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lord of the rings

J.R.R. Tolkien
Mentions39
Episodes39
Podcasts11

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lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien gets recommended on SmartLess and Founders, including episodes with Stephen Colbert and Bradley Cooper, with transcript quotes, timestamps, and episode context.

lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien appears 39 times across 39 podcast episodes on 11 shows, with transcript quotes and timestamps.

I can't get enough of it.

Best episode to start with
Stephen Colbert on SmartLess
Why people keep bringing this up

The book 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien continues to be a prominent topic across various podcasts, reflecting its enduring influence on culture and storytelling. For instance, in the Modern Wisdom podcast, guest Paul Rosolie discusses how the hero's journey in the book inspired him, highlighting its impact on personal narratives. Similarly, Mel Robbins references the challenges faced by characters like Frodo, illustrating the book's relevance to personal growth and resilience in her podcast episodes.

Recommendation signals

The host mentions the book 'Lord of the Rings' to highlight a shared passion with their guest, Stephen Colbert. This connection emphasizes the cultural significance of Tolkien's work and its impact on their lives.

The host mentions 'Lord of the Rings' to illustrate the effort required in acting for blockbuster films compared to more prestigious roles. This highlights the misconception that big-budget films are easier to perform in than serious dramas.

The host mentions 'The Lord of the Rings' to highlight Carmack's early interest in fantasy novels. This interest in creating immersive worlds parallels his later work in video game development.

Best for
Fans of fantasy literature and Tolkien enthusiasts.Actors and film enthusiastsFans of video game history and fantasy literaturecreative individuals and artists
Where it keeps coming up

Recent show rotation: SmartLess, Founders, and The Joe Rogan Experience.

Guests tied to these mentions include Stephen Colbert, Bradley Cooper, Paul Rosolie, and Royal Albert Hall.

Fastest path back to the source: the strongest indexed mention lands at 5:38 in the episode where we captured it.

Quick answers

Quick FAQ

Answers to common book, episode, podcast, and guest questions.

Which episode recommended lord of the rings?

Stephen Colbert on SmartLess is one of the clearest indexed episodes that recommended lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Other indexed episodes include #257 Richard Garriott (Video Games and Space Exploration) on Founders and #2435 - Bradley Cooper on The Joe Rogan Experience. The first indexed transcript timestamp lands at 5:38.

Which podcast mentioned lord of the rings?

SmartLess, Founders, and The Joe Rogan Experience are the main indexed podcasts currently tied to lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Who recommended lord of the rings on podcasts?

Stephen Colbert, Bradley Cooper, and Paul Rosolie are the main guests currently tied to recommending lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Why do podcast guests bring up lord of the rings?

The host mentions the book 'Lord of the Rings' to highlight a shared passion with their guest, Stephen Colbert. This connection emphasizes the cultural significance of Tolkien's work and its impact on their lives. It most often appears in conversations about love of Lord of the, acting in big movies, and Carmack's reading preferences.

Source material

Mentions across episodes

Every mention card links back to the episode page and exact transcript anchor.

Showing the 24 strongest episode pages first to keep this page fast. Open the linked episode pages for the full transcript context.

It's a Lord of the Rings book, I think. One volume, Red Book of Westmarch edition of the Lord of the Rings. I love it. I can't get enough of it.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Fans of fantasy literature and Tolkien enthusiasts.
Key quote: I can't get enough of it.
The host mentions the book 'Lord of the Rings' to highlight a shared passion with their guest, Stephen Colbert. This connection emphasizes the cultural significance of Tolkien's work and its impact on their lives.

The speaker mentions being captivated by Tolkien's work, referring to it as the longest, most complex book he has ever read, which changed his life.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: fans of epic fantasy literature
Key quote: The longest, most complex book he has ever read, which changed his life.
The host expresses a deep admiration for 'The Lord of the Rings' and highlights its complexity and length. He emphasizes how the book has significantly influenced his life.

There's not so much communication going on. It's just receiving, but there's also the mastery of, like, that guy doing Lord of the Rings.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Fans of audiobooks and voice acting
Key quote: There's a video of a guy doing the voiceover for Lord of the Rings, the Lord of the Rings audiobook.
The host highlights the impressive talent of voice actors, specifically mentioning the audiobook narration of 'Lord of the Rings' by Andy Serkis. This mention serves to emphasize the artistry involved in voice acting and how it can elevate storytelling.

The speaker mentions getting their hero's journey inspiration from Lord of the Rings, which was read to them by their parents.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Young adults seeking inspiration for adventure and environmental activism.
Key quote: I got my hero's complex, hero's journey from Lord of the Rings, got the need for adventure and wildlife from Jane Goodall.
The host mentions 'Lord of the Rings' as a significant influence during his childhood, shaping his sense of adventure and heroism. This book, along with others, inspired him to pursue a life dedicated to environmental protection and exploration.

I have just started rereading the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, and I would recommend it to others.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Fans of fantasy literature and those interested in cultural influences on politics.
Key quote: I was a big Lord of the Rings fan and honestly still am.
The host mentions 'Lord of the Rings' in the context of its cultural significance and how it has been referenced in contemporary political discussions. They express a personal connection to the series and encourage others to engage with it as well.

The discussion revolves around the themes of nostalgia, industrialization, and the portrayal of the 20th century in 'Lord of the Rings', highlighting its significance as a novel.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in literary analysis and the influences behind classic literature.
Key quote: It's one of the great anti-urban novels.
The host discusses J.R.R. Tolkien's early life and how his experiences shaped the themes in 'Lord of the Rings'. They highlight the contrast between Tolkien's pastoral inspirations and the industrialization he witnessed, which is reflected in the novel's narrative.

The discussion revolves around the themes and moral complexities presented in The Lord of the Rings, particularly in relation to the historical context of World War II.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Fans of literary analysis and Tolkien enthusiasts
Key quote: But this is a story of how a Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected.
The host discusses the transformative journey of Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit' and its deeper implications in 'The Lord of the Rings'. They explore how these themes reflect Tolkien's experiences and the broader societal context of his time.

The discussion references Tolkien's themes of melancholy and nostalgia, comparing the Portuguese sense of Saudade to the mourning of Middle Earth by the elves in Tolkien's works.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in literary themes and cultural comparisons.
Key quote: comparing the Portuguese sense of Saudade to the mourning of Middle Earth by the elves in Tolkien's works.
The host explores the emotional depth in Tolkien's works, particularly focusing on themes of melancholy and nostalgia. This comparison highlights the cultural resonance of these themes, drawing parallels between Portuguese saudade and the elves' mourning in Middle Earth.

The speaker mentions reading The Lord of the Rings by the time they were about 10 or 11 years old, and it became a significant part of their childhood.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: listeners interested in literature and history
Key quote: his book, The Lord of the Rings, is the... Single bestselling English language book of the 20th century.
The host discusses the historical significance of J.R.R. Tolkien and his impact on literature and culture. They emphasize that 'The Lord of the Rings' is not only a bestselling book but also a reflection of societal anxieties from the late Victorian period to the Cold War.

The naming choice was intentional. It's a built-in warning and reminder to us that you're building something powerful and you have an obligation on how it's used.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Technologists and policymakers
Key quote: It's a built-in warning and reminder to us.
The host mentions 'Lord of the Rings' to illustrate the dual nature of powerful technology, akin to the Palantir stones in Tolkien's narrative. The discussion emphasizes the responsibility that comes with creating such technologies and the potential for misuse, drawing parallels to the story's themes.

The discussion revolves around the influence of Wagner on Tolkien, particularly how both were inspired by ancient mythology and literature.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Fans of mythology and literary analysis
Key quote: Tolkien always denied it didn't he said oh i have nothing to do with wagner but it does seem a coincidence to say the least.
The host discusses the connections between J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' and Wagner's Ring Cycle, highlighting the shared themes of mythology and ancient literature. This exploration raises questions about Tolkien's influences despite his denials of being inspired by Wagner.

I also think you can't get away from Tolkien. I mean, Tolkien is the person who basically invents high fantasy, or at least popularises it.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: fans of fantasy literature and those interested in literary analysis
Key quote: the prospect of using the ring hangs over The Lord of the Rings.
The host discusses the symbolic role of dragons in modern narratives, comparing them to the One Ring in 'The Lord of the Rings'. This comparison highlights how both represent ultimate power and the potential for corruption, reflecting contemporary concerns about weapons of mass destruction.

The speaker mentions being a big fan of the books when they were a kid, highlighting their incredible nature.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Fans of fantasy literature and storytelling
Key quote: I remember being 14 and being like, wow. Transported to another planet.
The host reflects on their fond memories of reading 'Lord of the Rings' and appreciates the depth of the story and its characters. They express admiration for Tolkien's creativity, particularly in creating a language for the narrative.

Mel references The Lord of the Rings while discussing the challenges faced by characters like Frodo during their journeys.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals exploring personal growth and self-discovery
Key quote: Frodo. Where does he live at the beginning of the movie? Oh my gosh, he's there with his big feet in the beautiful Shire.
The host discusses the concept of the hero's journey and uses 'The Lord of the Rings' as a key example to illustrate the 'ordinary world' phase. Frodo's initial ignorance of his potential and the world beyond the Shire serves to highlight how everyone starts their journey unaware of their true capabilities.

It's the 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings, and the discussion revolves around Tolkien and his inspirations.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Fans of Tolkien and literary analysis enthusiasts
Key quote: I always have things to say about Tolkien, as you know.
The host mentioned 'The Lord of the Rings' in the context of discussing an article about its 20th anniversary. They expressed a deep appreciation for Tolkien's work and the cultural phenomenon surrounding it.

The excerpt mentions Tolkien's experience in the First World War and how it influenced his writing of 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in literature and history
Key quote: there's a very Tolkien-esque feeling to the First World War.
The host discusses the parallels between the First World War and Tolkien's work, particularly 'The Lord of the Rings'. They highlight how Tolkien's experiences in the war influenced his storytelling, reflecting themes of doomed heroism and sacrifice.

Mentioned as one of the books read to the speaker as a child by their parents during nightly reading time.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Readers interested in conservation, environmental optimism, and the work of conservation heroes
Key quote: Given all the death and destruction I’ve witnessed, it would be easy to slip into the popular anti-human narrative that we are a plague on the planet and there’s nothing that can be done, but my career in conservation has given me a glimpse into an alternate narrative.
The book is cited to support an optimistic view that humans can be agents of conservation rather than solely destructive, highlighting real people who dedicate their lives to protecting nature. The speaker quotes the book to reinforce hope and to counter cynicism, connecting its message to the encounter with an uncontacted tribe and the legacy of conservationists like Jane Goodall.

But as Tolkien wrote, It is the small, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keep the darkness at bay.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in themes of kindness and resilience
Key quote: As Tolkien wrote, It is the small, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keep the darkness at bay.
The host mentions 'The Lord of the Rings' to highlight the importance of small, everyday acts of kindness in combating darkness. This reference serves to illustrate how these seemingly minor actions can have a profound impact, much like the character of Renee in the eulogy.

J.R.R. Tolkien, he was raised by a priest. That was his safety network. Everything else fell through. He was still raised by a priest and brought us Lord of the Rings.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Individuals interested in understanding the role of relationships in personal development
Key quote: J.R.R. Tolkien, he was raised by a priest. That was his safety network.
The host mentions 'Lord of the Rings' to illustrate the importance of community and safety nets in one's upbringing. J.R.R. Tolkien's background is highlighted as an example of how even in difficult circumstances, strong connections can provide support.

The speaker recalls being unable to read 'Lord of the Rings' and relying on a friend to tell them the story, which sparked excitement and motivation for academic achievement.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Individuals with dyslexia or those interested in overcoming academic challenges.
Key quote: I remember my friend telling me the stories of what was happening in Lord of the Rings because I couldn't – Oh.
The host mentioned 'Lord of the Rings' as a pivotal point in their childhood, highlighting how their friend shared the story with them while they struggled with reading. This experience fueled their desire for academic achievement despite the challenges posed by dyslexia.

The mention of 'Fellowship of the Ring' relates to the ethos of the Bourneville Works magazine, suggesting a connection to the themes of comradeship and community.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Fans of Tolkien and those interested in community dynamics
Key quote: that is quite Tolkien isn't it it is a bit Tolkien it's quite Fellowship of the Ring
The host mentions 'Fellowship of the Ring' to draw a parallel between the community spirit at Bourneville and the themes of camaraderie in Tolkien's work. This comparison highlights the importance of mutual support and fellowship in both contexts.

J.R.R. Tolkien was obsessed with the Battle of Malden, and the stand that Britnorth makes is said to inspire Gandalf's stand at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Fans of Tolkien and literary analysis
Key quote: J.R.R. Tolkien was obsessed with the Battle of Malden, and the stand that Britnorth makes is said to inspire Gandalf's stand at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.
The host briefly mentions J.R.R. Tolkien's fascination with the Battle of Malden. This connection is highlighted as an influence on a pivotal moment in 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Carmack favored fantasy novels such as The Lord of the Rings, indicating his early interest in storytelling and world-building.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Fans of video game history and fantasy literature
Key quote: Carmack, more interested in creating D&D than playing, immediately gravitated to the role of dungeon master.
The host mentions 'The Lord of the Rings' to highlight Carmack's early interest in fantasy novels. This interest in creating immersive worlds parallels his later work in video game development.

The speaker mentions this classic fantasy series in the context of discussing their preferences for deep fantasy literature.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: fans of fantasy literature and audiobooks
Key quote: you could go all, you know, wood elfish and go, you know, get the Lord of the Rings, too.
The host briefly mentions 'The Lord of the Rings' while discussing the variety of audiobooks available on Audible. This reference serves to highlight the range of fantasy literature that listeners can enjoy alongside popular series like Harry Potter.