Interview with Evan Kidwell — Bullying, Belonging & Finding Your Path

Iron Flame Ch. 35–36: Can Love Override Loyalty? — Xaden, Dain & Lilith

In this episode of Minds Over Magic, we analyse Chapters 35–36 of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros — some of the most emotionally intense chapters in the series so far. As Violet endures Varrish’s interrogation, we explore the psychology of survival under extreme stress, the appearance of Liam during torture, and whether human connection itself can become a psychological lifeline. We also discuss Lilith Sorrengail in a completely new light. Were her harsh decisions actually acts of protection? And where is the line between preparing a child for the world… and controlling who they become? From Xaden risking everything to rescue Violet, to Dain finally breaking away from the system he trusted, these chapters raise one central question: Can love override loyalty? Join us as we discuss attachment, duty, moral conditioning, autonomy, and why some people choose difficult truths while others remain loyal to harmful systems. ✨ Spoilers for Iron Flame Chapters 35–36 ✨ Mature content warning: discussions of torture, trauma, violence, and emotionally distressing themes. Have thoughts on these chapters or questions you’d like us to discuss in future episodes? You can find us on Instagram at @mindsovermagicpodcast, on YouTube at Minds Over Magic, or email us at mindsovermagicpodcast@gmail.com ✨ We love hearing your theories, favourite moments, and psychological takes from the Empyrean series.

Bonus Episode: The Writer, The Reader & The Shrink — Why Romantasy?

Romantasy has exploded over the past few years… but why? In this special bonus episode of Minds Over Magic, we are joined by fantasy author Becky Jane Fox (Veins of Power) to explore romantasy from three different perspectives: the writer, the reader and the psychotherapist. Together, we discuss why romantasy relationships feel so emotionally intense, why readers become deeply attached to fictional worlds and characters, whether romantasy is “just escapism”, and why the genre is so often dismissed despite its massive popularity. We also get into favourite tropes, emotionally devastating books, yearning, morally grey characters and why romantasy readers are all apparently emotionally unwell 😄 Follow Becky @beckyjanefox Follow us on Instagram @mindsovermagic Email us at mindsovermagicpodcast@gmail.com [mindsovermagicpodcast@gmail.com]

Interview with Evan Kidwell — Bullying, Belonging & Finding Your Path

In this special episode, we’re joined by author Evan Kidwell to explore the psychology behind his YA fantasy novel Timeaous Spark and the Luck Curse. We talk about the inspiration behind the story, the world and its complex social system, and themes like bullying, resilience, ambition, and belonging. We also dive into the idea of found family and how meaningful connections can shape a character’s journey. This episode is mostly spoiler-free — perfect whether you’ve read the book or are just curious. We had such a great time recording this one — hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Follow Evan on Instagram: @evan_kidwell_author Follow us on Instagram: @mindsovermagic Email: mindsovermagicpodcast@gmail.com

Iron Flame Ch. 31–34: The Archives Heist — Why We Slip at the Finish Line

In this episode of Minds Over Magic, we’re diving into Chapters 31–34 of Iron Flame — the Archives Heist. Jack Barlowe returns… but not as we remember him. Can people really change, or are we too quick to believe in redemption? We also look at the dynamic between Violet and Xaden — what it means to challenge someone without trying to control them, and how trust actually shows up in high-pressure moments. Aaric brings a different kind of tension: family loyalty. Why is it that we can criticise the people we love… but it feels completely different when someone else does? And finally — right when everything seems to go right, it all falls apart. We explore why, psychologically, we’re most likely to slip at the exact moment we’re about to reach our goal. Follow us on Instagram: @mindsovermagicEmail: mindsovermagicpodcast@gmail.com

Iron Flame Ch. 26–30: Self-Worth & Emotional Avoidance — Exes & Boundaries

In this episode of Minds Over Magic, we’re discussing Chapters 26–30 of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.Violet and Xaden are finally making progress — but with Catriona’s arrival, jealousy and insecurity quickly surface. We explore how comparison affects self-worth, why relationships can become complicated even when both people want the same thing, and whether boundaries always help — or sometimes hold us back.We also talk about vulnerability, trust, and what it means to accept your limits in a world where not everyone can be saved.Instagram: @mindsovermagicEmail: mindsovermagicpodcast@gmail.com⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share