Expertise is Overrated

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Books

Episodes and blog posts carrying the Books tag, newest first.

Episodes

6 Jul 2026 · 00:55:36

The Stormlight Archive Readalong - Words of Radiance

Hello, and welcome to episode 97 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Vib's making his ponderous way through the Stormlight Archive, so now that he's finished a book, we're talking about it! We march through Words of Radiance, gettin Vib's first impressions, what we love, what we don't love, the whole 9 yards. Spoilers galore! This was always going to be a series...

5 Jun 2026 · 00:58:24

The Best Primarch to join the Fellowship of the Ring

Hello, and welcome to episode 96 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. OK, so we should probably apologise for this one. It's barmy. We cross the streams of two VERY different media. And the results are... weird. Turns out 40K doesn't sit that well alongside the Legendarium. Who knew. Anyway... enjoy?

11 May 2026 · 01:04:49

Worldbuilding in the Stormlight Archive

Hello, and welcome to episode 95 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Much like Sanderson himself, it seems like we had more to say on the Stormlight Archive than expected. So, in what's not quite a Part 2, but kind of is, here's a deep dive on worldbuilding, themes, characters and just general Stormlight nonsense to keep you busy.

20 Apr 2026 · 01:03:13

The Way of Kings - Vib's First Stormlight

Hello, and welcome to episode 94 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Vib's reading a new series and we're all very excited to talk about it! We dive through the Way of Kings, Vib's first impressions, what we love, what we don't love, the whole 9 yards. Spoilers galore! This one feels like it could be a series... See you next time for some more absolute nonsense!

3 Apr 2026 · 01:04:43

You Wake Up As... Ned Stark

Hello, and welcome to Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In a new series (being released in Early Access over on Patreon), Sean and Vib are diving back into You Wake Up As, starting with eveyone's favourite doomed hero Ned Stark. So sit back and enjoy as we realise this one is actually, shockingly, really, really easy. Make sure you get in touch and let us know who you'd like us to cover next! Could be absolutely anyone, just send us your ideas. Twitter

16 Feb 2026 · 01:00:37

Dresden Files - Twelve Months

Hello, and welcome to episode 92 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In what we can almost call a Red Hot Review, we chat about the latest installment in the Dresden Files - Twelve Months. Listen along as we break down the major themes and minor details yet somehow still miss probably 90% of the storyline. It doesn't matter, because there's more Harry Dresden and that's a great thing! See you next time for some more absolute nonsense!

21 Jul 2025 · 01:05:57

Dresden Files - What even happened at Arctis Tor

Hello, and welcome to episode 87 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're back to talking about our favourite wizard Harry (that's right, we said it) and are finally tackling the question - what on earth (or what in the never never) happened at Arctis Tor? Who was blasting Hellfire everywhere? How come there was nothing but bones? Did Mab plan it all? Do we come up with convincing answers? You tell us! See you next time for some more absolute nonsense!

17 Feb 2025 · 01:11:59

Lara Raith, Twelve Months and the Noir Gaze: Sexuality in the Dresden Files

Hello, and welcome to episode 82 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Jim Butcher has finished writing the next entry to the Dresden Files "12 Months". While we wait for his editors to do their thing, we thought we'd weigh in on what we're expecting from Harry's next foray into Chicago's supernatural scene. As we expertly critique Butcher's writing style, the question on everyone's mind is "will Harry and Lara work?" The answer should be fairly obvious... See you next time for some more absolute nonsense!

10 Jun 2024 · 01:08:53

House of the Dragon - Black vs Green

Hello, and welcome to a special bonus episode of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In excited anticipation of Season 2 of HBO's House of the Dragon, we look back over Season 1, asking what we liked, what we didn't, whose side we're on and what we're looking forward to from the next Season. Dragons. Mostly what we're looking forward to is dragons. We're simple folk...

13 May 2024 · 01:10:13

Grindlewald vs Voldemort: The best worst wizard

Hello, and welcome to episode 75 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're back in the Wizarding World this week, as Sean and Vib spend their evenings getting to the bottom of a question that frankly, should have been left alone; does Gellert Grindlewald or Tom Marvolo "I am Lord Voldemort" Riddle make for a "better" dark wizard. Frankly, it shouldn't matter. Lock 'em both up in Azkaban and be done with it.

29 Apr 2024 · 00:55:44

Winning at the Tower of Joy

Hello, and welcome to episode 74 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. What really happened at the Tower of Joy? How do you beat Arthur Dayne in a fair fight? Sean and Vib tackle these life changing questions, limiting each side to just three fighters and asking who, if anyone, can take on three of the greatest kingsguard to ever wear the white.

18 Mar 2024 · 01:03:25

Dresden Files: Does Ebenezar McCoy need to die?

Hello, and welcome to episode 71 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today we venture back to Chicago (in spirit at least) to check in on our favourite American wizard. Inspired by Reddit, we wonder if Eb needs to die for Harry to become who he needs to be to save the world.

4 Mar 2024 · 01:10:03

Where does the Black Library go after the Horus Heresy?

Hello, and welcome to episode 70 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Sean has just finished reading the last book in Black Library's utterly insane 57,854,928 book long Horus Heresy. And, sadly, he has opinions. Join us as we work through what appears to be a great deal of deep seated trauma, while trying to work out how on Earth Games Workshop's in-house publisher can follow such a behemoth of a series.

5 Feb 2024 · 01:07:11

Winning the Iron Throne - Robb Stark

Hello, and welcome to episode 68 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Here we launch into a big discussion - how do you win the Iron Throne. How do we, as Robb Stark, secure the seven kingdoms and usher in an era of eternal peace? We make it sound almost easy. Almost...

8 Jan 2024 · 01:14:22

The Worst Marauder to Join the Death Eaters

Hello, and welcome to episode 66 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Happy New Year!! To kick us off, we're discussing what could have happened had Moony, Padfoot, or Prongs defected to the Death Eaters instead of Wormtail. Who do you think the most potent evil marauder would have been?

13 Nov 2023 · 00:59:24

Fixing the Stupid - the Eagles in the Lord of the Rings

Hello, and welcome to episode 63 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Welcome to our second episode of our "fixing the stupid" series, where we will endeavour to fix really stupid things in popular media. Today, we're tackling a favourite that just won't go away. Why don't the eagles just fly the ring and/or Frodo to Mordor? Utter silliness, we know! Let us know your thoughts on this one!

16 Oct 2023 · 01:13:05

Most stupid mistake in A Song of Ice and Fire

Hello, and welcome to episode 61 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're not quite fixing the stupid today, but we are pointing it out. We discuss who made the most stupid decision(s) in George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. Turns out there might be nothing but silly decision making in this series...

2 Oct 2023 · 01:11:59

Something Something Dresden 2.0

Hello, and welcome to episode 60 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're back on our favourite (?) topic, with a completely open ended and unstructured chat about local PI turned saviour of Chicago, Harry Dresden. Just how big can the stakes get when we've already had the near total destruction of a major US city? How can there still be so many books to write? And why oh why is Harry so bad at USING HIS WORDS??!?! Join us as we ponder all this and more.

21 Aug 2023 · 01:12:05

The Jackson Cut - What did Jackson Change in the Making of Lord of the Rings? Part 2

Hello, and welcome to episode 57 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In our latest escapade, Sean and Vib wax lyrical on one of their favourite topics, Peter Jackson (et al.)'s Lord of the Rings cinematic trifecta. We talk about the changes made by the creators, and ask what ones work and (sacrilegiously) which ones maybe don't. We have so much to say, and you clearly love it, so here is Part 2 of 2 (sorry...).

7 Aug 2023 · 01:09:00

The Jackson Cut - What did Jackson Change in the Making of Lord of the Rings?

Hello, and welcome to episode 56 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In our latest escapade, Sean and Vib wax lyrical on one of their favourite topics, Peter Jackson (et al.)'s Lord of the Rings cinematic trifecta. We talk about the changes made by the creators, and ask what ones work and (sacrilegiously) which ones maybe don't. We have so much to say, this is Part 1 of 2 (sorry...).

24 Jul 2023 · 01:06:53

What we want from the new HBO Harry Potter TV show

Hello, and welcome to episode 55 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're once again making demands... sort of. We discuss what we'd like to see from the newly(-ish) announced Harry Potter TV series on HBO. Do we want teen drama, but magical? Do we want 90s sitcom? We'll give you all our excellent ideas and opinions. Let us know if you agree.

26 Jun 2023 · 01:11:33

How A Song of Ice and Fire will end

Hello, and welcome to episode 53 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Given the ever decreasing likelihood of us getting a satisfactory ending, we have taken it upon ourselves to provide closure by writing the ending of George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire! We wrap up all loose ends and craft a glorious ending befitting this epic, or so we would like to think... Let us know if you agree!

12 Jun 2023 · 01:04:24

The Trial of John Marcone

Hello, and welcome to episode 52 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. It's finally here. The long awaited trial of the century, as Expertise is Overrated puts Gentleman Johnny Marcone on trial. For what crime? Unclear. By what authority? Also unclear. Honestly, it's a bit of a mess. But, importantly, there's yelling, arguing and name calling aplenty.

17 Apr 2023 · 01:11:26

The Problem of John Marcone

Hello, and welcome to episode 48 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. You think last episode was controversial? This one has it all. Yelling, interruptions, ad hominem, accusations of fundamental failures of intelligence. And all over such a simple topic. Everyone's favourite Chicago gangster - Gentleman Johnny "Old Dollar Bills" Marcone...

20 Mar 2023 · 01:05:48

Who is the Hero of The Lord of the Rings?

Hello, and welcome to episode 46 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're at it again. Taking simple questions, making them more complicated, then not answering them. Clearly the hero of the Lord of the Rings is Arago... Frod... Sa..... Hmm.

20 Feb 2023 · 01:12:28

What do we want from Hogwarts Legacy?

Hello, and welcome to episode 44 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Proving that not even the launch of Season 2 can help Vib and Sean be current, today the pair tackle Hogwarts Legacy, asking what they're looking forward to about the game, about 2 weeks after it released... And yes, they do talk about the elephant in the room. No, they don't solve it.

6 Feb 2023 · 01:17:08

Books we want to see on the big screen

Hello, and welcome to Season 2! This is Episode 43 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Sean and Vib discuss which fantasy/sci-fi book series they would like to see adapted to the screen. For once they're collaborating to come up with a joint list, so tune in to see how that goes!

28 Nov 2022 · 01:08:55

Hot Take: Edmure Tully, Misunderstood Hero

Hello, and welcome to Episode 42 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In our latest Hot Take, Sean proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt... Just kidding. Sean talks on and on about Edmure Tully, before just getting yelled at for misunderstanding his own premise. It's great.

17 Oct 2022 · 01:18:14

Red Hot Reviews: The Rings of Power

Hello, and welcome to a much belated Episode 39 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Now that Sean finally has internet again, we're looking back on Season 1 of Amazon's Rings of Power and giving our fresh, unadulterated takes on what we thought of this prequel to The Lord of the Rings. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

12 Sept 2022 · 01:16:45

The Blackfyre Rebellion - Red or Black?

Hello, and welcome to Episode 38 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In the wake of the hit TV series House of the Dragon, we return to Westeros to ask about a different Targaryen family squabble. In the famous Blackfyre Rebellion(s), would we pick the Red Dragon or the Black?

29 Aug 2022 · 01:25:02

Something something Dresden

Hello, and welcome to Episode 37 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today, we once again break our feeble brains on Jim Butcher's Dresden files series as we meander through a few of our thoughts and musings on the nature of mantles, the power of gods, and why winter is winter... We still haven't recovered.

15 Aug 2022 · 01:14:10

Casting the First Age

Hello, and welcome to Episode 36 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today, as we continue to be hyped for Amazon's upcoming Rings of Power, we try our hand at casting their next multi-million dollar show set in Tolkien's universe. That's right, we will provide you with the definitive(ly wrong) cast list for the First Age!

1 Aug 2022 · 01:16:17

Top 10 Duelists in Harry Potter

Hello, and welcome to Episode 35 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today, we're covering what we promised we'd cover last time, before we lied to you. The top 10 duelists in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. Expect sparks to fly as we argue over the intracacies of dueling, before settling on the one true list of the greatest wand wavers in the books.

11 Apr 2022 · 01:17:39

Dresden Files - Who is the English man on Demonreach?

Hello, and welcome to Episode 29 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. This week, we return to our favourite Chicago wizard and discuss his hijinks as the Warden of Demonreach. Importantly, we definitely answer the hottest question on the internet: who is the English man imprisoned on the island? Our answer is of course indisputable. In no way does this episode descend into petty name calling and mud throwing. Nope. Not even a little...

28 Feb 2022 · 01:09:35

You wake up as... Joffrey Baratheon

Hello, and welcome to Episode 26 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. This is the first episode in our new segment: "You wake up as" where we discuss what we would do if we wake up as fictional or historical characters at a certain point in their lives. Today, we wake up as the much maligned Joffrey Baratheon just after the atrocity of the Red Wedding. Our task: survive. Can we do it? Almost certainly not. Will we make stupid suggestions? Almost certainly.

31 Jan 2022 · 01:04:10

Who is Tom Bombadil?

Hello, and welcome to Episode 24 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're BACK! And with a bang, if we do say so ourselves. Tom Bombadil. Merry fellow. Master. Strong singer, fast of feet. But, who is he? Or, rather, what is he? One of the Ainur? The personification of music? C. S. Lewis? Join us as we work out the answers.

20 Sept 2021 · 01:14:59

What are the worst vampires in the Dresden Files?

Hello, and welcome to Episode 23 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today, we're back in deepest darkest Chicago, asking what are the worst vampires in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files? How bad would it be to meet a Black Court vampire down a dark alley? How in trouble are we that the White Court own politicians in Washington? And just rubbish at vampiring are the Red Court.

30 Aug 2021 · 00:59:35

Can Creative Assembly make a Total War: Lord of the Rings? - ft. Lionheartx10

Hello, and welcome to Episode 20 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. This time, we're addressing Sean's view that there's perhaps something too pedestrian about Creative Assembly's Total War that he worries would ruin the Lord of the Rings' high fantasy. This statement is so outrageous that Vib brought in reinforcements in the shape of none other than one of YouTube and Twitch's finest TW content creators: Lionheartx10!

9 Aug 2021 · 01:10:38

The Lord Ruler: Misunderstood Hero or Maniacal Despot

Hello, and welcome to Episode 17 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today, we ask whether the Lord Ruler from Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Era 1 trilogy is the villain he's presented as, or a tragically misunderstood hero with the best of intentions. Believe it or not, we end up agreeing. We know, it's scary, and we promise it won't happen again.

26 Jul 2021 · 01:19:36

Top 10 Warriors in A Song of Ice and Fire

Hello, and welcome to Episode 15 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. We're back in Westeros this week, as Sean and Vib argue about who is the greatest warrior in GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire. Is it Gregor Clegane? Jaime Lannister? Big man Bobby B? Bran...? No, it's not Bran. Definitely not Bran.

19 Jul 2021 · 01:06:45

Is the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter an insurgency?

Hello, and welcome to Episode 14 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Today is a very special episode as we welcome Ellie, our first ever guest to the show! Sean has brought in reinforcements to back him up on his view that the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter universe is an insurgency, wizards are ethically dubious (at best), and drones are apparently the answer. Oh, and both the hosts get told off for a change!

5 Jul 2021 · 01:04:48

Hot Take: Lara Raith is a force for good in the Dresden Files

Hello, and welcome to Episode 12 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In this episode, it's Vib's turn to have the Hot Take, as he sits down to explain why Lara Raith, the de facto Queen of the White Court of Vampires in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, is a good person and not the monster we all think she is. It goes about as well as you're imagining. In fact, one has to wonder if Vib has been enthralled (and Sean does... frequently).

28 Jun 2021 · 01:11:47

Family Trees in the world of JRR Tolkien

Hello, and welcome to Episode 11 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. Join us on yet another voyage across JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth, as we bring laserlike focus to a frequently overlooked question. Just how weird are the family trees? No, seriously, just look at them. Ever wanted to know just how related Aragorn and Arwen are? Whether Feanor was just ultra fertile? If Finwe is the rightful king of Gondor? This is the episode for you? Special credit to http://lotrproject.com/, without which we would have struggled in this episode even more than we did, go check them out.

7 Jun 2021 · 01:00:29

Wizards in Harry Potter hide because gun beats stick

Hello, and welcome to Episode 8 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In this episode, Vib and Sean ask why, given the fact that they're, you know, magic, wizards in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series hide from muggle view, rather than practicing magic in the open. It's a slightly thorny question, but our heroes navigate it with their usual deft skill and limitless tact.

24 May 2021 · 01:00:34

WTF is immortality in the Dresden Files

Hello, and welcome to Episode 6 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In this episode, we struggle vainly to get to the bottom of a difficult subject in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Immortality. What is it, how does it work and, crucially, how do we get some? The answers (or lack thereof?) might shock you.

17 May 2021 · 01:12:23

Who is the hero of A Song of Ice and Fire

Hello, and welcome to Episode 5 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In this episode, listen along as your hosts get to the bottom of George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, trying to work out in the midst of all the chaos and carnage who we should actually be rooting for. And, in what might be a first, they actually get to an answer.

5 May 2021 · 00:46:33

Hot Take: Aragorn has no claim to the throne of Gondor

Hello, and welcome to Episode 2 of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In this episode, Sean has the very first Hot Take in Expertise is Overrated history, asserting without much evidence that Aragorn has no claim to the throne of Gondor. Vib, predictably, is not happy.

3 May 2021 · 00:50:30

Top 10 Most Powerful Characters in the Dresden Files

Hello, and welcome to the first ever episode of Expertise is Overrated, where two nerds with an inflated sense of their own intelligence take the time to answer questions no one was asking. In this episode, Sean and Vib will be providing their completely correct and 100% accurate rankings of the top 10 most powerful characters in Jim Butcher’s urban fantasy series the Dresden Files.

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