Charles returns from paternity leave and rejoins Dylan for a jam-packed episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast! In this catch-up session, The Friends discuss: • Charles’ first months as a new parent and how audiobooks fueled his reading (12+ books in 3 months!) • Their thoughts on Legends & Lattes and how cozy fantasy surprised them both • Reactions to Red Seas Under Red Skies and why Locke & Jean finally click as an all-time fantasy duo • Hot takes on James Islington’s The Will ...
Aug 25, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 303
This week I (Dylan) got to hang out with Hannah and Laura from On Wednesdays We Read Podcast (OWWR Pod) for a conversation all about our favorite characters in fantasy! As always, Hannah and Laura brought a ton of insightful takes as well as a lot of laughs! And if you’re not already listening to OWWR Pod, definitely check them out too :)
Aug 18, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 302
I (Dylan) am joined by my lifelong friend Derek (of Roger Roger: A Star Wars Podcast fame) to talk about the 2025 Superman film! We covered what we liked, what didn’t land for us, and where the DC universe could be headed from here. We also revisited standout moments and talked about the actors' performances, all while enjoying the kind of back-and-forth we’ve been having about movies for decades!
Aug 11, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 301
Hey friends, quick announcement! We just dropped a special YouTube-exclusive episode of Friends Talking Fantasy where we reveal the cover of Whalesong by Miles Cameron to not just to the world, but to Miles (Christian) himself! That's right, we had the honor of showing the author his brand-new cover for the first time and capture his live reaction. This was such a big event that Charles made a return for this one! We got him to stop by in the midst of his paternity leave. Head over to YouTube, c...
Aug 04, 2025•2 min•Ep. 300
I (Dylan) had the pleasure of welcoming Spencer from The Fantasy Files Podcast to the show. Spencer came prepared with a treasure trove of hidden gem fantasy recommendations, digging deep into the genre’s overlooked corners to spotlight books and authors that deserve more attention. Spencer left me excited to read some books that I had never even heard of before, and I’m sure you’ll be feeling the same way after this episode! We’re talking about: -Titles that deserve way more readers -Underrated...
Jul 31, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 299
In this special episode, Dylan is joined by Stephen from the Fantology Podcast for an epic deep dive into his favorite fantasy books and authors! Stephen shares his personal tier list, walking us through the writers who have shaped his love for the genre—from all-time legends to underrated gems. Whether you're new to fantasy or a longtime fan looking for your next great read, you’ll come away with a list of compelling recommendations. Expect some hot takes, thoughtful insights, and plenty of tit...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 298
With Charles out on paternity leave (congrats, Charles!), Dylan takes a crack at doing a full solo episode of Friends Talking Fantasy. Dylan provides some early thoughts on Joe Abercrombie’s The Devils (spoiler: it’s really good), reflects on what it's like to reread Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch, and talks to himself about how The Will of the Many helped him break out of a reading slump. Dylan also talks through some recent fantasy-world news, including the reported cancellation of Th...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 297
The Friends journey into the brutal heart of Christopher Buehlman’s The Daughter’s War, the grimdark prequel to The Blacktongue Thief. They unpack the stark tonal shift between the two novels—where Buehlman trades snark for sorrow, and swagger for survival. The spotlight falls on Galva, whose stoic presence in The Blacktongue Thief is given heartbreaking depth as her backstory unfolds through war, trauma, and fractured family loyalties. From hive-minded goblins to the emotional cost of legacy, t...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 296
Sink your teeth into the wild world of revived dire wolves—yes, they were real—and the viral tweet that sparked “Dire Wolf Day.” From George R.R. Martin holding a genetically resurrected pup to speculation about military mammoths and Jurassic Park parallels, things get weird fast. The Friends also wade into the fandom frustration over The Winds of Winter and defend authors’ rights to, well, do other stuff. We round out the episode with thoughts on Patrick Rothfuss, a nod to Mark Lawrence’s lates...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 295
Join The Friends as they dive into the 2025 r/Fantasy Book Bingo Card! In this episode, we walk through some of the most exciting (and challenging) categories, offering fantasy book recommendations for each square. Whether you’re hunting for a perfect “Knights and Paladins” read or struggling to find a book with “High Fashion,” we’ve got you covered. Highlights include: ⚔️ Knights and Paladins – Buhlman, Sanderson, and Grossman 💎 Hidden Gems – Angry Robot standouts like The Last Shield 📜 Publi...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 294
We’re back and diving deep into the pages! 📚 In this episode of Friends Talking Fantasy , The Friends break down the 25 books Charles read during the podcast hiatus—ranking them from S-tier gems to DNF disasters. From Brandon Sanderson’s newest standalones to chaotic fun like Dungeon Crawler Carl , poetic necromancy in Sabriel , and the genre-bending brilliance of The Tainted Cup , we cover fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and everything in between. Expect bold takes, bookish banter, and tier list dram...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 293
After a four-month break, The Friends are back with a refreshed Friends Talking Fantasy—complete with a new video format! In this comeback episode, we catch up on life, talk future podcast goals (live episodes, maybe?), and kickoff a new Friends Pitching Fantasy. Each host brings three fantasy books to the table, pitching them to determine the next reads for the show. The six books discussed: 📚 The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman 📚 Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch 📚 The Fires of...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 292
I (Dylan) provided an update on what's been going on and why we haven't had any episodes in a while. We will be back in due time! Email us at theftfpodcast@gmail.com to let us know what you'd like to see from the show moving forward!
Jan 17, 2025•7 min•Ep. 291
The journey of the Liveship Traders trilogy reaches its breathtaking conclusion in Ship of Destiny , and we’re here to dive deep into Robin Hobb’s masterful storytelling. Join us as we explore the incredible character arcs, unravel the mysteries of the Liveships and dragons, and discuss the powerful themes of freedom, identity, and legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard Hobb fan or a first-time traveler of the Rain Wilds, this spoiler-filled discussion will chart the full course of this unforgettable...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 290
In this episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, we take a spoiler-free journey into the gripping world of Max Brooks’ World War Z. Join us as we explore the unique format of the book, presented as an oral history of the global zombie apocalypse, and discuss the major themes of survival, resilience, and global cooperation. We’ll share our impressions of how this realistic take on a zombie outbreak stands out within the genre and why it’s a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. Whethe...
Oct 28, 2024•35 min•Ep. 289
In this autumnal episode of Friends Talking Fantasy , Charles and Dylan dive into the perfect books to get you into those fall vibes. From spooky horrors to cozy fantasies, they explore the themes, settings, and characters that best capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re looking for eerie tales like Christopher Buehlman’s The Black Tongue Thief , a chilling Dracula retelling in A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson, or heartwarming reads like A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Cham...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 288
We chat with Adam Bassett, UX/UI designer for Campfire and author of the recently released cyberpunk short story collection, Digital Extremities . Adam shares his insights into crafting compelling maps for fantasy worlds, the art of writing cyberpunk stories set in vivid, small-town settings, and how Campfire’s suite of writing tools can enhance any writer’s creative process. Support Adam Bassett Read Digital Extremities: https://www.campfirewriting.com/explore/digital-extremities Website: https...
Oct 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 287
In this episode, author Christian (Miles) Cameron returns to the show to discuss his latest release, Deep Black, book two of Arcana Imperii. Join us as we delve into the world of his new book, exploring its intricate storytelling, gripping characters, and the dangers of caffeine withdrawal. We also get an inside look at Cameron’s writing process, his approach to worldbuilding, and the inspirations behind his work. Support Christian Cameron: Read Deep Black: https://geni.us/deep-black Website: ht...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 286
In the third episode of our deep dive into The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, we tackle chapters 11-15 with full spoilers for the entire Kingkiller Chronicle . Join us as we explore Kvothe’s journey from his time with the Edema Ruh to the devastating events that shape his future. We discuss key moments, character development, and the lore of Rothfuss' world. Whether you're a long-time fan or reading along with us, this episode is packed with insights and analysis! Visit our website at htt...
Sep 23, 2024•57 min•Ep. 285
Set sail with us as we dive deep into Mad Ship , the second book in Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders trilogy. We explore the rich, character-driven storylines, from the mysterious liveships to the complex family dynamics and political intrigue. With spoilers throughout, we’ll discuss key moments, the evolving relationships, and the emotional highs and lows that make this epic fantasy one of Hobb's most beloved works. If you're ready to delve into the heart of the Vivacia, don’t miss this detailed e...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 284
Between the two of us, we’ve managed to rack up 13 unspent Audible credits—time to fix that! In this episode, we dive into social media recommendations for top fantasy audiobooks to see how many credits we can spend. From epic sagas to immersive worlds, we’re on the hunt for the best listens. Tune in for some great recommendations and help us put these credits to good use! Perfect for fantasy fans with credits to burn or anyone looking for their next immersive audiobook adventure! Visit our webs...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 283
We're diving back into the world of "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss, with a full spoiler discussion on The Kingkiller Chronicle series. Join us as we explore Kvothe's early days on the road, his first encounters with Abenthy, and the pivotal moments that begin to shape his journey. We'll be unpacking every detail, from character motivations to world-building intricacies. Full spoilers for the entire Kingkiller Chronicle are in effect, so make sure you're up to speed before tuning in!...
Sep 03, 2024•56 min•Ep. 282
Get ready to fill out your 2024 r/Fantasy Book Bingo card with our top fantasy book recommendations for each square! In this episode, we break down the categories and suggest the perfect reads to help you conquer this year's challenge. Whether you're looking for something new or want to revisit a classic, we've got you covered. Tune in, and don't forget to check out r/Fantasy for more details on the bingo challenge and to join the community! Visit our website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 281
We're diving deep into book 1 of The Kingkiller Chronicle - The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss with a spoiler-filled discussion covering the prologue through chapter 5. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Kvothe's early life, the rich world-building, and the narrative techniques that make this series a fantasy masterpiece. Be prepared for a detailed analysis as we connect the dots across the entire Kingkiller Chronicle! Visit our website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 280
In this episode, the Friends go deep into the intricacies of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson, discussing all the twists, turns, and secrets of this richly crafted novel. Charles and Dylan break down the most impactful moments, analyze character arcs, and explore the deeper themes that make this book a standout in Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. If you've read the book and are ready to join a thorough and spoiler-filled discussion, this episode is for you. Get ready for an in-de...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 279
In this episode, the Friends dive into the vibrant and imaginative world of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson, all without giving away any spoilers. Charles and Dylan share their first impressions of this standalone novel, exploring its unique blend of magic, art, and character-driven storytelling. Whether you're a long-time fan of Sanderson or new to his work, this episode offers a thoughtful and spoiler-free look at what makes Yumi and the Nightmare Painter a must-read. Tune ...
Aug 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 278
So... House of the Dragon kind of forgot about the season 2 finale. In this episode, The Friends delve into the unexpected conclusion of House of the Dragon's second season with Episode 8. Join Charles and Dylan as they discuss the highs and lows of this unconventional "finale," exploring why it left viewers feeling like something was missing. They dissect the episode's plot developments, character arcs, and production choices while reflecting on what it means for the future of the series. Was i...
Aug 08, 2024•57 min•Ep. 277
Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as they embark on an in-depth exploration of "Ship of Magic" by Robin Hobb. In this detailed book discussion, Charles and Dylan unravel the intricate plot, delve into the rich character development, and examine the complex themes that make the first book of the Liveship Traders Trilogy a standout in the fantasy genre. From the unique magic of the liveships to the multifaceted relationships and political intrigue, no stone is left unturned in this comprehensive an...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 276
Set sail with The Friends as they dive into a spoiler-free recommendation of "Ship of Magic" by Robin Hobb. In this episode, Charles and Dylan explore the rich world of the Liveship Traders Trilogy, highlighting its unique blend of maritime adventure, intricate character dynamics, and deep world-building. Discover why this novel is a must-read for fantasy fans, as The Friends discuss the compelling plot, unforgettable characters, and the mesmerizing magic system that sets it apart. Whether you'r...
Jul 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 275
Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as Dylan and Charles dive into the latest episodes of "House of the Dragon" Season 2, discussing the epic dragon battle that has everyone talking! In this episode, they share their excitement over the jaw-dropping CGI dragon fight and the strategic battle scenes that brought a fresh twist to the series. Listen as they analyze the key moments, including the portrayal of dragons' size differences, and explore the show's shift towards a more action-packed format. Do...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 274
