We’re joined by our friend Matt Graf, the creator behind Nerd of the Rings! Since launching Nerd of the Rings in 2020, Matt has built an incredible community of Tolkien fans, sharing videos exploring the characters, history and lore of Middle-earth, along with the books, films, games, collectibles and the wider world of Tolkien. The channel now has almost 300 million views, and over 1 million YouTube subscribers. This conversation is about much more than Tolkien lore. We talk abou...
23 Sept 2026
Peter Hambleton
Peter Hambleton is known around the world as Glóin, one of the dwarves of Middle-earth in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy. But Glóin is just one chapter in a remarkable New Zealand acting career. After graduating from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 1982, Peter built a long career across theatre, film and television. He won the 1995 New Zealand Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Last Tattoo, and later won Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for his performan...
9 Sept 2026
Royd Tolkien
Royd Tolkien has been part of Jed and Amanda’s story since the very beginning. Join them as he shares a personal perspective on growing up as the great-grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the world’s most beloved authors. He also talks about his brother Mike and his battle with motor neurone disease, a journey that led to Royd’s documentary and book, There’s a Hole in My Bucket. Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for futur...
2 Sept 2026
Mark Hadlow
In this episode of Lucky Kiwi Podcast, we’re joined by someone who has been part Jed’s life for more than 35 years. Mark Hadlow isn’t just a dear friend to us. He’s family. One of New Zealand’s best-known actors, Mark has performed in countless theatre shows, dozens of film appearances, television series, commercials and radio voice-overs in the thousands. He has directed theatre, opera, and film throughout New Zealand. International audiences will know Mark through his long-standing crea...
26 Aug 2026
Stephen Hunter
Stephen Hunter, the man behind Bombur in The Hobbit trilogy, joins us for one of our funniest interviews yet! Stephen takes us behind the scenes of Middle-earth and shares stories, memories, and plenty of laughs from his time working on The Hobbit. Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversations. CREDITS: Producers / Hosts: Amanda & Jed Brophy Editing: Amanda Brophy Original Theme Music: Stephen Gallagher ...
19 Aug 2026
Sala Baker
Special appearances by: Tim Wong — Stunt Coordinator Augie Davis — Stunt Coordinator Steve Reinsfield — Stunts Vincent Roxburgh — Stunts In this episode of Lucky Kiwi Podcast, Sala Baker shares the deeply inspiring and heartfelt story of how he got started as an actor in New Zealand and carved out a career in Hollywood against all odds. From his unforgettable work in The Lord of the Rings to the many roles that followed, Sala opens up about his journey, the opportunities that changed his ...
29 Jul 2026
Sanit Klamchanuan - SpicyThaiDesign
Join us for a conversation with Sanit Klamchanuan (SpicyThaiDesign), whose career spans Wētā Workshop, creature artistry, and cosplay. Sanit shares behind-the-scenes stories from his creative journey, the craftsmanship behind his work, and the experiences that have shaped his career. A special thank you to WeClanCosplay and TheFallenPadawan for providing our intro. Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for future conversat...
22 Jul 2026
Kiran Shah
We sit down with our friend Kiran Shah to hear the stories behind his incredible career. A true testament to dedication and courage, Kiran’s career has been shaped by his willingness to take on challenges, push boundaries, and give everything to his craft. His bravery, determination, and love of filmmaking have made him one of the most respected figures in the industry. The Lucky Kiwi Podcast is a Tolkien podcast exploring The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, and the end...
15 Jul 2026
Luke Hawker
Luke Hawker is one of the most versatile and consistently in-demand performers working in New Zealand film. Over a 25+ year career, he has amassed more than 80 credits across feature films, television, theatre, short films, and performance work. In recent years alone, his credits include: * The Rings of Power — Orc General Magrot and additional Orc performances * The Last of Us — motion capture stunt performer * Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 — motion capture * Thor: Love and Thunder — mo...
8 Jul 2026
Stephen Gallagher
Stephen Gallagher is a two-time Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor from New Zealand whose work spans film, television, and Middle-earth. A dear friend of the podcast, Stephen also composed the original theme music for Lucky Kiwi Podcast. He served as music editor on The Hobbit trilogy, composed the music for “Blunt the Knives” and “The Torture Song” in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, won an Emmy Award for his work as music editor on The Beatles: Get Back, and earned a second Emmy...
1 Jul 2026
Graham McTavish
Graham McTavish - The Hobbit, Acting, Rejection, Fame & Life Beyond the Screen In this episode of the Lucky Kiwi Podcast, Graham shares stories from his remarkable career, reflects on his time in The Hobbit, and opens up about the realities of acting, dealing with rejection, navigating fame, and the experiences that have shaped him along the way. There are thoughtful moments, plenty of laughs, and the kind of candid conversation that reminds us why audiences have connected with Graham...
24 Jun 2026
Shane Rangi
Join Amanda and Jed Brophy for a conversation with Shane Rangi, a longtime friend of Jed’s and one of the most versatile performers to come out of Middle-earth and Narnia, working across acting, stunt performance, motion capture, and creature work. Known for bringing some of the most memorable characters to life, Shane is every bit as larger-than-life off screen. Warm, generous, and effortlessly funny, he had us laughing so hard our faces hurt while sharing stories from his journey through ...
17 Jun 2026
Mark Ordesky- Executive Producer of Lord of the Rings
A rare and deeply insightful conversation with Mark Ordesky, one of the key figures behind bringing The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the screen. Mark reflects on the long road that led to Middle-earth—from early admiration of Peter Jackson’s work, to navigating the uncertainty of getting a project like this even off the ground at New Line Cinema. He also shares stories from behind the scenes of how the films came together, the challenges they faced, and the extraordinary effort it took to tu...
10 Jun 2026
Sir Richard Taylor of Wētā Workshop
We're honored to welcome our very first guest on the Lucky Kiwi Podcast... We started our careers together, so it felt only right to begin this journey with him. Sir Richard Taylor is the co-founder of Wētā Workshop and one of the creative forces behind some of the most iconic film worlds ever made, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and countless groundbreaking productions in film history. A multi-Academy Award winner, his work has helped redefine practical effects and cinematic ...
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