Videos and Articles
Silvia Park on the significance of the Luminous cover
Rian’s video of the 35th anniversary box set of Akira
Flowers for Algernon: Sometimes Books Are the Best Teachers
Books
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Games
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
TV Shows
Follow Kris:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapist
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social
Follow Rian:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rian.floyd/
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com
Follow Genre Blender for podcast updates:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.com
Website https://www.genreblender.net
Michael joins the podcast to talk about the state of physical media across all our favourite types of entertainment, from movies to games to books, and what the future might hold as digital-only inevitably takes over.
The film cartridge Michael mentioned https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/110_film
And the camera to go with it (Lomomatic 110) https://petapixel.com/2024/03/28/lomography-lomomatic-110-review-the-perfect-camera-for-the-age-of-imperfect-photos/
Print Book Sales Saw a Small Sales Increase in 2024 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/96842-print-book-sales-saw-a-small-sales-increase-in-2024.html
Lionsgate Inks Deal With AI Firm to Mine Its Massive Film and TV Library https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lionsgate-deal-ai-firm-runway-1236005554/
Books
The Crippled God https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/53c8340a-edd7-4e6c-8da6-09383f773978
Red Rising https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/240f2048-8438-49b7-90a3-a5dc1018270f
The Wager https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4e2161d3-6b7a-4692-a279-81369f1efbe9
Flowers for Algernon https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af39702f-0c79-454e-b025-b601eba0da94
The Picture of Dorian Gray https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/489732.The_Picture_of_Dorian_Gray
Movies/TV
KPop Demon Hunters https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/803796-kpop-demon-hunters
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324857-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/569094-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse
The Mitchells vs The Machines https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/501929-the-mitchells-vs-the-machines
Games
Mario Kart World https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/mario-kart-world.html
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1903340/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33/
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Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/subelement.bsky.social
The Vookcast on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAZDxEN2O2b9WXjZBdPS71-ZnOb25Bc-&si=PONMkz5jwiFgRvY6
The Vookcast audio-only https://www.buzzsprout.com/7770
Australia & New Zealand Blu-Ray Club (Discord) https://www.anzblurayclub.com
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Part two of our Pride month episodes! Kris and Rian share the LGBTQIA+ characters from books and video games that have stuck with them the most.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Read Watch Play
12:43 Memorable queer characters
1:07:18 Podcast info and links
TV Shows:
The Legend of Korra https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/33880-the-legend-of-korra
Torchwood https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/424-torchwood
Books:
The Bone Ships https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc1b9447-d41c-4758-b47c-bede2aa9e89e
The Iron Crown https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe9185ad-8505-4c4c-a04d-01ea1e12048c
The Tainted Dominion https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/400f90d3-4bce-4eec-8de7-a4822aa98976
Rook and Rose https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9975504d-8095-49a1-a294-48894047cc2e
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/53eb31b3-04a3-4bcf-a9fd-a639f57ba59c
Legacy of the Vermillion Blade https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e2d0955e-d544-42fc-a995-7b101a344752
Neuromancer https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/0a2e6342-d2a0-45ab-b3e2-364747f6546b
Gyo https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8da5357e-b2ab-4337-8ba8-4ecc05043bf6
A Psalm for the Wild Built https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/558447b4-d2ce-4d28-8e1c-0ab459e6aa38
A Prayer for the Crown Shy https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/33b2f7d2-82ee-4a0a-8519-71e1d988f378
Kafka on the Shore https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4aeb14f-891f-4ae9-882e-9dcdf43b6bf1
Batwoman Elegy https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f055f9a5-e7e2-47bf-bd46-0c7dac5858ec
Games:
Sun Haven https://store.steampowered.com/app/1432860/Sun_Haven/
GEX Trilogy https://store.steampowered.com/app/3183970/GEX_Trilogy/
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time https://store.steampowered.com/app/2993780/FANTASY_LIFE_i_The_Girl_Who_Steals_Time/
Mass Effect Legendary Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328670/Mass_Effect_Legendary_Edition/
Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/47810/Dragon_Age_Origins__Ultimate_Edition/
Dragon Age II - Ultimate Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1238040/Dragon_Age_II_Ultimate_Edition/
Dragon Age: Inquisition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222690/Dragon_Age_Inquisition/
Dragon Age: The Veilguard https://store.steampowered.com/app/1845910/Dragon_Age_The_Veilguard/
Bully: Scholarship Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/12200/Bully_Scholarship_Edition/
The Last of Us - Part I https://store.steampowered.com/app/1888930/The_Last_of_Us_Part_I/
Life is Strange Remastered https://store.steampowered.com/app/1265920/Life_is_Strange_Remastered/
Tell Me Why https://store.steampowered.com/app/1180660/Tell_Me_Why/
Cyberpunk 2077 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1091500/Cyberpunk_2077/
Baldur’s Gate 3 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1086940/Baldurs_Gate_3/
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Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ To celebrate, Kris and Rian talk about their favourite and most memorable queer and LGBTQIA+ characters in TV shows over the years. This is part one of two-part series.
00:00 Intro
02:08 News
04:12 Read Watch Play
18:06 Memorable queer characters in TV
1:15:18 Wrap-up
TV Shows with LGBTQIA+ characters mentioned
Murderbot https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/241554-murderbot
The L Word https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/3475-the-l-word
The L Word Generation Q https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/89630-the-l-word-generation-q
Queer as Folk https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/2902-queer-as-folk-us
Queer as Folk (2022) https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/134967-queer-as-folk
Sense8 https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/61664-sense8
Xena: Warrior Princess https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/4616-xena-warrior-princess
The Fosters https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/46880-the-fosters
Shameless https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/34307-shameless
Grey's Anatomy https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1416-grey-s-anatomy
Heartstopper https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/124834-heartstopper
Schitts Creek https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/61662-schitt-s-creek
Lost Girl https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/33852-lost-girl
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/117830-tomb-raider-the-legend-of-lara-croft
Devil May Cry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/235930-devil-may-cry
Star Trek: Discovery https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/67198-star-trek-discovery
The Umbrella Academy https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/75006-umbrella-academy
Movies & Mini Series
mother! https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/381283-mother
Adolescence https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/249042-adolescence
Games
Fantasy Life https://store.steampowered.com/app/2993780/FANTASY_LIFE_i_The_Girl_Who_Steals_Time/
Death Stranding Director’s Cut https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850570/DEATH_STRANDING_DIRECTORS_CUT/
Mario Kart World (Switch 2) https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000096802
Books
The Crippled God https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/53c8340a-edd7-4e6c-8da6-09383f773978
Tell Me What You Did https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b16d05bd-a4f4-4667-94d5-aabd820e142e
So Gay for You https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1a15a788-557e-498e-840a-6f4bf1ee6331
Humble Bundle: Power up Pride Deal (June 2025)
https://www.humblebundle.com/games/power-up-pride
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Kris and Rian get inspired (thanks, Jack!) to talk about arthouse and auteur cinema. After some hazy definitions, the duo discuss why these styles of film-making are important, and share some of their favourites.
00:00 Intro
01:56 News
05:52 Read Watch Play
18:28 Intro to arthouse and auteur films
27:11 Why are these films important?
36:29 Our frustrations with mainstream films
40:52 Celebrating arthouse and auteur cinema
48:21 The Lighthouse
55:34 Favourites and noteworthy
1:15:24 Films we want to watch
1:19:10 Wrap-up and links
Books:
Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami
Level: Ascension - David Dalglish
The War of the Flowers - Tad Williams
Games:
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Films & TV:
Baby Driver https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/339403-baby-driver
John Wick https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/245891-john-wick
True Blood https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/10545-true-blood
The Social Network https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/37799-the-social-network
The Bikeriders https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1008409-the-bikeriders
The Wheel of Time https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/71914-the-wheel-of-time
The Lighthouse https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/503919-the-lighthouse
The Substance https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/933260-the-substance
Poor Things https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/792307-poor-things
mother! https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/381283-mother
Queer https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1059128-queer
Kinds of Kindness https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1029955-kinds-of-kindness
El Laberinto del Fauno https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1417-el-laberinto-del-fauno
The Shape of Water https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/399055-the-shape-of-water
Memento https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/77-memento
Everything Everywhere All At Once https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/545611-everything-everywhere-all-at-once
Ex Machina https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/264660-ex-machina
Primerhttps://www.themoviedb.org/movie/14337-primer
Brick https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/9270-brick
Moon https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/17431-moon
Black Swan https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/44214-black-swan
Donnie Darko https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/141-donnie-darko
The Lobster https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/254320-the-lobster
Requiem for a Dream https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/641-requiem-for-a-dream
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/38-eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind
The Whale https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/785084-the-whale
Lost in Translation https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/153-lost-in-translation
Being John Malkovich https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/492-being-john-malkovich
The Blair Witch Project https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2667-the-blair-witch-project
Paranormal Activity https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/23827-paranormal-activity
Don’t Look Up https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/646380-don-t-look-up
Saltburn https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/930564-saltburn
Close to You https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1139467-close-to-you
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Jack, our resident movie expert, joins the podcast for this special episode. Rian picks Jack’s brain about favourite and underrated movies, filmmakers, adaptations, and what makes storytelling in films so unique, followed by a lightning round of questions just for fun.
00:00 Intro
01:18 Jack’s introduction
03:19 Read Watch Play
15:36 Topic intro: Let’s talk movies
16:41 Jack’s movie-a-day project
21:08 Why movies?
26:03 Favourite movies?
30:16 Favourite filmmakers/actors?
34:00 What are some characters that resonate with you?
38:00 Thoughts on film adaptations?
54:17 Underrated and lesser known films?
59:04 A story you would like adapted to film?
1:04:10 Lightning round!
1:11:26 Outro and links
Books/Comics
A Psalm for the Wild-Build - Becky Chambers
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy - Becky Chambers
TV
Films
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Games
The Bazaar https://playthebazaar.com
YouTube Channels Mentioned
Corridor Crew https://www.youtube.com/@CorridorCrew
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Kris and Rian are hyped over some recent video game news and rumours. Rian actually finished some video games this week, Kris surprises Rian with a classic book he enjoyed, and the pair discuss how they immerse themselves in stories for escapism.
00:00 Intro
02:07 News
13:03 Read Watch Play
25:37 Stories for escapism
45:33 Writing for escapism
52:38 Our tips for being mental health conscious
Read:
Watch:
Play:
Seed of Nostalgia (Kickstarter)
Death Stranding Director’s Cut
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No matter how you spell it, there’s something to be said for curling up with a cozy game, book, TV show or movie. Kris and Rian dive into some of their favourites, and discuss the role that cozy stories (in their many forms) play in their lives.
00:00 Intro
03:29 Read Watch Play
23:35 Tangent: Gaming handhelds
25:58 Tangent: Witchbrook announcement
28:47 Defining ‘cozy’ games and books
43:32 Reasons and purpose for cozy storytelling
01:01:28 Rian’s lukewarm take about influencer marketing
01:05:10 A few more tangents before we wrap up
01:07:15 Outro and links
#podcast #genreblender #bookspodcast #gamespodcast #cosygames #cozygames#booktube #rpg
Articles:
Cozy games redefine relaxation for a new generation of gamers
Cozy games offer relaxation, inclusivity
What is cosy gaming and why is it beneficial?
Film and TV:
Games:
Books:
Channels:
https://www.youtube.com/@simpleSG101
https://www.youtube.com/@primitivepixelsgames
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Kris and Rian often talk about all the books and games they love and are currently reading or playing, but in this episode it’s all about the stuff they won’t be reading/playing, don’t like, or find problematic—all in good fun, of course.
The Anti-TBR/TBP Tag:
00:00 Intro
01:16 Giveaway winner
02:10 Read / Watch / Play
12:15 Anti-TBR/TBP Tag intro
13:04 Question 1
17:02 Question 2
22:15 Question 3
28:24 Question 4
37:09 Question 5
44:00 Question 6
51:16 Question 7
56:50 Question 8
01:04:40 Question 9
01:09:34 Links
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_11fD44EU&t=0s
Nicole and Her Books - https://www.youtube.com/@nherbooks
Books and games mentioned:
People Mentioned:
Colleen Hoover, Salley Rooney, Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Fredrick Bachman, Freida McFadden, Larry Coreia, T.J. Klune
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Kris is joined by author Shayla Morgansen to explore the world of fanfiction! Kris and Shayla discuss their introductions to fanfiction, and the relationship between fanfiction, fandoms, and publishing. Stay tuned for the giveaway!
00:00 Welcome Shayla!
02:05 Giveaway and intro to Mythos Unbound
11:55 Read Watch Play
18:26 Shayla’s smooth segue into the main topic: Fanfiction!
39:18 Fanfiction and publishing
52:50 Links and where to find Shayla’s work
To enter the giveaway, don't forget to subscribe to Genre Blender Podcast on YouTube, and let us know what your favourite fandom is!
Open to international entrants, closing March 1st, 2025.
References:
Books:
Movies:
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Kris and Rian take on Taylor's Personal Canon Tag and talk about the books, TV shows, movies, and games that shaped them throughout their lives.
Chapters
00:00 Intro to the Personal Canon Tag
02:07 Read Watch Play updates
06:37 Early childhood
16:37 Childhood
28:09 Early adolescence
40:27 Adolescence
51:32 Young adulthood
1:05:50 Adulthood
1:18:17 Links and next episode preview
Books:
The House with the Golden Door
Nemesis Games (The Expanse #5)
Mike Higgs (author and illustrator of House Mouse)
The Magic Pudding - Norman Lindsay
The Complete Book of Naughty Stories for Good Boys and Girls - Christopher Milne
A Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snicket
Tomorrow, When the War Began - John Marsden
The Last Vampire (series) - Christopher Pike
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
Shows/Movies:
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)
Homeward Bound: Lost in San Francisco
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002)
Games:
Totally Rad (NES) Complete Gameplay video
Toejam and Earl (Sega Megadrive)
Mass Effect (Legendary Edition)
Original Tag:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NZwVffyU0&t=2s
Channel Mentioned:
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It's no secret that life can get in the way of things we enjoy! This week Rian and Kris take you on their journeys of how their physical and mental health sometimes interferes with their favourite hobbies.
Join the free (and only) tier of our Patreon for members-only content and access to our private Discord server.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:47 Read Watch Play updates
12:57 Main topic: How physical/mental health helps/hinders our hobbies
13:47 Rian talks about POTS
18:15 Rian talks about insomnia
20:12 Kris talks about chronic kidney disease
24:44 Neurodivergence
24:58 Rian talks about autism
25:14 Executive dysfunction and task switching
27:53 Hyperfocus
30:40 Routines and rituals
32:00 Sensory processing disorder
33:58 Agnosia
36:51 Kris talks about auditory processing
40:10 An interruption
40:29 Noise-blocking earbuds
42:20 Mental health
43:17 Trigger warnings
43:37 Kris talks about depression
46:29 Rian talks about anxiety
52:21 Coping tools and advice (end trigger warning)
1:00:21 Links and socials
Tendril Theory - https://eisforerin.com/2015/08/10/tendril-theory/
Books:
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop - Satoshi Yagisawa
The Fall of the Giants - Gregory Kontaxis
Films:
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Games:
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