Best What S Up Fandom Podcasts (2025)

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181: The Hobbit 52: Smaug's End And The Nature of Heroes 30:14

Play Pause

1d ago30:14

30:14

The qualities of realists. Nature (the lake and the moon) fighting back against Smaug. How the Black Arrow isn't actually a Deus Ex Machina. There's so much to unpack here! Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, t-shirts and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lor…

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180: The Hobbit 51: The Beauty and Corruption of Erebor 28:54

8d ago28:54

28:54

The dwarves and Bilbo finally make their way through Erebor, finding only the remains of the dragon's occupation contrasting with the beauty of nature and Dwarvish creations. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, t-shirts and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@L…

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179: The Hobbit 50: Bravery Isn't A Lack Of Fear 31:10

15d ago31:10

31:10

It's the realistic reaction to fear that makes the dwarves feel so real. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, t-shirts and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and jo…

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Ferrari Fandom, Supercharged by AI 27:35

23d ago27:35

27:35

Scuderia Ferrari and IBM are redefining fan engagement with AI-driven insights, and cutting-edge digital tools. Learn how IBM is helping Scuderia Ferrari deepen connections with its almost 400 million fans worldwide, driving innovation and community in the digital age. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't n…

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178: The Hobbit 49: The Magic Bird is Listening 35:38

22d ago35:38

35:38

How do you solve the problem of information dissemination when writing a novel? Tolkien gives us a master class answer. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, t-shirts and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twit…

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177: The Hobbit 48: How to Talk to a Dragon 30:54

29d ago30:54

30:54

Bilbo outwits Smaug in what might be the most engaging conversation every written. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Ro…

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176: The Hobbit 47: Bilbo Proves He's Not A Grocer 28:28

1M ago28:28

28:28

How would you react to a dragon sleeping on a mountain of treasure? Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam:…

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175: Can all Maiar shape shift? How do Elves actually choose to be human? Community Questions Answered 52:39

1M ago52:39

52:39

We're changing it up this week with a mountain troll sized episode to answer community questions. We'll be back with more Hobbit next week. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twi…

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174: The Hobbit 46: Bilbo's Descent Into Darkness 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

The hidden path is open. It's Bilbo's moment, and the bravest thing he will ever have to do. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and j…

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173: The Hobbit 45: The Hidden Door of Erebor 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

A magic door is a classic fairy tale trope, and Tolkien handles it masterfully. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ Leave me a voice message: https://voiceline.app/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://…

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172: The Hobbit 44: The Desolation of The Dragon 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

The party leaves Laketown and soon realized that the land around the mountain does not want them there. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ Leave me a voice message: https://voiceline.app/lotrlorec…

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L’Oréal and IBM: AI-Powered Beauty 26:31

3M ago26:31

26:31

This week, the show takes you behind the scenes at L'Oréal’s research center in New Jersey. Malcolm Gladwell delves into the complexities of cosmetic formulation and the AI partnership with IBM. Learn how AI is poised to revolutionize the creation of beauty products, to make them even more sustainable and innovative. This is a paid advertisement fr…

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171: 2 Truths and a Lie | Robots Radio Summer Lore Party 1:08:57

3M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Can you spot the lie? Robots Radio network hosts compete to see who knows the most about the lore of other shows. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ Leave me a voice message: https://voiceline.app…

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170: The Hobbit 43: The Return of the (Dwarven) King 36:05

3M ago36:05

36:05

The party enters Laketown, and Thorin announces his return. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ Leave me a voice message: https://voiceline.app/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lor…

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169: The Hobbit 42: How Long Can A Dwarf Survive Cold Water? 33:42

3M ago33:42

33:42

As the party reaches the end of their river escape, the Dwarves climb out of their barrels seemingly barely alive. How realistic is this? Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ Leave me a voice messag…

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168: The Hobbit 41: Lucky Barrels Down The River 28:43

3M ago28:43

28:43

Wait, do people actually send escorted barrels down rivers? Yes, actually. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game stream…

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167: The Hobbit 40: Bilbo's Exceptional Escape Plan 31:13

4M ago31:13

31:13

Bilbo discovers a way out, and we discover exactly how exceptional he is. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams…

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166: The Hobbit 39: Prisons Inside of Prisons 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

Bilbo bides his time, gets the burglary lessons he's needed, and uses his wits to survive. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows…

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165: The Hobbit 38: The Woodland Realm or New Doriath? 32:45

4M ago32:45

32:45

Captured, the dwarves are marched into Thranduil's underground stronghold. Is it just me, or does this feel like Doriath? Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Join me at GCX in Orlando on July 25th and 26th! https://gcxevent.com/ On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lo…

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164: The Hobbit 37: The Wood-Elves are Not Evil. I Promise. 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

The party recovers from the spider attack, and realize that someone is missing. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robot…

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How AI Assistants Can Transform Education 27:23

4M ago27:23

27:23

Malcolm Gladwell visits Kennesaw State University to learn about Jiwoo, an AI Assistant that helps future teachers practice responsive teaching by simulating classroom interactions with students. Discover AI’s impact on teaching methods to prepare teachers for the classroom. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast d…

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163: The Hobbit 36: How to Get Out of a Sticky Situation 34:49

5M ago34:49

34:49

Have you ever wondered how authors can paint themselves into an impossible situation or puzzle, only to figure out a realistic solution? Bilbo is in just such a scenario here. How does he, and Tolkien, get through this? They manage to cross the river, but things immediately get even stranger - strange voices, deer, magical sleep, and symbolic trees…

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New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon 1:02

5M ago1:02

1:02

Smart Talks with IBM returns Tuesday, May 20th, and this season, we’re really shaking things up. Host Malcolm Gladwell will visit various companies to tell stories of how IBM clients are using artificial intelligence and data to transform the way they do business. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks See omnystudio.…

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162: The Hobbit 35: Spiders and The Hero's Journey 33:56

5M ago33:56

33:56

Lazy Lob, Crazy Cob, Tomnoddy, and Addercop all explained. Bilbo finds his courage and confronts giant spiders in the best of ways. They manage to cross the river, but things immediately get even stranger - strange voices, deer, magical sleep, and symbolic trees... Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: htt…

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161: The Hobbit 34: The Dangers of Dreaming 31:04

5M ago31:04

31:04

As Bombur wakes up from a dream of feasts, fires and song, the party begins to experience the exact same temptation. They manage to cross the river, but things immediately get even stranger - strange voices, deer, magical sleep, and symbolic trees... Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreo…

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160: The Hobbit 33: Somehow Mirkwood Keeps Getting MORE Spooky 31:12

5M ago31:12

31:12

They manage to cross the river, but things immediately get even stranger - strange voices, deer, magical sleep, and symbolic trees... Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv…

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159: The Hobbit 32: Flies & Spiders, Light & Dark 31:17

6M ago31:17

31:17

As the party heads into the "tunnel" through Mirkwood, they descend into a stale darkness they've never experienced before. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsrad…

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158: The Hobbit 31: Mirkwood Reaches Out To Them 36:24

6M ago36:24

36:24

As the party heads toward Mirkwood, the tone shifts, the world grows darker, and it feels like the future of their journey has never been more dangerous. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and gam…

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157: The Hobbit 30: Dancing Bears and a Mysterious Wizard 32:04

6M ago32:04

32:04

As the next day rises, both Gandalf and Beorn are missing. What comes next is are two mysteries. One that is solved, the other leaves us with questions. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game…

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156: The Hobbit 29: A Comfortably Spooky Night 29:17

6M ago29:17

29:17

The party joins Beorn and his animal servants for dinner and a very strange night's rest. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join…

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155: The Hobbit 28: Captivating Beorn Two by Two 32:02

7M ago32:02

32:02

Gandalf knows exactly the right way to keep a giant bear-man interested in a story, while the dwarves enter two by two. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio T…

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154: The Hobbit 27: Beorn 32:19

7M ago32:19

32:19

We finally meet Beorn! Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce BlueSky:…

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153: The Hobbit 26: Carrocks, Oaks, and River Baths 33:45

7M ago33:45

33:45

The next part of our journey begins, Gandalf warns that he will depart soon, but first, he will take them to meet a skin-changer. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/rob…

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152: The Hobbit 25: Out of the Fire and Seized by Eagle Tallons! 30:17

8M ago30:17

30:17

The party isn't yet safe. Bilbo holds on for dear life and wonders if the Eagles are friends or foes. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Ri…

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151: The Hobbit 24: The Eagles! 29:31

8M ago29:31

29:31

We get our first description and experience with the most noble of birds in Middle-Earth. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join…

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150: The Hobbit 23: Danger, Humor, and Magic Pinecones 34:13

8M ago34:13

34:13

"They're always running away from things!" Yes, but for good reason! Trees, Wargs, and Magic! Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and …

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How Infrastructure is Powering the Age of AI 54:32

8M ago54:32

54:32

In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell speaks with Ric Lewis, IBM’s Senior Vice President of Infrastructure. They discuss how hardware capability has enabled the matrix math required to run large language models. Furthermore, they delve into some creative examples of how to put AI to work: from your bank to your local coffee shop…

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149: The Hobbit 22: Saved by the Trees (no, not Ents...) 31:09

8M ago31:09

31:09

Why does Tolkien spend so much time talking about the plants they see on their journey? Well, of course, there's a reason. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradi…

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148: The Hobbit 21: Bilbo's Sudden Change in Character 35:07

9M ago35:07

35:07

As Bilbo leaves the mountain, the Goblins, and Gollum behind, we see an interesting shift in his personality. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord o…

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147: The Hobbit 20: This Might Be The MOST IMPORTANT Section of the Entire Book 35:10

9M ago35:10

35:10

As we reach the climax of Chapter V, some very specific decisions are made and events transpire that will have huge implications for the future of Middle Earth. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows …

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146: Robots Radio Holiday Special 2024 1:18:36

9M ago1:18:36

1:18:36

We want to share with you things that we love, because you might love them too! Robots Radio show hosts gather together to share their favorite thing(s) of the year. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live S…

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145: Year End Q&A - Ask Me Anything! 59:40

9M ago59:40

59:40

We decided to mix it up for the holidays and wow, you all had some great questions! Here are my thoughts on a lot of great topics. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/ro…

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144: The Hobbit 19: The First Use of The Ring 34:10

10M ago34:10

34:10

Gollum becomes suspicious, and Bilbo flees - but something surprising happens. The Ring is more subtle than we might expect. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsra…

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Responsible AI: Why Businesses Need Reliable AI Governance 27:24

10M ago27:24

27:24

To deploy responsible AI and build trust with customers, businesses need to prioritize AI governance. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Laurie Santos discuss AI accountability with Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer at IBM. They chat about AI regulation, what compliance means in the AI age, and why tra…

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143: The Hobbit 18: “What have I got in my pocket?” 35:22

10M ago35:22

35:22

Probably the most memorable sentence in the entire Hobbit, and it gives us incredible insights into who Gollum is. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk L…

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142: The Hobbit 17: Riddles in the Dark 31:13

10M ago31:13

31:13

What could be more terrifying than wagering your life on riddles with a scary creature in the dark? Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Ring…

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141: The Hobbit 16: Lost in the Dark 34:08

10M ago34:08

34:08

We begin the most iconic chapter in the entire book. Something that sticks with all of us, after reading. We all know what it's like to wander around in the dark. The fear. The loneliness... Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lord…

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140: The Hobbit 15: Beater and Biter's Blue Rage 35:12

11M ago35:12

35:12

The book's tone continues to darken as we get our first glimpse of real combat, and a look at legendary swords. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord…

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139: The Hobbit 14: We Finally Meet The Goblins 32:06

11M ago32:06

32:06

Tolkien's perspective on orcs/goblins/uruks is more nuanced and interesting than you might have realized. Let's discuss the capture of Thorin's party by the goblins in the mountain. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRing…

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138: The Hobbit 13: The Terrors of The Mountains 35:38

11M ago35:38

35:38

Bilbo's first mountain experience turns terrifying, and only descends from there. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Rob…