The women, and occasional man, on this podcast are insightful, funny and very knowledgeable about A Song of Ice and Fire and A Game of Thrones. As they unapologetically state, they are huge fans of Jaime and Brienne and their relationship, but they don’t stint on their examination of the other characters. It’s like listening in on a wonderful book club!

No offense meant to occasional gents. This is the only GOT/ASOIAF podcast I can bear to listen to because there are just so many terrible takes out there, especially from men. I saw some of them had left bad reviews in this pod so I felt compelled to leave my own review to drown out their lack of imagination and fun. This podcast does a great job of diving into character and inferring plot and meaning from there instead of the logic gymnastics some dudebros do to make characters fit in with their fan theories. I only read ASOIAF after season 8 aired because I was so devastated and yet haunted by that ending that I needed to get to the bottom of the source material myself. Imagine my surprise when the books were not as twincests had described them on Twitter. In all seriousness, I know you all hate the show, and are well justified in the feeling, but I wanted you to know that it IS possible to fall in love with Jaime and Brienne without reading the books first. I was so pleasantly surprised when I read the books because while J/B and other characters ARE quite different (read: better) in them, it was like the best bits of the admittedly flawed show characters come to life. Anyway I will refrain from waxing poetic about Brienne’s vulnerability or Jaime’s cruel wit, but I want to thank you guys for being my book club when I didn’t have one, and for often validating my book opinions when dudebros don’t. Please don’t leave me before Winds comes out, aka never.

The women (and occasional gents) who have been having a long-running conversation about GRRM’s world and characters are smart and hilarious, and do not shy away from difficult topics, or from disagreeing with each other, and it makes for a really fun podcast, one that makes it feel like I’m listening in on a book club full of a rotating roster of interesting people. I especially appreciate that they all seem to be unapologetic feminists.

Not much good to say about this. There’s a lot of long and awkward pauses. The conversation is often very surface level, despite there being some unique takes on a lot of stuff, at times. The host nitpick everything about both the books and the show. I appreciate criticism, and there’s plenty to criticize about GoT, and I’m sure ASoIaF as well. But there is a difference between criticism and blatant hate. There’s also a difference objectively criticizing something and just bashing it because things happen that you don’t personally like. In their review of the series finale (a finale that I fully agree sucked btw), they actually defended the petition that was started to redo the last season of the show. People can criticize something until they are blue in the face, but demanding that the whole cast and crew to redo the season because it didn’t satisfy you, is childish. Period. And insulting the actors, who call you out on that childish behavior is just petty. They also never seem genuinely interested in anything they are discussing beyond the Jaime and Brienne ship. They usually sound bored, as if they don’t want to be doing the podcast. It’s just painful and cringeworthy to listen to. Don’t recommend it.

Just discovered this podcast and it’s quickly become my fave ASoIaF podcast out there. I love the in depth analysis and the drunkcasts are amazing and hilarious catharsis after the terrible show season 8. Never stop podcasting ladies (and occasional gents). Although even if you do, I’m thankful to have years of archives to dig into. Thank you!

Such a great podcast! This is the only thing that got me through Season 8, I’m so glad they’re keeping it going! Keep up the excellent content!

Hilarious, engaging deep-dive for ASoIaF fans, look forward to every Tuesday 👌

This group is hilarious! I love their take on everything from the books to the show. I laugh every time I listen. They are also very informative and smart and have such a great variety of episodes. Awesome job ladies and occasional gents!!

I enjoy the ladies and occasionally gents. They make me laugh but I also appreciate their reviews and comments on each episode and the writing. Part of my top 5 GOT podcasts

i’m not sure any of these ppl have actually read the books

love the past drunkcasts but i wish for the 7th one you would’ve answered the questions you thought were inappropriate it would’ve been funnier u must not have been drunk enough

These ladies and occasional gents are an amazingly fun listen, and even though the description of them sounding like a gaggle of 13 year old cackling hens is somewhat true, I find it extremely amusing and enlightening. The spoilers abound, and the ships get crazy, but the analysis is wonderfully insightful. Keep up the good work, and never stop laughing or talking all at once, because that just shows how excited and passionate you are about GoT, and ASoIaF, ladies!! Your joy is contagious, and I love going on this ride with you. MOAR horse metaphors!!!

I’ve been listening to this wonderful podcast for a few years now (sorry it took me so long to write a review! I am a lazy listener), and I still look forward to every single episode. The majority-female cast, variety in topics, and special episodes such as the occasional, hilarious Drunkcasts, really set this podcast apart amongst the many in the fandom. It’s been said before, but I have to reiterate that the easy banter and fun anecdotes of the cast makes it feel like you are hanging out with your friends, sharing a bottle of wine (..or 7), all the while breaking down the minutiae of your favorite fantasy series in the most absurd and irreverent way possible. Close the Door spoils everything, is rarely safe for work, and always is open for your weirdest/most shameful ships and theories. Please never stop! Love you guys!

Thank you ladies so much for this awesome podcast. I loved finding this and binge listening to all your episodes. I was excited for Tyrion chapters as he was always a fav character of mine, I’ve enjoyed seeing him in a new way and now have a different perspective of him. I look foreword to all the upcoming greatness. Keep it up girls ❤️

Love these ladies. As a book reader and show watcher, it's hard to find a good podcast that is fair and balanced. The podcast has an open roundtable discussion style with plenty of different perspectives. They don't take anything too seriously and aren't afraid to criticize or laugh at anything - even their favorite character pair Jon and Dany (JK!). This podcast is like a slumber party meets GOT/ASOIAF. Never a dull moment with these ladies! A new favorite!

I've been listening for about a year and really enjoy Close the Door and their guests. There is a ton of content and a variety of it. I've yet to hear the same recycled analysis of the show or books like so many other GOT YouTube channels and podcasts. I've read the books twice, but years ago, so my favorite episodes are the character chapters (I had forgotten how awesomely evil and fun Cersei was!). While I tend not to ship characters, they take a very realistic approach to the Jaime x Brienne relationship and those characters as individuals (listen to the epi. Fanon vs. Canon). When I have tried to have discussions about Jaime with others (that I feel he is one of the most interesting and complex characters in the series) I am usually met with blank stares or confusion, so I have a special fondness for Close the Door due to that aspect alone. As a group they are informed and clever. There is also the benefit of a rotating roster which keeps things fun and fresh-- though I must confess that Comma is my favorite. I don't know how she'd feel about sharing Stannis with me, but I figure we can work out some sort of schedule. I'm flexible. I also find her fashion critiques highly amusing. I wonder if she thinks she's being too negative at times, but as we say where I'm from: if you don't have anything nice to say, come and sit by me.

This is a podcast about the only characters in Game of Thrones that really matter...the ones that the show really doesn't seem to understand...Jaime and Brienne. If you're a show watcher then you need to listen to this podcast to truly appreciate the most important storyline. And if you're a book reader then know that you have a place to come and shed your tears. Chad from The Duke and Duchess Podcast

I understand that some people want all the information they can get before they watch an episode but I'm not one of those people. Especially when you reveal information from a stolen source I just would have felt better had you revealed that you were going to do that before you started the podcast. Other than that I enjoyed it, and look forward to listening when the series ends.

At first I enjoyed this podcast for reviews of the book chapters, they were quirky yet funny. However once the show reviews began I no longer enjoyed the content. It just became non stop scathing complaining about the show. I found it really annoying. Here's an idea, if you don't like the show don't watch.

Completely engaging ASOIAF/GOT podcast that doesn't fall all over itself by making excuses/apologies for the show. The hosts/guests do such a great job of deep diving into every aspect of the show that I'm surprised they aren't commenting on the caters and grips. Anyway, definitely worth the time and subscription.

I just discovered your podcast recently! (I know- I'm a little late joining the band wagon!) I enjoyed listening so much that I decided to go back to your very first episode and am listening to them all- and having a great time!! My field of work is very mentally and emotionally draining and you don't know how good it is to be able to get away from all that and spend a few minutes with "my girls" LOL! Each and everyone of you is totally awesome! Every episode is witty, smart and at times- hilarious!!! 😀 Thank you so much for all that you do! I know you work hard and put a lot of time into making such an entertaining podcast!

I found this podcast thanks to godo's videos on You Tube and started listening after I finished the books. I had never even really listened to a podcast before, but Jaime and Brienne are my favorite characters and I'm glad I found a group of people who love them as much as I do. This podcast has opened my eyes to a lot of theories and ideas about the series that I never would have thought of otherwise, and it makes me want to go back and reread the series again. I also like that even though the focus is on Jaime and Brienne you do discuss the other characters as well. But the thing I love the most is that listening to this podcast is just like listening to a group of friends just having a discussion, with inside jokes and everything, and listening to it almost makes you feel like you're part of the group. It's very comforting since I don't know very many people who watch the show and the ones who do haven't read the books, so it's great listening to people who know everything about the series. Keep up the fantastic work and I can't wait for the day you get to do a Winds of Winter review and chapter by chapter discussion!

After listening to dozens of ASOIAF/GOT podcats/youtube shows, you Ladies are undeniably one of the best. I love the fact that you focus on two characters, yet give an expansive critique and analysis of the entire universe. I also appreciate the fact that you appreciate the craft that is GRRM's writing and do not let the glitzy, fan-pandering of the show sweep you away like so many others. Listening to your podcast reminds me of listening to old friends; it's engaging and puts a smile on my face when I'm not always feeling my greatest. Thank you for continuing this great podcast! P.S.: I'll donate if you do a drunkcast while taking fireball shots....

Thank you to all the Ladies and the few gents that are able to give us an unpretentious look at the wonderful world of ASOIAF through the eyes of fans of Jamie and Brienne. In listening to you all I have grown to love the depth of Jamie and Brienne. I now understand the are far more than just bada## Swordsmen/woman. I love the differing point of views of all of the panelists. This unique podcast is different from all others in that it feels like a family discussion around a dinner table. This is the Podcast that I get most excited for each week when I see it is available for download. Even though Jamie and Brienne are the main characters you are not afraid to share your expertise about everything ASOIAF. I feel like I am part of crew even though I can only listen and review. No one is afraid to share what they think, now matter how out there it may be, which is due to you all supporting each other. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts and theories that are shared each week. If you do not get what this podcast is doing that is too bad because it can really help you see there are many ways of thinking about things and your way is not the only way.

You guys are just so wonderful. I didn't realize how much i missed my old (all-girl) book club until i found this podcast...and y'all are scratching that itch! Love your analyses of show and text, your preoccupation with Brienne (and you may yet bring me around on Jamie) and covering Cat and Cersei's points of view. So many WOIAF podcasts are either all guys or just have one woman, it is refreshing to get to listen to a group of women discussing my (at the moment) favorite fantasy universe! You go, girls!

lots of laughs and good insight about Drey gons and also hilarious unmuted toilet flush

I just found this podcast while trying to wait for season 7 or WoW. I have spent hours laughing so hard that people think I am crazy. I have a long way to go to catch up but I will enjoy every minute of it! Update: I have now caught up and I have to say, Trump has to be a Frey, they love their towers!

Bad just really bad

At first I didnt like this podcast, but the more I listened, the more I really loved the chemistry between the ladies(and sometimes gents) and the lighthearted, yet supremely informed dialouge. The thing that bothers me the most is when I listen to a podcast and they mispronounce or give inacurate information on the series. I guess I'm just a bit OCD! heh heh... The point is I cant remember an instance where I was yelling at my stereo while listening to this podcast. So after listening to your last podcast, speaking on Robert Arryn, as I was doing my re-read something dawned on me that seemed obvious that I never thought of before. I'm not sure it makes alot of difference to the series as a whole, but I just got the impression that Robert Arryn was actually Littlefinger's son. Lysa seems too close and trusting of Peter to not have spent alot of time togethor since she has been with Jon Arryn in the capitol for so many years, and given Jon's age it seems unlikely that he would have the lead in his pencil it takes to pop one out with young Lysa. Not sure it makes a big impact in the story, as I said before, but just wondering your thoughts on the subject. Anyways, keep on doin what ya doin, you make my drive home from work exponentially more enjoyable at least once a week!

Hi Close the Door, I just wanted to thank you for your well-researched and hilarious weekly episodes. I recommend you to all my ASOIAF fantatic friends for the real care you take in breaking open the dynamics between complicated characters, and bringing the voice of thoughtful, feeling, independent-minded women to this sometimes disturbing series. This is the female-led conversation I have been searching for. I particularly enjoy your chapter analyses, as well as your speculation. One question I wish I had put to you in time for your WInds speculation episode was, assuming the DREAM of Spring really happens, whose final chapter do you predict you'll be reading? I like the idea of ending the series with a Bran chapter, perhaps with an overarching, historical understanding of the outcome of events. For that reason, I can clearly imagine a Samwell or Tyrion closing chapter as well. Which POV character do you think will close out the series? Thanks for making my work day a little more fantastic.

The best ASOIAF/GoT podcast!! These ladies (and occasional gentleman) give such a unique perspective on the books and show and have such a deep understanding of the characters which you just don't seem to find on other podcasts in this fandom. Always hilarious and insightful, and full of JaimeBrienne deliciousness!!

An excellent podcast, and I highly recommend it! With anywhere from 4-6 ladies (plus guests) on the show each week, you get a variety of opinions, accents, and theories. They are captains of the Jaime/Brienne ship, and I have appreciated the book chapter reviews as well as the HBO episode reviews. Over the last few seasons, I've found it necessary to emphasize the distinction between the TV show and the books, and these ladies support this wholeheartedly. Lots of laughter in each episode, which keeps me listening each week, and lots of horse and sword metaphors, which keeps me laughing along with them. Wish I had a lumpia recipe to add here but alas, I do not. ;) Listen to this podcast-you won't regret it! p.s. I hear Aiden Gillan is great in The Wire.

I found this podcast after the reunion in season 6. I had other podcasts about GOT that I listen to regularly. I was checking the Jaime x Brienne tag on tumblr and found this podcast. I'm now listening to the backlog. Great commentary and I love the hosts personalities. As long as you post, I'll be listening.

By far my favorite podcast! Funny and enlightening discussion about Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire. I enjoy all the different viewpoints....every episode gives me something new to think about around a show and book series I love. Thank you for all the entertaining hours.

There are many GoT podcasts consisting of book readers, but this one is not one of the good ones. They constantly complain about the writing, and then proceed to add some of the worst writing suggestions imaginable. That's not to say that the podcast does not have it's moments, but it is pretty substandard overall.

Too few women podcasting about the books and the show. You all do a great job. Thanks.

I tried this podcast but couldn't get through 15 minutes of it. Too many people talking over each other with varying sound levels.

I'm never gonna tell you everything I've got to tell you, but I know I've got to give it a try. And I know the roads to riches, and I know the ways to fame; I know all the rules and then I know how to break 'em and I always know the name of the game.

This is the only worthy podcast I listen to while walking alone along the old abandoned docks at night.

If you have become obsessed with A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones and wish you had a cool group of friends with whom to discuss it, then this is the podcast for you. What makes this such a fun and unique podcast is the variety of topics (from the show, to book rereads, and even RPG) that are always fun and interesting to listen to. The only thing to beware of is that if you listen to this podcast in public you might look because of all the times these ladies make you laugh.

You guys bring the funk but when that turkey comes up she ruins everything. One, she doesn't know the canon like you guys.2, she interrupts all the time with ridiculous input. 3 she seams like a real turkey.

One night, on a dirt road in Oklahoma, I was searching my phone for a new game of thrones podcast and happened upon this one. I'll admit, im not a very avid shipper, but listening to the ladies discuss the chapters and show, you can just feel how passionate they are about the material. I don't always agree with the show analysis but I'm happy to hear everyone's opinions. Really enjoyed the roleplaying episode, and espcially the spouse episode, I just couldn't stop laughing. Keep up the good work or GET OUT!

Great podcast, good for a laugh, nice combo of show and books. Team Baelish approved. XOXO sweetlings

Well, what can I say about this podcast? Been listening to it for awhile now, and it's seriously one of the most fun, and insightful podcasts I've ever listened to. It's a podcast for fan's of the pairing as well as the show, without the 'in your face' arrogance that most book readers carry in their attitude. There will be laughs, there will be fangasms,there will be giggles, there will be awe, hate(of course) and there will be tables.

An absolutely great podcast if you love the show and the books. In depth analysis of the show on it's portrayal of the books, the characters, and even some technical aspects that really shine in the show (when it does). Love the analasysis of the Jamie and Brienne chapters too. Heard about y'all from Radio Westeros. These podcasts have been making my days for the past few weeks I've been listening to all of them at work, from the beginning. Really enjoying your take on the new season 5 episodes (though I am really upset at how Barristan went out!) Those episodes are making my mondays more enjoyable. I also have a question about a potential horse metaphor that you guys may have missed (or at least didn't mention?). In Brienne 6 of AFFC we see the Hound's horse Stranger in the stables. The brothers tell brienne that they tried to put a plow on him but he kicked a brother and broke his shins. They tried to geld him but he bit off a brother's ear. Could this be a potential metaphor for what happens with the Hound in this story? They try to take him and make him accept the faith, but he cannot change who he has been for so long. The Hound may not be tempted to become a brother of the quiet isle. The Hound will always be a killer, but maybe he can kill for his own reasons? Not for kings, or even for the faith, but for himself? (#cleganebowl #gethype). Thank you for making these, congrats on 50k subscribers, and long live Close The Door!

I have been listening to this podcast on Podbean or something. I decided that was not practical so I actually spent $200 getting my iPhone up and running so I could listen properly. I hope that shows my level of dedication. Keep up the awesome work.

After sampling quite a few GOT podcasts, I realized that Close was by far the best. Great job ladies!

This is an exceptionally good podcast. Fans of the books and the tv series who haven't subscribed to Close The Door and Come Here are missing something special

I love love love these ladies and this podcast! They are witty, hilarious, and insightful. If you’re a fan of Jaime and Brienne, this is going to be like finding your home. Even if you aren’t a fan of these two characters (what’s wrong with you?!?!), this podcast is still great because of all of the intelligent and well thought out commentary. There’s even beautiful emotional moments and fangasms, really, what more could you ask for? Came for the Jaime and Brienne discussions, stayed for the horse metaphors, Genry rowing, and Tywin as king discussions.

Favorites: House. Sigil. Location. Man. Women. Battle. Fire or ice.