My favorite Game of Thrones podcasts
Phew.
I bet Tyrion wants a "break" right about now too.
Alright, now that Game of Thrones season 4 is over, I can get back to blogging again. :)
Just kidding! I know it's been a while but I'm back! Life got all kinds of hectic so I took a little blog break. Never fear, your somewhat weekly dose of geekiness is back.
Behold, my favorite Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire themed podcasts. I truly believe listening to these podcasts can really elevate your enjoyment of the show, or the books, or both! Give it a try. Your TV life will change. We have a long while til we get to season 5, I highly recommend giving some of the older seasons a re-watch and checking out the 'casts below:
A Cast of Kings
Good for: Everyone
Usual length: Around 60 min
Why I like it: There's lots of podcasts where one of the hosts has read the books, and the other has not. But there's only one with hosts Joanna Robinson and David Chen. They always have interesting conversation and analysis about the episodes. It's gotten to the point where I sometimes think "What would David and Joanna think about this?" after I see a scene on TV. This is just a really solid podcast, and is very, very careful about being spoiler free.
Listen online | iTunes
Unspoiled Podcast: A Song of Ice and Fire
Good for: Book readers
Usual length: Can range from 30 min to 90 min
Why I like it: Brendan and Natasha are hilarious. This is a podcast that's not afraid to get silly and make fun of what happens in the books and on the show. They are a delight to listen to, and this is the only podcast that regularly makes me laugh out loud. They have episodes dedicated to every chapter of the books. I only regret not discovering them sooner because honestly, after every chapter I read I wish I had someone to talk to about what just happened. And this is the next best thing.
Listen online | iTunes
Game of Owns
Good for: Everyone
Usual length: Around 60 min
Why I like it: Ugh, their website is gorgeous. Just look at it. Podcast-wise though, this is one of my trusty ones. It almost feels like you're eavesdropping on a group of friends reacting to the episodes. Some of the hosts have read the books, some have not. I love that they have puns for their episode titles, and don't take themselves too seriously. And for that, they get my "own." (You'll get that joke if you listen to it.)
Listen online | iTunes
Westeros.org*
Good for: Book readers
Usual length: Can range from 40 min to 80 min
Why I like it: Elio and Linda both have not only read the all books (and then some), but are super passionate about their adaptation. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who sighs about major deviations from the books. They are very invested in all things Game of Thrones, even collaborating with George R.R. Martin himself on a book called The World of Ice and Fire. Their website, is also an awesome resource for book readers.
Watch online
History of Westeros*
Good for: Everyone, just be careful
Usual length: Can range from 30 min to 90 min
Why I like it: If there was a college course on Westeros, these podcasts could serve as the lessons. Aziz and Ashaya really know their stuff. The episode recap videos are awesome, and they will always warn you if they include spoilers, just be careful! Their in-depth videos on the world of Westeros are very thorough. They really let me dive deep into the fantastic world George R.R. Martin's created.
Watch online | iTunes
Game of Thrones Post-Show Recap
Good for: Mostly non-book readers, but also book readers
Usual length: Around 60 min
Why I like it: What's awesome about this podcast is that it's up and live right after the show airs. So while I have to wait days for some of these other 'casts, this one is my trusty one to listen to on Monday mornings on my commute to work. The TV recap episodes are spoiler-free, but if you want to, they have "book club" episodes of their podcasts where they talk book spoilers. Just make sure you click on the right thing!
Listen online |
If you have a favorite Game of Thrones podcast, comment below!
geek on,
michelle
* These are only recommended for the super geeky, like me. Don't say I didn't warn ya!
El Top 5: Pop-up Westeros, Adele Dazim and NailSnaps
These are 5 things I think are awesome at the moment.
I remember loving pop-up books when I was younger, so it's no surprise I'd freak out about the soon-to-be released pop-up book, Game of Thrones: A Pop-Up Guide to Westeros.
I spend so much time relying on my iPhone sometimes it gets easy to forget how far cellphones have come. This adorable video shows how cellphones have evolved over the last 40 years.
This. Over and over again.
This kickstarter that I just supported. I'm just thinking of all the geeky nail designs I could make...
Photo: NailSnaps
One of my favorite movies that I quote all the time is "The Wedding Singer." So watching this cute clip of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore made me happy. Especially at the very end. :)
geek on,
michelle
My favorite meme from the Super Bowl
Joe Namath + IKEA monkey.
Apple makes me cry with their latest holiday commerical
See if it doesn't get dusty where you are right now...
geek on,
michelle
Spanish cover of 'Wake Me Up'
You know that "Wake Me Up" song by Avicii and Aloe Blacc that's on all the time on the radio? Yeah, I find it annoying too.
Well, listen to this Spanish cover of it. I love it! There's something about Spanish that makes songs better for me. :)
geek on,
michelle
Links I'm Loving: Drake-ing Bad, Seinfeld newscast and more
Check out the following:
Started from the bottom now we here. "Drake-ing Bad"
The most Seinfeld-y newscast ever.
If Walter Jr. From "Breaking Bad" Had Instagram via Buzzfeed
Disturbing but intriguing — how to make a dress out of gym shorts
Sir Patrick Stewart got married! My heart soars.
An interesting and funny take on emails. (Watch below)
Video: Yemeni girl escapes marriage
Well, damn.
Have you seen this video yet? This video of an 11-year-old Yemeni girl's story of escaping her arranged marriage has gone viral. Nada Al-Ahdal is a very brave girl whose story gave me chills.
geek on,
michelle
Photo: AMC
Yeah, Bit@h: Breaking Bad Refresher
Photo: AMC
We're getting closer, guys. Breaking Bad's final season starts August 11. If you need a refresher, this 9-minute video does a pretty good job. * Don't watch this if you are not caught up! *
geek on,
michelle
What in the world made my day today, you ask?
This.
If I were to re-air my old PBS episodes, would you watch me? xo - Carmen http://t.co/3fBdgaujfd #WITWICS #CarmenSandiego
— Carmen Sandiego (@CarmenSandiego) July 15, 2013
The answer is YES. A million times yes. More info here.
geek on,
michelle
Illustration: Gemma Correll
Hee Hee: Middle-aged TMNT
Illustration: Gemma Correll
If you've never seen Gemma Correll's work, you are missing out. Her pug-heavy comics make me smile on the regular. I came across this one, that I thought was both cute and awesome. Enjoy! :)
geek on,
michelle
Geeking over: Game of Thrones in Springfield
The Simpsons used to be a crucial part of my Sunday nights. I still get a certain glee whenever I see anyone transformed into a Simpsons character.
Thanks to illustrator ADN, we don't have to wonder what Game of Thrones characters would look like as Simpsons characters. And I have to say, they are pretty perfect.
Two of my faves, Khal Drogo and Tyrion:
Check out more here.
geek on,
michelle
Photo via Pinterest
Could you pass the U.S. citizenship test?
Photo via Pinterest
I decided to take the challenge.
The questions below are taken from the civics test that candidates take as part of their naturalization interview. Only difference? The candidates are not given multiple choices.
I passed, but got 70% as my score. As someone who thought she was good at U.S. History, I'm ashamed!
Now it's your turn. See how you do here!
geek on,
michelle
Via NBC Latino
Thumbs up, thumbs down: Hawks, Wendy Davis, DOMA
Lots happened this week! Catch up here.
THUMBS UP
The Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup! No worries, I'm no bandwagon-er and I will be the first to admit I know caca about hockey. I just get happy when others are happy and man, this made lots of people happy. Chicago, you sure know how to celebrate a championship.
THUMBS UP
State Senator Wendy Davis won the internet when she did a 13-hour-long filibuster which was watched by more than 178,000 people via YouTube. It turned into one of the most riveting, dramatic public debates in history. She did it without eating, drinking, even going to the bathroom. Girl didn't even get to lean! Props, Wendy. Your valiant effort prevented a Texas bill that would stop abortion services throughout the entire state. And I can't forget one of the best quotes of the night from Senator Leticia Van de Putte: "At what point must a female senator raise her voice or hand to be recognized over a male colleague?" Get it, girl! #standwithwendy
Photo: adamsoko/Instagram
THUMBS UP
The Supreme Court ruling that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. This is a huge victory for gay rights that's been a long time coming. #loveislove, people!
THUMBS DOWN
In a not-so-cool move, the Supreme Court struck down a major provision of the Voting Rights Act. Which pretty much means they struck down the part that determines which states must get federal permission before they change their voting laws. This part of the act was a powerful tool that was able to stop discriminatory voting practices from becoming law. Lame, SCOTUS, lame.
geek on,
michelle
Geeking over: Vocals-only "Under Pressure"
Many, many years ago in my youth I was desperate to find out if I had a good singing voice. How would I every truly find out? The way I sounded in recorded homevideos was not the way I sounded in my head. Well, I came up with a fun solution.
I would wear my Walkman, listen to my favorite cassette tape and sing all the while recording myself on one of these.
I'd then play back my "vocals-only" recording to unfortunately discover that I was not gifted with the best singing voice. :( Don't feel too bad for me, it hasn't ever kept me from crooning to my car dashboard, or belting out "Total Eclipse of the Heart" at karaoke.
Anyhow, check out the isolated vocals from Queen and David Bowie’s classic hit “Under Pressure." I love videos like this and this song is one of my faves. :)
geek on,
michelle
