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We’re joined by our friend Matt Graf, the creator behind Nerd of the Rings!

Since launching Nerd of the Rings in 2020, Matt has built an incredible community of Tolkien fans, sharing videos exploring the characters, history and lore of Middle-earth, along with the books, films, games, collectibles and the wider world of Tolkien. 

The channel now has almost 300 million views, and over 1 million YouTube subscribers.

This conversation is about much more than Tolkien lore. We talk about Matt’s journey with Nerd of the Rings, his love of Middle-earth, connecting with fans around the world, and what it’s like to build a life around something you genuinely love.

With special appearances from Billy Boyd and the Mellon Heads, it might just be our nerdiest episode yet!

Subscribe to Lucky Kiwi Podcast and stay tuned for:

🍀 Lucky Kiwi Costume Party coming in October

🍀 Ian McKellen interview

🍀 LOTR 25th Anniversary Special

🍀 More surprises to come!

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Guest: Matt Graf / Nerd of the Rings

Featuring: Billy Boyd & Mellon Heads

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 Lucky Kiwi Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

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Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Peter Hambleton is known around the world as Glóin, one of the dwarves of Middle-earth in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy.

But Glóin is just one chapter in a remarkable New Zealand acting career.

After graduating from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 1982, Peter built a long career across theatre, film and television. He won the 1995 New Zealand Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Last Tattoo, and later won Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for his performances in Copenhagen and The Letter Writer.

Then came Middle-earth.

As Glóin, Peter joined an extraordinary ensemble of actors bringing Tolkien’s world to life, becoming one of the most recognizable dwarves in The Hobbit trilogy.

Since then, he has continued working across New Zealand screen and theatre, with roles in The Brokenwood Mysteries, One Lane Bridge and After the Party.

More recently, Peter played Adrian Templeton, the larger-than-life theatre director at the centre of the New Zealand musical comedy series Happiness. The role earned him the 2025 New Zealand Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series.

In this conversation, Peter takes us behind the beard and into the career that came long before Middle-earth, the experiences that shaped him as an actor, and of course, his time as Glóin.

Welcome to Lucky Kiwi Podcast, Peter Hambleton!

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Royd Tolkien has been part of Jed and Amanda’s story since the very beginning. Join them as he shares a personal perspective on growing up as the great-grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the world’s most beloved authors.

He also talks about his brother Mike and his battle with motor neurone disease, a journey that led to Royd’s documentary and book, There’s a Hole in My Bucket.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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In this episode of Lucky Kiwi Podcast, we’re joined by someone who has been part Jed’s life for more than 35 years. Mark Hadlow isn’t just a dear friend to us. He’s family.

One of New Zealand’s best-known actors, Mark has performed in countless theatre shows, dozens of film appearances, television series, commercials and radio voice-overs in the thousands. He has directed theatre, opera, and film throughout New Zealand.

International audiences will know Mark through his long-standing creative relationship with fellow Kiwi filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, beginning with the cult classic Meet the Feebles, followed by King Kong, The Hobbit trilogy, where he played the beloved dwarf Dori, and Mortal Engines. 

But for us, Mark is so much more than an extraordinary actor. This conversation celebrates a friendship that has lasted through decades of life, work, laughter and everything in between.

Those of us who know Mark know there is something particularly special about him. He wears his heart on his sleeve, with an almost childlike openness and innocence that is both disarming and deeply genuine. He is loving, generous and wonderfully unguarded.

This is Mark Hadlow as we know and love him: warm, funny, honest, emotional, mischievous and completely himself.

We hope you enjoy getting to know him.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Stephen Hunter, the man behind Bombur in The Hobbit trilogy, joins us for one of our funniest interviews yet!

Stephen takes us behind the scenes of Middle-earth and shares stories, memories, and plenty of laughs from his time working on The Hobbit.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Special appearances by:

Tim Wong — Stunt Coordinator

Augie Davis — Stunt Coordinator

Steve Reinsfield — Stunts

Vincent Roxburgh — Stunts

In this episode of Lucky Kiwi Podcast, Sala Baker shares the deeply inspiring and heartfelt story of how he got started as an actor in New Zealand and carved out a career in Hollywood against all odds.

From his unforgettable work in The Lord of the Rings to the many roles that followed, Sala opens up about his journey, the opportunities that changed his life, the challenges he faced along the way, and the people who shaped him.

It’s honest, moving, funny and deeply personal. A conversation that takes you behind the scenes and into the heart of the man behind some unforgettable characters.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Join us for a conversation with Sanit Klamchanuan (SpicyThaiDesign), whose career spans Wētā Workshop, creature artistry, and cosplay. Sanit shares behind-the-scenes stories from his creative journey, the craftsmanship behind his work, and the experiences that have shaped his career.

A special thank you to WeClanCosplay and TheFallenPadawan for providing our intro.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Guest: Sanit Klamchanuan

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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We sit down with our friend Kiran Shah to hear the stories behind his incredible career. 

A true testament to dedication and courage, Kiran’s career has been shaped by his willingness to take on challenges, push boundaries, and give everything to his craft. His bravery, determination, and love of filmmaking have made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

The Lucky Kiwi Podcast is a Tolkien podcast exploring The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, and the enduring legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien. Watch conversations with filmmakers and audiences.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Guest: Kiran Shah

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Luke Hawker is one of the most versatile and consistently in-demand performers working in New Zealand film. Over a 25+ year career, he has amassed more than 80 credits across feature films, television, theatre, short films, and performance work.

In recent years alone, his credits include:

* The Rings of Power — Orc General Magrot and additional Orc performances

* The Last of Us — motion capture stunt performer

* Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 — motion capture

* Thor: Love and Thunder — motion capture

* Transformers: Rise of the Beasts — motion capture stunt performer

* Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire — Suko performance capture

* Alien: Romulus — motion capture stunt performer

* Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes — movement coach

* M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0 — movement coach / stunt team

* Captain America: Brave New World — motion capture

* The Fantastic Four: First Steps — motion capture

* The Minecraft Movie — motion capture

* Avengers: Doomsday — motion capture

* The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum — stunt performer

What makes him unique is that he has worked on all sides of the creature-making process:

* Wētā Workshop as senior Effects Artist/Creature and Movement specialist

* Wētā FX creating digital characters through performance capture

* Training and coaching other performers in movement.

He’s been part of the evolution of modern creature filmmaking… from prosthetics and practical effects to motion capture and digital worlds, and he understands that process from every angle.

Luke Hawker is a rare bridge between the physical and digital worlds of filmmaking: a creature creator, performer, stunt artist, and movement specialist who has helped bring some of cinema’s most memorable beings to life.

If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with fellow Tolkien and film fans!

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Stephen Gallagher is a two-time Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor from New Zealand whose work spans film, television, and Middle-earth.

A dear friend of the podcast, Stephen also composed the original theme music for Lucky Kiwi Podcast. He served as music editor on The Hobbit trilogy, composed the music for “Blunt the Knives” and “The Torture Song” in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, won an Emmy Award for his work as music editor on The Beatles: Get Back, and earned a second Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition, shared with David Long, for Secrets at Red Rocks.

In this episode, Stephen takes us behind the scenes of filmmaking to explore the role of music in storytelling, the craft of composing for film, collaborating with directors and fellow musicians, and the often unseen work of a music editor. Along the way, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, his creative process, and what it means to tell stories through music.

If you enjoy the conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe. Your support helps us continue sharing conversations with the people who helped bring Middle-earth to life.

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Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Graham McTavish - The Hobbit, Acting, Rejection, Fame & Life Beyond the Screen

In this episode of the Lucky Kiwi Podcast, Graham shares stories from his remarkable career, reflects on his time in The Hobbit, and opens up about the realities of acting, dealing with rejection, navigating fame, and the experiences that have shaped him along the way.

There are thoughtful moments, plenty of laughs, and the kind of candid conversation that reminds us why audiences have connected with Graham for so many years.

To the world, he’s an acclaimed actor with an extraordinary body of work. To us, he’s simply Graham.. hilarious, occasionally a bit grumpy (in the best possible way), incredibly eloquent, and a genuinely wonderful person.

We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

Please subscribe for more weekly episodes!

#GrahamMcTavish #TheHobbit #Outlander #TheWitcher #TheLuckyKiwiPodcast #LordOfTheRings #ActorInterview

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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Join Amanda and Jed Brophy for a conversation with Shane Rangi, a longtime friend of Jed’s and one of the most versatile performers to come out of Middle-earth and Narnia, working across acting, stunt performance, motion capture, and creature work.

Known for bringing some of the most memorable characters to life, Shane is every bit as larger-than-life off screen. Warm, generous, and effortlessly funny, he had us laughing so hard our faces hurt while sharing stories from his journey through Middle-earth and beyond.

Having overcome more than his share of challenges, Shane has emerged not only stronger, but kinder and softer for the experience. This episode is filled with laughter, friendship, resilience, and the kind of heart that stays with you long after the conversation ends.

The Lucky Kiwi Podcast is a Tolkien podcast exploring The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, and the enduring legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien. Watch conversations with filmmakers and audiences.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Guest: Shane Rangi

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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A rare and deeply insightful conversation with Mark Ordesky, one of the key figures behind bringing The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the screen.

Mark reflects on the long road that led to Middle-earth—from early admiration of Peter Jackson’s work, to navigating the uncertainty of getting a project like this even off the ground at New Line Cinema. He also shares stories from behind the scenes of how the films came together, the challenges they faced, and the extraordinary effort it took to turn something so ambitious into reality.

We also hear about the importance of New Zealand to the production, including the decision to hold the world premiere in Wellington—a moment that became iconic for the country and the films’ legacy.

What stands out most is Mark’s humility. Despite being at the center of one of the most successful trilogies in film history, he speaks with genuine groundedness about the process, the people, and the unpredictability of it all.

For us, this was one of our favorite conversations yet.

If you love The Lord of the Rings, filmmaking, or behind-the-scenes stories from Middle-earth, this is one you won’t want to miss.

The Lucky Kiwi Podcast is a Tolkien podcast exploring The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, and the enduring legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien. Watch conversations with filmmakers and audiences.

Photo credit: Robert Catto

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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We're honored to welcome our very first guest on the Lucky Kiwi Podcast...

We started our careers together, so it felt only right to begin this journey with him.

Sir Richard Taylor is the co-founder of Wētā Workshop and one of the creative forces behind some of the most iconic film worlds ever made, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and countless groundbreaking productions in film history. A multi-Academy Award winner, his work has helped redefine practical effects and cinematic craftsmanship on a global scale.

The Lucky Kiwi Podcast is a Tolkien podcast exploring The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, and the enduring legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien. Watch conversations with filmmakers and audiences.

CREDITS:
Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy
Editing: Amanda Brophy
Guest: Sir Richard Taylor
Special Appearances:
Tania Rodger 
Lawrence Makoare 
Gino Acevedo
Ri Streeter

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher
Additional Original Music: Jed Brophy 
© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

FOLLOW LUCKY KIWI PODCAST

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Website:

https://luckykiwipodcast.com

The Lucky Kiwi Podcast is a Tolkien podcast exploring The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, and the enduring legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien. Watch conversations with filmmakers and audiences.

CREDITS:
Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy
Editing: Amanda Brophy
Guest: Surprise Guest
Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher
Additional Original Music: Jed Brophy 
© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

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https://luckykiwipodcast.com

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations.

CREDITS:

Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy

Editing: Amanda Brophy

Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

FOLLOW LUCKY KIWI PODCAST

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/luckykiwipodcast/

Facebook:

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