We wrap up our short series on characterized forests in Middle Earth with a little jaunt through Lothlorien, a perilous slice of Valinor preserved in Middle Earth.

Last week we talked about the Old Forest and Ron suggested that maybe trees are just bad by nature. This week, we take a look at a few other forests (Mirkwood/Greenwood and Fangorn) and consider what makes those forests unique from one another (and from the Old Forest).

Our recent conversation about Ents has us thinking about the trees and forests of Middle-Earth. In this episode, we talk about the Old Forest, its characterization by Tolkien, and how it got so bad.

Wrapping up our economics series, we move to the northern kingdom of Arnor, talking about how it differed from Gondor and how we might see links between Arnor and other northern towns (like Bree). We then conclude with the economics of Rohan. (spoiler: they like horses!)

We pick back up with our series on vocation in Middle Earth by talking about the economics of Numenor and about what changed when the people of Numenor established Gondor.

One episode just wasn't enought! We continue our discussion about the TRoP season 3 teaser trailer. (With our apologies for the delayed release!)

Our hosts take ANOTHER break from our current series to talk about the new Rings of Power teaser trailer that dropped at San Diego ComicCon this week. What stood out to you the most? What are you the most excited to see this season?

A previously unreleased letter from Tolkien was recently made public that, among other things, confirms that there were Ents in the Shire (at Gandalf's request). Our hosts talk about this new letter and how it helps us appreciate Tolkien's characters and stories in new ways.

Continuing our series (and picking up on the discussion of Shire economics) our hosts venture under the mountains to discuss what sorts of jobs might be prominant in Dwarven society (and what might motivate the differences between dwarves and hobbits). After this, we shift our focus (and the meaning of "vocation") as we discuss the Elves and their callings.

Getting a little more serious on the topic of vocation, we try to actually answer the listener-submitted question: where did Bilbo (and his family) get their money from? What did he do for work (if anything)? This leads us into broader questions about the nature of the whole Shire economy and what sorts of jobs other Hobbits might be found doing.