What I'm geeking on lately

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

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

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

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

Geeking over: A future 'Game of Thrones' video game

Yes, you read that right.  The new "Game of Thrones" video game will be released by Telltale next year, in 2014. That's the same company that adapted "The Walking Dead."

I'm super excited and don't really know what to expect but they've said they will base it on the novels. Yay! This could definitely hold me over until GRRM finishes "Winds of Winter."

Check out this teaser trailer below!

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: 

Illustration by ADN 

Illustration by ADN 

Illustration by ADN 

Illustration by ADN 

Check out more here.

geek on,
michelle

My First Time at C2E2!

​Previous commitments have always kept me from attending the annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, a.k.a. C2E2, but this year I was able to go! Cue a happy Elaine dance.

Game of Thrones Q&A with James Cosmo and Natalie Dormer!​

Game of Thrones Q&A with James Cosmo and Natalie Dormer!​

As overwhelming as it first seemed, I quickly got used to the seemingly never-ending aisles of comic books, toys, posters and all things pop culture. And the costumes! Man, it was a people-watching dream. :) There's a sense of relief to know and feel you are among others who know what it feels like to love something, be a fan girl (or boy).  I highly recommend it for anyone, geek or not!

The highlight for me was getting to sit in on a Q&A with Game of Thrones actors James Cosmo (Lord Commander Jeor Mormont) and Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell). Props to RedEye's geek blogger Elliott Serrano, who impressively moderated the panel.

And because I needed some kind of souvenir, I left with a lovely pair of Star Trek inspired earrings which I plan to rock with everything!

Confession: I get excited anytime I get to wear a lanyard.​

Confession: I get excited anytime I get to wear a lanyard.​

I ended up purchasing these rad Star Trek Next Generation communicator earrings.

I ended up purchasing these rad Star Trek Next Generation communicator earrings.

geek on,
michelle

Where Are My Dragons!?!?

Check page 4.​ :)

Source: fastcocreate.com

Source: fastcocreate.com

How awesome is this?!

I spent the majority of my career designing and editing newspaper pages ​so you might understand why I'm prone to geek out about these types of things. This full-page ad, from the Monday, February 25th edition of the New York Times makes my heart so, so  happy. I simply can't wait until March 31st. If you can't either, maybe this recent trailer will hold you over.

geek on,
michelle