Explore every episode of the podcast The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is it Like Being a Tolkien Artist? An Interview with Graham Judd | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:48:37 | |
I had the good fortune to interview Graham Judd, the illustrator of The Flora of Middle Earth (a book he worked on with his father Walter Judd). We talk about how Graham developed his artistic style, Tolkien as an artist, the challenges of illustrating plants that don't exist in our world, and the upcoming 2nd edition oh his book! Be sure to check out his website! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Who are the Haradrim? | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
They ride into battle on their great Mûmakil, their ships sail from their havens in Umbar, and their cavalry under the banner of the Black Snake wreaks havoc on the fields of the Pelennor. They are the Haradrim, Gondor's oldest and bitterest foes. But who are they, and why did they align themselves with Sauron in the days of his might? Find out all this and more on this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What are the Basics of Balrogs? Plus, a Tolkien mystery solved! | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:39:09 | |
Demons of the Ancient World, Morgoth's fiercest warriors, creatures of Flame and Shadow: They are the Balrogs. But what are they, were did they come from, and most importantly, do they have wings? Find out answers to all these questions and more on this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Mailbag! Thranduil, the Barrowblades, Gildor Inglorion, and an Entish Update! | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:37:20 | |
We're cracking open the mailbag to answer your questions! Questions like: What is Thranduil's History, How Will Colbert's Film Deal with the Barrowblades, Who is Gildor Inglorion, and an Entish Update! I dive into some of Tolkien's most obscure writing to find the answers to these questions, and once again ponder what even is canon in a universe with so much inconsistency! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Tell Me All Your Thoughts On God: Who is Eru Ilúvatar? | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:48:06 | |
He is the creator of everything in Middle Earth, the Author of the Story, He whose words brought the world into being. No, I'm not talking about JRR Tolkien, I'm talking about Eru Ilúvatar, the monotheistic God of Arda, who created the Ainur and with them sang the Great Music that brought Eä into existence. Plus, we're revisiting a question from the very first episode of the show! Along the way we dive into the theology of Middle Earth, consult official philosopher of the show Peter to help us with some tricky metaphysics, and get to know the highest of Powers. Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Why is Tolkien Relevant Today? An Interview with Shaun Gunner, CEO of The Tolkien Society | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:47:15 | |
I'm battling a cold this week, so please enjoy this interview I did with Shaun Gunner, the CEO of the largest Tolkien charitable organization in the world! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Is Lord of the Rings Sexist? An Interview with Dr. Sara Brown | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:59:27 | |
This week, I turn to Tolkien scholar Dr. Sara Brown to answer a question that critics of Tolkien's works have leveled at the Professor since the Lord of the Rings was first published: Given the relative lack of female characters in his stories, but taking into account their prominence and achievements in the narrative, is it fair to say that Lord of the Rings is sexist? We dive deep into that topic while also spending some time getting Dr. Brown's Hot Takes and Opinions! Plus: Updates on Rings of Power Season 3 from San Diego Comic Con and a new response to our question: Proudfoots or Proudfeet? It's all happening on this week's episode! Signum University Graduate Program See Dr. Brown's Presentation at Oxenmoot! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is Faramir's History? Plus an Extended News from Arda | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:39:31 | |
As Denethor's least favorite son, Faramir is always playing second fiddle to Boromir, but in the end he takes on his familial rule as Steward. In this week's episode, we dive into his history and look at his future with Eowyn! Plus: We have an extended News from Arda segment as we rebut recent justifications Andy Serkis made in the lack of diversity in his casting for The Hunt for Gollum. Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Patreon Bonus Episode Preview: The Hobbit, Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:25:12 | |
This is a little preview of what you can expect every week from the $5 a month Wizard's Pupils tier over on Patreon, just head to Patreon.com/lotramapod to sign up! | |||
| Witch-Kings and Barrow-Wights: What is the History of Angmar? | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:36:39 | |
Lord of Minas Morgul, Captain of Sauron's armies, Leader of the Nazgûl: He is the Witch-King of Angmar. But...where exactly is Angmar? And what is a witch-king? And how is he connected to the Barrow Wights that we see in The Fellowship of the Ring? Find out the answers to all this and more as we talk all things Angmar in this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is it Like to be a Tolkien Content Creator? An interview with Knew Betta Do Betta | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:50:29 | |
This week I am joined by the one and only Willie Jenkins, aka Knew Betta Do Betta! If you've spent much time on Tolkien related social media, you've seen Knew Betta hosting trivia, making lore videos, and being a passionate defender of Tolkien's work. We discuss how he got started in Tolkien content creation, the push back he received as a person of color in a stereotypically white space, his advice for other content creators, and of course some hot takes and opinions! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| 50 episodes & One Year Anniversary Mailbag! | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:40:22 | |
For our 50th episode, we're opening up the mailbag to answer your questions about Gandalf's Beard, Elven immortality, the correct reading order for Tolkien's works, plus my hot takes and opinions about all sorts of aspects about the world of Middle Earth! Thank you for the incredible support you've given me this past year, here's to 50 more! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Segment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 4: The End of the Tale | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:44:14 | |
With Turin trying to live peacefully in Brethil and Morwen and Nienor safely in Doriath, things should be pretty easy going for the family of Hurin, right? It turns out leaving Doriath is a family trait, as Morwen and Nienor set out to find Turin, and along the way meet Glaurung, Father of Dragons, who isn't done yet meddling in Turin Turambar's life. Find out the fate of the Children of Hurin, along with Morwen and Hurin himself, in this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 3: Enter the Dragon | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:34:28 | |
With Turin captured by Orcs, it’s up to Beleg to rescue his friend. Along the way he discovers a runaway elven Lord, Gwindor of Nargothrond. Events transpire, and Turin winds up in Nargothrond itself where he starts Turining all over the place. With a dragon on the way, will his presence in the hidden kingdom bring victory or disaster? Find out on this week’s episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 2 | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:35:03 | |
Following on from last week's episode, Turin is now living in Doriath as the foster son of King Thingol, but fate or his bad personality has made him an enemy in Saeros, advisor to the King. Their feud will boil over, and Turin will go on the run, living as an outlaw in the Wild, until his friend Beleg Strongbow finds him and talks some sense into him (but not much). Hear all about it in this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 1 | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:35:18 | |
Doom, Despair, Death, and Dragons. These are the hallmarks of Tolkien's longest and most completed story of the First Age: The Children of Hurin. Find out how Hurin and his family were cursed by Morgoth in this 1st part to the story! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the History of Rohan? | 25 May 2026 | 00:36:02 | |
Upon their trusty steeds, the Rohirrim charge into battle, crying "Death" as the speed towards their foes! The charge at the fields of Pelennor is one of the most striking moments in all of the Lord of the Rings, and their alliance with Gondor turned the tide in the War of the Ring. But who are these strange Northerners? How did the come to be so bonded with their horses? And is Eowyn, shieldmaiden of the House of Eorl, unique, or one in a long line of fearsome female warriors? Find out on this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Who are the Nazgûl? | 18 May 2026 | 00:36:34 | |
They are Sauron's most loyal servants, evil men enslaved to his will by the Rings of Power they wear. They are the Nazgûl, the Ring Wraiths, and they struck fear into the hearts of the people of Middle Earth for over 4000 years. But who were they in life? And what did they do in the service of the Dark Lord Sauron? Find out all this and more on this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Things You Can Do and The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast Present: The Hunt for Gollum's Conscience | 11 May 2026 | 01:11:26 | |
In today's episode, Peter Owens from the Things You Can Do and I talk about Gollum. What motivates him? What's wrong with him? Should we pity him or fear him? Or something else? Come along for a journey into the ethics of Middle Earth where we'll discuss good and evil, pain and addiction, love and pity, and incontinence. Also, Frodo and Sam's Special Boat for Boys™ . 9:30 | Illustrated Hobbit Reddit Post 11:30 | Film Depiction Blog Post 23:45 | Anti-Climacus (Soren Kierkegaard), The Sickness Unto Death (Normally Peter try to put the edition and page, but I got this off the internet because I couldn't find my copy of this text - it's probably in a box somewhere in the basement, but I promise a cursory google search will confirm it's factuality!) | |||
| Who Are the Northmen? | 04 May 2026 | 00:36:50 | |
In the Hobbit, we meet strange men found nowhere else in Middle Earth: The Men of Lake-Town, the Men of Dale, and Beorn, a skin-changer who takes the form of a huge bear. Who are these people? Where do they come from? And are they related to any of the other Men we see throughout Tolkien's stories? Find out in this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| The Details of the Devil, Part 2: Morgoth Bauglir | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:41:49 | |
On the run from the Valar, Melkor seeks out a new ally in his quest for revenge against those who imprisoned him. The result of this alliance will be the complete remaking of the world order, and establish him as Morgoth: The Dark Foe of the Earth. Learn about Morgoth, his war with the Noldor, and his influence on early Mankind in this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| The Details of the Devil, Part 1: Who is Melkor? | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:39:11 | |
Greatest of the Ainur, the bringer of Fire and Ice, He Who Arises In Might: He is Melkor, the source of all evil in Middle Earth. But what motivated him to turn from Eru Iluvatar? And how far will he go in his mission to rule the Arda; or barring that, destroy it? Find out on this week's episode! Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What's the Deal with Dragons? | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:47:54 | |
Smaug, Glaurung, Ancalagon the Black: Names that strike fear throughout the history of Middle Earth. The Dragons were the bane of Elves, Men, and Dwarves from the their first appearances in Beleriand to the Northern Wastes of the Third Age. But what are Dragons? Where do they come from? And are they still alive today? Find out answers to all these questions and more on this week's episode! Check out The Marion E. Wade Center Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can Do To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Theme Music by Michael McBride Proudfoots/Proudfeet Music by Martin Landstrom & Peter Owens Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Why Did Gandalf Choose Bilbo? | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:30:13 | |
Bilbo Baggins: Respectable Hobbit, Resident of Bag End, and... Burglar? How did a upstanding Shire citizen get mixed up in an adventure with dwarves and dragons to begin with? That meddlesome wizard had something to do with it, but what were Gandalf's reasons for choosing Bilbo? And why that particular timing? Find out all that and more on this week's episode! Our Sponsor: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Mailbag March: Oops All Opinions! Aragorn the Ring Lord, Merry and Pippin's Mordor Adventure, How to Read Tolkien, and The Rings of Power: Good or Bad? | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:44:48 | |
It's the last day Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, I'm giving my biased opinions on topics such as:
Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode! Rings of Power Spoilers: 30:24-34:28 Our Sponsor: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| 2026 Tolkien Reading Day Special | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:13:10 | |
March 25th is the day in Middle Earth when the Ring was destroyed and Sauron was defeated forever. It is also, in our world, Tolkien Reading Day, a day where Tolkien fans all around the world are encouraged to spend some time diving into the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Enjoy this Tolkien Reading Day Special as read from Return of the King and reflect on Eucatastrophe and Unlikely Heroes! Tolkien Society's Tolkien Reading Day 2026 Official Page To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Mailbag March: The Arkenstone, Gandalf the White's New Name, and J. R. R. Tolkien: Author or Historian? | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:36:15 | |
It's Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, we answer some smaller topics such as:
Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Mailbag March: Stone Giants, King Éomer, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Sequel, and the Proudfoots/Proudfeet Investigation | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:35:01 | |
It's Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, we answer some smaller topics such as:
Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Mailbag March: Frodo's Fate, Ecthelion's Reward, Ents & Huorns, and The Eye in the Sky | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:35:15 | |
Welcome to Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, we answer some smaller topics such as:
Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode! Jokien with Tolkien's Essay: Wounds That Cannot Be Wholly Cured To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast Trailer | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:00:59 | |
Submit questions and find links to all my social media at lotramapod.com | |||
| Who Are The Wizards? | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:44:46 | |
Some are heroes, some are villains, some are fools, some are mysteries: They are the Wizards, and with their magical powers they either help or hinder the people of Middle Earth. But who are they? Where did they come from? Learn all about them on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of Beren & Luthien? Part 3 | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:30:57 | |
On this week's episode, we conclude the Tale of Beren and Luthien, as our heroes descend into the depths of Hell on Middle Earth to claim a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown. Will their tale end in death, or life, or both? To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of Beren & Luthien? Part 2 | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:32:14 | |
On this week's episode, we continue the story of Beren and Luthien as they face off against werewolves, vampires, Sauron, and, perhaps worst of all, the sons of Feanor! But don't worry, they receive help from the best dog in Middle Earth: Huan! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Tale of Beren & Luthien? Part 1 | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:33:24 | |
Before Sam and Rosie Cotton, before Aragorn and Arwen, well before Tauriel and whichever dwarf from the Hobbit movies, there was one great love story in Middle Earth: The Tale of Beren and Luthien. Join us over the next few weeks as we dive into the first Great Tale of the First Age of Middle Earth! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| How Did Tolkien's Catholicism Influence His Writing? An Interview with Dr. Edwin Woodruff Tait | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:54:17 | |
In a letter to Robert Murray in 1953, Tolkien said "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision." But does that mean only Catholics can enjoy it? This week we are joined by Dr. Edwin Woodruff Tait to discuss how Tolkien's faith influenced his stories and what anyone, whether Catholic or not, can learn from it. A Light in the West: Dr. Tait's Essays Deconstructing the Modern Christian Classics by Rebecca Bratten Weiss To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the History of Númenor? Part II: The Downfall | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:34:43 | |
On this week's episode we conclude the story of Númenor, as its people turn to cruelty and tyranny, and Ar-Pharazon decides to make war with the Valar, as Sauron pulls the strings! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Check out Peter Owens' podcast Things You Can Do Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the History of Númenor? Part I: The Beginning of the Downfall | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:32:49 | |
It is the Atlantis of Arda, the famed lost island that vanished beneath the waves. Númenor, the most advanced Human civilization to ever exist in Middle Earth, where Aragorn's ancestors came from before they founded the Kingdom of Gondor. But what is its history, and what did the Númenoreans do to incur the destruction that came upon them? Find out in part 1 of this two part episode! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Check out Peter Owens' podcast Things You Can Do Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Is There Free Will in Middle Earth? | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:37:22 | |
When you think about it, the entire story of The Lord of the Rings seems like one long string of extremely unlikely events. Is this all just a big coincidence, or is Eru Ilúvatar sticking his finger on the scale to make things all shake out the way he wants? We discuss Divine Intervention, Fate, and Free Will in this week's episode! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Check out Peter Owens' podcast Things You Can Do Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What Are Sauron's Powers? | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:38:40 | |
He's the Big Bad of Middle Earth, his forces spread across the land, he created the One Ring to rule all the others, he is Sauron. But who is Sauron, how did he become the Dark Lord of Mordor, and what can he actually do? We'll talk all about it on this week's episode of the show! To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Mailbag: Why Didn't They Take the Eagles, Celeborn, Khazad-dûm, and a Fellowship Colosseum Brawl | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:43:54 | |
We're back to the Mailbag this week as we take a look at Galadriel's bae Celeborn, the history of Khazad-dûm, why the Fellowship couldn't have taken the Eagles, and pit our heroes against each other in a winner takes all Colosseum style death match! Clamavi De Profundis' YouTube Channel Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky TikTok Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| How Powerful is Galadriel? | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:36:33 | |
She is the Lady of the Golden Wood, the wise Elven Queen who gives the Fellowship words of warning and gifts to aid them on their journey. She is also a member of the White Council, who drove The Necromancer (Sauron) from his fortress of Dol Guldur. She is Galadriel, and on this week's episode we dive into how powerful she actually is, plus take a look at how magic works in Middle Earth! Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky TikTok Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What's Beyond the Map? (and other questions) | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:39:36 | |
The Lord of the Rings is a tale of an epic journey, but just how far did they travel? And how long did it take? And how old is the world? And what lies beyond the edges of the map? All these questions (and not many more) will be answered on this week's episode! Early Map Showing the Dark Land Karen Wynn Fonstad Map of the World in the Second Age Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky TikTok Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What are the Origins of Hobbits? | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:28:41 | |
"In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit." And with that single sentence, the modern fantasy genre was born! But what are Hobbits? Where do they come from? Where did they go? We can't ask Cotton Eye Joe, so instead this week we'll do a deep dive into the origins of Hobbits the differences between types of Hobbits, plus some bonus material about other diminutive races in Middle Earth. Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky TikTok Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Why Do The Bad Guys Have All The Good Weapons? | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:34:06 | |
Between giant trolls, flaming catapults, and wall demolishing explosives, the Good Guys seem vastly outgunned in their fight against Evil. So what gives? This week we look at the seeming disparity in the weapons of Middle Earth, why that might be, and what Tolkien thought about modern warfare! Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What are the Two Trees of Valinor and How do they Relate to the Sun and Moon? | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:33:26 | |
In the beginning, the Valar created Light! But then that Light got destroyed, so they created A Different Kind of Light! But then that also got destroyed, so they created A Third and Fourth Kind of Light! On this episode we'll talk all about that light, in the form of the Two Trees of Valinor and the Sun and Moon. Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Who are the Army of the Dead? | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:28:45 | |
It's almost Halloween and we're telling ghost stories! All seems lost for our heroes at Minas Tirith when suddenly Aragorn arrives with CGI ghost army that tears through the Orcs and Oliphants that are attacking the city! But who are these spectacular specters? Why do the fight for Aragorn? And what's the difference between the version of them in the movies and in the book? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast! Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Light of Eärendil? | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:27:31 | |
In the depths of Cirith Ungol, our two hobbit heroes almost despair when Frodo remembers something, a gift given to him by the Lady Galadriel in Lothlorien, a small crystal phial containing the Light of Eärendil. Grabbing it, light bursts forward, illuminating the cavern and driving back the mighty spider Shelob! But what is the light of Eärendil, where does it come from, and why is Shelob so afraid of it? Find out all this and more on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast! Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Hidden City of Gondolin? Part 2: The Fall | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:34:26 | |
On this week's episode we continue the story of Gondolin as it falls to ruin in the aftermath of treachery and devastating war, as well at looking at the impact the story of Gondolin had on the creation not just of The Silmarillion, but The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit! Follow me on Social Media: Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| What is the Hidden City of Gondolin? Part 1: The Rise | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
Hidden deep in the mountains of Beleriand, there is a city. A haven from evil, and a place of beauty and light. This is the City of Gondolin, the hidden realm of King Turgon. On this week's episode, we'll look at the rise of Gondolin and see its glory before its tragic downfall. Follow me on Social Media: Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||
| Where are the Dwarves in the Fight Against Sauron? | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:29:31 | |
Humans, Elves, Hobbits, Ents, Eagles, we see all of these groups working together to fight Sauron, but the Dwarves just don't seem to be involved. What gives? What are those Dwarves up to during The War of the Ring? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast! The Song of During by Clamavi De Proundis Follow me on Instagram! (and Threads I guess?) Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com Music by Michael McBride Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti | |||