Electric Bookaloo: Arya IX (Clash)
Is Jaqen H’gar unnaturally old? Is Faceless Man magic just smoke in mirrors? Are prayers answered in Westeros? Is Biter a Squisher? Dr. Pádraig MacCarron returns to discuss an action-packed Arya chapter.
Maester Class: Knighthood and Wealth
Dr. Kelly DeVries joins the class to discuss why it is so rare for a knight to be killed in battle. I highly recommend his book.
Electric Bookaloo: Bran VI (Clash) + HOTD Auction Part 2
Brian Pavlac and Valerie Garver discuss Theon’s sacking of Winterfell. Then Anthony’s friends join the podcast to claim their teams for HOTD season 2 in the second part of our Stonecrow’s auction. Have a look at the Star Mantle.
Maester Class: Medieval Blowtorches and Ignoble Inventions
Anthony discusses two weapons that Martin introduces in A Clash of Kings and their real-world medieval parallels.
Electric Bookaloo: Catelyn VI (Clash)
Lt. Col. ML Cavanaugh (PhD and military strategist) joins the podcast to talk about defending Riverrun and a few metacritical aspects of warfare.
Maester Class: How We got a Dec 25 Xmas
An historian explains how Christmas fell on December 25 and why there are “12 days” of Christmas in popular mythology.
Electric Bookaloo: Tyrion X (Clash)
Is Shae lying to Tyrion? Is Varys lying about his childhood? Does Tyrion’s prayer foreshadow his murderous future? Joining the discussion: Robyn, Steve, and Ray.
Maester Class: Is Smiling a Medieval Invention?
Did ancient people smile? If so, how would we know?
Electric Bookaloo: Jon V (Clash) + Auction Part 1
Jon departs the company of Lord Mormont and enters the company of Qhorin Halfhand. Historian Iain MacInnis returns to discuss. Then listen in on part one of our first ever fantasy-fantasy auction for House of the Dragon, season 2.
Maester Class: GRRM’s Roman Daydreams
George R.R. Martin, like most men, has thoughts about the Roman Empire. Here are just seven of them delivered by a man who also dreams of imperial glory.