iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 28/05/2026

2026 has sure thrown some curveballs! So as avid planners, what do you do when life … life’s? Rian and Kris chat about this very thing on this months podcast! No notes, no plans, no problem! | Genre Blender Podcast 37 youtu.be/LuInZftDCvk

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No notes, no plans, no problem! | Genre Blender Podcast 37

YouTube video by Genre Blender

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 30/04/2026

On this months episode of Genre Blender, Rian and Kris delve into open world gaming! Can compelling stories still be found with so much to do? www.youtube.com/watch?v=wryd...

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Storytelling in open-world games | Genre Blender Podcast 36

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 08/04/2026

Re-reading is a concept that both Rian and Kris have struggled to get on bored with over the course of their reading lives. This month the duo explore why that is, and delve into the reasons they haven’t re-read in the past and what might drive them to do it in the future. youtu.be/l36zO7Kgsvg

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Why we re-read (and why we keep making excuses not to) | Genre Blender Podcast 35

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 18/03/2026

The first Books & Bevvies episode for 2026 is live! This quarter Rian and Kris tackle Babel by R.F. Kuang. Shocking no one, the two hosts share some mixed thoughts on this academic fantasy entry, adoring some aspects while scratching their heads at others. youtu.be/NW43jrSvBg0?...

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Babel by R. F. Kuang — Books & Bevvies | Buddy read and book discussion for Q1 2026

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 03/03/2026

We’re back! With the podcast settling back in its original form, @rianfloyd.com and @afictionalescapist.bsky.social delve into a months worth of read, watch and play updates then dive into this month topic. Handheld gaming! Nostalgia trip or the way of the future 🤔 youtu.be/MoRQoL2bVqQ?...

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Handheld gaming is a game-changer | Genre Blender Podcast 34

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 28/01/2026

The first podcast episode for 2026 is live! This month, Rian and Kris chat about writing habits, current projects and catch each other up on everything we’ve read, watched and played over the course of January. youtu.be/m40lQqCA1xY?...

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Writing Habits and Routines for 2026 | Genre Blender Podcast 33

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 23/01/2026

New book review of a not-new book up on the website, James Baldwin’s ‘Notes of a Native Son’. This collection of essays was a challenge thematically but beautiful (and important) to read. Does anyone have a favourite James Baldwin book? www.genreblender.net/review-notes...

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Review: Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

I started reading this collection of essays with the intention of learning more about James Baldwin. I finished reading it with a heart both full and heavy. This is important literature that will stay...

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 21/01/2026

A new year means getting ridiculously excited for all the up and coming releases right … RIGHT !?! It was really fun to listen to each other babble about the things that have snagged our attention so far for 2026! Talk about a mixed bag! youtu.be/8iNRv8h7l5g?...

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We can't wait for these books, movies and games in 2026!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 14/01/2026

After years of wanting to watch more movies Kris finally cracked his goal of 25. Here are some quick thoughts on everything he watched in 2025! youtu.be/V9V66EIZcUI?...

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Every Movie I watched in 2025

YouTube video by Genre Blender

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 07/01/2026

Well, I may not have met my reading goal for 2025 (life always has other plans). But I certainly read some absolute bangers this year. And since it’s a mostly manageable number, I decided to micro-review each one. So… if there’s room on your TBR, have at it! – R www.genreblender.net/micro-review...

Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk showing the title “Micro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.” Below the heading are six book covers arranged in two rows: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Normal People by Sally Rooney, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer, Nemesis Games by James S. A. Corey, and Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima. Glasses, a pen, and pastel sticky notes are visible around the edges of the desk.

Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk titled “Micro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.” A cream panel sits in the center with the heading in bold yellow text. Six book covers are arranged in two rows: Butter by Asako Yuzuki, Outline by Rachel Cusk, Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, and Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. A pen, black-framed glasses, and stacked pastel sticky notes are visible around the edges of the desk.

Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk titled “Micro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.” A cream-colored panel fills the center beneath two teal labels reading “Micro” and “Reviewing.” Six book covers are arranged in two rows: Babylon’s Ashes by James S. A. Corey, Club Contango by Eliane Boey, How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, The Stand by Stephen King, and A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. A pen, black glasses, and pastel sticky notes sit around the edges of the desk.

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 30/12/2025

It is time for the Genre Blender pair to look forward into the new year. Join us as we share our themes and projects which will see us through 2026! youtu.be/ccvE6Gxe9Vw?...

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Our 2026 Themes, Goals and Projects | Genre Blender Podcast 32

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 24/12/2025

And that’s (almost) a wrap on 2025! This has been a huge year of entertainment for us over at Genre Blender. Join us on this weeks video to see what we pick as the best of the best for the year that was. youtu.be/_JX4vhuDm4o

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Year in Review - Our Favourite Books, Movies, TV Shows and Games of 2025

YouTube video by Genre Blender

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 17/12/2025

Do you play early access games? Why or why not? Check out why Kris loves them in today’s video! youtu.be/YOGkzX9iB3o?...

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5 Reasons you should try Early Access Gaming!

YouTube video by Genre Blender

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 09/12/2025

Welcome to the Watch Party! On today’s episode Rian and Kris tackle Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 Frankenstein. Was it stunning? Absolutely. Did we love it? Not so much. Are we shocked we agreed? You’ll have to watch to find out! youtu.be/6VFUiPzbjb0?...

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Frankenstein - Adaptation vs Retelling? | Watch Party movie discussion

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 02/12/2025

New video! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rian discusses the broken state of book star ratings, and what we can do instead. 🤔 youtu.be/b-Vc1nVf2DI

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Book Star Ratings Are Broken — Do This Instead

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 25/11/2025

Novembers episode of #genreblenderpodcast was wolf-PACKED! Rian breaks out their interviewing skills to help celebrate the launch of Kris’s debut ALPHA 🐺 Kris delves into writing, world-building, and the journey to becoming a published author. youtu.be/pbIeDxYLgGI?...

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Interview with ALPHA author K. D. Marchesi - Episode 31: Genre Blender Podcast

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 19/11/2025

On this weeks episode of Books and Bevvies, Rian and Kris delve into the giant tome that is EXODUS! To say we had mixed thoughts is an understatement 🤔 Books & Bevvies - EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine | What we thought of this 900+ page sci-fi monster! youtu.be/rnqlplIU-I8

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Books & Bevvies - EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine | What we thought of this 900+ page sci-fi monster!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 13/11/2025

Just over a week ago Rian and Kris were adventuring along the Margaret River in WA. We knew we wouldn’t last a whole long weekend without book shopping 😅😅 If you’re curious to see what we picked up (and some adorable Australian wildlife), come take a look! youtu.be/rKze2nJihTY?...

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Our First Genre Blender Vlog!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 05/11/2025

Today Kris gets to gush about his dream of running a medieval tavern … with craft beers! youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...

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Live out your Tavern Dreams with Travellers Rest!

YouTube video by Genre Blender

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 29/10/2025

Coming at you with a double dose of content this week! Today Rian and Kris delve into horror sub genres just in time for Halloween! Gettin' Spooky With It! - Exploring Horror Subgenres youtu.be/So_mkNQvDNQ

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Gettin' Spooky With It! - Exploring Horror Subgenres

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 26/10/2025

Guess what Rian finally watched!!!! Tune in to this months episode of Genre Blender to find out. With a new format, we get to delve deeper into everything we’ve read, watched and played over the whole month! As well as delve into noteworthy news that excites us! youtu.be/9UwJCy1k_8s

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Genre Blender - Episode 30: You Can’t Do That To Me In These Episodes!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 24/10/2025

We’re evolving! There are a few changes to the format of our videos and podcast episodes that we’ve announced in a blog post here (all good things, we promise!): www.genreblender.net/were-evolvin...

genreblender.net

We're evolving! Upcoming changes for Genre Blender

We're undergoing a few changes here at Genre Blender and wanted to formally announce them to you in this handy-dandy explainer. All good things, we promise!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 22/10/2025

What do you do when the next book on your TBR is 1,211 pages but you’re intimidated by big books? Rian talks about this conundrum and how he overcame it while reading The Stand by Stephen King. youtu.be/w7VvkjEVFA4

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Overcoming ‘Big Book Phobia’ with Stephen King’s The Stand

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 16/10/2025

It’s newbie vs constant reader in today’s video! Happy spooky season folks! Let’s chat the glory of Stephen King! youtu.be/UQ1VK2Wlkus?...

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The King of Horror: Newbie vs Constant Reader

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 07/10/2025

Kris’s first solo video is live! Exploring his addiction to GrimShire, Kris shares what makes this cozy horror game so dang addictive. Cozy Horror - What Makes Grimshire Utterly Addictive youtu.be/auLU3tSjMgo

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Cozy Horror - What Makes Grimshire Utterly Addictive

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 29/09/2025

Retro gaming is having a resurgence and we are both thrilled! Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia youtu.be/iNtPSJJyIbY

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Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 25/09/2025

The YouTube comments on the new Ananta game trailer do not disappoint. e.g. “Which genre is this game?” “Yes” and “Ah yes, Grand Zenless Spider IV - Sleeping Row” Tell you what, though… I kinda think the game looks absolutely amazing. - R youtu.be/BMzzXYQ8zoQ?...

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Ananta - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games

YouTube video by PlayStation

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 17/09/2025

It’s time to get cozy with this weeks episode of Genre Blender as Rian and Kris chat about Tiny Bookshop! This gem of an indie title offers players the chance to give up the hustle and bustle of everyday life to open a book shop in a quaint seaside town. youtu.be/FmV10kcBzv0?...

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Genre Blender - Episode 28: Cozy Gaming with Tiny Bookshop | Clicker, passive, and idle games

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 15/09/2025

Some pesky technical difficulties appeared meaning this weeks episode is a tad late! Apologies folks, but we will be back soon, chatting about the phenomenon that is The Tiny Bookshop!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 01/09/2025

The Picture of Dorian Gray is jam packed full of heavy and reflective themes about how we as people view art, human nature, decadence, youth and so much more. Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion youtu.be/jqHAf0ERRag

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Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 18/08/2025

🎂HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!!🎂 This week over on #genreblender we celebrate the shows first birthday! Our small following is passionate about storytelling and we have an absolute blast sharing that passion with you! Genre Blender - Episode 26: It’s Our First Birthday! youtu.be/CTMYnEHn9Pc

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Genre Blender - Episode 26: It’s Our First Birthday!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 04/08/2025

K Pop Demon Hunters is taking the world by storm right now and we have been swept up in the winds with everyone else! Offering something for everyone this movie is a glorious mix of stunning animation, layered storytelling and catchy tunes. This episode was Golden 😉 youtu.be/pWc9kkmMXhY

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 21/07/2025

If watching a couple of nerdy friends freak out over the middle of the year, I have just the thing for you! Tangents galore in this one folks! Genre Blender - Episode 24: Mid-Year Freak Out Tag | Books and games for our mid-year review youtu.be/a5qrHtmGmVk

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Genre Blender - Episode 24: Mid-Year Freak Out Tag | Books and games for our mid-year review

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 07/07/2025

What a discussion! This week #genreblender was joined by Michael to talk about the slow decline of physical media. I think we could have talked for hours! What are your thoughts on physical/digital media? youtu.be/9sUoqZs8eOQ?...

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Genre Blender - Episode 23: The Slow Death of Physical Media (with special guest Michael)

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 23/06/2025

Another pride related episode is now live from the Genre Blender crew! Rian and Kris return to memorable queer characters and attempt to tackle those they have found in books and games! Who has been your most memorable LGBTQIA+ character in media? youtu.be/9LDqUxpmaGE

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 09/06/2025

Happy #pridemonth friends! This episode we celebrate memorable LGBTQIA+ characters and go into depth as to why they have stuck in our minds! Rian and Kris had a lot to say in this one! Tune in for some raw emotions, a couple of laughs and of course, a tangent or two! youtu.be/QNYvpHqSDlI?...

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Genre Blender - Episode 21: Memorable Queer Characters in TV Shows | Celebrating Pride Month!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 26/05/2025

We’ve had so much fun watching and talking about films lately that we just had to come back for seconds! This time it’s all about arthouse and auteur films. A bit of a longer episode this fortnight, so get comfy and geek out with us as we share some of our favs. youtu.be/iZmthYBkigU

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Genre Blender - Episode 20: Arthouse and Auteur Cinema | We share some of our favourite films!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 12/05/2025

Special guest and resident movie expert, Jack, joins Rian on the podcast this week to talk about… you guessed it. Movies! Grab some popcorn, get cosy, and join us for this heartfelt (and, for Rian, very educational) chat. youtu.be/jLLbWX8Ubg0

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Genre Blender - Episode 19: Let’s Talk Movies (with special guest Jack!)

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 28/04/2025

This week on #genreblenderpodcast Rian and Kris explore stories for escapism! What stories do you lean into when you need to escape? youtu.be/7c1Kts8556U?...

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Genre Blender - Episode 18: Stories for Escapism | What we read, watch & play for our mental health

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 14/04/2025

Genre Blender is back! This episode we chat about keeping it cozy and what cozy media means to us! youtu.be/XxgOCR9kxTw?...

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Genre Blender - Episode 17: Keep it Cozy | Do we like cozy games, books, TV shows and movies?

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 03/03/2025

This week on Genre Blender, Rian and Kris talk about those book and games they just won’t pick up. Feelings were hurt, however the friendship remains intact 😅 youtu.be/baznE77P5qU?...

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Genre Blender - Episode 16: The Anti-TBR/TBP Tag | Books and games we won't read or play

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 24/02/2025

Genre Blender is giving away a copy of Shayla Morgansen’s Mythos Unbound! To enter, head on over to our YT channel, hit that subscribe button and let us know what your favourite fandom is! youtube.com/shorts/HtPAg...

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 20/02/2025

Genre Blender is now reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki! Based on the true story of The Konkatsu Killer this is shaping up to be an indulgent read 🧈

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 17/02/2025

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! www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Oj...

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 10/02/2025

Books & Bevvies bonus episode is now up on YouTube. It’s the one where we swear a lot and every sentence is a spoiler for Absolution by @jeffvandermeer.bsky.social. Not sure we actually get anywhere with the discussion, but… I dunno, judge for yourself? 😅 #booksky #booktube youtu.be/GHuiPGIySlU

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Absolution & Area X/Southern Reach discussion — Books & Bevvies | Warning: SPOILERS and profanity

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 03/02/2025

In this week's episode, Kris and Rian take you on a trip down memory lane to explore the books, TV shows, movies, and games that shaped them into the people they are today. Thanks to @maedbetweenpages.bsky.social for the original tag! #booksky #podcast youtu.be/6zd6_FvoTtc

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Genre Blender - Episode 14: Personal Canon Tag | BOOKS, GAMES, TV & MOVIES that made us who we are!

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 23/01/2025

I dunno who this guy is but he sounds like someone who knows how to party. (fun with auto captions while editing the latest episode)

A screenshot of a captions editor that reads: “That’s high praise for an author if they can pull that off, so that’s props to Jeff Vanderbeer then.”

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 20/01/2025

Episode 13 is out! ✨ It’s no secret that life can get in the way of things we enjoy. This week, Rian and Kris discuss how their physical and mental health impacts their favourite hobbies. Does anything in the episode resonate with you? Let us know in the comments. 🥰 youtu.be/SnMK2lFP3g4

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Genre Blender - Episode 13: How Physical Health, Mental Health & Neurodivergence Affect Our Hobbies

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 06/01/2025

It’s a brand new year and a brand new us… Just kidding, we’re still (mostly) the same, but we do have some yearly themes and goals to discuss, as well as our Best-Of-2024 Read Watch Play lists! Episode 12 is available to watch on YouTube now: youtu.be/N_ZLumWCF18

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Genre Blender @genreblender.net · 02/01/2025

The buddy read for January has begun! Absolution by @jeffvandermeer.bsky.social. Come join us at our new Discord community to discuss it (or anything else!) throughout the month. The link is available to free Patreon members. No frills, just community, books & good vibes www.patreon.com/GenreBlender

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