The Mythic Mic Podcast

Bethany Amanda
  • 5.0 (42)
  • BOOKS

Welcome to The Mythic Mic Podcast - a home for readers who dream in magic! Dive into the world of fantasy and romantasy with hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan, writers, storytellers, and book collectors obsessed with epic tales, swoon-worthy tropes, and magical worlds. Join us for deep dives into fantasy books, exclusive author interviews, monthly giveaways, and bookish discussions that will add endless reads to your TBR. Plus, don't miss our "Author's Version" episodes, where we share insider tips and advice to help aspiring authors write their first books! Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader, a writer dreaming of publishing your own novel, or just discovering the magic, you belong here. Subscribe now and step into the adventure!  Follow us on Instagram @MythicMic, @BethanyInFantasyland, and @the_magical_quill. Learn more about the podcast and sign up for our exclusive newsletter at https://mythicmic.com 

  1. S.2 Ep. 44: A Fairytale Built on Ruins: Sasha E. Sloan on Her Disney YA Debut The Ruins Beneath Us

    3H AGO

    S.2 Ep. 44: A Fairytale Built on Ruins: Sasha E. Sloan on Her Disney YA Debut The Ruins Beneath Us

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where magic is forbidden, heroines are far more dangerous than they seem, and stories dare to remind us that softness can be power. This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with breakout fantasy author Sasha E. Sloan to celebrate her debut novel, The Ruins Beneath Us. Sasha reflects on her unconventional path to publication—from musical theater and pageantry to building a massive online audience and ultimately landing a publishing deal with Disney. She shares how years of rejection, experimentation, and relentless creativity shaped her journey, and why she believes success is built, piece by piece, with intention and persistence.  We dive into the enchanting and dangerous world of The Ruins Beneath Us, a YA fantasy that blends the wonder of classic fairytale worlds with high-stakes tension and emotional depth. Sasha unpacks her vision for the story: a “wonderstruck” fantasy experience inspired by the sweeping magic of 90s classics, where castles loom, forests whisper, and nothing is quite as simple as it seems. At the heart of the story is Lyria—a heroine who challenges the genre itself. Soft, compassionate, and deeply feminine, yet fierce, powerful, and unafraid to fight for what matters. Sasha explores her intentional choice to write a character who embodies both strength and softness, pushing back against the idea that female power must look one specific way. Along the way, we explore Sasha’s philosophy of storytelling: that perfection is the enemy of progress, that creativity requires vulnerability, and that sometimes the most powerful stories come from embracing imperfection and trusting your voice. 🩸 What if the most dangerous thing about you is the power you were told to hide? ✨ Can softness and strength exist in the same character? 🔥 And what happens when a forbidden world begins to feel like home? This is a must-listen for fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes magic should feel as emotional as it is immersive. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT ✨ Sasha’s journey from musical theater and pageantry to published Disney author. ✨ Building a massive audience before publishing and why it mattered. ✨ The unconventional path to landing a Disney publishing deal. ✨ Writing multiple “failed” books before The Ruins Beneath Us. ✨ The inspiration behind the world of The Ruins Beneath Us. ✨ Challenging stereotypes of female strength in fantasy. ✨ Crafting romance and intimacy for a YA audience with intention. ✨ The balance between vulnerability, ambition, and storytelling. ✨ What’s next in the Ruins series and beyond.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Sasha E. Sloan – IG: @sashaesloan and TikTok: @Sashaesloan ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    44 min
  2. S.2 Ep. 43: Love, Power, and a Nine-Tailed Legend: Jayci Lee on The Realm of Four Kingdoms

    1D AGO

    S.2 Ep. 43: Love, Power, and a Nine-Tailed Legend: Jayci Lee on The Realm of Four Kingdoms

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where legends are rewritten, heroines refuse to be tamed, and stories dare to challenge who gets to be the villain. This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with fantasy and romance author Jayci Lee to dive into her Realm of Four Kingdoms series, beginning with Nine-Tailed and culminating in the explosive finale, Lightburn.  Jayci reflects on her unconventional journey from practicing attorney for 15 years to becoming a full-time author, sharing how burnout ultimately pushed her to pursue the dream she’d held since she was fourteen. She opens up about writing her first book in just two months, balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and the reality that sometimes the only way to make space for your dreams is to fight for them.  We dive into the heart of The Realm of Four Kingdoms, a sweeping romantasy rooted in Korean folklore. At its center is a nine-tailed fox spirit, traditionally cast as a villain, reimagined as a powerful, complex heroine. Jayci unpacks her decision to reclaim this narrative, exploring how mythology, culture, and identity shape both the story and the character at its core. 🩸 What happens when the villain becomes the hero of her own story? 🔥 How do you step into your power when the world fears it? ⚔️ And what does it mean to choose love, identity, and purpose in a world that demands sacrifice? This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, mythology enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to stories filled with power, emotion, and unapologetic heroines. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT ✨ Jayci’s journey from attorney to full-time author. ✨ Balancing motherhood, career, and creative passion. ✨ Fighting imposter syndrome and learning to ignore the inner critic. ✨ Why finishing the book is the most important step for any writer. ✨ The inspiration behind The Realm of Four Kingdoms series. ✨ Reclaiming the nine-tailed fox myth from villain to heroine. ✨ Blending Korean folklore with modern American settings. ✨ Building a dual-world system with gods, mortals, and hidden realms. ✨ Writing a romantasy with equal weight on plot and romance. ✨ Crafting a love triangle with very different dynamics. ✨ Writing emotionally intense, high-stakes finales (Lightburn 👀).  ✨ Why readers can expect heartbreak—but ultimately, hope.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Jayci Lee – @authorjaycilee and https://www.jaycilee.com/ ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    34 min
  3. S.2 Ep. 42: BookTok Made Me Buy It: Katelyn Ilkani on how Calli is Changing Influencer Marketing for Authors

    1D AGO

    S.2 Ep. 42: BookTok Made Me Buy It: Katelyn Ilkani on how Calli is Changing Influencer Marketing for Authors

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where stories don’t just live on the page—they find their readers, build communities, and sometimes, go viral in ways no one expects. This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by Mythic Mic rep Amara for a special resource episode featuring Katelyn Ilkani, the founder of Calli—an innovative platform transforming how authors and influencers connect in the world of book marketing.  Katelyn shares how a lifelong love of romance books and a background in tech and marketing led her to build Calli. Calli is a platform designed to solve a problem many readers and authors didn’t even realize they were struggling with: discovery. From the frustration of seeing the same books recommended over and over to recognizing the untapped potential of Bookstagram and BookTok, Calli was born out of a desire to connect the right books with the right audiences in a more meaningful way.  We dive into the evolving landscape of book marketing and why influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the backbone of how books find readers. Katelyn breaks down the concept of “trust transfer,” where influencers lend their credibility to the books they recommend, and explains why this kind of authentic, word-of-mouth marketing outperforms traditional ads. Along the way, we explore what authors are getting wrong about marketing (hint: it’s not just about launch week), how influencers are shaping reader behavior, and why the future of book marketing is rooted in relationships, data, and community-driven discovery. 🩸 Why are so many great books still getting lost in the algorithm? 📚 What makes readers actually trust a recommendation enough to buy? 🔥 And how can authors build momentum that lasts beyond a single launch? This is a must-listen for authors, influencers, and anyone curious about how books actually succeed in today’s digital landscape. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT ✨ The origin story behind Calli and the problem it set out to solve.  ✨ How influencer marketing works and why it’s so powerful.  ✨ The concept of “trust transfer” and why it beats traditional ads.  ✨ What authors are getting wrong about marketing (and how to fix it).  ✨ Why marketing should be an ongoing strategy, not just a launch event.  ✨ The broken state of data in book marketing and what that means for authors.  ✨ How Calli creates a safe, structured ecosystem for author–influencer collaborations.  ✨ What deliverables authors can expect from influencer partnerships.  ✨ How influencers and authors build long-term relationships through campaigns.  ✨ The rise of street teams and how Calli is reinventing them (new features coming soon!).  ✨ Upcoming features like “Stacks” and curated reader discovery tools.  ✨ Where book marketing is headed in the next few years.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Calli – @Meet.Calli and https://meetcalli.com/ ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    41 min
  4. S.2 Ep. 41: Every Rose Has Its Thorns: Sasha Peyton Smith on The Rose Bargain & The Thorn Queen

    1D AGO

    S.2 Ep. 41: Every Rose Has Its Thorns: Sasha Peyton Smith on The Rose Bargain & The Thorn Queen

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where bargains come with consequences, magic is as dangerous as it is seductive, and stories dare to ask what you’re willing to trade for power. This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling author Sasha Peyton Smith, the mind behind The Rose Bargain and its highly anticipated sequel The Thorn Queen. Sasha reflects on her unexpected path to authorship—from studying science and public health to discovering storytelling in her early twenties—and what it took to finally give herself permission to pursue writing. She shares how stubbornness, vulnerability, and a willingness to start before feeling “ready” ultimately shaped her career. We also dive into the lush, dangerous world of The Rose Bargain, a story built on glittering deals, layered ambition, and the irresistible pull of power. Sasha unpacks the heart of the series and how writing for joy, rather than the market, transformed her storytelling. 🩸 What are you willing to trade to get everything you’ve ever wanted? 🌹 When ambition and desire collide, who do you become? ⚔️ And what happens when the most dangerous deals are the ones you choose? This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes magic should be as indulgent as it is dangerous. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT ✨ Sasha’s journey from science and public health to becoming a bestselling fantasy author. ✨ Why it took time to give herself permission to pursue writing. ✨ The role of stubbornness in finishing a first book. ✨ Navigating rejection and being dropped by a publisher. ✨ How Sasha created The Rose Bargain, including the first spark.  ✨ Writing for joy instead of chasing market trends. ✨ Why readers can expect from The Thorn Queen.  ✨ The evolution from debut author to building a larger fantasy universe.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Sasha Peyton Smith – @SashaPeytonSmith ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    45 min
  5. S.2 Ep. 40: A Journey of Memory and Trials: Rachel Vincent on The Alchemary

    APR 6

    S.2 Ep. 40: A Journey of Memory and Trials: Rachel Vincent on The Alchemary

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where memory is a fragile thing, magic is earned, and stories dare to ask what happens when you’re thrown into the fire with no idea how you got there. This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with powerhouse fantasy author Rachel Vincent to dive into her newest release, The Alchemary. With over two decades in publishing, Rachel brings sharp insight, honesty, and a no-nonsense perspective on writing, craft, and the realities of building a long-term career in the industry.  Rachel reflects on a lifetime of storytelling, from writing her first story at five years old to becoming both a bestselling author and a professor of writing. She shares what it really means to pursue writing as a career and the constant evolution required to stay in the game. We also dive into the high-stakes world of The Alchemary, where a young woman named Amber wakes up with no memory and is immediately thrown into deadly final exams at an elite alchemy academy. Rachel unpacks the terrifying brilliance of a system where knowledge is power, failure has consequences, and magic isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you have to earn. 🩸 What happens when your past holds the key to your survival—but you can’t remember it? ⚗️ How do you prove your worth in a world where failure could kill you? 🔥 And what does it take to keep going when the industry keeps changing beneath your feet? This is a must-listen for fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who wants an unfiltered look at both the magic and the reality of publishing. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT ✨ What it really means to build a long-term career in publishing. ✨ Why writing is both an art and a business, and how to navigate both. ✨ Common mistakes new writers make (and how to avoid them). ✨ The constantly evolving nature of the publishing industry. ✨ The inspiration behind The Alchemary and its high-stakes premise.  ✨ Building a magic system rooted in science, discipline, and structure.  ✨ Creating deadly trials that test both knowledge and survival.  ✨ Writing tension through stakes, mystery, and character uncertainty.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Rachel Vincent – @rachelkvincent ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    35 min
  6. S.2 Ep. 39: The Coziest Fantasy Taking Over BookTok: Sarah Beth Durst on The Spellshop

    APR 3

    S.2 Ep. 39: The Coziest Fantasy Taking Over BookTok: Sarah Beth Durst on The Spellshop

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where magic feels like a warm cup of tea, stories wrap around you like a blanket, and sometimes the smallest moments are the ones that save your heart. This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with beloved cozy fantasy author Sarah Beth Durst, the brilliant mind behind The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse. Sarah is joyful, insightful, and deeply passionate about storytelling, and we dive into the quiet power of cozy fantasy. Sarah reflects on a lifelong love of books that quite literally shaped her identity, sharing how she went from a child hauling stacks of library books home to a writer who sees storytelling as essential as food, water, and shelter. She opens up about writing from joy rather than pressure, the importance of stubbornness over talent, and why the act of writing itself is the most magical part of all.  We also dive into the heart of The Spellshop, a cozy fantasy built on comfort, community, and a sentient spider plant who has stolen readers’ hearts. Sarah shares how the story began not with plot, but with a feeling — a desire to create a book that feels like a hug — and how that intention shaped every element of the world, from its gentle pacing to its sensory-rich details. Along the way, we explore Sarah’s philosophy of storytelling: that books should heal, that joy is a powerful creative force, and that cozy fantasy is not about lowering stakes, but about shifting them inward. Instead of saving the world, her stories focus on saving hearts, and in doing so, they offer readers something just as powerful. 🩸 What if the most important story isn’t about saving the world, but saving yourself? 🌿 Can a quiet, gentle story still carry emotional weight? ☕ And what does it mean to create a world where readers can finally rest? This is a must-listen for cozy fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes stories should comfort as much as they captivate. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: ✨ Why writing is driven by joy, not just discipline or talent. ✨ The role of stubbornness and consistency in building a writing career. ✨ How cozy fantasy emerged during a time when readers needed comfort most. ✨ The inspiration behind The Spellshop and writing stories that feel like a hug. ✨ Creating Kaz, the iconic sentient spider plant readers adore. ✨ The difference between cozy fantasy and epic fantasy pacing. ✨ The importance of sensory details in creating immersive, comforting worlds. ✨ Worldbuilding through “vibes” while still maintaining structure and rules. ✨ Expanding the Spellshop world with The Enchanted Greenhouse. CONNECT WITH US: 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Sarah Beth Durst – @sarahbethdurst ✨ If this episode felt like a warm hug, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    47 min
  7. S.2 Ep. 38: Fire, Fury, and Female Rage: Hazel McBride on A Fate Forged in Fire

    APR 3

    S.2 Ep. 38: Fire, Fury, and Female Rage: Hazel McBride on A Fate Forged in Fire

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where fire bends to fury, power is forged in defiance, and women refuse to be ruled. This week, host Bethany Amanda and bookish influencer @IsidoraReads sit down with Sunday Times bestselling author Hazel McBride to celebrate her explosive debut, A Fate Forged in Fire. Hazel is bold, unfiltered, and fiercely intentional in her storytelling, and this conversation moves between confidence, worldbuilding, and the unapologetic power of female rage. Hazel reflects on her unconventional journey from working as a zookeeper and vet assistant to becoming a traditionally published fantasy author discovered through TikTok. She shares how writing was always a passion rather than a plan, what it took to step into traditional publishing, and why confidence was the foundation of her success.  We also dive into the blazing heart of A Fate Forged in Fire, a matriarchal fantasy filled with dragons, political upheaval, and a heroine who embodies everything women are told not to be. Hazel unpacks the story of Aemyra, a hidden heir raised to reclaim her throne, whose carefully laid plans unravel when she collides with a rival dragon rider and a world far more complicated than she expected. 🩸 What happens when power is your birthright but the world refuses to hand it over? 🔥 Can rage be both destructive and liberating? ⚔️ And what does a world ruled by women actually look like? This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, dragon enthusiasts, and anyone craving stories that burn as fiercely as they inspire. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ Growing up in Scotland and writing stories inspired by worlds like Narnia. ✨ Transitioning from animal care to full-time author life.  ✨ Being discovered by an agent through TikTok and landing a book deal.  ✨ Why confidence, not credentials, made Hazel believe she could succeed.  ✨ The realities of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing.  ✨ Building a matriarchal fantasy world inspired by real animal hierarchies.  ✨ Exploring themes of female rage, body autonomy, and systemic oppression.  ✨ Writing morally complex, unapologetic female protagonists.  And more!  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Isidora – @IsidoraReads 📚 Hazel McBride – @hazelmcbrideauthor ✨ If this episode left you ready to burn kingdoms and claim your crown, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    34 min
  8. S.2 Ep. 37: Sweet Tongues and Deadly Promises: Sophia St. Germain on the Compelling Fates Saga

    MAR 23

    S.2 Ep. 37: Sweet Tongues and Deadly Promises: Sophia St. Germain on the Compelling Fates Saga

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where fate is written in blood, love burns through impossible trials, and stories remind us that even in the darkest worlds, hope can still rise.   This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with romantasy sensation Sophia St. Germain, the author behind the viral Compelling Fates saga beginning with A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly. Sophia is warm, candid, and refreshingly honest about the realities of modern publishing, and this conversation moves between craft, career, community, and the emotional heart of storytelling with the depth Mythic Mic listeners live for. Sophia reflects on her journey from a childhood filled with fairy tales and imaginative diary entries in Sweden to building a thriving indie career and transitioning into hybrid publishing after her series exploded in popularity online. She shares what it was like to go from just a handful of preorders to thousands, to take a book viral through a single powerful scene, and to receive a life-changing traditional publishing offer while in the hospital about to give birth. We dive into the world of Compelling Fates, a sweeping romantasy following a half-fae spy bound by blood oath and forced into deadly political trials. Sophia unpacks the emotional core of our main character's journey — the struggle to belong, to claim your voice, and to stand for something larger than yourself in a world that isn’t built to protect you. We also explore the layered dynamics between the characters, and the delicate balance between loyalty, identity, and power. 🩸 What does it mean to be bound by blood and still choose your own destiny? 🕯️ How do you find your voice in a world that tells you to stay silent? ⚔️ And what does it take to rise into power when you were never meant to have it? This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, indie authors, and anyone chasing a creative dream while navigating the realities of building a career. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ Growing up in Sweden surrounded by stories and starting to write as a child. ✨ Balancing motherhood, writing, and the demands of social media.  ✨ The steep learning curve of indie publishing and finding your brand.  ✨ The viral moment that launched Compelling Fates into thousands of readers.  ✨ Transitioning from indie to hybrid publishing with Kensington.  ✨ Building a multi-series shared fantasy universe with crossover characters.  ✨ The core themes of Compelling Fates: belonging, identity, and self-acceptance.  ✨ Treating writing as both an art and a business.  ✨ Staying authentic online and finding joy in the creative process.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Sophia St. Germain – @sophiastgermain_author ✨ If this episode left you spellbound, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    31 min
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5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Mythic Mic Podcast - a home for readers who dream in magic! Dive into the world of fantasy and romantasy with hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan, writers, storytellers, and book collectors obsessed with epic tales, swoon-worthy tropes, and magical worlds. Join us for deep dives into fantasy books, exclusive author interviews, monthly giveaways, and bookish discussions that will add endless reads to your TBR. Plus, don't miss our "Author's Version" episodes, where we share insider tips and advice to help aspiring authors write their first books! Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader, a writer dreaming of publishing your own novel, or just discovering the magic, you belong here. Subscribe now and step into the adventure!  Follow us on Instagram @MythicMic, @BethanyInFantasyland, and @the_magical_quill. Learn more about the podcast and sign up for our exclusive newsletter at https://mythicmic.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Bethany Amanda
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mythic Mic Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Mythic Mic Podcast

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