John and Marilyn discuss Dragonfly, a short story in Tales from Earthsea, a compilation of stories within The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. LeGuin. This bridge between Tehanu and The Other Wind allows John and Marilyn to explore the way trauma affects different people, the power of youth to create change, and what it means to find balance. Then, they…

John is joined by Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss Of Men, the thirteenth story in The Silmarillion. They discuss the awakening of men, the acceleration of time, and the apparent inaction of the Valar. Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Support us on Supercast or Patreon: https://thelorehounds…

David and John recap episode 9, Crimson Sky, of the FX Limited Series, Shogun. They discuss the amazing performance of Anna Sawai, the political incompetence of Ishido, and the stakes for the finale. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail…

John and Brandon are joined by Jean to journey through the galaxy and combat alien factions in Halo, the series that began the online gaming revolution. They discuss the latest in gaming news and what they've been playing before diving into the history, lore, and story of Halo. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can…

David and John recap episode 8, The Abyss of Life, of the FX Limited Series, Shogun. They discuss the deception of Toranaga, the competing motivations of John Blackthorne, and the show's big departure from the book. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or u…

David is joined by Elysia for a quick reaction to episode 8 of Shōgun on FX. Stay tuned as David and John will be back later in the weekend for a full episode breakdown. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelorehounds.com. Find u…

Elysia and David break down the new Dev Patel-Jordan Peele produced action thriller Monkey Man – from all the crazy COVID production events through the plot and filmmaking details to a briefing on Hindu Mythology. All the details to help you get the most out of this directorial debut (spoiler-free until the first break). You can find the Monkey Man…

David is joined by Elysia to discuss episode 6, Ladies of the Willow World, of the FX Limited Series, Shogun. They start out with their overall impressions of the episode and then look more closely at some historical context, then a discussion of the major plot points and characters and then answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comment…

David is joined by Elysia to discuss episode 6, Ladies of the Willow World, of the FX Limited Series, Shogun. They start out with their overall impressions of the episode and then look more closely at some historical context, then a discussion of the major plot points and characters and then answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comment…

David is joined by Elysia to discuss episode 5, Broken to the Fist, of the FX Limited Series, Shogun. They start out with their overall impressions of the episode and then look more closely some historical context, then a discussion of the major characters and then answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website …

David is joined by Elysia, Ron and Anthony to have a broad ranging conversation about Dune Part 2. They discuss the production of the film as well as the deeper lore from the books that informed the movies from Denis Villeneuve. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature…

David & John discuss episode 4 of the new FX series, Shōgun, streaming on Hulu. They discuss the major changes from the book's training segment, the charming ways of Blackthorne, and the different uses of the Eightfold Fence. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact…

David and Elysia get back together post-ceremony to talk this year's Academy Awards – were there any surprises? What moments worked, what moments really worked, and what moments really didn't? Then count down their own ranking of the 10 Best Picture nominees, plus offer a preview of what films you might want to watch to get a head start on next yea…

David & John are joined by Ron Dawson of Blade Ronner Media to answer listener feedback and give their final thoughts on True Detective: Night Country. Ron Dawson of the Dungeons ‘n’ Durags podcast https://dungeons-n-durags.com Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature.…

John & Elysia discuss episode 3 of the new FX series, Shōgun, streaming on Hulu. They compare their favorite moments before diving into the unpredictable behavior of Blackthorne, the emotional complexity of Mariko, and the tricks of Toranaga. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you ca…

Elysia wraps up the Oscars 2024 prep series with guest host Jean and a look at the Technical Award categories – where blockbusters and Best Picture nominees mingle! We cover what's nominated, our predictions, what you need to know about each category to wow dinner party mates with fun facts, and of course interviews and voicemails going deeper – th…

In part 2 of the Lorehounds Oscars 2024 prep series, David and Elysia explore the "Hidden Gems" of the Oscars season: the animated, international, documentary, and shorts categories. They're joined by documentary producer Pedro, animation director Hjalti, and more voices from the Lorehounds community with extra insight into movie-making, the awards…

David is joined by Ron Dawson to breakdown all eight episodes of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, now streaming on Amazon Prime. They start off with their spoiler free thoughts and then get into an analysis of the show, looking at the characters, the guest stars and the amazing finale. You can find Ron Dawson, of the Dungeons 'n' Durags podcast at his website: …

David & John begin their coverage of the new FX series, Shōgun, streaming on Hulu. They provide some historical background on the setting before diving into the political machinations of the Council, the disorientation of John Blackthorne, and the mysterious intentions of Lord Toranaga. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or c…

Back in August 2021, Steve and Anthony from Properly Howard Movie Reviews (an affiliate of The Lorehounds) invited David, John and Elysia on to discuss the Denis Villeneuve movie, Dune Part 1. Dune Part 2 has been released in the theaters and The Lorehounds are planning to do a Oneshot review. Ahead of that we thought we would re-release this podca…

David & John talk with Marilyn R. Pukkila to introduce Rings and Rituals: a new podcast analyzing the rituals portrayed in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Marilyn will be joined by Dr. Sara Brown of Signum University for this 8 episode series that will examine the nature of ritual, both as seen in Rings of Power and also in our daily liv…

David and Elysia officially kick off the Lorehounds Oscar prep series with a look at the biggest awards categories: taking you through the 10 Best Picture nominees one at a time, ranked by number of nominations, as well as the Acting, Directing, and Writing categories – what's what, where to watch, who's expected to win, and the biggest stories and…

David & John are joined by Ron Dawson of Blade Ronner Media to discuss their overall thoughts on Season 4 of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the structure of the season and whether the finale tied up the loose ends in a satisfying way. Join us later in the week for a supersized feedback episode with Ron again. Ron Dawson of t…

David & John get ready to cover the new FX series, Shōgun, streaming on Hulu starting Feb 27, 2024. This 10 episode limited series is based on the 1975 Novel by James Clavell and was turned into a television miniseries that aired in 1980. FX has worked to bring accurate historical detail to this look at the political intrigues of feudal Japan, set …

David and John are joined by military expert Lieutenant Colonel Matt Cavanaugh, author of Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict to discuss Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. They discuss what Star Wars can teach us about military structures, strategies, and the human impact of war. Matt's Book: Strategy Strikes Back: How…

David and John recap Season 4, Episode 6 of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the unraveling of a conspiracy, the balance between the supernatural and the traditional mystery, and whether this was a satisfying conclusion to the series. Then, they answer listener feedback. Don't forget to join us next week for a Season Wrap-up p…

Get ready for the Oscars with the Lorehounds! In this quick preview ep, David and Elysia lay out what to expect from their upcoming Oscars prep series, from the films covered (all of them, spoiler-free) to the voices from the Lorehounds community and beyond offering unique perspectives you won’t find elsewhere. We’ll make sure you have everything y…

John and Brandon retrace their steps through Midgar in Final Fantasy VII Remake. They discuss their experiences with the Final Fantasy series and introduce their new rating system before recapping a surprisingly fresh remake of a game going on 30. Finally, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website wher…

David and John discuss Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as the fifth entry in their Star Wars Film Festival chronological rewatch. They discuss the messy production, the incredible character development, and the effect it has on the legacy of A New Hope. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website wher…

David and John recap Season 4, Episode 5 of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the symmetry between different plotlines, the intensity of the ending, and their hopes for the season finale. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the …

David and John recap Season 4, Episode 4 of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the plunge into the supernatural, the growing tension in the lives of the protagonists, and another side of Rose. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use …

David and John recap Season 4, Episode 3 of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the amazing construction of the episode, the impact of the loss of Annie K., and the increasing suspicion on Hank Prior. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form …

David is joined by Brandon to review the first two episodes of Masters of the Air, now streaming on Apple TV+. They start off with some background about the show and then share their spoiler free hot takes. After a break they discuss the horror of mechanized air combat and discuss the first two episodes in detail. Contact Us Questions or comments? …

David and John recap Season 4, Episode 2 of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the unpopular tactics of Liz Danvers, the wisdom of Rose, and how to ask the right questions. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail featur…

David and John discuss the second half of Season 5 of Fargo on FX on Hulu. They give their hot takes on an amazing season of TV before discussing themes of justice vs. law, moral and monetary debts, and ending the cycle of violence. Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Fargo thoughts to share? Send us an email at lorehounds@thelorehounds.com …

David and John move to Alaska for the season premiere of True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. They discuss the unique setting of the Arctic Circle, the possible motivations of the characters, and the clues arising from the disappearance of a research team. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact …

David, Jean and Elysia dig into Echo, on Disney+ and discuss the enjoyable characters and storyline of this short season. They consider the downsides of too much studio involvement on the series and then catch up on Marvel news and answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form…

David, Jean and Elysia start off the new year by doing a breakdown of all 9 episodes of What If… Season 2. Before they do the catch up on MUC news and then end with some “what you need to know” context information for the limited series (???) Echo, dropping on Disney & Hulu on Jan 9th, 2023. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website…

David and John are joined by Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor, the twelfth story in The Silmarillion. They discuss the aftermath of the destruction of the two trees, the importance of grief in healing, and the weakening of Morgoth. Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emer…

David, John and Marilyn discuss the final part of Tehanu, the fourth book in The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. LeGuin. They discuss their various opinions on the character-driven nature of the book, LeGuin's approach to gender norms, and what's next in their Earthsea coverage. Then, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Marilyn's Website Marilyn …

John and Brandon take an arrow to the knee while exploring the lands of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. They discuss their impressions of the main quest and gameplay before comparing their favorite side quests. Finally, they answer listener feedback. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact for…

Ho HO ho! John and Marilyn discuss the Discworld Christmas novel Hogfather, by Terry Pratchett. The Hogfather is missing on Hogswatch Night, and an unlikely replacement gives us the comedy we need this holiday season. Contact Us Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Questions or comments? Visi…

If a 3hr Second Breakfast podcast was not enough for you we’ve got you covered with even more great content with our Elevenses podcast! That’s right, breakfast after Second Breakfast! This one has our interviews with all of our favorite co-hosts, including Brandon (0:01), Jean (0:14), Elysia (0:31), Anthony (0:41) and Marilyn (1:03). For dessert, A…

It’s the end of the year and it would not be the same without a supersized Second Breakfast podcast! John and David catch up on life and then open up the feedback mail bag to read holiday greetings from the community. Then, David & John rank their Top 10 favorite TV shows for 2023 and include the results from the first ever Lorehounds Community Top…

It’s been a big year for Marvel and to wrap it all up What If… Season 2 starts streaming Dec 22. To get ready for the new season, David, Jean and Elysia tackle a full recap of What If… Season 1. They get into the origins of how What If… began, the role of The Watcher and what to look out for in Season 2. David, Jean and Elysia will be doing a full …

While The Creator boasts a great cast and amazing visuals, it struggles with plot and having a predictable storyline. David, Elysia and Jean start off with their spoiler free takes of Gareth Edwards’s 2023 AI inspired sci-fi flick. After the break the trio dig into the details of the movie and then have some fun and play a new game called, Spot the…

Allons-y! John and Elysia are joined by their guest Simon to discuss the three 60th Anniversary specials of Doctor Who. With David Tennant returning as the 14th Doctor and Catherine Tate back as Donna Noble, the trio have a ton to say about the legacy and future of Who as the series transitions to being part of the Disney ecosystem. Finally, they a…

David and Brandon discuss the latest Netflix film from Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), Leave the World Behind. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, this movie is a masterclass in modern Hitchcock-style filmmaking. David and Brandon give their spoiler free hot takes before the break. After, they go into a full detailed breakdown of the plot, themes and c…

David and John discuss the first four episodes of Season 5 of Fargo on FX on Hulu. They discuss the legacy of Noah Hawley and the Fargo brand, the show's unique take on good vs. evil, and the themes of patriarchy scattered throughout the season. Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Fargo thoughts to share? Send us an email at lorehounds@thelo…

Happy Life Day! David and John are joined by Properly Howard's Anthony and Steve to watch the most bizarre movie ever made in a galaxy far, far away. They discuss Bea Arthur's showstoppers, four-armed Julia Child, and a VR headset that should have never been shown on screen. Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Star Wars thoughts to share? Se…