Michael and Nick have both viewed the critically acclaimed Peter Jackson films multiple times since their release, but neither of them have read the iconic books from J.R.R. Tolkien! So join them as they rectify this pop culture calamity by engaging in a chapter-by-chapter reaction and discussion of one of the most iconic stories of all time, including characters, events and their similarities/differences to the films, and an odd tangent here and there as well.
Meet Michael and Nick for the twelfth time as they catch the shining glimmer of A Knife in the Dark.
Michael wonders whether the end of the chapter was an appropriate cliff hanger, adores the tale of Tinuviel, and is beyond confused over the whereabouts of Aragorn as Frodo is stabbed by the ringwraith.
Nick expresses his dislike for the scene change away from Frodo's perspective, further analyses the ringwraiths teamwork and abilities, and ponders the possibility of Frodo being killed off this early in the book.
10 Aug 2025
Strider
Meet Michael and Nick for the eleventh time as they get to know the mysterious man they call Strider.
6 Jul 2025
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
Hosts Michael and Nick explore the town of Bree and the Prancing Pony Inn, delving into the story's setting and characters in this episode.
6 Jun 2025
Fog on the Barrow-Downs
Hosts Michael and Nick recap the hobbits' journey and define barrow-wights, highlighting Frodo's perilous situation after a judgment error in this episode.
10 May 2025
In the House of Tom Bombadil
Michael and Nick explore the unique character of Tom Bombadil, imagining his hospitality alongside Lady Goldberry, and analyze overlooked milestones for the hobbits in this episode.
21 Feb 2025
The Old Forest
Hosts Michael and Nick explore the historic war between Buckland hobbits and the Old Forest, questioning Merry's guidance and introducing the enigmatic Tom Bombadil in this episode.
4 Feb 2025
A Conspiracy Unmasked
Hosts Michael and Nick analyze Fredegar Bolger's helpfulness, Frodo Baggins's courage, and the Ringwraiths' pursuits, offering insights into friendship, bravery, and the forces of darkness.
17 Jan 2025
A Shortcut to Mushrooms
Hosts Michael and Nick analyze Hobbit appetites, Sam's loyalty, and Farmer Maggot's character, while exploring class dynamics in Middle Earth and reimagining Ringwraith voices.
15 Jan 2025
Three is Company
Michael and Nick analyze Frodo's departure from the Shire, the introduction of Ringwraiths and Elves, and the role of songs in Tolkien's narrative, while pondering visitor etiquette.
21 Dec 2024
The Shadow of the Past
Hosts Michael and Nick analyze the initial stages of the Ring's journey, scrutinizing Gandalf's choices and exploring the character development of Sam in this episode.
7 Dec 2024
A Long Expected Party
Hosts Michael and Nick analyze JRR Tolkien's work, exploring Hobbit party customs, gift-giving, coming-of-age parallels, and the isolated nature of Hobbit culture.
23 Nov 2024
Prologue
Hosts Michael and Nick introduce their podcast, explore the prologue of the book, analyze hobbit culture, and contemplate Bilbo Baggins' discovery of the Ring.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
52
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
32
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