The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast

Episod

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  Tell Me All Your Thoughts On God: Who is Eru Ilúvatar? 10.08.2026 48min

  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.Join our Patreon!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  Why is Tolkien Relevant Today? An Interview with Shaun Gunner, CEO of The Tolkien Society 03.08.2026 47min

  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!The Tolkien SocietyRegister for Oxonmoot!Join our Patreon!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  Is Lord of the Rings Sexist? An Interview with Dr. Sara Brown 27.07.2026 59min

  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 ProgramSignum University EverLearnSignum TutorialsSee Dr. Brown's Presentation at Oxenmoot!Join our Patreon!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is Faramir's History? Plus an Extended News from Arda 20.07.2026 39min

  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.Join our Patreon!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  Witch-Kings and Barrow-Wights: What is the History of Angmar? 13.07.2026 36min

  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!Map of ArnorOur Patreon is live!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is it Like to be a Tolkien Content Creator? An interview with Knew Betta Do Betta 06.07.2026 50min

  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!Knew Betta's LinktreeOur Patreon is live!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  50 episodes & One Year Anniversary Mailbag! 29.06.2026 40min

  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 Patreon is live!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens & Theme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 4: The End of the Tale 22.06.2026 44min

  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!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family TreePatreon SurveyOur Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 3: Enter the Dragon 15.06.2026 34min

  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!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family TreeThe Dragon Helm of Dor-LominPatreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 2 08.06.2026 35min

  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!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family TreeThe Dragon Helm of Dor-LominPatreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 1 01.06.2026 35min

  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!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family TreeThe Dragon Helm of Dor-LominPatreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What is the History of Rohan? 25.05.2026 36min

  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!Patreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  Who are the Nazgûl? 18.05.2026 36min

  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!Patreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  Things You Can Do and The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast Present: The Hunt for Gollum's Conscience 11.05.2026 1j 11min

  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 Post11:30 | Film Depiction Blog Post23:45 | 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!)Things You Can Do, Season 1 SoundtrackSubmit a question and follow me on social media!
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  Who Are the Northmen? 04.05.2026 36min

  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!Map of RhovanionSupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  The Details of the Devil, Part 2: Morgoth Bauglir 27.04.2026 41min

  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!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  The Details of the Devil, Part 1: Who is Melkor? 20.04.2026 39min

  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!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  What's the Deal with Dragons? 13.04.2026 47min

  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!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Check out The Marion E. Wade CenterOur Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comTheme Music by Michael McBrideProudfoots/Proudfeet Music by Martin Landstrom & Peter OwensCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  Why Did Gandalf Choose Bilbo? 06.04.2026 30min

  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!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsor: The Ex-Baptist Sister's PodcastTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
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  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? 30.03.2026 44min

  It's the last day Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, I'm giving my biased opinions on topics such as:What if Aragorn Claimed the One Ring?What if Merry and Pippin Were Tasked with Taking the Ring to Mordor?How to Read Tolkien without Getting Bogged Down in the Details?Is Amazon's "The Rings of Power" Any Good?Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode!Rings of Power Spoilers: 30:24-34:28Our Sponsor: The Ex-Baptist Sister's PodcastTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti