Best Luke Shelton Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 88: Interview with Don Marshall - "J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy” 1:01:11

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22d ago1:01:11

1:01:11

This month, Jude and Stef have the pleasure of interviewing Tolkien educator, influencer and now biographer Don Marshall about his new book, “J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy” which will be published on November 25, 2025, by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. We chat with Don about how the book came about, the challenges and d…

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Hobbitween 2025 2:09:42

24d ago2:09:42

2:09:42

With the thinning of the veil comes our annual autumnal offering! Just when you thought you were safe from repulsive repasts, pilfered plates, and things that slither in the night- Hobbitween 6 has arrived! Join Theo Fleetfoot, Ozzie Oiolaire, Finellen Frostbeard, Iadar Listbalarion, Pumpkins Proudfoot, and our fearless Lore Master for another terr…

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Episode 87: Live from Oxonmoot 2025: Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers 1:16:43

1M ago1:16:43

1:16:43

In episode 87, we discuss highlights from our recent trip to Oxonmoot, and present our session from Oxonmoot titled, “Athrabeth Podcast Live: Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers” with special guests Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen. Join us as we explore what happens when characters from Tolkien’s legendarium go that extra mile to make everythin…

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Episode 86: Lesser-trod Paths with Dr. Luke Shelton 1:26:51

3M ago1:26:51

1:26:51

When you first read the Lord of the Rings, which character did you most relate to? Has that changed as you’ve gotten older? This month, we are joined by Dr. Luke Shelton, who leads us down his lesser-trod path, exploring reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism. Thanks for joining us, L…

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Episode 85: Lesser-Trod Histories 11: The War of the Ring 53:38

3M ago53:38

53:38

In this next installment of The History of Middle-earth, Jude and Stef chat about volume 8: The War of the Ring. Stef talks about Part 2, Chapter 5, “Faramir”, and Jude focuses Part 3, Chapter 9, “The Battle of the Pelennor Fields”. We discuss Tolkien’s writing process, the character development of Faramir, Eowyn, and the Witch King, and the progre…

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Episode 84: Lesser-Trod Histories 10: The Treason of Isengard 53:37

5M ago53:37

53:37

Continuing on with the Lesser-Trod Histories series, this month, Jude and Stef look at two chapters from Volume 7 of the History of Middle-earth: The Treason of Isengard- Chapter 12: Lothlórien and Chapter 13: Galadriel. We chuckle about some fun tidbits that Tolkien toyed with, and discuss the evolution of the Three Elven Rings and their associati…

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Episode 83: Live from Westmoot 2025: “The Unsung Underachievers of Tolkien’s Legendarium” with Knewbettadobetta 1:18:27

6M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Join Jude and Stef and our special guest Knewbettadobetta for our first-ever live show, “Athrabeth Podcast Live: The Unsung Underachievers of Tolkien’s Legendarium” from Westmoot 2025! We put three of Arda’s wettest noodle’s on blast! Thank you Westmoot for having us, and thank you Knewbetta for joining us! Citations: Thank you to our special guest…

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Episode 82: Lesser-trod Histories 9 - The Return of the Shadow: We love a party 53:05

7M ago53:05

53:05

How did Tolkien start writing his epic tale, “The Lord of the Rings”? Join Jude and Stef as they discuss the humble beginnings of the book that became the Fellowship of the Ring in this month’s episode about volume six of the History of Middle-earth, The Return of the Shadow. We chat specifically about the Foreword by Christopher Tolkien, and dig d…

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Episode 81: Lesser-trod Histories 8 - The Lost Road and Other Writings 57:14

8M ago57:14

57:14

We made it to the History of Middle-earth volume 5, “The Lost Road and Other Writings” in our Lesser-trod Histories series! This month we’re chatting about the Etymologies, a list of stems and their derivatives upon which Tolkien’s Elvish languages are built. Join us to learn about the Professor’s interest in the process of language evolution throu…

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Episode 80: Lesser-trod Histories 7 - The Shaping of Middle-earth 58:05

9M ago58:05

58:05

We’re back to our Lesser-trod Histories series! This month, we are looking at the History of Middle-earth Volume 4, The Shaping of Middle-earth. Jude and Stef chat about the Dagor Dagorath (a.k.a. the Last Battle, or the Second Prophecy of Mandos) from its earliest stages in the Sketch of the Mythology through to the most recent version in The War …

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Episode 79: Lesser-trod Paths with Dr. Sara Brown 1:28:07

10M ago1:28:07

1:28:07

This month we are joined by Tolkien professor and scholar, Dr. Sara Brown! Join us for Sara’s lesser-trod path, Feminist criticism of Tolkien’s work! In context of the four waves of feminism, Sara gives us an overview of the past and present of feminist criticism of Tolkien’s work, as well as some thoughts on the future. Thanks for joining us, Sara…

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Episode 78: Lesser-trod Paths with Cameron Bourquein 1:36:14

11M ago1:36:14

1:36:14

Join us this month for a deep dive on Tolkien’s bodacious baddie, the one and only Sauron. Tolkien scholar and Sauron expert, Cameron Bourquein, leads us down her lesser-trod path exploring Sauron’s evolving nature, the meanings of his name, and his changing role in the legendarium throughout its development. Citations: Thank you to our guest host,…

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AthraChats: War of the Rohirrim 39:29

12M ago39:29

39:29

In this very special AthraChat, Jude and Stef sit down to discuss the new film, Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, directed by Kenji Kamiyama. We ruminate on giant turkey legs, things that go crunch in the water, and general punching. Beware of spoilers! Citations: Smith, Chris. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Visual Companion. …

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Episode 77: Interview with Andrew “Trotter” Ferguson 1:16:01

12M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Stef and Jude are joined by Tolkien collecting expert and moderator of the Tolkien Collector’s Guide, Andrew “Trotter” Ferguson. Andrew tells us about his experience collecting and sharing the Professor’s material culture. As it is the holiday season, we finish our discussion with the Father Christmas Letters. Thank you for joining us, Andrew! Cita…

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Episode 76: Interview with Shaun Gunner 1:10:36

1y ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Join us this month for a special interview with Shaun Gunner, Chair of the Tolkien Society. We discuss Shaun’s time with the Society, the upcoming Christopher Tolkien Centenary Conference, and a brand new event for 2025. Citations: Thank you to our special guest, Shaun Gunner! Twitter: @ShaunGunner Websites: shaungunner.com Tolkien Society- https:/…

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Hobbitween 2024 1:53:30

1y ago1:53:30

1:53:30

To celebrate the ghastliest time of the year, the Weenie gang is back in this very special bonus episode of creepy chimeras and monstrous mills. Join us for Hobbitween 5, and Happy Hobbitween to one and all! Citations The One Ring role playing game by Free League: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/the-one-ring/ Cast: Lore Master: James Kaku…

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 8 42:53

1y ago42:53

42:53

We are bummed that Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is over. Join us for one last AthraChat for episode 8, “Shadow and Flame.” Beware of spoilers and sexy Sauron. Find us on the web at https://podcast.athrabeth.com/ Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord! Athrabeth is a production of the Athrabeth Podcast Network.…

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Episode 75: Sauron’s Magic 52:00

1y ago52:00

52:00

In episode 75, Jude and Stef take you on a textual safari to explore the... let's be honest… very weird magic of Sauron. Jude connects the Ósanwe-kenta to how Sauron gets the title of Necromancer, and we have a SPIRITed (hah, see what we did there) discussion of explicit descriptions of his magic in The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion. Come …

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 7 33:51

1y ago33:51

33:51

This isn’t fine…. We just dropped a new AthraChat in which Jude and Stef discuss just how Celebrimboned everyone is in Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7, “Doomed to Die.” Beware of spoilers and aerial horse acrobatics. Find us on the web at https://podcast.athrabeth.com/ Join the conversation on the Athrabeth di…

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 6 42:58

1y ago42:58

42:58

Take the plunge with us in our new AthraChat episode as we discuss Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 6, “Where Is He?” We’re taking a deep dive and making a splash! Water you waiting for? Beware of spoilers in the Abyss! Citations Tolkien Gateway entry for “Secret Fire” https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Secret_Fire …

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 5 42:28

1y ago42:28

42:28

Citations Lea’s Tiktok account- silmarilleanne https://www.tiktok.com/@silmarilleanne?lang=en Find us on the web at https://podcast.athrabeth.com/ Join the Athrabeth discord: https://discord.gg/4rZynfWv3f Athrabeth is a production of the Athrabeth Podcast Network.By Jude Vais & Stef Midlock

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 4 29:58

1y ago29:58

29:58

Join Jude and Stef for a fun, informal AthraChat about Amazon’s The Lords of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 4. Beware of spoilers and a tree or mud that may swallow you.By Jude Vais, Stef Midlock

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Episode 74: The One Ring RPG and Interview with Francesco Nepitello 1:55:10

1y ago1:55:10

1:55:10

Citations: Francesco Nepitello on Twitter: @FNepitello The One Ring by Free League Publishing: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/games/the-one-ring/ (Accessed August 27, 2024) War of the Ring strategy game by Ares Games: https://www.aresgames.eu/games/war-of-the-ring-line (Accessed August 27, 2024)By Francesco Nepitello, James Kaku Pierson, Stef Midlock, Jude Vais

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episodes 2 & 3 42:16

1y ago42:16

42:16

Find Athrabeth on the web at https://podcast.athrabeth.com/ Join the Athrabeth discord: https://discord.gg/DH2WJP452aBy Stef Midlock, Jude Vais

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AthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 1 26:32

1y ago26:32

26:32

Jude and Stef discuss the first episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - season two! Beware spoilers for episode 1 of season 2, as well as spicy opinions about Elrond, elven set-design, and which version of Sauron is sexiest!By Jude Vais, Stef Midlock

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Episode 73: Lesser-trod Histories 6 - The Lays of Beleriand 57:58

1+ y ago57:58

57:58

Citations: Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lays of Beleriand. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 3, George Allen and Unwin, London, 1985. Kindle edition, eISBN: 978-0-358-61268-1, Version 07182023KO v1.0421 (Accessed July 12, 2024) Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins e-books. Apple Books edition. (Accessed July 12, …

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Episode 72: Lesser-trod Histories 5 - The Tale of Eärendel 49:35

1+ y ago49:35

49:35

Citations: Garth, John. Tolkien And The Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth. First Mariner Books edition 2005. eISBN 978-0-544-26372-7. V2.0519. (Accessed June 30, 2024) Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part II. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 2. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1984. (Accessed June 30, 2024)…

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Episode 71: Lesser-trod Histories 4 - Ælfwine 56:25

1+ y ago56:25

56:25

Citations Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part I. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 1. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1983. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part II. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 2. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1984. Takahashi, Dean. A new generation of J.…

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Episode 70: Lesser-trod Histories 3 - The Music of the Ainur 50:37

1+ y ago50:37

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Citations: Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part I. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 1. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1983. Tolkien Gateway entry for “The Music of the Ainur” https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/The_Music_of_the_Ainur (Accessed April 27, 2024)By Jude Vais, Stef Midlock

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Episode 69: A Lesser-Trod Interview with Fornad of ArdaCraft 1:11:21

1+ y ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Citations: Thank you to Fornad for joining us this month on Athrabeth! Check out these ArdaCraft links: ArdaCraft’s linktree: https://linktr.ee/ardacraft ArdaCraft homepage: https://ardacraft.me/ How to join ArdaCraft: https://ardacraft.me/join/ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/qcYBkCmAKZ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Ardacraft You Tube: http…

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Episode 68: Lesser-trod Histories 2 - The Cottage of Lost Play 46:56

1+ y ago46:56

46:56

Citations: Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part 1. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 1. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1983.By Jude Vais, Stef Midlock

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Episode 67: Lesser-trod Histories 1 54:17

2y ago54:17

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Citations: Berridge, Elizabeth. “Recent Fiction”. The Daily Telegraph. Friday, 2 December, 1983, Page 21. Accessed through Newspapers.com on January 27, 2024. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part I. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 1. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1983. TolkienBooks.net “An Illustrated Tolkien …

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Episode 66: Tolkien and New Media - Live from Oxonmoot 50 1:59:18

2y ago1:59:18

1:59:18

Citations: Thank you to the panelists of the “Tolkien and New Media” panel at Oxonmoot 50, September 2, 2023: Marcel R. Bülles, a.k.a. The Tolkienist: Tolkien scholar and founder of the German Tolkien Society. @The_Tolkienist, @thetolkienist.com, https://thetolkienist.com/ Mercury Natis, Queer historian and Tolkien scholar. @Mercuryreads, @mercuryr…

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Episode 65: Interview with Thomas P. Hillman 1:08:16

2y ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Citations: Thank you to Thomas P. Hillman for joining us on Athrabeth! Tom’s book: “Pity, Power, and Tolkien's Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many” is being published on December 19, 2023 by The Kent State University Press https://www.kentstateuniversitypress.com/2023/pity-power-and-tolkiens-ring/?highlight=Pity%20Power Tom’s blog: Alas, not me https://…

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SELECTION REACTION - BEYOND THE BIG 10 57:42

2y ago57:42

57:42

Dive into the heart of college football playoffs with our expert Beyond the Big 10 panel including Ikechukwu Ogwuegbu, Sojourn Shelton, Warren Herring, James White, Tre Watson, and Joey Christopolus as they dissect the committee's top four picks for 2023-2024 playoffs. Explore the heated debate on the rankings of powerhouses like Texas, Alabama, an…

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Camp Randall Platoon: The Axe is BACK in Madison! 35:46

2y ago35:46

35:46

Former Badgers Legends James White, Sojourn Shelton, Warren Herring celebrate the return of the Axe Trophy to Madison, react to Ohio State vs Michigan and preview the Big 10 Championship Michigan vs IowaBy Beyond The Big 10

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Camp Randall Platoon: Bowl'd Up For Minnesota 26:29

2y ago26:29

26:29

James White, Sojourn Shelton and Warrening celebrate another Bowl Season for the Badgers and are fired up to preview the final game of the season against rival MinnesotaBy Beyond The Big 10

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Camp Randall Platoon: A Season Gone Sideways 40:48

2y ago40:48

40:48

James White, Sojourn Shelton and Warren Herring react to the Badgers second half slide and talk about their favorite memories playing in Nebraska before the team's matchup in Week 12!By Beyond The Big 10

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Camp Randall Platoon: Must-Win Time With Vince Biegel 40:18

2y ago40:18

40:18

James White, Sojourn Shelton and Warren Herring welcome former NFL player and former Badger Vince Biegel to talk all things Badgers. They react to another disappointing loss to Indiana, preview a must-win matchup against Northwestern and talk all things ball with Vince Biegel!By Beyond The Big 10

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Camp Randall Platoon: The Platoon Comes Home + Can Badgers Win Big 10 West? 40:58

2y ago40:58

40:58

James White, Sojourn Shelton and Warren Herring recap their incredible visit to Camp Randall for Ohio State @ Wisconsin. They discuss how the Badgers fell short but the Big Ten West is still wide open heading into their matchup next week against Indiana! Stay tuned for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look back at their trip!…

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Episode 64: A-door-able Doors 1:09:57

2y ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Citations: The Book of Lost Tales, part 1 Tolkien, J. R. R. The Book of Lost Tales, Part I. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 1. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1983. (Accessed 10/26/23) Histories Volume 4 Tolkien, J. R. R. The Shaping of Middle-earth. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 4. George All…

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Hobbitween 2023 2:30:46

2y ago2:30:46

2:30:46

Citations: The One Ring role playing game by Free League: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/the-one-ring/ Cast: Lore Master: James Kaku Pierson, @jpierson Theo Fleetfoot: Max Jiménez Ozzie Oiolaire: Zeke Pease, @ezpease, @greenvillearms Iadar Listbalarion: Jude Vais, @eremiticjude Pumpkins Proudfoot: Stef Midlock, @thenorthfour Title music …

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Camp Randall Platoon: Bring On Ohio State - Game Preview 42:13

2y ago42:13

42:13

James, Sojourn and Warren get you ready for the biggest matchup of the Badgers season: a Camp Randall Showdown against Ohio StateBy Beyond The Big 10

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Camp Randall Platoon: Defeated and Depleted 24:16

2y ago24:16

24:16

James Sojourn and Warren recap a tough loss to Iowa, the season-end injury to Tanner Mordecai and preview the team's next matchup against Illinois.By Beyond The Big 10

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Camp Randall Platoon: Best in the West 44:59

2y ago44:59

44:59

James, Sojourn and Warren reflects on the previous match up against Rutgers and talks about the current state of the Big 10 West.By Beyond The Big 10

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Episode 63: Interview with Jordan Rannells 1:11:49

2y ago1:11:49

1:11:49

Citations (episode notes) Thank you to Jordan Rannells for joining us! Jordan’s website: https://jordanrannells.com/ Kickstarter: An Unexpected Soundscape & A Soundscape of Eä Kickstarer link: http://kck.st/46khBIp Ends in the morning on Friday, October 13! Athrabeth listeners can use promo code LOTR25 to get 25% off the entire collection of A Long…