Podcast Episodes
Back to Search187: The Hobbit 57: Thorin Contends With Reality
Episode 187
The beginning of chapter 17 contains some of the best dialogue in the Hobbit, with so many little details that reveal the depth of the characters. Le…
9 months, 1 week ago
186: The Hobbit 56: Bilbo, the Heroic Thief
Episode 186
Not every hero needs a sword, and sometimes sacrifice and kindness is the most powerful quality you can possess.
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9 months, 2 weeks ago
185: The Hobbit 55: Dragon Sickness & War
Episode 185
Thorin places wealth above all else and drives up the stakes for the dragon's treasure.
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9 months, 4 weeks ago
184: Our Fall Gaming Picks - Robots Radio Host Crossover Fall 2025
Episode 184
Robots Radio network hosts join me to talk about the upcoming games and media we're looking forward to, and what you should add to your holiday wish-…
10 months ago
183: The Hobbit 54: The Wisdom of Birds
Episode 183
How would you bring the Dwarves up-to-speed about what just happened in Laketown? Tolkien finds a way that's deeply rooted in myth and legend.
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10 months, 1 week ago
182: The Hobbit 53: Suffering, Blame, and Hope After The Dragon
Episode 182
What do people do when a dragon destroys their town and 1/4 of their population? Tolkien has a very realistic sense of this.
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10 months, 2 weeks ago
181: The Hobbit 52: Smaug's End And The Nature of Heroes
Episode 181
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 …
10 months, 3 weeks ago
180: The Hobbit 51: The Beauty and Corruption of Erebor
Episode 180
The dwarves and Bilbo finally make their way through Erebor, finding only the remains of the dragon's occupation contrasting with the beauty of natur…
11 months ago
179: The Hobbit 50: Bravery Isn't A Lack Of Fear
Episode 179
It's the realistic reaction to fear that makes the dwarves feel so real.
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11 months, 1 week ago
178: The Hobbit 49: The Magic Bird is Listening
Episode 178
How do you solve the problem of information dissemination when writing a novel? Tolkien gives us a master class answer.
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11 months, 2 weeks ago