Genre Blender
@genreblender.net
Exploring what makes stories stick, from the page to the screen—with Kris and Rian. 📚📺🎮
New videos weekly. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
youtube.com/@GenreBlenderPodcast
New videos weekly. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
youtube.com/@GenreBlenderPodcast
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?...
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?...
Writing Habits and Routines for 2026 | Genre Blender Podcast 33
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 12:50 PM
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?...
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?...
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...
Does anyone have a favourite James Baldwin book?
www.genreblender.net/review-notes...
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...
www.genreblender.net
January 23, 2026 at 10:50 PM
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...
Does anyone have a favourite James Baldwin book?
www.genreblender.net/review-notes...
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?...
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?...
We can't wait for these books, movies and games in 2026!
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 12:24 AM
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?...
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?...
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?...
Here are some quick thoughts on everything he watched in 2025!
youtu.be/V9V66EIZcUI?...
Every Movie I watched in 2025
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 3:09 AM
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?...
Here are some quick thoughts on everything he watched in 2025!
youtu.be/V9V66EIZcUI?...
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...
www.genreblender.net/micro-review...
January 7, 2026 at 12:44 AM
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...
www.genreblender.net/micro-review...
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?...
Join us as we share our themes and projects which will see us through 2026!
youtu.be/ccvE6Gxe9Vw?...
Our 2026 Themes, Goals and Projects | Genre Blender Podcast 32
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
December 30, 2025 at 11:07 PM
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?...
Join us as we share our themes and projects which will see us through 2026!
youtu.be/ccvE6Gxe9Vw?...
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
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
Year in Review - Our Favourite Books, Movies, TV Shows and Games of 2025
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
December 24, 2025 at 9:39 PM
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
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
Do you play early access games? Why or why not?
Check out why Kris loves them in today’s video!
youtu.be/YOGkzX9iB3o?...
Check out why Kris loves them in today’s video!
youtu.be/YOGkzX9iB3o?...
5 Reasons you should try Early Access Gaming!
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Do you play early access games? Why or why not?
Check out why Kris loves them in today’s video!
youtu.be/YOGkzX9iB3o?...
Check out why Kris loves them in today’s video!
youtu.be/YOGkzX9iB3o?...
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?...
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?...
Frankenstein - Adaptation vs Retelling? | Watch Party movie discussion
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 11:26 PM
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?...
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?...
New video! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rian discusses the broken state of book star ratings, and what we can do instead. 🤔
youtu.be/b-Vc1nVf2DI
Rian discusses the broken state of book star ratings, and what we can do instead. 🤔
youtu.be/b-Vc1nVf2DI
Book Star Ratings Are Broken — Do This Instead
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 11:24 PM
New video! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rian discusses the broken state of book star ratings, and what we can do instead. 🤔
youtu.be/b-Vc1nVf2DI
Rian discusses the broken state of book star ratings, and what we can do instead. 🤔
youtu.be/b-Vc1nVf2DI
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?...
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?...
Interview with ALPHA author K. D. Marchesi - Episode 31: Genre Blender Podcast
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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?...
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?...
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
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
Books & Bevvies - EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine | What we thought of this 900+ page sci-fi monster!
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 12:21 AM
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
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
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?...
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?...
Our First Genre Blender Vlog!
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 1:07 PM
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?...
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?...
Today Kris gets to gush about his dream of running a medieval tavern … with craft beers!
youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...
youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...
Live out your Tavern Dreams with Travellers Rest!
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Today Kris gets to gush about his dream of running a medieval tavern … with craft beers!
youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...
youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...
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
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
Gettin' Spooky With It! - Exploring Horror Subgenres
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 12:36 AM
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
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
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
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
Genre Blender - Episode 30: You Can’t Do That To Me In These Episodes!
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
October 26, 2025 at 11:09 PM
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
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
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...
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...
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!
www.genreblender.net
October 24, 2025 at 7:57 AM
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...
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...
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
youtu.be/w7VvkjEVFA4
Overcoming ‘Big Book Phobia’ with Stephen King’s The Stand
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 12:26 AM
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
youtu.be/w7VvkjEVFA4
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?...
Happy spooky season folks! Let’s chat the glory of Stephen King!
youtu.be/UQ1VK2Wlkus?...
The King of Horror: Newbie vs Constant Reader
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 11:42 PM
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?...
Happy spooky season folks! Let’s chat the glory of Stephen King!
youtu.be/UQ1VK2Wlkus?...
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
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
Cozy Horror - What Makes Grimshire Utterly Addictive
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
October 7, 2025 at 10:07 PM
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
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
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
Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia
youtu.be/iNtPSJJyIbY
Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
September 29, 2025 at 12:36 AM
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
Genre Blender - Episode 29: The Rise of Retro Gaming | Emulation, gaming handhelds, and nostalgia
youtu.be/iNtPSJJyIbY
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?...
“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?...
Ananta - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games
YouTube video by PlayStation
youtu.be
September 24, 2025 at 11:16 PM
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?...
“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?...
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?...
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?...
Genre Blender - Episode 28: Cozy Gaming with Tiny Bookshop | Clicker, passive, and idle games
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
September 17, 2025 at 12:25 AM
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?...
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?...
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!
September 15, 2025 at 10:37 PM
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!
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
Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion
youtu.be/jqHAf0ERRag
Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion
YouTube video by Genre Blender
youtu.be
September 1, 2025 at 12:11 AM
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
Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion
youtu.be/jqHAf0ERRag