Learned Hands: The Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association

By Maester Merry & Clint

What's Learned Hands: The Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association about?

Welcome to Learned Hands! In this podcast, Maester Merry & Clint, two real world attorneys explore the legal and ethical dilemmas posed by the fictional world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Learned Hands: The Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association episodes:

04.03.2024
Hands on the Expanse: Persepolis Rising Part II, feat. Adriana Lady Counselor of the Summer Isles
In this very special Hands on Episode, Merry, Clint, and Adriana Lady Counselor of the Summer Isles, Archmaester of Pedantic Sophistry, and Founding Member of the Governor Santiago Singh Appreciation Society cover the second act of the seventh book of...
03.22.2024
Hands on HotD: Season 2 Black & Green Trailers
In this very first edition of the second season of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint cover the two competing Green and Black Trailers released today for HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - Season 2 In this episode:We...
03.14.2024
Hands on The Expanse: Persepolis Rising Pt. I
In this very special Hands on Episode, Merry and Clint cover the first act of the seventh book of the BEST SCI FI SERIES EVER, Persepolis Rising from the Expanse. This episode includes:Merry and Clint get legitimately choked up talking about...
02.25.2024
Episode 39: "Panic! at the Shieldhall; The One Where Jon Dies"
In this thirty-ninth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: Did Jon Snow's choice to ride south to Winterfell kill the Night's Watch? What responsibility, if any, does Jon have to...
01.23.2024
BONUS Episode 38.5: LIVE from IAFCon 2023; Legal Issues in the Dance of the Dragons
In this special BONUS EPISODE, we give you a recording of Merry & Clint @ Ice and Fire Con 2023 discussing one of their favorite topics: Legal Issues in the Dance of the Dragons! In this bonus recording we cover:Coups!Territorial conquest!The...
12.07.2023
Episode 38: "Point Made: Doran Martell's Water Gardens"
In this thirty-eighth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: How well does Doran Martell's Water Gardens speech move the ball? Our analysis this week includes:Your Hands finally cover the Dornish...
10.23.2023
Episode 37: "Point Made; Dany the Deadly Deal Lawyer
In this thirty-seventh episode (in a row?) of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: How does Daenerys's deal with the slavers reflect her methods of persuasion? Our analysis this week includes:Your Hands...
09.26.2023
Hands on A Knight's Tale, feat. Dr. Shiloh Carroll
In which Your Hands and Special Guest Hand Dr. Shiloh Carroll discuss the 2001 Sports Jousting Epic A KNIGHT'S TALE. In this episode:We talk about Shiloh's new book, The Medieval Worlds of Neil Gaiman, and how you, the listener, can win...
08.02.2023
Episode 36: "Point Made; Varys's Riddle"
In this thirty-sixth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: Is Varys's Riddle an effective method of persuasion? Our analysis this week includes:Learned Hands finally does a FULL EPISODE on the...
06.29.2023
Episode 35: "Point Made; The Kingsmoot"
In this thirty-fifth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: Was anyone at the Kingsmoot any good at political persuasion? Our analysis this week includes:The continuation of our new running series...
06.01.2023
Hands on Succession: “The Tragedy of Peter's Special Cheese”
In which Your Hands go in a deep dive over HBO's niche arthouse property SUCCESSION and why it fucking whips so goddamn hard. This episode includes:Extensive discussion of the Shakespearean roots of this delightfully and depressingly funny show about the absolute...
05.21.2023
Episode 34: "Point Made; Renly Baratheon"
In this thirty-fourth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: Is Renly Baratheon any good at oral (arguments)? Our analysis this week includes:The beginning of a brand new running series where...
03.09.2023
Episode 33: "Separation of Power is a Trick, a Shadow on the Wall"
In this thirty-third episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: What are the horizontal Separations of Powers that exist in Westeros? What similarities exist between the Seven Kingdoms and the US...
02.13.2023
Episode 32: "The United States of Westeros; Federalism in the Seven Kingdoms"
In this thirty-second episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: Is the Seven Kingdoms a Federalist System? Which has more power, a US State or a Westerosi Realm? Our analysis this week...
12.28.2022
BONUS Episode: Learned Hands 2022 Recap and 2023 Preview
In this VERY SPECIAL YEAR END EPISODE, Merry and Clint give you a rundown of all of the damage 2022 hath wrought and preview the New Year's Content. In this episode we:Take stock of the WBA, our podcast, our lives, and...
12.06.2022
BONUS Episode: Hands on Andor; Season One Way Out
In which Your Hands and Special Guest Star Wars Hand Maddie Kay Ray break down the overwhelming success of the first season of ANDOR. This episode includes:Rampant awed confusion as to how something this leftist, anti-fascist, pro-revolutionary, and flat-out great got...
11.02.2022
Hands on HotD: Season 1 Wrap - On History and Adaptation - feat. Dr. Kavita Mudan Finn
In this eleventh and DEFINITELY (probably) final edition of the first season of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint and special guest Dr. Kavita Mudan Finn wrap up the initial season of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON In...
10.25.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 10 - The Black Queen
In this tenth and final edition of the first season of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint cover Season 1 Episode 10 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - The Black Queen In this episode we:Invite everyone to...
10.18.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 9 - The Green Council - feat. Kristine Kippins
In this ninth edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint and Special Guest Hand Kristine Kippins cover Season 1 Episode 9 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - The Green Council In this episode we:Evaluate the good,...
10.11.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 8 - The Lord of the Tides - feat. Stanford Fraser
In this eighth edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint and Special Guest Hand Stanford Fraser cover Season 1 Episode 8 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - The Lord of the Tides In this episode we:Evaluate...
10.04.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 7 - Driftmark
In this seventh edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint cover Season 1 Episode 7 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - Driftmark In this episode we:Celebrate the fact that LAENOR VELARYON LIVED which was the greatest...
09.27.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 6 - The Princess and the Queen - feat. Queer Alex
In this sixth edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint and special guest Queer Alex cover Season 1 Episode 6 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - The Princess and the Queen In this episode we:Celebrate the...
09.20.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 5 - We Light The Way - feat. Jocelyn from More Wine Pod
In this fifth edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint and special guest Jocelyn from More Wine Pod cover Season 1 Episode 5 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - We Light The Way In this episode...
09.13.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 4 - King of the Narrow Sea, feat. Akash J. Saran
In this fourth edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint and special guest Akash cover Season 1 Episode 4 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - King of the Narrow Sea In this episode we:Discuss Viserys's HR...
09.05.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 3 - Second of His Name
In this third edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint cover Season 1 Episode 3 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - Second Of His Hame In this episode we:Ask how well Viserys “Dark Brandon” Targaryen supported...
08.30.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 2 - The Rogue Prince
In this sophomore edition of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint cover Season 1 Episode 2 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - The Rogue Prince This episode includes:It's wedding season, y'all! Matchmaker, matchmaker, make Viserys a match,...
08.23.2022
Hands on HotD: Episode 1 - Heirs of the Dragon
In this VERY FIRST EPISODE of Hands on HotD, Merry and Clint cover Season 1 Episode 1 of HBO's niche arthouse property HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. This episode includes:A breakdown of the show's discussion of Great Council of 101 AC and...
08.11.2022
Episode 31: "Dance Party, Vol. IX; The Last Dance"
In this thirty-first episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: What did we learn here? Our analysis this week includes:The Dance is done! You don't have to go home, but you...
07.26.2022
Episode 30: "Dance Party, Vol. VIII; Dances With Wolves"
In this thirtieth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Merry & Clint ask: How well did Larys Strong, Cregan Stark, and Other Dancers do Machiavelli? Our analysis this week includes:Sexy Sexy Sexiness from Cregan...
07.01.2022
BONUS Episode: "Veep Gone Hands; Why Veep is the Best Ever Show About American Politics", feat. Chloe & Eliana
in this VERY SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE, your Hands and both of the Girls Gone Canon go in-depth about HBO's VEEP, the Best Ever Show About American Politics, Including The One You're Thinking About (and Also Game of Thrones). Highlights from the...
06.21.2022
Episode 29: "Cruel & Usual; Hair Grows Back", feat. Rohanne
In this twenty-ninth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint, and Special Guest Hand Rohanne ask: Is Cersei's walk of atonement effective punishment, and what are its goals? Our analysis this week includes:Acclaimed...
05.22.2022
Episode 28: "Dance Party, Vol. VII: A Caution for Young Rulers"
Episode 28: “Dance Party: Vol. VII; A Caution for Young Rulers” In this twenty-eighth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: What can the deaths...
04.21.2022
Episode 27: "Cruel & Usual; Punishment by Taking the Black" feat. Don Zeko
In this twenty-seventh episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint, and Special Guest Hand Don Zeko ask: What does GRRM’s portrayal of the Wall reveal about the values that motivate criminal law...
03.11.2022
Episode 26: "Dance Party, Vol. VI; Dance Dance Revolution"
Episode 26: “Dance Party: Vol. VI; Dance Dance Revolution” In this twenty-sixth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: Did the people of King’s Landing...
02.14.2022
Episode 25: "Dance Party, Vol. V; Bad Blood"
In this twenty-fifth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: How should Westerosi sovereigns look at treason and how should it be punished? Our analysis...
12.07.2021
BONUS Episode 24.5: "Expanse Season 6 Hype-Stream Audio"
In which your Hands and friends get excited for Season 6 of the Expanse.Support the show
11.23.2021
Episode 24: “Dance Party, Vol. IV; Bloody Moves”
In this twenty fourth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: How do the battles in the Dance of the Dragons establish law or precedent?...
10.11.2021
Episode 23: "When I Tried To Cross The White Wall; The Free Folk, Refugees, and the Wall."
In this twenty-third episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire, and special guest Akash J. Saran, J.D., ask: Does any leader at the Wall have 'good'...
08.18.2021
Episode 22: "Horny Issues: the Hornwood Inheritance Crisis"
In this twenty second episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: What is the legal resolution of the Hornwood Inheritance Crisis Our analysis this week...
08.02.2021
Episode 21: "Know True Knights; Chivalry & Law in Westeros" feat. Dr. Shiloh Carroll
Maester Merry, Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire and Dr. Shiloh Carroll ask: What are the Westerosi rules of chivalry and how do they relate to other chivalric codes, real and fictional? Our analysis this week includes:Dr. Shiloh, who...
07.13.2021
Episode 20: "GRRM vv JRRT; The Quandary of Aragorn's Tax Policy"
In this twentieth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire and a cast of several ask: Is GRRM successful in asking meaningful questions about his...
05.11.2021
Episode 19: “Dance Party Vol. III; Dance 'til You’re Dead”
In this nineteenth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: How does the Law In Literature inform interpretations of the Dance of the Dragons?...
04.12.2021
Episode 18: "Dance Party Vol. II; One Flew Over The Coup Coup's Nest"
In this eighteenth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: What role did Westeros’ legal system play in enabling the Greens' coup? What lessons...
03.25.2021
Episode 17: “The Brotherhood Without War Crimez”, feat. BryndenBFish
In this seventeenth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire and special guest BryndenBFish from the NotACast Podcast ask: Did the Brotherhood Without Banners commit...
03.05.2021
Episode 16: “Stop the Steal! The Election of Lord Commander Jon Snow”
In this sixteenth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: If the election happened in modern America, was the election of Lord Commander Jon...
01.30.2021
Episode 15.5: BONUS Horny Jail Livestream Audio
In this very special BONUS LIVESTREAM, Merry & Clint give you the skinny on what went into Episode 15, the Horny Trial of Rhaegar Targaryen, including an update on the current jury voting, behind-the-scenes info on the cast, and much...
01.21.2021
Episode 15: “The Horny Trial of Rhaegar Targaryen”
In this fifteenth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire & a hilarious cast of dozens give you: The Horny Trial Of Rhaegar Targaryen! This...
11.18.2020
Episode 14: “The First Law of Braavos”
In this fourteenth episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire ask: How does the First Law of Braavos shape the Braavosi legal system? Our analysis...
10.30.2020
Episode 13: "Dawn Age Of The Dead", feat. JoeMagician
In this VERY SPOOPY 13th episode of Learned Hands, the Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association, Maester Merry & Clint from Laws of Ice and Fire, along with Expert Witness JoeMagician ask: What are the Privileges & Immunities of...
10.11.2020
Episode 12: "Dance Party Vol. I; The Precedent That Never Was"
In this episode, our hosts begin their Dance Party Series, covering the legal issues in the Dance of the Dragons. In Dance Party Vol. I, Merry & Clint ask: What precedents, if any, were created by the Great Council of...

What's Learned Hands: The Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Learned Hands: The Official Podcast of the Westerosi Bar Association episodes:

Hands on the Expanse: Persepolis Rising Part II, feat. Adriana Lady Counselor of the Summer Isles

Hands on HotD: Season 2 Black & Green Trailers

Hands on The Expanse: Persepolis Rising Pt. I

Episode 39: "Panic! at the Shieldhall; The One Where Jon Dies"

BONUS Episode 38.5: LIVE from IAFCon 2023; Legal Issues in the Dance of the Dragons

Episode 38: "Point Made: Doran Martell's Water Gardens"

Episode 37: "Point Made; Dany the Deadly Deal Lawyer

Hands on A Knight's Tale, feat. Dr. Shiloh Carroll

Episode 36: "Point Made; Varys's Riddle"

Episode 35: "Point Made; The Kingsmoot"

Hands on Succession: “The Tragedy of Peter's Special Cheese”

Episode 34: "Point Made; Renly Baratheon"

Episode 33: "Separation of Power is a Trick, a Shadow on the Wall"

Episode 32: "The United States of Westeros; Federalism in the Seven Kingdoms"

BONUS Episode: Learned Hands 2022 Recap and 2023 Preview

BONUS Episode: Hands on Andor; Season One Way Out

Hands on HotD: Season 1 Wrap - On History and Adaptation - feat. Dr. Kavita Mudan Finn

Hands on HotD: Episode 10 - The Black Queen

Hands on HotD: Episode 9 - The Green Council - feat. Kristine Kippins

Hands on HotD: Episode 8 - The Lord of the Tides - feat. Stanford Fraser

Hands on HotD: Episode 7 - Driftmark

Hands on HotD: Episode 6 - The Princess and the Queen - feat. Queer Alex

Hands on HotD: Episode 5 - We Light The Way - feat. Jocelyn from More Wine Pod

Hands on HotD: Episode 4 - King of the Narrow Sea, feat. Akash J. Saran

Hands on HotD: Episode 3 - Second of His Name

Hands on HotD: Episode 2 - The Rogue Prince

Hands on HotD: Episode 1 - Heirs of the Dragon

Episode 31: "Dance Party, Vol. IX; The Last Dance"

Episode 30: "Dance Party, Vol. VIII; Dances With Wolves"

BONUS Episode: "Veep Gone Hands; Why Veep is the Best Ever Show About American Politics", feat. Chloe & Eliana

Episode 29: "Cruel & Usual; Hair Grows Back", feat. Rohanne

Episode 28: "Dance Party, Vol. VII: A Caution for Young Rulers"

Episode 27: "Cruel & Usual; Punishment by Taking the Black" feat. Don Zeko

Episode 26: "Dance Party, Vol. VI; Dance Dance Revolution"

Episode 25: "Dance Party, Vol. V; Bad Blood"

BONUS Episode 24.5: "Expanse Season 6 Hype-Stream Audio"

Episode 24: “Dance Party, Vol. IV; Bloody Moves”

Episode 23: "When I Tried To Cross The White Wall; The Free Folk, Refugees, and the Wall."

Episode 22: "Horny Issues: the Hornwood Inheritance Crisis"

Episode 21: "Know True Knights; Chivalry & Law in Westeros" feat. Dr. Shiloh Carroll

Episode 20: "GRRM vv JRRT; The Quandary of Aragorn's Tax Policy"

Episode 19: “Dance Party Vol. III; Dance 'til You’re Dead”

Episode 18: "Dance Party Vol. II; One Flew Over The Coup Coup's Nest"

Episode 17: “The Brotherhood Without War Crimez”, feat. BryndenBFish

Episode 16: “Stop the Steal! The Election of Lord Commander Jon Snow”

Episode 15.5: BONUS Horny Jail Livestream Audio

Episode 15: “The Horny Trial of Rhaegar Targaryen”

Episode 14: “The First Law of Braavos”

Episode 13: "Dawn Age Of The Dead", feat. JoeMagician

Episode 12: "Dance Party Vol. I; The Precedent That Never Was"