Published by K.
K, Let’s Talk is a podcast dedicated to thoughtful, conversational breakdowns of storytelling across books, television, and film, with a special love for book-to-screen adaptations. Hosted by K, the show explores character arcs, narrative structure, and the creative decisions behind the stories we can’t stop thinking about.
Listen on Apple Podcasts39 min
Welcome to the fifth episode of this six part series covering the music of Heated Rivalry, where we break down the soundtrack and score for each individual episode of the show. This week, we are discussing episode five titled "I'll Believe in Anything," where we get the iconic needle drop of the same name, linking this episode with episode three, and also cementing the overarching theme of finding sunshine for the viewers. We also get to hear the official theme music for "Hollanov" for the first time, a beautiful moment with Moonlight Sonata during Ilya's iconic monologue, and a few other unique song selections that aid in the storytelling of this incredible episode. Let's chat!
45 min
Welcome to the fourth episode of this six part series covering the music of Heated Rivalry, where we break down the soundtrack and score for each individual episode of the show. This week, we are discussing episode four titled "Rose," where we get a handful of needle drops, some amazing thematic music during Shane's first encounter with Rose at the bar, and the episode's club scene that left us all screaming at the TV back in December. We deep dive into Jacob's placement and selection of "All the Things She Said," and how using the original and a cover of the song aided in the storytelling. Let's chat!
37 min
Welcome to the third episode of this six part series covering the music of Heated Rivalry, where we break down the soundtrack and score for each individual episode of the show. This week, we are tackling the uniquely stand-alone episode following Scott and Kip's story, and discuss the music choices, placement, and difference between this episode and Shane and Ilya's 5 episode arc. This episode is also the debut of a very important song, "I'll Believe in Anything," and we touch on Jacob's brilliant use and placement of that song that helped create the narrative payoff in episode five. Let's chat!
44 min
Welcome to part two of a six-part series discussing the music of Heated Rivalry, one episode at a time. In this week's episode, we are covering every sound in Episode 2 "Olympians." We dive into the soundtrack choices, including the song chosen for the show's first ever montage. We also deep dive into the score by Peter Peter, and how the music he created for the show adds context, nuance, and emotionality to each scene. We link lyrics to story beats and also provide some history lessons for certain classical pieces. Each episode in this series will focus on one episode of the show, unpacking the storytelling behind the music selections and highlighting the intentionality behind every song choice and moment. Let's talk!
33 min
This week, we are diving into more hockey-specific questions sent in by listeners. The goal is to help paint a better picture of Shane and Ilya's careers, positions, and their impact as players as they enter The Long Game / Season 2 of the show, so SPOILERS AHEAD for anyone looking to avoid plot points for The Long Game or Season 2!
41 min
Welcome to the first episode of a six-part series breaking down the music of Heated Rivalry , one episode at a time. In this installment, we're exploring every song featured in Episode 1, "Rookies." I'll also dive into Zoe Si's article, "Power Play: Behind the Music of Heated Rivalry," which examines creator and showrunner Jacob Tierney's philosophy on music and the role it plays in his creative process. As Tierney has shared in numerous interviews since the series premiered, music is a foundational part of how he develops and shapes scenes and builds his version of Heated Rivalry . Each episode in this podcast series will focus on one episode of the show, unpacking the soundtrack, score, and storytelling behind the music selections.
30 min
In this episode, we are (once again) answering listener-submitted questions pertaining to The Long Game and Heated Rivalry Season 2! Spoilers ahead for those looking to avoid them. We are focusing on the largest story beat of The Long Game. I'll share my opinion on how it was written in the book vs how it may appear on screen in the show. We'll also talk about music and music choices. Lots to dive into, so let's talk!
47 min
It is hard to believe, but this week we are breaking down the final episode of the Outlander series, Season 8, Episode 10, titled " And the World Was All Around Us ." This show has meant so much to so many, alongside the books. I feel lucky to have been along for the ride since season four premiered, to have read the novels more than once, and to see these characters I love so much on screen for eight seasons. Breaking down this finale left me with a flurry of emotions, many of which are mixed. This breakdown points out the highlights and the critiques I had, but at the heart of it, I feel grateful that we were able to witness a proper ending and finale season given to this show. Not many shows are afforded that! So one last time, let's talk Outlander and revel in Jamie and Claire's love story together as it comes to an end on screen. *Apologies for any audio inconsistencies/issues*
19 min
On this week's episode, we're discussing a listener-submitted question which asked, "What makes Shane and Ilya's relationship distinct from other romance stories?" I touch on a few narrative distinctions, discuss how they fit within traditional romance tropes, and touch on how the very specific framework that their characters exist within informs our investment in their story.
26 min
This week, we are diving into Outlander Season 8 Episode 9, "Pharos." This episode was written by Diana Gabaldon herself, and sits as the penultimate episode of the season and the series as a whole. We discuss the rescue of Lord John Grey after he was kidnapped by Captain Richardson, the emotional reunion between Jamie and Lord John, how William is coming to terms with having two fathers, and the lead-up to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Let's talk.
36 min
In this fifth (!!!) episode of our Heated Rivalry Q&A series, we tackle three questions submitted by listeners. We discuss what David doesn't say to Yuna when he returns home after discovering the boys, how I think Shane would have finished the sentence "and I guess I thought we... never mind" on the Vegas rooftop, and whether or not Svetlana knows Jane is Shane. Let's talk!
31 min
This week, we are diving into Outlander Season 8, Episode 8 "Into the Forst." This episode is the final time we see my beloved Marsali, get to witness Jamie and William grow closer in their strained relationship, watch as the Ridge continues to prepare for the looming battle ahead, and learn some very significant show changes to the character of Fanny. As we grow closer to the finale, more and more storylines seem to be wrapping up, and while some of them feel natural in their conclusions, others feel worthy of commentary and discussion. Lets chat!
34 min
In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite adaptation choices in Heated Rivalry. When adapting this novel for television, Jacob Tierney decided to expand the role of Svetlana, and that decision not only created another dynamic character for audiences to enjoy but also helped to externalize Ilya Rosanov as a character. In the novel, so much of Ilya’s characterization lives internally through POV and narration. But television doesn’t work that way. It has to externalize emotion through his relationships, behavior, and visual storytelling. Through three key scenes ( the Tuna Melt conversation, the Russian monologue, and the cottage scene in the finale) I explore how the show uses Svetlana as a storytelling device that helps us to understand Ilya’s internal world, and forces him to confront his feelings for Shane head-on. This episode will draw some book vs screen comparisons and also dive into the craft of adaptation itself. I've long said that Heated Rivalry's success comes from how Jacob chose to translate the internal storytelling of the source material, so let's chat about how he accomplished that for television audiences, shall we?
49 min
This week, we’re diving deep into Outlander Season 8, Episode 7, “ Evidence of Things Not Seen." This is one of the most emotional and controversial episodes of the final season so far. We break down the devastating fire at the print shop and the episode’s major revelations surrounding Faith and Master Raymond. There are some standout performances in this episode (hello, Lauren Lyle!) and plenty of plot points and book deviations to talk about, so let's chat.
47 min
In this fourth installment of our Heated Rivalry Q&A series, we dive into Ilya’s move to Ottawa and the perception that Shane Hollander failed to fully grasp the magnitude of the sacrifice Ilya was making for their relationship. We also unpack the emotional and psychological differences in how Shane and Ilya view hockey and why the move to Ottawa impacts Ilya so deeply beyond the career implications alone. We also answer hockey-related questions about how and why Shane and Ilya were named captains at such young ages, discuss the culture and expectations surrounding leadership and playing through injury in the NHL, and explore the symbolic use of Mozart’s Requiem in Season 2. Plus, we talk about the deeper meaning behind Ilya’s father calling him “lazy." Lets chat!
39 min
This week, we’re diving into Outlander Season 8, Episode 6 "Blessed are the Merciful," where loyalties are tested, emotions run high, and new storylines continue to develop. We break down the biggest character moments and what this episode could mean for the road ahead (given there are only a few episodes left).
49 min
In this episode, we are breaking down Outlander Season 8 Episode 5 titled "Send for the Devil." We pick up with the Siege of Savannah raging outside of the city, leaving Brianna and Roger on opposite sides of the conflict. The bigger conflict between Jamie and Captain Cunningham comes to a head, leaving for both of them to face one another at Lodge Night.
34 min
In this episode, we take a deeper look at Shane Hollander’s evolving hero’s journey across Heated Rivalry, The Long Game, and the highly anticipated book Unrivaled, using insight from Rachel Reid herself. Drawing from a recent interview, Reid made it clear that while these books center on a love story between Shane and Ilya, this trilogy has always been Shane’s story. In this episode, we break down what that actually means by exploring the structure of the Hero’s Journey (or monomyth) and map Shane’s arc onto this classic storytelling framework. From his early identity as a closeted, high-performing athlete to the pressures of public life, aging in professional hockey, and building a future beyond the game, Shane’s journey reflects a quieter, more internal version of heroism.
49 min
In this episode, we are breaking down Outlander season 8, episode 4 titled " Muskets, Liberty, and Sauerkraut ." We'll be diving into the new development surrounding Fergus and his parentage, Brianna and Roger's journey to Savannah with Jacobite gold hidden in sauerkraut to secure weapons, Brianna and Lord John's conversation about William, and Roger's failed mission to obtain weapons from the Continental Army.
49 min
In this episode, I’m diving into the BookCon panel featuring Jacob Tierney and Rachel Reid! We'll be recapping the conversation, unpacking some of their most interesting responses, and I'll be sharing my own thoughts along the way. I also get into a bit of speculation—purely for fun—for season 2, attempt to connect some dots, read between the lines, and elaborate on some changes that may happen as they adapt The Long Game from book to screen. Whether you watched the panel or are hearing about it for the first time, their conversation is a thoughtful discussion that highlights the importance of good storytelling, open collaboration, and the magic that can happen when you're passionate about creating something lasting. Watch the BookCon Panel Discussion here: https://youtu.be/gseXLRejeOU?si=rXoAHSz7Jilp71tG
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Observed August 1, 2026.
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