Best Samwise Podcasts (2025)

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044 - "The Choices of Master Samwise" Will Haunt Him Forever - SEASON TWO FINALE 1:24:29

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18d ago1:24:29

1:24:29

For the SEASON 2 FINALE, we discuss book 4, chapter 10, "The Choices of Master Samwise", the final chapter of The Two Towers. Thanks for an amazing season! We'll be back for Season Three: "The Return of the King" in Spring, 2026! Conversation Topics The battle between Sam and Shelob Sam's transformation into the true Ring bearer The emotional weigh…

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043 - Tolkien Terrifies Us All in "Shelob's Lair" 1:18:14

23d ago1:18:14

1:18:14

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 8, "The Stairs to Cirith Ungol", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The creepy journey through Shelob’s lair and those dark tunnelsGollum’s long game—what he’s really up toFrodo’s use of the Elven light and its deep loreThe terrifying history of Shelob and UngoliantWhat Frodo’s silent words really meanOur…

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042 - Anxiety Climbs in "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol" 1:20:37

1M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 8, "The Stairs to Cirith Ungol", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: Frodo’s mental exhaustion and the Ring’s heavy influence on him Gollum’s rare moment of tenderness The nightmare city of Minas Morgul Frodo's temptation to put on the Ring The muttering, glowing Tower of the Moon Gollum’s tricky, uncertai…

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041 - A Statue, a Shadow, and a Bad Feeling: “Journey to the Cross-roads” 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 7, "Journey to the Crossroads", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The chapter’s fleeting nature: a breath before the chaos.Tolkien’s views on subtext and seriousness—Al Gore, internet, and culture.Gollum’s mysterious and increasingly squirrely behavior.The strategic significance of Minas Morgul and the c…

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040 - Gollum's Fate is Decided in "The Forbidden Pool" 1:03:47

1M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 6, "The Forbidden Pool", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: Gollum’s funny reaction to being caught — way different from the puppy-eyed guy in the movies How Gollum’s actually pretty complex—big emotions behind that monster exterior Faramir being smart and moral when it really counts The creepy story of M…

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039 - Captain Faramir and "the Window on the West" 1:09:03

2M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 5, "The Window on the West", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The story behind Faramir’s bedroom and “the Window on the West”How Faramir’s insight reveals the true nature of the ring’s curseThe lore of Gandalf’s many names (Mithrandir, Tharkun, and beyond)Boromir and Faramir’s contrasting personalities …

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038 - Samwise Finds Comfort and Conflict in “Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit” 1:15:36

2M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 4, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The hobbits’ strategic plan for their journey around Mordor Gollum’s physical and psychological decline The emotional bond between Frodo and Sam The significance of color symbolism in Tolkien’s description of armies Gollum’s forgotten ski…

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037 - Walking 1,200 Miles to Mordor to Find “The Black Gate is Closed” 1:14:04

2M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 3, "The Black Gate is Closed", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics:The boredom and despair creeping into the narrative Gollum’s complex character The impossibility of sneaking past Mordor’s Black Gate. The emotional depth behind Minas Ithil and Gollum’s tragic memories. Frodo’s disillusionment and the mount…

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036 - Gollum can't be trusted in "The Passage of the Marshes" 1:08:44

2M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 2, "The Passage of the Marshes", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The brutal brutality of The Passage of the Marshes and Tolkien’s masterful misery crafting Gollum’s animalistic guide mode and his dual personalities of Smeagol and Gollum The haunting imagery of corpse candles and battlefield ghosts in t…

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035 - Frodo and Sam Struggle with "The Taming of Smeagol" 1:21:16

3M ago1:21:16

1:21:16

Kicking off Book 4 in our brand new podcast set, this week we discuss book 4, chapter 1, "The Taming of Sméagol", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The crew humorously shares their moving day antics and new recording space vibes. How Frodo and Sam cope with being alone in the wilderness. An analysis of Gollum versus Smeagol and the complexi…

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034 - Pippin’s Perilous Night with "The Palantír" 1:17:39

3M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 11, "The Palantír", from The Two Towers. Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Book Three with the Fool of a Took Podcast as Pippin's curiosity leads to a dire encounter with the enemy. Conversation Topics: Mispronunciations and playful takes on the word "Palantír" Recap of Saruman's foiled attempts at manipulat…

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033 - Gandalf Has a Plan for "The Voice of Saruman" 1:18:05

3M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 10, "The Voice of Saruman", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: Understanding the power and magic of Saruman's voice Gandalf's diplomatic showdown with Saruman at Isengard The role of manipulation and perception in Tolkien's world The complexity of Gandalf’s character and his strategic restraint Pippin's u…

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032 - Merry and Pippin Survive Isengard in "Flotsam and Jetsam" 1:21:46

4M 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 …

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031 - “The Road to Isengard" Ends with Saruman 1:20:51

4M 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…

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030 - The Battle of "Helm’s Deep": No Way Out 1:27:03

4M 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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029 - The Fall (and Rise) of "The King of the Golden Hall" 1:18:09

4M 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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028 - Gandalf is Reborn as "The White Rider" 1:06:44

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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025 - Big, Bad, Blonde Killing Machines...aka "The Riders of Rohan" 1:15:54

5M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 2, "The Riders of Rohan", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": The Blondies of Rohan Listen, I wasn't feeling particularly inspired this week, OK? The riders are blond... right...? Honestly, just follow this recipe as written, it is perfect. https://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/blondies/ For the mix-in…

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024 - Tolkien’s Text vs. Jackson’s Vision: "THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING" 1:28:45

5M ago1:28:45

1:28:45

*FYI - This episode is AUDIO only* A special BONUS EPISODE of Fool of a Took Podcast for the season 2 premiere. We sat down and analyzed Peter Jackson's 2001 Oscar winning adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring (the extended versions). We discuss the movie's triumphs, what we loved about it, and what we didn't love so much. Today's "Food For Thou…

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023 - We Weren't Ready for "The Departure of Boromir" - S2 PREMIERE 1:05:46

5M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 1, "The Departure of Boromir", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Boromir's Cream Horn Yes, that name was meant to be gross. Anyway, a cream horn is a real dessert and it felt right to honor Boromir. Recipe adapted from https://stressbaking.com/cream-horns/#recipe Thaw a sheet of puff pastry and sl…

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An important message to our fans... 3:18

6M ago3:18

3:18

June 25th - Season 2 - THE TWO TOWERS ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Fool of a Took Podcast — the show where deep lore meets even deeper nonsense! Here's the catch - 2 of the 4 hosts have never read the books before! Join Chris, RJ, Pat and Laura as they dive headfirst into the world of Tolkien. With chapter sna…

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022 - Unimaginable Consequences from "the Breaking of the Fellowship" - S1 FINALE 1:28:54

10M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

As season one concludes, Frodo does an exposition dump, Chris nearly dies, and Sam forces Frodo to relive this childhood trauma. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 10, "The Breaking of the Fellowship", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": The Eye of Sugar I've been waiting a whole book to make these, so the final episode o…

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021 - It's Either Death or Drowning in "The Great River" 1:02:28

10M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Sam has a "crappy" time on the boat, Pat can't tell what color his shirt is, and Boromir gaslights the fellowship. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 9, "The Great River", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Mini Swiss Rolls with Eyes (What Sam Saw) The Cake: 6 large eggs, separated, room temp 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, 3/4…

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020 - Nobody Wants to Say "Farewell to Lorien" 1:08:32

10M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Figuring out our Lembas bread equivalents, Gimli has his first crush, and Pat gives out presents for his birthday. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 8, "Farewell to Lorien", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Elven Lembas Bread Yes!! I finally get to make Lembas bread! Probably one of the most recognizable foods from LO…

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019 - Reflecting On "The Mirror of Galadriel" 1:03:59

10M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Deciding our new addresses in Lorien, uncovering each others banes, and role-playing J.R.R. Tolkien's editor trying to reduce the amount of proper nouns per chapter. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 7, "The Mirror of Galadriel", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Galadriel's Mirror Glaze I've been watching too much Gre…

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018 - Time Moves Differently in "Lothlorien" 1:09:21

11M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

The fellowship traverse the magical lands of Lothlorien, an accident from Chris' past resembles Sam's tree predicament, and how "The Brave Little Toaster" might play a significant role in Tolkien's multiverse. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 6, "Lothlorien", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Lothlorien Fizz Intended …

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017 - Losing More Than We Imagined at "The Bridge of Khazad-Dum" 1:09:20

11M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Pat makes Robbie Jean cry, Chris plays with a sword, and Laura purposely tries to ruin everyone's night. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 5, "The Bridge of Khazad-dum", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": The Fires of Moria Salsa It's getting hot in here... sorry. This week's recipe came from https://www.aspicyperspecti…

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016 - We're Gonna Need A Bigger Flashlight for "A Journey in the Dark" 1:12:45

11M ago1:12:45

1:12:45

The fellowship make their way into the Mines of Moria, Chris learns the etymology of the word "midnight", and Gandalf finally goes full Boomer. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 4, "A Journey in the Dark", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": A Journey into Dark Chocolate and Wine There was little food to be had in this c…

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015 - We Flew to Ireland for "The Ring Goes South" - New Years Day Special 1:17:46

11M ago1:17:46

1:17:46

The gang travels to Ireland for New Years, the Hobbits aren't the only ones to freeze to death, and Chris buys a bootleg Tin Whistle. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 3, "The Ring Goes South", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Special thanks to the amazing staff at Montenotte Hotel in County Cork for letting us record a podcast in your fine esta…

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014 - "The Council of Elrond" Decide The Future of Middle-Earth - Christmas Special 1:23:50

12M ago1:23:50

1:23:50

Chris' counterfeit Amazon book is starting to really affect Tolkien's story, Gollum eats all the spies and the gang consumes the fellowships bodies. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 2, "The Council of Elrond", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": The (Gingerbread) Council of Elrond This recipe is from https://sallysbakin…

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013 - Reuniting With Dear Friends in "Many Meetings" 1:00:25

12M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Gandalf is back, Chris confuses Snow White for Lord of the Rings and Pat's coffee mentality is problematic. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 1, "Many Meetings", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Elven Tea Blooms Blooming tea or flowering tea feels super fancy and like something high elves would serve at a feast. If yo…

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012 - Frodo Might Not Make It Through the "Flight to the Ford" 59:16

12M ago59:16

59:16

The Hobbit's get drunk, Chris gets a lisp, and a deep dive on the history of trolls. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 12, "Flight to the Ford", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Eggless Bread Pudding This episode's recipe uses the stale bread and dried fruit mentioned in the chapter. It is based off https://www.justap…

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011 - The Nazgul Attempt To Take Frodo's Life With "A Knife in the Dark" 1:02:20

1y ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Rj takes back her empathy for Butterbur, Pat's memory of Sam's song is ruined by Les Miserables, and Chris makes a terrible bet. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 11, "A Knife in the Dark", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": A Knife in the Dark Chocolate Mousse Adapted from https://www.cookwithmanali.com/easy-chocolate-…

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010 - There's More Than Meets The Eye with "Strider" 1:03:49

1y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Butterbur realizes how badly he screwed up, Harry is the worst gatekeeper of all time, and Robbie Jean has a glue trap of a mind. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 10 - "Strider", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Stout Beer for Stout People BUY STOUT BEER DRINK STOUT BEER NOTICE THAT IT WAS 11% AND GET A HANGOVER ----…

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009 - Bad Things Happen "At The Sign of the Prancing Pony" 1:01:13

1y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Frodo chooses the worst time to do a singing jig, Strider definitely doesn't work for the Middle Earth Parks Service, and finding the truth about Tolkien's love affair with tramps. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 9 - "At the Sign of The Prancing Pony", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": The Prancing Pony's Blackberry …

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008 - We'll Never See Napping the Same After "Fog on the Barrow-Downs" 1:00:45

1y ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Laura changes her mind about Tom Bombadil, the Hobbits kill time doing naked cartwheels and Pat chokes on a donut. This week we discuss Chapter 8, "Fog on the Barrow-Downs", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": A Donut Diorama of the Downs There is no recipe for this one. Combine donuts and various candies to represent the B…

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007 - Not Sure What To Trust... "In the House of Tom Bombadil" 1:00:02

1y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Sam sleeps like a log, rain is mostly pee, and Pat struggles to articulate his hate for Tom Bombadil. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 7 - "In the House of Tom Bombadil", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Tom Bombadil's Dinner Spread This episode's Food for Thought was simply a recreation of what Tom fed the hobbits a…

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006 - Hobbits Are Poor Decision-Makers in "The Old Forest" 55:41

1y ago55:41

55:41

Laura accidentally roofies the group, Merry gets aroused by Tom Bombadil, and Pat & Rj attempt a sea shanty. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 6 - "The Old Forest", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Magic Willow's Mandatory Naptime Tea Get yourself some chamomile tea or other herbal tea. Drink it and take a nice nap. D…

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005 - Frodo's Secret Unravels in "A Conspiracy Unmasked" 1:00:59

1y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

The hobbits take a bubble bath, Laura learns about Papa Smurf's secret, and saving Merry at BuckleBerry Ferry makes Pat throw up his drink. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 5 - "A Conspiracy Unmasked", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Fatty's Stuffed Mushrooms 4 Portobello mushroom caps 1 cup cooked crumbled sausage …

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004 - The Hobbits Almost Become Dinner Themselves in "A Shortcut to Mushrooms" 1:00:35

1y ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Chris pulls a rain man, the hobbits get roofied, and J. R. R. Tolkien's real name is revealed - it's not what you think it is. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 4 - "A Shortcut to Mushrooms", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Mrs. Maggot's Hearty Mushroom & Bacon Quiche Frozen or homemade pie crust (deep dish) 1/2 lb b…

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003 - "Three Is Company" When You're Not Wanted 1:02:11

1y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Rest in peace Otho, fat shaming, and Ted Sandyman ruin's Pat's dream of being Gandalf. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 3 - "Three Is Company" from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Mrs. Maggot's Hearty Mushroom & Bacon Quiche Frozen or homemade pie crust 1/2 lb bacon (extra thick cut recommended) 1 tsp veg oil -----------…

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002 - Gandalf and Frodo Discuss "The Shadow of the Past" 1:13:14

1y ago1:13:14

1:13:14

A typo breaks the silence, the gang give each other travel names and Aragorn turns RJ on. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 2 - "the Shadow of the Past" from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": A Snack for Gollum Smoked salmon Cheese of choice (recommend chive cream cheese and smoked gouda) Crackers Swedish fish This snack do…

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001 - "A Long-Expected Party" kicks off a Long Expected Podcast 59:01

1y ago59:01

59:01

Gentle (and not so gentle) hobbits, Gandalf's a jerk, and a good old fashioned Ham Sam-which. This week we discuss book 1, chapter 1 - "A long-Expected Party" - from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": A Toast to Bilbo's Birthday Bash Drink of choice (sweet wine and mead are good options) Honey Pop Rocks -Line the rim of your go…

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A Love Letter to Lavender 1:23:09

2y ago1:23:09

1:23:09

Join Samwise Raridon Community Herbalist and Meditation Practitioner and Therapist Liz Fitzgerald for a sweet and reverent chat on Lavender, queerness and joy. If you want to learn more about Liz and their work, you can find them at https://www.therapistliz.com/ Herb at the End of the World will be taking a hiatus while Samwise adjusts to some big …

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Summer Update 4:27

2+ y ago4:27

4:27

Just a little announcement about taking a break over the summer to heal up and work camp! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Herb at the End of the World is created by Samwise Raridon, community herbalist, teacher and organizer of germanic, celtic and Lebanese lineages living as a guest in unceded Shaw…

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Burdock and Mental Health 31:16

2+ y ago31:16

31:16

Join Samwise Raridon Community Herbalist and their partner Seed Minkin Youth Educator and Artist for a sweet and powerful conversation about herbs for mental health support, including Burdock. Thank you so much Seed for sharing your beauty and wisdom. Content Warning: In this episode we touch on themes of mental health, working with Bipolar, and ac…

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Why "Hiraeth Community"? 4:28

2+ y ago4:28

4:28

Why “Hiraeth Community”? A couple of people have asked me why the name ‘Hiraeth Community.’ To answer that, let me take you back … back to the dark old days we used to call the global covid pandemic. Because, it seemed to me, in the midst of all the madness and uncertainty, that people were searching. Genuinely searching while experiencing all sort…

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Creativity 42:39

2+ y ago42:39

42:39

First church artists, writers, and musicians share what creativity means in their lives. Featuring Jess Hicks, Kathy Crawley, Eugene Pool, Jon Svetkey, Heather Quay, Nick Hausman, Parrish Dobson, Valentin Frank, Alice Trexler, and Richard Curzi.By The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist