for MAJOR spoilers!!😡😡😡

An otherwise excellent podcast with annoying and pointless political interjections

Been listening for a while and its really great analysis of themes and character journeys. My only gripe at all is really strange interjections that seem comical. Like when one of out hosts says the builder at the wall who made the ice cells should get a gold star, but “not from me because I am a prison abolitionist, especially cages at the border”. This is like a joke someone would make about a leftist, like a vegan randomly stating they’re a vegan. I don’t mind asoiaf being compared to real world issues at all, but this seems weirdly performative.

Thanks

Feb 28, 2024 just learned about this podcast and it is the first podcast on the song of ice and fire that I listen to. really like the 2 hosts!

What up with the leftist culture war stuff? Can’t we all just have our opinions and accept each others differences. I don’t hate on people for their sexuality. I could care less. But also acting like their is no such thing as men or women is bizarre. Just because their is feminine men and masculine women doesn’t mean we need over a hundred genders and it would be great to listen to a podcast about a fictional story without the culture being brought in. Took me out of the experience.

This podcast is sooooooo good. It has increased my understanding and appreciation of the books tremendously. Emmett’s analysis always gets me thinking. I’ve listened to a few ASOIAF podcasts and this one is by far the best. It’s organized and structured instead of just a stream of thoughts like many of the others out there. A pleasure to listen to.

My fave long-running GOT and now HOTD podcast for info and analysis. Thanks guys!

Jeff left!?!?!

It won’t disappoint!!! Stannis! Stannis! Stannis! BFish be well! Manu!!!

Okay what the heck happened to Jeff? He just leaves the podcast and there's no explanation..one moment it's "he'll be right back" and then "he's getting replaced". How do you just replace the founder and half of the show? Jeff was awesome with his detailed examinations of the military aspect of ASOIAF. Anyway did I miss an episode where it's explained? Are explanations only for patrons? Cmon

Why did you guys stop doing the chapters of game of thrones?! And you guys stopped right before the red wedding chapter . I haven’t listened to any of the LOTR episodes but have loved the game of thrones ones

Excellent writing and analysis, so much time and effort. I love these books, and these two bring so much more out to learn from and enjoy. Worth every second of your time, and the Patreon episodes are absolutely worth whatever you can afford to give.

I was in denial my first three ASOIAF podcasts that I was obsessed with ASOIAF but now that I’m deep into my fourth one, I gotta face the facts. Love your guys’ meticulous work in analyzing the themes and the characters, and your often lyrical takes. I find myself rewinding parts just to listen to it again. Your rapport with one another is fantastic. Even though I’m a steadfast stannis hater and a battle scene skipper (sry guys), you got my vote. Here’s to hoping GRRM releases more battle scenes for yall soon. Great work and thanks for sharing with us!

Sending love from Buffalo‼️❤️

Thank you so much. Best GoT podcast. Thank you. I have lots to catch up with. Thank you so much for keeping this going. 💜

Love the format. Look forward to each week

Subscribed about 3 months ago and listened to all the episodes on the main cast. Just finished a course on Literary Theory and Comparative Cultures and you guys are absolutely utterly incomparably BRILLIANT.

I’m new to Podcasts. I found this one after trying out a few beforehand. I listen to two episodes, and became hooked. I didn’t read the books, until after I watched the television series, so I am new to the theories as well. This podcast is perfect for me, because I have read and read most of the books twice. As I decided to reread again, because of all the great hidden gems in the books. I really enjoy being able to reread and hear another point of view on my own timetable. Found this a week ago, and already in double digits in the episodes.

This podcast reminds me of lit classes I took in college (in a good way). This is basically people with good critical reading skills talking about a super dense series in a way that’s incredibly pleasing if ASOIAF is your thing. I’ve been lurking in this fandom for years (reading and listening to the work put out by its active members) and Emmett and Jeff have always been great. I even subscribed to their Patreon! I’m currently rereading and I actually find myself wondering what they would think about certain plot points or theories or what have you that I don’t remember hearing them comment on. Good stuff!

It’s pure pleasure to listen to these chapter-by-chapter analyses and appreciate a deeper understanding of the characters and themes of ASOIAF. Excellent!

I doubt they’ll earn the Storm star since it’s got the best bits for some non-mainstream theories that they avoid like the plague unless it’s for a periodic strawman throw down... But that’s ok, if they keep going they’ll churn out a solid 4/5 podcast and we’ll get to hear them chew rocks when a few of their mainstream perspectives get crushed by Winds. Popular theories are usually the safe bets, but it’d be more interesting if they mentioned some real alternates instead of only throwing out strawmen crackpots.

This is my favorite asoiaf podcast, next to Alt Schwift X. These guys REALLY know their stuff, and they have such consistently insightful analysis. It’s made me realize just how brilliant and deep these books are. Every word is there for a reason!

I had already read this series three times before coming across this podcast and deciding to reread it for a fourth along with the two podcast hosts. Their insights are always shed new light on a series I always thought I already knew forwards and backwards and provide an extra level of depth to a story already full of depth. I have a new appreciation for all the characters thanks to this podcast. And I can’t wait for the day Emmet finally admits that Sansa Stark is his favorite character. Muhahaha.

These guys provide a very detailed analysis of ASOIAF. I love that you can tell how much work they put into their research. They know their stuff and I appreciate their devotion to their craft.

This podcast is poetic analysis, informed discussion and amazingly relatable commentary on the greatest fantasy series of all time. And I’m pretty addicted to it. It’s a shame they’re such Stannis haters, I can understand where they’re coming from a lot of the time but they sure do keep the Stannis talk to a MINIMUM. They never bring him up unless they have to. I just had one question though that has never been answered. Did Jeff go to war? Also who is Jeff?

I found this podcast while going through some kinda spiritual awakening type thing last year and thought “ah this will be good easy listening to balance me out.” WRONG. Who would have thought a podcast about a fantasy series could get so deep? I find myself saying along “AMEN, brother,” and meaning it. Not only do these guys dig deep into literary analysis, military/global history, cultural issues, and the human condition, they’re also just perfectly matched hosts — each bringing a clever perspective to the table in their own unique ways. The only thing I question is HOW DOES JEFF TALK SO FAST?? It’s a mystery. This podcast is truly a joy to listen to. Thank you!

About 40 or so episodes in. Really enjoy the in-depth discussion of each GOT chapter, especially when following along with the audiobook. The hosts have thought about this way more than anyone has a right to but it’s great. One complaint is that one host poorquentyn has poor sound quality. Sounds like he is calling in from a phone booth in 1977. Hopefully that improves as I know they are way ahead of me to date - buy some good podcasting equipment!

good podcast ok

I’ve been replying to both of their tweets for the past three or four years and they’ve faved and retweeted them occasionally. Flattery works. 5 stars.

This podcast is amazing and my favorite thing is when you discuss the fantasy tropes and how they are either subverted or used. The one thing that makes me incredibly uncomfortable is the way you discuss SanSan. I’m a teenage girl only a couple of years older than Sansa so hearing adults that think that relationship is romantic in any way really grosses me out. When you get to the Blackwater scene with Sansa and Sandor, please consider that this is a grown man holding a knife to a 12 year old girl’s throat. I love Sansa and she’s my favorite character so please acknowledge what makes SanSan inappropriate. I love pretty much every other part of your podcast and your empathy for every character is appreciated.

Can one of you clowns STOP pounding on the table/desk you are sitting at?

NotACast offers great content and insights into every aspect of asoiaf - the plot, the characters, the overarching themes, and writing techniques. Jeff's "readings" eg., Catelyn's "Moonlight Sonata" from AGoT, often highlight specific aspects of writing that take my breath away. Emmett provides articulate and wonderfully profound big picture insights on characters and themes. Emmett and Jeff balance each others' pacing and perspective to make for a content rich podcast that holds my attention. Five (5!) stars guys! July 29, 2020: Updating my previous review from five stars to five plus plus stars. One plus one is greater than the Seven.

Jeff gives a 10,000 ft. synopsis of chapters from the perspective of a RINO. Emmett follows with an hour of Marxist talking points from an apartment decorated with posters of Westeros.

Who’s young Grift? I love you guys but I don’t know what’s my favorite Pet Peeve: when you guys say young Grift or Azis using the word Poignant ever other phrase. Love the deep Analysis and you guys need LML!

I stumbled on this while looking for an excuse to re-read ASOIAF for the fourth time. Within a few weeks I was caught up and delightfully hooked. I love the chemistry between Emmett and Jeff, yes, even in spite of how much they agree. 7/7 would recommend

Been a huge fan of the books for eight years. Listened to many ASOIAF podcasts. Was feeling a little burned out over the long wait for Winds. However this podcast helped me regain my excitement. Love both byndenbfish and poorquentyn. Looking forward to listening every week.

It’s excessive to the point of not being funny and it’s just really annoying. Thanks!

“...wine-drunk, already child murdering, regicidal Cersei Lannister...”

Extremely gushy review warning. I am a recent listener who binged listened to this podcast and then became a patreon contributor in short order. I am spurred to write this review in light of the last few episodes of this cast, but really could have written much of the same much sooner. There are portions of George RR Martin's magnum opus that can be considered fine art, and there are perhaps no finer curators than the two gentlemen behind this podcast. They bring a level of depth to the subject work that is all but guaranteed to give listeners an entirely new experience upon reread. Jeff and Emmett take Martin's work seriously, and give the man the credit he (99% of the time) deserves. They tackle the mature themes of the series head on - never losing sight of the underlying themes and things that Martin means to say. This is particularly the case in the aforementioned recent chapters - both of which discuss characters' usage of power and force in a fundamentally unjust society as seen through the eyes of two little girls. I cannot overstate how deftly these episodes are handled. In discussing these chapters, and the subject matter underneath, jeff and emmett give off the impression that they not only bring a host of personal experience to their takes on the series, but also have learned and developed through reading these books. Perhaps the best compliment I can give this podcast (besides all of the above) is that it compliments and feels tailor made for this series in particular. George Martin is generous with his details, and notorously rewarding to repeat readers. You can listen to this podcast and then go back and find details that this podcast pointed out. You can also listen to this podcast, then find entire plotlines you didn't realize were happening when you first read them, and then find details not directly discussed in the podcast itself. It's an okay show I guess.

Jeff and Emmett bring tremendous depth of knowledge, feeling and intellect to their re-read. Listening to Emmett weave his story-teller sensibility with insightful analysis is often magical. Jeff’s synopsis and and passage readings are delightful and full of life. Together they are, simply the best.

This is the last of the best chapter by chapter reread pods with excellent analysis and research. One critique if i may... BBF you use the same “dark knight batman voice” for every bad guy/tough guy character you quote...maybe switch up the voice cuz its distracting...love your analysis though extremely thorough

This show is the reason I am excited to get out of bed on Monday mornings. I put the show on as soon as I open my eyes. Thank you Hallelujah Brothers, for making such tasty asoiaf content for us all to enjoy. It’s my favorite podcast, and I listen to every episode multiple times!

I was really thrilled when I found out The Bryndenbfish and poor Quentin were making a podcast and have been all in since episode number one. I was talking to my husband, ‘you know that podcast I was listening to..’ and he said ‘the circle jerk bros?’ And I said, no you must have them confused gosh you don’t understand them at all. If you don’t like this podcast it’s probably bc you’re not intelligent enough to appreciate it. Ok but really their chapter summaries are golden and the way they analyze each chapter with an eye on the whole gigantic picture is always enlightening.

Both of our hosts are well read & deftly skilled @ connecting George’s work to the larger literary world. In addition they *uber* tuned into the fandom & discuss the varying theories attached to ASOIAF. All via a warming banter they’ve developed. As the fandom wades thru the Long Night, these gents are the sword in the darkness! Highly recommend to any fan of the books.

I had a traumatic head injury and had to stay in a dark room for weeks. The only thing I could do was listen to recordings and this absolutely saved me during a tough time. Emmet shows true nuggets of gold within the test and geopolitical dynamics with fantastic insights to enrich ASOIAF even more. Jeff provides a calming presence and adds military insights and relatable theories consistently. They are a great duo. I will say I enjoy their ACOK analysis more and I think they’ll only improve as the books do. Thanks guys.

Amazing podcast, Emmett and Jeff bring an incredible amount of in-depth insight and commentary on the ASOIAF series that any fan of the books would appreciate. Perfect if you’re looking for a podcast to keep you occupied until The Winds of Winter is released.

Love the cast, you guys are awesome. I’m just here to say.. your Sansa episodes are the best imo... really good content.

I’ve been listening to you guys a long time and have become a Poor Fellow Patreon within the last few months. Love your show. I look forward to each and every episode. I love how you guys are so supportive and complementary to each other, both bringing your own views and life experiences while trying to be sensitive to the horrible atrocities that occur in the books knowing they could be real experiences for some of your listeners. You inspired me to think deeper and more critically about issues and try to view the story from all angles. Sorry it took me such a long time to leave a review but I just figured out how. Duh! LOL Keep up the awesome work!

How many people made that their review title? I doubt I’m the first, but anyway, just sending some love for the work you gents have put out for us. I’ve loved every second of going back through the books with you guys, and I haven’t been able to quite keep up, life happens, but I’m happy to say I’m all caught up at this point. You guys have contributed more to my “close reading skills” than any of the professors I had at my way-too-expensive college, and I love noticing something new or coming up with a new theory, to hear you guys mention said detail or theory on the relevant episode (this just happened with me and the “Big Walter is going to end up LotC” theory that I honestly didn’t know existed) I’m also so happy you guys are doing Martin’s Fevre Dream, I need to close some deals so I can get back on the Patreon train because honestly, nothing makes me happier than helping fuel the “millennials shouldn’t have to work regular jobs” train, even though I know most of you casters DO work regular jobs, which makes your work all the more impressive. Gush Gush gush, 5 star review, ciao