I saw Ali on a panel at JordanCon 2022 and liked her immediately. Someone sitting next to me said she had a podcast and I was like “I’m in! Going to re-read the books just to get to listen to this lady.” And they did not disappoint! I’ve been making my way through both books and podcast (slowly because life), and it is a delight to follow along with Gus’s narration, Ali’s theorizing, and their alternating sweet and dirty banter. Ali (first time reader) is brilliant at putting pieces together. Doesn’t always get it right, but it’s always spectacular. Her notes on the Amazon show episodes are nothing short of legendary. I recommend this podcast everywhere to everyone online and in real life. Thanks for being a part of this community and the joy you bring to my life.

I’ve read these books many times and never have wanted to listen to other people talk about it. But, after interacting with the hosts on discord and seeing how awesome they are, I had to finally start. While time traveling to 2020 was weird but I LOVE this podcast. Ali and Gus bring wit and snark and horniness in perfect balance and the criticism of the work is valid and appropriate. We can love books and also hold them to high standards!

Gus and Ali have a fantastic rapport and are hilarious. Highly recommend for any wheel of time first time, or multi time readers. Gus and Ali have theatre backgrounds, and are authentic and real in their takes on the books and series.

Thank you so much for everything you do. Your breakdowns of the books and discussions are so enjoyable, but once you started covering the Amazon show I was truly hooked. Your insight and deep dive into the show just blew me away and changed my mind about a lot of episodes; especially the season 1 finale. I absolutely hated it, but after listening to you two I watched it again and don’t hate it now… just strongly dislike 🤣 The 2nd season coverage was just as good if not better also. Now for my one current complaint, would you PLEASE STOP with the “and you-know-who remains captured” note at the end of every darn episode description, please! Ok we get it you’re not happy and we get it; better than you do. I have listened to the entire series at least a half dozen times, I am 56. So, Stop that “Note whine” and I will return my 5th star ⭐️ Good luck! Bless you both and I can’t wait to listen to the rest of your coverage of the books and WOT on Prime 👍🏾 #LanfearRules💯 #That’sMyMurderWitch😏

I just started reading WOT and am on book 3. I found this podcast recently and love it. As I finish a book I listen to the episode son it. They are hilarious and very detailed. I think what I’ve most you can tell they truly enjoy what they are doing and are having fun.

This podcast is genuinely a great listen whether you’re a casual reader or an uberfan of the wheel of time—sincere engagement with the material by entertainment professionals that make appropriate fun of the parts of the books that are genuinely bizarre, while also offering insightful commentary on the glorious parts of the series, big and small. As a millennial who read the books as tween, I thought I had outgrown WoT and all its doorstopper pulp fantasy mishegas, but Ali and Gus have reignited my love for books in a way that makes nostalgia feel fresh. Sluice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m obsessed with your WOT on Prime episodes. Might read the books just to listen to more of your podcast.

I’m a huge WoT fan who took too long to fully get into this podcast but now I’m obsessed. The dynamic between Ali and Gus is just too good. I first listened to the TV show episodes and was totally impressed but decided not to go right back and start the book episodes because I mistakenly thought I would have to reread along to fully enjoy them. But when I saw how thoroughly they recapped chapters in the delightful Hunger Games episodes I knew I could just listen along and now I can say that no matter where you jump in with this podcast you’ll enjoy it. It’s also totally worth listening to everything because it’s so much fun to see them flip dynamics and switch who is the first time reader and who is the experienced one.

No better way to reread WOT than to listen along with Gus and Alli. These two are hilarious and engaging. Gus is great about avoiding any spoilers while Alli is original with her names and speculations. A MUST listen!

As I expect is the case for several others I’m here solely to review the content related to the Wheel of Time TV series, which is what brought me to this podcast. I have no doubt the rest of the podcast is as entertaining, and will likely listen along as I do my next reread, but I don’t have time to dedicate to this monster of a podcast at the moment. The show episodes though…there is nearly four times the runtime from this podcast as there is in the show itself. The final episode was about 7 hours long. Every second was a joy for me! As a long-time reader of the book series (having completed some of the volumes several times and the series twice I believe), I was extremely excited for the show to come out. I knew it would be different, and was generally not disappointed by the changes (with some exceptions). I tried to articulate the changes and what I thought the reasoning was…but then I listened to Wheel Takes. I feel vindicated! I’m neither a film nor literature expert. Rather, I’m interested in learning about the crafts and the way things come together. I’m the type who loves DVD/Bluray extras, fan theories, and extra stuff. So when I saw the show, I had some ideas of why the changes had to be made. When I caught a recommendation for this podcast, I added it to the queue, and it was like hearing all of my ideas (and far, far more) coming back to me in a clearer form. Ali *is* a film expert, particularly for television, and knows what it takes to get a story put to screen. Between her thoughts and those of Gus, I’ve begun celebrating the show even more. Is it flawless? Not at all. But is it a legitimate position that it’s done an extremely good job of presenting the story in a way that appeals to veterans and rookies alike? Absolutely! These two (and their guests) have successfully solidified my love for the show and made me extremely excited both for future seasons of that and for future installments of this podcast. One of these days, I’ll start a reread of the series…partly just so I can listen to this podcast episode-by-episode

I began listening to this podcast prior to season 1 of the Amazon show though I have read all the books two times now. I want to give it five stars because the show can be truly excellent when it is humming along and focused on the in world characters and plots. Shows covering the first few books really focused on this and added humor, witt, and a modern perspective that I found engrossing and charming. So, why 3 stars? I’m in Lord of Chaos now and had to stop because I realized I just don’t enjoy a lot of the discourse anymore. Instead of focusing on the in world experience, large swaths of episodes are dedicated to judging characters and cultures within the book (and the author) through a 21st century, highly educated, western, white, upper class lens. This is not to say some of their points are invalid, it’s just not what I want to hear as a Wheel of Time fan. Yes, cultures in the show can be very different than what the show hosts consider ideal, and yes, they can be fraught with inequality, sexism, racism, etc. But I didn’t start listening to the show to hear a dissertation on all the moral and societal shortcomings in the Wheel of Time. Afterall, when in human history have we seen an ideal society where everyone is equal, slavery didn’t exist, and there was complete harmony. Perhaps in the Age of Legends, but one can agree we are not in that age now and the Wheel of Time does not take place during that time. Sadly, I’ll be taking a break from the podcast because of this slow change that I don’t think was intentional but feels overwhelming to me. So, if you are new to it. I highly recommend listening to the episodes covering the first couple books. From there, you can make your own decision if the time is worth the investment. For me, it’s stopped being so. Also, I want to note that I think Gus and Ali are really great hosts and I think would be wonderful people to hang out with. I would just choose a different topic to talk about :-).

Ali & Gus are incredibly entertaining! I’m a diehard fan of the books. I’ve read them all 4-5 times. I still love listening to these two & their hilarious tangents. If you enjoy recaps, hot takes, hilarious metaphors, LOTS of thirsty comments, and just general good times, listen to this pod!

10% recap of the books 10% fun little tangents 10% fun really long tangents 15% Gus being right in an argument 15% Ali predicting something with such little evidence you start to believe she's psychic 5% Gus apologizing for a dog snoring even though you can't hear the dog snoring 25% hating on your favorite character to spite you specifically 15% bad math 10/10 would recommend

Discovered through Wotaholiday, what a diamond of a find. The conversation is imaginative, comical, and relevant to issues in the world today. Thoroughly enjoy, can’t recommend enough

I read these books the first time all alone. None of my friends could be talked into them. I had to wait years between books. Now the world has changed for me as I found this great community and this podcast which is a wonderful part of it. In this podcast, I especially love the voices they both do. Gus is an awesome guide AND actor. Baby Gawyn, Verin as a 30s Ace Detective, the recurring Jowly man, and Slavic Ariel. The tangents are just as fun. I am having a blast listening to this podcast. I just listened to Part3 of the end of tFoH and literally can say I laughed AND cried. It’s clear Ally loves WOT and that is the best part of many great parts in the story of her introduction to the Wheel of Time. Thank you!

stay for the hot nuance! Ali and Gus’ in-depth discussions of Robert Jordan’s (and Brandon Sanderson’s) Wheel of Time are always insightful, often hilarious, and on occasion deeply moving. It is so much fun listening to Ali fall in love with this book series, making some truly jaw-dropping predictions amidst the constant “Gus-lighting.” And on top of that, Ali and Gus’ experience in the motion picture and theater Industries brings a unique and valuable insight to their reviews of the new Prime series; these episodes, especially, are must-listens for anybody who loves movies and TV and wants to know more about the process! My go-to podcast for the last year or so! Wheel Takes, like an Erudite Living Room, you are cozy. You are approachable and great for entertaining. You are full of natural light. You are casual and you seem like you’d be fun for parties, but you also have an air of sophistication—but not in a pretentious way! You are the perfect setting for curling up with a good book. So, Wheel Takes, Gus and Ali, we thank you.

I’ve been binging this for a month starting at the beginning, and have been laughing my tookus off. The references to Star Wars, Firefly, Dune, Ender’s Game, Dr. Who, and so many more make me smile every time. Ali’s commentary is on point, and Gus slips so many things in as idle commentary that make me snort through my nose. YEAST!

I’ve been listening at work and and currently at the end of the New Spring episodes. I read the series for the first time this year. I’m loving the dynamic between Ali and Gus. Ali’s predictions have managed to astound me many times because I did not pick up on most of those things when I read the books. When I catch up, this will be added to my regular rotation. Good job!

I just finished the book three episodes and have been enjoying this podcast immensely so far. I’ve been re-reading along with Ali and appreciate the chance to get that in-depth analysis. Ali and Gus are both super funny and entertaining. The TV episodes were highlights too.

On my first re-read of WoT and stumbled upon this podcast. It’s a great companion and so fun to share Ali’s journey. Also enjoy Gus’ straight man role and deep knowledge of the world we all love. 100% worth your time!

I’m not sure if I like the story of the Wheel of Time better or Ali’s version of the story of the Wheel of Time. Makes me laugh every time we get a chop, chop, chop, stab, stab, stab. Great job on the podcast, I really enjoy it.

Ali and Gus are the perfect podcasting duo. Gus has read all the books; Ali is the new reader dropping shockingly accurate predictions. Ali offers the hilarious takes and one-liners; Gus is the straight man who clearly loves her sense of humour. And both can provide concise social commentary when needed. I love this podcast and hope they really are still going when they’re 100, as Ali often says.

Ali has superhuman powers of deduction. Gus has superpowers of not giving away all the secrets.

This showed up on my “you might like” section and I have it a go and I love Ali and Gus and the banter back and forth. Their insight is great and the pacing is spot on! **+Edit: now that I’m almost done with book 3 and hearing them “act out” parts with accents and everything is SO perfect. LOVE IT!

Ali and Gus are a fantastic duo in this podcast, and they especially shine in the reviews of the WOT TV show. YOU MUST LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES. Ali specializes in script writing and Gus clearly has a keen familiarity with the entertainment industry, and both of their insights are an extremely helpful to understanding the decisions made in the show. I feel like I have an even greater understanding of the show from this podcast than from Amazon’s behind the scenes shorts. The rest of the podcast is dedicated to a non-spoiler walk through of the WOT book series-Gus being the seasoned reader and guide and Ali being the new reader and theory-maker. Overall, they’re entertaining and have fun insights, and they get better the further into the series they get. NOTE: Personally, I would skip their original take on the Eye of the World. I was a little thrown by how quickly they went through it, and Ali hadn’t fallen in love with the books yet. They have redo episodes that go more in depth than their original EOTW episodes, and I really enjoy them. In terms of the book-focused part of the podcast, they do a pretty engrossing take on the books. Gus is pretty well read in the books and he does veteran book readers and WOT theorizers well. Yes, Ali can run off on tangents, but they’re generally entertaining, especially to someone who also barely survived middle school and a sorority. Be warned: Ali is a bit aggressive towards really any name, not just obscure names millennials give to their kids. Any name. Your name is not safe. Accept it. But considering her name is actually Alexandra and Gus’s name is Gus (sorry, Gus), I find this hypocritical and misplaced aggression (this is a joke just FYI). EDIT: I highly recommend their Ep. 8 of the Fires of Heaven, Chapter 15. There is a Trigger Warning at the start so please take that to heart. But as someone who has also dealt with the subject matter, I felt very seen and comforted by their discussion. I’d just like them to know, especially Ali, that I was really moved by it. This is a great podcast and Ali and Gus seem to be great people with fun insights. Have a listen!

I started listening after watching the show because their breakdowns of the episodes and what goes into making a TV show we’re super interesting. And then I started reading the books and now I’m trying to read as much as possible so that I can listen to new episodes! It’s fun to have an expert and newbie take on what I’m reading, and it’s like having a super-cool and fun book club in your ears. It’s really hard not to binge, but I’m determined to not listen farther than I’ve read, so my life is going to be 80% reading WoT until I catch up with the podcast.

This podcast has just been a joy to listen to, especially during this wait for season 2 of the show. The rapport between the hosts is sweet and funny, and the affection they have for each other is endearing, the caring-but-irreverent ribbing they give the cast of the books just puts a smile on your face. Helps you look at the books again and is wonderfully accessible for vets and first-time readers a like. Their episodes dealing with the show are a must-listen,between their experiences as both creatives and television productions and writers is just invaluable and will definitely put the series in a new light if you are on the fence about it. If you’re a fan of the books and/or show, or even a first time reader, do yourself a favor and make this podcast a companion for your journey through this wonderful series. **just to note, while they do cover the first book, it is in 4 episodes, with them going over 2 chapters chucks each episode starting with book 2 (they are on book 6 now);they are going back and redoing book 1 in the 2 chapter format but as of time of writing, they haven’t finished it yet, so you can start reading along with them but may need to read ahead a bit after it. It’s worth it, trust me on that.

I started listening to the Wheel of Time tv show reaction episodes. It’s super great to get a reaction from someone who knows about tv writing and the film industry to some extent. I also appreciate that the TV adaptation episodes lacks angst and negativity. It’s nice just to be excited for the show and geek out about it without that baggage. It’s been a blast to over the last few weeks to delve into the older book content episodes. Not sure if I’d be as psyched for a re-read without it.

Caveat, I’ve only listened to the TV show coverage thus far, but Ali brings an experienced professional’s perspective on the craft of showmaking to pair with Gus’ industry familiarity and knowledge of the WoT universe. What results is much more than a review, rather an examination of the challenges of adaptation through reverse engineering the final product. It left me in awe and appreciation of the craft it takes to bring something to screen amidst the sea of studio notes, writer’s room rush, conflicting character schedules, doggone child labor laws, sweat continuity spritzing, and COVID-positive trolloc extras. Bravo Ali and Gus!

I love this podcast. My partner has read all the books and when the new tv was coming out they started getting into it again. So I am slowly catching up and this podcast is everything. Ali is my inner monologue. This podcast is everything I need while going through a pandemic and life in general. Hop on the Magic Gus (and Ali) Bus!

Really good content from intelligent, articulate, and funny hosts. Gus and Ali bring such a nuanced view to the series, and I find it particularly touching that they bring so much of their theatre background into the episodes. I’ve read the series at least 4 times. On my most recent re-read, I’m listening along to the episodes. Can’t wait for Ali to finally get to Memory of Light.

I absolutely love this channel! Started with the WoT show episode reviews, and am now in the Shadow Rising read along. A great blend of hilarious commentary and super insightful takes about the film/tv industry and the nature of adaptations from two professionals and some awesome guests. Thank you both so much for doing this - best way to pass the time in quarantine. Only drawback? Can’t drink my tea and listen cause I keep laughing and spilling from Gus’ voices and Ali’s nicknames and songs. Also some of Ali’s predictions are just…. uncannily insightful. You are both just delightful!

Such a great show! I love the mix of banter and insight. Their chemistry is so great. Ali’s theories and Gus’s voices just add icing to the cake. A must listen for any new reader or veteran Wheel of Time fan.

Listening to Ali and Gus has made me feel as if a part of their family. While the rest of the world has been driven a part, they have created a discussion about this beautiful fantasy series that brings this wonderful fandom to life driving us back together. They bring laughter and joy to analysis which helps you connect to one of the best fantasy fandoms in the world. They have served as a mirror to the same discussions that I have had with my wife as she goes through this series for the first time and give me access to more entertainment in Randland. Give them a listen and let them connect you with a new family. @msmatthe88 on twitter.

Gus and Ali have what must be the best 'new reader' podcast doing a readthrough of The Wheel of Time. They absolutely 'get' Robert Jordan's sense of drama and horny energy. Listening to Gus dodge, weave, and mislead Ali as she gets variously close or off the mark on her thoughts and predictions is at times hilarious and touching, and brings back fond memories of my first time reading through the series over the past 25-some-odd years.

While I'm on (at least) my fifth re-read through the series overall, immersing myself in Ali and Gus's discussions is revealing details I've definitely forgotten from the earlier books. Listening to Ali speculate (and Gus carefully neither confirm nor deny her guesses) is a delight every episode, and makes me wish I were able to read WoT for the first time all over again.

I’m reading the first wheel of time book because my brother recommended it, and have been listening to this podcast as i read! it’s super fun to get their commentary after reading a couple chapters (i’m specifically listening to the eye of the world redux episodes), and makes me feel like i’m in a fun little book club. Also, as a new reader, they’re very good at making it easy for me to avoid spoilers!

Gus and Ali are AWESOME! Their rapport is stunning, their off the cuff commentary is incisive and hilarious, and the sometimes, intentionally unpolished (“leave that in”) content it very endearing. Listening to Gus lead and mislead Ali’s theories has given new joy to a series of books that has been a major part of my life since 1994. Follow up: I have binged this podcast twice now and am on my third listen through. This is, by far, my favorite WoT podcast. Gus and Ali are fantastic people, and their interaction with their fanbase through social media is wonderful.

I like to listen to podcasts while I work, and this podcast has been with me through weeks of overtime. Ali (your new reader host) and Gus (your WoT veteran host) share fresh new eyes on this favorite fantasy, and have some really informative discussions on things I’d never noticed in my previous reads. They’re great at avoiding spoilers for Ali and her fellow new readers, while providing illuminating contexts for re-readers. Also, they’re funny as all get out.

One of the best first time reader podcasts out there. Gus’s accents and Ali’s wit are worth the experience alone. I crack my phone screen I press the notification so hard when a new episode comes out.

I listen to a lot of WOT podcasts but there is only 2 that I always listen the day it is released! Wheel Takes, is of coarse, one of them! Ali goes on some hilarious rants, she also goes on some very emotional and deep rants and I have wept more than once!! You never quite know what emotions you will feel once you push play and I’m here for it!!! -Gleeman’s Apprentice Pod-

Like so many others I started reading The Wheel of Time series during the pandemic in anticipation of the new Amazon series. Without anyone to discuss it with, I turned to Gus and Ali. The recaps are a fun, irreverent, but never snarky take on each chapter. It's like finding a good friend who loves what you do and talking about it over drinks. They're both very much themselves, and while the recaps can go astray sometimes, as convos do even those tangents are fun. They both bring a very positive energy without being over-the-top. Can't recommend it enough for new readers to get more depth and perspective from the books and for older fans who just want to relive the magic.

Excellent show for new listeners. Gus is great at making sure you pick up on things that are important without leading too much, and Ali’s theories are never wrong*. Together they are insightful and entertaining, and incredibly useful for a newbie just trying to keep track of the million characters in the Wheel of Time. *YMMV on the accuracy of Ali’s theories

I’m currently on my fourth reread of The Wheel of Time and decided to follow some first time reading podcasts to add a new dimension to my experience. There are some great ones out there but Gus and Ali are by far the most hilarious and fun. Smart, funny banter with some great story explanations and guesswork. It’s going to be hard to wait every week for new episodes now!

This is the most fun I have ever had while reading a book. Its like I am laughing along with my best friends. Lately, I've spent every moment of free time listening to Ali and Gus. The worst part of following this podcast is having to read two more chapters before I can listen to the next episode.

I am rereading WoT and it is hilarious and fun to hear Allie and Gus recap and analyze the series. Highly recommend.

Gus and Ali are analyzing the series in a fun way. I’ve listened to a couple WoT podcasts and am surprised each time content creators are able to branch off and make something interesting with this series.

Gus is a great host, guiding Ali through the Pattern without spoiling anything she hasn’t read yet. I have to admit an intellectual crush in Ali, for the joy in her voice as she figures out a new prophecy, or nicknames a new character (looking at you Knife...).

It feels like having a professional comedian and talented voice actor discuss the beloved epic story of the Wheel Of Time, and they treat the material with wit, charm and heart. I recommend their podcast in every respect! It really is amazing to get this kind of content - we got lucky!

Usually (with these first time reader podcasts) there comes a point where I realize that the first time reader is bored out of their mind - luckily this podcast defies that stereotype. They’re quick, witty, and occasionally silly - they make me laugh at least once an episode. Keep going Allie! - I will never get tired of you never remembering what chapter you left off on.