British philologist and author, creator of classic fantasy works
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Abu and Leo respond to your questions about Dune: Chapterhouse and the wider Dune universe. This episode contains NO SPOILERS beyond the books and pages covered thus far Read along with us by following the Chapterhouse Dune book club schedule Say thank you with a tip: http://buymeacoffee.com/gomjabbar Watch video versions of select episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@loreparty Get yourself some custom-designed Dune swag: https://gomjabbar.shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In mid-December 2025, the world was shocked by the horrible and tragic news that beloved film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner had been murdered at their home. In this episode, Jacke and Mike celebrate Reiner's amazing run of indelible films in the 1980s and early 1990s, including a selection of their Top 10 favorite lines from Rob Reiner films. PLUS storytelling expert Matt Abrahams (Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joseph Loconte drops by to talk about his new book, The War for Middle-earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933–1945. He and Chris discuss the friendship between Tolkien and Lewis, the impact of both world wars on their literary lives, and how they influenced each other's most celebrated works. Show notes: Joseph's new book, The War […]
What does a retired USAF fighter weapon systems officer write after decades at NORAD? Join host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) with author Terrence Rotering as we explore the creation of his ten-book Chronicles Series, an epic multiverse where fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare collide. We discuss the "godwinks" that guided the writing, the unique "egg within an egg" narrative structure, and how his work empowers readers to see they are already equipped for their own battles, unlike the heroes of Tolkien or Lewis. This masterclass unveils the process of building a complete saga and the mindset of a storyteller who has navigated both real-world missions and fictional multiverses. Explore the art of epic storytelling at https://kajmasterclass.com.=========================================*KAJ Masterclass*A video-first, conversation-led knowledge platform featuring thoughtful conversations with leaders, professionals, authors, and experts across leadership, business, health, technology, and the changing world of work. Each conversation is designed to help people learn, reflect, and take meaningful action.
Lavish visuals, unforgettable Smaug, and one very debated romance. Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason, Rob Leonardi, and Kathryn Laffrey weigh Tolkien's themes against big-screen changes in Jackson's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The post The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug appeared first on StarQuest Media.
The size of your waste paper basket doesn't really matter; after all, you know you're not throwing away a letter from Tolkien, even if it is long and pedantic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kelsi talks with English professor and Christian apologist, Louis Markos, about the importance of myth, storytelling, and imagination within Christian apologetics. Using C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien as guides, Dr. Markos argues Christianity is the truest myths and therefore Christ is the fulfillment of the pagan hope for a savior as seen in the great myths throughout time. The two also discuss the shift in apologetics in late modernity and Dr. Markos forthcoming book, My Apologetics Dinner Party. Show Notes: 1517's Faith and Reason ConferenceSupport 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YouTube:Kelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's NewsletterSubscribe to the Show:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYoutube More from Lou: Preorder My Apologetics Dinner PartyAbout Louis Markos
Screencap from X user: @itshelenwhat Join the vassals Adam/drownedsnow; Jock/Jock; Stephanie; gsdg; Michael/Khal Wadege; and Kevin/Nuncle Kevin as they discuss the latest episode of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms “The Squire”. Puppets mandatory. Head shaving optional. A late appearance from … Continue reading →
The Ancient Greek historian and general Thucydides (c. 460-400 BCE) called his history of a war between Athens and Sparta "a possession for all time." More than 2,400 years later, his work is still essential reading for anyone interested in the morality of war and the nature of political power. In this episode, Jacke talks to Robin Waterfield and historian Polly Low about Thucydides' achievement and Robin's new translation of The History of the Peloponnesian War. PLUS James West, editor of The Cambridge Centennial Edition of The Great Gatsby, stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with historian, author, and filmmaker Joseph Loconte, author of The War for Middle Earth, to explore the enduring influence of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis during one of history's darkest chapters. Tune in to hear how Tolkien and Lewis, both shaped by World War I and writing through World War II, used story, faith, and friendship to push back against cultural despair and moral confusion. Together, Andy and Joseph discuss the role of imagination in confronting evil, the importance of history for gaining perspective, and why great stories still matter in times of uncertainty. This conversation is a powerful reminder that courage, gratitude, and moral clarity can be cultivated—even in the middle of the storm. Connect Online with Joseph: Website: https://www.josephloconte.com/ The Rivendell Center: https://rivendellcenternyc.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012261759127 Twitter (X): https://x.com/JosephLoconte YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeLoconte
Tal-Elmar spots three strange birds upon the water; Alan and James are just two strange guys with microphones. Join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as we continue our four-part look into Tolkien's unusual story of Tal-Elmar. Tal-Elmar reminds us of the legend of the Swans of Gorbelgod, Hazad offers a long history lesson, and together they turn and face the strange master of Agar: Mogru the Hutt. We discover that we're good at finding things that don't help us at all, admire Tolkien's masterful use of inner dialog, and agree that no one wants to eat Hazad. Also: no, you go to the knappers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The vassals discuss the second episode of HBO’s new “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” series and what exactly is in that hard salt beef. Hosts: Adam (drownedsnow), Bing (Shoeshiner), David (davidhhh), Duncan (Valkyrist), Kevin (Nuncle Kevin), Michal (inkasrain), and … Continue reading →
Writer and ecologist Sophie Strand thinks at a scale that can feel dizzying—in the best way. In a single conversation, she can move from the chemical structure of cells to mushroom spores, from ancient weather gods to mycorrhizal fungi, from Bronze Age collapse to the slow intelligence of soil.In this episode of Wonder Cabinet, we talk with Strand about wonder that doesn't float upward but roots downward—into bodies, ecosystems, decay, and deep time. We begin with her essay “Your Body Is an Ancestor,” published shortly before Halloween and the Day of the Dead, and follow her imagery into our shared prehistoric past. The conversation also explores how Strand's experience of chronic illness reshaped her understanding of nature, selfhood, and health. Rather than seeing the sick body as broken, she turns to ecological metaphors: spider webs, soil structures, caterpillars dissolving inside cocoons. What might it mean to understand ourselves not as machines that fail, but as landscapes that change?Along the way, we talk about fantasy and “romantasy,” Tolkien, Harry Potter, Dramione fan fiction and communal storytelling rituals. This is a conversation about wonder with dirt under its fingernails: embodied, mythic, ecological, and deeply alive to the cycles of death and regeneration that bind us all.---Substack: "Your Body is an Ancestor": https://sophiestrand.substack.com/p/your-body-is-an-ancestorSophie Strand's website: https://sophiestrand.com/You can follow her work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmogyny/Follow her on Substack: https://substack.com/@sophiestrandOrder her memoir: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/sophie-strand/the-body-is-a-doorway-a-memoir/9780762487417/?lens=running-press---Chapters:00:00:00 Meet Sophie Strand00:04:34 Body as Ancestor00:10:08 Roots of Sin00:18:21 Spores and Consciousness00:27:49 Stories We Can't Explain00:35:39 Science as Wonder---If you love Wonder Cabinet, sign up for email updates and never miss an episode. https://wondercabinetproductions.com/
The Robertsons dig into why truth doesn't always play well in modern culture, and why Jesus wouldn't be popular in a TikTok world built on virality and approval. The guys talk through everything from their long-running distrust of dentists to why being pro-life isn't a matter of personal preference or opinion. They reflect on how stories like The Chronicles of Narnia communicate hard truths better than arguments ever could and why true change is often so uncomfortable. Today's conversation is about Lesson 2 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life. Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 0:00 – All good conversations need caffeine 4:05 – Why studying C.S. Lewis still matters today 8:25 – “I can't believe anything unless it makes sense” 13:10 – Objective truth vs. subjective feelings 18:20 – The problem of evil & why moral outrage points to God 23:55 – How suffering backed C.S. Lewis into Christianity 29:10 – Tolkien, Dyson, & relaxing into the Christian story 34:40 – Faith as participation, not just belief 40:05 – Why C.S. Lewis wouldn't be popular in today's culture 45:30 – Christianity isn't safe but it is good — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robin Lithgow spent her life immersed in the performing arts, including a childhood in the theater and decades spent as an educator and arts administrator. But it wasn't until she read a little-known work by Erasmus that she fully realized the importance that performance had on Shakespeare and his generation--which mirrored the experiences she had had as an English and drama teacher in inner-city schools in Los Angeles. In this special episode, Robin joins Jacke to talk about her life in the theater, her epiphanies regarding Shakespeare's education, and the centrality of the performing arts in a child's development. ROBIN LITHGOW was the first Theatre Adviser, and eventually the Director, of the Arts Education Branch of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the United States. Before becoming an arts administrator, she was a teacher for twenty-one years, teaching every grade level from kindergarten through senior high school and ending her classroom tenure as an English and drama teacher. And before that, she was the daughter of Arthur Lithgow, a theater impresario who developed Shakespeare festivals all over Ohio, which meant that Robin and her younger brother John Lithgow, the acclaimed actor, grew up traveling from place to place, watching rehearsals and performances, as their father mounted productions of every play in the Shakespearean canon. [This episode originally ran on September 28, 2020. It has been unavailable for several years.] Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if The Lord of the Rings was never just a story?What if Tolkien was encoding a spiritual map for men living in the modern war for the soul?In this episode of The Manly Catholic, James Caldwell speaks with author and philosopher Paul List, co-author of Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed, to expose what Tolkien was really writing about: original sin, virtue and vice, artificial intelligence, and so much more.Paul reveals how Tolkien's mythology is a Catholic psychological map of the human soul. Hobbits as habits. The Ring as addiction. Sauron as AI. Middle-earth as the mind. Vice as Orcs. Virtue as the Fellowship. Faith and reason as elves and men.Temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice as the cardinal virtues sent on a mission to destroy the Ring.This conversation connects Tolkien to Aquinas, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and how prophetic his beloved stories really are for the modern man.James also issues a direct challenge to men:Stop living passively. Clean up your habits. Reject pornography. Reject the virtual world. Build competence. Build virtue. Cultivate discipline. Become dangerous in holiness.This is not entertainment.This is formation.And neutrality is no longer an option.Push play if you're done being comfortable and ready to become dangerous for Christ.
On The Literary Life Podcast this week, Angelina and Thomas are pleased to have special guest Dr. Michael Drout joining them to discuss his book The Tower and the Ruin: J. R. R. Tolkien's Creation. Together they talk about the background for writing this book and who Drout intended his audience to be. They also share thoughts on the current academic trends and the state of the humanities and literary studies in higher education. Other topics they cover include high modernism, literary criticism, realism and fantasy, and critical reviews of Tolkien's work. Don't forget to share this episode with the hashtag #LitLifeTolkien on Facebook or Instagram to be entered to win a copy of The Tower and the Ruin! There is still time to join a few more live sessions of this year's Literary Life Online Conference, happening January 23-30, 2026, "The Letter Killeth, but the Spirit Quickeneth: Reading Like a Human". Our speakers will be Dr. Jason Baxter, Jenn Rogers, Dr. Anne Phillips, and, of course, Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks. As always, these sessions are also recorded, so you can purchase lifetime access and view the past videos anytime! Finally, you can also still sign up for Dr. Michael Drout's "Viking and Old Norse Culture" and get the recordings for the opening classes you may have missed. For the full show notes for this episode, please visit https://theliterary.life/313.
Join us for a conversation on EFS with Kyle Claunch, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Detailed Analytical Outline: "Everything You Need to Know About EFS and The Trinity | Kyle Claunch | #100" This outline structures the podcast episode chronologically by timestamp, providing a summary of content, key theological arguments, analytical insights (e.g., strengths of positions, biblical/theological connections, and implications for Trinitarian doctrine), and notable quotes. The discussion centers on Eternal Functional Submission (EFS, also termed Eternal Submission of the Son [ESS] or Eternal Relations of Authority and Submission [ERAS]), its biblical basis, critiques, and broader Trinitarian implications. Host Sean Demars interviews Kyle Claunch, a theologian offering a non-EFS perspective rooted in classical Trinitarianism (e.g., Augustine, Athanasius). The tone is conversational, humble, and worship-oriented, emphasizing the doctrine's gravity (per Augustine: "Nowhere else is a mistake more dangerous"). Introduction and Setup (00:10–01:48) Content Summary: Episode opens with music and host introduction. Sean Demars welcomes first-time guest Kyle Claunch (noting a prior unreleased recording). Light banter references mutual acquaintance Jim Hamilton (a repeat guest) and a breakfast discussion on Song of Solomon. Transition to topic: the Trinity, with humorous acknowledgment of its complexity. Key Points: Shoutout to Hamilton as the "three-timer" on the show; playful goal of featuring Kenwood elders repeatedly. Tease of future episodes on Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Psalms. Analytical Insights: Establishes relational warmth and insider Reformed/Baptist context (e.g., Kenwood Baptist Church ties). Frames Trinity discussion as high-stakes yet accessible, aligning with podcast's "Room for Nuance" ethos—nuanced, non-polemical engagement. Implications: Builds trust for dense theology, reminding listeners of communal discipleship. Notable Quote: "Nothing better to talk about... Nowhere else is a mistake more dangerous, Augustine says about the doctrine of the trinity." (01:33) Opening Prayer (01:48–02:29) Content Summary: Claunch prays for accurate representation of God, protection from error, and edification of listeners (believers to worship, unbelievers to Christ). Key Points: Gratitude for knowing God as Father through Son by Spirit; plea for words and meditations to be acceptable (Psalm 19:14 echo). Analytical Insights: Models Trinitarian piety—prayer invokes all persons, underscoring episode's theme of relational unity over hierarchical submission. Strengthens devotional framing, countering potential abstraction in doctrine. Notable Quote: "May the saints who hear this be drawn to worship. May those that don't know you be drawn to want to know you through your son Jesus." (02:07–02:29) Interview Origin and Personal Context (02:29–04:18) Content Summary: Demars recounts how Hamilton recommended Claunch as a counterpoint to Owen Strawn's EFS views (from a prior episode on theological retrieval). Demars shares his wavering stance on EFS (initial acceptance, rejection, ambivalence—like amillennialism) and seeks Claunch's help to "land" biblically. Key Points: EFS as a debated topic in evangelical circles; Claunch's approach ties to retrieval. Demars' vulnerability: Desire for settled conviction on God's self-revelation. Analytical Insights: Highlights EFS debate's live-wire status in Reformed theology (post-2016 surge via Ware, Grudem). Demars' "help me land" plea humanizes the host, inviting listeners into personal theological pilgrimage. Implication: Doctrine as transformative, not merely academic—echoes Augustine's "discovery more advantageous" (later referenced). Notable Quote: "Part of this is really just being like dear brother Kyle help me like land where I need to land on this." (03:53) Defining EFS/ESS/ERAS (04:18–07:01) Content Summary: Claunch defines terms: EFS (eternal functional submission of Son/Spirit to Father per divine nature); ESS (eternal submission of Son); ERAS (eternal relations of authority/submission, per Ware). Contrasts with incarnational obedience (uncontroversial for creatures). Key Points: Eternal (contra-temporal, constitutive of God's life); not limited to human nature. Biblical focus on Son, but extends to Spirit; relations as "godness of God" (Father-Son-Spirit distinctions). Analytical Insights: Clarifies nomenclature's evolution (avoiding "subordinationism" heresy). Strength: Steel-mans EFS as biblically motivated, not cultural. Weakness: Risks blurring persons' equality if submission is essential. Connects to classical taxonomy (one essence, three persons via relations). Notable Quote: "This relation of authority and submission then is internal to the very life of God and as such is constitutive of what it means for God to be God." (06:36) Biblical Texts for EFS: Steel-Manning Arguments (07:01–14:34) Content Summary: Claunch lists key texts EFS advocates use, steel-manning sympathetically. John 6:38 (07:35): Son came "not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me"—roots in pre-incarnate motive. Sending Language (09:04): Father sends Son (never reverse); implies authority-obedience. Father-Son Names (09:43): Eternal sonship entails biblical patriarchal authority. 1 Cor 11:3 (10:04): "God [Father] is the head of Christ"—parallels man-woman headship (authority symbol). 1 Cor 15:24–28 (13:13): Future subjection of Son to Father ("eternity future" implies past). Key Points: EFS holders (e.g., Ware, Grudem—Claunch's friends/mentor) prioritize Scripture; not anti-Trinitarian. Analytical Insights: Effective charity—affirms motives (biblicism) while previewing critiques. Texts highlight economic Trinity (missions reveal immanent relations). Implication: If valid, EFS grounds complementarity in creation (e.g., gender roles via 1 Cor 11). But risks Arianism echoes if submission essentializes inequality. Notable Quote: "They believe this because they are convinced that this is what the Bible teaches... It's a genuine desire to believe what the Bible says." (14:15) Critiquing EFS Texts: Governing Principles (14:52–19:02) Content Summary: Claunch introduces "form of God/form of servant" rule (Augustine, Phil 2:6–8) and unity of God (one essence, attributes, acts). Applies to texts, emphasizing incarnation. John 6:38 (15:11): Incarnational (Son assumes human will to obey as Last Adam); "not my own will" implies distinct (human-divine) wills, not eternal submission. Compares to Gethsemane (Lk 22:42), Phil 2 (obedience as "became," not eternal), Heb 5:8 (learns obedience via suffering). Key Points: Obedience creaturely (Adam failed, Christ succeeds); EFS demands discrete divine wills, contradicting one will/power (inseparable operations). Analytical Insights: Augustinian rule shines—resolves tensions without modalism/Arianism. Strength: Harmonizes canon (analogy of Scripture). Implication: Protects active obedience's soteriological role (imputed righteousness). Weakness in EFS: Overlooks hypostatic union's permanence. Notable Quote: "Obedience is something he became, not something he was." (35:15) Inseparable Operations and Unity (19:02–28:18) Content Summary: One God = one almighty/omniscient/will (Athanasian Creed); external acts (ad extra) undivided (e.g., creation, resurrection appropriated to persons but shared). EFS's "distinct enactment" incoherent—submission requires discrete wills, implying polytheism. Submission entails disagreement possibility, undermining unity. Key Points: Appropriation (e.g., Father elects, but all persons do); one will upstream from texts. Analytical Insights: Core classical rebuttal—echoes Cappadocians vs. Arius (one ousia, three hypostases). Strength: Biblical (e.g., Jn 1 creation triad). Implication: Safeguards monotheism; critiques social Trinitarianism/EFS as quasi-polytheistic. Ties to procession (relations without hierarchy). Notable Quote: "If God's knowledge and mind understanding will is all one then the very idea... that you could have one divine person... have authority and the other... not have the same authority... Seems to be a category mistake." (24:41–25:14) Further Critiques: Sending, Headship, Future Submission (28:18–50:07) Content Summary: Sending (42:30): Not command (Aquinas/Augustine); missions reveal processions (eternal generation), not authority (analogical, e.g., adult "sending" without hierarchy). 1 Cor 11:3 (46:34): Incarnational (Christ as mediator); underdetermined text, informed by whole Scripture. 1 Cor 15 (48:10): Post-resurrection = ongoing hypostatic union (God-man forever submits as creature). Spirit's "Obedience" (49:26): No biblical texts; EFS extension illogical (Spirit unincarnate). Jn 16:13 ("not... on his own authority") mistranslates—Greek "from himself" denotes procession, not submission (parallels Jn 5:19–26 on Son's generation). Key Points: Obedience emphasis on Son's humanity for redemption; Spirit's mission unified (takes Father's/Son's). Analytical Insights: Devastating on Spirit—exposes EFS asymmetry. Strength: Exegetical precision (Greek apo heautou). Implication: EFS risks divinizing hierarchy over equality; retrieval favors Nicene grammar. Notable Quote: "There's not one single biblical text that uses the language of authority, submission, obedience in relation to the spirit." (50:07) Processions, Personhood, and Retrieval Tease (50:07–1:10:04) Content Summary: Persons = rational subsistences (Boethius); distinction via relations/processions (Father unbegotten, Son generated, Spirit spirated—not three wills/agents). Demars probes: Processions define persons (Son from Father, Spirit from both?). Claunch: Analogical, not creaturely autonomy. Teases retrieval discussion for future episode. Key Points: Creator-creature distinction; via eminentia/negativa for terms like "person." God unlike us—worship response to mystery. Analytical Insights: Clarifies hypostases vs. prosopa; counters social Trinitarianism. Strength: Humility amid density ("take your sandals off"). Implication: EFS confuses economic/immanent Trinity; retrieval recovers Nicene subtlety vs. modern individualism. Notable Quote: "The distinction is in the relation only... The ground of personhood is the divine nature." (1:03:07–1:03:32) Eschatological Reflection and Heaven (1:10:04–1:13:39) Content Summary: Demars: Perpetual learning in heaven? Claunch: Infinite expansion (Edwards' analogy—expanding vessel in God's love); Augustine: Laborious but advantageous pursuit. Key Points: Glorified knowledge joyful, finite yet ever-growing; press on (Hos 4:6). Analytical Insights: Pastoral pivot—doctrine doxological, not despairing. Ties to episode's awe: Trinity as eternal discovery. Notable Quote: "Nowhere else is a mistake more dangerous or the task more laborious or the discovery more advantageous." (1:13:11) Rapid-Fire Q&A (1:13:55–1:20:14) Content Summary: Fun segment: Favorites (24, Spurgeon/Piper sermons, Tolkien, It's a Wonderful Life, mountains, wine, licorice hate, fly, morning person, etc.). Ends with straw holes trick (one). Key Points: Reveals Claunch's tastes (e.g., Owen's works as "systematic theology," "Immortal, Invisible" hymn for funeral—mortality vs. God's eternity). Analytical Insights: Humanizes expert; hymn choice reinforces theme (Psalm 90 echo). Lightens load post-depth. Closing Prayer (1:20:14–1:21:04) Content Summary: Demars thanks God for Claunch's clarity; prays for his influence in church/academy. Key Points: Blessing for edification, glory. Analytical Insights: Bookends with prayer—Trinitarian focus implicit. Overall Analytical Themes: Claunch's non-EFS view upholds Nicene equality via processions/operations, critiquing EFS as well-intentioned but incoherent (risks subordinationism). Episode excels in balance: exegetical rigor, historical retrieval (Augustine/Aquinas/Owen), pastoral warmth. Implications: Bolsters complementarianism without Trinitarian cost; urges humility in mystery. Ideal for theology students/pastors navigating debates.
We're sure you do, Professor — and we hope you did! Join The Man of the West as the Professor calls himself — accurately — a natural niggler. Also, a bottle of the Old Winyards? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE This week on The Sisters of the Shire Podcast, we're sitting down with author Kaitlyn Facista to talk about her beautiful new book, Into the Heart of Middle-earth. This isn't your typical Tolkien companion or literary deep dive. Kaitlyn describes her work as “a spiritual journey for the hobbit at heart,” a way of wandering through Middle-earth while also learning something quietly meaningful about yourself along the way. You can't read this book without feeling her heart on every page—she isn't trying to lecture so much as gently guide, holding your hand and directing your gaze toward the hope and life lessons hidden within Tolkien's world.Into the Heart of Middle-earth is available for preorder now, with a release date of 02/20/26.
People are starting to wake up to this, and call it for what it truly is, but I still think they're hedging too much. They're not going all the way, because many people are ignorant of the freedom-obsessed sea in which they swim. This is a hugely important topic that will impact how our kids and grandkids grow up and experience life, and I want to call it out right now: We're moving into a period where there will be a cultural war between polygamy and monogamy as the Christian sexual ethic continues to be cast off in our society. In this episode I break down a recent article and share why this is so devastating and why Christians still have the best response, as long as we actually respond. On this episode, we talk about: 0:00 Intro 3:00 Framing the debate 6:31 The most powerful incentive of all 8:43 Everyone hedges (and I wish they wouldn't) 11:03 The root of the problem 13:26 Polygamy vs. Monogamy Subscribe on Substack ➡️ https://jeremypryor.substack.com Follow Jeremy on: Instagram: https://instagram.com/jeremympryor/ X: https://x.com/jeremympryor Resources Mentioned: Aaron Renn's Newsletter Article: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184845957 --- Welcome to Jeremy Pryor's Podcast, or what I like to call, "Jeremy Pryor Unfiltered." We are excited to bring you seasons of content all the way from Tolkien to Theology, from Business to Family. If you like to contemplate deep philosophical ideas across a wide range of topics, you've come to the right place. Make sure to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube so you don't miss out on future episodes!
Civility can help a society overcome tribal loyalties and cooperate for the common good--and when political and religious factions threaten to break a society apart, as in Shakespeare's England, understanding the need for civility becomes more important than ever. In this episode, Jacke talks to Shakespeare scholar Indira Ghose about her book A Defence of Pretence: Civility and the Theatre in Early Modern England about the use of theatre as a laboratory where the era's conflicts played out. PLUS in response to a listener request, Jacke explores the life of Robert W. Service and his most famous work, "The Cremation of Sam McGee." Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we're jumping from one big adaptation of British literature to another. It's a movie about a fellowship, but this time, they call it a league. And it's extraordinary!!Joining us for this bonus (!!) is returning champion Stephen Hilger of the very great Into the Aether podcast! We're piecing together one of the strangest movies out there… and still trying to figure out why Sean Connery turned down Gandalf but said yes to Quartermain.Next week it's Ridley Scott's historical epic, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN 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:Special FeaturesAssembling the LeagueAttireThe NemomobileMaking Mr. HydeResurrecting VeniceSinking VeniceStarLog #312 Production HistoryStarLog #313 Production HistoryLos Angeles Times on Stephen NorringtonBox Office Reports on Film FailureFilm Faces LawsuitEntertainment Weekly On-Set ReportLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen Reboot in WorksPrague Reporter Production HistoryX2 Promotes the FilmTV Reboot in WorksStephen Norrington Making The League of Extraordinary GentlemenLight the Fuse Podcast Dan Lausten Interview Part 2Star Chat Stuart Townsend InterviewJason Flemying Needs To Go 10-1Sean Connery Is Done With IdiotsShane West Blackfilm InterviewTheo van de Sande Turns Down LeagueCredits: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.
Hazad's beard was five feet long without stretching; Alan and James can't get the podcast to two hours without stretching. Join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as we explore the little-known story of Tal-Elmar from The Peoples of Middle-earth in a sort of epilogue to Aldarion and Erendis. We meet calamity's child, Tal-Elmar, along with his prolific father, Hazad Longbeard; and we learn about the strange history of the people of Agar and the Fell Folk of the East — without learning who any of them really are. We discuss two kinds of pride, wonder what Rome and York have to do with Middle-earth, and agree that white skins and bright eyes are no warrant for such deeds. Also, Tolkien still hates the Roman Empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this sermon from John 17:1–5, Paul Hoffman invites us into the climactic moment of Jesus' farewell discourse—the prayer that stands on the edge of the cross.Drawing on J.R.R. Tolkien's idea of eucatastrophe—the sudden, joyful turn in a story—Paul shows how what appears to be tragedy in the eyes of the disciples is, in fact, the triumph of God's redemptive plan. As Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and prays for glory, we see that the cross is not a defeat but a victory, not chaos but sovereign purpose.This passage points us backward to the incarnation and forward to the resurrection, revealing the shared glory of the Father and the Son, the supreme authority of Christ over all flesh, and the gift of eternal life found in knowing the one true God through Jesus Christ. Paul unpacks how the work Jesus accomplished becomes the foundation for the church's mission today—carried forward not in our own strength, but through the power Christ shares with His people by the Spirit.Ultimately, this sermon calls us to see Jesus as the true King, the perfect revelation of God, and the model for what it means to be fully human. In a world longing for transcendence, meaning, and hope, the gospel stands as the true story—one that begins and ends in joy.
In this week's episode, Nate reflects on his experience with knee surgery and being a "creature in the machine" (the Superorganism). He touches on the often-forgotten nature of our physical existence in a world dominated by cognitive labor and abstractions, exploring the tension between gratitude for the gains of modern medicine and knowledge of the hidden energetic cost of these technologies. Alongside these personal reflections, Nate unpacks his thoughts on some current political events and considers timely questions of power, legitimacy, and social fragmentation in a post-peak carbon world. He adds insights from the two books he's read during recovery, putting Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring in conversation with Kingsnorth's Against the Machine in order to highlight the growing contrast of our humanity against the larger power-oriented system. Running through the episode is an invitation to remain human, embodied, and relational even while benefiting from, critiquing, and resisting the forces that seek to turn life into components. What does it mean to remain as a biological "creature" while living inside vast, and increasingly abstract, technological and economic systems? Where does gratitude for modern capabilities come into balance with responsibility for their costs? Finally, what practices might help preserve human meaning, agency, and connection in an increasingly mechanized world? (Recorded January 21, 2026) Show Notes and More Watch this video episode on YouTube Want to learn the broad overview of The Great Simplification in 30 minutes? Watch our Animated Movie. --- Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future Join our Substack newsletter Join our Hylo channel and connect with other listeners
In this conversation, psychotherapist and writer Dr Mark Vernon is joined by philosopher Dr Robert Rowland Smith to explore the imaginative world of J.R.R. Tolkien and the often-overlooked influence of Owen Barfield - friend of C.S. Lewis and another Inkling.
Jake challenges Geoff to do blind power-rankings. Jake apparently offended Geoff ancestors by saying he doesn't like clay-mation movies. The movie Sinners sucks; you heard it here first! Where is the hope, man! The answers, like most things, can be found in Tolkien. Enjoy!
The Romantic poet Byron (1788-1824) was more than just the scandal-ridden celebrity who was famously dubbed "mad, bad, and dangerous to know"--he was also a restless seeker of an identity to match his personal and artistic sensibilities. In this episode, Jacke talks to Byron scholar Jonathan Gross about his book The European Byron: Mobility, Cosmopolitanism, and Chameleon Poetry, which explores Byron's literary disguises, borrowings, and transformations, inspired by wide variety of European writers. PLUS Jacke takes a look at the ancient underpinnings of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous creation, as he explores The Great Gatsby as the #3 Greatest Book of All Time. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode explores the fear that sits beneath both creativity and ordinary life, the quiet conviction that we are not enough, that if we stop producing we might disappear. Beginning with Tolkien's line about fearing "so small a thing," the reflection moves through impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and what John Barth called Scheherazade's terror, the belief that silence equals death. From there, it opens onto the Christian paradox that freedom does not come from control, but from surrender. Drawing on Tolkien's idea of eucatastrophe, the sudden turn when grace intervenes after our strength is spent, the episode argues that real creativity, real peace, and real joy emerge only when we let go and place our lives fully in God's hands. It closes with a quiet, moving image of childlike joy at a graveside, a reminder that surrender is not weakness but courage, and that resting in God is the only place fear finally loosens its grip.
The boys are jumping into the Shire on this week's episode as they review the first entry in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, Fellowship of the Ring. For those who are unaware, The Lord of the Rings is a series of books created by J.R.R. Tolkien that follows the story of young Frodo Baggins on his quest to destroy the one ring. The Fellowship of the Ring, being the first in the series, lays out our main characters on the very beginning of their journey.Support the showCatch new episodes of the Where to Stick It Podcast every Tuesday and Thursday. If you like the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon where we upload exclusive content each month for only $3 a month.
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.(00:05) Setting the Scene(02:19) Maritime Imagery, Storm Metaphors, and Tolkien’s Symbolism(05:01) Hobbits, Food, and the Translation of Time(07:15) Growth, Ent-Draught, and Storytelling Perspective(09:37) Casting Away Treasure(13:51) The Ents’ Assault on Isengard(19:44) Gandalf’s Return, Soundscapes, and Narrative Tempo(27:06) Wormtongue, Aftermath, and Foreshadowing the ShireFor 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
Cerca AMBROSIA, la trovi in tutti i migliori ortofrutta d'Italia e puoi seguirla sul web: https://www.instagram.com/melambrosia/ ⬇⬇⬇SOTTO TROVI INFORMAZIONI IMPORTANTI⬇⬇⬇ Abbonati per live e contenuti esclusivi ➤➤➤ https://bit.ly/memberdufer Leggi Daily Cogito su Substack ➤➤➤ https://dailycogito.substack.com/ I prossimi eventi dal vivo ➤➤➤ https://www.dailycogito.com/eventi Scopri la nostra scuola di filosofia ➤➤➤ https://www.cogitoacademy.it/ Racconta storie di successo con RISPIRA ➤➤➤ https://cogitoacademy.it/rispira/ Impara ad argomentare bene ➤➤➤ https://bit.ly/3Pgepqz Prendi in mano la tua vita grazie a PsicoStoici ➤➤➤ https://bit.ly/45JbmxX Tutti i miei libri ➤➤➤ https://www.dailycogito.com/libri/ Il nostro podcast è sostenuto da NordVPN ➤➤➤ https://nordvpn.com/dufer #rickdufer #arte #ispirazione INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/rickdufer INSTAGRAM di Daily Cogito: https://instagram.com/dailycogito TELEGRAM: http://bit.ly/DuFerTelegram FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/duferfb LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/riccardo-dal-ferro/31/845/b14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chi sono io: https://www.dailycogito.com/rick-dufer/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- La musica della sigla è tratta da Epidemic Sound (author: Jules Gaia): https://epidemicsound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tread Perilously's winter request month concludes with an episode of Merlin called "Beauty and the Beast." When a troll sets her sights on the riches of Camelot, she takes a potion to assume the identity of a conventionally beautiful noble in the hopes of securing Uther Pendragon's heart. Gaius suspects her immediately as he treated the aristocrat before for an incurable bone disease. Uther, however, is almost immediately smitten. But his devotion to the long-passed Igraine gives him some pause the troll must counter with more magic. Can Merlin summon up enough of his own to reveal the troll before she and Uther marry? Troll 2 almost immediately makes its way into the conversation. Erik and Justin attempt to separate their own familiarity with Arthurian legend from the one depicted in Merlin. Although barely appearing in this episode, they also highlight Katie McGrath. A Tolkien discussion breaks out, naturally enough. Erik has a difficult time accepting an Uther who genuinely loved Igraine. Justin questions the presence of modern romantic love in medieval stories. The pair try to determine where they have seen guest star Sarah Parish before. Erik suggests a certain Welshman to play Merlin. The Legend of Brave Sir Tristan is retold. The Acolyte gets examined again and the Taster's Choice Saga becomes surprisingly important.
This week we wrap up one of the biggest movie trilogies of all time in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings adaptation. Jordan and Colin once again join Edwin and Alex to break down the final installment of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece. After revisiting the movie's release in 2003, we discuss: - The most important scenes to us (16:11) - Delightful moments (34:37) - Discussion question roundtable (1:02:14) All that, plus baby talk LOTR, barefoot spider fightin', and Army of the Dead cheat codes. So re-forge your swords of destiny, give a rousing battlefield speech, and sail into the Elvish sunset as we close the Hobbit door on a classic series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many listeners have been asking for more alumni interviews, and this episode delivers. Davies Owens sits down with Ashton Lawrence, an Ambrose School graduate who joined the classical Christian world in fifth grade and stayed through graduation. Ashton reflects on the early challenges of adjusting to a more rigorous environment, the slow-burning value of logic and Latin, and the way great teachers helped the pieces “click” over time.As the conversation unfolds, Ashton connects the classroom to real life, from learning to spot fallacies in everyday arguments to building the kind of clear communication and steady conviction that helps a young adult navigate college, friendships, and vocational decisions with maturity. Along the way, he shares how family conversations, meaningful friendships, and hands-on experiences shaped him into someone who can read deeply, think carefully, and also solve real problems in the shop.Tune in to hear:Why Ashton's “late entry” into classical Christian education in fifth grade became a formative turning pointHow Tolkien, Shakespeare, and the great books helped shape his imagination, loves, and view of virtueWhat logic training changed for him immediately, especially in how he listened, argued, and communicatedWhy students sometimes struggle to understand the “why” behind classical education, and what schools can do betterHow a classical foundation helped him thrive socially and spiritually at a large Christian universityWhy the liberal arts and the common arts belong together, and how hands-on problem solving reveals real wisdomAshton's encouragement to parents and school leaders is simple and hopeful: stay the course. Even when students resist or do not fully appreciate the rigor in the moment, the fruit often shows up later, with gratitude, clarity, and strength for the road ahead.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
What happens when Tolkien meets experimental animation? Jeff Haecker, Robert King, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi weigh Bakshi's Lord of the Rings. Does visual ambition excuse rushed storytelling—or does Gandalf steal the show? The post Lord of the Rings (1978 Bakshi) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
When an artist fails to meet Tolkien's standards, it's time to call in Pauline Baynes! Join The Man of the West as we revisit the Letters on Tolkien Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to another edition of the Mere Mortals Book Reviews — and this time it's the final instalment of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.(00:00) Welcome back + final instalment setup(00:47) I literally ripped the book in half (and why it fits the story)(02:30) The split storylines: battles vs Frodo & Sam(03:51) Sam as the real hero (stronger in the book)(04:32) Book vs movie: the extra Shire material(06:52) Writing mastery: descriptions that put you there(07:11) Suffering, sacrifice, and carrying Frodo(08:11) Appendices: deep lore (and why I skipped them)(10:29) Why Tolkien is considered one of the greatestConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
The American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin (1924-1987) spent the second half of his life as a fixture in American intellectual life. But what formed him? In this episode, Jacke talks to Nicholas Boggs, author of Baldwin: A Love Story, the first major biography of James Baldwin in three decades, about Baldwin's childhood and teen years, when his education and experience propelled a talented child toward literary superstardom. PLUS author Bruce Robbins (Atrocity: A Literary History) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have arrived, on our 9th Anniversary Class, at Gandalf's speech on the Bridge of Khazad-dum! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Listeners, the power of the Three Rings is ended. This week we fulfill our oath and complete the Peter Jackson LOTR trilogy!We're talking Denethor (aka Dennis Thor), the army of the dead, Aragorn's long sword, Eowyn being horny, the Mouth of Sauron being repugnant (put him back into the theatrical cut, cowards!) and how fun it is to see what Gandalf looks like when he sleeps.Also….Death! Death! Death!Next week, we're throwin' in a bonus! It's another super-important adaptation featuring many famous literary characters…THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN (2003). With a super secret very special guest! 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:Special FeaturesFrom Book to Script: Forging the Final ChapterDesigning Middle-earthHome of the Horse LordsCameras in Middle-earthWeta DigitalEditorial: Completing the TrilogyMusic for Middle-earthThe Soundscapes of Middle-earthThe End of All ThingsThe Passing of an AgePeter Jackson: A Filmmaker's Journey by Brian SibleyCinefex #96 Production HistoryCinefex Peter Jackson InterviewASC Cinematography BreakdownCredits: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.
Westeros is back baby! We just watched the premiere of HBO’s new Westeros related show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Find out how the Vassals feel about the first episode and let us know what you think. Hosts: Adam … Continue reading →
We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with the J.R.R. Tolkien's essay, "The Monsters and the Critics," in which he argues that Beowulf is best approached as fantasy.Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/D3NNtUAKgKsListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmindBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.
Summary:Welcome back to your in-depth, the podcast where we break down and explore our favorite fictional universes.In this episode, we kick off The Rings of Power Season 2 with a deep dive into Episode 1, covering everything from Sauron's “goop” regeneration origin, to the Elven Rings' controversial purpose, and the lore-heavy implications behind characters like Círdan (aka one of the oldest elves alive).We also talk about why this episode feels like a Season 1 recap disguised as a premiere, what works, what doesn't, and why the show can still be enjoyable even if you're not a lore-purist.Chapters:00:00 – Intro + starting Rings of Power Season 204:00 – Episode format + summary setup05:26 – Reddit-style recap (funniest summary ever)12:08 – What the episode is actually about: Sauron + the Rings14:53 – Morgoth's crown + Sauron's betrayal scene20:10 – “Goop Sauron” regeneration + Venom vibes22:05 – Why Morgoth can't return (power spread into the land)33:23 – Who was the man with Halbrand's pouch/sigil?35:00 – Stranger = Gandalf energy + classic Gandalf parallels40:11 – Poppy following Nori… why??41:45 – Círdan's age, beard, and why he's so important46:13 – Are the Elven Rings corrupted by Sauron? (debate)54:41 – Highs & lows of the episode01:00:30 – Wrap-up + outroKeywords:Rings of Power Season 2, Rings of Power Episode 1, Rings of Power breakdown, Rings of Power recap, Rings of Power podcast, Lord of the Rings podcast, Tolkien lore, Sauron origin, Halbrand Sauron, Elven Rings, Gil-galad, Galadriel, Elrond, Círdan shipwright, Morgoth crown, Stranger Gandalf, Harfoots, Nori, Poppy, Middle-earth, fantasy TV breakdown
We get together and discuss some of our favorite books, movies, and TV shows that we encountered in 2025 take a look at a few things we are looking forward to in 2026. Hosts: Adam (drownedsnow), Bina (Bina007), Stephanie (gsdg), … Continue reading →
The Lord of the Rings is back in theaters, but this story is about far more than elves, swords, and epic battles. In this episode, we uncover the deep Christian worldview behind Tolkien's masterpiece and why stories like this don't just entertain us they form us. From mercy and sacrifice to hope, courage, and the gospel itself, Middle-earth reminds us that evil is real, mercy matters, and even the smallest person can change the course of history. Plus, reactions to viral clips, modern prophecy chaos, parenting wisdom, and moments of surprising faith in action. To learn more about the sponsor of today's show and what our family currently uses for our healthcare check out Christian Healthcare Ministries by visiting https://hubs.ly/Q02vWQGy0 Editing and production services provided by thepodcastupload.com #TheKirkCameronShow #LordOfTheRings #Tolkien #ChristianWorldview #FaithAndCulture #GoodVsEvil #StorytellingMatters #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #MiddleEarth #Hope #GospelTruth #ChristianLiving #RaisingKids #FaithInAction #WeeklyWrapUp
A scrap of Coleridge's handwriting. The sugar that Wordsworth stirred into his teacup. A bracelet made of Mary Shelley's hair... In this episode, Jacke talks to award-winning scholar and literary sleuth Mathelinda Nabugodi (The Trembling Hand: Reflections of a Black Woman in the Romantic Archive) about what she found in the Romantic archive - and why it matters. PLUS Richard Kopley (Edgar Allan Poe: A Life) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Will this biographer of Edgar Allan Poe choose one of Poe's works? Or opt for something else? Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the reason we feel anxious, blocked, and exhausted is not a lack of effort, but a refusal to surrender? This episode weaves poetry, ancient myth, modern culture, and Christian wisdom into a single question: where does real creativity and real peace actually come from? From the Greek Muses and Plato's divine madness, through Homer and Shakespeare, to Augustine, Aquinas, Tolkien, and Christ in Gethsemane, this talk challenges the modern instinct to control, perform, and self-create. If you feel restless, afraid to let go, or stuck trying to hold your life together, this episode invites you to listen closely, because peace does not come from mastery, it comes from trust.
Disinformation expert Craig Silverman joins the crew to break down why AI makes scams and fake news easier, faster, and nearly impossible to spot—while Big Tech quietly profits. If you think spotting digital deception is tough now, wait until you hear how deep the rabbit hole goes. Claude Code Indonesia and Malaysia block Grok over non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes Apple taps Google to power a new Siri and future AI tools Introducing Cowork "In China, driverless delivery vans have become a total meme, they plow through crumbling roads, fresh concrete, motorcycles, anything. Nothing stops them." : r/SelfDrivingCars Meta refocuses on AI hardware as metaverse layoffs begin Creepy Link Matthew McConaughey has secured eight trademarks of himself from the USPTO in the past several months to protect his likeness and voice from unauthorized AI use Senate Passes a Bill That Would Let Nonconsensual Deepfake Victims Sue X says Grok will no longer edit images of real people into bikinis Newsom Vows to Stop Proposed Billionaire Tax in California J.R.R. Tolkien, Using a Tape Recorder for the First Time, Reads from The Hobbit for 30 Minutes (1952) | Open Culture Digg launches its new Reddit rival to the public Postal Arbitrage New protein tests The Traitors Season 4 WikiFlix MTV REWIND - 33,000+ Music Videos • Zero Ads • Zero Algorithms 'A bombshell': doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Craig Silverman Download or subscribe to Intelligent Machines at https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit zscaler.com/security