Declan and Silvan unpack Part 6 of the Heated Rivalry novel. Here, Shane finally says the words he's spent years avoiding, and everything between him and Ilya begins to change. We examine one of the novel's biggest emotional turning points as Shane comes out to Ilya, leading to a conversation that's surprisingly understated and deeply significant. We explore why Rachel Reid's character writing feels so authentic, how the TV adaptation chooses what to keep (and what to reinvent), and why this moment marks a new stage in Shane and Ilya's relationship.

We also dive into Ilya's devastating family story, discussing the quiet reveal of his mother's death, his father's Alzheimer's, and how grief, trauma and emotional masking shape the person he becomes. Along the way we compare the novel with the TV series, debate Jacob Tierney's adaptation choices, and explain why Connor Storrie's unforgettable Russian monologue may be one of the show's finest moments.

Request our meet up details on 19th July in Belfast here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgNJIFlK10E3J7vjhrvgP6t6UFhcBfS0lqNVHyaTRFWL57XA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 5th July 2026.

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

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/JadlJGRj9JQ

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chapter 17

01:40 Shane's Coming Out Moment

09:24 Character Dynamics and Adaptation

14:25 Exploring Emotional Responses

24:18 The Impact of Grief and Loss

39:18 Navigating Grief and Emotional Defense Mechanisms

41:19 Shifting Tones: From Heavy to Light

42:10 Exploring Intimacy and Vulnerability

44:28 Understanding Complex Relationships

47:11 Proactive Communication in Relationships

49:35 The Complexity of Family Dynamics

51:15 The Absence of Monologues: A Narrative Choice

54:17 The Emotional Weight of Unexpressed Feelings

58:51 Cultural Identity and Language Barriers

01:02:42 The Struggle for Love and Acceptance

01:04:33 Intimacy Through Shared Spaces

01:08:37 The Obsession with Winning vs. Love

01:11:43 The Fear of Losing Someone

01:14:24 Taking Action in Relationships

01:14:43 Missed Opportunities in Narrative

In Part 5 of our Heated Rivalry book club series, Silvan is joined by special guest Alicia, long-time listener and book club member. Together, we unpack Shane’s honest conversation with Rose and the realisation that the future he imagined for himself may not be the one he truly wants.

Our discussion explores the differences between the book and the TV adaptation, from Rose’s role in Shane’s journey of self-discovery to the introduction of Svetlana and the ways both versions of the story handle friendship, family, and identity. Silvan and Alicia also dive into the subtle emotional beats of Ilya’s perspective, examining the heartbreak, longing, and misunderstandings that shape the reunion in Tampa.

Along the way, Alicia brings a unique perspective as a Spanish reader who chose to read the novels in English, leading to a fascinating conversation about language, translation, immigration, and how cultural identity shapes both Shane and Ilya’s experiences.

Find Alicia on instagram: mividaennaranja

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/t9KnTDF_W0c

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Guest Introduction and Community Engagement

01:36 Discovery of Heated Rivalry

03:28 Discussion of Chapter 15 and Character Impressions

07:13 Sexual Dynamics in the Story

12:42 Character Development and Representation

18:06 Women in Hockey and Their Knowledge

22:57 Exploring Problem-Solving Perspectives

24:46 Character Dynamics and Misunderstandings

25:43 Inner Monologues and Relationship Realizations

28:57 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Repression

32:06 Language and Cultural Adaptation

39:01 Elia's Language Journey

40:30 Cultural Displacement and Identity

44:19 The Immigrant Experience

47:44 Language and Emotional Expression

50:39 Reflections on Representation in Media

Declan and Silvan sit down with Caroline Plyler, director of the hit vertical romance Next Door, to discuss her journey from actor and script supervisor to first-time director. Caroline shares how her own experiences shaped the story, why she wanted to create the "queer Disney Channel movie we never got," and what it has been like seeing audiences around the world connect with Kit and River's love story.

We explore the rise of vertical filmmaking, how platforms like Candy Jar are changing the way stories are discovered, and why Caroline believes mobile-first storytelling is here to stay. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at directing Next Door, working with first-time leads, collaborating with cast and crew, and the realities of making a film for today's social-media generation.

We discuss queer representation in media, the importance of joyful LGBTQ+ stories, Caroline's love of Sophia Coppola, the books she'd love to adapt, and her advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry.

Next Door is available now on Candy Jar.

Fine Caroline on Instagram and Tiktok: carolinegrayplyler

Find CandyJar on Instagram and Tiktok: watchcandyjar

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/NqD-jMfkq7g

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Next Door and Its Impact

02:41 Caroline's Directorial Debut and Personal Connection

06:01 The Unique Appeal of Next Door

10:20 Creating a Wholesome Queer Narrative

12:03 The Importance of Diverse Queer Representation

15:18 Audience Reactions and Surprises

16:59 Caroline's Journey to Directing

20:01 The Role of Script Supervision

25:24 The Importance of Preparation in Filmmaking

35:16 Preparation and Respect for the Crew

36:06 Directorial Styles and Preferences

38:06 Inspirations from Iconic Directors

39:39 The Journey with Candy Jar Productions

42:00 Resonating with the Story of Nextdoor

46:28 Creating a Lighthearted Queer Romance

48:52 Vertical Storytelling: A New Format

54:27 The Impact of Second Screen Watching

01:03:04 The Future of Vertical Storytelling

01:04:32 Opportunities with Candy Jar Productions

01:06:49 The Impact of Fan Creations

01:09:08 Adapting Queer Stories

01:16:01 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

01:19:42 Quickfire Questions with Caroline

01:24:30 The Heart of 'Next Door'