• Mailbag: Saruman, Grima, Numenor, The Silmarillion, and Secret Santa presents
    Sep 22 2025

    On this week's episode we're looking at some questions that require a little less in depth research, including questions on: Saruman, Grima Wormtongue, Numenor, the critical reception to the SIlmarillion, and my favorite Christmas presents (yes, really).

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    32 mins
  • What's the Difference Between Goblins, Orcs, and Uruk-Hai?
    Sep 15 2025

    Goblins and Uruks and Orcs, oh my! We hear about all three throughout Tolkien's works, but it's not immediately clear what the difference between them? And, much like Cotton Eye Joe, where did they come from? We'll dive into all of that and more on this episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    33 mins
  • Who Is Tom Bombadil?
    Sep 8 2025

    It's a big one today folks, the question people have been asking nonstop since The Fellowship of the Ring was first published. What's the deal with that singing guy with the blue coat and yellow boots? Where did he come from, where did he go, where did he come from Tom Bombadil-o? Find out on this week's episode of the Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!

    Map of the Shire, Old Forest, and Barrow Downs

    Encyclopedia of Arda Entry on Tom Bombadil

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    32 mins
  • Why Did It Take Aragorn So Long To Become King?
    Sep 1 2025

    Strider, Ranger of the North. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, chief of the Dúnedain. Elessar, heir of Isildur. He has many names and many titles, but he's 87 years old in Lord of the Rings and still not King! What's taking him so long? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    30 mins
  • Why Do Dwarves and Elves Hate Each Other?
    Aug 25 2025

    Athens and Sparta. Rome and Carthage. England and pretty much everyone. These are the rivalries that have shaped our world, and Middle Earth is no different. The rivalry between the Elves and the Dwarves stretches back to the very beginning of Arda. How did it start? Why do they still no get along? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    26 mins
  • Where Do Dwarves Come From?
    Aug 18 2025

    In Middle Earth, almost all of the focus is on Elves and Men, but relatively little is spent on the third major race: the Dwarves. Who are the Dwarves? Where do they come from? Why do they look similar to, but also very distinct from, Men and Elves? And how does their origin influence the creation of the Ents and the Eagles? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    27 mins
  • Why Do The Elves Live So Far Apart?
    Aug 11 2025

    Any time someone wants to walk from one Elven city to another in Middle Earth, they have to embark on a trek covering hundreds of miles and vanquishing some combination of Orcs, Balrogs, and Dragons. Why do these Elves live so far away from one another? Find out in this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast! (Psst...you may want to go listen to episode 6 first)

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Music by Michael McBride

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    28 mins
  • The Elven Explanation Extravaganza Episode
    Aug 4 2025

    Six episodes in and we're changing temporarily changing the format from an AMA to a LMTYASYNTKFNWE (let me tell you abut stuff you need to know for next week's episode)! On this week's episode you'll learn all about the different kinds of Elves of Middle Earth so future episodes will hopefully be less confusing!

    Resources:

    The Divisions of the Elves

    Map of Beleriand

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    Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.com

    Cover Art by Lauren Ciatti

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    22 mins