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 Dylan.Marsh@colostate.edu

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: Dylan.Marsh@ColoState.edu theftfpodcast@gmail.com

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

Or Twitter/X via the account @theftfpodcast1

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

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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/