<![CDATA[Cosmic Donut Holes]]>We are Kaina & Tyson, siblings and best friends who survived a cult. We use fiction to escape, rebuild, and argue about whether Batman could survive a Dungeon Crawler World floor. We’re here to dissect stories, pop culture, politics, philosophy, and build a beautiful community of nerds. Subscribe for the vibes, stay for the Meatball Princess.

]]>https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicDonutHolesRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 20:44:34 GMTMon, 09 Feb 2026 18:53:55 GMT60Kaina Gillespie & Tyson Roehrkasse<p>We are Kaina &amp; Tyson, siblings and best friends who survived a cult. We use fiction to escape, rebuild, and argue about whether Batman could survive a Dungeon Crawler World floor. We’re here to dissect stories, pop culture, politics, philosophy, and build a beautiful community of nerds. Subscribe for the vibes, stay for the Meatball Princess.</p>episodicKaina Gillespie & Tyson Roehrkassetysonr77@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[Going Down The Rabbit Hole (Responsibly)]]>We have opinions about conspiracy theories, and Tyson wore his Illuminati shirt for the occasion. 

This week, we are running through a stack of conspiracy theories — mainstream, weird, plausible, and deeply unhinged — and rating each one on a scale of Nah, Hmm, Actually Though, and I Need to Lie Down. With a special bonus category Tyson invented on the spot: I Just Really Want This to Be True. Before we get into the bingo, we spend some time on the bigger question of why conspiracy theories are so compelling in the first place. Having grown up inside a high-control religious group, we recognize the machinery of them more than most. The need to feel like you have special knowledge nobody else does. The us-versus-them certainty. The way any evidence against the theory somehow becomes proof of how deep it goes. These are familiar concepts, and they make us both more skeptical and more curious than the average person. 

Then we get into it. The Simpsons predicting the future. The moon landing (hell nah…just stop). The JFK assassination…although Umbrella Academy did clear that one up. 9/11 as an inside job. Chemtrails, which turns out to be more documented than Kaina expected. The Illuminati, the lizard people, and Denver International Airport, which we both agree, leaned into it brilliantly. Government alien cover-ups and the congressional hearings that made this one significantly less fringe. COVID19 and vaccines. 5G towers, which Tyson dismantles completely and correctly using electromagnetic wave science so we can all sleep better at night. Epstein didn't kill himself (obviously). The Wayfair furniture listings and how Jeffrey Epstein’s emails give it more weight. Birds aren't real. Chuck E. Cheese pizza. Zuckerberg as a lizard person (compelling evidence: his face).

We close with the ones that stopped being conspiracy theories because they turned out to be true: COINTELPRO, MKUltra, Operation Mockingbird, the tobacco industry's cancer cover-up, and Purdue Pharma's very intentional opioid crisis. The pattern we keep coming back to: the theories that turn out to be true almost always involve money and power protecting themselves. The ones that don't tend to require increasingly elaborate explanations for why there's no evidence.

Moral of the story: never let your certainty get too strong. Approach everything with curiosity, not your self-righteous ego. Mainstream media is failing us and a lot of what fills the gap is garbage, but some of it isn't. And just remember folks, if the government could – they would, and they probably are.

Comment your favorite conspiracy theories below. We want to know.

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE/TW: This episode contains discussion of child abuse networks and related conspiracy theories. 

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: Willow Roxas | Ekath Art
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com
]]>aabbfb37-fc33-4f83-9389-bef9b1852719Mon, 25 May 2026 23:14:31 GMT<p><b>We have opinions about conspiracy theories, and Tyson wore his Illuminati shirt for the occasion. </b></p><p><b>This week, we are running through a stack of conspiracy theories — mainstream, weird, plausible, and deeply unhinged — and rating each one on a scale of Nah, Hmm, Actually Though, and I Need to Lie Down. With a special bonus category Tyson invented on the spot: I Just Really Want This to Be True. Before we get into the bingo, we spend some time on the bigger question of why conspiracy theories are so compelling in the first place. Having grown up inside a high-control religious group, we recognize the machinery of them more than most. The need to feel like you have special knowledge nobody else does. The us-versus-them certainty. The way any evidence against the theory somehow becomes proof of how deep it goes. These are familiar concepts, and they make us both more skeptical and more curious than the average person. </b></p><p><b>Then we get into it. The Simpsons predicting the future. The moon landing (hell nah…just stop). The JFK assassination…although Umbrella Academy did clear that one up. 9/11 as an inside job. Chemtrails, which turns out to be more documented than Kaina expected. The Illuminati, the lizard people, and Denver International Airport, which we both agree, leaned into it brilliantly. Government alien cover-ups and the congressional hearings that made this one significantly less fringe. COVID19 and vaccines. 5G towers, which Tyson dismantles completely and correctly using electromagnetic wave science so we can all sleep better at night. Epstein didn't kill himself (obviously). The Wayfair furniture listings and how Jeffrey Epstein’s emails give it more weight. Birds aren't real. Chuck E. Cheese pizza. Zuckerberg as a lizard person (compelling evidence: his face).</b></p><p><b>We close with the ones that stopped being conspiracy theories because they turned out to be true: COINTELPRO, MKUltra, Operation Mockingbird, the tobacco industry's cancer cover-up, and Purdue Pharma's very intentional opioid crisis. The pattern we keep coming back to: the theories that turn out to be true almost always involve money and power protecting themselves. The ones that don't tend to require increasingly elaborate explanations for why there's no evidence.</b></p><p><b>Moral of the story: never let your certainty get too strong. Approach everything with curiosity, not your self-righteous ego. Mainstream media is failing us and a lot of what fills the gap is garbage, but some of it isn't. And just remember folks, if the government could – they would, and they probably are.</b></p><p><b>Comment your favorite conspiracy theories below. We want to know.</b></p><p><b>⚠️ CONTENT NOTE/TW: This episode contains discussion of child abuse networks and related conspiracy theories. </b></p><p></p><hr /><p></p><ul><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: Willow Roxas | Ekath Art</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul>yes01:12:11Going Down The Rabbit Hole (Responsibly)full<![CDATA[Homeschooled Losers Tell All]]>Picture this: a 15-year-old girl walks into a high school cafeteria for the first time, sees everyone already deep in their friend groups, and quietly takes her lunch to the bathroom instead. That girl was Kaina. And yes, we're blaming homeschooling…at least partially.

This week we're doing something we've never actually sat down and done before: comparing notes on what our homeschooling experiences were really like, why they were so wildly different from each other, and what the long tail of that looks like 10-15 years later. Tyson had engaged parents, a solid curriculum, science kits, Lincoln Logs, and regular homeschool co-op meetups. Kaina had a computer, unsupervised hours, and quickly discovered that if you get about 80% of the answers right, nobody notices you cheated. The gap between those two outcomes tells you almost everything you need to know about what homeschooling actually is: a mirror of whoever's running it.

We get into the cult years: how joining a high-control religious group at young ages respectively transformed homeschooling from an educational choice into an instrument of sheltering. The books disappeared, music had to be pre-approved, birthday parties were a hard no. We also dig into why, despite all of that, Kaina still wants to homeschool her own kids someday, and what doing it “right” would actually require. Then we turn to the public school system, which is not exactly offering a compelling alternative right now. We cover the data: 30% of 12th graders who can't demonstrate basic reading proficiency, teacher burnout at record highs, seven hours a month lost to behavioral management instead of instruction, a dwindling Department of Education that is becoming a political weapon. Neither option is clean. So what do you actually do?

Moral of the story: both options kind of suck in different ways. But intentional parenting is the variable that matters most in either one. Do your research, unpack your own stuff before you pass it to your kids, and for the love of everything — tell them why.

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode contains candid discussion of growing up in a high-control religious group, disordered eating, and the long-term effects of sheltered upbringings. Discussed openly and honestly, not gratuitously.

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

  • Barbara Oakley: Learning How to Learn
  • StarTalk Podcast with Neil deGrasse Tyson (fluid dynamics / parenting bit)
  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: Dominik Broniek | Steve Argyle
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com
]]>2eda5723-190e-4f13-8e4d-94876365786dMon, 18 May 2026 23:39:19 GMT<p>Picture this: a 15-year-old girl walks into a high school cafeteria for the first time, sees everyone already deep in their friend groups, and quietly takes her lunch to the bathroom instead. That girl was Kaina. And yes, we're blaming homeschooling…at least partially.</p><p>This week we're doing something we've never actually sat down and done before: comparing notes on what our homeschooling experiences were really like, why they were so wildly different from each other, and what the long tail of that looks like 10-15 years later. Tyson had engaged parents, a solid curriculum, science kits, Lincoln Logs, and regular homeschool co-op meetups. Kaina had a computer, unsupervised hours, and quickly discovered that if you get about 80% of the answers right, nobody notices you cheated. The gap between those two outcomes tells you almost everything you need to know about what homeschooling actually is: a mirror of whoever's running it.</p><p>We get into the cult years: how joining a high-control religious group at young ages respectively transformed homeschooling from an educational choice into an instrument of sheltering. The books disappeared, music had to be pre-approved, birthday parties were a hard no. We also dig into why, despite all of that, Kaina still wants to homeschool her own kids someday, and what doing it “right” would actually require. Then we turn to the public school system, which is not exactly offering a compelling alternative right now. We cover the data: 30% of 12th graders who can't demonstrate basic reading proficiency, teacher burnout at record highs, seven hours a month lost to behavioral management instead of instruction, a dwindling Department of Education that is becoming a political weapon. Neither option is clean. So what do you actually do?</p><p>Moral of the story: both options kind of suck in different ways. But intentional parenting is the variable that matters most in either one. Do your research, unpack your own stuff before you pass it to your kids, and for the love of everything — tell them why.</p><p><b>⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode contains candid discussion of growing up in a high-control religious group, disordered eating, and the long-term effects of sheltered upbringings. Discussed openly and honestly, not gratuitously.</b></p><p></p><hr /><p></p><p><b>📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:</b></p><ul><li><b>Barbara Oakley: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://barbaraoakley.com/" target="_blank"><b>Learning How to Learn</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://startalkmedia.com/" target="_blank"><b>StarTalk Podcast</b></a><b> with Neil deGrasse Tyson (fluid dynamics / parenting bit)</b></li><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: Dominik Broniek | Steve Argyle</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul>yes01:16:57Homeschooled Losers Tell Allfull<![CDATA[A PARADE OF HORRIBLES: First Read Brain Dump]]>⚠️ FULL SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't finished Book 8: A Parade of Horribles, SCRAM. SKERDADDLE. We’ll see you after you've recovered.

Still here? Good….NOW WTF WAS THAT?!

After the early access version Dungeon Crawler Carl Book VIII on Matt Dinniman's Patreon left us reeling, we decided to open up the recording studio, pull up our Kindle highlights, and just…ramble at each other in a state of delirious awe for an hour while we recount all the best (and craziest) moments. This is not our deep, intelligent, fully theorized breakdown — that one is coming — this is the book hangover episode. The "wait, I forgot THAT happened?!" episode. The "oh god, thanks for reminding us this is a tragedy Matt” episode.

We cover the chaos from Donut absolutely dismantling Chandra in chapter one (she will never recover), to the Scolopendra twist that had us screaming at our Kindles, to the glorious ending that was classic Carl & Donut. We dig into the Eris coin and why Mordecai's prophecies have us stressed, revisit Dong and Corcunda's final charge (RIP), mourn the group getting smaller, make fun of the Maestro, try and mostly fail to pronounce Chachi's full name, and spiral into the early workings of theories for the next two books. 

We also shout out the Soundbooth Theater Audio Immersion Tunnel experience for anyone who thinks the regular audiobooks can't be topped (they can, go listen), remember why the karaoke bar fight scene is peak DCC, and make our best guesses about what the Ascendancy Battles on Floor 12 are going to look like.

Also, don't pirate Matt's books, you absolute jerks. His Patreon link is below — give the man his well deserved coins.

SPOILER WARNING: All the spoilers. Every single one. For all eight books.

  • Matt Dinniman's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dinniman
  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: phantom_nisnow on Instagram (DCC) & Andrew Mar (DCC)
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.

]]>e29a756d-a78b-47aa-8f49-3bf44d854d81Tue, 12 May 2026 12:17:16 GMT<p>⚠️<b> FULL SPOILER WARNING</b>: If you haven't finished Book 8: A Parade of Horribles, SCRAM. SKERDADDLE. We’ll see you after you've recovered.</p><p>Still here? Good….NOW WTF WAS THAT?!</p><p>After the early access version Dungeon Crawler Carl Book VIII on Matt Dinniman's Patreon left us reeling, we decided to open up the recording studio, pull up our Kindle highlights, and just…ramble at each other in a state of delirious awe for an hour while we recount all the best (and craziest) moments. This is not our deep, intelligent, fully theorized breakdown — that one is coming — this is the book hangover episode. The "wait, I forgot THAT happened?!" episode. The "oh god, thanks for reminding us this is a tragedy Matt” episode.</p><p>We cover the chaos from Donut absolutely dismantling Chandra in chapter one (she will never recover), to the Scolopendra twist that had us screaming at our Kindles, to the glorious ending that was classic Carl &amp; Donut. We dig into the Eris coin and why Mordecai's prophecies have us stressed, revisit Dong and Corcunda's final charge (RIP), mourn the group getting smaller, make fun of the Maestro, try and mostly fail to pronounce Chachi's full name, and spiral into the early workings of theories for the next two books. </p><p>We also shout out the Soundbooth Theater Audio Immersion Tunnel experience for anyone who thinks the regular audiobooks can't be topped (they can, go listen), remember why the karaoke bar fight scene is peak DCC, and make our best guesses about what the Ascendancy Battles on Floor 12 are going to look like.</p><p>Also, don't pirate Matt's books, you absolute jerks. His Patreon link is below — give the man his well deserved coins.</p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING:</b> All the spoilers. Every single one. For all eight books.</p><ul><li><b>Matt Dinniman's Patreon:</b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/dinniman" target="_blank"><b> https://www.patreon.com/dinniman</b></a></li><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: phantom_nisnow on Instagram (DCC) &amp; Andrew Mar (DCC)</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.</p>yes01:09:06A PARADE OF HORRIBLES: First Read Brain Dumpfull<![CDATA[We Went in Blind and One of Us Found Satan]]>We gave each other books. We couldn't read the back cover. We couldn't Google it. We just had to start reading and trust the other person completely. This is either a beautiful act of sibling love or a war crime, depending on the book.

Tyson handed Kaina The Descent by Jeff Long, which is a 1999 horror-thriller-sci-fi hybrid that begs the question: what if hell was literally underground, humanity found it, and then did exactly what you'd expect humanity to do about it? Kaina handed Tyson One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, a romantasy with one of the most elegantly balanced magic systems we've ever read, a nightmare that lives in someone's head, and poetry that actually earns its place in the story.

We break down both books — what surprised us, what we loved, what hit differently than expected — and Kaina reflects on why reading a book literally about Satan and the subterranean underworld lands completely differently after deconstructing the hell mythology you grew up afraid of. (Spoiler: it was a lot more fun that way.) We also get into why One Dark Window's magic system is doing something genuinely special with the idea of cost and balance, and why both of us would absolutely read more from these authors.

Plus: Tyson reports live from Berlin's May Day celebrations, we spiral into a conversation about community, individualism, and why more Americans need to leave America for a little while, the secret garden theory of creative projects, a digital detox that proved nobody was paying attention anyway, and the AI chatbot episode of John Oliver that had us feeling things.

We're also announcing the Book Club Blind Date as an official recurring format. Next time, we'll announce the books ahead of time so you can read along with us.

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: We discuss plot points from The Descent by Jeff Long and One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, including somewhat significant reveals. If you haven't finished either and want to go in as blind as we did, you've got about 18 minutes of initial yapping before we get into it.

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: Annie Doyon on Substack | Clay Storks on Tumblr
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.

]]>c657bb2c-7e72-4f11-be47-cb9f83aa101aTue, 05 May 2026 14:48:52 GMT<p>We gave each other books. We couldn't read the back cover. We couldn't Google it. We just had to start reading and trust the other person completely. This is either a beautiful act of sibling love or a war crime, depending on the book.</p><p>Tyson handed Kaina The Descent by Jeff Long, which is a 1999 horror-thriller-sci-fi hybrid that begs the question: what if hell was literally underground, humanity found it, and then did exactly what you'd expect humanity to do about it? Kaina handed Tyson One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, a romantasy with one of the most elegantly balanced magic systems we've ever read, a nightmare that lives in someone's head, and poetry that actually earns its place in the story.</p><p>We break down both books — what surprised us, what we loved, what hit differently than expected — and Kaina reflects on why reading a book literally about Satan and the subterranean underworld lands completely differently after deconstructing the hell mythology you grew up afraid of. (Spoiler: it was a lot more fun that way.) We also get into why One Dark Window's magic system is doing something genuinely special with the idea of cost and balance, and why both of us would absolutely read more from these authors.</p><p>Plus: Tyson reports live from Berlin's May Day celebrations, we spiral into a conversation about community, individualism, and why more Americans need to leave America for a little while, the secret garden theory of creative projects, a digital detox that proved nobody was paying attention anyway, and the AI chatbot episode of John Oliver that had us feeling things.</p><p>We're also announcing the Book Club Blind Date as an official recurring format. Next time, we'll announce the books ahead of time so you can read along with us.</p><p><b>⚠️ SPOILER WARNING:</b> We discuss plot points from The Descent by Jeff Long and One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, including somewhat significant reveals. If you haven't finished either and want to go in as blind as we did, you've got about 18 minutes of initial yapping before we get into it.</p><ul><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: Annie Doyon on Substack | Clay Storks on Tumblr</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.</p>yes01:00:20We Went in Blind and One of Us Found Satanfull<![CDATA[We Aren't Really Strangers (GET INTO OUR VAN)]]>In true Cosmic Donut Holes fashion, this episode is unhinged, unplanned, and unscripted. It's sweet. It's us. Now…get in the van.

This episode starts strong with Kaina getting a phone call mid-recording that sends her into orbit — she's leaving the hellscape that is rural Louisiana. From there, it's the kind of hang we live for: A debrief of Tyson's weekend at Filthy Dirty Southern Fusion (a birthday party for festival organizers that involved a lot of butts), a crown vs. a roast beef sandwich, and the saga of trying to socialize post-acid on zero sleep while a friend informs you that you sound like "a caveman who's just encountered humanity for the first time."

Then Kaina pulls out the We're Not Really Strangers card game — and we learn things. Who Tyson thinks Kaina's celebrity crush is (valiant guess). Whether plants thrive or die in Kaina's care (for the love of God never ask her to babysit your plants). Who ate lunch in a bathroom freshman year of high school, and why Zooey Deschanel in Yes Man is apparently someone's entire personality. We also somehow end up in a full Game of Thrones autopsy, a Valyrian language detour, and how you too can play video games at school. You’re welcome.

SPOILER WARNING: Brief discussion of Game of Thrones ending (you've been warned since 2019, honestly).

  • Matt Dinniman's Patreon (go read Book 8 early access RIGHT MEOW): https://www.patreon.com/dinniman
  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: @thedoodlemancer on TikTok
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.

]]>a88c4c33-a416-4a7e-ad22-5e9f78e5452cThu, 23 Apr 2026 16:56:37 GMT<p>In true Cosmic Donut Holes fashion, this episode is unhinged, unplanned, and unscripted. It's sweet. It's us. Now…get in the van.</p><p>This episode starts strong with Kaina getting a phone call mid-recording that sends her into orbit — she's leaving the hellscape that is rural Louisiana. From there, it's the kind of hang we live for: A debrief of Tyson's weekend at Filthy Dirty Southern Fusion (a birthday party for festival organizers that involved a lot of butts), a crown vs. a roast beef sandwich, and the saga of trying to socialize post-acid on zero sleep while a friend informs you that you sound like "a caveman who's just encountered humanity for the first time."</p><p>Then Kaina pulls out the We're Not Really Strangers card game — and we learn things. Who Tyson thinks Kaina's celebrity crush is (valiant guess). Whether plants thrive or die in Kaina's care (for the love of God never ask her to babysit your plants). Who ate lunch in a bathroom freshman year of high school, and why Zooey Deschanel in Yes Man is apparently someone's entire personality. We also somehow end up in a full Game of Thrones autopsy, a Valyrian language detour, and how you too can play video games at school. You’re welcome.</p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING:</b> Brief discussion of Game of Thrones ending (you've been warned since 2019, honestly).</p><ul><li><b>Matt Dinniman's Patreon (go read Book 8 early access RIGHT MEOW):</b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/dinniman" target="_blank"><b> https://www.patreon.com/dinniman</b></a></li><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: @thedoodlemancer on TikTok</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.</p><p></p>yes00:58:25We Aren't Really Strangers (GET INTO OUR VAN)full<![CDATA[Jeff Hays Is a Genius and We Are Not (A Story in Two Parts)]]>After last week's two-hour deep dive into masculinity left us in a full state of brain salad, we decided this one was going to be a cozy hang. A palette cleanser. A little treat. And treat it was — because this episode is (mostly) about the unsung heroes of the bookish world: audiobook narrators. The people who take the words we lose ourselves in and make them feel even more real.

We break down what actually makes a great audiobook narrator (hint: it's not the voice, and that might surprise you), then we get into full fangirl/fanboy mode over our personal hall of famers. Michael Kramer and his soothing, dynamic Cosmere mastery. Elizabeth Evans. Kate Reading. And of course — the man, the myth, the one-man theater himself — Jeff Hays, narrator of Dungeon Crawler Carl and founder of Soundbooth Theater, whose relationship with Matt Dinniman is one of the greatest author-narrator love stories in modern fiction.

Then we do something arguably inadvisable: we launch the very first installment of The Accent Lab — a new segment where we pick an accent, do some light research, practice approximately not enough, and perform it live for your judgment and entertainment.

Kaina went Russian. She also read an excerpt from the Book 8 Early Access: A Parade of Horribles — specifically a Samantha Floor 9 recap passage — entirely in said Russian accent. It went exactly as well as you'd expect. ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This excerpt contains spoilers for Book 7. Tyson went Australian, pulled out some Florin quotes, and somehow made it worse and better at the same time.

We regret nothing. Mongo is most certainly appalled.

  • Matt Dinniman's Patreon (go read Book 8 early access RIGHT MEOW): https://www.patreon.com/dinniman
  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: OutFold on Reddit (DCC) & Levi Cleeman (DCC)
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.

]]>8d04f745-ea42-41e2-a8f7-a572c6345437Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:22:44 GMT<p>After last week's two-hour deep dive into masculinity left us in a full state of brain salad, we decided this one was going to be a cozy hang. A palette cleanser. A little treat. And treat it was — because this episode is (mostly) about the unsung heroes of the bookish world: audiobook narrators. The people who take the words we lose ourselves in and make them feel even more <i>real.</i></p><p>We break down what actually makes a great audiobook narrator (hint: it's not the voice, and that might surprise you), then we get into full fangirl/fanboy mode over our personal hall of famers. Michael Kramer and his soothing, dynamic Cosmere mastery. Elizabeth Evans. Kate Reading. And of course — the man, the myth, the one-man theater himself — <b>Jeff Hays</b>, narrator of Dungeon Crawler Carl and founder of Soundbooth Theater, whose relationship with Matt Dinniman is one of the greatest author-narrator love stories in modern fiction.</p><p>Then we do something arguably inadvisable: we launch the very first installment of <b>The Accent Lab</b> — a new segment where we pick an accent, do some light research, practice approximately not enough, and perform it live for your judgment and entertainment.</p><p>Kaina went Russian. She also read an excerpt from the <b>Book 8 Early Access: A Parade of Horribles</b> — specifically a Samantha Floor 9 recap passage — entirely in said Russian accent. It went exactly as well as you'd expect. <b>⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This excerpt contains spoilers for Book 7. </b>Tyson went Australian, pulled out some Florin quotes, and somehow made it worse and better at the same time.</p><p>We regret nothing. Mongo is most certainly appalled.</p><ul><li><b>Matt Dinniman's Patreon (go read Book 8 early access RIGHT MEOW):</b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/dinniman" target="_blank"><b> https://www.patreon.com/dinniman</b></a></li><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: OutFold on Reddit (DCC) &amp; Levi Cleeman (DCC)</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of storytelling, pop culture, and two people attempting accents they have no business attempting. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language, mature themes, and crimes against the Russian language.</p>yes01:14:39Jeff Hays Is a Genius and We Are Not (A Story in Two Parts)full<![CDATA[What is this Toxic Masculinity you speak of?]]>Strap in guys, we are talking man stuff and it’s a long one ;) The manosphere is not a fringe internet problem anymore; it’s a radicalization pipeline spurred by algorithms and expanded by recruitment tactics that two cult survivors recognize from a mile away. As the old-school script for being a “man” burns in the streets, young men are being left to drift in an identity vacuum created by a rapidly shifting world. We’ve all heard of the male loneliness epidemic and the men’s mental health crisis, but how did we get here? As we peel back the layers, we can see how these “alpha” gurus identify REAL problems – isolation, lack of purpose, and a lack of empathy – and then sell absolutely HORRIBLE, predatory solutions. This episode is a deep dive into what this "red pill" nonsense is doing to men AND women, and what a genuine, human representation of masculinity actually looks like. Spoiler: Tyson is the poster boy. Between the earrings, the "man friends," and being a literal glitter-covered canvas for his sisters, he’s proof that emotional intelligence and showing up for others is the real strength redefined.

We also get into what toxic masculinity actually means, because the term causes scorched earth reactions in many places, and the real definition is worth understanding. It’s not an attack on men, but an examination of the rigid “man box” that culture hands boys from birth and what it costs everyone when men are rewarded for suppressing everything that makes them human. Tyson talks about how he is still in the process of defining masculinity, and how he breaks the rules about what men are “allowed” to be without losing an ounce of strength or respect. 

While you might learn a lot of disturbing things in this episode, keep in mind that radicalization can be reversed. Tune in to hear our thoughts on what healthy masculinity looks like, what can be done on an individual level, and why community – the real kind, not the kind that requires you to hate women to belong – is the only actual antidote.

TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Assault

  • Book: Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates
  • Louie Theroux: Inside the Manosphere Documentary
  • Link to Teal Swan video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ4TsITQBaA
  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: Ashley Nobles (When the Moon Hatched) & ModelManntastic (Stormlight)
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes. 

]]>dd6bfab1-5289-43ef-ab38-76df788c89beTue, 07 Apr 2026 04:44:59 GMT<p>Strap in guys, we are talking man stuff and it’s a long one ;) The manosphere is not a fringe internet problem anymore; it’s a radicalization pipeline spurred by algorithms and expanded by recruitment tactics that two cult survivors recognize from a mile away. As the old-school script for being a “man” burns in the streets, young men are being left to drift in an identity vacuum created by a rapidly shifting world. We’ve all heard of the male loneliness epidemic and the men’s mental health crisis, but how did we get here? As we peel back the layers, we can see how these “alpha” gurus identify REAL problems – isolation, lack of purpose, and a lack of empathy – and then sell absolutely HORRIBLE, predatory solutions. This episode is a deep dive into what this "red pill" nonsense is doing to men AND women, and what a genuine, human representation of masculinity actually looks like. Spoiler: Tyson is the poster boy. Between the earrings, the "man friends," and being a literal glitter-covered canvas for his sisters, he’s proof that emotional intelligence and showing up for others is the real strength redefined.</p><p>We also get into what toxic masculinity actually means, because the term causes scorched earth reactions in many places, and the real definition is worth understanding. It’s not an attack on men, but an examination of the rigid “man box” that culture hands boys from birth and what it costs everyone when men are rewarded for suppressing everything that makes them human. Tyson talks about how he is still in the process of defining masculinity, and how he breaks the rules about what men are “allowed” to be without losing an ounce of strength or respect. </p><p>While you might learn a lot of disturbing things in this episode, keep in mind that radicalization can be reversed. Tune in to hear our thoughts on what healthy masculinity looks like, what can be done on an individual level, and why community – the real kind, not the kind that requires you to hate women to belong – is the only actual antidote.</p><p><b>TRIGGER WARNING</b>: Sexual Assault</p><ul><li><b>Book: <i>Men Who Hate Women</i> by Laura Bates</b></li><li><b>Louie Theroux: Inside the Manosphere Documentary</b></li><li><b>Link to Teal Swan video: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ4TsITQBaA" target="_blank"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ4TsITQBaA</b></a></li><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: Ashley Nobles (When the Moon Hatched) &amp; ModelManntastic (Stormlight)</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.<b> </b></p>yes02:02:30What is this Toxic Masculinity you speak of?full<![CDATA[Dungeon Crawler Carl: Electric Boogaloo]]>No agenda. No rules. Just two people that have spent an irresponsible amount of time thinking about this series. We’re back in the dungeon for a loosey goosey session – the type where we just crack open the lore and start poking things until they move. We get deep into some unhinged theories: how changelings and primals might be related, the breadcrumbs left in item descriptions by an unhinged AI, and how little we and the Syndicate actually know about the Nothing. Plus whatever else crawled out of our brains on the day (don’t worry, no Valtay worms here). Then we play Kiss, Marry, Kill with the most chaotic character combos Kaina could devise and somehow it gets worse every round. You’ll see. (Maggie My or Clammy the Clown anybody??)

AND – because we saved the best for last – we air a live excerpt from Book 8 as read by the legendary Jeff Hays. You’re welcome. OH AND ALSO go to Matt Dinniman’s Patreon RIGHT NOW and pay the man five doll hairs for a Platinum Benefactor Box because you CAN READ BOOK 8 TODAY AND NOT WAIT UNTIL MAY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL CARL!

SPOILER WARNING: SPOILERS. ALL THE SPOILERS.

Book 8 Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ZNKIabVF8

Matt Dinniman Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dinniman

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: @thedoodlemancer on TikTok
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.

]]>7eec23e5-763d-4fbc-9b39-eac544602276Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:54:03 GMT<p>No agenda. No rules. Just two people that have spent an irresponsible amount of time thinking about this series. We’re back in the dungeon for a loosey goosey session – the type where we just crack open the lore and start poking things until they move. We get deep into some unhinged theories: how changelings and primals might be related, the breadcrumbs left in item descriptions by an unhinged AI, and how little we and the Syndicate actually know about the Nothing. Plus whatever else crawled out of our brains on the day (don’t worry, no Valtay worms here). Then we play Kiss, Marry, Kill with the most chaotic character combos Kaina could devise and somehow it gets worse every round. You’ll see. (Maggie My or Clammy the Clown anybody??)</p><p>AND – because we saved the best for last – we air a live excerpt from Book 8 as read by the legendary Jeff Hays. You’re welcome. OH AND ALSO go to Matt Dinniman’s Patreon RIGHT NOW and pay the man five doll hairs for a Platinum Benefactor Box because you CAN READ BOOK 8 TODAY AND NOT WAIT UNTIL MAY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL CARL!</p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING</b>: SPOILERS. ALL THE SPOILERS.</p><p></p><p>Book 8 Reading: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ZNKIabVF8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ZNKIabVF8</a></p><p>Matt Dinniman Patreon: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/dinniman" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/dinniman</a></p><p></p><ul><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: @thedoodlemancer on TikTok</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.</p>yes01:28:07Dungeon Crawler Carl: Electric Boogaloofull<![CDATA[Is Hard Magic Just Sci-Fi in a Cape?]]>We need to talk about magic. Not the vague, hand-wavy "she summoned a glowing orb and won the battle" kind — the good kind. The kind that is detailed, complex, and fits perfectly into the world. 

In this episode, Kaina and Tyson break down what actually makes a magic system work. We’re debating the manual labor vs. mysticism scale: is it more satisfying to watch a character like Carl or Vin "grind" for their power as a skill, or are we just here for the unexplained Fae vibes? We explore the "believability scale" and why systems like The Name of the Wind's Sympathy feel grounded because they actually obey Conservation of Energy laws. We also get into our biggest magic system pet peeves, including the cardinal sin of using magic as a convenient, unexplained plot device, making Tyson’s inner sci-fi nerd want to start a riot. Which brings us to an important question: Is hard magic just sci-fi in a cape, or does a rule-heavy system take the mystery out of magic?

We’re digging into the mechanics of The Stormlight Archive’s Surgebinders and their conceptual Radiant bonds, the metal-ingesting Allomancy and Feruchemy (and STAKES) of Mistborn, and the varied magic across the ACOTAR and Crescent City universes. We also look at the FREAKIN DRAGONS and elemental gods in When the Moon Hatched, essence in the Licanius Trilogy,  and the sentient, spicy liquid metal of Quicksilver. Finally, we give an honorable mention to Dungeon Crawler Carl  — because super-advanced alien technology counts and we will die on this hill.

SPOILER WARNING: Holy shit we did it. No serious spoilers in this episode. I think. But we are discussing the above magic systems in depth, most of which are only partially explained at the start of their respective books (uncovering their intricacies is part of the narrative).

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: MagutaArt
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes. 

]]>de36147b-749e-4546-abc2-4ec1a16fa25dTue, 24 Mar 2026 15:56:57 GMT<p>We need to talk about magic. Not the vague, hand-wavy "she summoned a glowing orb and won the battle" kind — the <i>good</i> kind. The kind that is detailed, complex, and fits perfectly into the world. </p><p>In this episode, Kaina and Tyson break down what actually makes a magic system <i>work. </i>We’re debating the manual labor vs. mysticism scale: is it more satisfying to watch a character like Carl or Vin "grind" for their power as a skill, or are we just here for the unexplained Fae vibes? We explore the "believability scale" and why systems like <i>The Name of the Wind's</i> Sympathy feel grounded because they actually obey Conservation of Energy laws. We also get into our biggest magic system pet peeves, including the cardinal sin of using magic as a convenient, unexplained plot device, making Tyson’s inner sci-fi nerd want to start a riot. Which brings us to an important question: Is hard magic just sci-fi in a cape, or does a rule-heavy system take the mystery out of magic?</p><p>We’re digging into the mechanics of <i>The Stormlight Archive’s</i> Surgebinders and their conceptual Radiant bonds, the metal-ingesting Allomancy and Feruchemy (and STAKES) of <i>Mistborn</i>, and the varied magic across the <i>ACOTAR</i> and <i>Crescent City</i> universes. We also look at the FREAKIN DRAGONS and elemental gods in <i>When the Moon Hatched, </i>essence in the <i>Licanius Trilogy</i>,  and the sentient, spicy liquid metal of <i>Quicksilver</i>. Finally, we give an honorable mention to <i>Dungeon Crawler Carl</i>  — because super-advanced alien technology counts and we will die on this hill.</p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING</b>: Holy shit we did it. No serious spoilers in this episode. I think. But we <i>are</i> discussing the above magic systems in depth, most of which are only partially explained at the start of their respective books (uncovering their intricacies is part of the narrative).</p><ul><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: MagutaArt</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><hr /><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.<b> </b></p>yes01:17:46Is Hard Magic Just Sci-Fi in a Cape?full<![CDATA[ACOTAR SHMACOTAR: Excitement & Theories for Books 6 & 7]]>Sarah J. Maas walked into the Call Her Daddy studio and handed us two release dates, a therapy session, and more questions than answers. Let’s talk about it.

This episode kicks things off with a full debrief of the interview — what SJM actually told us, why A Court of Silver Flames is more personal than we realized, and why calling her work “smut” is a choice people should really reconsider. We also process the news that ACOTAR 6 and 7 are one massive story that “no amount of glue” could hold together, dropping back to back in October and January. The B-B-B-BAT BOYZZZ are coming home!! From there, we get into the House of Flame and Shadow crossover fallout — what Bryce’s journey actually did to our understanding of the Inner Circle, our take on the crossover, and a certain physical resemblance that has us in a chokehold.

Then we get to the meat: our full Book 6 & 7 theory breakdown. The Elain/Azriel/Lucien situation. A blood duel that will upset the power structure. Why Elain rejecting the bond might be the most her thing she could do. And the Dusk Court Resurrection theory — because some things are tattooed on you for a reason. (Example A: Kaina’s Valkyrie tattoo.)

The 8th Court is coming. Every sister gets a bat boy. We have the receipts. 

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains all the spoilers under the sun for the entire ACOTAR series and Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow.

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: @etherealart008 
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes. 


]]>f4badbcb-eac5-4408-b6cc-3642f7466366Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:41:34 GMT<p>Sarah J. Maas walked into the Call Her Daddy studio and handed us two release dates, a therapy session, and more questions than answers. Let’s talk about it.<br /></p><p>This episode kicks things off with a full debrief of the interview — what SJM actually told us, why A Court of Silver Flames is more personal than we realized, and why calling her work “smut” is a choice people should really reconsider. We also process the news that ACOTAR 6 and 7 are one massive story that “no amount of glue” could hold together, dropping back to back in October and January. The B-B-B-BAT BOYZZZ are coming home!! From there, we get into the House of Flame and Shadow crossover fallout — what Bryce’s journey actually did to our understanding of the Inner Circle, our take on the crossover, and a certain physical resemblance that has us in a chokehold.<br /></p><p>Then we get to the meat: our full Book 6 &amp; 7 theory breakdown. The Elain/Azriel/Lucien situation. A blood duel that will upset the power structure. Why Elain rejecting the bond might be the most her thing she could do. And the Dusk Court Resurrection theory — because some things are tattooed on you for a reason. (Example A: Kaina’s Valkyrie tattoo.)<br /></p><p>The 8th Court is coming. Every sister gets a bat boy. We have the receipts. <br /></p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING</b>: This episode contains all the spoilers under the sun for the entire ACOTAR series and Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow.</p><p></p><ul><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: @etherealart008 </b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.<b> </b></p><p><br /></p>yes01:25:59ACOTAR SHMACOTAR: Excitement & Theories for Books 6 & 7full<![CDATA[The Cracked Spiritweb: How Broken People Save the World]]>Pull up a chair in the “Next Step” clinic, because we’re going deep on something Brandon Sanderson has been doing better than almost anyone (other than writing books in his sleep): representing mental health realistically in fiction.

We break down the Cracked Spiritweb – the spiritual blueprint that lets Investiture seep in precisely because adulting has shattered the soul – and why this metaphor suggests that resilience is the true source of power. Then, because we can’t help ourselves, we open the floor for a full therapy session: Shallan’s revolving door of personas. The “black eel” of Kaladin’s chronic depression. Dalinar’s refusal of a magical reset button for his trauma (ultimate flex). Teft’s heartbreaking struggle. Neurodivergent King Renarin. No stone left unturned, no character left undiagnosed.

At its core, this episode is about why fantasy gives us the safe distance to process the heavy shit in our own lives – and why being “broken” has never once meant you’re finished. The most important step you can take is the next one. 

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains all the spoilers under the sun for the following series: The Stormlight Archive.

The content of this article contains personal anecdotal observations, and should not be construed as medical advice. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, it’s not enough to rely on epic fantasy or otherwise, no matter how damn good it is. Get help from people who are trained to understand and assist you. In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or chat by visiting the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat.

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: @/nikittysan on IG & @JVZMINA on Reddit
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes. 


]]>22b3db96-dd3c-4f03-a173-92fb14f5a9f9Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:03:09 GMT<p><b>Pull up a chair in the “Next Step” clinic, because we’re going deep on something Brandon Sanderson has been doing better than almost anyone (other than writing books in his sleep): representing mental health realistically in fiction.</b></p><p></p><p><b>We break down the Cracked Spiritweb – the spiritual blueprint that lets Investiture seep in precisely because adulting has shattered the soul – and why this metaphor suggests that resilience is the true source of power. Then, because we can’t help ourselves, we open the floor for a full therapy session: Shallan’s revolving door of personas. The “black eel” of Kaladin’s chronic depression. Dalinar’s refusal of a magical reset button for his trauma (ultimate flex). Teft’s heartbreaking struggle. Neurodivergent King Renarin. No stone left unturned, no character left undiagnosed.</b></p><p></p><p><b>At its core, this episode is about why fantasy gives us the safe distance to process the heavy shit in our own lives – and why being “broken” has never once meant you’re finished. The most important step you can take is the next one. </b></p><p></p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains all the spoilers under the sun for the following series: <i>The Stormlight Archive</i>.</b></p><p></p><p><b>The content of this article contains personal anecdotal observations, and should not be construed as medical advice. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, it’s not enough to rely on epic fantasy or otherwise, no matter how damn good it is. Get help from people who are trained to understand and assist you. In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or chat by visiting the </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/" target="_blank"><b>Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat</b></a><b>.</b></p><p></p><ul><li><b>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</b></li><li><b>Fan Art: @/nikittysan on IG &amp; @JVZMINA on Reddit</b></li><li><b>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </b></li><li><b>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</b></li><li><b>Business email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</b></a></li></ul><p></p><hr /><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.<b> </b></p><p><br /></p>yes01:22:33The Cracked Spiritweb: How Broken People Save the Worldfull<![CDATA[Creativity in the Age of AI]]>Title: Creativity in the Age of AI

Series: Scary Shit, Vol. I

Is AI a creative partner or a corporate scavenger? In this episode, Kaina and Tyson step away from the fiction to discuss the actual dystopia being built in real-time: Generative AI. We’re unpacking the ethics, the environmental cost, and the "Uncanny Valley" of AI slop. We explore the transition from "it's not real art" to industry standards and ask if we’ve finally crossed a threshold where the "Human Element" is disappearing. From the "Shadow Libraries" used to train these models to the risk of turning human creativity into a cheap commodity, we’re asking what it actually means to be a "creator" in an age of instant gratification.

While it’s easy to go "scorched earth" on AI—and we totally get why people do—the reality is that this tech isn't going away. To be productive and responsible consumers of something that is now a fact of life, we have to move past the binary of "it's magic" or "it's the devil." We discuss why approaching this massive, scary change with a moderate, balanced, and curious mindset is the only way to ensure we use the tool without letting it use us.

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains a small, dedicated section of discussion and spoilers for Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman.

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: Special Edition by @the_broken_binding on TikTok 
  • Our awesome tattoo artist sister: https://www.tiktok.com/@makari.ann
  • Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com 

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.

]]>8ba536d7-47c5-41b1-8c76-97ef15cc8819Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:21:46 GMT<p><b>Title: Creativity in the Age of AI</b></p><p><b>Series: Scary Shit, Vol. I</b></p><p>Is AI a creative partner or a corporate scavenger? In this episode, Kaina and Tyson step away from the fiction to discuss the actual dystopia being built in real-time: Generative AI. We’re unpacking the ethics, the environmental cost, and the "Uncanny Valley" of AI slop. We explore the transition from "it's not real art" to industry standards and ask if we’ve finally crossed a threshold where the "Human Element" is disappearing. From the "Shadow Libraries" used to train these models to the risk of turning human creativity into a cheap commodity, we’re asking what it actually means to be a "creator" in an age of instant gratification.</p><p></p><p>While it’s easy to go "scorched earth" on AI—and we totally get why people do—the reality is that this tech isn't going away. To be productive and responsible consumers of something that is now a fact of life, we have to move past the binary of "it's magic" or "it's the devil." We discuss why approaching this massive, scary change with a moderate, balanced, and curious mindset is the only way to ensure we use the tool without letting it use us.</p><p></p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING:</b> This episode contains a small, dedicated section of discussion and spoilers for <i>Operation Bounce House</i> by Matt Dinniman.</p><p></p><ul><li>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</li><li>Fan Art: Special Edition by @the_broken_binding on TikTok </li><li>Our awesome tattoo artist sister: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@makari.ann" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@makari.ann</a></li><li>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </li><li>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</li><li>Business email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank">cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</a> </li></ul><p></p><hr /><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.</p>yes01:13:06Creativity in the Age of AIfull<![CDATA[Dungeon Crawler Carl: A Review of Lore, Characters, and Important Sh*t (Book 8 Prep)]]>What the fuck is that??? Oh, it’s just us doing a massive deep dive into the absolute unhinged masterpiece that is the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. If your brain is currently 40% dungeon lore and 60% Princess Donut quotes, you’ve found your people. Seriously though…"The Oak Fell," and so did our productivity once we started theory-crafting this episode. We’re breaking down The Scavenger Hierarchy, the terrifying reality of Scolopendra awakening, and also why we’re three years away from needing a GoFundMe for a "Shield of Insulin". We also ask the big questions: Is the river just trauma, or something more sinister? Is Samantha moving from comedic dungeon sidekick to a central endgame player? And most importantly, can we all agree that Baby Mongo is perpetually appalled? This episode is the ultimate guide to all the “important shit” you need to know as we prepare for Book VIII: A Parade of Horribles.

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains all the spoilers under the sun for the following series: Dungeon Crawler Carl 

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.


]]>428efb1c-586b-47c1-94a6-c3ca9f061c09Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:06:24 GMT<p>What the fuck is that??? Oh, it’s just us doing a massive deep dive into the absolute unhinged masterpiece that is the <i>Dungeon Crawler Carl </i>series. If your brain is currently 40% dungeon lore and 60% Princess Donut quotes, you’ve found your people. Seriously though…"The Oak Fell," and so did our productivity once we started theory-crafting this episode. We’re breaking down The Scavenger Hierarchy, the terrifying reality of Scolopendra awakening, and also why we’re three years away from needing a GoFundMe for a "Shield of Insulin". We also ask the big questions: Is the river just trauma, or something more sinister? Is Samantha moving from comedic dungeon sidekick to a central endgame player? And most importantly, can we all agree that Baby Mongo is perpetually appalled? This episode is the ultimate guide to all the “important shit” you need to know as we prepare for Book VIII: <i>A Parade of Horribles.</i></p><p></p><p><b>SPOILER WARNING:</b> This episode contains all the spoilers under the sun for the following series: Dungeon Crawler Carl </p><ul><li>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</li><li>Fan Art: @<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reddit.com/user/ArleiG/" target="_blank">ArleiG</a> on reddit </li><li>DCC Wiki: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dungeon-crawler-carl.fandom.com/wiki/Dungeon_Crawler_Carl_Wiki" target="_blank">https://dungeon-crawler-carl.fandom.com/wiki/Dungeon_Crawler_Carl_Wiki</a></li><li>Tune into future episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! </li><li>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</li><li>Business email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank">cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</a> </li></ul><p></p><hr /><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.</p><p><br /></p>yes01:43:38Dungeon Crawler Carl: A Review of Lore, Characters, and Important Sh*t (Book 8 Prep)full<![CDATA[Sibling Spice Chronicles: The One Where I Introduced my Brother to Smut]]>Welcome to the first of many installments in the Sibling Spice Chronicles – a segment where dedicated romantasy scholar Kaina “forces” her brother Tyson to confront the world of shadow daddies, faerie porn, and ham wallets (MONGO IS APPALLED). In this episode, we tackle the elephant in the room: Is it weird for a brother and sister to talk about smut? Probably, but we’re going there. We dive deep into how the male and female gaze present themselves in fiction, roast the absolute worst synonyms for anatomy during Billboards vs. Bodice Rippers, discuss how other cultures approach sex, and so much more. Don’t worry, it’s not all “velvet wrapped steel” jokes. We get vulnerable about how our upbringing shaped our perception of sexuality, diving into double standards, Christian guilt, and why reading smut might be the healthiest, most ethical alternative to the porn industry. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or simply curious, tune into our conversation for a candid, entertaining discussion.

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains some spoilers (discussion of relationship dynamics between major characters) for the following books: A Court of Thorns of Roses series, Stormlight Archive, Mistborn Arc 2, When the Moon Hatched

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: @chorazinex (we’re pretty sure…mostly)
  • Watch us on YouTube, and listen to us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com 

Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.


]]>0ae46c78-7b99-4238-af53-2bbf9af61c5bTue, 17 Feb 2026 21:49:22 GMT<p>Welcome to the first of many installments in the <i>Sibling Spice Chronicles</i> – a segment where dedicated romantasy scholar Kaina “forces” her brother Tyson to confront the world of shadow daddies, faerie porn, and ham wallets (MONGO IS APPALLED). In this episode, we tackle the elephant in the room: Is it weird for a brother and sister to talk about smut? Probably, but we’re going there. We dive deep into how the male and female gaze present themselves in fiction, roast the absolute worst synonyms for anatomy during Billboards vs. Bodice Rippers, discuss how other cultures approach sex, and so much more. Don’t worry, it’s not all “velvet wrapped steel” jokes. We get vulnerable about how our upbringing shaped our perception of sexuality, diving into double standards, Christian guilt, and why reading smut might be the healthiest, most ethical alternative to the porn industry. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or simply curious, tune into our conversation for a candid, entertaining discussion.</p><p></p><p>SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains some spoilers (discussion of relationship dynamics between major characters) for the following books: A Court of Thorns of Roses series, Stormlight Archive, Mistborn Arc 2, When the Moon Hatched<br /></p><ul><li>Intro Music: <b>Synthetic Prayer</b> by <b>JKN Music</b></li><li>Fan Art: <b>@chorazinex</b> (we’re pretty sure…mostly)</li><li>Watch us on YouTube, and listen to us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify</li><li>Follow Kaina on TikTok <b>@cosmerecat</b> for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</li><li>Business email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank">cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</a> </li></ul><p></p><hr /><p>Note: This episode is a candid, humorous exploration of intimate media and cultural attitudes. Viewer discretion is advised for explicit language and mature themes.</p><p><br /></p>yes01:14:54Sibling Spice Chronicles: The One Where I Introduced my Brother to Smutfull<![CDATA[NEW ACHIEVEMENT: YOU STARTED A PODCAST]]>What happens when you take a brother and sister who grew up in a cult, give them unrestricted access to the internet, and hand them microphones? You get the brain-child of two siblings where a fire breathing bitch queen, gunslinging allomancers, and an apocalyptic AI with a foot fetish collide. Join the hosts of Cosmic Donut Holes as we peel back the layers on who we are, why our logo is a meatball wearing a tiara, and why we believe fiction is the truest way to not only understand ourselves – but reality itself.

This isn’t just another bookish podcast; it’s a sanctuary for those who use stories to learn, escape, and find their people. We bridge the gap between the intricate magic of Brandon Sanderson to the chaos of Matt Dinniman, all grounded in real, honest conversation. Join us on a tour of our literary favorites as we unpack why Dungeon Crawler Carl is actually a philosophical masterpiece, why The Dark Tower is THAT BOOK, and why Kaina thinks about Throne of Glass every single day. Buckle up, Crawler—the donut hole is deep. Expect laughter, unfiltered opinions on fictional politics, and the kind of smut discussions only siblings can have. If you’re looking for a community that gets your specific brand of weird, welcome home. Hit subscribe, grab a donut (or a meatball), and let’s explore a multiverse (or two).

  • Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music
  • Fan Art: @levi_cleeman_art
  • Watch us on YouTube, and listen to us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
  • Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!
  • Business email: cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com 
]]>7f70a4da-cdec-47a9-97dc-429ff53b88e2Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:25:12 GMT<p>What happens when you take a brother and sister who grew up in a cult, give them unrestricted access to the internet, and hand them microphones? You get the brain-child of two siblings where a fire breathing bitch queen, gunslinging allomancers, and an apocalyptic AI with a foot fetish collide. Join the hosts of <b>Cosmic Donut Holes</b> as we peel back the layers on who we are, why our logo is a meatball wearing a tiara, and why we believe fiction is the truest way to not only understand ourselves – but reality itself.</p><p>This isn’t just another bookish podcast; it’s a sanctuary for those who use stories to learn, escape, and find their people. We bridge the gap between the intricate magic of Brandon Sanderson to the chaos of Matt Dinniman, all grounded in real, honest conversation. Join us on a tour of our literary favorites as we unpack why <i>Dungeon Crawler Carl</i> is actually a philosophical masterpiece, why <i>The Dark Tower</i> is THAT BOOK, and why Kaina thinks about <i>Throne of Glass</i> every single day. Buckle up, Crawler—the donut hole is deep. Expect laughter, unfiltered opinions on fictional politics, and the kind of smut discussions only siblings can have. If you’re looking for a community that gets your specific brand of weird, welcome home. Hit subscribe, grab a donut (or a meatball), and let’s explore a multiverse (or two).</p><ul><li>Intro Music: Synthetic Prayer by JKN Music</li><li>Fan Art: @levi_cleeman_art</li><li>Watch us on YouTube, and listen to us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify</li><li>Follow Kaina on TikTok @cosmerecat for more Cosmic Donut Holes content!</li><li>Business email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com" target="_blank">cosmicdonutholes@gmail.com</a> </li></ul>yes00:59:08NEW ACHIEVEMENT: YOU STARTED A PODCASTfull