logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
1h 56m

Shire Jail

Bookclub
About this episode

Begin your journey into Middle-earth.

The inspiration for the upcoming original series on Prime Video, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

We're talking about the Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien and related works. We have fun playing a guessing game with deranged YouTube comments and top things off with three bawdy fan fictions. Enjoy!

Up next
Mar 2024
Sometimes, Dead Is Better
Join us for yet another fine episode of Bookclub. In this episode, we're discussing S.K.'s Pet Sematary, a nibling betrayal, neurodivergence, and more.  Next book: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut 
1h 4m
Feb 2024
Wake Up, Sheeple!
Wake up, sheeple! The truth is out there. Or is it? If it is, is it worth knowing? Is it worth it to die over tax evasion? Find the answer to these questions and more as Ansel and Dillon have a lucid, rational, and powerful discussion about Behold A Pale Horse by Milton William C ... Show More
1h 13m
Jun 2023
Kidz Rock
Join us for a meandering discussion centered around Stephen King's Under the Dome. Next book: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien 
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power — An Empire Podcast Preview Special
One pod to rule them all? This Thursday (August 29) sees the return of Prime Video's epic J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, and to mark the occasion we've put together a little preview special, just for you. In it, you'll find an in-depth inter ... Show More
47m 22s
Jul 2019
133 - It's Only Rock (Not Trolls) But I Like It
Strider’s path to Rivendell leads the hobbits through rough terrain; all the while, the days get colder and Frodo gradually succumbs to the evil effects of the Witch-king’s blade. A bad situation starts to look even worse when Pippin and Merry catch a glimpse of three trolls ahea ... Show More
1h 18m
Aug 2024
Tolkien: Middle Earth & the Middle Ages
For millions of Tolkien lovers around the world, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are more than just fantasy fiction. Their rich mix of sacred mythology and archetypal saga stories draw deeply into history and legend and profoundly resonate with universal human experience. Bu ... Show More
36m 26s
Sep 12
What the right gets wrong about Tolkien
Many far-right conservatives think The Lord of the Rings is about them. They may love Tolkien, but it's very possible Tolkien would not have loved them back. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laur ... Show More
25m 57s
Mar 2025
Frodo
Frodo Baggins: brave hobbit, reluctant hero, and possibly the most exhausted character in literary history. Follow his epic (and very tiring) journey from the Shire to Mount Doom, where he carries the One Ring and a whole lot of stress. A perfect bedtime tale—just don’t let Gollu ... Show More
32m 52s
Sep 22
174 - Hobbit Day (Mini Episode)
On a new mini episode of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan (and Producer Devon) would like to tell you all about some very mini people: the Hobbits, from JRR Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings series! Today is Bilbo Baggins’ birthday (sort of, we’ll clarify that), so expec ... Show More
8m 45s
Sep 2017
053 - A Hole New World
It’s the start of Season 2 here on The Prancing Pony Podcast as we start discussing the book that first introduced Middle-earth to the world: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit! In this episode, we look at the novel’s composition, publication and lasting legacy. Alan and Shawn share the ... Show More
1h 44m
Feb 2025
Gandalf
Gandalf: wise old wizard or the most dramatic travel guide ever? We explore his origins, his role in The Lord of the Rings, and why he’s basically Middle-earth’s alarm clock. Show Notes: Listen to more episodes at icantsleeppodcast.com Request a topic: icantsleeppodcast.com/reque ... Show More
34m 58s
Nov 2017
059 - Run Away!
As we resume Chapter 4 of The Hobbit, Bilbo and friends are captured by goblins. Thorin Oakenshield’s name and reputation are known in these parts, and the Great Goblin does not take kindly to his arrival. Gandalf comes to the rescue with his shining Elven-sword, allowing our her ... Show More
1h 23m