Listen past the first episode. These guys figure out the sound quality and quickly draw you further into this amazing world that G R R Martin has created. The way they break down each chapter without spoiling the story is impressive. Truly one of the best podcasts I’ve listened to and the banter between Simon & Mackelly is phenomenal. These guys are a part of my daily life now and I would invite any other GOT fans to welcome them into their lives as well.

This is the only podcast I listen to weekly, year after year! As a Game of Thrones fan I appreciate how well Simon and Mackelly summarize the chapters, plus they add quality analysis and background info. Someday I will read the books (and listen again to all 250+ GoH episodes 😃) but for now I am thrilled to be immersed in the world through Simon and Mackelly’s most excellent podcasting. Oh, and they sometimes make me laugh out loud over some bit of nonsense! Glad I happened upon your podcast, guys. Thank you!! Greenfyre

Far too much chit chat about their lives before they get to the chapter summary. No one wants to hear about your lives

I typically listen on PocketCasts, but love this pod so much I had to download Apple Podcasts just to leave a review. Simon and Mackelly (and Jenny) do a great job of summarizing and discussing each chapter. Using this as a companion pod has made my first read through of the books infinitely more enjoyable!

The hosts, Simon and Mackelly, are experts at condensing the vast world of ASOIAF into digestible, hour long segments of information and witty banter! If George Martin is the “Father” of ASOIAF, then these two are the fun uncles who show up to the party with board games and embarrassing stories! A perfect companion piece for both new and returning readers of the series, I recommend this podcast to every fan! Now find myself hoping George finishes Winds of Winter just so I can have these two for another book! Keep up the good work!

This podcast is like a fine wine, only getting better with time. My only complaint is they both have jobs and can’t do more than 1 episode a week!

If you’re reading the Song of Ice and Fire series, this show will enhance your experience significantly and make you enjoy the series much more. It doesn’t matter if you’ve watched the TV Show or not, but the focus is on the books and the world and story GRRM have built. Mackelly, Simon & Jenny do a great job for every episode to cover where the character was, describe the context and the relevant plot points from the story that sometimes happened many chapters ir ever books before. I love how the Team always question the motivations and intentions of the characters, this helps me understand and appreciate more deeply how GRRM has thought through many of what is happening and also how he has constructed depth to many of the characters in the story. I started to read the Books about two months ago and now I’m in sync with the episodes and this podcast has helped me enjoy the reading experience much more. Apple doesn’t make it easy to figure out how to review podcast shows, but I figured it out after some reasearch. Therefore, leaving a review reflects how good the show is. Thank you guys for the hard work, keep it going Patricio This

Love the recaps and perspectives, especially helpful during a reread! Hook it up with a shout out on the show please, yall are the best! -BoomBoomCoomes

I started listening back in November and now that I have caught up and am sadly limited to one episode a week, even though I don’t get that this week since they’re on vacation, I have decided they need to quit their day jobs and start doing the podcast full-time. i’ve read the books through two or three times and I listened to the audiobooks twice before. Now I’m listening to the audiobooks and following along with the podcast after each chapter. The depth and discussion and background do a tremendous job in explaining a very fast and complex story. I can’t recommend it enough. I just wish the episodes came out more often.😂

As a Spotify listener, I downloaded Apple Podcasts just to leave a 5 star review for this ASOIAF podcast. I don’t typically gravitate towards the fantasy genre, but I watched Game of Thrones and was hooked on the story and needed more. I thought about reading the books, but I knew I wouldn’t have time. Enter Mackelly and Simon’s exceptionally structured podcast with chapter summaries, in-depth discussion, background, TV show comparison (my favorite segment), pedantry, and witty banter. I have been binging since September 2023, mostly while doing housework and cooking — Yes, I am part of this demographic. I’m sad I’ll be caught up soon because I’ll have to wait for episodes, but I look forward to joining the Discord community to stay connected. Not only is the ASOIAF content strong, but Simon and Mackelly are so funny and genuine that I feel like we’re friends on FaceTime when I listen to episodes. Thank you both for keeping my love for the ASOIAF world alive and for all the time and energy you put in to produce quality episodes every week!

What a show! I’ve been hooked since the first episode- these wonderful hosts and best friends are excellent Westerosi tour guides- so good that even Elio and Linda appear for a special episode of the show. Whether it’s your first time with the books, or a return reading, you will not be disappointed with all this extra content. They are constantly opening my eyes to things I’ve missed along the way, and I truly feel like I’m among friends discussing the series (even if they can’t hear me). I had never listened to a single podcast before them and they have converted me. Bless them for remembering Rickon more than the rest of his family does. Arbor gold for all!

I absolutely love listening to this podcast while working; it makes my shifts as a hotel housekeeper fly by. This is the most thorough ASOIAF podcast I’ve found where the hosts can still manage to make me laugh! Simon and Mackelly do a wonderful job, specifically in that they give proper context and background to the events in each chapter, which is surely needed given this massive world that GRRM has built.

I have listened to the story about eight time and have always wanted a show like this. Your Wife was right about you chemistry I can listen to you guys talk all day, if fact I will at work. Loved you take on Jamie and his ONE job lol. Let’s hope by the time you get to the end of A Dance with Dragons the Winds of Winter will be out but if not you should have two seasons of Fire and Blood/ House of Dragons to do. I’m looking forward to binging this show at work. I absolutely love the show so far please don’t stop.

This is my favorite podcast of all time. The guys are so funny but also do a great job of taking us through the ASOIAF series. My favorite part is the background info. Highly recommend this podcast to anyone.

I love this ASOIAF podcast. Best one out there!

One of the standout features of the Ghost of Harrenhal podcast is its impeccable storytelling. The hosts, Simon and Mackelly possess a remarkable ability to create discussions that are both engaging and thought provoking. Each episode is carefully crafted, taking the listener on a captivating adventure through the world of a song of ice and fire. This podcast is nothing short of brilliant.

Whether you listen as a companion to the books, or just as a way to work back through the books, these guys really know their stuff. Working through the books, chapter by chapter, their chemistry and personalities really make it an interesting and entertaining listen. You get to know them on a personal level and also enjoy their attention to detail and hard work that they put into doing this podcast. I can’t wait every week to hear the next episode entirely recommend you give it a listen.

The time and effort Simon and Mackelly put into the show is incredible. For someone who has read the books and watched the shows I’m always hearing or learning something that I missed previously. It’s a great podcast for anyone new to ASOIAF or lazy like me and not wanting to re-read the books. Thanks for the great work, gents!!

Huge fan of the show! I was in a stagnant place with content. I absolutely blew through a re-listen of ASOIAF, too quickly, and was left wanting. I stumbled onto this in Audible as a recommendation. I definitely thought it was a book and had a good laugh during one of the review reads that I was not alone there. Binging doesn’t even begin to describe how I blazed through episodes; this is literally the only podcast I don’t have to hit the panic switch for if my kids walk in the room or are with me in the truck. I have even joined the discord! House Erenford! Mackelly- super appreciative the Roy Dotrice references. Simon- the alliterative name question had my gears spinning. Grateful for the content and thought put in. Light a candle to the Many Faced Pod!

I highly recommend this podcast to anyone who is even remotely interested in the world of Westeros! I normally listen to them on another platform where I can’t leave a written review, but I had to put this out there because Simon and Mackelly are awesome! I have already read the ASOIAF books and was looking for a podcast that would give me a refresher on them in case the series ever gets finished. The Ghosts of Harrenhal podcast has given me so much more than that! Simon and Mackelly have great banter and stories that make the podcast entertaining as well as informative. Their effort that goes into making each episode really shows and I believe they are more prepared and knowledgeable on the Westeros lore than some of the other “professional” podcasters I listen to. I was a little worried when I heard Simon’s British accent because I sometimes have trouble understanding what people with that accent are saying. But after the first few episodes, I realized this podcast is a hidden gem and had to keep listening. I have gotten used to the accent and have no problems understanding Simon! Now I am all caught up and can’t wait for that new episode to drop each week!

Just ordered the books to read for the first time and wanted to try to stay engaged with the first book even though I knew most of the plot points from the show. Really enjoy this as I’m reading along, but I’m going through the books so much faster than the podcast 😢 I wish they would do more than one chapter per week so I could keep listening while reading!

Just discovered these wonderful guys, in a moment when I was hoping against hope that GRRM is going to finish TWoW. This podcast is a perfect, and eminently “interesting,” way to fill the time while we wait. The two hosts bring much joy to it, and their genuine respect for and friendship with each other makes it an enjoyable listen through and through. If you’ve already read the books (or seen the show), it’s particularly funny to hear them dance around potential spoilers, which they strive not to reveal. Thankful that these guys have seen fit to put this much time into this project and hopeful that their all too apparent love for the work inspires GRRM to finish this story that has brought so much joy to so many of us.

I listen on another platform, so I followed the show here just to leave a review, that’s how highly I think of it. I stay caught up on the show weekly because I can’t wait for the next episode to drop. The guys are great, entertaining, intelligent, and not to mention fun to listen to. The effort they put in to make the show entertaining and informative is refreshing.

I went looking for more about the ASOIAF world, after starting House of the Dragon. I tried a few podcasts with tons of ratings but couldn’t get into them. I tried this one as a last chance before giving up and I’m so glad I did. The guys are fun, easy to listen to, and put together such a great show. I love their format with the segments and it’s obvious that considerable time and energy goes into every episode. Plus, I like hearing their stories and listening to them chat about things in their lives. I’m tearing through episodes right now, but I’m here to stay, even when I’m caught up. Thank you for what you do Mackelly and Simon.

I recently found your podcast on Spotify and was instantly hooked. I read the books years ago and was considering a reread in anticipation of Winds of Winter. Your Pod is the best refresh I could ask for! You guys provide the in depth analysis I wish I had access to in my first read. Keep up the great work! -Frank

Captivating and scintillating. Recommend for anyone and everyone!

Pedantry does not extend to character choices or matters of opinion. If you think a particular battle strategy would have worked better, that’s not pedantry. If you think someone was stupid to open a box they shouldn’t have opened, that’s not pedantry. THIS IS PEDANTRY

I so enjoy joining Simon and Mackelly for their not-rambling breakdowns of each chapter of ASOIAF. No bro-speak here. Two adult friends - parents, like me - who share observations without theorizing over the placement of every comma and what it might foreshadow. Also, I appreciate the no-spoiler policy. Though I watched GOT, I am new to the books and know they’re different. These are gents I’d love to have a pot of coffee with IRL.

This is my first experience with podcast and honestly the best starting choice. I watched the show couple times and listened to the audio books three times ( Roy Dotrice was an awesome narrator) and realized what’s next?! Then I accidentally stumbled upon Ghosts of Harrenhal Podcast on Spotify and got hooked immediately. I thought the books were better than the show since you get to experience the characters’ thoughts. However, Simon and Mackelly added more to that prospective by digging even further into the characters stories, thoughts and motives to answer any further questions you might have. I highly recommend this podcast and cannot wait to finally catch up (28 episodes away). Thank you guys for all your hard work and efforts, keep it up. “May your hats fly as high as your dreams” MGS.

I am addicted to reading this series, and I am currently reading the Feast of Crows. Sadly I have no friends that can read, ha ha. No, I just have no one to talk to about it that has read it. My wife just looks at me in puzzlement as I try and explain it to her. Thank you for your podcast to fill in the gaps, answer my burning questions, and of course all of your japes. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

My new favorite podcast! Thank you

I can tell there is a lot of work and research that goes into these podcasts. Thanks for keeping it all straight so I don’t have to!

I’m only on episode 70. These two hosts are great 👍

I really appreciate the detailed breakdown of ASOIAF chapters. The discussions are informative and thought provoking without feeling stale. Highly recommended listening. I challenge the avid podcast listener to give this podcast a try past 1-2 episodes. The early episodes are a little “cheesy” as Simon and Mackelly fine tune their style. Their authenticity is endearing, and I enjoy hearing the first 5-10 mins of the podcast detailing day to day family life during COVID lockdown.

I could (and do) echo all the other 5-star reviews on here, but I urge any die-hard or casual ASOIAF fan to give this podcast a try. Simon and Mackelly manage to discuss chapters thoughtfully while keeping it casual and approachable. Even “Pedantry Corner”, a segment that could’ve just been obnoxious, is done in such a humorous, affectionate way that it is one of my favorite parts of every episode. Highly recommend for fans and first-time readers!

Very informative and explain every detail of every chapter

Title says it all. These guys are funny and and go in depth without spoiling. Perfect to follow along with for a re-read or to go back and listen to your favorite chapters just for fun

I really hate to do this, but I have to give this a 5 star rating. I expected this to be a complete disaster with a Brit and an American joining forces. I purchased some popcorn, sat back and said to myself: what could go right? To my compète surprise (and more than a small measure of disappointment), I found the podcast to be considerably more than palatable. There is clear alchemy (not chemistry, as I’m almost certain there is some witchery or dark art at work to make the combo function as well as it does). The hosts are informative, funny, insightful, and seem to be generally nice guys. But, again: witchery or some other dark art. My one criticism is that I’m pretty much through the episodes, even after listening to a couple of them twice. Keep up the good work...or just completely muck it up. I have plenty of popcorn and I’m flexible.

Being a typical Gen Z delinquent, I haven’t read the books, but have watched the show. However, these guys have piqued my interest. They are very informative and hilarious with their analysis of each chapter. Simon, especially, seems to be one of the funniest person ever

I’ve been trying to read the series for YEARS and just couldn’t get through it although I’ve seen the show several times! I decided to buckle down and do a mixture of reading and listening to the audiobooks (because let’s be real... the Bran chapters are boring) and stumbled on this podcast. The hosts are so charming and have really great chemistry. The content is amazingly helpful and I look forward to continuing the journey!

I tend to rush through books because I’m anxious to get to the end and see the finale but listening to your podcast makes me slow down and really think about the characters, why they make the choices they do and all the intrigues and plot twists. I’m reading the books now and haven’t watched the show but plan to start it when I’m done. You guys are fantastic hosts and I love hearing about your real life funny stories. I died laughing about Simons wife having to teach school from the bathroom and his brothers new cat. Keep up the great work!

Following along with the podcast while reading the book!!! Listening to the corresponding episodes to the chapters I have read. Great way to experience the series. On episode 13 of the podcast.

If you have either a minor interest in the world of ASOIAF or consider yourself an expert, this podcast is very enjoyable and insightful.

I recently discovered this podcast and I’m so glad I did! Finding a podcast about the GoT books is really difficult, as most deal mainly with the show, so I was excited to stumble across this one. The guys have great voices and, after a few podcasts, figured out how to modulate their sound, which I greatly appreciate! Their banter is fun and witty, and they always make me smile. Pedantry Corner is my favorite, because I’m all about pedantry. Details are important. Thanks for a great podcast guys!

Really good podcast, the hosts do a great job of piquing my interest!

I’ve listened to every episode, these guys have great chemistry! I cant wait for the next episode! :)

An incredible podcast. They’re very funny and have great chemistry.

I’m a big ASOIAF and Game of Thrones nerd, and I’ve listened to a bunch of the related podcasts. No doubt this is the best of the bunch. The guys have great chemistry and make it all so much fun. I look forward to listening every episode.

Great content, entertaining and fun. Tell your friends to give this a listen!!

Such a great podcast!! Fun to listen to