John is joined by Aaron from Lore of the Rings to discuss Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin, the twentieth story in The Silmarillion. They discuss the might of an elvish king, the feat of Morgoth, and the rise of heroic houses of men. Listen to Aaron's Podcast Lore of the Rings Podcast Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Netw…

In the final episode of the Lorehounds 2025 Oscars prep series, David joins Elysia to talk about his own Best Picture nominees Death Race. What follows is a rundown of the 10 nominated movies, what they're about, which are recommended, what other nominations they have, and what nominations they are likely to win. Along the way, they check in with m…

Elysia is joined by Paulo from The Oscars Death Race Podcast to break down the Best Lead and Supporting Actor and Actress categories, as well as Directing and Cinematography. Elysia brings the narrative angle, while Paulo brings a deeper look at the stats of Oscar season, and what they might say about who will win. After that, Elysia wraps up with …

Elysia keeps trying to make the term "Blockbuster Awards" happen as she and Logan from the Academy of Death Racers talk about nominees like Dune: Part Two, Alien: Romulus, and Nosferatu in the so-called "below the line" (or "tech") awards: Visual Effects, Production Design, Costuming, Make-Up & Hairstyling, Film Editing, and Sound. Then, stick arou…

After giving their spoiler-free hot takes on the 4th Captain American movie – Brave New World – and talking through some of the production drama, Jean and Elysia break down the highlights, and also what's missing. Why are so many saying they can't connect with this movie, and why shouldn't we worry about what's next anyway? Contact Us Questions or …

Mark from the Academy of Death Racers and Rambling Cinema joins Elysia to talk about what she considers three of the most important Oscar categories: International Films (formerly Films Not in the English Language) and the two writing awards – Adapted and Original Screenplay. Avoiding spoilers for those who haven't seen the movies, they talk throug…

To talk about one of her favorite categories of every Oscar race, this year's five emotional Live-Action Shorts nominees, Elysia brings in Katherine Oktober Matthews, the inventer of a tool called the Emotion Mixer – a framework for breaking down the rich palate of emotional storytelling. They'll give you the premise of each short and also how it w…

Documentary Editor Rebecca June Lane joins Elysia to talk through what makes a good documentary in general, and what in particular makes this year's crop of Documentary Feature and Documentary Short nominees good. You'll walk away with an overview of what exactly is nominated and why, what's likely to win, and which films you might want to add to y…

David welcomes Mark and Nicole from Nevermind the Music to discuss Questlove's groundbreaking documentary on Saturday Night Live's musical legacy. Together they explore the documentary's stunning opening medley, the show's role as a cultural signal booster, and how SNL revolutionized live music on television. This preview episode features highlight…

Note: This podcast begins with a spoiler-free review for those who have not yet seen the film. Marilyn (student and teacher of ritual), Anthony (religious studies professor), David (cinematography aficionado), and Elysia (walking BTS reel) team up to select the next pope – or at least to dive into all the philosophy, politics, and fantastic filmmak…

Elysia and John break down the first full trailer for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video. They discuss their hopes for the season with full book spoilers. Links Referenced: Teaser, New Trailer, Mat Promo Sign up for the One-Time Season Pass Wheel of Time Season Pass Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] L…

Mark joins Elysia for a Nevermind the Oscars crossover event to discuss the Best Original Score and Best Original Song nominees at the 2025 Oscars. Expect many music clips and much analysis, and to walk away with a new appreciation for Diane Warren and musicians who destroy pianos. Links referenced in the ep: Nevermind the Music: "Defying Gravity" …

David and John return to a galaxy far, far away to resume the Star Wars Film Fest: their series discussing each main Star Wars film in order. They talk about what the original Star Wars movie meant to them and their generations, the changes George Lucas brought to his later updates, and the impact Star Wars has had on the greater science fiction co…

With the help of guests Dina and Hauvery (and Aki via voicemail), Elysia tries to wade through the sea of controversy surrounding 13x-Oscar-nominated film Emilia Pérez – turning to these Mexican and trans filmmakers and fans to guide her through the ins and outs and inside perspectives of the escalating drama. Find Dina (@unglobitoazul) and Hauvery…

Benoit Berthe Siward of Animation Showcase joins Elysia to talk through 6 of the 10 Oscar nominations in the Animated Feature and Animated Shorts categories, while also offering insights into the Oscar campaigning process. But first, Elysia enlists the help of community members to talk about the other four feature nominees – which films are worth y…

Jean and Elysia recap what we learned about the "monsters" of Creature Commandos season 1, this season's pros and cons, and what it's set up for season 2. But first, we talk about that Superman trailer, and what else is coming soon to the DU. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voi…

Elysia sits down with David to talk through the coverage plans for this year's Oscars prep series – with this year's more condensed Oscars timeline, expect a blitz of content coming your way, in a new format! Coming next – Animated Features & Shorts (w/ Benoit from Animation Showcase) The 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on A…

Get prepped for the year 2025 in Marvel with Jean and Elysia as they talk through what's coming, their hype levels, and what they're most looking forward to for: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Captain America: Brave New World, Daredevil: Born Again, Thunderbolts*, Ironheart, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Eyes of Wakanda, Marvel Zombies, …

Once upon a Witches' Road, 8(!) Lorehounds got together to look back on Agatha All Along and ask: which witch is which of us? Join Elysia's podcast birthday party and play along with these 11 questions to find out which witch you are – and reminisce with us about the highlights of the season as we form our own Lorehounds coven. Find the questions h…

Elysia, John, and Jean head to a fictional Germany to recap Nosferatu, the 2024 remake of a horror classic reimagined by Robert Eggers. They discuss the gothic horror setting, the masterful pacing, acting, and visuals, and the dark themes of this masterpiece of horror. Contact Us Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the …

John and Marilyn recap the last four episodes of the new Star Wars limited series, Skeleton Crew. They discuss the morality of Jod, the growth of the smaller protagonists, and a finale sure to leave Star Wars fans satisfied. Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Contact Us Deep lore questions, comments…

David, John, Anthony, and Steve give their thoughts on Season 1 of Severance, before speculating about what Lumon has in store during Season 2. IMPORTANT: Subscribe to the Severance feed linked below for all coverage after episode one. It will not be on the Lorehounds or Properly Howard feeds. Severance Feed Sign up for the One-Time Season Pass for…

Jean and Elysia say goodbye to Marvel's animated series What If...? with a deep dive into the final season – starting with their spoiler-free reactions, and then talking through each episode with recaps and key Easter eggs. (Find out how Jean handles the birds and the bees talk when it turns into the ducks and the Darcys.) Our coverage of previous …

David, John, Anthony, and Steve give their thoughts on Season 1 of Severance, before speculating about what Lumon has in store during Season 2. IMPORTANT: Subscribe to the Severance feed linked below for all coverage after episode one. It will not be on the Lorehounds or Properly Howard feeds. Severance Feed Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, an…

John is joined by Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss Of the Coming of Men into the West, the nineteenth story in The Silmarillion. They discuss the migration of men into and within Beleriand, the friendship of Fingolfin, and the great houses of the Edain. Marilyn's Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Links…

Elysia, Marilyn, and Nichole defy you not to enjoy this very likable musical – now the highest grossing movie musical in history! They open with a spoiler-free first act to set the stage with the history behind the movie and their spoiler-free reviews, before jumping into the Wicked: Part I movie spoilers (00:42:07) – including comparisons with the…

Jean and Elysia are on the mics for their first 'Versus match-up, pitting Joker from DC comics head to head against Madcap from Marvel (00:37:00) – which insane clown that definitely can't keep a posse will come out on top? Or, with these two characters, will it all go awry? But first they talk about the second Todd Phillips Joker movie, Joker: Fol…

The cohosts and affiliates are back to give rank their top shows of 2024. With interviews by David and John and even a fully-produced Nevermind the Music episode, there are plenty of takes in this bonus episode. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 of the rankings for Elysia, David, and John's takes on the year, as well as community rankings. See the C…

Elysia and John recap this year's Doctor Who Christmas special. It's the first Christmas special of the 15th Doctor's era without onboarding, and we're here to celebrate Nicola Coughlan's performance, Ncuti Gatwa's emoting skills, and a very on-theme Christmas episode. Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/theloreho…

David, John, and Elysia rank their favorite shows of 2024. With last minute adjustments, extra categories, and vigorous debate, the Lorehounds share their definitive lists for the year. We also hear from the community via a ranked-choice poll. And don't forget to come back tomorrow for Part 2 of the rankings featuring our cohosts and affiliates. Se…

David and Elysia examine the season finale of Dune: Prophecy. They discuss the revelation of mysterious technologies controlling Desmond, and the major power shifts within the Imperium as multiple factions vie for control. Watch for two upcoming episodes: a listener feedback discussion and a deep-lore crossover with the Dune Minute Podcast. Contact…

The Lorehounds gather the Christmas Avengers, Elysia, John, David, Maia, and Anna Claus, to close out the season with a discussion of two of the latest additions to Netflix's growing Christmas multiverse. They start off with the lighthearted movie about if Frosty was a hunk, Hot Frosty. Then, they meet the other Mean Girls alumni, Lindsay Lohan, fo…

John and Marilyn discuss the first four episodes of the new Star Wars limited series, Skeleton Crew. They discuss the rise of the Star Wars suburb, the impressive acting of a young cast, and a galaxy-wide conspiracy that the space Goonies are here to solve. Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Contact…

David and Elysia break down the penultimate episode of Dune: Prophecy's first season. As revelations about Desmond's true heritage emerge and Constantine receives a surprising promotion, the hosts explore the episode's complex political machinations, mysterious technologies, and growing religious tensions. Special attention is paid to the introduct…

Historian Nate Ledbetter joins hosts David and Elysia to finish-up their analysis of Pachinko. They complete their discussion of the rest of the story from Season 2 and then consider listener feedback. The hosts are also considering organizing a book club to read Min Jin Lee's novel that inspired the series. Stay tuned for more details. Contact Us …

David and Elysia examine episode four of HBO's Dune: Prophecy. The haunting visions plaguing the Sisterhood's acolytes on Wallach 9 point to a reckoning on the horizon, while political machinations at the Landsrad High Council meeting reach a shocking climax. Desmond Hart's mysterious powers and true nature raise more questions, as Theodosa's hidde…

David is joined by special guest Ian Whittington from Captain's Pod: A Star Trek Companion podcast to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). They explore the film's groundbreaking visual effects, complex production history, and critical place in Star Trek franchise history. The hosts share their personal connections…

David and Elysia from The Lore Hounds welcome John and Zach from the Dune Minute Podcast for an in-depth discussion of Dune: Prophecy. The episode starts spoiler-free for those just interested in the season so far. After a warning the conversation then delves deeper into a detailed analysis, exploring theories about Desmond Hart, debating the show'…

David and Elysia dive deep into the complex dynamics of the Harkonnen sisters through extensive flashbacks, examining their relationship and pivotal moments that shaped them. They analyze the show's portrayal of truth, loyalty, and sacrifice while exploring key themes around identity and institutional power. The hosts discuss the visual and product…

David and Elysia dive into listener theories and reactions to episode two, exploring fan speculation about Desmond Hart's true nature and the show's deeper connections to Dune lore. The hosts address questions about the Bene Tleilax, genetic memory mechanics, and potential links to the upcoming Dune: Messiah film adaptation. Special attention is gi…

David and Elysia discuss the HBO series' second episode, examining the aftermath of Sister Kasha's death and its implications for both the Sisterhood and the Imperial Court. They explore the mysterious abilities of prisoner Desmond Hart, delve into key themes around power and truth, and analyze Sister Lila's harrowing experience with the Agony ritu…

David introduces Mark and Nicole's episode about Depeche Mode's 1990 hit, "Enjoy the Silence," from the Lorehounds Affiliate Never Mind The Music podcast. He discusses how their unique approach to music analysis aligns with the Lorehounds' style of looking beneath the surface, highlighting their exploration of musical theory and human psychology. W…

David and Elysia analyze the HBO series premiere of Dune: Prophecy, exploring the complex dynamics between the Harkonnen sisters and the early formation of the Bene Gesserit. They examine the show's political intrigue, religious themes, and potential connections to the wider Dune universe. Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: dune@thel…

Historian Nate Ledbetter joins hosts David and Elysia to continue their analysis of Pachinko, focusing on the post-earthquake era through World War II. They explore how war transforms social hierarchies, examine the complex relationships between characters, and discuss the historical context of the Nagasaki bombing. Part 3 will continue the convers…

David and Elysia are briefly joined John and Jean for the first part of the episode to discuss The Penguin's powerful season finale. They explore the show's brilliant character work, particularly Colin Farrell's transformation into Oz Cobblepot and Cristin Milioti's standout performance as Sofia Falcone. The hosts analyze the dark trajectory of Osw…

David and Elysia are joined by special guest Nate Ledbetter, a Japanese history expert and Princeton PhD candidate, to explore Season 1 of Pachinko. They discuss the show's unique approach to bilingual storytelling, examine the historical context of 1920s-30s Korean-Japanese relations, and break down key character arcs including Sunja's journey fro…

David and Elysia introduce their coverage plans for the upcoming HBO Original Series, Dune: Prophecy, premiering on HBO, November 17, 2024. They discuss the show's setting 10,000 years before the Denis Villeneuve Dune films, during the formation of the Bene Gesserit and the early Imperium era. They break down key characters including the Harkonnen …

John and Jean dive into DC's All-In Comic Event. The multiverse is sealed, and Darkseid is more powerful than ever. In his new Absolute Universe, heroes are underdogs. Will it be enough? Comics Recapped DC All-In Special #1 Absolute Batman #1 Absolute Wonder Woman #1 Absolute Superman #1 Share your own thoughts: [email protected] Links…

Jean and Elysia field questions and final thoughts from the Lorehounds community on the final two episodes of Agatha All Along (season 1) and the season as a whole. From what we know about the season's alternative endings to who we think Nicky's dad is and why. Watch out for the season wrap-up game episode releasing in a few days! Share your own th…