Best First Time Lord Of The Rings Podcasts (2025)

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Imperfect Paradise: Deputies severely beat a man struggling with mental health issues. Where are the records? 24:58

3d ago24:58

24:58

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies severely beat Joseph Perez in 2020, then arrested him. His mom Vanessa alleges that she had previously told law enforcement that Perez has a serious mental illness and would need to be placed in a psychiatric facility. Mother and son believe the deputies used unnecessary force on Perez and are the center of…

1
Imperfect Paradise: The cost of becoming a teacher in California. Who can afford to do it? 39:39

3d ago39:39

39:39

Across the U.S., states are constantly in the midst of teacher shortages. California's teaching prep and residency programs are supposed to be part of the solution. But many hopeful teachers struggle to balance their passion with the risk of debt and high cost of living. Imperfect Paradise guest host and K-12 Senior Reporter Mariana Dale and LAist’…

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032 - Big Wins for Merry and Pippin in "Flotsam and Jetsam" 1:21:46

3d ago1:21:46

1:21:46

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 9, "Flotsam and Jetsam", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Pippin's Power Picnic We finally have a meal in the chapter!! Here is my recreation (surprisingly accurate) of the lunch Pippin prepared for Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. -Several slices of toast -Butter -Honey -Some slices of cooked bacon …

1
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds -- 306 "The Selat Who Ate Its Tail"

6d ago

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When the USS Farragut experiences a calamity, First Officer James T. Kirk is forced to act like a captain. Matt and Pete corral episode 306, “The Selat Who Ate Its Tail.” Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGee…

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031 - Shadows Fall Upon "The Road to Isengard" 1:20:51

10d ago1:20:51

1:20:51

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 8, "The Road to Isengard", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Isengard Soup When I pictured the bowl of Isengard all flooded out with wreckage and debris floating everywhere, it reminded me of soup. So I made vegetable soup and assembled some breadsticks into a 4-sided Orthanc to stand in the cente…

1
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds -- 305 "Through the Lense of Time"

13d ago

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The Enterprise assists Dr. Korby in an archeological excavation that may have best been left buried. Matt and Pete glimpse episode 305 “Through the Lense of Time.” Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGeek.com, …

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The Fellowship is TOTALLY different in the book... 13:27

15d ago13:27

13:27

In The Lord of the Rings film adaptation, the fellowship is very unbalanced. It’s essentially Aragorn doing all the work, and Sam is the real hero, but I have to say, as I am reading through Lord of the Rings for the first time, I am astounded at the beauty of the fellowship and how they rely on each other. It is VASTLY different from the book comp…

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We need to talk about Saruman 17:10

16d ago17:10

17:10

We need to have a long talk about Saruman. That’s it. That’s the whole intro. Because I don’t even know where to go with this because he is so vastly different in the book and the details that you get for what he is wearing and what his mentality is in the tale that Gandalf told of his imprisonment at Orthanc is so strange. I just flat out don’t kn…

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Elrond is Lying in the Movies 10:38

17d ago10:38

10:38

In the Fellowship of the Ring, when Elrond says, “you’ve been summoned here to answer…” He’s lying. And it’s actually the coolest part of the whole Council of Elrond section in the book.By Jonathan Minnema

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Revisiting the Lonliness of Bilbo Baggins 10:40

17d ago10:40

10:40

I want to revisit the very first essay I published on the very first chapter of Lord of the Rings the Fellowship of the Ring. In that essay I talked about the Loneliness of Bilbo Baggins and how I thought there were a lot of underwritten things as well as overt things that showed that Bilbo didn’t really seem to have too many good friends. And that…

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Why Boromir is my Favorite Member of the Fellowship 16:24

17d ago16:24

16:24

There are no shortage of essays discussing the legend of Boromir in the books and the movies. He seems to be having some kind of resurgence in the last few years because enough time has passed from the films, which is what most people know LOTR from, that people are re-evaluating and looking at Boromir as a sympathetic character. But boy do they no…

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030 - "Helm’s Deep" - Too Many Orcs, Not Enough Wall 1:27:03

17d ago1:27:03

1:27:03

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 7, "Helm's Deep", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Charcuterie Helm's Deep This chapter needed a map so badly... so I made one. Out of bread, meat, and cheese. You can really go wild with this one- here's what I used. -Cut up bread for the mountains and rock base of Hornburg -A salami stick for t…

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Imperfect Paradise: Despite three 911 calls, how did two men with disabilities die in their home during the Eaton Fire? 30:10

17d ago30:10

30:10

West Altadena residents Anthony Mitchell Sr. and his son Justin Mitchell were stuck at home when the Eaton Fire erupted Jan. 7. Both had disabilities, and to evacuate, they needed help. Mitchell Sr. and family members called 911 multiple times as the fire spread. But first responders didn't make it in time to evacuate the father and son. Seven mont…

1
This Old House Radio Hour: The Ultimate DIY Cleaning Solution + Peter Sagal’s House from Hell! 51:18

18d ago51:18

51:18

This week on This Old House Radio Hour, we’re scrubbing deep, digging trenches, and pulling back the curtain on the emotional side of homeownership. We open the episode with Brandon Pleshek—aka “Clean That Up”—who shares his go-to DIY vinegar-based cleaner, why it works, and where you should never use it. Then it’s onto the phones, starting with a …

1
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds -- 304 "A Space Adventure Hour"

21d ago

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The crew of “The Last Frontier” went further to new space destinations before somebody starting bumping them off. Only La’An can figure out whodunnit. Matt and Pete clock episode 304 “A Space Adventure Hour.” Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing PhantasticGeek@…

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029 - The Fall (and Rise) of "The King of the Golden Hall" 1:18:09

24d ago1:18:09

1:18:09

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 6, "The King of the Golden Hall", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Dirt and Wormtongue I couldn't get the idea of gummy worms out of my head when I was trying to figure out what to make for this chapter. Instead of simply presenting my cohosts with a bowl of candy, I jazzed it up with some homema…

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Imperfect Paradise: The dirty secret of trash: Illegal dumping in the Southern California desert 28:35

24d ago28:35

28:35

Diapers, concrete and construction debris. The open secret about trash in Southern California is that some of the waste people assume is being properly handled is actually being disposed of on remote sites in the California high desert. The state agency in charge of waste, CalRecycle, has said the scale of illegal dumping has become an emergency. L…

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Fantastic Four: First Steps

26d ago

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The Fantastic Four are back... for the first time! But who else will arrive? PhantasticGeek.com's Pete and Matt surf into the story! Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGeek.com, or tweeting @PhantasticGeek. Yo…

1
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds -- 303 "Shuttle to Kenfori"

27d ago

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Pike and M’Benga make a desperate trip to a forbidden former Federation outpost to find a flower for a patient. Matt and Pete board 303 “Shuttle to Kenfori.” Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGeek.com, or twe…

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028 - Gandalf is Reborn as "The White Rider" 1:06:44

1M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 5, "The White Rider", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Gandalf the White Russian What else would a White Rider drink? BTW, the white Russian was invented in Belgium! 2 parts vodka 1 part Kahlua 1 part heavy cream (or half and half if you are watching your figure) Mix the vodka and Kahlua in a gla…

1
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds -- 301 "Hegemony, Part II" and 302 "Wedding Bell Blues"

1M ago

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The Enterprise races against time to fend off the Gorn threat. When a strange visitor boards, Spock’s going to Chapel because they’re going to get married. Matt and Pete podcast episode 301, “Hegemony, Part II” and 302 “Wedding Bell Blues.” Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feed…

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027 - "Treebeard" Might Be Isengard's Greatest Foe 1:09:36

1M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 4, "Treebeard", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Treebeard's Ent-Draught This one was a challenge- the drink was like water but "reminded them of the smell of a distant wood borne from afar by a cool breeze at night." Yes, of course. The internet saved me on this one. I based the non-alcoholic dr…

1
Imperfect Paradise: How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time 49:34

1M ago49:34

49:34

Struggling with addiction and reentry after multiple stints in prison, Cesar Quijano discovers ultrarunning, a hobby that turns into his addiction and salvation. Through Cesar’s story to complete a 100-mile race, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Lucy Copp explore urgent questions around what support people need to successfully…

1
The Two Towers: Bk 4 - Ch 1-3 1:42:38

1M ago1:42:38

1:42:38

Jon, Jenn, Danny, and Lizzy talk about how even though there isn't a lot that happens in the first three chapters, there is just so much character development. And they talk about what the Two Towers really are?By Jenn, Jon, Lizzy, Danny

1
Superman (2025)

1M ago

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A new hope for a classic character. James Gunn stewards a Big Blue debut. Matt and Pete take flight with “Superman.” Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGeek.com, or tweeting @PhantasticGeek. MP3…

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Sauron Wanted to Unite with the Dwarves... 7:26

1M ago7:26

7:26

This blew my mind.By Jonathan Minnema

1
The most beautiful line that JRR Tolkien ever wrote 12:15

1M ago12:15

12:15

My grandmother died when I was 9. She was the kindest, most gentle and amazing woman I have ever known. When she laughed she had a kind of hiss to her laugh, not really a menacing one like a snake or anything, almost like a little rattle. This chapter of LOTR reminded me of her.By Jonathan Minnema

1
Imperfect Paradise: Are Latino pollsters helping or hurting the Democratic cause? 53:08

1M ago53:08

53:08

As Democrats confront declining Latino support across three consecutive presidential elections, a fierce debate is unfolding within the party: Are Latino advocacy groups and polling firms helping or hurting the Democratic cause? Critics argue that a flawed messaging strategy — and a complacent advocacy infrastructure — have led to Latino voters dri…

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Ironheart: Looking Back at the Season

1M ago

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As we wrap the Ironheart adventure, PhantasticGeek.com's Pete and Matt review the six episode journey. Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGeek.com, or tweeting @PhantasticGeek. MP3…

1
This one line changed how I read Fellowship of the Ring 9:16

1M ago9:16

9:16

I could talk for hours about why JRR Tolkien is one of the best writers who has ever lived and written in the English language.By Jonathan Minnema

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds -- Final Season 3 Preview

1M ago

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The crew of the Enterprise returns in a week--or less--and PhantasticGeek.com's Pete and Matt are ready for the season three launch! Thanks as always to everyone who supports the podcast by visiting Patreon.com/PhantasticGeek. Share your feedback by emailing [email protected], commenting at PhantasticGeek.com, or tweeting @PhantasticGeek. MP…

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026 - "The Uruk-Hai" Are Terrifying 1:10:42

2M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 3, "The Uruk-Hai", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Ugluk's Orc-Draught This drink was described as burning the mouth and giving an unbelievable burst of energy to the hobbits. My best attempt at an unpleasant drink to meet these requirements was a mix of Red Bull and Fireball cinnamon whiskey. T…

1
Frodo is Much Tougher in the Book 10:14

2M ago10:14

10:14

Everything after Weathertop is SO DIFFERENT! I cannot believe how much changed from the book to the movie and this is going to just be a long rant on it and then I want to talk all about Frodo at the end and his courage which the movies don’t show.By Jonathan Minnema

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Tolkien is a MASTER of Foreshadowing 9:27

2M ago9:27

9:27

So I am reading the Lord of the Rings for the first time and I just finished the chapter where Frodo gets stabbed at Weathertop. And I have to say…everyone should have seen it coming in this chapter. The foreshadowing is right there…as well as for a few other things in this book too that I want to talk about.…

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First Time Lord Of The Rings Podcasts

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