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Stimulated Boredom | Reviews. Gadgets. Gaming. Geek Culture. Podcast.

Stimulated Boredom is an entertaining and informative podcast hosted by Dana Sciandra. The program discusses many general interest topics, including geek culture, gaming, gadgets, reviews, technology, movies, politics, current events and entertainment. Come have your boredom stimulated! Please visit www.stimulatedboredom.com for more information.

Tracks

About a week after the series finale of Game of Thrones, the dust started to settle on the ending we were given, and the conclusion we all hoped for. Much of this afterthought is decidedly different than the initial reactions on the last podcast and predominantly plagued with disappointment.   Share in our chagrin as we contemplate what could have happened, and what probably should have happened. The problem of the Three-Eyed Raven Sansa would have been a more interesting ruler John deserved far better Cersei deserved far worse Jumping the Night shark, and subsequent opportunities missed Tyrion was so much smarter before With great power comes great responsibility The Double D greed and rushing the end Juggernaut effect on the actors The Night King is just a guy The costumes and visuals are still the best of the best Thanks to the excellent costume and set designers!  Game of Thrones may be over, but Stimulated Boredom is not. Stay tuned for more Dana, Pete, and V in your earholes just as soon as Dana negotiates his contract with baby Olivia.  In the meantime, we’re accepting topic suggestions in the comments.  Talk soon!

6/14/19 • 87:39

Game of Thrones is a fantastic journey through the multitude perspectives of its characters, and the series finale meant to resolve that journey somehow. After eight years, it’s hard to let go, and maybe it’s even painful to celebrate the resolutions that we did get shoe-horned into that 80 minutes. However you may feel about Bran the Broken, the birth of democracy in Westeros, or the obliteration of the Iron Throne and our silver-haired Khaleesi with it, the visuals in the episode took the throne. The series finale is beautiful. Jon passing Drogon in the ash. The red Targareyan sigil hanging on the ruin of King’s Landing. Arya and her wolf mast ship. Dany and the Drogon’s dragon wings! We can ostensibly celebrate in its visual grandeur and crowning costume moments. We do that and explore a spectrum of thoughts and feelings about the narrative. Also, welcome regular listener and commenter to the show, Devan! Devan and Pete make Dana and Vanessa look like n00bs while we figure out if we liked the episode or not. So many charred bodies That tension between Jon and Greyworm, woah Arya sneaks up on Jon, again Hope is the death of duty. Duty is the death of love. The table shrouded in destruction, then the table is “rebuilt”/0 The unpolished Small Council Tyrion’s face, in all of the scenes Jon and Dany, they don’t get to choose Awkward for Edmure THE NORTH SECEDES! #sansa4eva The spin-off is definitely Jon, Ghost, and Tormund Guys, the Starks rule the world! Thanks for tuning in with us for the last few seasons, we really appreciate it. It’s been a blast spending countless hours discussing every theory and listener comment, and we hope you’ll tune in for our next podcast series. Speaking of which, what should that be? Let us know in the comments! Follow Dana on Twitter Follow Vanessa on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter Follow Devan on Twitter

5/21/19 • 92:22

It’s happening. It’s all happening. The Bells rang, and we have mixed feelings. The farewells in this episode are emotionally satisfying, we see the Hound and Arya make peace, Tyrion bids adieu to his treacherous, yet an entirely correct friend, Varys, and then Tyrion frees Jamie and they bro all the way out. It’s sweet. Back to that bit about Varys being correct. We have the unfortunate realization that our fiery female protagonist, built over the last seven years, is turned into a one-note antagonist with unearned ease. It’s not great. Is this really what the Song of Fire and Ice has been about? Or did they just HBO the damn thing? With only one episode left, is the last conflict going to be to take down the Mad Queen? I must warn you; this week’s episode is also wrought with blasphemy as we had to discuss some critical plot realizations without Pete. Dana and I do our best to cope: Ruining Dracarys Tyrion is a clever fool Varys dies in this strange land The Golden who? Euron got too much screen time I thought the Dothraki were dead One dragon is all you really need Caches of wildfire Cersei got lucky Where’s Arya going? Jon and Davos, buddy cop spin-off? Does the Iron Throne still matter? Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave your predictions for the final episode in the comments. We’ve only got a handful of characters left. Who will live? Who will die? Which one of you nerds has this all figured out? We look forward to reading your comments on the show! Follow Dana on Twitter Follow Vanessa on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter

5/14/19 • 65:39

What could possibly cause as much panic as the Army of the Dead bearing down on Winterfell? Cersei Lannister gently touching Missendei’s arm and saying, “If you have any last words, now is the time.” The story of the Great War will be kept alive in memory for generations to come, and so will the legend of Cersei’s ruthlessness and brutality. It’s about the only thing we can count on in the game of thrones. And as Dany continues to take egregious losses, that Targaryen wildfire is on the precipice of igniting.  The stakes can (apparently) get even higher. Let’s panic and ponder together, nerds. Brienne gets some Jon’s a mean dog dad Will someone put some armor on those dragons? Arya’s not a lady Unfinished business Let’s talk about that list Cersei, Jaime, and the prophecy The dragon is out of the bag How DO they feel about incest in the North? Bronn is bery, bery sneaky Varys is loyal to the realm Jon? Dany? Cersei? Sansa? Lots of meandering theories of what is to come, because all bets are off And we finally read your comments! Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave your comments, questions, and predictions for the season in the comment section below for inclusion and discussion on the next episode. Only two episodes left! Follow Dana on Twitter Follow Vanessa on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter

5/7/19 • 85:00

The longest part of The Long Night was that panic-inducing, nail-biting, palm-sweating, 14-minute opening scene until the Army of the Dead extinguished the Dothraki in UNDER. A. MINUTE.  After that, it’s a bone-crushing, catastrophic clusterfuck for all. Thank the Lord of Light for Arya. My new Monday get-hype motto is going to be, “Stick ‘em with the pointy end.” Speaking of ends, a handful of third-tier protagonists, one sidekick and a big bad meet the God of Death. But let’s all pour out a little rosé for the giant-killer, Lady Mormont.  Also discussed: Grey Worm is slippery SO much Dragonfire, but not quite enough The Night King smiles? So, is Arya Azhor Ahai Those goddamn crypts Shipping Sansa + Tyrion Arya jumped ALL the way over the shark Davos is confused Theon earns his honor, finally Beric Dondarrion serves the Starks Melisandre served her purpose Jorah serves his Queen Dany and Jon are not that special So, is Arya Azor Ahai? And More! Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave your comments, questions, and predictions for the season in the comment section below for inclusion and discussion on the next episode.  Follow Dana on Twitter Follow Vanessa on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter 

4/30/19 • 81:27

The Stimulated Boredom: ‘Game of Thrones Edition’ podcast crew returns this week to bask in the low lights of Winterfell’s last night before the Army of the Dead arrives. We’re short our Fearless Leader this episode – so Pete and I do our best to serenade you with minute Westerosi details and frantic what-if theories of who might get resurrected (after they definitely die). Also discussed on A Knight in the Seven Kingdoms: Dany’s Paranoia Sansa’s Dress The Big Woman Miserable Old Shits Arya’s Elevator Looks Winterfell is a Racist Shithole The Origin of Giantsbane Sword Fights & Sword Exchanges Fuck Tradition Beric’s Got One Life Left And More! Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave your comments, questions, and predictions for the season in the comment section below for inclusion and discussion on the next episode. Follow Dana on Twitter Follow Vanessa on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter

4/24/19 • 46:52

The Stimulated Boredom: 'Game of Thrones Edition' podcast crew of Dana, Vanessa, and Peter are back for the final season, and we will be recapping each and every battle and backstab immediately following each episode! This week we jump into the premiere episode of Season 8:  Homecoming Back in King's Landing How to Train Your Dragon Drogon Likes to Watch Jon Knows Cersei Loves Elephants Reunions Galore Jaime Sees Bran...Awkward Sansa and the Stinkeye My Name is Samwell Tarley, You Killed My Father, Prepare to Die And a Ton More! We also cast our votes in the Death Pool, discussing who we think will survive, who we think will die, and who will win the Game of Thrones! Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to visit stimulatedboredom.com, and/or follow each of us online. Dana on Twitter Vanessa on Twitter Peter on Twitter      

4/15/19 • 82:17

Join us for 90 minutes of exploring the ins and outs of becoming independent of cable, including the different available streaming services and devices.  For your convenience, you can view our super simple process and service options below. Happy listening! Step 1: Explore your Internet options with your local providers. The average household will need a 75 Mbps Internet connection to stream without interference, especially with multiple devices. Find the most cost-effective solution. Step 2: Explore streaming services and devices. There are lots, and they all have different content offerings and user interfaces. Keep in mind your current technology ecosystem. For example, if you own Apple devices, then Apple TV will likely be the easiest transition. Whatever you choose, get your devices set-up before you cut the cord. Step 3: BINGE WATCH IT ALL!!! There will be an adjustment to how you interact with your content and devices, but hopefully, it will be an improved experience at a lower cost. Services DIRECTV Now Sling TV Playstation Vue YouTube TV Hulu & Hulu Live Amazon Prime Video & Prime Channels Netflix Devices Fire TV Roku AppleTV Android TV Chromecast & Chromecast Ultra HD Antennas Burger King Net Neutrality Video referenced in the episode.

7/9/18 • 96:31

Winter is finally here. “The Dragon and the Wolf” is everything we imagined it could be. Yet somewhere in the midst of Viserion’s magical blue fire destroying the wall and the Night King playing jockey, it felt like it sold its soul to convenience and a Disney score.

8/28/17 • 84:05

On this week's 'Game of Thrones' discussion: Two living Targaryens. Two sad Dragons. Two damaged Starks. Two blue eyes. One Night King. One episode remains. 

8/23/17 • 85:42

This Week on the Podcast: All of our hopes of a Jaime hostage situation are for naught. He made it back to his evil sister, fraught from watching his men die, and with dragon breath still in his hair. We all love to love Jaime, but he is an utter fool when it comes to Cersei. He is also terrified of her. We all should be. All is not a soul-crushing Lannister make-out session, we still get a (convenient) Tyrion and Jaime reunion. The two negotiated an armistice, because of course they did. Politically due North, Littlefinger is playing our darling Arya like a fiddle. It’s sad really. The Stark girls don’t understand how much their own house means to one another. If they did, their alliance could be ice solid. Except, they don’t know what we know. It’s maddening. What is also frustrating is how Samwell, our faithful informant at the Citadel, emotionally glazes over a High Septon’s diary entry about performing an annulment for Rhaegar, and marrying him to someone else at the same time in a secret ceremony in Dorne. You guys. This means Lyanna and Rhaegar were wed. Jon Snow is legitimate AF.

8/14/17 • 61:07

Missendai does everything. Arya learned from no one. Jon sees Dany’s good heart. The Queen is gone. Chaos is a ladder. Lanister BBQ, anyone? 

8/8/17 • 57:22

This Week on the Podcast: Ice and Fire. Dying in a strange country. Out-of-the-closet twincest. Trigger warning by the Godswood. The long game of justice. Olenna plays her final card.

7/31/17 • 60:01

The second episode, Stormborn, kicked the door down with swift elaboration on Azor Ahai.   Wut?   That’s the Song of Fire and Ice’s version of Jesus that is going to send the Night King and his army of the dead to somewhere very, very warm. This is huge in the theory land of book fandom, like R+L = J big. At some point soon, Dany and John will meet. Fangirl hearts are pitter pattering everywhere, this episode of the podcast included.   Just as high as the episode takes us, it also thoroughly grosses us out. Thanks again Citadel and your witchy ways. Then when you think you’re going to vomit, it washes you over with joy and sorrow when we see Nymeria again. Yes. That’s her.   We frequently imagine that we have somehow built up a tolerance to the reckless highs and lows to Game of Thrones, and that’s the narrative’s magic if there ever was one – because we haven’t.   Now it’s time to listen to us get all up in our feelings about all these things, too:   Verys and Dany confrontation Red Priestess and her dangerous prophecy Jaime & Tarly Balerion the Dread, Cersei and her mad scientist Olenna and clever men Greyworm & Missendai 4eva ARYA KNOWS ABOUT JON! AND SHE WENT HOME! Greyscale is gross AF Sansa is finally queen, but somehow, we end up down one Fucking Theon     As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section and we will discuss on the next podcast.

7/25/17 • 67:09

It’s the beginning of the end, and it feels like it. For Game of Thrones, that’s a good thing because the middle was really hard. We’ve been punished enough, and now it’s time for some payoff. Arya seems to be our one-way ticket to instant gratification picking up her murder tour left off and killing every fucking Frey in the house. It’s great. Here’s to hoping our favorite Stark keeps the upper hand.   Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr and the Hound talk of resurrection. They really dig into the details. BUT FOR WHAT!? If Arya is exacting some kind of analog for Lady Stoneheart’s revenge, then why do they keep on about coming back from the dead? What does it mean, nerds?   Our other lone lady wolf, Sansa is as strategic as ever and without apology. Her agency is a stark contrast to seasons past (you see what I did there?), and it is refreshing. As the clans in the North come together to battle Winter and the Night King, Sansa is still playing the game of thrones. Let’s hope the twisted ways of Kings Landing don’t pollute the Stark family reunion. Still, we get my favorite line of the episode as Sansa interrupts Littlefinger’s continued attempts at manipulation.   Alas, the shiniest North star continues to be Lady Mormont as she turns gruff, filthy, violent men into submissive toddlers. I am pretty sure she is the one with all the magic. Yo, Night King, come at her, bro!   We also got to see…   The book thief Euron Greyjoy channeling his best Douche Tormund’s twinkle eyes Blackberry wine & Ed Sheeran Logs burning and zombies walking "Wun Wun" Walkers Blood on the pages, guts on the table A bald cunt and a top knot That Catspaw dagger Mothafuckin' Dragonstone   We’re so happy to have the band back together and we hope you are too. What did we miss? What do you hope to see this season? Tell us your great theories for the future of Westeros! We’ll respond to your comments and questions on the next show.

7/18/17 • 67:10

Listen via the player below, subscribe for free on iTunes or through these other options, includingthe official mobile apps. In an exquisitely orchestrated series of unexpected events, we are left sated and curious. Who knew Game of Thrones could still surprise us? And even after reading fan theory upon fan theory, (sound, thorough theories) the show still managed to take us into uncharted territory while confirming the most popular GoT theory of all… R+L=J. I think we all knew that to be true, but it certainly feels validating to see it on screen. A Song of Fire and Ice surely has more than one meaning, but the key players are Dany and Jon. Sidenote, baby Jon is just as brooding as resurrected Jon. Cute. Jon’s parentage is an important reveal, but the true twist of the episode is the face-off at Riverrun as Arya Stark fed Walder Frey his sons, looked him square in his dispicable face, and killed him exactly how her mother was killed. And then she smiled. I am forced to face the reality that Lady Stoneheart was a heavy-handed Red Herring that gave us her psychopath second daughter to exact the revenge we know is due. I didn’t expect it, but I am at peace with that turn of events. I have long-loved Arya, and this feels good. That does not make me any less wrong. So, you know what that means, right? Yeah, I sing Justin Bieber on this episode because watching Firefly would have been way harder. I am sorry. Listeners of past episodes understand why this had to happen. Beyond the giant elephants of Jon and Arya, the finale served up… • The greatest costume Cersei has ever worn • Scary little birds • Wineboarding • Confessions of a mad queen • A library to end all libraries • The reflecting pool at Dorne • Unnerving passages of time • Sansa’s impeccable evolution • Lady Mormont is the best campaign manager EVAR The Winds of Winter was a phenomenal episode, and gave us much to discuss. I hope you stick around for the entire show as we recap the episode, recall moments that led up to these, and conject about what’s to come. Oh, and you know we read all of your comments, too. Now that the season is over, our magical nerd trinity wants to hear from you about what you’d like us to cover next. BUT, not before you sound off about the Winds of Winter in the comments. Thanks for listening, talk at you soon… you beautiful nerds. _________ Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek Follow Pete on Twitter You can listen to the full episode via the embedded player on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app. Also Available On: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, iTunes, Direct Download or through your favorite podcatcher app.

6/30/16 • 147:02

The face-off between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton, after a series of unequivocal gut punches in favor of the bad guys, filled my heart with kind of hope and anticipation typically reserved for child birth. So, when HBO Now decided to fucking crash at 9:00 pm EST on Sunday night, I (and the entire Twitterverse) had a Cersei-sized tantrum. I cleared my cache. Logged out. Logged back in. Rebooted my device. Rebooted my wireless router. Uninstalled. Reinstalled. Refreshed. To no avail. HBO Now was down for over two hours, and as much of a First World Problem as that is, I was goddamn pissed off. All I could do was tweet my nerd rage. I also had to tell Dana and Peter that I couldn’t record the podcast that night. We collectively apologize for the podcast being up a bit later than usual. Blame HBO Now. As a consolation prize, here are some hilarious tweets. #ichooseviolence I did finally get to watch the episode at about midnight, and OMFG! Historically, Game of Thrones saves the best bits of its seasons for last. In this case, the creators of the show outdid themselves. Battle of the Bastards may be the most well-crafted episode of the series to date. I was blown away. • There is some serious lady power on the rise: Dany, Yara and Sansa are on FIRE! • Who else is shipping Dany and Yara, btw? • Can we talk about Lady Mormont’s exquisite resting bitch face? • Poor Davos • Tormund and Smalljon, though • Piles and piles of bodies • Jon Snow is a killing machine • Ramsay does one, last incredibly shitty thing • Sansa’s smile made it all worth it There is only one thing that could make this season better, and her name is Lady Stoneheart. Let’s all pray to the Seven Gods and the Lord of Light for her ghastly reveal in the season finale or else I might actually quit the show. OK. Maybe I won’t quit the show, but there better not be any wildfire laying around if she doesn’t show up. #burnthemall Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave your comments, questions or fan theories in the comment section below – and we will respond to them on the next show.  See you next week, nerds! _________ Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek Follow Pete on Twitter You can listen to the full episode via the embedded player on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app.  

6/21/16 • 88:32

Warning: This podcast contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones episode, “No One.” Last night’s Game of Thrones episode – entitled, “No One” – did little by way of providing many surprises, but did do a lot to delight fans. After the awful and hate-inducing fifth season, which was spoiled by — in descending order of offensiveness — misogyny, nihilism and brooding, this season (so far) has been largely about making the show actually fun to watch again. Go figure. The sins of the past are not yet forgiven, but “No One” was another step in the right direction, as we see:   The triumphant return of Daenerys and Drogon…and in just the nick of time Arya regain her name, identity an purpose The Faith lose their heads…literally The Hound get revenge for losing his bestie Tyrion launches a new comedy troupe with Grey Worm and Missandei Of course most of the season has been leading up to the main event, which will be next week’s episode – appropriately nicknamed “The Bastard Bowl” – in which we’ll finally see Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton face off over the fate of Winterfell. With only 2 episodes remaining in Season 6, the weekly podcast crew of Dana, Vanessa and Peter return to wax poetic on all things Game of Thrones.  Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories to dana (at) stimulated boredom (dot) com – or leave them in the comment section below – and we will respond to them on the next show! Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek Follow Pete on Twitter You can listen to the full episode via the embedded player on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app.  

6/14/16 • 49:30

Warning: This podcast contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones episode, “The Broken Man.” Well, it was bound to happen. In a fast-paced season in which we’ve enjoyed some incredibly satisfying episodes, we were given a slower and somewhat lighter episode of Game of Thronesthis week with, “The Broken Man.” Not to say that Arya getting her stomach aerated and the Hound returning from the “dead” weren’t notable, it’s just that comparatively speaking there just wasn’t a lot of story movement this week. We were introduced to some compelling new characters – and had one of them taken away almost as quickly as they were introduced. Jon builds an army. Cersei get’s dissed, hard, and Sansa has to ask for help from the one person she doesn’t want to. I’m a bit under the weather this week, so I’ll leave all of the fascinating discussion of “The Broken Man” episode to the podcast, as we continue to dissect every Game of Thrones episode this season within moments of their airing, including comparison to the books, online fan theories, and our own speculation about where the season is headed. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories to dana (at) stimulated boredom (dot) com – or leave them in the comment section below – and we will respond to them on the next show! Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek Follow Pete on Twitter You can listen to the full episode via the embedded player on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app.

6/6/16 • 67:01

Warning: This podcast contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones episode, “Blood of my Blood.” For a Game of Thrones episode titled “Blood of My Blood,” there was surprisingly little blood. We saw the return of Benjen Stark (aka: Cold Hands), and caught a glimpse of the Mad King’s death. We also witnessed some sneaky political maneuvers by the High Sparrow, who seemingly check-mated the Lannisters and Tyrells. Arya Stark remembers her name – and where she buried her sword, Needle; and we meet Samwell Tarly’s dad, who won’t be winning any “Father of the Year” awards anytime soon. “Oh, and have you met my dragon?” – Daenerys to the Dothraki “Blood Of My Blood” represents a number of turning points for the season – especially for Dany and Bran – as we begin to step into new and uncharted territory for the series. The Game of Thrones podcast crew of Dana, Vanessa and Peter dig deep into the fan theories that turned out to be true, and speculate about where the remainder of Season 6 is heading. However, we all agree that it was yet another great episode this season, and (thankfully) not as traumatic as last week’s. Also Discussed: We’re reminded that Walder Frey is still alive and needs to be killed, violently Edmure is also alive and being used as a pawn…but to what end? Jaime and Brienne are headed to the Riverlands – and Vanessa is positively giddy over the prospect of Lady Stoneheart’s possible arrival onto the show Sam grows a pair and steals a Valyrian steel blade from his prick of a father Arya is seemingly out of that spooky death cult and is, hopefully, going to make her way back to Westeros with her list of names and trusty Needle in hand Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories to dana (at) stimulated boredom (dot) com, and we will respond to your email on the next show! Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek and on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter You can listen to the full epsode via the embedded pliayer on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app.

5/30/16 • 88:17

Warning: This podcast contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones episode, “The Door.” Whelp, we went from one of the series most uplifting episodes…to easily one of the saddest. Hodor. Hodor. Hodor. Who, me? Oh, nothing. I just have some snow in my eye. Hodor on, Hodor. With tonight’s episode of, “The Door,” season 6 continues to rack up the body count, but none have been as gut-wrenching as the (presumed) loss of poor Hodor. The series also delivered a triple mind-freak dick-punch by revealing the origin of Hodor’s condition, his dreadful demise, and Bran’s responsibility for both. Oh yeah, and the Starks lost another goddamn Direwolf. The podcast crew of Dana, Vanessa and Peter gather once more to discuss and dissect the episode, along with our shared grief at the loss of the Hodorest Hodor who ever Hodored. Tune in as we dissect every detail of this week’s episode, and be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories to dana (at) stimulated boredom (dot) com, and we will respond to your email on the next show! Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek and on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter

5/24/16 • 63:45

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Game of Thrones episode, “Book of the Stranger.” The first three episodes of this season may have focused on ice, but tonight we saw the return ofFIRE in a big way. The Game of Thrones weekly podcast crew of Dana, Vanessa and Peter return to discuss every fiery detail of Season 6, Episode 4: “Book of the Stranger.” So far season 6 has been rather uplifting – relatively speaking – after the joyless black pit that was season 5, and there’s no better example of that then this week’s episode. In fact, season 6 has really upped the pace these last four episodes, as fans have been treated to an assortment of satisfying moments…which, judging by history, probably won’t last long. Daenerys had another showstopping moment this week; plus we finally get a Stark family reunion that many fans have been waiting for since Season 1. We see Sansa reunited with Jon; Theon rejoined with Yara; Margaery consoles Loras; Jorah and Daario find Dany, and even Cersei is (seemingly) joining forces with Lady Olenna. Joy! Tune in as we dissect every detail of this week’s episode, and be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories to dana (at) stimulated boredom (dot) com, and we will respond to your email on the next show! Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek and on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter You can listen to the full epsode via the embedded pliayer on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app.

5/16/16 • 53:10

Some major Stark family shakeups happen this week on Game of Thrones, and the weekly podcast crew of Dana, Vanessa and Peter are back to discuss every little detail of Season 6, Episode 3: “Oathbreaker.” A Quick Recap: Arya Stark gets her vision back Bran Stark sees his father, Eddard, in action at the Tower of Joy Rickon Stark has returned…phew!…but he’s now in Ramsay’s clutches…shit! Jon Snow fashions his enemies with new neckties and quits the Night’s Watch We may have also caught a glimpse of a major plot point involving the identity of Jon Snow’s parents. In one of the biggest moments of the episode, Bran witnesses a young Ned Stark facing off against legendary swordsman Ser Arthur Dayne, a member of the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen’s Kingsguard, at the Tower of Joy. According to Dayne, he was instructed by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen (Daenerys and Viserys’ older brother) to guard the tower, where Ned suspects his sister Lyanna is being held after Rhaegar kidnapped her and incited the rebellion that eventually saw the Targaryen dynasty removed from power and Robert Baratheon installed on the Iron Throne. What relevance does this have to Jon Snow’s parentage? Feel free to fall down that rabbit hole of speculation here — but it’s discussed in detail on the podcast that after Lyanna’s death and Robert’s victory, Ned returned home to Winterfell (and his new wife Catelyn) with a bastard son, but refused to tell anyone the identity of Jon’s mother. Want more? Tune in! You can listen to the full episode via the embedded player on this page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or through your favorite podcatcher app. Be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories to dana (at) stimulated boredom (dot) com, and we will respond to your email on the next show! Follow Dana on Twitter Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek and on Twitter Follow Pete on Twitter    

5/9/16 • 54:36

Warning: This episode contains spoilers fortheGame of Thrones episode, “Home.”Alright folks, you can finally unclench and relax over thefateof Jon Snow. Well, you can try to relax afterthatrepulsive and cringe-inducing scene with Ramsay Bolton andthebaby, but let’s try to process this one thing at a time.The weekly ‘Game of Thrones’ podcastdiscussioncrew of Dana, Vanessa and Peter return this week, as wedelve into,“Home” — Episode 2 of Season 6.A Few Things We Chatted About:Welcome back, Bran. After a year off from the show – andagrowth spurt, evidently – the young psychic Stark (and John Oliver doppelgänger) returnsRamsey Bolton does another horrible thingTyrion Lannister stars in, “How to TrainYourDragons”“What choo talkin’ bout…Hodor?”Remember kids, public urination can be fatalJaime Lannister learns firsthand how creepy religiousfanaticsareCastle Black takes a walk on the Wild(ling) Side“The No Name Girl Formally Known as Arya Stark”ERMAGHERD JON SNOW IS ALIVE AND IT BROKE THE INTERNETS!A lot happened in this week’s episode of GameofThrones, so let’s get to it!You can listen to the full episode via the embedded playeronthis page, or simply subscribe for free on iTunes or throughyourfavorite podcatcher app.Be sure to send your comments, questions or fan theories todana(at) stimulated boredom (dot) com, and we will respond toyouremail on the next show!Follow Dana on TwitterFind Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek and on TwitterFollow Pete on TwitterAlso Available On: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, iTunes, Direct Download or through yourfavoritepodcatcher app.

5/2/16 • 52:37

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones episode, “The Red Woman.” The long-awaited season six premiere of Game of Thrones has finally arrived — and with it one pretty major deviation from the books, a shocking moment that we’re all still processing, and wefinally learn the fate of Jon Snow. On this new weekly Stimulated Boredom podcast series, I’ll be joined by show favorites –Vanessa Gabriel and Peter – as we discuss each new Game of Thrones episode as soon as they air for the most immediate reactions and discussion. We approach each week’s G.o.T episodes from 3 different perspectives — one from someone who has only watched the show (Dana), one who has read some of the books and spoiler-filled Wikis (Vanessa), and from one who has read all of the books and has the potential to ruineverything with their inside knowledge (Peter) — so be prepared for spoilers, however we’ll always try to be careful and take into account those listeners who, like Dana, only know the series from what the writers present on the show. We hope that you enjoy this new weekly series, and we look forward to your comments, questions and fan theories — which you can leave in the comment section below or email the show: dana (at) stimulatedboredom (dot) com. We’ll be addressing listener feedback on future episodes, so be sure to share your thoughts and maybe you’ll hear them on the next episode! Find Vanessa at: Girls Gone Geek and on TwitterFollow Pete on Twitter

4/25/16 • 46:19

Warning: This episode contains major spoilers for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice On this episode of Stimulated Boredom, I’m joined by recent guest-host Peter, along with Vanessa Gabriel of Girls Gone Geek, as we dive cowl-first into what we loved, liked and disliked aboutBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, including its surprises, adherence to DC Comics continuity, how it did in establishing DC’s larger cinematic universe, some of our biggest unanswered questions, and much more. This episode also answers: What the hell was Bruce Wayne’s weird desert fever dream all about? What exactly was Lex Luthor’s grand plan, anyway? Should we expect the same dark tone in the other planned DC cinematic universe movies? Where has Wonder Woman been since 1918? Did Batman just kill a bunch of dudes? What comic book easter eggs did we catch? So, sit back and enjoy three geeks wax poetic about capes, cowls and lassos!

3/28/16 • 96:15

Warning: This episode contains spoilers, and assumes that you’ve seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Only listen if you’ve seen the movie. To ignore this warning is a path to the Dark Side. Episode VII We Have Seen. Much to Discuss There Is. Peter joins me on this episode of the Stimulated Boredom podcast, as we lovingly discuss and review Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Episode VII is finally here, as we talk about our impressions of the film, and engage in rampant speculation over the unanswered questions that many of you undoubtedly have, including: Who are Rey’s parents? What is Rey’s background, and who is she waiting for on Jakku? Why does Luke’s lightsaber call to Rey? What the hell is up with Supreme Leader Snoke, and why did Star Wars do a crossover with The Lord of the Rings? Why did Ben Solo turn to the Dark Side, and will he ever resolve his grandfather issues? How did Maz Kanata get hold of Luke’s lightsaber, and will she ever get Lasik eye surgery? How many times did the movie make us cry? Why is Kylo Ren so strong with the Force, but not so much when it comes to fighting with a glow stick? And SO much more! We’d also like to hear from you, including what you thought of The Force Awakens, along with any questions, comments or theories that you might have. Feel free to leave your comments below or email the show, and we’ll do a Star Wars follow up episode in which we include your feedback and impressions of the movie. Sit back and enjoy, as two fans wax poetic about a galaxy far, far away! #TheForceAwakensInOurPants

12/22/15 • 137:00

It’s certainly been awhile since the last episode of Stimulated Boredom, but the podcast (sort of) makes its triumphant return with this 2.5 hour episode that is so chock full of geeky goodness, you’ll literally feel the atomic wedgie creeping up your butthole every minute that you listen! On this episode of the show I’m joined by my good friend, Peter, as we wax poetic on geek culture and recap all of the nerdy things that has excited us over the last few months. This includes everything from discussion of the new Daredevil series on Netflix, to the latest Batman V Superman trailer and upcoming movie, along with Game of Thrones Season 6 speculation, exciting Comic-Con announcements, Flash on the CW, and Ernest Cline’s latest geek tome, Armada So sit back, relax and experience your virginity growing back. 

8/3/15 • 137:15

  Vanessa Gabriel of Girls Gone Geek returns for a four-peat appearance on the show, as we discuss the ins-and-outs of creating your own successful blog, podcast and posting original content.   Having been content creators since 2005 (me) and 2009 (Vanessa), we have gleaned from and learned a lot of lessons about taking our passions and turning them into viable platforms on the Internet.   From choosing a memorable name to building an audience and promoting your content via social media, we discuss the mistakes we’ve made, our successes, failures, helpful tips & tricks and share our collected wisdom for the benefit of those seeking to do the same.   As is always the case with Vanessa’s appearances on the show, this is an entertaining, informative and organic conversation that we hope will help to stimulate your boredom, while providing some insight and advice that people can immediately apply and benefit from.

7/14/13 • 194:02

Some of you may have noticed a few major changes recently. That’s because I locked myself away for a few days – and have the mason jars full of urine and poor basic hygiene to prove it – redesigning the entire Stimulated Boredom website. The intent of the redesign was to create more of a “news magazine” feel to the site, one which would make it easier to discover content, in addition to better organizing the website as a whole. In this brief update, I introduce some of the changes that were made.

7/13/13 • 11:07