Dr. Pádraig MacCarron joins to talk about Arya’s death genie. Then Elysia joins to discuss Edgar Allan Poe’s influence on GRRM.

What is a squisher? And does Arya encounter a squisher in the fellow called Biter?

Theon begins a war with himself. Dr. Iain MacInnis discusses parallels with Theon and history. Anthony puts forth his theory that Theon is “Dark Davos.” Elysia from Wool-Shift-Dust talks Wheel of Time. Then Dr. Laura Young introduces International Relations with Ice-and-Fire examples.

Boston University’s Philip Haberkern answers a question about religious violence in a world of religious pluralism.

Tyrion seizes the opportunity to wed Joffrey to the very bedable Margaery Tyrell. Cersei feels the remnants of her political power slipping away and Littlefinger climbs another rung of the ladder. This is the first of two interviews with Professor Jan Dolittle Wilson about Tyrion’s peak in A Clash of Kings.

Is Jojen a good interpreter of dreams? And what’s the deal with medieval werewolves? Phil Haberkern is back to talk about all this and more. Then Pádraig MacCarron considers whether fighting with a net is chivalrous.

Dr. Iain MacInnis considers historical analogues to Jon Snow.

This Jon chapter offers the best evidence yet that Bran is communicating from the future. Magic is afoot at the foot of the Fist of the First Men. Anthony is joined by Melanie, Jarod, and Robyn to discuss. Stephanie Barbé Hammer talks about her new book. Participate in Steph’s zoom class!

Dr. Jana Matthews suggests a historical analogue for Brienne of Tarth.