Best Captain Frodo Podcasts (2025)

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153 - Stage Presence Demystified w Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo part 1 of 2 1:06:25

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28d ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Some performers step into the light and the room leans in. Others work just as hard and leave us cold. We wanted to know why. Together with juggler and performance thinker Jay Gilligan, we unpack stage presence without the fluff—what it is, how to build it, and why authenticity beats polish every time. We start by challenging the myth that presence…

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Sir Francis Walsingham 12:10

3h ago12:10

12:10

Behind the splendour of Elizabeth I's court stood a man who guarded the realm not with armies but with information. In this episode of Compact Biographies, we uncover the life of Sir Francis Walsingham, the spymaster whose web of agents, ciphers, and quiet precision protected England from plots, invasions, and the shadows of Europe's religious wars…

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

3d 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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155 - Chainsaws, Pumpkins, And Philosophy w JellyBoy the Clown 1:39:47

14h ago1:39:47

1:39:47

A chainsaw mounted to a sword. Seventeen pumpkins in a minute. And a philosophy that says a show only becomes real when the audience completes it. That’s the ride we take with Jelly Boy the Clown—writer, record-setter, and sideshow artist who turns chaos into craft. We start with the surprise aftermath of America’s Got Talent: millions of viewers, …

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Bob Marley 11:11

1h ago11:11

11:11

From the hills of Jamaica to the heart of the world, Bob Marley's voice carried the rhythm of rebellion and the message of peace. In this episode of Compact Biographies, we explore how one man turned music into movement and left behind a legacy that still unites people across nations and generations. #BobMarley #CompactBiographies #MusicHistory #Re…

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Darth Vader 10:40

3d ago10:40

10:40

From gifted pilot to feared enforcer, Darth Vader's life was a descent into darkness, and a journey back toward redemption. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we uncover the rise, fall, and final act of the man once known as Anakin Skywalker, whose choices reshaped an entire galaxy. #DarthVader #CompactBiographies #GalacticHistory #StarWarsSa…

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Frodo Baggins 11:09

4d ago11:09

11:09

Small in stature but vast in courage, Frodo Baggins carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the life of the hobbit from the Shire whose journey to destroy the One Ring reshaped Middle-earth and redefined what it means to be a hero. #FrodoBaggins #CompactBiographies #MiddleEarth #FantasyH…

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

8h 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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Huckleberry Finn 11:36

5d ago11:36

11:36

Barefoot, curious, and forever chasing freedom, Huckleberry Finn drifted down the Mississippi River and straight into history. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we follow the boy who saw the world's injustice through a child's eyes — and chose what was right over what was lawful. #HuckleberryFinn #CompactBiographies #AmericanHistory #Classic…

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Captain Ahab 11:05

14d ago11:05

11:05

Haunted by loss and driven by obsession, Captain Ahab sailed into legend in pursuit of the great white whale that took his leg and his peace. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the life of a 19th-century whaling captain whose relentless quest became a timeless warning about pride, power, and the human spirit. #CaptainAhab #CompactB…

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Odysseus 11:41

8d ago11:41

11:41

Warrior, wanderer, and king, Odysseus of Ithaca endured storms, monsters, and gods to return home. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the life of the man who outwitted Troy, defied Poseidon, and became a symbol of human endurance. Discover how one hero's long journey changed the meaning of courage forever. #Odysseus #CompactBiograp…

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Don Quixote 10:26

11d ago10:26

10:26

Driven by dreams of knighthood in a world that no longer believed in heroes, Don Quixote rode into legend. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we follow the life of the man from La Mancha, his ideals, his madness, and the eternal question he left behind: is it better to see the world as it is, or as it should be? #DonQuixote #CompactBiographie…

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Atticus Finch 10:46

13d ago10:46

10:46

In an age of fear and prejudice, one man stood calmly at the centre of the storm. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the life of Atticus Finch, the small-town lawyer whose quiet integrity became a symbol of conscience and courage. From the courtrooms of Alabama to the lessons he passed to his children, discover how decency can be t…

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

10d 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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Elizabeth Bennet 10:19

13d ago10:19

10:19

Intelligent, spirited, and unwilling to conform, Elizabeth Bennet redefined what it meant to be a woman of her time. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore her remarkable life in Georgian England, her defiance of social convention, and the enduring love story that challenged class, wealth, and expectation. #ElizabethBennet #CompactBiog…

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Harry Potter 11:36

14d ago11:36

11:36

From an orphaned boy in Surrey to the saviour of the wizarding world, Harry Potter's life is a tale of courage, friendship, and sacrifice. In this episode of Compact Biographies, we uncover how his choices shaped an era and why his story continues to inspire magical and non-magical generations alike. #HarryPotter #CompactBiographies #WizardingWorld…

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154 - What Creates Stage Presence w Jay Gilligan & Frodo part 2 of 2 1:09:31

7d ago1:09:31

1:09:31

What makes an audience lean forward before the first trick lands? We dive into stage presence as a lived practice, not a buzzword. From Jay’s house in Stockholm, Frodo and Jay unpack how real attention, honest emotion, and contextual awareness turn raw technique into connection you can feel in the room. No acting notes, no hollow smiles—just the ha…

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Sherlock Holmes 12:30

16d ago12:30

12:30

Enter Victorian London with 5 Minute Biographies as we examine the life of Sherlock Holmes — the world's greatest consulting detective. From 221B Baker Street to the Reichenbach Falls, explore how his mind reshaped the art of investigation and made deduction a science. #SherlockHolmes #CompactBiographies #DetectiveFiction #VictorianEra #HistoryPodc…

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

10d 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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Andrew Carnegie 12:00

23d ago12:00

12:00

From a Scottish weaver's son to one of the richest men in history, Andrew Carnegie transformed the world through steel and philanthropy. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we follow his journey from the factories of Pittsburgh to the libraries and universities that still bear his name — and explore how one man's belief in the power of knowled…

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

15d 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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Quincy Jones 12:02

30d ago12:02

12:02

From the jazz halls of Chicago to the studios of Los Angeles, Quincy Jones redefined modern music. In this episode of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore how one man's genius reshaped everything from film scores to pop anthems, and why his collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson made him one of the most influential figures i…

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

22d 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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152 - Magic, Originality, and the Burden of Knowledge with Nick Difatte 1:07:45

1M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

What separates a technically competent performer from one who creates unforgettable moments? In this captivating conversation between Captain Frodo and comic magician Nick Diffatte, we journey into the heart of showmanship and the complex relationship between originality and tradition. The performers candidly explore their creative anxieties about …

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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 11:14

1M ago11:14

11:14

Join us as we uncover the fascinating life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, doctor, writer, adventurer, and the mind behind Sherlock Holmes. From Edinburgh classrooms to the moors of The Hound of the Baskervilles, discover how Doyle's dual devotion to science and spirituality shaped one of the most enduring figures in fiction. #SirArthurConanDoyle #Sherl…

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

29d 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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Boudica 9:39

1M ago9:39

9:39

In this episode, we dive into the fierce world of Boudica, the Celtic queen who dared to take on the might of the Roman Empire. From her brutal mistreatment at Roman hands to her legendary uprising that scorched towns across Britain, discover why Boudica's name still echoes through British history. #Boudica #AncientBritain #RomanEmpire #Iceni #Hist…

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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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151 - Creating Your Own Voice in a World of Borrowed Tricks with Nick Diffatte 1:06:19

2M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Ever wondered where the line between inspiration and appropriation lies in performance art? Captain Frodo welcomes comedian-magician Nick Diffatte for a candid exploration of originality in magic that will resonate with creators across all disciplines. Nick takes us behind the scenes of Tannen's Magic Camp—an intensive gathering where 120 young mag…

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Johannes Gutenberg 10:33

2M ago10:33

10:33

Explore the fascinating legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor who gave the world the printing press and lit the spark that fuelled the Renaissance. 📚✨ In this episode, we dive into the story behind Gutenberg's revolutionary technology and why it changed everything. #johannesgutenberg #printingpress #renaissancehistory #historyfacts #compactbio…

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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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Robert Redford 10:17

2M ago10:17

10:17

Robert Redford was more than a movie star—he was a cultural force. From his breakout roles in 1970s classics to reshaping independent cinema with Sundance, his legacy spans generations. In this episode, we reflect on his remarkable life, recent passing, and everything that made him a legend of the screen. #robertredford #hollywoodlegend #sundancefi…