The Light’s Work

After months of sending text message updates about his progress, Grace's brother-in-law, Nick, finally finished reading the Wheel of Time. A self-described "smart jock," Nick visits The Light's Work and talks about the experience of reading Grace's favorite fantasy series, how it measures up to his own favorite series (The Dark Tower by Stephen King), and whether he would eve...

As hype for Season 2 builds, Anas and Grace recall the most hype-filled moments leading up to Season 1 of the Wheel of Time and anticipate what new fans might have in store from now until September 1. Spoiler alert: talking about hype hypes hype. HYPE! (CW: brief discussion of COVID, bodily fluids, and medical intervention) Related Links Entertainment Weekly Wheel of Time Season 2 First Look Wool...

When he's not busy sleuthing on search engines for WoT Series, our very good friend Omar makes memes, role-plays as Mat Cauthon on Twitter, and shares his love of food with the Wheel of Time fandom—most infamously in the form of late night snacks that magically appear at WoT conventions. Discussing everything from the Wot Series code of ethics to how much mint should go into a salad, Omar shar...

Fantasy Fiction Author Jason Denzel is the founder of Dragonmount and has been a Wheel of Time fan for over 30 years. We sat down with him to talk about his memories of the fandom, including the surreal experience of attending Robert Jordan's funeral, and how the fandom—and his own involvement in it—has transformed over the years. Related Links Dragonmount Jason Denzel Journey to Robert Jordan...

After getting 61 replies from fans about their experience rereading The Wheel of Time, Anas and Grace discuss why exactly so many people choose to reread 14 giant books over and over again (and why some don't). Contains spoilers for the movie The Prestige (7:03-7:38) Related Links TLW Re-read Thread Michael Kramer & Kate Reading The Kevin Podcast A Memory of Light Q & A (18:24) Lezbi N...

Rajesh aka ⁠Moridin on Twitter⁠ has threatened to riot over countless potential oversights and missed opportunities in The Wheel of Time Season 2 (and 3). But what would a Wheel of Time fandom riot actually look like? And are all riots created equal? Anas and Grace sit down with Rajesh to learn more about his experience in the fandom and determine what he deems most riot-worthy. (This episode cont...

Grace and Anas discuss how the fandom has been reacting to the recent casting news of Dain Bornhald and Bain & Chiad, including what it was like to hear the news in a large group of fans at JordanCon, and how character role-play accounts react to seeing "themselves" cast. **This episode contains minor book spoilers for Elayne's story arc** Related Links Barside Chats Live from Jo...

A group of twelve WoT fans and one special guest get together to discuss Grace's secret plans to lay the bridal wreath at JordanCon 2023. Despite Grace's assumption that the episode would be all about the surprise itself, the conversation became a beautiful expression of love and appreciation among dear friends. Related Links Malkier Talks JordanCon WoT in Color WoT Idol 2023 (Dusty Wheel...

Before Anas and Grace flew out to meet all the wonderful fans who are converging in Atlanta for JordanCon, they had a lovely discussion with Ebony, who is not only a truly wonderful and kind person but also New Member Services Director at JordanCon. She shared her origin story of finding the books, finding fans on Facebook, and finding this wonderful community that she loves taking care of at Jord...

Anas and Grace show their appreciation for the shared language of the Wheel of Time fandom and how it has evolved over time. Lots of laughter ensues as they discuss the etymology of some of their favorite inside jokes, portmanteaus, and colloquialisms (if Anas can pronounce it). **This episodes contains FULL BOOK SERIES SPOILERS** RELATED LINKS Barside Chats ft. "The Pizza Story" The Dus...

SPOILER WARNING: Book spoilers through The Fires of Heaven (Book 5). Long before Twitter of Time and The Dusty Wheel, there was the WoT MUD (Multi-User Dungeon), a text-based online role playing game. Anas and Grace interview WoT couple Melindhra and Doyn (aka Real Life Mat Cauthon) about their experiences on the MUD, including their epic enemies-to-lovers love story. Related Links WoT MUD Mirrors...

Anas and Grace sit down with WoT Idol finalists Salya al'Onir and Miss Sara James to talk about the preeminent fandom event that started off as The Wheel of Time Song Parody Contest in 2021. Now approaching the deadline for parody submissions to the 3rd annual WoT Idol competition, the guests discuss their process of creating parodies, overcoming fears and insecurities, and why WoT Idol is so...

Inspired by the new book, Fandom Acts of Kindness: A Heroic Guide to Activism, Advocacy, and Doing Chaotic Good by Tanya Cook and Kaela Joseph, Grace and Anas collect stories of kindness and generosity within the Wheel of Time Fandom. Related Links Fandom Acts of Kindness by Tanya Cook and Kaela Joseph Silvertooth on Twitter JordanCon WoTCon   Kitsunegari aka Uno on Twitter Just Some Bodi’s Opinio...

Anas and Grace answer 18 questions submitted by listeners, ranging from the very silly to the very serious. Featuring a special appearance by Grapes the Cat. **THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL BOOK SERIES SPOILERS** Related Links TLW Ask Us Anything Doc Barside Chats Christmas Mailbag Episode The Yellow Wall Best Yellow Wall Displays Three Fold Talk ft. Game Recommendations Fluxx Lezbi Nerdy’s Seanchan...

Anas and Grace have a long overdue chat with one of the busiest and most generous creators in the fandom, Rob from Malkier Talks. From his early days as "Malkieri Rob," to his invitation to the London premiere of The Wheel of Time on Prime, to his founding of the UK-based MalkieriCon, Rob shares his behind the scenes process and what inspires him to get up in the middle of the night for WoT fandom...

Anas and Grace get to know infamous Wheel of Time fan Kevin Angus while testing out the concept of "Lego Talk"—a phenomenon noticed by Kevin and used on his podcast, in which conversations flow more organically and openly while participants play with Legos. Related Links The Kevin Podcast Kevin Angus on Twitter Kevin on Malkier’s Wrap Up Return to Roshar Podcast Wheel of Time Jeopardy with Kritter...

Where do you draw the line between fandom and fanaticism? Are fan gatherings any different from the ecstatic rituals of religious zealots? And how do you explain yourself to loved ones who think you've gone overboard? Anas and Grace explore the answers to these questions and reflect on whether WoT fandom has anything in common with the dark and dangerous world of cults. CW: This episode contains d...

In this special Valentine's Day edition of TLW, Anas and Grace talk with WoT couple Jessica Sedai and Daniel (Random Nomen) about their relationship and what it's like to date someone in the fandom. Related Links Jessica Sedai on Twitter Random Nomen on Twitter Shelf Indulgence on TikTok Kritter XD Daniel Greene Nae’blis Sarah Nakamura’s Tweet Lauren’s WoT Idol Teaser Tweet They Might Be Darkfrien...

After countless times mentioning Lauren from Unraveling the Pattern as an example of The Light's Work in the Wheel of Time fandom, Anas and Grace finally get to chat with him. From his early days at book signings to celebrating 3 years on YouTube, Lauren opens up about his love for the fandom and the fears and flaws behind his creative process. Related Links Unraveling the Pattern UTP 3 Year Anniv...

Anas and Grace host a livestream recording to celebrate Anas's new job and share their fancasting choices for WoT fans who volunteered to be cast as characters in The Wheel of Time. This episode contains multiple *FULL BOOK SERIES SPOILERS.* Related Links TLW Fancasting Live Recording So Jennie The Dusty Wheel: Innkeeper Anas Announcement The Dusty Steve Show Geekology Labs Signs The Dragon: A Whe...

After a long hiatus, Anas and Grace have a chill night of catching up about their international travel adventures over the holidays, the A Memory of Light 10th anniversary, and more. Plus, a few updates on previous episodes and teasers for future projects! Related Links Atif Aslam Meeting Dónal Finn Meeting Ayoola Smart Meeting Aviendha on Three Fold Talk Paradise Now! A Memory of Light Secrets wi...

Anas and Grace chat with Kritter XD (aka Egwene al'Vere on Twitter of Time) about WoT fandom across social media platforms, why Discord is the best, and why it's important to push through your fears and ask for what you want. Related Links: Kritter XD Kritter’s Interview with Harriet McDougal Meeting Dónal Finn Bad WoT Takes Kritter's WoT Tattoo Episode Transcripts FOLLOW US AT THE LIGHT'S WORK Tw...

Anas and Grace talk to their Very Good Friend Sharnise about JordanCon hugs, bookclubs, representation in the Wheel of Time TV series, and inclusivity within The Wheel of Time fandom. Related Links Lezbi Nerdy's Call into The Dusty Wheel Mocha Girls Read Barside Chats: A Non-Reader Reacts w/ Sharnise & Dun Riches on Amazon Prime Episode Transcripts FOLLOW US AT THE LIGHT'S WORK Twitter: @Light...

Anas and Grace chat with Vance, the Bard of the Red Hand, about his "romantic" Wheel of Time origin story, the challenges of content creation, and why food is love when it comes to making friends in the fandom.*This episode contains a brief FULL SERIES SPOILER (22:38-24:50).* Related Links The Bard of the Red Hand on YouTube The Tragedy of the Betrayer of Hope (full series spoilers) History of the...

One of the core tenets of The Light's Work is surprising people with seemingly random acts of kindness. This is something Anas and Grace absolutely love doing and in this episode they discuss why this is so important to them. *THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL BOOKS SPOILERS - TIMESTAMPS (43:50-45:35) (1:050:00-1:06:25)* Links Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected by Tania Luna...