The Nerd of the Rings

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Interviewing guests from the world of Tolkien's Middle-earth, including film cast, authors, illustrators, game designers, and more!

Nerd of the Rings


    • May 3, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 5h 20m AVG DURATION
    • 14 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Nerd of the Rings podcast is truly a gem for fans of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings. As someone who has read the books, I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast as it delves into various questions that many LOTR watchers may have, providing accurate and often comedic outlooks. Hosted by Matt, also known as Nerd of the Rings (NOTR), this podcast keeps listeners entertained with its quality and engaging conversations about all things Tolkien.

    One of the best aspects of The Nerd of the Rings podcast is its ability to provide both entertaining and informative content. Matt's knowledge on the subject matter is truly impressive, and he effortlessly guides discussions with his guests, ensuring that each episode is packed with interesting insights. Whether it's analyzing characters, discussing themes, or even exploring lesser-known aspects of Tolkien's mythology, this podcast covers a wide range of topics that will satisfy any Lord of the Rings enthusiast.

    Furthermore, The Nerd of the Rings podcast does an excellent job at catering to different types of fans. Whether you're a casual viewer or a hardcore reader, there's something for everyone in these episodes. Matt understands that not everyone has delved deep into Tolkien's extensive legendarium, so he ensures that the content remains accessible while still providing enough depth for those well-versed in Middle-earth lore. This balance allows both newbies and veterans alike to enjoy and learn from each episode.

    While The Nerd of the Rings podcast excels in many areas, there are a few minor drawbacks worth mentioning. Sometimes, certain episodes may feel repetitive if you are already familiar with some common theories or debates within the fan community. Additionally, although humor is a welcome component in this podcast, occasional jokes or tangents might overshadow important discussions or drag episodes longer than necessary. However, these issues are minor compared to all the great content and entertainment provided throughout.

    In conclusion, The Nerd of the Rings podcast is a must-listen for any Tolkien and Lord of the Rings fan. With its accurate and often comedic outlook on various aspects of Middle-earth, this podcast is both enjoyable and educational. Matt's impressive knowledge, engaging discussions with guests, and ability to cater to different types of fans make The Nerd of the Rings podcast a true standout in the world of Tolkien podcasts. Keep up the great work, Matt!



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    Latest episodes from The Nerd of the Rings

    Gino Acevedo, Creative Art Director, Wētā FX

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 57:08


    We chat with Gino Acevedo about his road to New Zealand, pranks with John Rhys-Davies, making the transition from practical to digital effects, and more!

    Maxim Baldry, Isildur - The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 29:51


    We chat with Maxim Baldry about Isildur in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, including diving into the text, a more in-depth look at the dynamics in Númenor, and seeing Isildur as the hero he is in the books.

    Wayne Yip, Director - The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2022 34:38


    We chat with Wayne Yip about his directing work on episodes 3, 4, & 5 on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

    Lloyd Owen, Elendil - The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 35:05


    Today, we chat with with Lloyd Owen about his character Elendil, the island realm of Númenor, and his deep dives into Tolkien's more obscure writings to inform the Elendil we meet in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power!

    John Rhys-Davies talks Gimli, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 97:36


    The one and only John Rhys-Davies talks about his experience as Gimli and Sallah, his library, and reads a fan-favorite portion from the books - Gimli's description of the Glittering Caves.  This interview with the Lord of the Rings star was possible through the "It's Time to Shout James" fundraiser.  To donate to a great cause, visit: http://tinyurl.com/47j9wfxr   To get the full effect of my interview with John, check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qNnPE0Hpry8

    Sir Richard Taylor, WETA Workshop

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2021 51:11


    WETA Workshop Co-Founder and Creative Director Sir Richard Taylor joins us to talk about his time in Middle-earth!  We'll talk about Richard's first exposure to Tolkien and what it was like bringing some of the most iconic locations, weapons, and characters to life in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films trilogies! For the latest and greatest videos on The Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth, visit youtube.com/NerdoftheRings

    Carl Hostetter, editor, The Nature of Middle-earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 76:03


    Carl Hostetter joins us to talk about the 25-year road to the publication of The Nature of Middle-earth, working with Christopher Tolkien, new discoveries for Tolkien fans, dancing bears, and more!   The Nature of Middle-earth is now available for purchase: US: https://amzn.to/3mXzYzI UK: https://amzn.to/3DGgoO5 (affiliate links)

    Billy Boyd & Dominic Monaghan, The Friendship Onion & The Lord of the Rings

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 55:53


    Today, we chat with Dom & Billy as they launch their new podcast, The Friendship Onion!  We talk about the films, The Scouring of the Shire, which cast members were funny, Dom's immunity to hiccups, and more! For the video version of this interview, as well as all kinds of great Middle-earth videos, go to www.youtube.com/NerdoftheRings Also, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Friendship Onion - available on all podcast platforms and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM2SO69PhFRKKEYwGSV4sHQ

    Stephen Hunter, Bombur - The Hobbit Trilogy (Recorded December 2020)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 48:18


    In this interview (recorded in Dec '20), we chat with actor Stephen Hunter, who portrayed Bombur in The Hobbit Trilogy!  We chat about all things The Hobbit - including how much his suit weighed and some amusing stories involving his dwarven castmates!

    Brian Sibley, writer, BBC's The Lord of the Rings (1981)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 185:21


    Today, we welcome the writer of one of my absolute favorite Tolkien adaptations - the 1981 BBC Radio Dramatization of The Lord of the Rings - Brian Sibley! We talk about the radio drama celebrating its 40th anniversary, Brian's experience writing about Peter Jackson and his Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, the challenges of adapting for radio, why Tom Bombadil get's cut from adaptations, and much more! Visit youtube.com/NerdoftheRings for the video version of this interview, Middle-earth lore videos, theories, and more!

    Ian Nathan, author, "Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 129:59


    We talk about Peter Jackson and how the Middle-earth films came together with someone who spent time behind the scenes on both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. We hear his favorite stories from the set, what sets Peter Jackson apart from other directors, his idea for a future Lord of the Rings book, the upcoming Amazon show and more! Ian Nathan is a film author, who has written books on The Terminator, Fantastic Beasts, Ridley Scott, Tim Burton, Quentin Tarantino and most notably, "Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth". Visit YouTube.com/NerdoftheRings for weekly Middle-earth videos, including Tolkien Explained, Complete Travels, Theories, and the video version of this episode.  To Support NOTR, visit Patreon.com/NerdoftheRings

    Jed Brophy, actor - The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings trilogies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 80:01


    Today we are joined by the incredible Jed Brophy, one of the very few actors to appear in all six Middle-earth films!  His roles include the orcs Snaga and Sharku, as well as the dwarf Nori.  During this live chat on the Nerd of the Rings YouTube channel, we chat about all things Middle-earth, while raising money for frontline healthcare workers. Visit YouTube.com/NerdoftheRings for weekly Middle-earth videos, including Tolkien Explained, Complete Travels, Theories, and the video version of this episode.  To Support NOTR, visit Patreon.com/NerdoftheRings

    Francesco Nepitello, Designer - The One Ring RPG

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 3492:24


    Today, we chat with Francesco Nepitello about the brand new Second Edition of The One Ring RPG.  We talk about what's new in this second edition, adapting Tolkien's world, and advice for players who are new to tabletop gaming!  At time of release, The One Ring Second Edition has earned $1.9 Million on Kickstarter and is due for release in late 2021.  Visit YouTube.com/NerdoftheRings for weekly Middle-earth videos, including Tolkien Explained, Complete Travels, Theories, and the video version of this episode.  To Support NOTR, visit Patreon.com/NerdoftheRings

    Corey Olsen, The Tolkien Professor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 117:04


    Talking with the Tolkien Professor about LOTRonPrime, LOTRO, The Silmarillion, and why balrogs don't have wings! Corey is the President and Founder of Signum University and the Mythgard Institute. For more info, visit Signum University on YouTube! Visit YouTube.com/NerdoftheRings for weekly Middle-earth videos, including Tolkien Explained, Complete Travels, Theories, and the video version of this episode.  To Support NOTR, visit Patreon.com/NerdoftheRings

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