Home Podcasts The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast
The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast

The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast

Matthias Austin 50 Episodes Aug 17, 2026

A Tolkien fan named Matthias Austin answers listener questions about The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and the wider Legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien. Episodes are released weekly and aim to provide in-depth responses to fan inquiries.

Episodes

Mailbag! Thranduil, the Barrowblades, Gildor Inglorion, and an Entish Update!
Mailbag! Thranduil, the Barrowblades, Gildor Inglorion, and an Entish Update! Aug 17, 2026 2240 We're cracking open the mailbag to answer your questions! Questions like: What is Thranduil's History, How Will Colbert's Film Deal with the Barrowblades, Who is Gildor Inglorion, and an Entish Update! I dive into some of Tolkien's most obscure writing to find the answers to these questions, and once again ponder what even is canon in a universe with so much inconsistency!My 15 Minute Video on Ent
Tell Me All Your Thoughts On God: Who is Eru Ilúvatar?
Tell Me All Your Thoughts On God: Who is Eru Ilúvatar? Aug 10, 2026 2886 He is the creator of everything in Middle Earth, the Author of the Story, He whose words brought the world into being. No, I'm not talking about JRR Tolkien, I'm talking about Eru Ilúvatar, the monotheistic God of Arda, who created the Ainur and with them sang the Great Music that brought Eä into existence. Plus, we're revisiting a question from the very first episode of the show! Along the way we
Why is Tolkien Relevant Today? An Interview with Shaun Gunner, CEO of The Tolkien Society
Why is Tolkien Relevant Today? An Interview with Shaun Gunner, CEO of The Tolkien Society Aug 3, 2026 2835 I'm battling a cold this week, so please enjoy this interview I did with Shaun Gunner, the CEO of the largest Tolkien charitable organization in the world!The Tolkien SocietyRegister for Oxonmoot!Join our Patreon!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comSegment Stings by Peter Owens &a
Is Lord of the Rings Sexist? An Interview with Dr. Sara Brown
Is Lord of the Rings Sexist? An Interview with Dr. Sara Brown Jul 27, 2026 3567 This week, I turn to Tolkien scholar Dr. Sara Brown to answer a question that critics of Tolkien's works have leveled at the Professor since the Lord of the Rings was first published: Given the relative lack of female characters in his stories, but taking into account their prominence and achievements in the narrative, is it fair to say that Lord of the Rings is sexist? We dive deep into that top
What is Faramir's History? Plus an Extended News from Arda
What is Faramir's History? Plus an Extended News from Arda Jul 20, 2026 2371 As Denethor's least favorite son, Faramir is always playing second fiddle to Boromir, but in the end he takes on his familial rule as Steward. In this week's episode, we dive into his history and look at his future with Eowyn! Plus: We have an extended News from Arda segment as we rebut recent justifications Andy Serkis made in the lack of diversity in his casting for The Hunt for Gollum.Join our
Witch-Kings and Barrow-Wights: What is the History of Angmar?
Witch-Kings and Barrow-Wights: What is the History of Angmar? Jul 13, 2026 2199 Lord of Minas Morgul, Captain of Sauron's armies, Leader of the Nazgûl: He is the Witch-King of Angmar. But...where exactly is Angmar? And what is a witch-king? And how is he connected to the Barrow Wights that we see in The Fellowship of the Ring? Find out the answers to all this and more as we talk all things Angmar in this week's episode!Map of ArnorOur Patreon is live!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Bapt
What is it Like to be a Tolkien Content Creator? An interview with Knew Betta Do Betta
What is it Like to be a Tolkien Content Creator? An interview with Knew Betta Do Betta Jul 6, 2026 3029 This week I am joined by the one and only Willie Jenkins, aka Knew Betta Do Betta! If you've spent much time on Tolkien related social media, you've seen Knew Betta hosting trivia, making lore videos, and being a passionate defender of Tolkien's work. We discuss how he got started in Tolkien content creation, the push back he received as a person of color in a stereotypically white space, his advi
50 episodes & One Year Anniversary Mailbag!
50 episodes & One Year Anniversary Mailbag! Jun 29, 2026 2422 For our 50th episode, we're opening up the mailbag to answer your questions about Gandalf's Beard, Elven immortality, the correct reading order for Tolkien's works, plus my hot takes and opinions about all sorts of aspects about the world of Middle Earth! Thank you for the incredible support you've given me this past year, here's to 50 more!Our Patreon is live!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 4: The End of the Tale
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 4: The End of the Tale Jun 22, 2026 2654 With Turin trying to live peacefully in Brethil and Morwen and Nienor safely in Doriath, things should be pretty easy going for the family of Hurin, right? It turns out leaving Doriath is a family trait, as Morwen and Nienor set out to find Turin, and along the way meet Glaurung, Father of Dragons, who isn't done yet meddling in Turin Turambar's life. Find out the fate of the Children of Hurin, al
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 3: Enter the Dragon
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 3: Enter the Dragon Jun 15, 2026 2068 With Turin captured by Orcs, it’s up to Beleg to rescue his friend. Along the way he discovers a runaway elven Lord, Gwindor of Nargothrond. Events transpire, and Turin winds up in Nargothrond itself where he starts Turining all over the place. With a dragon on the way, will his presence in the hidden kingdom bring victory or disaster? Find out on this week’s episode!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 2
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 2 Jun 8, 2026 2103 Following on from last week's episode, Turin is now living in Doriath as the foster son of King Thingol, but fate or his bad personality has made him an enemy in Saeros, advisor to the King. Their feud will boil over, and Turin will go on the run, living as an outlaw in the Wild, until his friend Beleg Strongbow finds him and talks some sense into him (but not much). Hear all about it in this week
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 1
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 1 Jun 1, 2026 2118 Doom, Despair, Death, and Dragons. These are the hallmarks of Tolkien's longest and most completed story of the First Age: The Children of Hurin. Find out how Hurin and his family were cursed by Morgoth in this 1st part to the story!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family TreeThe Dragon Helm of Dor-LominPatreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You C

Recommended