Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Declan and Silvan are diving into Role Model, the fifth book in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series. And while Declan has been eagerly awaiting this one (it's his favourite in the series), Silvan is still trying to remember who everyone is and what happened in the previous books.

This week, we're starting with Chapter One, where we meet Troy Barrett at a particularly difficult moment in his life. His career has taken an unexpected turn, his personal life is falling apart, and he's confronting some uncomfortable truths about his past.

We explore the darker side of hockey culture, including accountability, homophobia and the treatment of sexual assault allegations, and consider how Rachel Reid uses Troy's story to tackle issues that extend well beyond the rink.

We also meet Harris, whose cheerful personality and adorable puppy have already won Declan over. Silvan, however, isn't quite as convinced. We discuss the casting of Troy and Harris for season two of Heated Rivalry, body diversity and representation in queer media, and whether the characters we imagine while reading should influence how they're portrayed on screen.

And, because it's us, we somehow find time to debate puppies versus babies, revisit questionable fashion trends and discover that Tom Welling may have played a rather significant role in Declan's sexual awakening.

Content warning: This episode includes discussions of sexual assault.

The next episode of the podcast will be released on Sunday 22nd November.

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: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

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/s4cpwJrLk0c

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 and Silvan are joined by author Dorian Ravenscroft to talk about their debut novel, The White North Has Thy Bones, a queer Victorian Gothic horror story involving a doomed Arctic expedition, unreliable narrators, morally questionable characters and more than a few ghosts.

Dorian takes us behind the scenes of the novel, from its unlikely beginnings after watching The Terror to the rather chaotic process of plotting a story in which nobody can quite be trusted to tell the truth. We also discover how much of the horror was inspired by real historical events.

We talk about queer representation in historical fiction, why queer characters shouldn't always have to be likeable or morally exemplary, and how shame, class and masculinity shape the lives of Dorian's wonderfully complicated characters. We also get into the fascinating question of whether every character really needs a redemption arc.

One of the most thought-provoking moments comes when Dorian reveals the deeper inspiration behind the novel, their experience working at the Old Bailey and the uncomfortable questions it raised about our fascination with true crime. When does telling someone else's story become exploitation? And who has the right to turn another person's trauma into entertainment?

There's  some questionable childhood reading choices, Victorian fashion scandals, a possible collaboration with Taylor Swift, and Dorian's excitement about the novel's four-narrator audiobook.

We also get a sneak peek at Dorian's next book, which sounds every bit as dark and unsettling as their debut.

The White North Has Thy Bones was released on 22 October 2026 and is available in print and audiobook formats.

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: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

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/JJShSwYSCOY

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 the Long Game Podcast
00:17 Dorian Ravenscroft's Debut Book Inspiration
02:22 Childhood Reading Influences
05:33 Synopsis of 'White North'
07:37 The Unreliable Narrator
09:52 Creating a Historical World
12:52 Researching Historical Fiction
16:40 Pitching to Publishers
18:28 Character Development and Morality
23:15 The Thrill of Book Launches
23:15 Exploring Gender and Sexuality in Literature
27:22 Queerness and Historical Context
29:17 Character Development and Redemption Arcs
35:14 Crafting Mystery and Pacing in Storytelling
40:53 Character Perspectives and Author Intentions
48:37 Crafting Historical Prose
52:29 Fashion as Storytelling in Historical Fiction
54:19 The Journey of a Debut Novel
01:00:14 Ethics of True Crime and Storytelling
01:05:09 Teasing the Next Project

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: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

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: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

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: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

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