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Artwork for Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Declan & Silvan
Heated Rivalry
Family Dynamics
Character Development
Romantic Relationships
Hockey
Queer Relationships
Ilya
Rachel Reid
Communication
Dating Culture
Shane
Athletics
Social Pressures
Kip
Sexual Identity
Grief
Attachment Styles
Scott
Mental Health
Emotional Intimacy

Long Game: A Heated Rivalry Podcast is a re-watch and deep-dive podcast dedicated to Heated Rivalry, hosted by Declan and Silvan. In each episode, we revisit key moments across the series, unpacking the slow-burn tension, character development, and emotional beats that make the heated rivalry world so compelling. Through thoughtful discussion, close reading, and a fan-informed lens, we explore the... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes39Founded9 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Latest Episodes

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

Declan and Jenn go h... more

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

This time, we’re talking Ryan Price and Fabian Salah, two characters ... more

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

Alex takes us right back to the beginning of her writing journey, from growing up as a chronic daydreamer and discovering fan... more

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

In Part 14, Declan and Silvan dive into the bonus chapter, My Dinner with Hayden, as Shane and Ilya attempt something arguably more challe... more

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Recent Guests

Alex Cross
Author of Echoes of Us, Becoming Us, When We Ignite, and From Our Ashes
Author
Episode: Alex Cross: The Story Behind Echoes of Us & Becoming Us
Scarlett Drake
Author of MM romance novels Oleander and Limerence
Author
Episode: Scarlett Drake on Writing Oleander: Behind the MM Romance Phenomenon
Caroline Plyler
Director of Next Door; former script supervisor
CandyJar
Episode: Next Door Director Caroline Plyler on Queer Storytelling & Vertical Filmmaking
Ren Browne
Author and podcast host of Shelf Aware
Episode: The Women of Heated Rivalry

Hosts

Declan
Host of Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast, co‑host with a focus on deep-dive analysis.
Silvan
Co-host and lead analyst, guiding conversations with empathy and sharp psychological insight.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 424 ratings
  • Thank you

    This has quickly became a favorite! Really enjoy the honesty and due-diligence. Please don’t spend thirteen episodes on every book though. Haha.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bdan32
    United States20 days ago
  • I love your podcast

    Thanks so much for your content , your lovely explorations and discussions. The introduction to the fan fiction world. Thanks for all of that and keep talking and posting. All the best for you Declan and silvan. Amanda

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ameeeeeenda
    Netherlandsa month ago
  • Please make a list of book recommendations

    I love this insightful show that makes me want to rewatch every show and reread every book! I’d love it if you make a list of your book recommendations! You name them offhandedly in some episodes, and I’m often driving and can’t write them down. Thanks.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RygEry56644667
    United Statesa month ago
  • So insightful!

    The episodes where it’s just the two of you are my favorite🫶🏼 You both have such calming voices and wonderful insight.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Put it in the Louvre
    United States2 months ago
  • My new favorite!

    Insightful, fun, smart!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pempem1221
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests are well‑curated and discussions feel purposeful rather than review‑driven.
Listeners praise thoughtful, kind host dynamics and deep, nuanced analysis.
Voice quality and chemistry between hosts contribute to a soothing, engaging listening experience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#142
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#137
Italy/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#248
Germany/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#31
United Arab Emirates/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#58
Austria/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#73
Indonesia/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Alex Cross: The Story Behind Echoes of Us & Becoming Us
Q: Can you share how music and bilingual elements influence your writing process and character voices?
Music acts as a mood and emotional anchor, often triggering scenes; bilinguality shapes dialogue and cultural texture, with planned translations or back-of-book notes to help readers navigate Spanglish and multilingual nuances.
Alex Cross: The Story Behind Echoes of Us & Becoming Us
Q: How did you approach portraying addiction and recovery in a way that feels truthful and hopeful?
I drew from real experiences, emphasized non-linear progress in recovery, and showed the possibility of reconciliation and rebuilding one's life, while also acknowledging the ongoing struggles and the importance of support networks.
Alex Cross: The Story Behind Echoes of Us & Becoming Us
Q: We've heard about your transition from fan fiction to published author. What was the biggest surprise about publishing your first book?
The biggest surprise was realizing reviews often focus on the morality of characters and relationship dynamics rather than just writing quality, which felt like a personal reflection rather than a critique of craft.
Scarlett Drake on Writing Oleander: Behind the MM Romance Phenomenon
Q: What are your thoughts on balancing difficult topics like grooming and trauma within a romance?
Each explicit scene serves a purpose in the story, and I ask whether removing it would change the core message. I aim for purposeful, measured depictions that illuminate character growth while leaving room for reader interpretation and empathy.
Scarlett Drake on Writing Oleander: Behind the MM Romance Phenomenon
Q: How did Wattpad influence your development as a writer and your move toward traditional publishing?
Wattpad was foundational for practice and audience feedback; it taught pacing and engagement through frequent updates, but it also came with financial constraints. The platform helped me build a reader base, which then followed me to traditional publishing as I grew more confident and competed for attention with a strong back catalog.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

What is Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show offers thoughtful, long-form examinations of a popular media universe, combining close readings with psychology, representation, and fan culture. Episodes mix literary and screen analyses of romance-driven narratives, sports masculinity, trauma, and adaptation choices, often featuring guest perspectives from directors, writers, therapists, and fans. The hosts' collaborative, empathetic approach and the cottage‑like book club vibe help listeners explore character motivation, relationship dynamics, and broader cultural themes in a nuanced way. The format tends to blend spoiler-aware discussions, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, making it engaging for fans who crave depth beyond surface recaps.

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Which podcasts are similar to Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast:

1. Shelf-Aware with Ren and Lizzy
2. Tonsil Hockey
3. Everyone Deserves Sunshine: Girls in the Crease - A Heated Rivalry Podcast
4. Heated Rivalry Aftershow
5. It's Open with Ilana Glazer

How many episodes of Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast are there?

Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast launched 9 months ago and published 39 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast?

Recent guests on Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast include:

1. Alex Cross
2. Scarlett Drake
3. Caroline Plyler
4. Ren Browne

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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