Podcasts about The Lord of the Rings

The time has come to go on a journey to destroy the Ring of Power and discuss one of the biggest film trilogies of all time and up first is the Fellowship of the Ring. Journey with us and special guest Jonathan as we discuss this dense story and the long road to get this trilogy made. This ensemble cast will be talked about along with the differences from the source text. Is this the most important film of the 21st Century or is it too boring for its own good? So pour some rye, grab your second breakfast, and get ready for the long trek to Mount Doom. Cheers!

Justice for Gurgi! This week it's the final stop on our tour of pre-Jackson LOTR-inspired films… and our very first ever Disney animated film!Joining us to explore Welsh mythology, The Chronicles of Prydain, and the weird lengths Disney will go to make their adaptations kid-friendly is returning guest (and Eye of the Duck digital producer) Nik Long!Next week we have a very special holiday surprise! We're celebrating Christmas and independent film with a bonus episode on Adam's very own DRINK AND BE MERRY (2025). Now available on VOD and Blu-ray! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodReferences:DisneyWar by James B. StewartSlate Production HistoryMouse in Transition: An Insider's Look at Disney Feature Animation by Steve HulettThe Chicago Tribune Production HistoryCollider Production History“Chronicles of Prydain” Reboot In the WorksFinal Film In Technirama 70mmThe Lion King Surpasses BudgetBBC Production HistoryNew Logo New DisneyCredits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've ever wondered what happens when a D&D podcast accidentally becomes a Food Network special—complete with French Dips, Hot Wet Beef, Cubanos, Reubens, and enough sandwich-based emotional damage to fuel an entire barbarian subclass—this episode is for you. Before they even touch the book, the RPGBOT crew debates regional sandwiches with the same energy most people reserve for BBEGs. Then they finally tackle Part 3 of Heroes of Faerûn, where Barbarian ghosts get nerfed, Storm Heralds get swole, Cavaliers insist on riding horses in a system designed to kill horses, Monks get drunker than ever, and Oathbreakers get… surprisingly reasonable? Strap in. Bring snacks. Maybe bring a sandwich. Preferably not hot, wet, or beefy. Big news, adventurers—RPGBOT review videos may soon begin appearing in full on YouTube! That means the entire sandwich argument, every Futurama impression, every "did they REALLY rename Drunken Master to Warrior of Intoxication?" moment, all captured in glorious HD. Keep an eye on the RPGBOT YouTube channel—your long-form chaos may soon have a new home. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives into Part 3 of their comprehensive review of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, focusing on the D&D 2024 subclass updates for Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, and Paladins. The discussion opens with a riotous tangent about regional food, French Dip heresy, and the metaphysics of "hot wet beef"—a tonal masterpiece worthy of an entire episode on its own. Once they pivot into the book itself, the hosts begin analyzing the Path of the Spiritual Guardian, Storm Herald Barbarian, Cavalier Fighter, Warrior of Intoxication Monk, and Oathbreaker Paladin, comparing their 2014 designs to their 2024 updates. Barbarian: Path of the Spiritual Guardian The hosts dig into the mechanical overhaul of Spiritual Protectors, explaining how the powerful 2014 taunt effect has been split into selectable options—Distract, Protect, or bonus damage—resulting in a strict nerf despite added flexibility. The new capstone, Vengeful Spirits, grants extra attacks on high rolls, though the table questions whether the feature fits the subclass thematically. Barbarian: Path of the Storm Herald In contrast, the Storm Herald Barbarian receives across-the-board improvements. With damage scaling tied to Rage bonus, updated terrain options, and the ability to change environments every time they Rage, Storm Herald becomes far more flavorful and versatile than its 2014 version. Tundra's new ability to subtract damage rolls from enemies is highlighted as both weird and delightful. Fighter: Cavalier The Cavalier Fighter, historically tied to a mounted combat fantasy unsupported by the 5e ruleset, receives meaningful buffs. Unwavering Mark no longer has limited uses, Ferocious Charger gains a more dynamic battlefield role, and Vigilant Defender continues to shine with additional reactions. Despite no changes to the horse-related problem ("area effects still delete horses instantly"), the subclass gets promoted to "very playable." Monk: Warrior of Intoxication One of the most dramatically redesigned subclasses, the former Drunken Master is now the Warrior of Intoxication, centered around Mystic Brew, a full brewing system that allows monks to craft beverages like Cinnamon Dragon or Heavenly Spirit. The team debates the new mechanics, including potential abuse cases involving long rests and stacked brews, while applauding the creativity. The name, however, receives… near-universal disdain. Paladin: Oathbreaker The final subclass, the Oathbreaker Paladin, cleans up many mechanical issues from 2014. Control Undead becomes the more thematic Conjure Undead, Aura of Hate integrates more cleanly with Aura of Protection, and new spell options sharpen its identity. The crew notes that the subclass finally stands independently, without requiring a friendly necromancer to function. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend detailed mechanics analysis, design philosophy commentary, subclass balance comparisons, and their signature brand of comedy—including Futurama impressions, regional sandwich wars, and multiple live hot takes. Key Takeaways Path of the Spiritual Guardian Major redesign resulted in a strict mechanical nerf, splitting the 2014 taunt into weaker modular effects. Vengeful Spirits introduces extra attacks but feels thematically disconnected. Needs another design pass. Path of the Storm Herald Substantial quality-of-life upgrades, including Rage-based terrain switching and improved scaling. Desert, Sea, and Tundra each gain flavorful new mechanics. Considered one of the biggest winners of the 2024 subclass update. Cavalier Fighter Unwavering Mark and Ferocious Charger receive meaningful buffs. Still has the same "horse fragility" problem, but the subclass is otherwise extremely strong. Gains crowd-control and tanking tools that outperform Sentinel. Warrior of Intoxication One of the most overhauled subclasses in Heroes of Faerûn. Mystic Brew adds flavorful utility but suffers from action-economy bottlenecks. Multiple "default pick" beverages suggest it still needs tuning. Creative, fun, thematically wild—but the name is universally mocked. Oathbreaker Paladin Improved spell list, more thematic undead support, and better integration with core auras. Conjure Undead makes the subclass self-sufficient. Stronger and more coherent than the 2014 version. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you've been enjoying our deep-dive breakdowns of Heroes of Faerûn, laughing through our subclass hot takes, or nodding solemnly during our very serious sandwich discourse, then you're exactly the kind of hero who belongs in the RPGBOT Patreon community. And here's the thing—if you'd already been a Patreon subscriber, you could have asked Keith Ammann your own questions live during our most recent Masterclass. Our patrons get real-time access not only to incredible guests like Keith, but also to Tyler, Randall, and Ash, asking questions, shaping discussions, and becoming part of the show as it happens. You also get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and a seat at the virtual table for future live recordings. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today, and next time you won't just listen—you'll be part of the conversation. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives into Part 2 of their comprehensive review of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, focusing on the D&D 2024 subclass updates for Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, and Paladins. The discussion opens with a riotous tangent about regional food, French Dip heresy, and the metaphysics of "hot wet beef", a tonal masterpiece worthy of an entire episode on its own. Once they pivot into the book itself, the hosts begin analyzing the Path of the Spiritual Guardian, Storm Herald Barbarian, Cavalier Fighter, Warrior of Intoxication Monk, and Oathbreaker Paladin, comparing their 2014 designs to their 2024 updates. Barbarian: Path of the Spiritual Guardian The hosts dig into the mechanical overhaul of Spiritual Protectors, explaining how the powerful 2014 taunt effect has been split into selectable options (Distract, Protect, or bonus damage) resulting in a strict nerf despite added flexibility. The new capstone, Vengeful Spirits, grants extra attacks on high rolls, though the table questions whether the feature fits the subclass thematically. Barbarian: Path of the Storm Herald In contrast, the Storm Herald Barbarian receives across-the-board improvements. With damage scaling tied to Rage bonus, updated terrain options, and the ability to change environments every time they Rage, Storm Herald becomes far more flavorful and versatile than its 2014 version. Tundra's new ability to subtract damage rolls from enemies is highlighted as both weird and delightful. Fighter: Cavalier The Cavalier Fighter, historically tied to a mounted combat fantasy unsupported by the 5e ruleset, receives meaningful buffs. Unwavering Mark no longer has limited uses, Ferocious Charger gains a more dynamic battlefield role, and Vigilant Defender continues to shine with additional reactions. Despite no changes to the horse-related problem ("area effects still delete horses instantly"), the subclass gets promoted to "very playable." Monk: Warrior of Intoxication One of the most dramatically redesigned subclasses, the former Drunken Master is now the Warrior of Intoxication, centered around Mystic Brew, a full brewing system that allows monks to craft beverages like Cinnamon Dragon or Heavenly Spirit. The team debates the new mechanics, including potential abuse cases involving long rests and stacked brews, while applauding the creativity. The name, however, receives… near-universal disdain. Paladin: Oathbreaker The final subclass, the Oathbreaker Paladin, cleans up many mechanical issues from 2014. Control Undead becomes the more thematic Conjure Undead, Aura of Hate integrates more cleanly with Aura of Protection, and new spell options sharpen its identity. The crew notes that the subclass finally stands independently, without requiring a friendly necromancer to function. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend detailed mechanics analysis, design philosophy commentary, subclass balance comparisons, and their signature brand of comedy, including Futurama impressions, regional sandwich wars, and multiple live hot takes. Key Takeaways Path of the Spiritual Guardian Major redesign resulted in a strict mechanical nerf, splitting the 2014 taunt into weaker modular effects. Vengeful Spirits introduces extra attacks but feels thematically disconnected. Needs another design pass. Path of the Storm Herald Substantial quality-of-life upgrades, including Rage-based terrain switching and improved scaling. Desert, Sea, and Tundra each gain flavorful new mechanics. Considered one of the biggest winners of the 2024 subclass update. Cavalier Fighter Unwavering Mark and Ferocious Charger receive meaningful buffs. Still has the same "horse fragility" problem, but the subclass is otherwise extremely strong. Gains crowd-control and tanking tools that outperform Sentinel. Warrior of Intoxication One of the most overhauled subclasses in Heroes of Faerûn. Mystic Brew adds flavorful utility but suffers from action-economy bottlenecks. Multiple "default pick" beverages suggest it still needs tuning. Creative, fun, thematically wild, but the name is universally mocked. Oathbreaker Paladin Improved spell list, more thematic undead support, and better integration with core auras. Conjure Undead makes the subclass self-sufficient. Stronger and more coherent than the 2014 version. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you've been enjoying our deep-dive breakdowns of Heroes of Faerûn, laughing through our subclass hot takes, or nodding solemnly during our very serious sandwich discourse, then you're exactly the kind of hero who belongs in the RPGBOT Patreon community. And here's the thing—if you'd already been a Patreon subscriber, you could have asked Keith Ammann your own questions live during our most recent Masterclass. Our patrons get real-time access not only to incredible guests like Keith, but also to Tyler, Randall, and Ash, asking questions, shaping discussions, and becoming part of the show as it happens. You also get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and a seat at the virtual table for future live recordings. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today, and next time you won't just listen—you'll be part of the conversation. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Join Corey tonight, for "A Balrog! A Balrog is come!" Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Join Corey as we discuss approaching Doom: Durin's Bane appears at last. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Tonight we actually arrive at the Bridge of Khazad-dum. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Donate Here - https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=Y6TSU94STL9PUAll our Links - https://direct.me/theundergroundWhat is our Value for Value System?Value for Value is a listener based business model where you determine the value our content is worth. If you feel you are getting value from our content, please consider becoming a supporter by donating your time, talent, & treasure. Time: meaning any effort you put in to improving or developing our content or sharing it.Talent: meaning any skills you possess that you want to contribute to help us develop our platform (ie., artwork for podcast episodes, branding design, editing, etc). Treasure: pay a one-off amount or a recurring contribution for the value you think our service is worth. Please be sure with any payment you send via PayPal to include a note, so that we can read it on the livestream, if you'd like. Your donations keep our content advertisement free. Thank you.Where do you support us? Click the direct.me link to find our PayPal link for contributions as well as our YouTube, Odysee, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter links! We appreciate the engagement from all of you! Contribution Amounts:Donors of less than $100 will automatically become Producers of the corresponding episode!Donors of $100 and above will automatically become Associate Executive Producers of the corresponding episode!Donors of $200 and above will receive the Executive Producer credit for that episode!We will list the credits in our show notes as Executive Producer, Associate Executive Producer, & Producer and is a genuine credit we will vouch for. Generally, executive producers are primarily responsible for financing the project. Therefore, this is a legitimate credit for your resume. Please note any amount will remain anonymous upon request.All donors will receive a special mention on the show unless otherwise noted!Special Note: The Value for Value business model originated with Adam Curry & John C. Dvorak of the No Agenda Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgihPtnBSek

In this week's AMAZING episode (featuring the AMAZING Emily Slade), we have to decide on the Top 10 WORST condom substitutes. We also deviate into Lord Of The Rings chat, because of course we do. Wow. ============================This show will always be free, but super fans are encouraged to support The Conversation Hat via Patreon. You'll be able to access a special, patron-only mini-episode every month and a members-only Discord channel:www.patreon.com/conversationhatGet your very own Conversation Hat tees, mugs and more from TeePublic. You can also get loads of cool, nerdy and funny designs on TeePublic and, if you use our link, we get some affiliate income too. Which is neat:www.teepublic.com/stores/conversation-hatOther ways to support without giving us money: - Tell a friend about the show! - Find us on BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook then like, follow, share and all of that good stuff! - Find the podcast on YouTube and watch all our videos: https://www.youtube.com/@convohatpodcast ============================The Conversation Hat is hosted by Ben Pierson and Liam TaylorEdited by Liam TaylorMusic by Liam TaylorLogo by Cheyenne Valentine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which co-hosts Kenny and Sam talk to William Fliss about Tolkien's manuscripts and life as an archivist. Bill Fliss is the Manuscripts Archivist at Marquette University, which places him among the foremost authorities in the world on Tolkien's manuscripts for The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. He runs the Anduin Project at Marquette which is an invaluable tool for Tolkien researchers.Add your voice to the Tolkien Fandom Oral History Collection and tell Bill we sent you! More Bill:“Things That Were, and Things That Are, and Things That Yet May Be”: The J.R.R. Tolkien Manuscript Collection at Marquette University(Documentary) The Muster At Marquette: Preserving 6,000 Fan VoicesLeave us a review! Send us an email at entmootpod@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

¡Ni las probabilidades aviares podrán salvarlos!¡Porque es lunes y SpreadShotNews Podcast ya llegó! En este episodio: Nico continua avanzando en el Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles y ademas nos cuenta sus opiniones finales de Dispatch. Maxi retoma el Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) y salda una deuda pendiente jugando Castlevania: Lament of Innocence. En el Rapid-Fire tenemos noticias sobre Netflix intentando comprar Warner Bros/Discovery (solo si Paramount lo deja), John Romero confirma que el juego cancelado por Microsoft fue “rescatado”, y Katsuhiro Harada anuncia su partida de Bandai Namco despues de 31 años. Para la Main Quest, por supuesto, repasamos (casi) todos los anuncios que nos dejo The Game Awards 2025. Para finalizar, en el Special Move, Maxi nos recomienda un blog sobre como eliminar todo rastro de IA de Firefox y GameHacking.org , de donde sacar esos “trucos” de gameshark, game genie, etc para usar en emuladores. Nico por su parte nos deja un video resumen de LOTR donde se incorpora el lore que las peliculas no muestran. Por último, recuerden que nos pueden escribir preguntas directamente a través de google forms en el siguiente link: spreadshotnews.com/preguntas

This week, Kev, Cian and Darragh go from Europa Park blowing Disney out of the water and what Ireland's theme parks can learn, to Universal Studios finally eyeing the UK with Lord of the Rings, Jurassic World and more. The mood shifts as the lads unpack the brewing media apocalypse—Netflix, Paramount and Warner Bros battling it out, what it means for cinemas, streaming, and why consolidation is bad news for everyone. Plus: Doctor Who returns without the Doctor, Wicked divides stage and screen opinion, and a surprisingly heated showdown erupts over the Late Late Toy Show—national treasure or cultural embarrassment? Strap in and leave your comments below.

For our December 2025 episode Sam Stokes who hosts the Den Of Ten, Reel Talk, & One Rules Them All podcasts on the Film Stories Network is back with us again to discuss Mojo's The Best Of 2025 cd from all the way back in December 2025!The cd's tracklisting is1 - Annie & The Caldwells - I Made It2 - Emma-Jean Thackray - Maybe Nowhere3 - Pulp - My Sex4 - Adrian Sherwood - Dub Inspector5 - Wet Leg - CPR6 - Big Thief - Los Angeles7 - David Byrne - Everybody Laughs8 - Stereolab - Immortal Hands 9 - Mavis Staples - Human Mind10 - Paul Weller - One Last Cold Kiss11 - Van Morrison - Stretching Out12 - Alan Sparhawk With Trampled By Turtles - Not Broken13 - CMAT - Iceberg14 - Jeff Tweedy - Lou Reed Was My Babysitter15 - The Tubs - Freak ModeGo listen to Sam's other podcasts!Den Of Ten - a podcast where Sam & a different guest debate their top ten of anything from Alternative 80s songs to regional accents.Reel Talk - where Sam & various guests discuss new movie releases.& One Rules Them All - a Lord Of The Rings podcast Sam cohosts with Baz Greenland, although to be honest they aren't nearly critical enough about how annoying Tom Bombadil is in the books.Listen to all available songs on our ongoing Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mzWOWEfQ5LklJyUZkpfs2?si=LbWBi9-oTl-eXjkUJbpx2QYou can buy a copy of the cd from Discogs here - https://www.discogs.com/release/35602597-Various-The-Best-Of-2025Hosts - Ian Clarke & Colin Jackson-BrownRecorded/Edited/Mixed/Original music by Colin Jackson Brown for We Dig PodcastsBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/thismonthsissue.bsky.socialInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/freewiththismonthsissue/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/freewiththismonthsissue/Find our other episodes, plus We Dig Music & Pick A Disc at www.wedigpodcasts.com

Mal and Jo are heading into battle as they go through their favorite fights of the century. They talk about everything from ‘Star Wars' and ‘Game of Thrones' to ‘Lord of the Rings' and ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.' (00:00) Intro(18:34) Jo's no. 10(22:06) Mal 's no. 10(25:58) Jo's no. 9(29:13) Mal's no. 9(33:54) Jo's no. 8(39:09) Mal's no. 8(43:46) Jo's no 7(48:44) Mal's no. 7(55:14) Jo's no. 6(59:18) Mal's no. 6(01:05:48) Jo's no. 5(01:09:00) Mal's no. 5(01:18:56) Jo's no. 4 and Mal's no. 3(01:31:02) Mal's no. 4(01:35:18) Jo's no. 3(01:39:26) Jo's no. 2(01:43:15) Mal's no. 2(01:53:29) Mal and Jo's no. 1(02:06:53) Honorable mentions Prepare for one last adventure at Target. Visit target.com/StrangerThings Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory RubinProducers: Carlos Chiriboga and Jon JonesSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a Patreon demo. Join to hear us close out our Lord of the Rings series with our Return of the King episode!Get in loser, we're going to Elf Heaven. Remember Shuffle closes out its review of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy with a Return of the King Review. The Shuffle Bois do a quick plot recap of this sprawling entry to the trilogy before discussing the film's style and themes - including sacrifice, decadence, and feminism in Tolkein's world. They then close out with a more freeform conversation that includes a discussion on WWI, the history of archaeology and the British Museum, a review of the state of the city of London, and holding George RR Martin accountable for yet another unfinished product. Thank you as always for being a Patreon subscriber!⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/RememberShuffle ⁠⁠⁠And make sure you sign up through the browser–not through the app, to save yourself 50%!Give Remember Shuffle a follow on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@RememberShufflePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to interact with the show between episodes. It also makes it easier to book guests.  

In this episode of The Fun Waste of Time, the fellas discuss the best new video game announcements and gameplay reveals to come out of the 2025 Game Awards. Did any of the new announcements and reveals get the guys excited and looking forward to gaming this upcoming year?  In Movies and TV, the fellas discuss the impact the Netflix and Warner Bros. acquisition will have on film, TV, video game, comic book and home theater enthusiast communities. Will this deal negatively affect how these fan communities engage and interact with future Warner Bros. content and IP? With properties such as HBO, DC Comics and Studios, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Mortal Kombat to name a few, the fellas share their thoughts on possible future outcomes for the legacy Hollywood studio.  And of course, all the movies, TV shows and video games the fellas have been watching and playing are discussed as well! There's all this and more in episode 85 of The Fun Waste of Time!  FWT Website: thefunwasteoftime.com  FWT Email: podcast@thefunwasteoftime.com Be sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and all other major podcast platforms!

Have you ever watched your players stare at a clue for 25 minutes, slowly realizing they're not unraveling a mystery, you're watching them invent a brand-new conspiracy theory? In today's remastered episode, we dive into the magical art of mystery design: how to build suspense, reveal secrets, and gently nudge players away from wildly incorrect guesses like "the butler did it" when you absolutely, definitely did not even put a butler in this campaign. Show Notes In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, the crew digs deep into the craft of creating and running tabletop RPG mysteries: from puzzle-heavy one-shots to sprawling, campaign-defining enigmas. We break down how mystery structure changes the way players interact with the world, how clues can guide without railroading, and why your players always suspect the guy with the most ominous accent (even when he's just a blacksmith). We walk through best practices for investigation adventures in systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder 2e, and other TTRPGs that thrive on intrigue. You'll learn how to balance player agency with narrative direction, how to keep mysteries from stalling, and how to use secrets, lies, and misdirection to build an unforgettable experience. We also cover the common pitfalls: clue scatter, dead-end thinking, mystery over-engineering, and the infamous "GM explains the entire plot because nobody figured it out." Plus, we share our favorite tools, techniques, and design frameworks for ensuring your mysteries feel clever rather than confusing. If you've ever wanted to run a mystery adventure that has players gasping instead of groaning, theorizing instead of floundering, and celebrating instead of crying over red herrings—this episode is your blueprint for success. Key Takeaways Designing Effective Mysteries Structure mysteries around clear goals, accessible clues, and multiple pathways to solve the problem. Use redundancy in clue placement—no single point of failure. Think in terms of "information flow," not "plot." Building Engaging Clues Clues should connect characters, locations, motives, and secrets. Make clues tactile (objects), social (NPC testimony), and environmental (scene details). Each clue should move the investigation forward, even if only slightly. Keeping Players Engaged Allow players to propose theories—even absurd ones—and gently redirect when needed. Encourage table talk, but not paralysis. Let players feel smart by validating partial insights, even if they're not perfect. Managing Mystery Mechanics Investigation checks should reveal information, not gatekeep it. Provide clues through multiple skills: Perception, Investigation, Society, Arcana, etc. Remember: failure shouldn't stop the mystery, only add texture. Building Tension and Payoff Pace reveals to maintain suspense. Use NPCs, factions, and motives as engines for twists. Craft an ending that feels earned, surprising but inevitable. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Don't require players to think exactly like you. Don't hide vital information behind a single roll. Don't write an ending before understanding how the players will approach the mystery. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Have you ever watched your players stare at a clue for 25 minutes, slowly realizing they're not unraveling a mystery, you're watching them invent a brand-new conspiracy theory? In today's remastered episode, we dive into the magical art of mystery design: how to build suspense, reveal secrets, and gently nudge players away from wildly incorrect guesses like "the butler did it" when you absolutely, definitely did not even put a butler in this campaign. Show Notes In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, the crew digs deep into the craft of creating and running tabletop RPG mysteries: from puzzle-heavy one-shots to sprawling, campaign-defining enigmas. We break down how mystery structure changes the way players interact with the world, how clues can guide without railroading, and why your players always suspect the guy with the most ominous accent (even when he's just a blacksmith). We walk through best practices for investigation adventures in systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder 2e, and other TTRPGs that thrive on intrigue. You'll learn how to balance player agency with narrative direction, how to keep mysteries from stalling, and how to use secrets, lies, and misdirection to build an unforgettable experience. We also cover the common pitfalls: clue scatter, dead-end thinking, mystery over-engineering, and the infamous "GM explains the entire plot because nobody figured it out." Plus, we share our favorite tools, techniques, and design frameworks for ensuring your mysteries feel clever rather than confusing. If you've ever wanted to run a mystery adventure that has players gasping instead of groaning, theorizing instead of floundering, and celebrating instead of crying over red herrings—this episode is your blueprint for success. Key Takeaways Designing Effective Mysteries Structure mysteries around clear goals, accessible clues, and multiple pathways to solve the problem. Use redundancy in clue placement—no single point of failure. Think in terms of "information flow," not "plot." Building Engaging Clues Clues should connect characters, locations, motives, and secrets. Make clues tactile (objects), social (NPC testimony), and environmental (scene details). Each clue should move the investigation forward, even if only slightly. Keeping Players Engaged Allow players to propose theories—even absurd ones—and gently redirect when needed. Encourage table talk, but not paralysis. Let players feel smart by validating partial insights, even if they're not perfect. Managing Mystery Mechanics Investigation checks should reveal information, not gatekeep it. Provide clues through multiple skills: Perception, Investigation, Society, Arcana, etc. Remember: failure shouldn't stop the mystery, only add texture. Building Tension and Payoff Pace reveals to maintain suspense. Use NPCs, factions, and motives as engines for twists. Craft an ending that feels earned, surprising but inevitable. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Don't require players to think exactly like you. Don't hide vital information behind a single roll. Don't write an ending before understanding how the players will approach the mystery. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

The labor market has swung from the Great Resignation to “job hugging,” where workers cling to their roles out of fear of AI-driven layoffs and inflation, crushing engagement and accelerating burnout. At the same time, OpenAI is accused of suppressing research showing job losses, ignoring internal warnings about chatbot mental health risks, and bleeding safety staff, while state Attorneys General fire off an opening salvo likening unchecked AI harms to an opioid crisis-in-the-making.The AI boom is now colliding with reality. Environmental groups want a halt on new datacenters as power prices spike, and the industry is starting to look financially radioactive, with opaque financing schemes, hidden debt, and trillion-dollar infrastructure bets that could vaporize household wealth. Regulators are pushing back too: the EU is fining X, probing Google over training data, and floating a statutory licensing scheme for AI scraping, while Disney dives in with a billion-dollar bet on “responsible” AI storytelling that mostly translates to fewer humans on payroll.Meanwhile, everyday tech dystopia rolls on. Uber is monetizing your movement data, Instacart is quietly price-discriminating groceries, Waymo is spinning a robotaxi birth as a feel-good story, and crypto fraud finally earns real prison time. Add in AI-generated marketing slop, government sites hijacked by SEO porn, billion-dollar festival scams resurrected, and Congress kneecapping right-to-repair, and the takeaway is simple: the machines are hungry, the adults are absent, and the vibes are aggressively bad.Sponsors:CleanMyMac - Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use code OLDGEEKS for 20% off at clnmy.com/OLDGEEKSGusto - Try Gusto today at gusto.com/grumpy, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/726Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eJbLlVhIQ-YFOLLOW UP“Why ‘job hugging' can be worse than quitting”OpenAI Accused of Self-Censoring Research That Paints AI In a Bad LightOpenAI, Anthropic, Others Receive Warning Letter from Dozens of State Attorneys GeneralIN THE NEWSMore than 200 environmental groups demand halt to new US datacentersSomething Ominous Is Happening in the AI EconomyOpenAI's house of cards seems primed to collapseX shuts down the European Commission's ad account the day after major fineEU opens antitrust investigation into Google's AI practicesEU Report Distills AI-Training Lessons from Napster Piracy Era: Don't Sue, LicenseDisney Invests $1 Billion in the AI Slopification of Its BrandUber will start selling trip and takeout data to marketersInstacart Charging Customers Different Prices for Same Products, Study FindsWaymo's robotaxi fleet is being recalled again, this time for failing to stop for school busesDriverless delivery: Woman gives birth in San Francisco WaymoCrypto mogul Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years in prison for $40 billion stablecoin fraudPorn Is Being Injected Into Government Websites Via Malicious PDFsMarco Rubio bans Calibri font at State Department for being too DEI'Architects of AI' named Time Magazine's Person of the YearMEDIA CANDYThe American RevolutionWhat Happened at Billy McFarland's PHNX Festival?The Lord of the Rings trilogy returns to theaters in January for 25th anniversaryAmazon's Official ‘Fallout' Season 1 Recap Is AI Garbage Filled With MistakesSpartacus House of AshurThe Boys - Final Season Teaser Trailer | Prime VideoParadise Season 2 | Official Teaser | HuluSupergirl | Official Teaser TrailerNo Such Thing As a Fish - Ep612: No Such Thing As The Gordon Ramsay SongbookWTF Happened To Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)?!Star Trek: Starfleet Academy | Official Trailer | Paramount+ (NYCC 2025)Starfleet Academy - What Is This Garbage?APPS & DOODADSGoogle and Apple partner on better Android-iPhone switchingCongress removes right to repair language from 2026 defense billGlide Gear TMP 100 Teleprompter – DSLR, Tablet, Smartphone – 12" Glass, Carry Case, No AssemblyBetterDisplay ProTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingSplat HiFiThe History Behind All the Cuts of the Original ‘Star Wars''Rise of the Resistance | Layout Side By SideBLUE MONDAY - Analyzing the MOST BRUTAL BEAT of the '80s | Drum Patterns ExplainedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A surprisingly deadly and chaotic fight ensues in the Sky barn, leading Granny to encounter a strange otherworldly figure during a near-death experience. Will this be the end of the Sidebars???Featuring:Erika Jayne as Taryn GrimSeverin Gourley as Dexter ClementineKasia Wayfinder as Granny Sabinkaand Julz Burgisser as DMVisit www.fateofisen.com to learn more.Fate of Isen is one of the Feedspot top D&D podcasts in the world! Check out Feedspot here.If you like the show, please feel free to follow us on social media (@fateofisen) or support us on Patreon! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Intro, outro, and recap music by freesound user, Tyops, and ambient sound by TabletopAudio.com

Due to watching the other two animated Lord of The Rings film, decided it wanted to see Return of the King.  This is something I didn't expect.  Its a sequel to Hobbit, but they make the third book of the trilogy, somehow its own thing.  Come listen to this very strange film.  Starring Mike Albertin, Robbie Sherman, and Joseph Larrey.  A Gamer Looks at 40 - https://agamerlooksat40.com/ Phoebe's Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/theletsplayprincess Phoebe's Podcast - https://nerdsabroadcast.podbean.com/ Zac's Podcast - https://linktr.ee/absolutelythebest Helena - https://linktr.ee/helhathfury Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GamesMyMomFound Follow us on Facebook. Instagram - gamesmymomfound_ YouTube  - https://youtube.com/c/GamesMyMomFoundPodcast Discord - https://discord.gg/ The Hobbit 1977 (Film 188) - GMMF https://gamesmymomfoundpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-hobbit-1977-film-188-gmmf The Lord of The Rings 1978 (Film 168) - GMMF https://gamesmymomfoundpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-lord-of-the-rings-1978-film-168-gmmf Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor - GMMF 335 https://gamesmymomfoundpodcast.podbean.com/e/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-gmmf-335 LEGO Lord of The Rings - GMMF 329 https://gamesmymomfoundpodcast.podbean.com/e/lego-lord-of-the-rings-gmmf-329

Step into the pages of “The Return Journey,” the second to last chapter of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, where the echoes of transformation and bittersweet farewells linger in the air like whispers of a world forever changed. Forever changed mind you, by the virtues of a simple hobbit.Save 15% at uncommongoods.com/lotrpodShare this episode using this link:ringspodcast.com/243Who are you?Please tell me a little about you: ringspodcast.com/surveyWander Farther: A Free Reading GuideDownload my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493Want to sponsor the Lore of the Rings?Sponsor rates, details, and inquires hereSupport Lore of the Rings with a donationAbout the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Our Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lotrpodSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you've ever wondered what happens when three grown adults argue passionately about grammar, moonbeams, seagulls, and the metaphysics of Strahd's horse, all before actually starting the podcast, this episode is for you. Join us as we journey into Heroes of Faerûn, where the subclasses are shiny, the Rangers are frosty, and the Fighters are apparently running a full unionized workplace. Grab your bag of rats (don't ask), center your Moonbeam, and enjoy the chaos. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew continues their deep-dive review of Dungeons & Dragons Heroes of Faerûn, the first major D&D 2024 splatbook offering new character options, subclasses, spells, epic boons, and setting lore. Building off Part 1's work, the hosts, Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely, dig into the subclass content of the book with their usual combination of mechanical rigor, Shakespearean comedy, and at least one argument about whether it's a hero or an hero. The team analyzes each of the eight new Heroes of Faerûn subclasses, comparing their final published versions to the Unearthed Arcana playtests and to classic 2014 analogues: College of the Moon Bard blends druidic flavor with support-focused magic, teleportation, and weirdly effective Moonbeam healing loops involving birds and french fries. Knowledge Domain Cleric, updated from 2014, remains a powerhouse of divination, foresight, and skill mastery—Tyler's official religion. Banneret Fighter, once the Purple Dragon Knight, is reborn as a charismatic battlefield commander who turns every Second Wind and Action Surge into a team-wide buff. "This is our subclass, comrade." Oath of Noble Genies Paladin channels elemental smites, shifting resistances, and the magic of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water into a versatile new oath. Winterwalker Ranger arrives as a chilly striker specializing in cold damage, Hunter's Mark synergies, and making Frostraven Conservationists everywhere cry. Additional discussion previews the Sign of the Three Rogue, Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer, and Bladesinger Wizard, with the team offering insights into where each subclass sits within the new 2024 design philosophy. Along the way, the hosts recount a dramatic Curse of Strahd in-game betrayal, debate 1990s kids' TV fever dreams, and reveal how a basket of fries can become an infinite healing engine. It's a glorious mess. It's D&D. It's RPGBOT. Materials References in This Episode Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) Key Takeaways General Heroes of Faerûn is the first true D&D 2024 character-option splatbook, in the tradition of Xanathar's and Tasha's, packed with subclasses, feats, spells, and lore. The majority of subclasses saw significant nerfs from Unearthed Arcana, reinforcing WotC's new balance philosophy. College of the Moon Bard A hybrid support bard borrowing from druidic themes. Strong teleport-invisibility support, limited offensive tools, and a wild Moonbeam healing mechanic ripe for table shenanigans. Knowledge Domain Cleric A faithful update of the 2014 version. Expertise in two knowledge skills, powerful divination tools, short-rest spell economy, and endgame foresight. One of the strongest "planning" subclasses in D&D 2024. Banneret Fighter A complete reimagining of the Purple Dragon Knight, now an excellent party leader and tactical commander. Shares Second Wind healing, grants team-wide advantages, and enables coordinated movement and attacks through Action Surge. Simple to play, powerful in groups, great for new players wanting high impact. Oath of Noble Genies Paladin The "elements paladin," using Elemental Smites for flavorful battlefield control. Highly flexible and accessible, though spell list may feel inconsistent. Winterwalker Ranger Cold-focused striker with explosive damage potential toned down from UA. Hunter's Mark dependency remains but gains flavorful ice-themed tools. Solid, straightforward, and thematically cohesive. Overall Subclass diversity in Heroes of Faerûn sets a strong precedent for future 2024 design. Party-support subclasses (Banneret, Moon Bard) shine particularly bright. This book positions itself as the real launch point for 2024 character customization. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you love deep-dive subclass analysis, mechanical breakdowns, and the occasional moonbeam-powered seagull disaster, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make this show possible. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today and help us keep creating the content you love. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Step into the pages of “The Return Journey,” the second to last chapter of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, where the echoes of transformation and bittersweet farewells linger in the air like whispers of a world forever changed. Forever changed mind you, by the virtues of a simple hobbit.Save 15% at uncommongoods.com/lotrpodShare this episode using this link:ringspodcast.com/243Who are you?Please tell me a little about you: ringspodcast.com/surveyWander Farther: A Free Reading GuideDownload my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493Want to sponsor the Lore of the Rings?Sponsor rates, details, and inquires hereSupport Lore of the Rings with a donationAbout the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Our Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lotrpodSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The three Lord of the Rings stories quickly became huge hits when first released as novels in the 1940s. They quickly built a cult fan base due to the fantastical universe created by author JRR Tolkien.  But his works reached a whole other dimension with the epic Hollywood adaptations of the 2000s. These blockbusters brought the stories to life, wowing audiences with stunning visual effects and an Oscar-winning musical score. A number of films based on the life of Bilbo Baggins then followed, but the story didn't end there. Fans are currently getting stuck into The Rings of Power the latest series linked to the Lord of the Rings universe. The first episodes were released on Amazon Prime Video in early September 2022. Let's take a few minutes to discuss some of the little-known secrets behind the massively successful franchise.  How did Tolkien come up with the idea of creating the Lord of the Rings universe? What secrets did the Hollywood films bring? Did Tolkien leave any loose ends in his story?  ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠ To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What is tagskryt, the Scandinavian sustainable travel trend?⁠ ⁠Is it time the UK acknowledged its role in the slave trade?⁠ ⁠Why do we sneeze?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance First Broadcast : 17/09/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come see Fandomonium LIVE in Colorado Springs on January 9thWe end our quest of 2025 live Fandomoniums with a trip back to Middle Earth, at least that's what Matt thought they texted the guests...Join us for a series of trivia games and improv challenges in the world of The Lord of the Rings. Audra and Chris were joined by Meggan Hyde (improviser, actor, teacher and theater-owner), and Josh Neal (improviser, actor and Stick Horse)Send your LOTR muses and inspirations to gateleapers@gmail.comSupport our PlayersCome see Stick Horses on December 20thCheck out peakimprov.com for classes + showsWe are an ad and listener supported podcast, but mainly listener supported. Consider supporting our production over at patreon.com/gateleapers. All supporters get ad-free audio episodes. Premium supporters get video recordings + a bonus monthly gameshow.Do you have a suggestion for a fandom we've not yet covered? Are you a podcaster, creative or performer who would like to be a guest on our show? Get in touch! gateleapers@gmail.comMusic: BoucheDag by Alexander Nakarada (serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gateleapers-a-fandom-gameshow--5150861/support.

If you've ever wondered what happens when three grown adults argue passionately about grammar, moonbeams, seagulls, and the metaphysics of Strahd's horse, all before actually starting the podcast, this episode is for you. Join us as we journey into Heroes of Faerûn, where the subclasses are shiny, the Rangers are frosty, and the Fighters are apparently running a full unionized workplace. Grab your bag of rats (don't ask), center your Moonbeam, and enjoy the chaos. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew continues their deep-dive review of Dungeons & Dragons Heroes of Faerûn, the first major D&D 2024 splatbook offering new character options, subclasses, spells, epic boons, and setting lore. Building off Part 1's work, the hosts, Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely, dig into the subclass content of the book with their usual combination of mechanical rigor, Shakespearean comedy, and at least one argument about whether it's a hero or an hero. The team analyzes each of the eight new Heroes of Faerûn subclasses, comparing their final published versions to the Unearthed Arcana playtests and to classic 2014 analogues: College of the Moon Bard blends druidic flavor with support-focused magic, teleportation, and weirdly effective Moonbeam healing loops involving birds and french fries. Knowledge Domain Cleric, updated from 2014, remains a powerhouse of divination, foresight, and skill mastery—Tyler's official religion. Banneret Fighter, once the Purple Dragon Knight, is reborn as a charismatic battlefield commander who turns every Second Wind and Action Surge into a team-wide buff. "This is our subclass, comrade." Oath of Noble Genies Paladin channels elemental smites, shifting resistances, and the magic of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water into a versatile new oath. Winterwalker Ranger arrives as a chilly striker specializing in cold damage, Hunter's Mark synergies, and making Frostraven Conservationists everywhere cry. Additional discussion previews the Sign of the Three Rogue, Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer, and Bladesinger Wizard, with the team offering insights into where each subclass sits within the new 2024 design philosophy. Along the way, the hosts recount a dramatic Curse of Strahd in-game betrayal, debate 1990s kids' TV fever dreams, and reveal how a basket of fries can become an infinite healing engine. It's a glorious mess. It's D&D. It's RPGBOT. Materials References in This Episode Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) Key Takeaways General Heroes of Faerûn is the first true D&D 2024 character-option splatbook, in the tradition of Xanathar's and Tasha's, packed with subclasses, feats, spells, and lore. The majority of subclasses saw significant nerfs from Unearthed Arcana, reinforcing WotC's new balance philosophy. College of the Moon Bard A hybrid support bard borrowing from druidic themes. Strong teleport-invisibility support, limited offensive tools, and a wild Moonbeam healing mechanic ripe for table shenanigans. Knowledge Domain Cleric A faithful update of the 2014 version. Expertise in two knowledge skills, powerful divination tools, short-rest spell economy, and endgame foresight. One of the strongest "planning" subclasses in D&D 2024. Banneret Fighter A complete reimagining of the Purple Dragon Knight, now an excellent party leader and tactical commander. Shares Second Wind healing, grants team-wide advantages, and enables coordinated movement and attacks through Action Surge. Simple to play, powerful in groups, great for new players wanting high impact. Oath of Noble Genies Paladin The "elements paladin," using Elemental Smites for flavorful battlefield control. Highly flexible and accessible, though spell list may feel inconsistent. Winterwalker Ranger Cold-focused striker with explosive damage potential toned down from UA. Hunter's Mark dependency remains but gains flavorful ice-themed tools. Solid, straightforward, and thematically cohesive. Overall Subclass diversity in Heroes of Faerûn sets a strong precedent for future 2024 design. Party-support subclasses (Banneret, Moon Bard) shine particularly bright. This book positions itself as the real launch point for 2024 character customization. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you love deep-dive subclass analysis, mechanical breakdowns, and the occasional moonbeam-powered seagull disaster, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make this show possible. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today and help us keep creating the content you love. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Did Netflix almost buy Disney before shifting gears toward Warner Bros. Discovery? On today's episode of The Kristian Harloff Show, we break down the shocking new report that Netflix seriously considered acquiring Disney before moving forward with its massive $82 billion Warner Bros. acquisition. We also discuss why WB Games reportedly wasn't even part of the deal, and what that means for gaming, DC, and the future of entertainment. Plus, Middle-earth fans react to the news that Aragorn is being recast for "Hunt for Gollum," sparking huge debate across the fandom. Marvel is also back in the spotlight as AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY and Odyssey both set their trailer release plans, fueling massive MCU hype. In Star Wars news, Daisy Ridley opens up about her scrapped Star Wars film, revealing what almost was. And finally, Russell Crowe shares his honest thoughts on what Gladiator 2 was missing. From massive studio mergers to Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings — this episode is packed with blockbuster news and industry-shaking updates you won't want to miss. SPONSORS: PRIZEPICKS: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/KRISTIAN and use code KRISTIAN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! AURA FRAMES: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/KRISTIAN. Promo Code KRISTIAN  CASH APP: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/76rlxe00 #cashapppod   Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit https://www.cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. RAYCON: The Essential Open Earbuds are here for the holiday season and they're selling fast. Raycon audio products are up to 20% off this holiday season. Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/KRISTIANOPEN to save on Raycon audio products sitewide. Order by December 15th guarantee delivery by Christmas because great gifts shouldn't show up late.

In this episode of Fortress of Comic News, hosts Chris and Mike dive into a variety of topics ranging from holiday cheer and comic book bargains to in-depth discussions about popular series like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. They also explore the latest in musical adaptations with Wicked 2, share recommendations for new shows, and discuss the implications of Netflix's acquisition of Warner Brothers. The conversation touches on the excitement surrounding upcoming projects, including Taylor Sheridan's new series and the anticipated role of Scarlett Johansson in Batman Part 2. In this episode, Chris and Mike delve into the future of DC films amidst ongoing mergers, the resurgence of DC properties, and the impact of the Snyderverse. They discuss Marvel's new cosmic series, horror comics influenced by Lovecraft, and provide a plethora of comic book recommendations and reviews. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Batman and the Bat Family, upcoming crossovers in DC, and highlights from indie comics and Kickstarter projects.Get your Fortress Comics merchandise with the link belowhttps://www.teepublic.com/user/fortress-comicsFortressofComicNews.comhttps://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/YouTube.com/FortressComicsFind Chris: https://bio.site/chrisrundtMike twitter @fortressrickerMike's Comic Bone Graft: https://globalcomix.com/c/bentbox-shorts/chapters/en/4/1Patreon.com/FortressComicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscornerThanks for Listening!#marvel #marvelcomics #mcu #dccomics #comicbooks #comicnews #podcast #indiecomics #batman

Feel like a tornado has blown your life apart? Be encouraged! Your hero's journey is just about to begin. Join Dorothy and co down the Yellow Brick Road and discover why The Wizard of Oz still resonates with us today!

We always nerd out, but in this episode we're joined in our geek sesh by the incredibly charming, brilliant and funny Lindy West (she/her) and Meagan Hatcher-Mays (she/her) to discuss (drumroll!) The Lord of the Rings trilogy. As you may already know, Hannah and Marcelle share a love of JRR Tolkien's world and in this episode they finally get to discuss Peter Jackson's adaptation from the early aughts.The episode begins with an overview of the books' popularity in the middle of the 20th century and their lasting impact on fantasy and science fiction literature, television and film. Hannah then offers some context for the release of The Fellowship of the Ring. Together, we consider the desire by the public to escape in a post 9/11 world and the fantasy of a pastoral utopia! Hannah then offers some theory! We're talking Arcadia people!This episode is a perfect listen for fans of The Lord of the Rings, as well as anyone who has ever fantasized about knitting in a cottage away from the hustle and bustle of industrialized cities!Works CitedFrey, Angelica. “Cottagecore Debuted 2,300 Years Ago.” JSTOR Daily 11 November 2020. https://daily.jstor.org/cottagecore-debuted-2300-years-ago/. Huffstutter, P.J. “Not Just a Tolkien Amount.” LA Times 24 October 2003. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-oct-24-fi-frodoecon24-story.html. Kruske, Kyle. “Lord Of The Rings' Hobbiton Shire Set Took A Whole Year To Make.” Screenrant 18 December 2021. https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-hobbiton-shire-set-one-year-build/. Lois, Gemma. “‘The Lord of the Rings': A Thematic Echo Of The Industrial Revolution – Extended Edition.” A Musing Clio 23 June 2025. https://gemmahistory.home.blog/2025/06/23/the-lord-of-the-rings-a-thematic-echo-of-the-industrial-revolution-extended-edition/. Sanders, Sam. “Tolkien Acknowledged That Black People Exist in Arda, So Why Can't Everyone Else?” Vulture 16 September 2022. https://www.vulture.com/article/rings-of-power-black-hobbits-lord-of-the-rings-amazon.html. Shanahan, Paula. “Authentic Fantasy: The Representation of the Shire as a Nostalgic Arcadia.” Thesis. Submitted to the Department of Design and Visual Arts in candidacy for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design for Stage and Screen, 2023. https://illustro-iadt.figshare.com/articles/thesis/Authentic_fantasy_The_representation_of_the_Shire_as_a_nostalgic_arcadia_Astudy_of_the_visual_and_design_references_within_the_shire_in_the_film_adaption_of_The_Lord_of_the_Rings/25435744?file=45129961. Wikipedia, the encyclopedia of the people. 2025. More Info:For more Lindy and Meagan, check out Text Me Back! — one of Hannah McGregor's all-time favorite podcasts! You can also follow them on Substack here! Be sure to pre-order Lindy West's upcoming book Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane.To learn more about Material Girls, head to our Instagram at instagram.com/ohwitchplease! Or check out our website ohwitchplease.ca.We'll be back next week with a Material Concerns episode, but until then, go check out all the other content we have on our Patreon at Patreon.com/ohwitchplease!Music Credits:“Shopping Mall”: by Jay Arner and Jessica Delisle ©2020Used by permission. All rights reserved. As recorded by Auto Syndicate on the album “Bongo Dance”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, we recently talked about the first Chronicle of Narnia … the book! Yet many fans found or rediscovered this series thanks to the Disney-distributed, Walden Media–made film from director Andrew Adamson. Want to feel old? That was two decades ago! So now we shall look back at Narnia's journey to the box office with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which released twenty years ago on Dec. 9, 2005. Episode sponsors Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queen A Faie Tale by Vince Mancuso MYTH: Reign of the Immortals by J. F. Nickens Mission update New at Lorehaven: Netflix's New ‘Frankenstein' Reveals Why a Time-Shifted ‘Magician's Nephew' Film May Work , Daniel Whyte IV Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Coming in January: our book quest through Stephen Lawhead's fantasy novel Taliesin Backstory: Mark Joseph Mark Joseph is a music and film producer, author, columnist and founder of MJM Entertainment Group, a multi-faceted entertainment company with interests in film, publishing, music, TV production and film consulting. Joseph got his start in television as an anchor for NHK and CNN's The Entertainment Report in the 1990's and his company MJM produced documentaries and supervised the international release of over a hundred albums by various pop and rock artists. In addition to producing his own films, he oversees a marketing team that has marketed 75 films since 2001. From 2000-2005 he worked in development and marketing for Walden Media and Crusader Entertainment and oversaw a grassroots marketing team. He has served as a producer on 15 films, including Max Rose starring Jerry Lewis, The Vessel starring Martin Sheen, America, Japan: Searching For The Dream, Frank vs. God and others. Joseph is the author of four books including The Lion, The Professor & The Movies: Narnia's Journey To The Big Screen and has been a regular contributor to publications like Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, USA Today, The Huffington Post and FoxNews.com. He is currently a senior columnist for Newsweek and hosts the podcast The Mark Joseph Show. Most recently, he produced the film Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid and published the book Making REAGAN: A Memoir from the Producer of the REAGAN Movie. He also produced the film's two soundtracks including songs from Bob Dylan, Clint Black, Gene Simmons of KISS, Tanya Tucker and others. Mark and his wife Kara have six children and reside in Southern California. YAF.org: Mark Joseph Facebook: MJM Entertainment Group Instagram: @markjoseph00 The Lion, The Professor & The Movies: Narnia's Journey To The Big Screen Making REAGAN: A Memoir from the Producer of the REAGAN Movie 1. Narnia's journey from book to screen … The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe got one TV animation (1979) Then the story (plus two more) came to live-action BBC TV (1988) Yet it was the Walden Media–made film that went bigger (2005) That film released just twenty years ago in the U.S., Dec. 9, 2005 Mark Joseph's role from those early days as Narnia pre-producer 2. … Through the winter of production … Stephen first learned this was official in a NY Times ad Dec. 2003. Early rumors included Disney aid (true), Kidman's Witch (untrue). Director: Andrew Adamson. Early casting. Scriptwriters and team. In the afterglow of LOTR, Narnia also filmed much in New Zealand. WETA Workshop did armor work. Other studios did visual effects. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe film released Dec. 9, 2005. 3. … And into the spring of fan acclaim Teasers and trailers pleased fans, with only a few early hiccups. Against a $180 million budget, earned $745 million worldwide. Led to two sequels that earned less. Ended. Restart didn't work. Now we have Greta Gerwig starting with The Magician's Nephew. Any informal shared advice, constructive criticism, final memories. Com station Top question for listeners How did you first see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)? Terri Hamilton recalls her Narnia origin tale (ep. 289): I found the Narnia series in my school library when I was in 4th grade, and yes, they were in the proper order. It was a watershed moment for me. I bought myself a boxed set a few years later. Boy, did I look for portals! When I get into a discussion about the book order, I point out The Magician's Nephew is a prequel, explaining the back story of the first book. Next on Fantastical Truth “We do not celebrate Christmas that way.” “We do not read those kinds of books.” “We ‘do not handle, do not taste, do not touch.'” We know our world is full of rebellion against God's law. But many people overreact to moral license with a strict imposing of out-of-context or made-up laws. Faithful saints call this legalism, and Christian fantasy fans know plenty about this. When that social-media pastor rebukes your favorite sci-fi, or that relative raises a judgy eyebrow at holiday dinners, how you can respond with grace, truth, and love for legalists?

We always nerd out, but in this episode we're joined in our geek sesh by the incredibly charming, brilliant and funny Lindy West (she/her) and Meagan Hatcher-Mays (she/her) to discuss (drumroll!) The Lord of the Rings trilogy. As you may already know, Hannah and Marcelle share a love of JRR Tolkien's world and in this episode they finally get to discuss Peter Jackson's adaptation from the early aughts.The episode begins with an overview of the books' popularity in the middle of the 20th century and their lasting impact on fantasy and science fiction literature, television and film. Hannah then offers some context for the release of The Fellowship of the Ring. Together, we consider the desire by the public to escape in a post 9/11 world and the fantasy of a pastoral utopia! Hannah then offers some theory! We're talking Arcadia people!This episode is a perfect listen for fans of The Lord of the Rings, as well as anyone who has ever fantasized about knitting in a cottage away from the hustle and bustle of industrialized cities!Works CitedFrey, Angelica. “Cottagecore Debuted 2,300 Years Ago.” JSTOR Daily 11 November 2020. https://daily.jstor.org/cottagecore-debuted-2300-years-ago/. Huffstutter, P.J. “Not Just a Tolkien Amount.” LA Times 24 October 2003. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-oct-24-fi-frodoecon24-story.html. Kruske, Kyle. “Lord Of The Rings' Hobbiton Shire Set Took A Whole Year To Make.” Screenrant 18 December 2021. https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-hobbiton-shire-set-one-year-build/. Lois, Gemma. “‘The Lord of the Rings': A Thematic Echo Of The Industrial Revolution – Extended Edition.” A Musing Clio 23 June 2025. https://gemmahistory.home.blog/2025/06/23/the-lord-of-the-rings-a-thematic-echo-of-the-industrial-revolution-extended-edition/. Sanders, Sam. “Tolkien Acknowledged That Black People Exist in Arda, So Why Can't Everyone Else?” Vulture 16 September 2022. https://www.vulture.com/article/rings-of-power-black-hobbits-lord-of-the-rings-amazon.html. Shanahan, Paula. “Authentic Fantasy: The Representation of the Shire as a Nostalgic Arcadia.” Thesis. Submitted to the Department of Design and Visual Arts in candidacy for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design for Stage and Screen, 2023. https://illustro-iadt.figshare.com/articles/thesis/Authentic_fantasy_The_representation_of_the_Shire_as_a_nostalgic_arcadia_Astudy_of_the_visual_and_design_references_within_the_shire_in_the_film_adaption_of_The_Lord_of_the_Rings/25435744?file=45129961. Wikipedia, the encyclopedia of the people. 2025. More Info:For more Lindy and Meagan, check out Text Me Back! — one of Hannah McGregor's all-time favorite podcasts! You can also follow them on Substack here! Be sure to pre-order Lindy West's upcoming book Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane.To learn more about Material Girls, head to our Instagram at instagram.com/ohwitchplease! Or check out our website ohwitchplease.ca.We'll be back next week with a Material Concerns episode, but until then, go check out all the other content we have on our Patreon at Patreon.com/ohwitchplease!Music Credits:“Shopping Mall”: by Jay Arner and Jessica Delisle ©2020Used by permission. All rights reserved. As recorded by Auto Syndicate on the album “Bongo Dance”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave and Chuck the Freak talk about Dave’s weekend holiday road trip, footage of a rub and tug bust, update from lady who was hit on by guy at the store while she was in flip flops, update on 88-year-old veteran who become overnight millionaire, update on off-duty pilot who tried to shut off engines on a plane, truck dangles off bridge, old guy assaulted teen for fishing near his home, 1st grade students save their teacher when she choked in class, woman who returned couple’s lost wallet after tree lighting tracked down, Dave was looking at mobile espresso maker gadget, what we could change the name of ‘football’ to, Giants kicker’s viral miss, NBA tournament to be played in Dubai, Netflix’s purchase of Warner Brothers, Miley Cyrus is afraid of paper, Dolly Parton health update, Dick Van Dyke unable to attend birthday party, theatrical re-release of Star Wars for 50th anniversary, Lord Of The Rings 25th anniversary re-release, Slay Day film where audience gets to decide how movie ends, weekend box office numbers, Garbage singer hates beach balls in crowd, former Jeopardy! Champion charged with hiding cameras, whole family set up hidden cams to spy on one of their ex’s, update on DoorDash driver who recorded nude customer, female police officer groped colleagues and tried to kiss inspector, Teacher of the Month busted sleeping with student, woman brings tape measure on dates, man accidentally sends drugs through bank drive-thru tube, husband of city councilwoman left dog poop at pet store of her rival, woman found bugs in new car, butter-dipped ice cream cone, croissant scented perfume, changes to pizza orders, and more!

THIS VOYAGE, the Decksperts MARK A. ALTMAN (author, The Fifty Year Mission, writer/producer, Pandora, Agent X, The Librarians, writer/producer Free Enterprise), DAREN DOCHTERMAN (associate producer, Star Trek: The Motion Picture), ASHLEY E. MILLER (showrunner; DOTA: Dragon's Blood, writer, X-Men: First Class, Thor) are joined by LORD OF THE RINGS stars JOHN RHYS-DAVIES (Raiders of The Lost Ark,Shogun) and LAWRENCE MAKOARE (Die Another Day) to talk about the one ring to rule them all (and, of course, it wouldn't be Deck 78 without the requisite 007 discussion as well). **Join us on our new INGLORIOUS TREKSPERTS DISCORD Channel at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/7kgmJSExeh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUBSCRIBE TO TREKSPERTS PLUS TODAY... and get every episode of INGLORIOUS TREKSPERTS commercial free and one-week early along with our new podcast, INGLORIOUS TREKSPERTS presents DECK 78 along with additional bonus content and surprises all season long + SUBSCRIBER ONLY episodes as well. For more details, visit trekkspertsplus.com. Learn all that is learnable about Star Trek in Mark A. Altman & Edward Gross' THE FIFTY-YEAR MISSION, available in hardcover, paperback, digital and audio from St. Maritn's Press. Follow Inglorious Treksperts at @inglorioustrek on Twitter, Facebook and at @inglorioustreksperts on Instagram. And now follow the Treksperts Briefing Room at @trekspertsBR, an entirely separate Twitter & Instagram feed.

Jason is on assignment, but have no fear! Taking Seat 1 this week is a legend, the co-host of House of R and author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, Joanna Robinson(!!) For her powerhouse return, we continue the journey we started last year and cover Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.Chapters Introduction (00:00:00) Hatch News (00:18:28) The Two Towers Roundtable (00:24:49) Your Letters (01:23:11) Notes and Links Check out Escape Hatch Merch! Our all new collection of swag is available now and every order includes a free Cameo style shoutout from Haitch or Jason. Browse our collection now. Join the Escape Hatch Discord Server! Hang out with Haitch, Jason, and other friends of the pod. Check out the invite here. Escape Hatch is a TAPEDECK Podcasts Jawn! Escape Hatch is a member of TAPEDECK Podcasts, alongside: 70mm (a podcast for film lovers), Bat & Spider (low rent horror and exploitation films), The Letterboxd Show (Official Podcast from Letterboxd), Cinenauts (exploring the Criterion Collection), Lost Light (Transformers, wrestling, and more), and Will Run For (obsessed with running). Check these pods out!. See the movies we've watched and are going to watch on Letterboxd Escape Hatch's Breaking Dune News Twitter list Rate and review the podcast to help others discover it, and let us know what you think of the show at letters@escapehatchpod.com or leave us a voicemail at +1-415-534-5211. Follow @escapehatchpod on Bluesky,Instagram, and TikTok. Music by Scott Fritz and Who'z the Boss Music. Cover art by ctcher. Edited and produced by Haitch. Escape Hatch is a production of Haitch Industries.

What's your special nerdy skill? Relatable chat: did you lose your diamond? We want to talk to anyone who was ever in The Lord of the Rings. A Gen Z vs Millennial clothing question. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sing it with us!! WHERE THERE'S A WHIP [WHIP SFX] THERE'S A WAY! WHERE THERE'S A WHIP [WHIP SFX] THERE'S A WAY!This week we face the Lord of the Lash himself for the epic return of Arthur Rankin & Jules Bass, and the wildest voice cast in Tolkien history. Roddy McDowall is Sam? Casey Kasem is Merry?! It may not be the most beloved Rings adaptation out there…but it's certainly the last one in a very long while!Next week, we close out the first act of our trilogy with the highly contentious Disney cult classic, THE BLACK CAULDRON (1985). Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodReferences:Middle-Earth Envisioned: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond by Brian J. Robb and Paul SimpsonCinefantastique Production HistoryArthur Rankin Jr. on RingsFilm Release in Trouble“Frodo, The Hobbit II”Leonard Nimoy on “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”St. Petersburg Times on Release of “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”Powerpop on “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”Leonard Nimoy Sings “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”Credits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Rings of Power, Episode 7, titled 'The Eye.' They explore character dynamics, thematic elements, and narrative techniques while discussing the implications of lore divergences. The conversation highlights the emotional weight of character arcs, particularly focusing on Galadriel and Theo, and sets the stage for future developments in the series. The hosts also reflect on the balance of humor and seriousness in the storytelling, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's impact. In this episode, the conversation explores various themes from the latest installment of 'Rings of Power.' The discussion begins with a comparison of hiding scenes reminiscent of 'Fellowship of the Ring,' leading into character development through grief in the Southlands. The Harfoots' journey intertwines with the events of the Southlands, showcasing humor amidst devastation. The mystics' actions result in collateral damage for the Harfoots, while Elrond's respect for King Durin highlights the evolving relationship between elves and dwarves. The awakening of the Balrog foreshadows future conflicts, and significant lore changes regarding Mithril and Mordor's creation are discussed. The episode concludes with reflections on the highs and lows of the narrative.TakeawaysThe episode explores the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Doom.Character dynamics between Galadriel and Theo highlight themes of revenge and responsibility.Symbolism is prevalent in the passing of the sword from Galadriel to Theo.The narrative structure effectively builds tension and reveals character motivations.The show diverges from established lore, particularly regarding Galadriel's backstory.Character arcs are set up for future development, especially for Theo.The storytelling techniques used enhance the emotional impact of the episode.The episode balances humor and serious themes effectively.The implications of character deaths are significant for the overall narrative.The discussion highlights the importance of character relationships in storytelling.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview06:59 Character Dynamics and Development13:48 Plot Summary and Key Events19:00 Humor and Lighthearted Moments25:00 Character Arcs and Future Possibilities26:30 The Cat Chronicles: A Lighthearted Interlude28:30 Galadriel and Theo: A Passing of the Torch32:29 The Blindness Reveal: A Chilling Moment36:32 The Weight of Loss: Alendil's Grief40:39 Lore Divergence: Galadriel's Character Arc51:28 The Harfoots: Collateral Damage in a Larger Conflict57:47 Confronting the Mystics01:00:04 The Harfoots' Journey and Challenges01:02:53 Elrond and King Durin's Dynamic01:09:34 Distrust Between Elves and Dwarves01:19:57 King Durin's Motivations and Dwarven Identity01:30:11 Significant Lore Changes and Their ImplicationsKeywordsRings of Power, Episode 7, The Eye, character development, storytelling, lore, Galadriel, Theo, Numenor, Southlands, Rings of Power, Lord of the Rings, Galadriel, Harfoots, Elrond, Dwarves, Mithril, Mordor, Balrog, Southlands

What do you get when you mix 40 years of Dungeons & Dragons lore, a 288-page setting book, and three podcasters who can't agree on how to pronounce "Myth Drannor"? Chaos. Pure, lore-filled, map-crossing, Elminster-cheese-eating chaos. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives headlong into Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, a sourcebook that's equal parts nostalgia trip and travel brochure for DMs who think "Sword Coast" is just too mainstream. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely crack open the 288-page Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn sourcebook from Wizards of the Coast, exploring what's new, what's reimagined, and what's just plain weird in the most iconic D&D setting of all time. Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) The crew discusses how the book merges setting material and short adventures, offering 51 one-shots that span the breadth of Faerûn, from the frozen wastes of Icewind Dale to the desert empires of Calimshan, and even the Fey-touched Moonshae Isles. Along the way, they highlight new DM tools, renown systems, and bastion support, while poking fun at typos, timeline contradictions, and the ever-mysterious fate of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3. The review covers: How Adventures in Faerûn expands beyond the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide to become a true campaign-scale setting book. 51 new adventures—mini-campaigns that span levels 1–13 across multiple regions. Deep dives into the Dalelands, Icewind Dale, Calimshan, and the Moonshae Isles, with highlights on lore, adventure hooks, and design philosophy. The new renown and bastion systems, adapted for Faerûn's cultures and factions. Smart mechanical updates for survival horror (Icewind Dale) and environmental challenges (Calim Desert lightning storms). A surprising technological twist in Calimshan, where "mechanical wonders" push the setting toward Eberron-style magitech. Philosophical debates on epic vs. heroic fantasy, timeline sanity, and whether the word "wonk" is, in fact, a real word. Key Takeaways A True Return to the Realms: Adventures in Faerûn successfully modernizes the Forgotten Realms setting for the 2024 ruleset while honoring 40+ years of D&D lore. Massive Replay Value: With 51 one-shot adventures and regional micro-campaigns, this book can sustain countless play sessions. DM-Friendly Design: The addition of DM Toolboxes, renown tables, and bastion options helps DMs run localized adventures or full-scale journeys across the continent. Lore for Every Taste: Whether you love the snowy peril of Icewind Dale, the sizzling intrigue of Calimshan, or the mythic eco-fantasy of the Moonshae Isles, there's a region tailored to your campaign style. Respectful Revisions: The update smartly removes dated elements (like Calimshan's old slavery lore) and replaces them with creative world-building and inclusive modernization. New Adventuring Philosophies: Players are encouraged to embrace "main character energy"—epic fantasy with unique character backstories tied to Faerûn's iconic legacy. Tyler Still Can't Spell: The first typo in the book arrives in the opening sentence—and the RPGBOT crew finds that deeply relatable. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy deep dives into tabletop worlds, expert analysis of D&D mechanics, and chaotic lore debates about elves, cheese, and lightning sand—support the show on Patreon.com/RPGBOT. Members get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and early access to new RPGBOT.Reviews. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Episode 6 of The Witcher's 4th season kicks off the show. Will an epic battle between Yennifer and Vilgefortz bring PC's opinion back to positive? Doubt it! The Trailer Park gives us four fresh looks:Elway: https://youtu.be/sjdeprd13F4?si=O8mAIiCXHJ4f7sCY  Mother Mary https://youtu.be/ATGaqU6Srcc?si=2uRFkCFO7KIeZkN2  Ready or Not 2 https://youtu.be/7K3sNRm8J0w?si=OjDpF8Ci4MbisSBl  The Boys https://youtu.be/Fv0leN8TmR8?si=jC8AZkx89QkOmPao  Nostalgia reigns supreme as The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Avengers End Game will all be re-released into theatres for a limited run. BIG streaming news as Netflix wins the bidding war of Warner Bros/Discovery. Finally, the gents discuss what's on deck for 2026... BRACKET CATEGORY REVEAL and what they've been watching recently as well.@AttitudeAgg@WrestlngRealist@itsReyCash@PCTunney@itsmedpp@ViolentAesop@TheMindlessPod@therealcplatt@ChairshotMedia@BandwagonNerdsPROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/TheChairshot - Makes a GREAT GIFT!!!About Bandwagon NerdsJoin Patrick O'Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It's the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!About Chairshot Radio NetworkChairshot Radio NetworkLaunched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you'll find!MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)THURSDAY - POD is WARFRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling PodcastSUNDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports PodcastCHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALSAttitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)http://TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & FriendsPatrick O'Dowd's 5X5PROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/TheChairshot - Makes a GREAT GIFT!!!About Bandwagon NerdsJoin Patrick O'Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It's the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!About Chairshot Radio NetworkChairshot Radio Network Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/chairshot-radio-network/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meanwhile… With help from the English and Journalism students at Tenafly High School in New Jersey, Stephen bids on the desk where Tolkien wrote “The Lord of the Rings,” a couple got married in a swimming pool, and Japanese engineers built a washing machine for the human body.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The deal is done. Netflix will purchase Warner Bros. Discovery for $82 billion. Yet another corporate monopoly drives a nail through Hollywood's coffin. It was bad enough when Disney bought Fox, Star Wars, and Marvel. Now, Netflix will be among the most powerful corporate monopolies, replacing what Hollywood used to be.America gave up on Hollywood because Hollywood gave up on America. The result is empty movie theaters all over the country—one bomb after another. Of course, Warner Bros. knew. You'd have to be an idiot not to know. Does anyone think Netflix is sweating the online memes accusing it of being too woke? No, they aren't. They are making too much money to care. With streaming, there is no free market pressure, no quality control. You don't have to motivate people to leave their homes. You don't need big stars to drive box office, and best of all, you can ignore the silent majority that has tuned you out long ago. Hate the trans agenda being shoved down everyone's throat? Too bad. Your boycotts are a drop in the bucket at Netflix. It's the perfect solution to Hollywood's problem. They can have everything they want — a virtue signaling paradise — and never have to worry about big budgets or low box office ever again. That's the easy way out. The truth is harder to swallow. They destroyed themselves. They wrecked their brand and alienated their audience. Hollywood built a ship of failure when it split into two divergent paths around 2003, after the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises brought in ungodly profits not just here but around the world. The branding was the key, the IPs. For years, they dominated the global box office and brought people to movie theaters across the country.Meanwhile, in the other Hollywood, in the “prestige” niche lane where the Oscars live, things began to get smaller, more isolated, more aligned with politics, especially under Barack Obama. His win influenced almost everything, as he loves to put out his top-ten lists every year and even has a deal with Netflix. These two Hollywoods existed side by side like the First Class section of the airplane vs. Coach, where they “let them eat Marvel.” You can see the rise and fall in one image, from Box Office Mojo:This year might mean that, for the first time since 2020, China will dominate the Worldwide box office rather than Hollywood, unless Jim Cameron can bring Avatar: Fire and Ash over the 2 billion mark.In 2019, Hollywood put out over 900 movies. Last year, just 624, and many of them bombed. So what happened? 2020 happened. The one-two punch of COVID and the Great Awokening brought Hollywood to its knees. The Oscar race this year is loaded with unwatchable movies that swirl around things almost no one outside the bubble of Hollywood cares about, identity mainly. Mothers' caterwauling their oppression, like Die, My Love, If I had Legs I'd Kick You, and even One Battle After Another feature women who seem to hate their children. The people who run Hollywood are still mostly rich white men, but they must always genuflect, with women or people of color as shields to protect them from accusations of sexism or racism by the mob online. The rise of female directors who get these jobs for no other reason except that they're female has transformed a once-great industry into a DEI film school. Every couple is interracial. Every movie must have significant actors of color. The GLAAD lobby demands representation everywhere. Why would anyone want to pay money to have them shove their ideology down our throats?Success doesn't even matter to them. That they project “goodness” is all they care about now, their status inside utopia. The EndAs I drive across this country, I sometimes see a multiplex in a mall. It looks as deserted to me as the old drive-ins once did, and I can't help but think this really is the end for movie theaters. They'll go the way of the record store, limited to enthusiasts in the big cities. Everyone else will numbly scroll through Netflix for whatever they can find, but it will never have the same cultural impact as a great movie when we're all under one roof, sharing a story.It's yet more separation, more isolation, more internet, more social media, less of what we all need as a society.“The Future is Coming, and You Aren't In It”After COVID ended for rational Americans, we all wondered whether people would return to the movies. The paranoid mask-wearing Liberals did not. Even Peggy Noonan noticed.In 2022, a miracle arrived in the form of Tom Cruise starring in Top Gun: Maverick. It made so much money that it wiped clean the argument that Hollywood was over and movie theaters were dying. Although it was nominated for Best Picture, it lost to the woke screed, Everything Everywhere All At Once. That was a sign that Hollywood was not ready for the iceberg right ahead.The following year showed promise, with “Barbenheimer,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Barbie” becoming cultural sensations on TikTok. The Oscars did the right thing and gave their awards to Oppenheimer. Though things seem to be moving in the right direction, it's too little, too late. Audiences don't trust Hollywood anymore, and I can't blame them. Of all the Warner Bros. movies that were successful this year, the Oscar will likely go to the anti-ICE, pro-ANTIFA, anti-Trump rallying cry, One Battle After Another. No film in recent memory has better captured the singular worldview of the progressive Left.As Curtis Yarvin wrote for The Spectator:Fundamentally, One Battle is a religious film. It is entirely set in the fantasy landscape of the great American religion, progressivism, the 20th-century evolution of our ancient Puritan tradition. If you are a true believer, imagine watching Battlefield Earth without being a Scientologist. For non-progressives, One Battle may be necessary viewing. It displays the interior landscape of the narcissistic narrative of our world's dominant cult of power. We seldom get to strap a GoPro to the inside of a lib's forehead. And he continues:So this film is out there – recruiting damaged people by presenting them as romantic heroes in a propaganda fantasy. Few will kill. But many will clap. When bad movies succeed, as One Battle will, they diagnose something bad in the audiences they entertain. Corrupt art is the pathognomonic mark of a corrupt society. Shitty people will watch this shitty film, and love it. Shitty journalists have already given it a standing ovation – the politics makes them hard, like Lockjaw. This evil is at the very heart of our culture.As Leonard Cohen noted: “I have seen the future, brother. It is murder.” Murder is as old as Cain. The anonymous internet is young. Nobody asked for the combination. But they'll get it.So, of course, the critics have gone nuts for it. It IS religious for them. It's already won many awards and is on track to win Best Picture. Trust me, Hollywood has no desire to save itself. One Battle After Another cost upwards of $140 million and only made $70 million in the US, with the bulk of its profits made overseas on Leonardo DiCaprio's name, which is why it's assumed he demanded his usual fee of $20 million. Old Hollywood understood that you don't reward failure with film awards. New Hollywood cares less about the money and more about the message. The public used to matter because the box office did. No wonder WB is selling out after watching one bomb after another this past year. Why wait for bankruptcy? Why not cash out now on a high note?This is the kind of thing Hollywood pumps out now:And therein lies the problem. They forgot it wasn't about them. They believed their own publicity. They fell in love with their own image, like Narcissus. They began to believe they were important. We loved movies and celebrities for what they gave us, not for who they are. We don't care. We don't need them to fix us. Or teach us. Or lecture us. Or scold us. We just need them to entertain us. Well, now the billionaires have arrived to prove to them how little they matter when it comes to the bottom line. And if you think that's bad, wait until the AI tsunami wipes out half the industry. The audience was always their best hope for survival. As long as we showed up, Hollywood and its stars had power. Now that audiences have vanished, well, the ship is made of iron, and it will sink.Who knows, maybe Congress or Trump can stop the merger. That still won't fix the fundamental problem of what Hollywood has become and why the public turned away. On the upside, the giant hole Hollywood leaves behind, like the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs, might open up movie theaters to a new breed of filmmaker. Maybe they can make movies Hollywood or Netflix never would - trashy comedies, cheap horror, romantic comedies, Dirty Harry movies. Who knows, maybe we can Make Hollywood Great Again. What better way to rebuild a counterculture?Altamont, Illinois, 8:42AM. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe

You ever look at your sword, then at the wizard's spellbook, and think "wait a minute, why does their magic missile hit harder than my greatsword?" Well, friends, today we fix that. We're diving deep into the art of the Fighter: the tank, the tactician, the unsung hero of every adventuring party. Sharpen your blades, tighten your greaves, and prepare to discover why hitting things really, truly is an art form. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives head-first into one of tabletop RPGs' most versatile and beloved classes: the Fighter. From mastering combat maneuvers to optimizing subclasses like Champion, Battlemaster, and Eldritch Knight, Tyler, Randall, and Ash break down what makes Fighters the cornerstone of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e alike. They cover how to build effective martial characters, balance offense vs. defense, and add flavor to roleplay beyond just swinging a sword. Whether you're a new player building your first character or a veteran min-maxer chasing the perfect attack roll, this episode will help you unleash your inner warrior and make every round of combat feel legendary. Key Takeaways Fighters are deceptively complex — easy to start, endlessly deep to master. Subclass choice defines flavor and playstyle, from the straightforward Champion to the tactical Battlemaster or arcane Eldritch Knight. Action economy is king — Fighters excel at leveraging extra attacks and bonus actions effectively. Feat selection matters — learn when to go Great Weapon Master, Sharpshooter, or Dual Wielder. Roleplay opportunities abound — even "simple" Fighters can have rich motivations and heroic depth. Pathfinder 2e Fighters get strong defensive options and customizable feats that reward strategic planning. Optimization tip: balance Strength/Dexterity investment with survivability; raw numbers aren't everything. Team synergy makes Fighters shine—working with spellcasters and support characters amplifies their battlefield control. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love what you hear? Support the show and level up your RPGBOT experience by joining us on Patreon.com/RPGBOT! Get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and exclusive access to live recordings with Tyler, Randall, and Ash—plus bonus content for the truly dedicated tacticians out there. Your support helps us keep bringing you the best in tabletop gaming advice, optimization guides, and chaotic banter every week. So grab your dice, polish your armor, and join the RPGBOT adventuring party today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Netflix has officially won the bidding war for Warner Bros, and this could become the biggest entertainment shake-up in modern Hollywood history. Today on The Kristian Harloff Show, we break down what Netflix buying Warner Bros means for DC Studios, HBO, Warner Bros Discovery, theatrical releases, streaming competition, and the future of iconic franchises like Batman, Superman, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, DCU, and more. This episode covers the full fallout of Netflix winning the Warner Bros acquisition, including how this could affect the DC Universe reboot, upcoming slate decisions, leadership changes, and what this merger means for the future of streaming dominance. SPONSORS: AURA FRAMES: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/KRISTIAN. Promo Code KRISTIAN NUTRAFOL: Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription plus free shipping when you go to https://www.Nutrafol.com and use promo code KRISTIAN.  BUTCHER BOX: As an exclusive offer, our listeners can get free steak in every box for a year PLUS $20 off your first box when you go to https://www.ButcherBox.com/KRISTIAN RIDGE: Take advantage of Ridge's Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% Off  by going to https://www.Ridge.com/KRISTIAN #Ridgepod

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we are at the quarter mark of this century and it is time to reflect. Therefore we are continuing our series that we began earlier this years by discussing the best holiday or Christmas movies of the past 25 years. The important distinction here, is that these are the best movies that we watch at this time of year to get us in the holiday spirit, so they are not necessarily Christmas movies. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Hateful Eight - they all are just as relevant as Elf or 8-Bit Christmas. So sit back, grab some mistletoe, and lets debate the best holiday movies of the 2000s! Click here for info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode The Best Holiday or Christmas Movies of the Past 25 Years Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

Joe McGrath has some BIG Costco news, a golden statue returns to Wigan & is the Lord of the Rings worth the watch?

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by.For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit: Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

Dive into the complexity of Thorin Oakenshield, a character whose layers unravel to reveal unexpected dimensions. We'll uncover the differences between Men and Elves, examining how their contrasting natures shape their choices and actions. And as our adventure continues, we'll trace the fulfillment of themes planted in the very first chapter of The Hobbit.Save 15% at uncommongoods.com/lotrpodShare this episode using this link:ringspodcast.com/240Who are you?Please tell me a little about you: ringspodcast.com/surveyWander Farther: A Free Reading GuideDownload my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493Want to sponsor the Lore of the Rings?Sponsor rates, details, and inquires hereSupport Lore of the Rings with a donationAbout the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Our Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lotrpodSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tune in for our off-week casual conversation! As always, Coach joins Hannah and Marcelle for this Material Concerns episode featuring a very long check-in (shocking!) and an Oops All Oops segment that also goes kind of long (oops!). Plus, if you like tangents, you'll love our chat about Zac Efron's performance of Bet On It in High School Musical 2. Part II of our episode includes Left on the Table (all about Lord of the Rings) and Make It Make Sense (about what Patreon pages we love!). For Part II, join our Patreon for as little as $54/year! You'll get ad-free episodes, bloopers, a backlog of content and part two of all Material Concerns episodes! Go to patreon.com/ohwitchplease now to join a tier that works for your budget!***Music Credits:“Shopping Mall”: by Jay Arner and Jessica Delisle ©2020Used by permission. All rights reserved. As recorded by Auto Syndicate on the album “Bongo Dance”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.