John is joined by Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss Of the Coming of Men into the West, the nineteenth story in The Silmarillion. They discuss the migration of men into and within Beleriand, the friendship of Fingolfin, and the great houses of the Edain. Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Links…

Elysia, Marilyn, and Nichole defy you not to enjoy this very likable musical – now the highest grossing movie musical in history! They open with a spoiler-free first act to set the stage with the history behind the movie and their spoiler-free reviews, before jumping into the Wicked: Part I movie spoilers (00:42:07) – including comparisons with the…

Jean and Elysia are on the mics for their first 'Versus match-up, pitting Joker from DC comics head to head against Madcap from Marvel (00:37:00) – which insane clown that definitely can't keep a posse will come out on top? Or, with these two characters, will it all go awry? But first they talk about the second Todd Phillips Joker movie, Joker: Fol…

The cohosts and affiliates are back to give rank their top shows of 2024. With interviews by David and John and even a fully-produced Nevermind the Music episode, there are plenty of takes in this bonus episode. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 of the rankings for Elysia, David, and John's takes on the year, as well as community rankings. See the C…

Elysia and John recap this year's Doctor Who Christmas special. It's the first Christmas special of the 15th Doctor's era without onboarding, and we're here to celebrate Nicola Coughlan's performance, Ncuti Gatwa's emoting skills, and a very on-theme Christmas episode. Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/theloreho…

David, John, and Elysia rank their favorite shows of 2024. With last minute adjustments, extra categories, and vigorous debate, the Lorehounds share their definitive lists for the year. We also hear from the community via a ranked-choice poll. And don't forget to come back tomorrow for Part 2 of the rankings featuring our cohosts and affiliates. Se…

David and Elysia examine the season finale of Dune: Prophecy. They discuss the revelation of mysterious technologies controlling Desmond, and the major power shifts within the Imperium as multiple factions vie for control. Watch for two upcoming episodes: a listener feedback discussion and a deep-lore crossover with the Dune Minute Podcast. Contact…

The Lorehounds gather the Christmas Avengers, Elysia, John, David, Maia, and Anna Claus, to close out the season with a discussion of two of the latest additions to Netflix's growing Christmas multiverse. They start off with the lighthearted movie about if Frosty was a hunk, Hot Frosty. Then, they meet the other Mean Girls alumni, Lindsay Lohan, fo…

John and Marilyn discuss the first four episodes of the new Star Wars limited series, Skeleton Crew. They discuss the rise of the Star Wars suburb, the impressive acting of a young cast, and a galaxy-wide conspiracy that the space Goonies are here to solve. Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Contact…

David and Elysia break down the penultimate episode of Dune: Prophecy's first season. As revelations about Desmond's true heritage emerge and Constantine receives a surprising promotion, the hosts explore the episode's complex political machinations, mysterious technologies, and growing religious tensions. Special attention is paid to the introduct…

Historian Nate Ledbetter joins hosts David and Elysia to finish-up their analysis of Pachinko. They complete their discussion of the rest of the story from Season 2 and then consider listener feedback. The hosts are also considering organizing a book club to read Min Jin Lee's novel that inspired the series. Stay tuned for more details. Contact Us …

David and Elysia examine episode four of HBO's Dune: Prophecy. The haunting visions plaguing the Sisterhood's acolytes on Wallach 9 point to a reckoning on the horizon, while political machinations at the Landsrad High Council meeting reach a shocking climax. Desmond Hart's mysterious powers and true nature raise more questions, as Theodosa's hidde…

David is joined by special guest Ian Whittington from Captain's Pod: A Star Trek Companion podcast to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). They explore the film's groundbreaking visual effects, complex production history, and critical place in Star Trek franchise history. The hosts share their personal connections…

David and Elysia from The Lore Hounds welcome John and Zach from the Dune Minute Podcast for an in-depth discussion of Dune: Prophecy. The episode starts spoiler-free for those just interested in the season so far. After a warning the conversation then delves deeper into a detailed analysis, exploring theories about Desmond Hart, debating the show'…

David and Elysia dive deep into the complex dynamics of the Harkonnen sisters through extensive flashbacks, examining their relationship and pivotal moments that shaped them. They analyze the show's portrayal of truth, loyalty, and sacrifice while exploring key themes around identity and institutional power. The hosts discuss the visual and product…

David and Elysia dive into listener theories and reactions to episode two, exploring fan speculation about Desmond Hart's true nature and the show's deeper connections to Dune lore. The hosts address questions about the Bene Tleilax, genetic memory mechanics, and potential links to the upcoming Dune: Messiah film adaptation. Special attention is gi…

David and Elysia discuss the HBO series' second episode, examining the aftermath of Sister Kasha's death and its implications for both the Sisterhood and the Imperial Court. They explore the mysterious abilities of prisoner Desmond Hart, delve into key themes around power and truth, and analyze Sister Lila's harrowing experience with the Agony ritu…

David introduces Mark and Nicole's episode about Depeche Mode's 1990 hit, "Enjoy the Silence," from the Lorehounds Affiliate Never Mind The Music podcast. He discusses how their unique approach to music analysis aligns with the Lorehounds' style of looking beneath the surface, highlighting their exploration of musical theory and human psychology. W…

David and Elysia analyze the HBO series premiere of Dune: Prophecy, exploring the complex dynamics between the Harkonnen sisters and the early formation of the Bene Gesserit. They examine the show's political intrigue, religious themes, and potential connections to the wider Dune universe. Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: dune@thel…

Historian Nate Ledbetter joins hosts David and Elysia to continue their analysis of Pachinko, focusing on the post-earthquake era through World War II. They explore how war transforms social hierarchies, examine the complex relationships between characters, and discuss the historical context of the Nagasaki bombing. Part 3 will continue the convers…

David and Elysia are briefly joined John and Jean for the first part of the episode to discuss The Penguin's powerful season finale. They explore the show's brilliant character work, particularly Colin Farrell's transformation into Oz Cobblepot and Cristin Milioti's standout performance as Sofia Falcone. The hosts analyze the dark trajectory of Osw…

David and Elysia are joined by special guest Nate Ledbetter, a Japanese history expert and Princeton PhD candidate, to explore Season 1 of Pachinko. They discuss the show's unique approach to bilingual storytelling, examine the historical context of 1920s-30s Korean-Japanese relations, and break down key character arcs including Sunja's journey fro…

David and Elysia introduce their coverage plans for the upcoming HBO Original Series, Dune: Prophecy, premiering on HBO, November 17, 2024. They discuss the show's setting 10,000 years before the Denis Villeneuve Dune films, during the formation of the Bene Gesserit and the early Imperium era. They break down key characters including the Harkonnen …

John and Jean dive into DC's All-In Comic Event. The multiverse is sealed, and Darkseid is more powerful than ever. In his new Absolute Universe, heroes are underdogs. Will it be enough? Comics Recapped DC All-In Special #1 Absolute Batman #1 Absolute Wonder Woman #1 Absolute Superman #1 Share your own thoughts: comicsversus@thelorehounds.com Links…

Jean and Elysia field questions and final thoughts from the Lorehounds community on the final two episodes of Agatha All Along (season 1) and the season as a whole. From what we know about the season's alternative endings to who we think Nicky's dad is and why. Watch out for the season wrap-up game episode releasing in a few days! Share your own th…

Elysia and Jean debate the relativity of Agatha's villainy, Nicky's origin story, and where we'll see all these characters next in their recap and breakdown of the last two episodes of Agatha All Along – episode 8: "Follow Me My Friend to Glory at the End" and episode 9: "Maiden Mother Crone." Watch out for a separate mailbag episode to drop in a c…

John is joined by Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss Of Maeglin, the eighteenth story in The Silmarillion. They discuss the dark elf Eöl, the family dynamics of Gondolin, and some sensitive topics that rarely come up in the writings of Tolkien. Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Links to Patreon…

David and Elysia discuss episodes 4, 5 & 6 of The Penguin, on HBO Max. They breakdown the character arcs for Sofia, Vic and Oswald. Jean will be back for the final podcast covering episodes 7 & after they have aired. *Note: There was a technical error on David’s mic which affected the audio quality of his recording. The issue was identified and fix…

In case you missed it, Marilyn delivered a lovely paper on The Double-Edged Chisel: The Perilous Knowledge of Creativity at Signum University's New England Moot! Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Find More Information on Signum University's Moots Here Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, …

A haunted greeting to all! Elysia leads David & John through a Spooktober showdown between the original Halloween classic, Poltergeist (1982), and its 2015 remake. Two families, two psychic ringers, and more face off while the Lorehounds decide the official winner of this ghostly-horror battle. Join us on Patreon & Supercast with the links below fo…

Jean and Elysia are joined by David for an emotional discussion of this week's deeply moving look at the life of Lilia, after which Elysia and Jean nerd out about the reveal of Rio's identity (00:33:31) and break down the episode scene by scene and tarot spread by tarot spread (00:48:32) and check in on the latest thoughts and theories from listene…

With Teen's full backstory revealed, Elysia and Jean make sure none of the exquisite, heart-breaking details passed you by – including all the clues in his room, in the past and now, and telling Easter eggs from his research into Agatha – following an unexpected character cameo. How do the pieces of all these witches' ("possessive plural") lives fi…

David, John, and Marilyn wrap up Season 2 of The Rings of Power with a supersized mailbag episode. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lotr@thelorehounds.com Sign up for the One-Time Rings of Power Season Pass: TRoP Season Pass Links to Patre…

Jean and Elysia break down THAT big reveal, plus all the other newest hints and revelations in episode 5 of Agatha All Along: "Darkest Hour, Wake Thy Power" – where more than one character tapped into new sources of power, for better (heksenbezen across the moon!) or worse (oh, Agatha...). Share your own thoughts: mcu@thelorehounds.com Links to Pat…

David, John, and Marilyn are joined by Mark from Nevermind the Music to talk all things Rings of Power Season 2! They start off with their overall thoughts before playing a musical game show. Then, they talk deep lore with the help of listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or …

David, Elysia and Jean review episodes 2 & 3 of the HBO Limited series, The Penguin as part of the Lorehounds coverage of the DCUniverse. They focus on the characters of Oz, Vic and Sofia. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelor…

This is the final podcast in the special project covering the 45th anniversary of Alien (1979) and the release of Alien: Romulus (2024). In this podcast, David spoke with several subscribers from the Lorehounds community, including Loremaster Doove71 as well as Lorefounder Shayne and Lorehounder & Server Booster Dork of the Ninjas. Ayesha from the …

Jean and Elysia are joined by Nichole from Nevermind the Music to peel back the many layers of episode 4 of Agatha All Along – "If I Can't Reach You, Let My Song Teach You." Nichole taps into her inner Psychology professor to talk us through generational trauma and epigenetics, while Elysia and Jean touch on Wiccan deities, Hoodoo, the historical s…

The Ultimate Review of Rings of Power Season 2 | Four Podcasts, Two Hours When: October 11th, 2024 at 8pm ET Where: http://ringspodcast.com/live Tickets: $3/each A portion of proceeds raised will be donated to a non-profit organization. Join the The Ultimate Review of Rings of Power Season 2—an epic live stream event featuring hosts from Captain's …

David, John, and Marilyn recap Season 2, Episode 8 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video. They discuss the end of Eregion, the expected and unexpected character deaths, and the reveal of a long-term mystery. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail featur…

David and Jean continue make their way down the Witches' Road and encounter the next trial for Agatha All Along, S01E03, titled "Through Many Miles / Of Tricks and Trials." They start with their spoiler free hot takes and then dive into the episode, saving speculation and listener feedback for the end of the pod. Get in touch: mcu@thelorehounds.com…

John and Marilyn answer all your questions about the episodes 5-7 of Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video. Is Tom Bombadil the father of hobbits? How does Tolkien really feel about oaths? Keep writing in for one more feedback episode when the season is over. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website w…

David, John, and Marilyn recap Season 2, Episode 7 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video. They discuss the impossible choice of Durin IV, the will of the Noldor vs the will of Sauron, and the visual quality of this massive fantasy battle. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact f…

Brandon the Bard joins Elysia to relive their love for the original Beetlejuice from 1988 before hashing out everything they feel worked and didn't work about the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, with musical moments and input from the Lorehounds community. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact…

David and Jean give their Quick Reactions & Hot Takes for episode 1 of the HBO Limited series, The Penguin as part of the Lorehounds coverage of the DCUniverse. They start off spoiler free and then take a look at the characters of Oswald, Victor and Sofia. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form …

Elysia and Jean go deep on the first two episodes of Agatha All Along, the new sequel to WandaVision on Disney+. "Seekest Thou the Road?" They'll point out the musical cues leading you there, and help you keep all the new coven members straight so you can join them in demanding: "Circle Sewn with Fate / Unlock Thy Hidden Gate." Then they unleash th…

David, John, and Marilyn recap Season 2, Episode 6 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video. They discuss the growing control of Annatar, a visual spectacle in Númenor, and a kyber crystal search by the Stranger. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feat…

David is joined by Elysia, Jean and Ron Dawson to discuss Alien: Romulus (2024), the latest film to join the Alien Franchise. The crew starts off with their spoiler-free hot takes before taking and break and getting into a detailed, full-spoiler discussion of the movie, and the franchise as a whole. They wrap up by power ranking all the Alien films…

Elysia and Jean will make sure you have all the information you need to get the most out of Agatha All Along – the new Halloween-themed MCU series about the wicked witch of Westview, premiering on Disney+ on September 18, 2024. In this sound bite-packed recap of WandaVision and everything else that came before (00:15:49), and primer on the witches …

David, John, and Marilyn recap Season 2, Episode 5, Halls of Stone, of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video. They discuss the factions arising within Númenor, the complex feelings of Durin the Younger, and the professional manipulations of Annatar. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the c…