The Way Lesser Inklings

In this iconic chapter we explore the spiritual world of Middle Earth as we examine the good Gandalf and the evil Balrog.

Wolves are burned, cordial is consumed, passwords remembered, and light coveted as the company endures their darkest and most fearful stage of the journey yet.

Join us as we examine lost civilizations, spies, snow, winter spirits, and a long march during this episode.

In this conclusion to the great meeting deciding the fate of the world, we will discuss the Ivory (or Ebony) Tower and reliance on the experts versus the wisdom of action and boots on the ground.

The last and greatest ecumenical council in the history of Middle Earth is upon us. Is this chapter about determinism, or is it simply laying out the plan for averting the doom of the world? Tune in to find out (at least partially) in this first part.

"Many" might be a bit of a stretch by the good professor, but we will examine all of them in this episode! 

Relax, pour a drink, and unwind with us as we look back at memorable moments from the first part of the Lord of the Rings.

Frodo is fading fast as the Black Riders make a final aggressive bid to reclaim the Ring. This chapter displays the nature of evil and how it must be fought in order to avoid being enslaved.

The enemy is unveiled, and we revel in one of the greatest chapters of the entire saga. Join us in discussing the nature of evil, terror, and the melancholy of a mission ahead, yet unfulfilled.

At long last, we look into the character, mystery, and significance of the King of men who disguises himself as a no-account wanderer. After all, not all those who wander are lost.

As the hobbits leave Bombadil and take to the dreaded road, a mysterious stranger awaits, spies abound, and the One Ring attempts to announce its presence!

Legends of Middle Earth come to life in this episode as we discuss the lost kingdoms of men, the secret dealings of the Black Riders, and one last look at the mastery of Tom Bombadil.

Hey-dol! Merry-dol! Ring-a-dong-dillo! Listen in as we examine the singing, dancing, Master of the Wood in this chapter of comparison and contrast between the natures of good and evil.

Dangerous trees, terrifying tales, and the introduction of the most powerful and baffling character in The Lord of the Rings.

A long-planned plot is revealed, spies are flushed out, and a true conspiracy is unmasked!

The hobbits take a near-disastrous shortcut and find themselves in the fields of a farmer who is serious about trespassing. Danger seems to await them at every turn, but as is often the case, help is found in unexpected places!

As Frodo, Sam, and Pippin set out on their journey across the Shire they will meet several unexpected friends and potential foes. Join us as we examine friendship, adventure, and the wisdom of those who have lived long lives.

A long-planned plot will be hatched, secrets revealed, and spies uncloaked. Join us as we examine a conspiracy, not just a theory, but a died-in-the-wool, bonafide, conspiracy!

Join us to examine one of the most crucial and significant chapters of the entire saga. This is Jake's personal favorite, and is an  episode not to be missed, so grab a book, a drink, and join us to examine the history of the One Ring.

In the first chapter of The Lord of the Rings , Tolkien reacquaints us with hobbits, we see our old friend Gandalf, and get a bird's eye view to a party of special magnificence wherein it rains drink and snows food.

In this first episode, Josh and Jake examine the prologue of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece The Lord of the Rings . This prologue concerns hobbits, pipeweed, geneaology, and even some insight on the power of the law.