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Thanks for the sub!

Hi, Nathan! This comment just made my day and I can’t express how much it means to us! I’m so glad you found the podcast and look forward to hearing more of your thoughts. Hopefully I can catch up on releasing season two before you get there. Life has thrown us some curveballs this past year, but you’ve inspired me. Thanks again for your support. We’re so happy to have you ❤

@@tolkienwithfriends So glad you like my comment. Thank you for taking time to read it!

​@@tolkienwithfriends Also, I just stepped back from making dinner as I was finishing up your ep. 1, because I need to say that every Tolkien fan should listen to it. What you have to say about adaptation is such a nice contrast with the overwrought, angry, stress-filled commentary that we hear around adaptation (especially unfortunately by some of the loud misogynist and bigoted voices out there). Your thoughts on our charge to make them more representative -- it's not something to be upset about, it's our responsibility -- change the whole frame of the conversation in a refreshing and affirmative way. Your point that the story is about different cultures and races coming together, and how that can be reflecting in how these adaptations are cast: beautiful thought. And finally, that you dared -- oh, perish the thought! -- to offer criticism of the beloved almost holy Jackson LOTR adaptation, by noted the lost opportunity to cast more diversity (among the heroic, non-masked characters) speak to thoughts I've had myself in such an affirming way. You lead me to say: why can't we see the version of Helm's Deep where Arwen arrives to fight in the battle!? And, yes, it may have been 2001 and not 2024, but Jackson should have had a more multi-ethnic cast, as well as more women. I venture to say that one of the few criticisms, and the only black eye, on the 2nd and 3rd films is how they do portray "evil men" in terms of race and ethnicity, whether it's darker skin, or turbans and other dress influenced by Asian cultures of all kinds. (And, let's be honest, is Jackson himself verging on blackface in his cameo as a corsair on the ship in Return of the King?) All that said: we can still see them as brilliant films and adaptation, but also flawed. (Hell, what about Tolkien himself, who had many contradictions, as you point out?). We can and should acknowledge this, and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable about things we love. Thank you for helping give me the space to think and voice these things, and a space to do it. (And please forgive both my gushing enthusiasm and verbosity.)

@@tolkienwithfriends One final thought: As someone who has hosting and produced a podcast largely by himself, and put myself out there for potential criticism also on radio, stage, and podium, I understand how challenging it can all be to carry on, create and maintain. So glad you feel inspired! I hope that, along with support from others, a cooperative schedule, flashes of brilliance, appreciation from listeners, encouragement from fans, the muse, and your own obvious talent conspire in a good way to help you continue on!

@@nathanruggles This means so much to me! Thank you!

Is this question just for Myla? 🥲

Yes 😌

We actually recorded this in February, if you can believe it, but released in July. But now that the strikes are over, we’ll have our episodes out weekly, starting tonight or tomorrow!

Honestly, probably shouldn't have even mentioned them because they're not worth our time lol

Ok, I will accept this 😂