Babble of the Bastards

Isaac and Mark look back at our first season /the first season of Game of Thrones and the topics we covered. We return to a fascinating connection of how a fantasy world can be so realistic. We also listen to sound effects and create new ones because we are skilled sound artists.

How many times have you repeated an oath, a promise, or clicked yes on terms of service? Our lives, not unlike the lives of the characters on GoT, are filled with oaths and promises. But how important are they really? And has that importance changed over time? What impact have oaths had on our lives and in the forseeable future? Also, Mark on Maesters takes a closer look at the legendary Maester Aemon of Castle Black. Arielle Dundas joins us to better understand what all this swearing means. Its another circus of a podcast.. so listen along with us!

As the many armies of westeros mobilize to war, they leave a mess of scorched earth and badly damaged ecosystems in their wake. Not unlike how military campaigns and bases in the real world relate to their local envionrments. Today on the program, we're talking armies and eco-destruction - listen in!

If you thought Belgium had wacky politial coalitions, get ready for the rag tag coalition behind the king in the north. Or what about the strange combination of the Lannisters and the Hill Tribes? Ashley Moore is here with facts and observations about some of the strange bedfellows one finds in life as in the realm.

Who's the Louis CK of Westeros? Are there parallels between the type of harassment we see in the realm and the type that is so rampant in real life? Today on the podcast, three men get together to discuss the treatment of women. Is there something ironic about that? Find out by listening in as we welcome the former head of HR at Casterly Rock, the watcher of the north, the Morty to our Rick; Martin Gleissner of the Stocktown Vlog.

What is the modern equivalent of trial by combat? What is justice in a fantasy world where power dictates almost everything? What is justice in a social media world? Aamna Chaudhry joins the bastards to dive into the question of justice in the realm and back on earth.

Who is the Hillary Clinton of the realm? Who's got the credentials and the prestige? Who is seen as more logical than emotional? Who's got the experience and the sometimes poor campaign skills? Who's sending official realm ravens from a private coop? Arielle Dundas has theories on politics, women, families and Rodhams; she joins us for this spooktacular edition of BABBLE of the Bastards!

As in life and in realm, sometimes you have to go away in persuit of a job, career or calling. On today's episode, Gabi Berkers returns to talk about moving for her studies and the storylines in the realm where parents, children, etc. are split in the name of a new job either at the wall or in the capital.

Gabi Berkers joins the Bastards for a discussion of symbols in the world of Game of Thrones vs Symbols in the real world. Colors that don't run. Handshakes by alpha-males and dead fish. Bro's with import jobs that just want to give it all up and wander the kings road... i.e. wanderlust like so many of YOU have. Listen and see yourself within the larger discussion because this is all about YOU.

In real life you may have a better shot at improving your quality of life than in Westeros, but even that depends on several factors. Today on the program we are joined by a Maester in his own right, the Hilco Beukema, who will help us understand how titles and birth compare in this fantasy world to the real world. Take a listen and subscribe - we're now in all the podcast directories!