Podcast appearances and mentions of george rr martin

In this episode, we're sweet summer children again!Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the showSupport the show

Il giorno dell'ultima performance per questa run di George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones: The Mad King, torniamo a parlarne sul canale, questa volta con un video tutto dedicato alle teorie. Ce ne sono sempre state tante, intorno al Torneo di Harrenhal, l'Anno della Falsa Primavera e la Ribellione di Robert... lo spettacolo le ha trattate? Ne ha confermata qualcuna, ne ha smentita un'altra?C'è davvero molto da dire e, chissà, forse qualcosa potrebbe sorprendere!Foto di Johan Persson, condivise dalla Royal Shakespeare CompanyLink utili:1) https://youtu.be/VD3c6MJeS4k?si=ONCFgyLkfsbSwTRo Game of Thrones: The Mad King - Storia e analisi2) https://towerofthehand.com/blog/2012/01/05-southron-ambitions/3) https://www.reddit.com/r/pureasoiaf/comments/4ney6h/expanding_on_southron_ambitions/4) https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/1afia3p/spoilers_extended_harrenhal_the_original_tourney/5) https://youtu.be/XgH7E_pzrBc?si=iNQTTA4GjaSHs_kc Parallelismi tra la generazione di Aegon IV e quella di Aerys II6) https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/127700-brandon-and-lyanna-were-wargs/7) https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/145696-lyanna-stark-a-gift-from-old-gods/8) https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Quite_a_Few_Questions9) https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2460/10) https://www.tumblr.com/goodqueenaly/158792245138/were-there-real-historical-examples-of-mystery11) https://web.archive.org/web/20130323173225/https://towerofthehand.com/essays/chrisholden/jon_snows_parents.html12) https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/119413) https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/aj7fm7/spoilers_extended_the_battle_at_the_tower_of_joy/14) https://youtu.be/H6qsJv8OoXs?si=NIRwNGyEhmlGzeDr Nome Targaryen di Jon Snow00:00 Intro, premesse e struttura video03:53 Le ambizioni al sud45:30 Ma quindi... il vero organizzatore del torneo?56:46 Lyanna Stark e lo skinchanging01:17:01 Il cavaliere dell'Albero Ridente02:01:16 R+L=J e la Torre della Gioia (e varie ed eventuali)02:53:48 Gli amanti di Ashara Dayne03:07:58 Che fine ha fatto Ashara Dayne?03:27:28 The Mad King: su cos'altro si può speculare?03:33:50 ConclusioniSupportate il canale in cambio di contenuti esclusivi: https://www.patreon.com/LaCittadellaQui trovate tutti i link del canale e dei suoi host: https://linktr.ee/LaCittadella

Ce mois d'août, la troisième saison de House of the Dragon, le prequel de Game of Thrones, était diffusé sur HBO. L'occasion pour nous d'analyser ce que la série dit sur les femmes au pouvoir, et de faire le point sur l'héritage de Game of Thrones, sept ans après sa saison finale controversée.Animation : Margaux BaralonParticipantes : Enora Abry, Mariana Agier, Lisa DurandRéalisation, montage, son : Mariana AgierGénérique : © SorocinéMusique : © Antonin Agier et Hugo CardonaHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

In this episode, we unofficially finish A Song of Ice and Fire!  Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

Entra nel mondo di prima. Sono queste le prime parole utilizzate per descrivere George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones: The Mad King, spettacolo teatrale della Royal Shakespeare Company, adattamento di due eventi chiave risalenti a pochi anni prima della storia corrente, che conosciamo e amiamo: il torneo di Harrenhal e la Ribellione di Robert.Ad un banchetto sontuoso che segna l'apertura di un grande torneo, canzoni su sogni e profezie vengono cantate, innamorati si incontrano, un cavaliere prende i suoi voti, un re folle che non doveva venire si presenta a sorpresa. Tra le risate dei commensali, le loro bevute e il loro scommettere su chi vincerà, però, un complotto traditore è in corso: la follia di Re Aerys II Targaryen non può più essere controllata, sta al figlio ed erede Rhaegar prendere la situazione tra le mani, intrattenendo un'idea molto pericolosa, quella di ribellarsi al padre.In lontananza, i tamburi da guerra non promettono niente di buono.In questo video, analizziamo lo spettacolo (a cui noi siamo stati, il 28 luglio!) nel dettaglio, andando a scoprirne la storia produttiva e i temi, oltre che la storia in sé, andando anche a citare qualche teoria qui e lì, che però approfondiremo in un altro video.Link utili:1) https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/game-of-thrones-play-in-the-works-for-broadway-will-revive-iconic-characters-exclusive-4153230/2) https://www.westeros.org/News/Entry/164143) https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Tourney_Rules4) https://www.westeros.org/Features/Entry/A_Note_on_The_Mad_King_and_Canon5) https://shows.acast.com/6242eba8dc35fe00156da157/episodes/6a70fa2362888a8235c1bcf46) https://observer.co.uk/culture/theatre/article/the-biggest-production-we-have-ever-put-on-inside-the-rscs-game-of-thrones-epic7) https://deadline.com/2026/02/game-of-thrones-mad-king-director-interview-1236728454/8) https://lossietereinos.com/exclusiva-la-charla-con-los-creadores-de-the-mad-king-la-obra-de-teatro-sobre-el-torneo-de-harrenhal-y-la-rebelion-de-robert/9) https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/1vawqzu/the_mad_king_a_review_spoilers_extended/00:00 Intro e premesse03:05 La storia e le ispirazioni dello spettacolo24:27 Il torneo di Harrenhal37:21 La Ribellione di Robert48:08 Ma lo spettacolo... è canon?01:00:42 George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones: The Mad King: di cosa parla01:18:14 Aerys II (+ Rhaella) Targaryen01:43:01 Rhaegar Targaryen02:20:13 Lyanna Stark02:45:40 Casa Stark03:06:38 Robert Baratheon03:14:46 Elia Martell03:26:25 Ashara Dayne03:34:25 Howland Reed03:37:39 La Guardia Reale03:51:34 Varie ed eventuali03:57:02 What's next?03:59:17 ConclusioniSupportate il canale in cambio di contenuti esclusivi: https://www.patreon.com/LaCittadellaQui trovate tutti i link del canale e dei suoi host: https://linktr.ee/LaCittadella

In questo episodio andiamo ad analizzare le ultime DUE puntate della terza stagione di House of the Dragon, "Il drago d'inverno" e "I tradimenti di Tumbleton". Andremo a parlare della tecnica e di tutti gli easter eggs (che sono molti!), chiudendo con un piccolo bilancio della stagione, a fare da corredo alla live già presente sul canale.Supportate il canale in cambio di contenuti esclusivi: https://www.patreon.com/LaCittadellaQui trovate tutti i link del canale e dei suoi host: https://linktr.ee/LaCittadella

What's good, people?! We're jumping back into the wild world of Westeros to chat about House of the Dragon season three. You'll notice Mike is cool and calm recalling things from the show, but Aisha and Frantz had to catch up from season one(!). So, after running through three seasons of GoT:HotD in four days we got all kinds of fever dream takes on deck. From how certain houses…'keep it in the family' to what it means to have Black and Brown people so much more present throughout the fabric of this high fantasy. Aisha names the real-life political parallels she saw while binging and Mike highlights a potential sneak diss aimed at George RR Martin in the show.From the many twists, turns, scandals, and betrayals to the fact that Targaryans have white hair and Black names - we're swinging for the fences here. How is HBO keeping up with the dragon VFX budget in this economy? Why are Aemon and Daemon the exact same person? What the heck happened to Rhena's hair and why didn't someone get her a loctician asap? We dig into some real questions about the direction of the series and whether prequels hold weight when audiences know how it all plays out. So get your saddles strapped in and get some dragon-sized black Air Force 1's on layaway so you can tap in and rock with us on this episode of 2Nerds and an Actor.00:00 Welcome to the House of the Dragon Finale Review02:26 We Binged Three Seasons in Four Days03:18 Dragonfire: What We Loved This Season04:48 The Mysticism Finally Comes Forward05:15 The Dragons Still Look Incredible06:14 The Women of House of the Dragon07:08 The Incest Is Still a Lot08:40 Why the Violence Feels More Brutal12:05 Hidden Lore in the Opening Tapestries14:00 Sheepstealer, the Wildest Dragon Yet15:45 Our Biggest Season Takes18:13 Why We're Rooting for So Many People to Die19:49 Rating House of the Dragon Season 322:09 SPOILERS: Finale Discussion Begins23:26 Daemon's Strange Redemption Arc25:53 Rhaenyra's Performance and Moral Decline30:13 Corlys, His Sons and the Velaryon Legacy34:58 The Dragonseed Problem36:50 Can Aegon Actually Be Redeemed?38:18 Daemon's Vision, the Prophecy and Season 4 Theories39:26 Does Anyone Actually Deserve the Iron Throne?41:53 Rhaenyra vs Alicent: Power, Gender and Politics44:22 Season 4 Theories and George R.R. Martin Changes47:14 Final Thoughts on House of the Dragon49:03 Deleted Scene: We Need a Game of Thrones Parody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're not saying George R R Martin was inspired by It's A Royal Knockout, but there's an evil prince and most of the main players are dead. SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!  IF YOU LIKE WHAT WE DO AND WANT TO HELP US CONTINUE; SUPPORT US ON PATREON: patreon.com/w4bpodcasts   SUPPORT US ON KO-FI: ko-fi.com/spreadthewhimsy SUPPORT US WITH MERCHANDISE: whenwagonwheelswerebigger.com/w4bshop SUPPORT US FOR FREE: spread the word, spread the whimsy!   THREADS/INSTAGRAM: w4bpodcasts BLUESKY: @w4bpodcasts FACEBOOK: facebook.com/whenwagonwheelswerebigger TIKTOK: @w4bpodcasts WEBSITE: whenwagonwheelswerebigger.com W4B theme composed by John Croudy W4B theme acoustic arrangement by Joe Beckhelling Additional musical contributions by R Gill

In questo video analizziamo brevemente la 3x06 di House of the Dragon, andando a parlare dell'analisi tecnica (focalizzandoci sulla morte di Criston Cole) e delle tante, tantissime easter eggs.Link utili:1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeGPA9EpE-42) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jzGsNKEbRgSupportate il canale in cambio di contenuti esclusivi: https://www.patreon.com/LaCittadellaQui trovate tutti i link del canale e dei suoi host: https://linktr.ee/LaCittadella

In this episode, Harmat doesn't realize it's the end of the book!

In questo video andiamo a parlare della 3x05 di House of the Dragon! Analisi tecnica e tanti, tantissimi easter eggs.Supportate il canale in cambio di contenuti esclusivi: https://www.patreon.com/LaCittadellaQui trovate tutti i link del canale e dei suoi host: https://linktr.ee/LaCittadella

Sjónvarp verður áberandi í þessum fyrsta Lestarþætti haustsins. Þriðja sería af House of the Dragon kom út í sumar og við ætlum að rýna í hana með sjónvarpsgagnrýnanda Lestarinnar Brynju Hjámsdóttur - þættir í sagnaheimi Krúnuleikanna eftir George RR Martin. Ljósmyndarinn og heimildarmyndargerðarmaðurinn Spessi kíkir í heimsókn og segir frá heimildarmyndinni Afsakið á meðan ég æli sem hann gerði um Megas. Myndin var frumsýnd árið 2023 en var sýnd á RÚV um helgina. Og svo fögnum við stórafmæli Lestarinnar, með því að rifja upp fyrsta þáttinn sem fór í loftið fyrir 10 árum. Donald Trump, Gísli Pálmi, Stranger Things, Jón Helgason, Pink Floyd og Aron Can komu meðal annars við sögu.

House of the Dragon Season 3 - Ep. 408 Choose your side, Normies! The Dance of the Dragons is in full swing as House of the Dragon returns for its biggest and bloodiest season yet. Team Black and Team Green are tearing Westeros apart, dragons are taking to the skies, alliances are crumbling, and the fight for the Iron Throne is leaving plenty of bodies in its wake. On this episode of Normies Like Us, your hosts head back to Westeros to break down all of Season 3! Which characters came out on top? Which moments left us screaming at the TV? And after everything that went down this season, are we ready for the final chapter of the Dance of the Dragons? Dracarys! Insta @Normies_Like_Us https://www.instagram.com/normies_like_us/ @_j__a___c___o__b_ https://www.instagram.com/_j__a___c___o__b_/ @Mike_Has_Insta https://www.instagram.com/mike_has_insta/ https://letterboxd.com/BabblingBrooksy/ https://letterboxd.com/hobbes72/ https://letterboxd.com/mikejromans/

A brand new stage play based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" stories by George RR Martin has opened at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon.The hotly anticipated play, titled Game of Thrones: The Mad King, is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, and is an immediate prequel to "A Game of Thrones".Find out what Mickey-Jo thought of the story, the performances of this company, and the creative choices with which this has been brought to the stage.sign up to Mickey-Jo's weekly substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00:00 | introduction02:38 | synopsis / writing11:14 | staging / design 21:26 | performances 31:33 | conclusion About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turns out the walls did in fact come tumbling down.With a story this vast and a team this strong, 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 just had to go out with a bang, didn't it? And Ebube shows up to be king of the ashes with Afam and Soonen at his side — Team Red?For the final episode of the season, the trio evaluates the story choices that defined the season's character arcs (1:18:08), but first, they of course sift through what might just be the show's most ambitious battle till date: The Treasons at Tumbleton (50:18). Before that though, they run through Rhaenyra's rap sheet (22:20), praise Tom Glynn-Carney's comedic genius (1:41), rue Ulf's decisions (38:12), and get into whole lot more.We are SO gonna miss this show, man.You can support us here.Also available on YouTube.Host: Ebube UbochiGuests: Afam and SoonenProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

We're back in the land of prestige television with our review of the third season of HBO's House of the Dragon. Just two short episodes before the finale, we check in with Westeros and our differing opinions on this divisive series. Haters, apologist, and ones right down the middle, we discuss the penultimate season's strange structure, its epic bloodletting, and continued palace intrigue. Will it stick the landing? Only time will tell.

The one where Dave is in love with the New Emma Frost! And does any kid know who Buck Rogers is? Please support the show on Patreon! Every dollar helps the show! https://www.patreon.com/SignalofDoom Follow us on Twitter: @signalofdoom Dredd or Dead: @OrDredd Legion Outpost: @legionoutpost

Spider-Man swung back into theaters, and it did exactly what we knew it would. The question is though, was it good? The RAMageddon becomes the RAMpocalypse, as it comes for every component, and will continue forever. Black Ops 1 & 2 jump the sales charts, and EA goes private. Meanwhile we should have listened to Wesley when he said he was the only Blade.

In this episode, Harmat quits. Bye bye, y'all.---------------Review Contest InfoHey Symposium listeners! Have you ever listened to our ASOIAF coverage and wanted to chime in live with your thoughts or wanted us to cover a property of your choice?  Introducing the Symposium Review Contest! The contest is open now and closes on August 31, 2026.Here's how you can enter: Leave us a 5-star review on any pod-catcher and send us a screenshot to earn an entry. You can leave reviews on as many platforms as you want and each screenshot counts as an entry.If you want an extra incentive, every review you submit on or before April 30, 2026 will be counted as 2 entries.If you win, you get to pick one of the following 3 options:Option 1: Join us for a ASOIAF wrap-up episode after we have read ADWD.Option 2: Get us to watch or read or otherwise consume a piece of media to cover on the podcast.Option 3: Same as Option 2 but you get you also be on the podcast with us. We will have a minimum of 2 winners. One winner will be the person who earned the most entries. And a second winner will be chosen through random draw. If interest is high, a third winner may be chosen. So, folks, get those reviews in on or before August 31, 2026! We look forward to chatting in Fall of 2026!---------------Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:42 First Reactions to “The Dragon in Winter” 01:39 That Opening Dream Sequence 02:47 Setting Up the Finale & Rhaenyra's Downfall 05:15 Is Anyone in House of the Dragon Worth Rooting For? 08:12 The Smallfolk Turn Against Rhaenyra 09:27 Helaena, Dragon Dreams & Ulf's Strange Turn 11:59 Corlys Returns & Missing Story Beats 13:50 Dragon Chaos & Rhaenyra's Best Scene 16:31 Daemon, Rhaena & Rhaenyra's Trust Issues 19:07 Sunfyre's Shocking Return 23:43 Criston Cole's Fate & Winter Wolves 24:47 Aemond, Alicent & Harrenhal Frustrations 26:06 Aemond's Poisoning & Finale Predictions 27:11 Will the Gods Eye Battle Be Season 4? 28:08 Episode Ratings 30:13 Season 3 vs. Season 2 31:26 Final Thoughts & Outro

Okay so... What are we actually doing here?In light of a semi-baffling narrative reversal in the way of character competence — plot coherence too perhaps — Ebube invites Afam and Soonen for some much needed analysis, and to figure out if House of the Dragon still knows what it's doing this seasonThey start by discussing Aegon's new path to resurrection (2:27) and proceed to dissect the episode's themes as well as litigate Rhaenyra's competence as a ruler (21:15) and give Mysaria a quarterly review she might not like (26:16).They of course also try to make sense of the generational dragon mosh pit that left them with several questions (31:11), before trying to decipher Helaena's dreams (1:00:34) and watch the weird inhabitants of Tumbleton at work (1:09:12).Does this penultimate episode work?You can support us here.Also available on YouTube.Host: Ebube UbochiGuests: Afam and SoonenProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

Join the Vassals in this Blackfyre cast review ofThe Butcher’s Ball. Hosts: Kevin (Nuncle Kevin), David (DavidHHH) and Steph (GSDG). Spoilers: This episode could cover anything from George R R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire as well as … Continue reading →

We've got Comic-Con Updates! Marvel did not disappoint, as it lit up the airwaves, DC brought the Lanterns, and Spaceballs went to ludicrous speed! PlayStation got a big reality check as to why going digital is bad. Rick and Morty gave President Curtis his own show. And I went back to Installation 04 on legendary!

It's almost like 'House of the Dragon' finally remembered how to play the game of thrones.With key characters making the competent moves Ebube always knew they were capable of, he returns to the fold to convene his council of competent analysts: Afam and Soonen. Now that Criston Cole's fate is sealed, they might have to find someone else they can love to hate.They begin with a full retrospective on the enigma that is Ser Criston (2:05) while praising Loni Peristere's impeccable directing (9:09). They then go on to discuss Alicent's new set of troubles (22:28), Rhaenyra's new stressors (32:10) and the chaos that was this week's Tumbleton storyline (44:50). They also talk about Baela's new groove (58:48), Alys' new moves (1:06:28) and what the heck is up with Corlys (1:18:13), among several other pressing matters.Does it get any better than this?You can support us hereAlso Available on YouTube.Host: Ebube UbochiGuests: Afam and SoonenProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

Join the Vassals in this Blackfyre cast review of Unbowed and Unbent!  Hosts: Zander (the Lord Baron), Michal (Inkasrain), Katie (Seheron), Steph (gsdg), Hannah (thewingedshadow) Spoilers: This episode could cover anything from George R R Martin's A Song of Ice … Continue reading →

In this episode, are you a Tyrion or a Penny?---------------Review Contest InfoHey Symposium listeners! Have you ever listened to our ASOIAF coverage and wanted to chime in live with your thoughts or wanted us to cover a property of your choice?  Introducing the Symposium Review Contest! The contest is open now and closes on August 31, 2026.Here's how you can enter: Leave us a 5-star review on any pod-catcher and send us a screenshot to earn an entry. You can leave reviews on as many platforms as you want and each screenshot counts as an entry.If you want an extra incentive, every review you submit on or before April 30, 2026 will be counted as 2 entries.If you win, you get to pick one of the following 3 options:Option 1: Join us for a ASOIAF wrap-up episode after we have read ADWD.Option 2: Get us to watch or read or otherwise consume a piece of media to cover on the podcast.Option 3: Same as Option 2 but you get you also be on the podcast with us. We will have a minimum of 2 winners. One winner will be the person who earned the most entries. And a second winner will be chosen through random draw. If interest is high, a third winner may be chosen. So, folks, get those reviews in on or before August 31, 2026! We look forward to chatting in Fall of 2026!---------------Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

To paraphrase Lord Ormund Hightower, "one host is as good as another". Bankole subs in for Ebube this week to discuss another in a growing line of excellent 'House of the Dragon' episodes. Criston Cole is on suicide watch, Rhaenyra and Daemon need both marriage counseling and leadership training and Aegon has forgotten that his most athletic days are behind him. Mummy issues, abortion tea and maybe Afam has a thing for the witches? We're getting into it all! (6:50) - Responding to YouTube Comments(10:45) - Criston Cole's suicidal odyssey(26:30) - Halaena & Alicent's Decisions (30:40) - Rhaenyra's small council (38:50) - Rhaenyra & Daemon(1:08:15) - Aemond & Alys(1:14:30) - Aegon & Larys You can support us hereAlso available on YouTubeHost: Bankole ImoukhuedeGuests: Afam & SoonenProduction by: Bankole Imoukhuede

So this is how the other side lives.Ebube, Afam and Soonen make their way to Tumbleton, keeping their hands to themselves of course, but not without strengthening their squadron with Gab making her Popcorn for Dinner debut — tensions are high after all.They start by exploring the significance of Tumbleton itself (2:07) and go on to dissect everything from Rhaenyra's ever accumulating headaches (30:36) and Daemon's discovery (39:52), to Orwylle and Mysaria's perspectives (13:40) and why Ulf should have a very short leash (52:36). They of course also dive deep into Ormund's influence on Daeron (1:06:27) and the true ramifications of the Hightowers' plans, before firing up the trusty AdaptometerHas this been the greatest four-episode run in 'House of the Dragon' yet?!You can support us hereAlso Available on YouTube hereHost: Ebube UbochiGuests: Afam, Soonen and Miscellaneous GabProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

In this episode, there's a Brown Ben Plam Plam?---------------Review Contest InfoHey Symposium listeners! Have you ever listened to our ASOIAF coverage and wanted to chime in live with your thoughts or wanted us to cover a property of your choice?  Introducing the Symposium Review Contest! The contest is open now and closes on August 31, 2026.Here's how you can enter: Leave us a 5-star review on any pod-catcher and send us a screenshot to earn an entry. You can leave reviews on as many platforms as you want and each screenshot counts as an entry.If you want an extra incentive, every review you submit on or before April 30, 2026 will be counted as 2 entries.If you win, you get to pick one of the following 3 options:Option 1: Join us for a ASOIAF wrap-up episode after we have read ADWD.Option 2: Get us to watch or read or otherwise consume a piece of media to cover on the podcast.Option 3: Same as Option 2 but you get you also be on the podcast with us. We will have a minimum of 2 winners. One winner will be the person who earned the most entries. And a second winner will be chosen through random draw. If interest is high, a third winner may be chosen. So, folks, get those reviews in on or before August 31, 2026! We look forward to chatting in Fall of 2026!---------------Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

"I do not dream of labour" — Rhaenyra TargaryenThe princess has finally become the queen, and the guys are having a field day with the beautifully written — beautifully directed too — chaos. Ebube sets up a new Black council with Afam and Soonen for Rhaenyra, but not without first flying in Pete Peppers for some wisdom on governance.The team can't help but sink their teeth into Ormund's clever gambit and all its potential repercussions, before getting into everything from Rhaenyra's goals to her stress, as well as the voices pulling her in different directions. They also talk about Corlys' gripes and Rhaenyra's desperate needs for a new queensguard, the full list of people she needs to keep happy in order to rule, and the role her relationship with Alicent plays in all the current drama.Remember, sis; you prayed for this job.You can support us hereAlso available on YouTubeHost: Ebube UbochiGuests: Afam, Soonen and Pete PeppersProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

They've gone and done it now, haven't they? They pissed off the Dragon Queen. And for that, heads WILL roll.For the second episode of 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, Ebube, Afam and Soonen dissect the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, note the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between Aemond and Daemon, and rave about Emma D'Arcy's incredible acting.They talk about the incredible loses incurred by Corlys, Alicent's brazen plans, Mysaria's place in Rhaenyra and Daemon's marriage, and the fact that Alys will definitely have a bigger role to play in what's to come. They also briefly comment on Ironrod's idiocy and try to decide whether such scenes are truly necessary in modern fiction.Now bring Aegon — THE USURPER — to us.You can support us hereAlso available on YouTubeHost: Ebube Ubochi Guests: Afam and SoonenProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

Listen to separate the three layers of an arc -- does the character change? How do they feel about it? And how is the audience positioned to feel about it? Stu, Chas and Mel finally begin their long-awaited journey into CHARACTER ARCS. In this "primer" episode, we try find some learnings and analytical lenses that we can then apply in future breakdowns. In this episode, we explore differences between a character learning something and a character fundamentally changing, how to dramatise that, and how the show teaches the audience to perceive that transformation (whether positively or negatively). Throughout the discussion, we skate over A NEW HOPE, BLUE MOON, BREAKING BAD, BETTER CALL SAUL, the French real-time thriller FULL TIME, A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, THE GREEN KNIGHT, ALL OF US STRANGERS, PREDATOR BADLANDS, FIELD OF DREAMS, MEG 2, and Stu's receding hairline. Ultimately, this discussion synthesises into a series of questions to ask of a story and the main point-of-view character living through that story: Does the audience enter the story with an expectation that characters will change? How does the story teach the audience to expect characters to change or not? Do the characters change? Is it experiential change or internal value change? How is that dramatised? Is the character aware that they changed? How do they feel about that change? Does that matter? How does the story want the audience to feel about that change? If different to the character's perception, how does the story pull that off? How does the story world punish or reward the change? What are the values explored by the arc? How does this relate to the theme? How is contrast vs affinity/unity portrayed through the characters' journey? Order vs disorder vs inertia What is the emotional event created between the character and audience as a result of the journey? Does the character end up more intimate or distant from the audience? In upcoming episodes, we intend to apply these lenses to stories with STEADFAST/RESILIENT arcs, POSITIVE arcs, NEGATIVE arcs and - potentially - a “WTF is this?!” arc. Please check out our homework discussion on Patreon. And if you want to vote on the stories we're gonna breakdown, sign up! As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes. LIKE THIS EPISODE? Discuss with our Patrons on Patreon. Join the discussion on Reddit. Watch and comment on YouTube. Send us feedback. Thanks to our Patrons, especially Khrob, Theis, Sandra, Jesse, Randy, Paulo, Thomas, Jennifer, Malay, Alexandre & Natalie and Lily. → Read the transcript for this episode. ——— "Character arcs are really difficult to talk about because they're not just in isolation. Rarely is a film only about one character, right? So we're actually talking about how we harmonize other characters around them." — Stu Willis @ 00:12:16 ——— CHAPTERS 00:00:00 – Cold Open 00:00:17 – Character Arcs: A Primer on What We're Really Asking 00:03:13 – › Three layers of an arc: character, self-perception, audience 00:07:04 – › The four-quadrant map: change, no change, better, worse 00:10:15 – › Why calling it an arc is already a misnomer 00:13:35 – What We Each Want to Learn from This Series 00:19:56 – › Whether emotional authenticity is becoming more valuable than spectacle 00:23:37 – › Why stories let us safely inhabit experiences outside our own 00:30:04 – The Deep Question: Can Characters Actually Change? 00:35:49 – › Contrast and affinity as the design logic of transformation 00:41:40 – › The rock metaphor: external forces versus intrinsic change 00:46:43 – › Order, disorder, and inertia as the spectrum of arc types 00:50:29 – Three Layers of Judgment: Character, World, and Audience 00:56:45 – › How the filmmaker positions the audience relative to the character 01:00:01 – › Do audiences enter stories expecting change at all? 01:06:09 – › Mapping the inner journey against plot beats 01:09:28 – › Why low points exist to make the climax feel earned 01:12:09 – Key Learnings & Wrap Up 01:26:47 – Thanks to Our Patreons! FILMS STAR WARS (1977) — (w) George Lucas SHOWS A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS — (w) George Rr Martin, Ira Parker BETTER CALL SAUL — (w) Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould BREAKING BAD — (w) Vince Gilligan LINKS Website: Bruce Block's The Visual Story EPISODES IN THE CHARACTER ARCS SERIES DZ-128: What even is a Character Arc? RELATED EPISODES DZ-04: Catharsis and the Post-Coital Cigarette DZ-108: The Emotional Event with Judith Weston ——— More Draft Zero is brought to you by our awesome Patreons. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a rating on Spotify, or a review on Podchaser. We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter. Full show notes at: https://draft-zero.com/2026/dz-128/

In this episode, there's an iconic reunion!---------------Review Contest InfoHey Symposium listeners! Have you ever listened to our ASOIAF coverage and wanted to chime in live with your thoughts or wanted us to cover a property of your choice?  Introducing the Symposium Review Contest! The contest is open now and closes on August 31, 2026.Here's how you can enter: Leave us a 5-star review on any pod-catcher and send us a screenshot to earn an entry. You can leave reviews on as many platforms as you want and each screenshot counts as an entry.If you want an extra incentive, every review you submit on or before April 30, 2026 will be counted as 2 entries.If you win, you get to pick one of the following 3 options:Option 1: Join us for a ASOIAF wrap-up episode after we have read ADWD.Option 2: Get us to watch or read or otherwise consume a piece of media to cover on the podcast.Option 3: Same as Option 2 but you get you also be on the podcast with us. We will have a minimum of 2 winners. One winner will be the person who earned the most entries. And a second winner will be chosen through random draw. If interest is high, a third winner may be chosen. So, folks, get those reviews in on or before August 31, 2026! We look forward to chatting in Fall of 2026!---------------Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

Send us Fan MailKevan Lannister presides over the Small Council, has dinner with Cersei, and then gets murdered by Varys and his little birds. Busy day. Mackelly and Simon try to keep it together.Chapter Review:Kevan Lannister and the Small Council quiz Ronnet Connington over the reappearance of cousin Jon Connington and this pretender Aegon. He protests his loyalty, but is held pending further consideration. Harys Swyft is trying to make new loans to pay off the existing loans. Next the trial of the Queens. Cersei is to be championed by Ser Robert Strong. Kevan is not the only member of the council to have misgivings about the silent giant. Ser Kevan reminds the Tyrell faction that if Cersei is found guilty then Tommen isn't the king and Margaery isn't the queen, so they'd better all get on board.As the council adjourns Kevan worries about the loyalties of the members. He begins to see Cersei's worries that the Tyrells have too much power. He dines with Cersei and Tommen. The king is sweet about his kittens. Cersei is penitent and seemingly broken. He's glad but also sad.He's called to Pycelle's chambers, where he is ambushed by Varys who mortally wounds Kevan with a crossbow bolt. As Kevan dies, Varys explains that Kevan is too good. He's securing Tommen's throne and threatening to bring peace and stability to the realm. But Varys needs Cersei's brand of chaos to create the conditions for Aegon's ascension.Characters/Places/Names/EventsCersei Lannister - Dowager Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Mother to King Tommen.Tommen Lannister - Younger son of Cersei and King of the Seven Kingdoms.Kevan Lannister - Uncle to Cersei, lord regent.Lancel Lanniser - Son of Kevan, former lover of Cersei. Now a convert to the militant branch of the Faith of the Seven.Qyburn - Disgraced maester of the citadel. Ally to Cersei.Margaery Tyrell - Wife to King Tommen. Despised by Cersei.Varys - Former master of whisperers. In hiding since he abetted Tyrion escaping the dungeons.Ser Robert Strong - New member of the Kingsguard. The size and shape of the now (believed) dead Mountain (Gregor Clegane). Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

HBO's 'House of the Dragon' is FINALLY back for its third season! But at what cost?Ebube summons Afam and Soonen for a deep dive into a truly pyrrhic victory, dealt at the most pivotal naval battle the realm has ever known, and brace for the inevitable as they evaluate the legacy of Jacaerys Velaryon, as well as take stock of the confusion across the entire board.They discuss the audacity of Alicent's offer and the problems she faces now that her rug's been pulled (6:55), including her relationship with Aemond (12:10) and the schemes of the Hightowers as a whole (44:49). They also talk about the significance of mother-son relationships in the episode (30:28); the insanity of Rhaena's current situation in addition to its potential repercussions (7:45); and the true cost of the Battle of the Gullet (52:14), all before finally introducing Ebube's brand new device: the Adaptometer® (1:15:20).R.I.P to a real one yet again.You can support us hereAlso available on YouTubeHost: Ebube Ubochi Guests: Afam and SoonenProduction by: Ebube Ubochi

Send us Fan MailDaenerys lives. She's learned to ride Drogon, but now she tries to walk home. This leads to an unfortunate run-in with old friends. Simon and Mackelly try to put one foot in front of the other.Chapter Review:Daenerys Targaryen lives. Drogon has brought her to a rocky outcrop in the Dothraki sea which he has made his lair. Between a small pond and the scraps from Drogon's successful hunts, she's surviving. What's more, she's learning to ride the dragon. Unlike horses he turns toward the whip. But only when he feels like it. Most of the time they go where he wants to go. Foiled in her hopes of flying back to Meereen, she decides to walk. She's spied a small stream and figures if she can follow it, she must surely eventually reach the Skahazadhan and Meereen. The journey is arduous and she possibly has a miscarriage. She also has visions of various people from her past.  Her chances of survival appear grim, especially when a Dothraki scout stumbles upon her. But he misses her, distracted by a dragon flying in the sky. Drogon swoops down to her. She climbs aboard. He harries the Khalasar and burns a horse. They land and both tuck into a warm meal. But are then surrounded by Khal Jhaqo's men.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros.Drogon - Largest of Daenerys' dragons.Ser Jorah Mormont - Disgraced advisor to Daenerys. Now with the Second Sons.Quaithe - Shadowbinder of Asshai, left Daenerys with prophecies that guide and bind her.Viserys Targaryen - Elder brother of Daenerys, killed by Khal Drogo.Khal Jhaqo - Former ko of Khal Drogo, now khal over a remnant of Drogo's khalasar. Meereen - Largest city on Slaver's Bay.Dothraki Sea - Huge swath of Essos covered by grass and very little else. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailSer Barristan watches a man die before meeting with his queen's new council to discuss both peace and war plans. He then talks with the Dornishmen to offer a get-out-of-jail card. Finally, he meets with the Green Grace. The Yunki'i have rejected his ransom offer for the hostages. To emphasize this point, the Yunkai begin launching corpses into the city. Mackelly and Simon duck and cover.Chapter Review:Ser Barristan Selmy scans the horizon for a sign of Queen Daenerys Targaryen's return. Instead, he surveys the destruction the freed dragons have wreaked on the city. He hears a death rattle coming from indoors and steps into the queen's apartments as Prince Quentyn Martell takes his final breaths. Soon after, Skahaz mo Kandaq arrives. He gives Selmy the “butcher's tally.” The Sons of the Harpy killed 29 last night. The pair make their way to join the council Selmy has assembled to run the city until the queen returns.The Green Grace has been sent to the Yunkai'i to offer a ransom for the queen's remaining hostages. She hasn't returned. Instead they discuss alternatives. If the Yunkai'i reject the offer, Barristan will respond with fire and blood. He presents war plans and the men debate strategy.When the council is dismissed, Selmy goes to the dungeons to inform Archibald Yronwood and Gerris Drinkwater that their friend and prince is dead. He then offers them an opportunity to keep their heads on their necks. If they take a message to the Tattered Prince requesting that he free the hostages, Selmy will send the Dornishmen home with Quentyn's bones. Arch accepts on both men's behalf.While waiting for the Green Grace to return, Selmy frets over his decisions. Are they what the queen would've wanted? His thoughts are interrupted by the return of the Green Grace. She wants King Hizdar zo Loraq freed. Only he can stop the violence within the city and save the peace with Yunkai. Selmy says the king will be freed, if he can prove he didn't poison the queen. The Green Grace says the Yunkai'i rejected the ransom offer. Their discussion is interrupted by Skahaz, who bursts in to tell them the Yunkai have begun to fire their trebuchets. The Green Grace adds that it's not rocks they're launching. It's corpses.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King's Landing. Now Lord Commander of the Dany's Queensguard.Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, husband to Daenerys.Skahaz mo Kandaq (aka The Shavepate) - Ghiscari noble, loyal to Daenerys and opposed to Hizdahr.Quentyn Martell - Oldest son of Prince Doran Martell.Archibald Yronwood - Dornish knight and friend of Prince Quentyn Martell.Gerris Drinkwater - Dornish knight and friend of Prince Quentyn Martell.Green Grace - Top religious leader in the city.Meereen - Largest city on Slaver's Bay. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailJon Snow tries to arrange for a rescue mission to Hardhome, but his plans are derailed by a taunting missive from Ramsay Bolton. He now decides to go south to confront his tormentor, but this is the last straw for his critics who gang up on him and stab him repeatedly. Mackelly and Simon try to find reasons for hope.Chapter Review:Lord Commander Jon Snow describes his plan to rescue the free folk at Hardhome to Queen Selyse. She suggests the simpler solution, of letting them all die. Her men are to marry Gerrick Kingsblood's daughters and she wants Val for Ser Patrek.Jon explains his plans to Bowen Marsh and Othell Yarwyck, who disagree. He sends them away and welcomes Tormund Giantsbane, who has come with 50 men to help save the trapped wildlings. While they talk,Clydas brings a letter. It is signed by Ramsay Bolton, and details that Stannis is dead, Mance and his spearwives captured, and that Reek and his bride are to be returned immediately.Jon presents a new plan to the assembled Night's Watch: Tormund and his men to Hardhome while Jon rides south to deal with Bolton and free Winterfell. Many join his cause. Wun Wun, protecting Val from the unwanted advances of Ser Patrek, bashes the smaller man to death. Jon tries to calm the giant, demanding that the assembled men sheathe their steel. But instead several of them turn on Jon and stab him repeatedly.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.Tormund Giantsbane - Leader of a large group of free folk.Queen Selyse Baratheon - Queen to King Stannis.Melisandre - Priestess of R'Hllor. Advisor to King Stannis Baratheon. Val - Sister to Mance Rayder's wife Dalla.Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward at Castle Black.Othell Yarwyck - First Builder at Castle Black.Hardhome - Once the closest thing to a town north of the Wall. Now home to thousands of Free Folk refugees. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Three years of Dancing with Dragons Podcast somehow flew by, and it has us thinking about the exact moments that turned Game of Thrones from “a show we tried once” into a world we never really left. We look back at how we found Westeros, what it felt like to fall into George R.R. Martin's universe for the first time, and why A Song of Ice and Fire still sparks better arguments than almost anything else on TV.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow Dancing with Dragons on Instagram Follow Tony on IG: Sirtone_Reviews  Follow Minwa on IG: TheArabKhaleesihttps://dancingwithdragons.buzzsprout.comEmail us @DancewithDragons62@gmail.com

Steamboat vampires!!!!Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠.Want more science fiction in your life? Check out ⁠⁠The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast⁠⁠.Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on ⁠⁠Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast⁠⁠.Lovecraft? Poe? Check out ⁠⁠Elder Sign: A Weird Fiction Podcast⁠⁠.Trekker? Join us on ⁠⁠Lower Decks: A Star Trek Podcast⁠⁠.Want to know more about the Middle Ages? Subscribe to ⁠⁠Agnus: The Late Antique, Medieval, and Byzantine Podcast⁠⁠.

Send us Fan MailQuentyn Martell tries to fulfill his destiny, and his deal with the Windblown, to obtain dragons. Not much goes to plan and the chapter ends with Rhaegal setting Quentyn afire. Simon and Mackelly hope his Targaryen blood will save him. Chapter Review:Prince Quentyn Martell is determined to obtain a dragon. He cannot face the shame of returning to Dorne empty-handed. Gerris Drinkwater catches him testing his flesh against candle flame, with predictable results. Gerris thinks Quentyn needs a visit to a Red Grace. Quentyn is in no joking mood. He thinks his friends might be Dornish, but he is Dorne. He sees his future differently and is determined to make a name for himself.That morning they dress as Brazen Beasts and, armed with a password (“dog”) obtained by the Windblown, they try to make their way to the dragons. They get through one door but at the dragon's lair they are forced to fight the guards.Within, the dragons have both broken their chains. While they take a brief interest in Pretty Meris, they quickly become unruly. Quentyn tries to act as Daenerys did, but his use of the whip only enrages the dragons. As he tries to subdue Viserion, Rheagal lights him on fire.    Characters/Places/Names/Events:Quentyn Martell - Eldest son, and second child of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne.Gerris Drinkwater “Drink” - Quentyn's companion.Archibald Yronwood “Arch” - Final member of the trio.Windblown - Sellsword company that has entered the fight against Daenerys Targaryen.Tattered Prince - Captain of the Windblown.Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros, Queen of Meereen.Meereen - Largest of the major slaver cities of Slaver's Bay.Brazen Beasts - City watch company in Meereen. Made up of freedmen. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailSer Barristan Selmy commits to the plan to oust King Hizdhar. He's not thrilled about it, and extracts promises from Skahaz that blood would only be shed as a last resort. His capture of Hizdahr is interrupted - the dragons are loose. Jenny and Mackelly fetch buckets of sand.Chapter Review:Ser Barristan Selmy plots with Skahaz mo Kandaq to dethrone King Hizdahr zo Loraq and to establish a council to rule Meereen until Queen Daenerys Targaryen returns. If all goes well, they'll treat with the besiegers for the return of the hostages. Selmy knows that Daenerys would be heartbroken if Daario Naharis were to be lost, but he considers how often the realm has suffered when rulers are led by their hearts rather than their heads.He advises Missandei to stay in the Queen's chambers that evening, as he fears his actions may precipitate further bloodshed. He's armored but helmless. With several loyal Brazen Beasts in tow, he gains access to the king's chambers with fake news from Daenerys. He confronts Hizdahr with having tried to poison the queen and kill her dragons. The king denies it.Instead, he calls for his bodyguard Khrazz. The former pit fighter doesn't know how to fight an armored opponent and Selmy defeats the larger, younger man. As Selmy moves to arrest Hizdar, news arrives that the dragons have been loosed.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King's Landing. Now Lord Commander of Daenerys' Queensguard.Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, husband to Daenerys. Now King of Meereen.Skahaz mo Kandaq (aka The Shavepate) - Ghiscari noble, loyal to Daenerys and opposed to Hizdahr.Reznak mo Reznak - Ghiscari seneschal. Advisor to Daenerys and Hizdahr.Khrazz - Pit fighter turned Kingsguard for King Hizdar.Meereen - Largest city on Slaver's Bay. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailTyrion makes a deal with the Second Sons which gives him, Penny, and Jorah a second chance. Mackelly and Simon weigh up the deal that he's struck.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister signs a stack of parchments, each gifting an increasing tranche of gold to the senior members of the Second Sons. He feigns anguish at the amounts but knows that he's good for it if he comes into his inheritance and dead anyway if he doesn't…so it's all an act. After the bookkeeping he formally signs up to the Second Sons in blood.He wakes Penny and they visit the armor wagons. He wants her protected if battle should come. He gives her his usual dose of tough love. But her feelings for him remain undimmed. They encounter Ser Jorah Mormont who is freshly bedecked in armor of his own. And he's showing signs of coming back to life after suffering miserably as a slave. Jorah agrees that there is real danger. He thinks the Yunkai'i have lost the war. Between the Pale Mare, the unsullied, and the dragons the Meereenese have nothing to fear. The two men reckon that their salvation lies in convincing Brown Ben Plum and the Second Sons to turn their cloak one more time and fight for Queen Daenerys.   Characters/Places/Names/Events:Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister, whom he murdered. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.Ser Jorah Mormont - Twice-disgraced knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In love with Daenerys.Penny - Dwarf who performed at Joffrey's wedding. Her brother Oppo was murdered.Brown Ben Plum - Westerosi sellsword who claims Targaryen blood, but has betrayed Daenerys.Meereen - Major city on Slaver's Bay. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailCersei does the walk of shame through King's Landing. Mackelly and Simon wistfully recall their college days.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister is shaved (all over) and must walk through the streets of King's Landing, from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep to atone for the cherry-picked sins that she has confessed to. She's a lion and won't be cowed. She keeps her eyes on the Red Keep and the promise of seeing her son King Tommen again as the crowd pelt her with insults and rotten flora and fauna. She stumbles, slips in excrement, and sees faces from her past in the crowd. Eventually the abuse takes its toll and she realizes that she has made a fatal mistake. This crowd of baying peasants will never again see and fear her as the queen. WIth this she breaks and runs, then crawls the rest of the way.But she is met by Qyburn and the newly appointed Kingsguard brother Ser Robert Strong - all 8ft of him. Suddenly she feels a great wash of relief. Her chances to prove her innocence in the trial by combat have just increased meteorically. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Dowager Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Mother to King Tommen.Tommen Lannister - Younger son of Cersei and King of the Seven Kingdoms.Kevan Lannister - Uncle to Cersei, King regent.Lancel Lanniser - Son of Kevan, former lover of Cersei. Now a convert to the militant branch of the Faith of the Seven.Qyburn - Disgraced maester of the citadel. Ally to Cersei.Margaery Tyrell - Wife to King Tommen. Despised by Cersei.Ser Robert Strong - new member of the Kingsguard. The size and shape of the now (believed) dead Mountain (Gregor Clegane). Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailArya gets her first assignment as an assassin for the House of Black and White. She also gets a new face, that of a little girl who had been badly beaten. After a successful mission, Arya is promoted to Acolyte and given her first apprenticeship. Simon and Mackelly decide to stop biting their coins.Chapter Review:Arya Stark witnesses a meeting of priests of the House of Black and White. When the meeting ends, one of the men talks with her. He accuses her of being too soft, selfish, and proud to be one of them. However, in the end, he gives her an assignment. She is to kill a ship insurer. To scope out her target she will resume the role of Cat of the Canals.While selling her cockles and watching her mark, she notices that he bites every coin he receives. A plan comes to her as to how best to deliver him the “gift.” The Kindly Man takes her deep into the heart of the temple where the faces are stored. He removes Arya's face and replaces it with that of a girl who had been beaten by her father to the point of disfigurement. From her perspective, Arya can't tell the difference. However, the Kindly Man assures her that nobody who sees her face will soon forget it.The next day Arya waits for a man to walk by on his way to pay the ship insurer. She cuts his purse and grabs a handful of coins. The man turns to stop her and coins spill to the ground. Arya runs and hides for a while. When she returns to the House of Black and White, she tells the Kindly Man that she replaced one of the man's coins with one she had poisoned. When her target receives the payment he will bite the coin, and at some point later that day his heart will give out. The Kindly Man tells her she might not be hopeless after all. He gives her the robe of an acolyte, but tells her not to get too comfortable in it. Starting tomorrow she begins an apprenticeship.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.Kindly Man - Priest of the Many-Faced God.Waif - Priestess of the Many-Faced God.Many-Faced God - God worshiped in Essos that embodies all gods.House of Black and White - Temple of the Many-Faced God in Braavos.All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Send us Fan MailVictarion Greyjoy follows Moqorro's advice and gains many victories. He believes that he is now blessed by two gods. Simon and Mackelly wonder if poly-religiosity is frowned upon by the deities.Chapter Review:Victarion Greyjoy is advised by Moqorro where to sail. Repeatedly the red priest comes up with the goods and the Iron Fleet swells with each captured vessel. Victarion emulates his intended (well intended by him) Daenerys Targaryen by freeing the galley slaves. They still have to row, but now as freemen.The captured captains don't do so well. Particularly those who tell him that Daenerys is dead or that he is a fool - well the Drowned God needed some offerings.Moqorro inspects the dragon horn that Euron gave to Victarion. The priest can read the runes and explains that the horn will bind the dragon to the master of the horn, but that he must establish that mastership with blood.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Victarion Greyjoy - Younger brother of Euron Greyjoy, Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet.Euron Greyjoy - King of the Iron Islands.Daenerys Targaryen - Queen of Meereen, wanted as bride by Euron Greyjoy to allow him to claim the Iron Throne.Moqorro - Red priest of R'hllor. Recently shipwrecked from the Selaesori Qhoran.Dusky woman - Unnamed and tongueless slave given to Victarion by Euron before the journey. Meereen - Largest city on Slaver's Bay.Isle of Cedars - Island at the mouth of Slaver's Bay. Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

On this episode of Mystery Crate, things spiral immediately.Mike Fuentes attempts to defeat Chris Cote by taking on the 6 McDonald's cheeseburger challenge — can he actually finish six McDonald's cheeseburgers in one sitting? From there, the show derails into a full-blown argument about the Renaissance Festival (Ren Faire) — is dressing up medieval and drinking all day harmless fun, or is it officially “dorky”? The crew debates nerd vs dork culture, tailgates vs Ren Fests, and whether calling something “dorky” is secretly an insult.We also:-Try beef bacon and compare it to pork bacon (yes, this gets serious)-Debate Game of Thrones vs Lord of the Rings-Pitch a George R.R. Martin hot tub sitcom theory about why he hasn't finished Game Of Thrones-React to viral AI LeBron James videos-Develop a brand-new fear of sinkholes in Florida-Talk Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the future of the Game of Thrones universe If you're here for fast food challenges, fantasy book conspiracies, Ren Faire arguments, or pure Mystery Crate nonsense — this episode has all of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices