042 - Anxiety Climbs in "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol"
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 himGollum’s rare moment of t...
5 Nov 20251h 20min
041 - A Statue, a Shadow, and a Bad Feeling: “Journey to the Cross-roads”
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 s...
29 Okt 202559min
040 - Gollum's Fate is Decided in "The Forbidden Pool"
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 ...
22 Okt 20251h 3min
039 - Captain Faramir and "the Window on the West"
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...
15 Okt 20251h 9min
038 - Samwise Finds Comfort and Conflict in “Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit”
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 MordorGollum’s physical and psycholo...
8 Okt 20251h 15min
037 - Walking 1,200 Miles to Mordor to Find “The Black Gate is Closed”
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 characterThe impossibi...
1 Okt 20251h 14min
036 - Gollum can't be trusted in "The Passage of the Marshes"
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 craftin...
24 Sep 20251h 8min
035 - Frodo and Sam Struggle with "The Taming of Smeagol"
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 ...
17 Sep 20251h 21min
