The White City

Philip Dudt
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Analyzing the worldview in J.R.R. Tolkien's books on Middle-earth and Lord of the Rings and seeing how the worldviews in adaptations (i.e. Rings of Power) are good or poor representations of Tolkien's worldview.

  1. The Fellowship of the Ring: Heroes Set Apart by Humility

    6 FEB

    The Fellowship of the Ring: Heroes Set Apart by Humility

    Philip brings on Nick Polk from the Tolkien Pop! podcast to discuss how The Fellowship is set apart from other characters in Middle-earth. The key themes that set apart The Fellowship areHumility, Smallness, and Hope. Nick also describes Euchatasrophe, the word J.R.R. Tolkien coined to describe ‘a happy ending after despair.’ -- Find Nick Polk (Tolkien Pop!) Here: SubstackYouTube-- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Nick Polk's Journey IntoTolkien's World 04:34 The Fellowship is Set Apart 07:58 Shout Out to Illuvatar 09:00 The Fellowship is Small Not Epic 12:46 Fellowship is Separate From the Enemy 22:38 Smeagol's Heart Wrenching Demise 24:31 Aragorn Is Set Apart 35:55 Euchatastrophe - A Happy Ending After Despair 39:40 Conclusion

    41 min
  2. The Weight of Temptation: 1st of 4 Pillars of Tolkien's Worldview in Middle-earth

    26 JAN

    The Weight of Temptation: 1st of 4 Pillars of Tolkien's Worldview in Middle-earth

    Philip brings on Art Echeverria to discuss how characters are Tempted by The One Ring, Power, Despair, Their Own Shortcomings, and External Pressures as well. Temptation in the story reveals the need for Good to persevere against Evil. -- Find Art Echeverria Here: Facebook-- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 02:11 Art Echeverria's Journey into Tolkien's World 07:00 Temptation’s Effect on Characters 07:52 Temptation Among Bearers of the One Ring 13:31 Characters Have to Overcome Their Own Shortcomings 21:58 Overcoming the Temptation to Despair 30:14 Resilience to Temption in the Face of Adversity 39:38 Triumph Over Evil in the Face of Temptation 49:19 Tolkien's Theology is What Makes LOTR Great 51:22 Temptation to Seek Power 01:01:24 Conclusion

    1h 2m
  3. Samwise the Brave as Tolkien's Unforseen Hero

    2 JAN

    Samwise the Brave as Tolkien's Unforseen Hero

    Philip brings on author Aaron Ryan to discuss the themes of loyalty, good vs evil, character flaws, and providencein Samwise the Brave from The Lord of the Rings. -- Find Aaron Ryan Here: WebsiteYouTube: @authoraaronryan ⁠Instagram Facebook-- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 01:48 Aaron Ryan's Journey Into Tolkien's World 07:05 Worldview Theme: Sam is Loyal 11:18 Sam vs Evil 16:04 The Choices of Master Samwise 19:31 Sam's Flaws 22:02 Fortune and Providence in Sam's Journey 28:00 READ THE BOOKS!! 29:39 Conclusion -- #tolkien #jrrtolkien #middleearth #lordoftherings #lotr #thelordoftherings #samwisethebrave #samwise #frodo #gollum #theonering #loyalty #courage #stout #bravery

    31 min
  4. The Hobbit Trilogy: The Good Doesn't Outweigh the Bad

    21/12/2025

    The Hobbit Trilogy: The Good Doesn't Outweigh the Bad

    Philip and cohosts Matt Vandevort and Mark Schaeffer discuss what they believe are the good and bad parts of The Hobbit trilogy, produced by Peter Jackson. Some points of interest are the length of the movies, the ambiguity of a funny or serious film, and how prequels don’t make the cut. -- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Debating Christian Themes in The Hobbit 05:43 The Cozy Appeal of The Hobbit Book 09:45 Visuals and Soundtrack, Legolas and Smaug 12:27 Matt's Pros and Cons on Hobbit Trilogy 16:20 Mark's Pros and Cons on Hobbit Trilogy 25:41 Philip's Pros and Cons on Hobbit Trilogy 29:54 Seriousness or Funny? - Setting the Right Tone 39:56 Themes and Final Thoughts 42:58 Conclusion -- #tolkien #jrrtolkien #middleearth #lordoftherings #lotr #thehobbit #hobbit #thehobbittrilogy #hobbittrilogy #bilbo #thorin #gandalf #legolas #film #themes #critique #critic

    44 min
  5. The One Ring, Its Corruption, and Those Who Persevere

    09/12/2025

    The One Ring, Its Corruption, and Those Who Persevere

    The OG Squad, Philip, Matt, and Mark, comes back together to discuss The One Ring and its impact on characters. The episode revolves around The Ring’s evil nature, its orchestrated demise, the themes of temptation and corruption, and the intricate connections to Tolkien's worldview. Furthermore, The One Ring’s allure has something to say about human nature.  ---- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast ---- 00:00 Introduction 02:01 Is the Ring All Together Evil? 10:00 Divine Intervention with The One Ring 13:07 The One Ring In The Original Hobbit 19:00 The One Ring's Effect 29:15 Did Elrond Believe Frodo Would Destroy the Ring? 39:11 People Focus Inward 43:14 Choices and Obsession With The Ring 52:03 Used to Hide or Move Along Story? 57:55 The Danger of Building Your Own Creations 01:03:59 Conclusion -- #theringsofpower #rop #tolkien #jrrtolkien#middleearth #lordoftherings #lotr #ringsofpower #thelordoftherings #theonering#thering #frodo #gollum #smeagol #temptation #obsession #bilbo #thehobbit #hobbit #sauron #saruman #illuvatar #elves #men #dwarves #samwisegamgee #samwisethebrave #samthehobbit #Isildur #Aragorn #Boromir #Faramir #Denethor

    1h 6m
  6. LOTR Without Eowyn: Is She Important?

    30/11/2025

    LOTR Without Eowyn: Is She Important?

    Philip brings on a new guest, Sophia Gregory, to discuss Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings. The conversation begins with Sophia stating that Eowyn could be removed from the story. Variousparts of the conversation include who else should’ve killed The Witch-king, Eowyn is a people pleaser, and there are characters of seemingly small significance who have a lot of impact in Middle-earth. -- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Sophia's Journey into Tolkien's World 05:19 Remove Eowyn? 07:20 Prophecy on The Witch-king's Death 11:26 Eowyn's Purpose and Satisfaction 16:26 Comparing Eowyn and Frodo 21:58 Insignificant Characters Used for A Special Purpose 38:54 A Better Character to Kill the Witch-king? 43:24 Feminism and Eowyn 46:25 A Character With Flaws 49:11 Conclusion --#tolkien #jrrtolkien #middleearth #lordoftherings #lotr #ringsofpower #thelordoftherings #thetwotowers #thereturnoftheking #ttt #rotk #trotk #thewitchking #thewitchkingofangmar #merrythehobbit #eowyn #feminism #peoplepleasing #characterimportance #frodo

    55 min
  7. A NEW Tolkien Biography!: "J.R.R. Tolkien - The Father of Modern Fantasy" (Feat. Don Marshall)

    22/11/2025

    A NEW Tolkien Biography!: "J.R.R. Tolkien - The Father of Modern Fantasy" (Feat. Don Marshall)

    Philip brings on Don Marshall to discuss how Tolkien's life experiences shaped the world of Middle-earth and modern fantasy. The focal point of the conversation is around Mr. Marshall’s book, ‘J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy’ with Philip asking questions around different nuances of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Tolkien’s life. Finally, the discussion moves to Mr. Marshall’s TTRPG game he hosts. Don Marshall - Find his book HERE - Instagram - TikTok -- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Don's Journey Into Tolkien's World 05:14 Don's Biography on J.R.R. Tolkien 09:12 The Impact of Tolkien's Life 16:54 World War I 22:33 From Notes to Published Books 33:51 Don As TTRPG Lore Master 40:27 What Makes Lord of the Rings So Great? 44:16 Conclusion

    47 min
  8. Tolkien's Magic System

    12/11/2025

    Tolkien's Magic System

    Philip brings back Jared Stonefield to discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's unique approach to magic in Middle-earth. They discuss the differences between hard and soft magic systems, using examples from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' to illustrate Tolkien's mysterious and sparing use of magic. Jared also shares insights from Tolkien's letters and writings, emphasizing the importance of motives and emotional depth in the storytelling. -- Facebook: @thewhitecitypodcast LinkedIn: Business Page Instagram: @the-white-city-podcast Spotify: Podcast Page YouTube Channel: @thewhitecitypodcast -- 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Hard vs. Soft Magic Systems 04:37 Examples of Soft Magic in Tolkien's Works 08:18 The Role of Magic in the Story 12:31 Tolkien's Thoughts on Magic 17:59 Elves and Their Unique Magic 22:38 Men and Magic: An Unresolved Question 26:08 The Power of Oaths in Middle-earth 28:12 Conclusion

    32 min
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About

Analyzing the worldview in J.R.R. Tolkien's books on Middle-earth and Lord of the Rings and seeing how the worldviews in adaptations (i.e. Rings of Power) are good or poor representations of Tolkien's worldview.

Information

  • Creator
    Philip Dudt
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Philip Dudt
  • Show Website
    The White City