Perfect pod for any adoring LOTR fan. Emily and Manu are both brilliant and give caring and reverent insight. It’s really delightful. They’re both pretty opinionated, and I don’t alway agree with them, but I’m always delighted to learn (like in a deep-dive way) about the LOTR films and canon from two clever and charismatic fans.

i love lord of the rings. watching the movies for the first time* around the one year anniversary of my mom’s death helped me cope immensely, and I’ve made a habit of watching them every year since. im slowly working my way to the books, and am currently almost done with the hobbit. manu and emily are so full of knowledge on LOTR it’s insane. every time i listen i find out something I didn’t know before, and i really love that. i don’t always agree with some of the takes (GANDALF FAN FOR LIFE), but it’s nice to revel in media i love with very intelligent hosts. keep up the good work!! :) * - actually first watched the trilogy in full while staying with my uncle during hurricane rita (shoutout to my cousins with the dvd box set), but i did not remember much EXCEPT when shelob cocoons Frodo, so scary

I have especially loved the Andor recap episodes, Emily and Manu are both brilliant and funny, and Emily’s perspective on some of the Scottish and Irish tie ins and locations.

I don’t always agree with Manu and Emily on their Lord of the Rings or Star Wars takes, but they are consistently insightful and engaging when discussing material. I also appreciate that they go deeper than plot, themes, or even wider lore in talking about the entertainment industry and society writ large and the places LOTR and SW fall in that content. Both hosts offer something different, as well, leading to consistently diverse takes on material. Would hugely recommend for die-hard LoTR fans as well as more casual watchers or readers.

Manu & Emily never disappoint!

These are your guides. Also incredible Star Wars episodes tossed in here. You’ll be glad you subbed.

I stumbled upon this podcast after starting The Rings of Power and I’m so glad I did. It’s smart and funny and not afraid to be critical of the work it covers. I love the context the hosts provide and felt vindicated in my hatred of TROP after listening. (It’s an absolutely terrible show and they’re right to say so.) I’m also loving the Andor coverage. Once it ends, I will be going back to listen to the LOTR episodes from the start.

The deep knowledge and appreciation for the Tolkein material here is always on display*, if you love the LotR films, this is the podcast for you! They’re currently on a digression covering the back half of Andor and that coverage/discussion is also stellar. Recommended! * unlike in a certain Amaz0n show….

This podcast is at the top of my rotation every time a new episode drops. You won't find better insight or humor on any other pop culture podcast out there. The work they're doing on Andor is sublime. If you hated RINGS OF POWER as much as I did, you'll get some great laughs out of their reviews. And the main episodes on the LOTR series is insightful, witty, and full of love. Don't miss out!

Funny, insightful, and not afraid to really dig into what works (and what doesn’t). Wish more fan media was like this.

But the Hosts’ attitudes were pretty toxic for deep-divers into Tolkien, made me not value their opinions for the rest of their content

why shouldn’t I rate a perfect podcast 5 stars?

Dope