Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast

After a longer-than-usual break, Dylan drops in with a solo update episode.

First, he shares a quick note about his doctoral dissertation study, Work and Well-Being Among Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers. If you’re a published science fiction, fantasy, and/or speculative fiction author (US, UK, Canada, or Australia) and might be interested in participating, he explains what’s involved and how to get in touch. Please reach out before March 15th, 2026 if you meet the criteria and would like to participate! Best place to reach Dylan is by email at [email protected]

Then, he reflects on the Friends Talking Fantasy providing a brief but meandering update on FTF, life changes, and what the podcast has meant over the years.

Finally, Dylan touches on what he’s read within recent months, including:

The Tawny Man Trilogy and beyond in Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings

The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

The Ambassador Chronicles by James Voorhees

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

If you’re interested in the dissertation study, reach out to me via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Or DM me on Instagram or BlueSky at the account @theftfpodcast

Or Twitter/X via the account @theftfpodcast1

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy 

 

We are overjoyed to welcome Travis Baldree — #1 New York Times bestselling author of Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust — to Friends Talking Fantasy!

 

Follow Friends Talking Fantasy:

Website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/ 

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TheFTFPodcast1 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theftfpodcast/

 

 

Travis joins us to discuss his highly anticipated new book, Brigands and Breadknives (out November 11, 2025). In this conversation, we explore:

Why Fern takes center stage as the POV character

How the story shifts from cozy “new shop” vibes into adventure

The themes of identity, purpose, and listlessness that drive the book

The true nature of “stakes” in cozy fantasy — and why they’re anything but small

Travis’s career journey from game developer → audiobook narrator → bestselling novelist

 

📚 Brigands and Breadknives releases November 11, 2025 — preorder your copy today!

Set sail with us in this Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast episode as we dive deep into Scott Lynch’s Red Seas Under Red Skies, book two of the Gentleman Bastard series. ⚔️

 

Charles (first-time reader) and Dylan (returning with fresh eyes) unpack Lynch’s brilliant storytelling, Locke & Jean’s evolving friendship, and the themes of trust, betrayal, and sacrifice.

 

We also share personal reflections, highlight the incredible audiobook narration by Michael Page, and tease future projects on the horizon.

 

If you loved Lies of Locke Lamora, you won’t want to miss this one.

 

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy 

Visit our website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

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 of the Many and its “pyramid scheme” magic system 
 • Impressions of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 
 • A dive into classic David Eddings pulp fantasy and the joy of retro covers 
 • Early reactions to Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth and the ever-expanding Cosmere 

It’s a wide-ranging conversation full of laughs, book talk, and reflections on life as a fantasy fan (and new dad).

 

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy 
Visit our website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

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 :)