Let’s be honest—we could’ve just called this the Bonnie Bennett Appreciation Episode. Sim and I go full fangirl over The Vampire Diaries (Damon + Bonnie forever, IYKYK), and we dig into how more urban fantasy authors are using iconic TV shows as comps for their books. Warning: spoilers ahead for The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legendborn!

Sim shares how embracing his love for TVD helped him let go of old biases—and why representation should never feel forced. We talk about the importance of centering main characters from marginalized backgrounds, not just sticking them in as sidekicks.

One of the most meaningful parts of this episode? Connecting over our shared South African heritage and seeing how a dual heritage shows up more and more on Bookstagram. We all have more in common than we realise.

We also dive into Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn series and how it’s reshaped modern urban fantasy, plus the difference between morally white, grey, and black characters—and why readers deserve more nuanced women characters (stop giving men all the passes, Nesta discourse incoming!)

This one’s full of hot takes, heart, and a whole lot of supernatural love.