The Gargyle Podcast - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Adam and I are back at it again with the next episode in our coverage of the Harry Potter series!  In tonight's episode, we discuss (among other things):  the interaction of horror and child-like wonder and fantasy, whether the giant frogs in the choir are singing or being played like instruments, our interpretations of J. K. Rowling's infusion of social and political commentary into her stories, and the intentionality of cgi hippogriff poop.

While each episode in our Harry Potter series will primarily focus on the specific movie that was just watched, there will be conversations about how the movie deviates from the book, references to information from previous movies/books, discussions about events that take place later in the series, and comparisons to events in other series/franchises.  So, consider this your general spoiler warning.  But, if you've already seen/read all of Harry Potter, then watch out for hippogriff droppings and give your time turner a turn or two for our analysis of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!!



If you enjoy this episode, be sure to keep checking back for our next episode in our Harry Potter series.  And if you enjoy movies, film festivals, conventions, comics, games, cartoons, horror, or just about anything geeky...be sure to check back soon for all things geekery!!  In the meantime, follow me here, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.  And be sure to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and/or Stitcher for more geek coverage!!




Music for The Gargyle Podcast by Bensound

The Gargyle Podcast - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

After a little time off for the holidays, Adam and I are back with the next episode in our coverage of the Harry Potter series!  In tonight's episode, we discuss (among other things):  the ethical treatment of house elves, why Hogwart's kept the Slytherin house (despite Salazar Slytherin's view on racial purity), and the impact of the discrepancies between book and movie.  Plus, Adam makes several innocent comments that are taken wildly out of context.

While each episode in our Harry Potter series will primarily focus on the specific movie that was just watched, there will be conversations about how the movie deviates from the book, references to information from previous movies/books, discussions about events that take place later in the series, and comparisons to events in other series/franchises.  So, consider this your general spoiler warning.  But, if you've already seen/read all of Harry Potter, then grab a handful of flue powder, and meet me and Adam in Diagon Alley for our analysis of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!!



If you enjoy this episode, be sure to keep checking back for our next episode in our Harry Potter series.  And if you enjoy movies, conventions, comics, games, cartoons, horror, or just about anything geeky...be sure to check back soon for all things geekery!!  In the meantime, follow me here, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.  And be sure to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and/or Google Play for more geek coverage!!





Music for The Gargyle Podcast by Bensound

The Gargyle Podcast - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

A few weeks ago, Adam and I podcasted about our time at CONjuration.  While CONjuration is a con for all things magical, it grew out of a love for the Harry Potter and much of the con does revolve around the Harry Potter series.  Consequently, a good portion of the conversation that Adam and I had on that podcast also revolved around Harry Potter.  In fact, we were enjoying the conversation so much that we kept talking about it even after we stopped recording.

So, we decided to prolong our conversations about Harry Potter by doing a series of podcasts on the films.  Over the next several months, Adam and I will be rewatching the films together and then podcasting about our thoughts, questions, and analyses of the films and books.

While each episode will primarily focus on the specific movie that was just watched, there will be conversations about how the movie deviates from the book, reference to information from previous movies/books, and discussions about events that take place later in the series.  These podcasts will NOT be spoiler free.  So, consider this your general spoiler warning.  But, if you've already seen/read all of Harry Potter, then hop aboard the Hogwart's Express with me and Adam as we dive into Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone!



If you enjoy this episode, be sure to keep checking back for our next episode in our Harry Potter series.  And if you love Harry Potter, or all things magical and fantasy, check out our coverage of CONjuration (year 1 - part 1, year 1 - part 2, year 2, year 3, year 4)!  And if you enjoy movies, conventions, comics, games, cartoons, horror, or just about anything geeky...be sure to check back soon for all things geekery!!  In the meantime, follow me here, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.  And be sure to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and/or Google Play for more geek coverage!!





Music for The Gargyle Podcast by Bensound

The Gargyle Podcast - CONjuration 2017

From mythical creatures, to fantastical worlds, to epic journeys, to endless imagination, the fantasy genre covers such a wide spectrum of topics and interests that it's easy to understand why it is so loved by so many people.  One of the most beloved fantasy series is Harry Potter, due in part to how relatable the characters are and how real J. K. Rowling makes the fantastical elements feel!  And the love of the Harry Potter series, as well as all things magical, is a palpable experience at CONjuration Con!!



Last weekend was the fourth year of CONjuration, and it continues to get better with every single year.  I've been to all four years of CONjuration (links to coverage from previous years below) and I can honestly say that I look forward to it all year long.  Chris and Angela (the founders and headmasters of CONjuration) pour their heart and soul into the con to make sure that it is a magical time for all who attend, and it shows!  There are always so many awesome vendors, thought-provoking panels, engaging workshops, talented musicians, and every single person that I've met there has been a genuinely nice person!

So, join me and Adam as we once again discuss our time at CONjuration, as well as interviews with several vendors, guests, and attendees in which we debate such fantastical topics as what combination of animals makes for the worst possible mythical creature and whether perfection or uncertainty makes for more interesting journeys.  There is no way that my coverage of the con will fully show how awesome it is, but hopefully the podcast (below) and photos (slideshow above - photos have also been posted to Flickr and Facebook) do it justice in at least providing a snippet of how much there was to do and how great everyone there was!



If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out my coverage of the first three years of CONjuration (year 1 - part 1, year 1 - part 2, year 2, year 3).  And if you enjoy movies, conventions, comics, games, cartoons, Star Wars, horror, or just about anything geeky...be sure to check back soon for all things geekery!!  In the meantime, follow me here, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.  And be sure to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and/or Google Play for more geek coverage!!





Music for The Gargyle Podcast by Bensound

CONjuration 2016

Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia...if you grew up reading these books (or any other fantasy book that transports you to magical new worlds), then you would definitely enjoy going to CONjuration Con in Atlanta, GA!!  The primary theme that you will see at CONjuration is Harry Potter, but it is a con for all things magical and there are an abundance of things to do, no matter what fantasy realm your fanhood is in!

This was the third year of CONjuration and my third year of attendance (check out my coverage of year 1 here and here, and year 2 here).  Each year the con has grown and grown (this year, looking at the programming guide was almost overwhelming because of how many options there were!), but without sacrificing its charm or focus on the fans.  Chris and Angela Seckinger (the headmasters of CONjuration) do an amazing job at making everyone there feel like family.  So, a tremendous thanks goes out to Chris and Angela (and everyone else on their team) for their countless hours of hard work throughout the year to put on such an amazing con!!

There is no way that my coverage of the con will fully show how awesome it is, but hopefully it does justice in at least providing a snippet of how much there was to do and how great everyone there was!  The photos have been uploaded to Facebook as well as Flickr, the podcast is below, and the video is in the works.  So, join me and Adam (as well as interviews from the con with several attendees, vendors, and guests) as we discuss our time at CONjuration and our love of the fantasy genre!

If you enjoy movies, conventions, comics, games, cartoons, Star Wars, horror, or just about anything geeky...be sure to check back soon for all things geekery!!  In the meantime, follow me here, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.  And be sure to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and/or Google Play for more geek coverage!!





Music for The Gargyle Podcast by Bensound

CONjuration 2015

Back in November, Adam and I went back to Atlanta for CONjuration 2015!  CONjuration is a "fan convention for all things magical" in Atlanta, GA.  Even though this was only the second year of the con, there were amazing costumes, great programming, awesome vendors, and everyone there just seemed to have a blast.  Chris and Angela (the creators of CONjuration) have a tremendous passion for making sure that everyone has the best time they possibly can and they treat everyone who attends as if they are their closest friends and family.  Whether you have been a fan of all things fantasy and magical since you were young, or you have only just recently read your first fantasy book, you will be at home at CONjuration.

Adam and I were not able to spend nearly as much time there as we wanted, but we did manage to pack a ton of footage into a short period of time!  Along with our main video covering our highlights of the weekend, we also put out several full interviews.  There were two other interviews that Adam and I did (with Hogwarts Running Club and County Argyle), but unfortunately the audio messed up and we were not able to put together a video for them.  So, lacking a video, let me take this opportunity to say the following:

If you are a runner (casual, recreational, serious, competitive, etc.), you should definitely check out Hogwarts Running Club.  According to their website, HRC is a "...charitable organization that organizes virtual running events inspired by the wizarding world designed to promote walking/running, provide unique and awesome medals, and, most importantly, raise money for deserving charities in order to accomplish our mission of changing the muggle-world one mile at a time."  Not only is HRC promoting healthy living through exercise, but they are raising money for worthy causes...all through the fun of friendly rivalries between Hogwarts houses.

If you appreciate handmade jewelry, you should definitely check out County Argyle.  According to their website, "for nearly a decade County Argyle has been traveling the southeast, offering the finest in local, handmade and unique accessories.  Our jewelry - all hadmade from vintage silverware and salvaged hardware - can now been seen at festivals and events across the eastern U.S."  Ranging from small, relatively simple pieces to intricate, eclectic pieces, the stuff that County Argyle had at CONjuration was awesome!

If you've not yet had a chance to check out our CONjuration videos, you can find all of them below.  Enjoy!


Highlights



Promo


Draco and the Malfoys


Jonathan French


Hysteria Machines - Persephone Pheonix


Hysteria Machines - Fritz Krieg


John Michael Bond


Ben Herr


KR Morris



If you enjoy movies, conventions, comics, games, cartoons, Star Wars, or just about anything geeky...be sure to check back soon for all things geekery!!  In the meantime, follow me here, on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.