The Talking Place

Hey look, it's Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know, it's been a weird few years and all with everyone realizing what actually took place to cement Thanksgiving as a holiday. It seems like a collective agreement happened to take this once chill and cozy holiday and cover it up with garland and lights. I get it! But... hear me out... Why can't we just, you know, still be thankful for things?
That's what this show is about. It's me remembering what Thanksgiving is. Recalling some of my earlier years, like what I used to do every Turkey Day, and whatever traditions we did. Funnily enough, I don't really talk about food! 
This is just me talking out loud about the day. For a while now, I've been glossing over it and just trying to get to Christmas ASAP. Which, don't get me wrong, I still do lol. But I'm trying to still enjoy Thanksgiving this year, and I feel like we all should. 
Not sure if I'll put out another show before this holiday weekend, but if I don't, I hope everyone finds something to be thankful for! 
Until next week! 
 
Links and Info Discussed
Here are some of my perfect for Fall recipes that would be great on Turkey Day! 
The Wife's Sweet Potato Gratin - my FAVORITE. Seriously, make double.
The Wife's Baked Mac and Cheese
Honeyed Chicken (A Game of Thrones recipe) - I'd imagine the sauce made here would be PERFECT for a turkey dressing.
Garlic Mashed PO-TA-TOES
Pumpkin Doughnuts with Salted Caramel Glaze 
Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread - This is my go-to banana bread! I'm most likely eating some right now as you're reading this.
Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies - Yes, they're great. 
Spiced Cinnamon Cookies - But, these are better. 
Praline Pumpkin Cake - Legit, if Thanksgiving were a cake, it would be this. 
Pumpkin Pie Cookie - This is it! THE ONE COOKIE TO RULE THE FALL!  
If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
 
If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show!
Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts.
 
Wondering what I’m currently reading?Check me out on The StoryGraph! 
 
Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing?Check me out on Backlogged! 
 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

From cupcakes to Oreos!
This is one of those shows I've been wanting to do for a long time! I'm glad the schedules were finally kind and we were able to connect because I really enjoyed this one!
I had the pleasure of talking with Desiree, who I've known for over 10 years! Crazy how time flies. When she worked with Wilton, she was the one who helped me get my footing as a blogger. Giving me an opportunity that I mention on the show I had zero business having haha. And now, she’s the Global Media Relations Manager at Mondelēz International, which to us commoners, sounds like a big deal! But for her, it's a Tuesday.
On the episode, we catch up on our history, and then talk about some of the roads that got her to where she is now. Mostly, I think the biggest takeaway is how important it is to have an emotional connection with what you do. And what better way to be connected to memories and nostalgia than with snacks!
Lastly, we touch on a big promotion Oreo is doing for Thanksgiving! Sadly, I couldn't get her to crack and slip out some secret upcoming collaborations, but you can't say I didn't try!
Come check out her journey! 
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Links and Info Discussed
Here is the main site for Mondelēz International where you can find all the brands that fall under their umbrella.
While there, I found this recent article - Sentimental Snacks: Holiday Memories Help Shape Our Snacking Choices - and I thought it fit perfectly with a conversation we had about memories, nostalgia, and the snacks the can spark them. How, many people remember Oreos as a deep rooted comfort from their childhood, and Desiree even mentioned how her dad is Chips Ahoy's number one fan. 
Here are the infamous Thanksgiving Oreos that really should have been the main topic of the conversation! I feel like I let everyone down here, so I'm sorry! lol I recommend checking out the reviews as one in particular was freaking hilarious. 
Here's an article talking about the Thanksgiving Oreos. 
Here's the blog post of the Wilton Meet-Up we talked about! All the info and pictures are there, and if you look on the welcome sign in the picture, you can see the infamous Vader icon I shamelessly used LOL. 
Here's a side blog post where I documented the adventure of getting to the meet-up. Ugh, I was such a good blogger. If only I had time these days. 
Below you'll find all the different links to my recipe blog posts I did while working with Wilton. I'll try to do them from earliest to the last. If you check them out, for most of them, I linked to other blogs that were on the team with me. You can see how much I was faking it at that point hahaha.
The Ambassador's Dirty Shamrocks - Four-leaf Clover molded chocolate with crushed potato chips
Key Lime Brownies - For these I used a flavor of Candy Melts that isn't available anymore. Which is a shame because these  things were LEGIT!! The wife and I STILL think about them, which is crazy because I made them over 10 years ago! I went through a few batches where they didn't come out how I wanted, but once I nailed it down they were insanely good. 
Shot Glass S'mores - These were another huge hit! MAN they were good. Huh, I guess Desiree was right, I'm not as much of a pushover as I thought! 
S'mores Rolls - If you like s'mores (who doesn't?) and cinnamon rolls (again, who?!) then these are for you. Hey, maybe I was pretty good! 
Bacon Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies with Maple Buttercream - These were insane and possibly my most over the top "hold my soda" recipe I've done. 
Pumpkin Spiced Bone Cookies - Addictive little things the kids had fun with. Ugh, I made them for the kids... who are now in the teen years.... I'll be over here getting something out of my eye. 
Candy Cane and Pretzel Bark - This was also pretty addictive, ngl. 
Jamberry Santa Suit Cookies - This was a cookie exchange with someone in the Wilton team. We each got someone and had to make a cookie based on their likes. Mine was someone who was a consultant for Jamberry Nails. Came out pretty good!
Heart-Shaped Brownies - Again, these did not last very long. Haha
Italian Tri-Color Rainbow Cookies - Talk about nostalgia, these are still ones I go back to the recipe for to make at least once a year. My mother's favorite cookie!
S'mores Truffles - Nuff said.
Pancake Breakfast Sandwich - It's savory?! Yeah I thought I'd mix it up. Pretty freaking good too. 1000x better than fast food. 
The 5th Birthday Cake (Loki) - My goodness, the feels. Stop. I can't. Next link.
Caramel and Chocolate Apples - I've never been a fan of caramel apples, but a fall favorite is a fall favorite!
Pumpkin Doughnuts with Salted Caramel Glaze - THESE. These were good. Stupidly moist. Now I want some. Actually.... I don't mind if I do.
Salted Caramel and Peppermint Hot Cocoa Snowflakes - Nothing says holidays like some flavored molded chocolate.
Christmas Spritz Cookies - No, scratch that. Nothing says holidays like some spritz cookies! Like, mountains upon mountains upon valleys of spritz cookies. There's no other way to spritz, honestly. 
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If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show!You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

This is STILL Halloween!
Here I am, with back-to-back episodes this week to celebrate Halloween! I feel like the movie episode before this one was good, but it lacked the Halloween oomph!, you know? Well, where that one lacks, this one makes up for it big time! 
In this episode I go over thrillist.com's Best Halloween Candies of All Time! I mean, that's quite the honor, don't you think?
They listed 31 different candies! But for this episode, I just focused on the top 10. After that, I went through and picked some honorable mentions from the list. And THEN I did the unprecedented and rapid fired the entire list of 31 different candies! Ooooooooh the horror!
It was fun! There was even a cameo by my 12 year old where he gave me his top 3 candies real quick. Oh, and for the record, It was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II where Mikey was eating a butterfinger in Ralph's ear. Seems like there was a discussion between some other guys pertaining to the same scene. I laughed when I found it on YouTube. 
I really liked how this episode came out and I look forward to getting a hold of so much candy now! Freaking seriously, I think I'm going to go trick or treating with my own bag! 
A huge thanks and shoutout to Ve6a5 and the rest of the EZFM discord! Their conversation about Halloween candy is what inspired me to record this show! 
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Links and Info Discussed
Best Halloween Candy Ever, Ranked! According to Thrillist.com. Don't go spoiling it, be sure to listen first!
2025's Halloween Movie Watch List, Physical Media, and Shout! Factory Love - The Talking Place episode 40
Here's last year's Halloween show where I talked about more movies! There's some overlapping apparently, but whatever! - The Talking Place ep 28 - Talking About My Favorite Halloween Movies
Talking about Pokémon Legends Z-A, and My Top 3 Favorite Pokémon Games! - The Talking Place episode 39
 
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If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show!You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

This is Halloween!
Happy Halloween! Even though I had all month to keep updated and do the thing, here I am, scrambling away and trying to get something out at the last minute. I swear, it's like I sabotage myself on purpose because it's how I work best. ANYWAY! Here we are! What are we talking about?
Halloween movies! Well, I guess we'll use that term loosely, haha.
Don't get me wrong, these are good watches for the season, but of course, there could be better ones. These are what I'm working with though. It's the ones we have here on hand and I try to not depend on streaming services unless I really have to. So which ones am I talking about? Well, for you, I'll go ahead and list out everything I mentioned and talked about. What can I say? I'm a swell guy.
The Goonies
Back to the Future
Addams Family
Wednesday
Ghostbusters
Beetlejuice
Alvin and the Chimpmunks Meet Frankenstein/Meet the Wolf Man
Hocus Pocus
E.T.
Monster House
Blade
Scream 2
The Batman
Sleepy Hollow
House on Haunted Hill
Thirteen Ghosts
Misery
The Wizard
The Lawnmower Man
As you can see, there's a few "that's not Halloween!" on there. I know! But for THAT explanation, you're going to have to listen to find out. Just know, we didn't even watch all of these! Time is a horrible, terrible thing that is relentless on its quest to push life along. 
I will say though that I briefly went over some general physical media talk. I keep teasing the full show/talk about physical media but I've yet to find the courage to actually do it.
I also get into Shout! Factory news and pickups. Listen to the show to hear what exactly is Shout! Factory, but just know they distribute movies and have recently been bought out so there's fear of them not moving forward in their current form. So, I'm taking advantage of their fire sales and grabbing some cheap movies that I have been wanting from them. They're on that list above, but which ones are they, hmmmm?!?
OK, that's that. Yeah, this could have been more halloween, I'm sorry. But hey! You got something, and that's something! 
Hope you enjoy and stay safe. 
Until next time!
 
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Links and Info Discussed
Here's last year's Halloween show where I talked about more movies! There's some overlapping apparently, but whatever! - The Talking Place ep 28 - Talking About My Favorite Halloween Movies
Shout! Factory's site
Scream Factory section - Shout!'s horror titles
Here's a reddit post where someone asked What is happening with Shout Factory?
Here's one of physical media YouTubers I watch (not my favorite) saying This Just Might Be the END for Scream Factory.
BUUUT here's an actual article with research and digging done by The Wrap where they are letting everyone know that No, Shout Factory is Not Closing Down
I have a personal take on the whole Shout! Factory situation, something that I didn't really want to dive into on the podcast because I wanted to keep it on topic. But if you want to see my views on it, head over to the blog and check out the link below for the show notes for this episode!
 
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If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show!You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

Gotta Gotta Catch Em' All!
Happy Pokémon weekend! It's been a few years since the release of Pokémon Legends ARCEUS, and ever since, the world has been awaiting the net release in the Legends line of games. 
And here we are! Pokémon Legends Z-A is now in the wild and ready to be encountered! And in this show, I get into the excitement for it and how much I can't wait to play! 
Also talk about the fun of going to another midnight release with the kid! I'm still paying off my sleep debt, as I'm falling asleep while typing this. But I have zero regrets!
But, seeing as how I haven't played it yet, I figured why not talk about something I do know...
So I took this time to talk about my top 3 favorite Pokémon games! From when I started catching pocket monsters till now, I nail down my top 3 fairly easily. What are they? Listen to find out! 
As always, enjoy the show!
Links and Info Discussed
Here is where I'll link my YouTube Video unboxing when I'm done.
The Talking Place Episode 3 - Pokémon Sword & Shield with Chase & Vos
The Talking Place Bonus Episode - The History of Pokémon with Chase
 
 If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head over here to the information page for the show! You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

Finally, the -ber months are here!
October is upon us! And with it comes all the glory of fall and spooky season! I think this is the first time that I'm actually on the ball enough to plan things out for shows. Usually, I'm struggling pretty hard with schedules and timing and I'm getting some sort of Halloween themed show out just before the night itself. But not this year! This year, I'm trying to stay on top of it! So here we are, on October 3rd, ready to fully enjoy the season. 
So what do I have planned for this show?
Absolutely nothing! Bwahahahaha. Listen, I'm not perfect ok?! But at least I came with something! 
Below you'll find the link to my show last year where I talked all about Halloween movies. I really really like how it came out because I added in sound clips from whatever I was talking about. It was such a great production, that Disney themselves took notice and told me what a great job I did! Of course, they did it in their own special way that only they can do, so I'd like to take this time to thank them for their copyright claim on YouTube.
Aside from that recap and the movies discussed there, I go over what I've been reading... again... Listen, I read, ok?! It's what I'm going to be talking about. At least it's something different every time. Not like when I used to update about games I've been playing on Future Monkeys and it was just me talking about Destiny again for 20 minutes. 
Oh! And the final chapter (pun totally intended) in my Goodreads vs. The StoryGraph debate. Which is the true winner?! Listen to find out! 
If you're wondering about the books I talked about:
I got caught up on Dan Brown novels (The Lost Symbol, Inferno, and Origin) that I never got into despite really loving Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code.
I also just started reading Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. My goodness, if you're looking for a good October read, this is the one! 
Affiliate links for purchasing anything is below if you're interested!
I also got into game talk which then turned into a full on review for dbrand's Switch 2 Killswitch. I'm not sorry about it! Actually, I did exactly what I said I was going to do and made a YouTube video. I think it came out really good! Please go check it out. Like, comment, subscribe, all that good stuff.
UNBOXING/REVIEW | dbrand Switch 2 Killswitch (+ Savage Raven's Standgrip + R.D.S. Mario Kart World Traveler Deluxe Case)
No, you don't have to SMASH that like button, but gently pressing it would be just fine. 
I also talk about a game that MAYBE I'll get to this October. One I've been trying to play for years now but never give the chance. Which game?! Listen and find out! 
Lastly, I put out the call to anyone listening if there's something you want to talk about for this spooky season. Also, if you have something else to call it rather than "spooky season" because I feel like that has already outstayed its welcome. 
As always, enjoy the show!
Links and Info Discussed
Talking about My Favorite Halloween Movies! - Here is last year's halloween show
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow -- Hardcover - Audiobook
Dan Brown novels
The Lost Symbol -- Hardcover - Audiobook
Inferno -- Hardcover - Audiobook - 4K Movie
Origin -- Hardcover - Audiobook
dbrand Nintendo Switch 2 Killswitch
From them (free joycon skin)
From Best Buy
Again, here is my Unboxing/Review of the Killswitch on YouTube
Check out the info on the video for links to the cases I mentioned
Don't forget to gently caress that like button, baby
 
 If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head over here to the information page for the show! You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

I Don't Play Video Games No More, I Never Play Video Games....
....Except for a little bit of God of War, I never play video games.
Ugh, I hate how much I love that song. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here you go, thank me later! -- Tenacious D - Video Games -- ANYWAY!
Welcome to this week's show! And as you probably guessed, it's all about video games! I recorded this over a month ago hahahaha. It's the last of my pre-recorded shows that I had in stock so after this week look forward to updated content. 
I get into a few topics this week:
Nintendo Switch 2 thoughts after 3 months
The collecting monster inside has been awoken
I feel like an entire episode can be dedicated to JUST the aspect of collecting for the Nintendo Switch 2. Heck, maybe I'll do that. So let this be an introduction to it because my goodness, the bug has hit me hard. Needless to say, I'm happy with the system and I look forward to the future with it. 
And of course, I talk all about the games I've been playing:
Cyberpunk
Mario Kart World
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Dave the Diver
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Gris
Hades
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Potion Craft Simulator
Fortnite
Discounty
With honorable mentions of Donkey Kong Bananaza which I still haven't picked up, my absolute hype for Pokémon Legends Z-A, and how physical copies of games are bring replaced by codes in boxes (I mention Red Dead Redemption, the Assassin's Creed games, and Prince of Persia The Lost Crown)
Which, spoilers since I recorded this, I actually did pick up Red Dead for $30! I thought I was getting a crazy deal but it just seems to be the going price now. So jump on that if you're wanting a cartridge instead of a code in the box! 
I have no idea what next week's show will be about, but I look forward to talking about something!
As always, enjoy the show!
Links and Info Discussed
If you want to support me and my endeavors, and you just so happen to be shopping there anyway, you can check out my Affiliate Gaming Shop on Amazon! There, you can find all the games that I talk about on this episode and then some! Check it out and shop like normal and I'll get a small percentage back. So thank you if you do! 
Join Mercari here with my link! You may have to input my code which is: WWHENQ. When you do, after you buy and sell stuff, we'll both get $20 cash! Again, this has been my go-to for used game buying. It's like a garage sale you don't have to get off your couch for.
Here is Episode 37 of On Second Thought with Mike & Matt where I joined them and talked about the Nintendo Switch 2! Search them up wherever you listen to podcasts!
 If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head over here to the information page for the show! You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

R.I.P. FOMO
ANOTHER book show?! After last week's show where I talked about what I've been reading, it's like my book era made a u-turn and smacked me in the face! But it's definitely not how it was before. As you'll see and hear.
Today, I'm joined again by Sara! You may remember her from a previous book show back in December of 2023, where we discussed her ever-growing discord server dedicated to special edition books and reading in general. But more recently in May of 2024, we also got together - along with Autumn Miller of @TheAutumnBookReads - for a book show all about different monthly book boxes and their appeal.
This time though, we got together as more mature minded lovers of books. In both our previous shows we were all about collecting and having the new hotness whenever it came out. Which most of the time, was on a steady monthly basis. But after more than a year since the last episode together, we found ourselves in a different boat. 
In this episode, we talk all about the burnout of all these book boxes. How so many monthly subscriptions add up, and how we ultimately don't really need them. We still have a love and appreciation for Special Edition books, but it's not anywhere near the level of need that it once was. 
FOMO is dead. The bubble feels like it popped. And if anyone says otherwise, remember denial is not just a river in the Amazon. 
But that's not to say the industry is dead. Fairyloot and Illumicrate are not shutting their doors down. It still seems like they are very much thriving. There are always people knocking down the doors of waitlists in hopes of getting in. But know also, there are many out there just like Sara and myself who don't feel the need to keep up anymore. 
We still love to read though! And we get into what we've been into as well. What we've been enjoying and not enjoying. And how audiobooks have helped us keep up when our busy eyes can't. 
It was a great show, packed with all sorts of discussions about books and monthly subscription boxes. It was a pleasure to have Sara on again and hopefully we don't have to wait another year to have her on again.
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
Here is the monthly subscription book box link dump! There are more than this, but here are the ones we discussed on this episode. If you're really curious, every site has a catalog/past book database where you can see the offerings they've had in the past. If you want to really dive into it and have more questions, the link to the discord is below. Every subscription is going to have a waitlist you have to sign up for, some of which could be as short as a few weeks to as long as 10+ months. Heck, maybe even longer. So keep that in mind!
Fairyloot (the Epic Fantasy Subscription discussed can be found here)
Illumicrate (the Evernight Horror Subscription discussed - Sara's current favorite - is here)
Owlcrate 
The Bookish Box
The Broken Binding
Lit Joy
Here is the link for Waterstones - the UK equivalent of Barnes & Noble - where Sara got her exclusive signed copy of Katabasis from. 
Here is Charlie Read a Book - the YouTube book vlogger Sara spoke of. 
I mentioned I was almost done with Katabasis. Well... I'm finished now. Here is my review on Goodreads! No spoilers, though it may spoil your excitement lol. 
Below you'll find Amazon Affiliate links/other store links for all the books we discussed on the show! Remember, if you use any of these links, I'll get a small percentage back (especially for audiobooks!). So thank you for supporting my blog/podcast! 
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang - Limited Hardcover - Audiobook
Broken Binding's Special Edition
Babel by R.F. Kuang - Hardcover - Audiobook
Saint of Steel Series by T.Kingfisher - Hardcover - Audiobook
Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang - Hardcover - Audiobook
Broken Binding's Special Edition Sold out 
Legends & Lattes Series by Travis Baldree - Hardcover - Audiobook
Broken Binding's Special Edition Trilogy
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (my favorite book!) - Hardcover - Audiobook (you NEED to audiobook this)
Second Death of Locke by V. L. Bovalino - Paperback - Audiobook
Floating World by Axis Oh (Sara's top 5 of the year) - Hardcover - Audiobook
Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang (Sara's favorite book!) - Paperback - Audiobook
Howl's Moving Castle by Jenny Sterlin - Limited Hardcover - Audiobook
Amazon AUS Special Edition almost identical to Fairyloot's
Emily Wilde Series by Heather Fawcett - Hardcover - Audiobook
The Dead Take the A Train by Richard Kadrey (Sara recommended to her partner) - Hardcover - Audiobook
The Library of Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw (Sara's buddy read with her partner) - Hardcover - Audiobook
Little Thieves Series by Margaret Owen - Hardcover - Audiobook
House of the Beast by Michelle Wong (Sara top 5 of the year) - Hardcover - Audiobook
Once was Willem by M. R. Carey - Paperback - Audiobook
The Legendborn Series by Tracey Deonn - Hardcover - Audiobook
The Singing Hills Cycle Series by Nghi Vo (the book discussed about a Monk sharing tales) - Paperback - Audiobook
Circe by Madeline Miller (my DNF) - Hardcover - Audiobook
Heretical Fishing Series by Haylock Jobson (the fishing LitRPG) - Paperback - Audiobook
Dungeon Crawler Carl Series by Matt Dinniman - Hardcover - Audiobook (you NEED audiobook)
If you're not subscribed and want to sign up for a trial of Audible, check out my link here to get started! 
Don't be afraid to utilize your local library to read or listen to almost all of the titles above! It's what I do if it's not an exclusive to somewhere.
Where to Find This Week's Guest
You can follow Sara on Instagram @OldKingdomandBeyond
Here is the invite link for Sara's Discord! Remember, do not be a jerk. She WILL cut you. 
Fairyboot Discord invite link
General Information
 If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head over here to the information page for the show! You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
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If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
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You can keep up with my reading progress over on The StoryGraph! 
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Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
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I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

Reading is fundamental
This episode I'm going on about books I've been reading! It's been a while since I got deep in a book, heck, it's been a while since I've updated anything about reading anywhere. So what did I talk about??
First off, a community question. Let's see if you read the show notes before listening to the show:
Who do you think won my loyalty? Goodreads or StoryGraph?
A few months ago, I was in the process of moving everything over from Goodreads to StoryGraph. Just so done with the laziness of Goodreads and the inability to update anything to make it feel like it's not from the early 2000's. 
The answer is in the show! Go see who I picked!
Second, I have a nice little list of books I've read recently. These go back to around April or so, and I hadn't updated them anywhere. I mean, as of right now they've been updated on my feeds, but when I recorded this, it was the first time I ever said anything about them! So which books? Let's see:
Dungeon Crawler Carl, by: Matt Dinniman 
How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying, by: Django Wexler
Piranesi, by: Susanna Clarke
James, by: Percival Everett
Circe, by: Madeline Miller
Dragon Day (Audible Original), by: Bob Proehl
Katabasis, by: R.F. Kuang
SPOILERS, I DNF'd one of these books! Hahaha. Sorry, not sorry. 
Which one did I not finish?! Go ahead and guess and then listen to show to see which one it was. It's probably not one you'd think. 
Anyway, that's what this week's episode is all about. I'll have links below for all these books on Amazon. While I strongly support going out to your local book shop, Barnes & Noble, or the library, using these affiliate links below will help out the podcast and me. So thank you! 
I'll also throw a link in for a book centric Discord that I am currently in. One I've linked to before, and will be linking to again in *checks watch* yeah, in a few weeks. Wink-wink.
As always, enjoy the show!
Links and Info Discussed
Goodreads is Terrible for Books. Why Can't We All Quit It?
Goodreads vs. The StoryGraph: A Reader's Thoughts
What is The StoryGraph and Why Do I Prefer it Over Goodreads?
This looks like a pretty sweet blog! 
Here are all the books I discussed!
Dungeon Crawler Carl
Hardcover
Audiobook (Please, please, PLEASE listen to the audiobook!)
How to Become a Dark Lord and Die Trying
Paperback 
Audiobook
Piranesis
Hardcover
Audiobook
James
Hardcover
Audiobook
Circe
Hardcover
Audiobook
Or this crazy nice Hardcover from the UK
Dragon Day
Audiobook
Katabasis
Hardcover
Audiobook
If you're not subscribed and want to sign up for a trial of Audible, check out my link here to get started! 
Here is the book centric Discord server I'm currently in! Tell them I sent you, I'll get a free cookie. 
Fairyboot Discord
 If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head over here to the information page for the show! You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat! 

A Blog is Worth a Thousand Posts
For the record, this was recorded back in April. Right in the midst of my blogging resurrection. Like everything else I was neck deep in, I took a break from that as well for the summer. I am currently in the process of cleaning off the dust and getting back into things, so let me get my bearings.
BUT! It doesn't mean I don't agree with what I said a few months ago. I am still very very much on my high horse with blogging. I feel like the internet would be a better place for it if we all found a way back to such joy scrolling (yeah, I said it! I think it fits).
While I'm still casting aside social media on a personal level and haven't thought about going back, I still use it for professional reasons. Sharing the show, or things about my shop, it's as inevitable as Thanos. 
But it doesn't change the fact that all the points I made about blogging being better are still 100% true. So hear me out!
Tell me what you think! Head over to my blog where the show notes are for this episode (linked below) and tell me how you feel about blogs today. 
As always, enjoy the show!
Links and Info Discussed
Here is my blog! Go check it out and let me know what you think.
When I decided to get back in the flow of blogging, I wrote up quite a few - rather lengthy - blog posts about it. If you want to check them out, I highly recommend. Not because it's me, obvi. But because it gives a lot more insight as to why I think the way I think about blogging. Those posts are:
The Once and Future Blogger - My Return to Blogging
Behind the Curtain - Updating the Blog
My Life on Social Media
Separating Myself from Social Media
I was going to link to Bloglovin', because back in April I checked and saw it was actually alive. Buuuuuuuuut it's dead again LOLOL. I managed to find out what happened to them though. Head over to the blog where I go into more detail. HAHA, see what I did there?!
Looks like Ashley from Nose Graze covered it here: Bloglovin' Is Now Stealing Your Posts
Nicole from Feed Your Fiction Addiction also talked about Bloglovin'. Looks like it was on its way out at this point, but she was a heavy user there like I was and noticed the change - Tales of a Social Media Failure: Is Bloglovin' a Thing of the Past?
 
 If you're wondering where you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head over here to the information page for the show! You can also search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. If it's not there, let me know! 
If you're looking for the show notes for this episode, or forprevious episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here!
 
Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan  Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan
 
I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.comYou can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here:https://linktr.ee/designingbyknightOr if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! 
 
Contact The Talking Place
If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 
Voicemail - 407.906.TALK
Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com
 
If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!