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Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

By: Declan & Silvan
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About this listen

Long Game: A Heated Rivalry Podcast is a re-watch and deep-dive podcast dedicated to Heated Rivalry, hosted by Declan and Silvan. In each episode, we revisit key moments across the series, unpacking the slow-burn tension, character development, and emotional beats that make the heated rivalry world so compelling. Through thoughtful discussion, close reading, and a fan-informed lens, we explore themes of competition, intimacy, identity, and growth over time, celebrating not just the heat of the rivalry, but the long game it takes to truly understand these characters and their relationship. New episodes published every Sunday© 2026 Declan & Silvan Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Heated Rivalry Episode 5: Part 2
    Jan 25 2026

    This episode picks up in the second half of Episode 5. Declan and Silvan break down the pivotal scenes, including the hotel encounter that marks a shift from physical to emotional connection. We devour Ilya’s Russian monologue, where he expresses his love, and Scott’s grand gesture which serves a turning point for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. We highlight the role of women as catalysts in the narrative and conclude at the Cottage.


    This episode works best after listening to Episode 5, part 1.
    Our next episode will be published on Sunday 1st Feb at 10am (GMT)


    Find Declan:

    Instagram: declan712

    Tiktok: declanmccallion1


    Find Silvan:

    Instagram: Silvates

    Tiktok: silvates1


    Watch the podcast on youtube: https://youtu.be/cH76DbhmwgE


    Chapters

    00:54 The Hotel Scene: A Shift in Relationship Dynamics

    02:13 Voyeurism and Emotional Intimacy

    04:26 Shane's Confidence and Ilya's Vulnerability

    08:42 The Impact of Ilya's Family Dynamics

    15:25 The Cutaway Scene: Grief and Responsibility

    27:37 Ilya's Monologue: A Heartfelt Confession

    33:37 The Impact of Grief

    34:27 Family Dynamics and Expectations

    36:53 Clarity in Relationships

    39:28 Unexpected Twists in Sports

    40:27 Differences Between Book and Show

    43:08 Public Confessions of Love

    49:13 The Power of Grand Gestures

    54:55 The Role of Women in Relationships

    01:00:20 Anticipation for the Future

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    58 mins
  • Heated Rivalry Episode 5 Part 1: I'll Believe in Anything
    Jan 18 2026

    Declan and Silvan analyse episode 5 of Heated Rivalry, ‘’I’ll believe in anything’. There was so much content to talk about that we split it into two halves. This episode has been hailed as one of the most highly rated episodes at the time of it’s release. We explore the cultural impact of the episode, the depth of character development, and the emotional journeys of the for Shane and Ilya. We highlight the significance of supporting characters, the dynamics of different friendships and the importance of coming out in a safe environment. Part two will be released on Sunday 25th Jan.

    Find Declan:

    Instagram: declan712

    Tiktok: declanmccallion1


    Find Silvan:

    Instagram: Silvates

    Tiktok: silvates1


    Watch the podcast on youtube: https://youtu.be/a0quSq5YJGA

    Chapters

    02:53 Cultural Impact and Ratings Discussion

    05:39 Character Development and Relationship Dynamics

    08:27 Breaking Up: Rose's Empathy and Understanding

    11:32 Shane's Struggle with Identity and Communication

    14:16 Intimacy and Emotional Connection in Relationships

    17:05 The Significance of Memories and Past Encounters

    19:58 The Relief of Confiding in a Friend

    22:42 Establishing Deep Friendships and Understanding

    25:47 The Dynamics of Friendship and Support

    28:45 Contrasting Relationships: Rose and Svetlana

    31:26 Character Development Through Relationships

    35:17 Tension and Warmth in Reunion

    38:27 The Significance of Image and Style

    42:13 Unveiling True Selves

    47:23 Character Growth and Emotional Depth

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    45 mins
  • Heated Rivalry Episode 4: Rose
    Jan 11 2026

    Declan and Silvan break down episode 4 of Heated Rivalry, Rose. We explore the dynamics of our beloved characters of Ilya and Shane and how the introduction of Rose serves as a catalyst in their story. We look at how Rose complicated Shane’s emotional journey as well as the self-destructive patterns that emerge from his fear and insecurity. Our conversation highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and the contrasting lives of the characters, culminating in a deep analysis of the nightclub scene and its symbolism.

    Chapters

    02:17 Character Dynamics and Relationship Development

    05:18 The Role of External Pressures

    07:49 Shane's Relationship with His Mother

    10:41 Contrasting Lives of Shane and Ilya

    13:27 Role Reversals in Their Relationship

    16:18 Caretaking and Vulnerability

    18:58 Ilya's Emotional Struggles

    20:19 Visual Storytelling and Character Isolation

    25:03 Navigating Emotional Vulnerability

    27:40 Fear and Defense Mechanisms in Relationships

    31:44 The Complexity of Shane and Ilya's Dynamic

    35:12 Introducing Rose: A New Dynamic

    38:59 Contrasting Lives: Ilya and Shane's Choices

    44:36 Selfish Decisions and Emotional Consequences

    49:47 Introspection and Self-Destruction in Relationships

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    51 mins
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