• Chapter Twenty-One - Jon 5 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    Jun 24 2025

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    Jon takes supplies to the Free Folk huddled in Mole’s Town. They’re not thrilled. But he has an offer: join the defence of the Wall and get full rations. Several heed the call. Mackelly and Simon (and Jon) wonder where the Free Folk's loyalties lie.

    Chapter Review:
    Jon Snow heads south to Mole’s Town with wagons of supplies for the Free Folk. Along the way he sees newly carved faces in the trees. Clearly the conversion to R'hllor hasn’t universally landed.

    The new residents emerge to find that Jon can only spare starvation rations. Squabbles and arguments break out. Jon has a war horn blown to quiet the crowd.

    He explains that the defenders of the Wall get more rations, they need their strength. Any of the Free Folk are welcome to join. They don’t have to take the Black, they don’t have to kneel, but they do have to obey orders. Sixty three wildlings take up the challenge, but the Thenns resist looking at Jon with disdain. Bowen Marsh has mixed feelings about the new recruits. Like Jon he’s sure they’ll fight the Others, but will they resist a Wildling attack?

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
    Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei’s children are not Robert’s.
    Melisandre - Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’Hllor, the Lord of Light.
    Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward of Castle Black.
    Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night’s Watch.
    Mole’s Town - Town south of Castle Black, mostly underground. Now populated by the Wildlings.
    Sigorn - Magnar of the Thenns.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Chapter Twenty - Reek 2 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    Jun 17 2025

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    Reek/Theon helps secure Moat Cailin for the Boltons. His ironborn brothers pay the ultimate price. Ramsay meets his new bride-to-be, but Theon sees through the Bolton ruse. Today Simon and Mackelly discuss difficult topics such as torture and self-harm. Please seek help for yourself or reach out to a friend who might be struggling with thoughts of self-harm.

    Chapter Review:
    Reek has been cleaned up and is pretending to be a prince of the Iron Islands. He is granted admission to Moat Cailin where he discovers his countrymen in a sorry state. They’re sick, tired, and losing hope. They recognize Theon for what he was (Balon Greyjoy’s son) and what he is (Ramsay’s dog). He offers them terms: stay and die or be fed, treated, and freed to return to the Stony Shore.

    He has intel that Victarion is not coming back and that they’ve been abandoned and forgotten. This last silences dissent and the men agree. Only 63 men leave the towers to the incredulity of Ramsay’s forces who felt they’d been fighting far more. Theon has a flash of pride for the ironborn.

    Ramsay is pleased with Theon and rewards him with meat, wine, and an upgrade in his quarters. Three days later Roose Bolton arrives with his new wife Walda Frey and Ramsay’s fiancée Arya Stark. Reek recognizes Jeyne Poole by the eyes and the meek compliance.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Reek - Broken shell of Theon Greyjoy.
    Ramsay Bolton - Newly legitimized son of Roose Bolton. Nasty piece of work.
    Roose Bolton - Lord of the Dreadfort and Warden of the North.
    Arya Stark - Youngest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Princess of Winterfell.
    Jeyne Poole - Daughter of the former steward of Winterfell Vayon Poole. Captured by the Lannisters and now being paraded as Arya Stark.
    Moat Cailin - Ancient stronghold within the Neck. Protects the north from attack from the south.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Chapter Nineteen - Davos 3 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    Jun 10 2025

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    Davos meets with Lord Wyman in front of a packed court. The Freys blame a most unlikely culprit for the Red Wedding. Davos’ arguments for the Manderlys backing King Stannis fall on deaf ears, minus one. Ultimately, Lord Wyman makes his final decision; off with his head (and hands). Mackelly and Simon light a candle to the Father.

    Chapter Review:
    Davos Seaworth is brought before the Merman’s Court. He’d hoped for a private audience with Lord Wyman Manderly, but the hall is packed with a host of people and a mischief of Freys. Davos makes his pitch for why the Manderlys should side with Stannis, but it doesn’t go well. Wyllis Manderly (the heir) is a captive of the Lannisters and the family don’t want to risk his life.

    The Freys spin an incredible yarn of their version of the Red Wedding: Robb Stark and his men turned into wolves and attacked everyone. Wendel Manderly died defending the Lord Walder Frey. Davos would use an exploding head emoji. Only Wyllis’ daughter Wylla sides with Davos: they killed the Starks, they killed my uncle, how could we side with them?

    Rhaegar Frey argues that Robb abandoned the North, then abandoned the Riverlands. Lord Wyman agrees but not before a flash of disgust registers on his face. He orders that Davos be taken away and executed.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Davos Seaworth - Hand of the King to King Stannis Baratheon.
    Stannis Baratheon - King of the Seven Kingdoms.
    Wyman Manderly - Lord of White Harbor.
    Lady Leona Manderly - Wife of Wylis Manderly.
    Wylis Manderly - Heir to White Harbor, captive of the Lannisters.
    Wynafryd Manderly - Elder daughter of Wylis and Leona.
    Wylla Manderly - Younger daughter of Wylis and Leona.
    Rhaegar Frey - A Frey.
    Jared Frey - Another Frey.
    White Harbor - Only city in the North and its chief port.
    White Knife - Major river in the North that empties into the Bite at White Harbor.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Chapter Eighteen - Tyrion 5 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    Jun 3 2025

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    Tyrion floats down the Rhoyne through the unnatural fog of the Sorrows. He divulges top secret information before unwillingly taking a swim in the eerie waters. Mackelly and Simon reach for their goggles.

    Chapter Review:
    Tyrion Lannister and his companions aboard the Shy Maid have reached a ruined city along the Rhoyne now called the Sorrows. A mysterious, unnatural fog surrounds the Shy Maid, unsettling its passengers. Passing ruins like the Palace of Love, Tyrion reflects on Tysha and Jaime’s betrayal.

    A man aboard the Kingfisher, a boat traveling in the opposite direction, calls out to them. Yandry asks about news from Volantis. The man says the city will be engaged in the war by the end of the year. This bothers Griff, Illyrio Mopatis has paid one of the city’s triarchs many times over for the man’s support of Dany.

    Nearing the Bridge of Dream, Griff orders Young Griff below to avoid the dangerous stone men. When he resists, Tyrion reveals he knows Young Griff’s true identity and urges him to obey. Tyrion also exposes Griff as Jon Connington, former Hand of the King and Rhaegar’s friend. For his final party trick, Tyrion outs himself as Tyrion of House Lannister. Though they initially pass the bridge safely, they somehow pass beneath the bridge a second time. This time they are ambushed by stone men. Tyrion saves Young Griff but is pulled into the river.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister whom he murdered. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.
    Griff - Sellsword in service to Ilyrio Mopatis.
    Young Griff - Griff’s son. Cared about by many.
    Haldon Half-Maester - One of Griff’s men.
    Ser Rolly “Duck” Duckworth - Westerosi knight, who serves Griff.
    Septa Lemore - Septa who trains Young Griff in spiritual matters.
    Yandry and Ysilla - Owners of the Shy Maid. Orphans of the Greenblood.
    Rhoyne River - Greatest river in Essos. Flows south to Volantis.
    Sorrows - Ruined city of Chroyane. Now occupied by stone men.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Chapter Seventeen - Jon 4 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    May 27 2025

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    Jon tours the quickly dwindling food stores of the Night’s Watch and then is summoned by King Stannis. The king offers Jon a surprising gift, then adds to the shock by revealing his risky plan to win the north. Jon redirects him to a new plan that is safer and has huge upsides. Mackelly and Simon fear that Stannis is not earning their loyalty.

    Chapter Review:
    Jon Snow joins Bowen Marsh to inspect winter food stores held beneath Castle Black. Despite past generosity from lords and a long summer, feeding Stannis’ army and wildlings has depleted supplies. Marsh proposes winter rations early. Jon agrees, knowing it’ll cause unrest.

    Jon later meets Stannis, Melisandre, and others in the king's solar. Stannis gifts Jon a controlled Rattleshirt as a soldier. Discussion turns to Mors Umber's terms for support. Stannis hesitates, but Jon urges acceptance, warning that rejecting Mors' terms would turn the North against him. Stannis reveals plans to take the Dreadfort, but Jon argues the Boltons will return too soon and crush Stannis’ force. Pressed to arm wildlings, Jon reluctantly offers basic gear, wary of violating the Night’s Watch vows. Privately, Stannis tempts Jon again with legitimization and Winterfell. Jon refuses but proposes recruiting Northern mountain clans instead. If successful, Stannis could retake Deepwood Motte and build support. Stannis likes the plan—but Jon’s left with more mouths to feed.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch.
    Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei’s children are not Robert’s.
    Melisandre - The Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’Hellor, the Lord of Light.
    Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward of Castle Black.
    Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night’s Watch.
    Rattleshirt - Wildling leader who is despised by the Night’s Watch.
    Mors Umber - Co-castellan of Last Hearth, with his brother Hother.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Chapter Sixteen - Daenerys 3 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    May 20 2025

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    Daenerys gets an offer she cannot refuse from Xaro XHoan Daxos. But she refuses and adds one more enemy to her list. Simon and Mackelly lose count.

    Chapter Review:
    Daenerys Targaryen is feasting Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ dancers. He’s here to plead with Daenerys for her hand in marriage and to take the 13 ships he’s brought with him and to go back to Westeros.

    He makes a case for reinstating slavery, which she will not hear. She refuses his proposal, but she’ll have her people inspect the ships the next day.

    She refuses to help Astapor in its war with Yunkai - which gets her spat on by the envoy Lord Ghael. The ships are sound and she accepts that part of the offer. But she won’t leave Meereen, Xaro’s obsequiousness vanishes. He threatens and insults her. She allows him to leave but the next day a bloody glove is sent to her - Qarth declares war.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros.
    Unsullied - Eunuch slave soldiers. Renowned for their fighting prowess.
    Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King’s Landing. Now Daenerys' Lord Commander of her Queensguard.
    Strong Belwas - Eunuch former slave, sent by Illyrio Mopatis to keep Dany safe.
    Xaro Xhoan Daxos - Wealthy Qartheen merchant.
    Reznak mo Reznak - Ghiscari seneschal of Meereen.
    Skahaz mo Kandaq "Shavepate"- Ghiscari noble of Meereen. Convert to Dany’s cause. Despised by the Sons of the Harpy.
    Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, wants the fighting pits reopened.
    Daario Naharis - Leader of the sellsword company the Stormcrows.
    Second Sons - A sellsword company in Essos.
    Meereen - Largest city on Slaver’s Bay.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Chapter Fifteen - Davos 2 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    May 13 2025

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    Davos reaches White Harbor. The intel he’s able to pick up does not bode very well for his King Stannis. He wonders if he should have fled with Salladhor. Mackelly and Simon give him a pep talk.

    Chapter Review:
    Davos Seaworth arrives in White Harbor aboard the Merry Midwife. He’s disguised as a common sailor. He notes signs of increased defense and military buildup. This could be good news, but then he sees the Lionstar at the dock, flying Tommen’s colors.

    Inside the city, he sees many refugees who’ve fled down the White Knife to avoid Ramsay Bolton’s tyranny. An apple seller tells him that the young men who arrive are being drafted into Lord Manderly’s army. In a seedy winesink, Davos listens for gossip. It’s mostly old news but he learns that Wyman Manderly’s son is held by the Lannisters. Davos knows that he should have gone south with Salladhor Saan. Even Davos would sell out his king to save his son.

    But he’s on a mission, so he climbs up to the palace. From this vantage he sees 23 new warships hiding behind a new jetty wall. Hope stirs once more - Lord Manderly has been busy.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Davos Seaworth - Hand of the King to King Stannis Baratheon.
    Stannis Baratheon - King of the Seven Kingdoms.
    Wyman Manderly - Lord of White Harbor.
    White Harbor - Only city in the North and its chief port.
    White Knife - Major river in the North that empties into the Bite at White Harbor.

    Support the show

    Support us:

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    All Music credits to Ross Bugden:
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Chapter Fourteen - Tyrion 4 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
    May 6 2025

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    Tyrion gets to know his new traveling companions, and, by dint of his cyvasse skills, some secrets about their mission. Mackelly and Simon consider their opening gambit.

    Chapter Review:
    Tyrion Lannister wakes early on the Shy Maid. He watches with undisguised interest as Septa Lemore bathes in the river. She shows signs of having given birth at some prior point, but remains an attractive woman. Ysilla makes breakfast and keeps all at bay, with the exception of Young Griff whom she plies with more than he needs.

    Duck spars with Young Griff, Haldon teaches him languages, geography, geometry, and history. It seems that Tyrion will contribute to this expansive education: he’s been tasked with writing down all he can recall about raising and breeding dragons.
    Haldon offers Tyrion a game of cyvasse while Young Griff studies further with Septa Lemore. Haldon has beaten Tyrion every previous game, so he eagerly accepts Tyrion’s wager that the loser must share some secrets. Tyrion hustles to victory and when a giant turtle, known as the Old Man of the River, bellows close by, Tyrion thinks that wonders often herald the arrival of kings.

    Characters/Places/Names/Events:
    Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister whom he recently murdered. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.
    Griff - Red-haired sellsword in service to Ilyrio Mopatis.
    Young Griff - Griff’s son. Cared about by many.
    Haldon Half-Maester - One of Griff’s men.
    Ser Rolly “Duck” Duckworth - Westerosi knight, who serves Griff.
    Septa Lemore - Septa who trains Young Griff in spiritual matters.
    Yandry and Ysilla - Owners of the Shy Maid. Orphans of the Greenblood.
    Ny Sar - City in Essos. Former home of Princess Nymeria before she led her people to Westeros.
    Rhoyne River - Rreatest river in Essos. Flows south to Volantis.

    Support the show

    Support us:

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    All Music credits to Ross Bugden:
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    56 mins