My favorite Game of Thrones podcasts

Phew.

I bet Tyrion wants a "break" right about now too.

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!

'Catch The Throne' hopes to catch diverse audience

So, you may have heard: "Game of Thrones" is coming out with a mixtape called "Catch The Throne." HBO has hired 10 hip hop and Latin music artists to rap about all things Lannisters, dragons and Winterfell. It comes out tomorrow and will be available for free online. 

Joffrey's mad he's not featured in the mixtape. 

Joffrey's mad he's not featured in the mixtape. 

I guess the goal is to attract more of a multicultural audience and entice them to check out the show. I'm all for more people (especially Latinos) falling in love with the show and book series (as I have) — but I question if this is really going to do it. On the one hand, Common's vouched for this. On the other hand, I can see myself becoming very annoyed if Daddy Yankee's going on about Khaleesi lovin' the gasolina...

geek on,
michelle

Gift guide: For the 'Game of Thrones' geek

Are you freaking out about buying gifts for the geeks in your life?

I got ya! Here are some gifts for the "Game of Thrones" geek in your life.

Great stocking stuffer for only $2! Game of Thrones hand of king brooch necklace

Great stocking stuffer for only $2! Game of Thrones hand of king brooch necklace

geek on,
michelle

Gift guide: For the 'Breaking Bad' geek

Do you procrastinate when it comes to holiday-time gift-buying? Never fear! Here are some geeky latina-approved gifts you can gift your loved ones that will be sure to please. :)
First up, gifts for the "Breaking Bad" geek in your life.

Geek style: Breaking Bad "Better Call Saul" outfit

Can you tell I'm still looking for ways to cope with Breaking Bad being over?  :(

Breaking-Bad-Geek-Chic.jpg

So it only makes sense to shop online for BB-related things, right? Enter this great Etsy find. This "Better Call Saul!" sweatshirt is awesome — you'll be cute and warm this fall. Complete the look with cute booties and a bright plaid scarf. Bam! An outfit Huell would approve.

Linky links: Better Call Saul sweatshirt | Knot studs | Plaid scarf | Sloane bag |  Rusova booties | H&M skinny jeans

geek on,
michelle

Help me this Halloween!

I'm in the process of brainstorming for my DIY Halloween costume. Here are two possibilities, both realistically easier with my naturally curly hair. Elaine Benes and Deanna Troi have been TV characters I've idolized since I was young.  :) 

What do you think? 

halloween-elaine-deanna.jpg

geek on,
michelle

What in the world made my day today, you ask?

This.


The answer is YES. A million times yes. More info here.

geek on,
michelle

Geeking over: Larry David dress

It's no secret I'm kind of obsessed with all things Larry David. So imagine my sheer delight when I came across this charming frock. It's prettay, prettay, prettay good. :)

geek on, 
michelle

¡Debes llamar Saul!

Univision has announced it will re-make Breaking Bad into a Spanish-language drama.

My first thought was "Yeah b*tch!" (in a Jesse voice) but the more I think about it the more I am worried. How can they possibly capture the brilliance that is Vince Gilligan's vision and not have it turn into a cheesy telenovela? Don't get me wrong. I love telenovelas, but this show is just so good I don't know how it can be re-done. Especially with a new cast and a different setting. I have so many questions! Though I will admit, seeing the perspective of the Latin American drug trade through Walter Blanco's eyes should be interesting!

More info here.

What do you think? Do you have high (pun intended, hehe) hopes for Metástasis?

geek on
michelle

The Wire Update: Season 4

Photo: HBO

​I'll write a lengthy and emotional recap of my better-late-than-never watching of the epic HBO series The Wire once I finish it all ... but I definitely wanted to do a quick check-in since I just finished season 4.

Wow. Just when I think I've seen the highest quality dramas TV has to offer, The Wire has to come along and shake up any kind of ranking system I had. This show just gets better and better and I'm sad I only have one more season to go. This season tore my heart apart when it told the stories of Dukie, Randy, Michael and Namond.

I heard the last season focuses on journalism and the local newspaper in Baltimore, so I can already predict I'm going to love it.  I'll try to prepare myself for heartbreak once its all over.

geek on,
michelle