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Genre Blender

@genreblender.net

Exploring what makes stories stick, from the page to the screenโ€”with Kris and Rian. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ“บ๐ŸŽฎ New videos weekly. ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€โšง๏ธ youtube.com/@GenreBlenderPodcast

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13.11.2024
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Latest posts by Genre Blender @genreblender.net

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

Weโ€™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 ๐Ÿค”

youtu.be/MoRQoL2bVqQ?...

03.03.2026 23:23 ๐Ÿ‘ 3 ๐Ÿ” 2 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Writing Habits and Routines for 2026 | Genre Blender Podcast 33
Writing Habits and Routines for 2026 | Genre Blender Podcast 33 YouTube video by Genre Blender

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 weโ€™ve read, watched and played over the course of January.

youtu.be/m40lQqCA1xY?...

28.01.2026 12:50 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
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...

New book review of a not-new book up on the website, James Baldwinโ€™s โ€˜Notes of a Native Sonโ€™. 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...

23.01.2026 22:49 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
We can't wait for these books, movies and games in 2026!
We can't wait for these books, movies and games in 2026! YouTube video by Genre Blender

A new year means getting ridiculously excited for all the up and coming releases right โ€ฆ 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?...

21.01.2026 00:24 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Every Movie I watched in 2025
Every Movie I watched in 2025 YouTube video by Genre Blender

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?...

14.01.2026 03:09 ๐Ÿ‘ 0 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk showing the title โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ Below the heading are six book covers arranged in two rows: The Hitchhikerโ€™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 showing the title โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ Below the heading are six book covers arranged in two rows: The Hitchhikerโ€™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 โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ 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 โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ 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 โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ A cream-colored panel fills the center beneath two teal labels reading โ€œMicroโ€ and โ€œReviewing.โ€ Six book covers are arranged in two rows: Babylonโ€™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.

Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk titled โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ A cream-colored panel fills the center beneath two teal labels reading โ€œMicroโ€ and โ€œReviewing.โ€ Six book covers are arranged in two rows: Babylonโ€™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.

Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk titled โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ A cream-colored panel fills the center beneath two teal labels reading โ€œMicroโ€ and โ€œReviewing.โ€ Six book covers are arranged in two rows: EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine by Peter F. Hamilton, ALPHA by K.D. Marchesi, Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, This Skin Was Once Mine by Eric LaRocca, and The Long Walk by Stephen King. A pen, black glasses, and pastel sticky notes sit around the edges of the desk.

Flat-lay graphic on a wooden desk titled โ€œMicro Reviewing: Every Book I Read in 2025.โ€ A cream-colored panel fills the center beneath two teal labels reading โ€œMicroโ€ and โ€œReviewing.โ€ Six book covers are arranged in two rows: EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine by Peter F. Hamilton, ALPHA by K.D. Marchesi, Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, This Skin Was Once Mine by Eric LaRocca, and The Long Walk by Stephen King. A pen, black glasses, and pastel sticky notes sit around the edges of the desk.

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 itโ€™s a mostly manageable number, I decided to micro-review each one. Soโ€ฆ if thereโ€™s room on your TBR, have at it! โ€“ R

www.genreblender.net/micro-review...

07.01.2026 00:44 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Our 2026 Themes, Goals and Projects | Genre Blender Podcast 32
Our 2026 Themes, Goals and Projects | Genre Blender Podcast 32 YouTube video by Genre Blender

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?...

30.12.2025 23:07 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Year in Review - Our Favourite Books, Movies, TV Shows and Games of 2025
Year in Review - Our Favourite Books, Movies, TV Shows and Games of 2025 YouTube video by Genre Blender

And thatโ€™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

24.12.2025 21:39 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
5 Reasons you should try Early Access Gaming!
5 Reasons you should try Early Access Gaming! YouTube video by Genre Blender

Do you play early access games? Why or why not?

Check out why Kris loves them in todayโ€™s video!

youtu.be/YOGkzX9iB3o?...

17.12.2025 00:11 ๐Ÿ‘ 0 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Frankenstein - Adaptation vs Retelling? | Watch Party movie discussion
Frankenstein - Adaptation vs Retelling? | Watch Party movie discussion YouTube video by Genre Blender

Welcome to the Watch Party! On todayโ€™s episode Rian and Kris tackle Guillermo del Toroโ€™s 2025 Frankenstein.
Was it stunning? Absolutely.
Did we love it? Not so much.
Are we shocked we agreed? Youโ€™ll have to watch to find out!

youtu.be/6VFUiPzbjb0?...

09.12.2025 23:26 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Book Star Ratings Are Broken โ€” Do This Instead
Book Star Ratings Are Broken โ€” Do This Instead YouTube video by Genre Blender

New video! โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ

Rian discusses the broken state of book star ratings, and what we can do instead. ๐Ÿค”

youtu.be/b-Vc1nVf2DI

02.12.2025 23:24 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Interview with ALPHA author K. D. Marchesi - Episode 31: Genre Blender Podcast
Interview with ALPHA author K. D. Marchesi - Episode 31: Genre Blender Podcast YouTube video by Genre Blender

Novembers episode of #genreblenderpodcast was wolf-PACKED!

Rian breaks out their interviewing skills to help celebrate the launch of Krisโ€™s debut ALPHA ๐Ÿบ

Kris delves into writing, world-building, and the journey to becoming a published author.

youtu.be/pbIeDxYLgGI?...

25.11.2025 23:45 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 2 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Books & Bevvies - EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine | What we thought of this 900+ page sci-fi monster!
Books & Bevvies - EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine | What we thought of this 900+ page sci-fi monster! YouTube video by Genre Blender

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 ๐Ÿค”

Books & Bevvies - EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine | What we thought of this 900+ page sci-fi monster!
youtu.be/rnqlplIU-I8

19.11.2025 00:21 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Our First Genre Blender Vlog!
Our First Genre Blender Vlog! YouTube video by Genre Blender

Just over a week ago Rian and Kris were adventuring along the Margaret River in WA.

We knew we wouldnโ€™t last a whole long weekend without book shopping ๐Ÿ˜…๐Ÿ˜…

If youโ€™re curious to see what we picked up (and some adorable Australian wildlife), come take a look!

youtu.be/rKze2nJihTY?...

13.11.2025 13:07 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Live out your Tavern Dreams with Travellers Rest!
Live out your Tavern Dreams with Travellers Rest! YouTube video by Genre Blender

Today Kris gets to gush about his dream of running a medieval tavern โ€ฆ with craft beers!

youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...

05.11.2025 23:19 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Gettin' Spooky With It! - Exploring Horror Subgenres
Gettin' Spooky With It! - Exploring Horror Subgenres YouTube video by Genre Blender

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

29.10.2025 00:36 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Genre Blender - Episode 30: You Canโ€™t Do That To Me In These Episodes!
Genre Blender - Episode 30: You Canโ€™t Do That To Me In These Episodes! YouTube video by Genre Blender

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 weโ€™ve read, watched and played over the whole month! As well as delve into noteworthy news that excites us!

youtu.be/9UwJCy1k_8s

26.10.2025 23:09 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
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!

Weโ€™re evolving!

There are a few changes to the format of our videos and podcast episodes that weโ€™ve announced in a blog post here (all good things, we promise!):

www.genreblender.net/were-evolvin...

24.10.2025 07:57 ๐Ÿ‘ 3 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Overcoming โ€˜Big Book Phobiaโ€™ with Stephen Kingโ€™s The Stand
Overcoming โ€˜Big Book Phobiaโ€™ with Stephen Kingโ€™s The Stand YouTube video by Genre Blender

What do you do when the next book on your TBR is 1,211 pages but youโ€™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

22.10.2025 00:26 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 2
The King of Horror: Newbie vs Constant Reader
The King of Horror: Newbie vs Constant Reader YouTube video by Genre Blender

Itโ€™s newbie vs constant reader in todayโ€™s video!

Happy spooky season folks! Letโ€™s chat the glory of Stephen King!

youtu.be/UQ1VK2Wlkus?...

15.10.2025 23:42 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Cozy Horror - What Makes Grimshire Utterly Addictive
Cozy Horror - What Makes Grimshire Utterly Addictive YouTube video by Genre Blender

Krisโ€™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

07.10.2025 22:07 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia
Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia YouTube video by Genre Blender

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

29.09.2025 00:36 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Ananta - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games
Ananta - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games YouTube video by PlayStation

The YouTube comments on the new Ananta game trailer do not disappoint. e.g.

โ€œWhich genre is this game?โ€
โ€œYesโ€

and

โ€œAh yes, Grand Zenless Spider IV - Sleeping Rowโ€

Tell you what, thoughโ€ฆ I kinda think the game looks absolutely amazing. - R

youtu.be/BMzzXYQ8zoQ?...

24.09.2025 23:16 ๐Ÿ‘ 0 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Genre Blender - Episode 28: Cozy Gaming with Tiny Bookshop | Clicker, passive, and idle games
Genre Blender - Episode 28: Cozy Gaming with Tiny Bookshop | Clicker, passive, and idle games YouTube video by Genre Blender

Itโ€™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?...

17.09.2025 00:25 ๐Ÿ‘ 4 ๐Ÿ” 2 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Post image

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!

15.09.2025 22:37 ๐Ÿ‘ 3 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion
Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion YouTube video by Genre Blender

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

01.09.2025 00:11 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Genre Blender - Episode 26: Itโ€™s Our First Birthday!
Genre Blender - Episode 26: Itโ€™s Our First Birthday! YouTube video by Genre Blender

๐ŸŽ‚HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!!๐ŸŽ‚

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: Itโ€™s Our First Birthday!
youtu.be/CTMYnEHn9Pc

18.08.2025 00:12 ๐Ÿ‘ 5 ๐Ÿ” 3 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Post image

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 ๐Ÿ˜‰

youtu.be/pWc9kkmMXhY

04.08.2025 12:34 ๐Ÿ‘ 6 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 2
Genre Blender - Episode 24: Mid-Year Freak Out Tag | Books and games for our mid-year review
Genre Blender - Episode 24: Mid-Year Freak Out Tag | Books and games for our mid-year review YouTube video by Genre Blender

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

21.07.2025 14:22 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Genre Blender - Episode 23: The Slow Death of Physical Media (with special guest Michael)
Genre Blender - Episode 23: The Slow Death of Physical Media (with special guest Michael) YouTube video by Genre Blender

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?...

07.07.2025 01:14 ๐Ÿ‘ 4 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 2