Fool of a Took Podcast

Fool of a Took Podcast
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Weekly

One does not simply walk into serious discussion…  Fool of a Took Podcast  is a show where deep lore meets even deeper nonsense!  Enter the Shire-adjacent mind of Chris, your host, guide, and certified Fool of a Took as he sets out to read The Lord of the Rings for the very first time, joined by his book-loving wife RJ, fellow first-time reader and baker Laura, and Laura’s husband Patrick, a devoted Tolkien super-fan.   Fool of a Took is your book-club companion through Middle-earth—whether you’re discovering LOTR for the first time, revisiting it again, or geeking out as a lifelong Tolkien fan.

  1. 5d ago

    060 - Hail to the King (and the Steward), Baby

    In this episode of Fool of a Took, we discuss "The Steward and the King", Book 6, Chapter 5 of The Return of the King. The War of the Ring is over, but Middle-earth still has some major business to settle: Faramir falls hard for Éowyn, Aragorn finally claims the throne of Gondor, a new White Tree is discovered, the Third Age comes to an end, and Arwen arrives in Minas Tirith. Fool of a Took is a Lord of the Rings book club podcast following four friends through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, chapter by chapter, with drinks, food, lore, arguments, and an irresponsible amount of Tolkien-related nonsense. CONTENT WARNING: Explicit Conversation Topics Éowyn and Faramir’s romance in the Houses of Healing The fall of Sauron and the passing of the Shadow Aragorn’s return to Minas Tirith and coronation as King Faramir’s future as Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien Aragorn’s first decisions as King of Gondor The new White Tree and the restoration of Gondor The end of the Third Age and beginning of the Fourth Age Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding Timestamps 00:00:00 Welcome to Fool of a Took 00:01:43 The Steward and the King begins 00:05:22 Éowyn and Faramir in the Houses of Healing 00:08:43 The Shadow passes and Sauron falls 00:17:42 The Return of the King 00:24:29 Aragorn claims the throne of Gondor 00:29:13 Gandalf crowns Aragorn King 00:38:54 Aragorn discovers the new White Tree 00:40:13 The Third Age ends and the Fourth Age begins 00:43:53 Arwen arrives and marries Aragorn 00:51:04 Éowyn and Faramir’s complicated romance 01:05:57 Ioreth will not stop talking01:17:55 Understanding the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Ages01:27:36 Food for Thought: Aragorn’s Crown Pavlova Today's "Food for Thought": King Elessar's Crown Pavlova I knew I needed to create the crown for this chapter, and I have been wanting to try my hand at a pavlova. Done! It was a bit tricky to decipher what exactly it looked like, so I made my own interpretation based on the limitations of egg white meringue. It was indeed white, had wings on either side, and contained seven gems around the circlet. This is the recipe I used for the pavlova: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/pavlova-recipe I piped a 9" meringue circle on parchment paper using a large circle tip and filled in the middle, then piped some points on the front to hold the jewels. They... did not stand up so great. I built up the edges of the circlet to create a dish shape. Then I sketched a wing onto some parchment, flipped it over and traced it in reverse, and piped meringue to look like feathers. These baked on a separate tray. While it was baking and cooling, I made caramel gem stones by cooking water and sugar in a pan until it caramelized, then dripping it onto parchment with a spoon until I had 7 that were roughly the same size and shape. Assembly required some toothpicks and whipped cream to act as glue. One wing pretty much fell apart- in the back it goes. Add whipped cream and chopped fruit to the center of the pavlova, and you are set! ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Support the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard Got a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Follow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard) Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815) Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023) Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731) Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  2. Sep 23

    059 - The Fellowship Reunites After Mount Doom in "The Field of Cormallen"

    This week on Fool of a Took, we’re reading "The Field of Cormallen", Chapter 4 of Book Six of The Return of the King, and after everything Tolkien has put us through, we finally get to be happy for a minute. We jump back to the Black Gate just as Sauron realizes what’s happening at Mount Doom, the Eagles show up, and his entire army starts falling apart. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam are sitting on the side of an erupting volcano waiting to die until Gandalf and the Eagles swoop in and save them. Sam wakes up two weeks later, discovers Gandalf is somehow alive, and learns that he and Frodo are now basically the most famous people in Middle-earth. We also finally reunite with Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin, debate why Gandalf makes Frodo and Sam put their disgusting Mordor clothes back on, talk about the surprisingly cold Hobbit reunion, and dig into why “Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom” might actually mean a lot more than we initially thought. CONVERSATION TOPICS Sauron’s defeat and the collapse of his armies Gandalf and the Eagles rescuing Frodo and Sam Sam waking up and discovering Gandalf is alive Aragorn honoring Frodo and Sam as heroes The Fellowship finally coming back together Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom What happens after the war is “won” TIMESTAMPS 02:35 Recapping Mount Doom06:39 Back to the battle at the Black Gate08:15 The Eagles are coming!11:40 Sauron falls and his armies collapse14:50 Frodo and Sam prepare to die17:26 Gandalf and the Eagles rescue the Hobbits20:45 Sam wakes up two weeks later 28:37 Frodo and Sam are honored as heroes 32:21 Strider returns as the King 38:23 The Fellowship finally reunites 43:05 What happens to Sauron’s remaining armies? 54:28 Sauron’s final shadow over Middle-earth 1:06:15 Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom 1:13:30 The Hobbits reunite… kind of 1:18:47 Food for Thought: Gwaihir’s strawberry raspberry pie Today's "Food for Thought": Rescued by Gwaihir Pie I loved the image of Gwaihir swooping out of the red Mordor sky to rescue the hobbits, so I put it on a pie. Use your favorite double-crust pie recipe or buy one pre-made (I won’t judge). Prepare the bottom crust, roll out the top, and freeze it on a tray. For the filling, I used strawberries and raspberries for that Mordor red. This recipe worked perfectly, though I needed extra for my deep-dish plate: https://www.driscolls.com/Recipes/Strawberry-Raspberry-Pie-Recipe For Gwaihir, I found a screen cap of his rescue swoop, converted it to line art, and printed it. Place it over plastic wrap on the semi-frozen crust and trace the eagle into the dough. Cut out the outline and add details. I added separate pieces for his head and feet for depth. Cut strips of dough into a starburst, place Gwaihir on top, brush with beaten egg, and bake. The strips look a little like French fries, but they add drama! Full disclosure: this took freaking forever. ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  3. Sep 16

    058 - Frodo Fails to Destroy the Ring Inside "Mount Doom"

    After two years of reading The Lord of the Rings, we’re finally here. This week, we discuss book 6, chapter 3: Mount Doom from The Return of the King. We get into Sam literally carrying Frodo up the mountain, the Ring completely taking over, Gollum showing up at exactly the right (or wrong) time, and Frodo making it all the way to the finish line… only to completely blow it. We also argue about whether Frodo actually deserves credit for completing the quest, what the hell happens to the Nazgûl, why Sam’s mercy toward Gollum ends up saving everyone, and whether Samwise Gamgee has officially become the MVP of this entire story. Fool of a Took is four friends drinking, eating, and making our way through The Lord of the Rings one chapter at a time. Two of us are reading the books for the first time, two supposedly know what they’re talking about, and somehow we’ve made it all the way to Mount Doom. Conversation Topics Sam and Frodo’s final journey to Mount Doom Sam realizing they may never make it home The Ring’s growing power over Frodo Sam carrying Frodo and refusing to give up Gollum’s return and Sam’s decision to show mercy Frodo claiming the Ring and failing at the final moment Gollum destroying the Ring and completing the quest Timestamps 02:29 Recapping The Land of Shadow 06:28 Sam realizes they may never make it home 14:37 Frodo and Sam leave everything behind 20:04 Sam carries Frodo up Mount Doom 25:52 Gollum returns for one final attack 30:39 Frodo claims the One Ring 34:07 Gollum destroys the Ring 43:12 Did Frodo actually complete the quest? 50:09 Sam, Frodo, Gollum, and the Ring-bearers 54:50 Why Sam has become the heart of the story 1:04:21 What actually happens to the Nazgûl? 1:09:04 Could the quest have ended differently? 1:13:29 Food for Thought: Mount Doom lava cakes Today's "Food for Thought": Mt. Doom Molten Lava Cakes I have been holding off on making molten chocolate lava cakes until just the right chapter, and this is it!! It turns out there are two ways to make these: you can simply underbake a chocolate cake and eat raw cake batter, or you can stick a ball of ganache into cake batter and cook it through. Both methods are described here: https://www.joshuaweis.... I chose the ganache method after trying both and deciding I didn't want to risk food poisoning. Make sure to try a few test cakes, as ramekins of different dimensions and volumes will require different baking times. ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: Explicit Support the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (  / foolofatookpodcast  ) TikTok: (  / foolofatookpodcast  ) Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard Got a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Follow the fools on IG: Chris (  / chrisnewhard  ) Robbie Jean (  / robbiejean815  ) Pat (  / rolling.seas2023  ) Laura (  / kennylaura525  ) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple...) Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.c...)

  4. Sep 9

    057 - Frodo Is Running on Empty in "The Land of Shadow"

    Frodo and Sam are finally inside Mordor as we discuss “The Land of Shadow,” Chapter 2 of Book Six of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. After escaping the Tower of Cirith Ungol, Frodo and Sam make their way deeper into Mordor, only to discover that the Morgai blocks their path toward Mount Doom. Forced north through the Land of Shadow, they struggle with exhaustion, dwindling food and water, Gollum secretly following them, and the growing weight of the One Ring. Sam finds a moment of hope in a single star above Mordor, while Frodo finally sees Mount Doom and the enormous armies of Sauron standing between them and their destination. We break down Sam’s devotion to Frodo, the incredible star scene, Sauron’s war machine, Orc infighting, the Nazgûl, Gollum’s return, Frodo’s growing despair, and one of the worst forced marches imaginable. Plus: Orc serial numbers, “Quick, Sam!” vs. quicksand, Mordor vs. murder, Orc traffic jams, and another completely serious discussion of Tolkien’s masterpiece. Fool of a Took is a Lord of the Rings book club podcast following four friends through Tolkien’s Middle-earth, one chapter at a time. Come read along with us as we discuss the story, characters, lore, themes, food, drinks, and all the ridiculous things we notice along the way. Timestamps00:00 Welcome to The Land of Shadow 03:41 Recapping Sam’s rescue of Frodo and the escape from Cirith Ungol05:03 Frodo and Sam enter Mordor with a Nazgûl hunting them10:28 Trapped between the Mountains of Shadow and the Morgai18:55 Dawn breaks over Mordor and terrible news reaches Sauron23:20 The hobbits find desperately needed water25:39 Sam sees a star above Mordor and finds hope in the darkness28:28 Frodo finally sees Mount Doom and Sauron’s enormous armies38:28 Two Orc trackers reveal Gollum is still following the hobbits43:10 Frodo learns what Sam endured to rescue him50:14 Frodo and Sam are trapped on the road as an Orc company approaches53:56 The hobbits are mistaken for deserters and forced into an Orc march55:26 An Orc traffic jam gives Frodo and Sam their chance to escape58:39 Are the Nazgûl actually terrible hunters?1:01:08 “Mordor was a dying land, but it was not yet dead”1:05:28 Frodo’s gratitude and Sam’s incredible devotion1:20:26 Frodo and Sam’s escape vs Merry and Pippin’s capture1:24:14 Food for Thought Today's "Food for Thought": The Last of Faramir's Provisions In this uplifting chapter, we watch Sam and Frodo slowly starve. They ration out their lembas and the cured meat and dried fruit that Faramir gave them wayyyy back in the day. In solidarity, I made roasted cured meat and dried fruit appetizers. I paired prosciutto & fig and salami & mango, wrapped the meat around a chunk of fruit, secured them with toothpicks, and roasted them at 350F for 15-20 minutes or until they started to brown and crisp. I also made a few unroasted ones just in case. They came out delicious! Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed today’s episode, give us a like, subscribe to Fool of a Took, and share this video with another Lord of the Rings fan. SUPPORT & FOLLOW FOOL OF A TOOK YouTube: @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7) FOLLOW THE FOOLS Chris: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean: (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat: (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura: (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Got a question, correction, or something we completely missed?Email us: Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard. #LordOfTheRings #TheReturnOfTheKing #Tolkien

  5. Sep 2

    056 - Everybody’s Dead in “The Tower of Cirith Ungol”

    This week we discuss book 6, chapter 1: The Tower of Cirith Ungol from "The Return of the King". We’re back with Sam, and somehow things in Mordor are going both much better and much worse than expected. Sam crosses into Mordor, discovers the orcs of Cirith Ungol have mostly murdered each other, battles haunted security statues, chases an orc up approximately ten thousand stairs, and finally finds Frodo alive at the top of the tower.We also dig into Sam’s temptation by the Ring, Frodo’s brutal reaction when Sam returns it, the mysterious Watchers, Gondor’s original purpose for Cirith Ungol, and why Tolkien’s descriptions of Mordor are so unbelievably good. Plus: Mordor farmers markets, Samwise the Strong fanfiction, filthy Tarks, raccoon-based military strategy, and a refreshing Mordor Sunrise.Conversation TopicsSam crosses the pass and finally enters MordorThe Ring tempts Sam with visions of becoming “Samwise the Strong”Gorbag and Shagrat’s orcs completely destroy each otherSam encounters the mysterious Watchers of Cirith UngolShagrat escapes with Frodo’s mithril coatSam finds and rescues Frodo at the top of the towerFrodo lashes out when Sam returns the RingThe history and original purpose of the Tower of Cirith UngolTolkien’s incredible descriptions of Mount Doom and MordorOrc language, “Tarks,” Snaga, and the chapter’s deeper lore00:00 Welcome to The Tower of Cirith Ungol and the beginning of Book Six03:50 Catching up with Frodo, Sam, Shelob, and the split timeline08:05 Sam crosses the pass and finally enters Mordor13:20 The Ring tempts Sam with visions of becoming “Samwise the Strong”18:06 Sam encounters the mysterious Watchers guarding the tower26:06 Sam chases Snaga through Cirith Ungol and up a ridiculous number of stairs34:55 Sam confronts Shagrat and gets hit with Frodo’s mithril coat41:01 Sam attacks Snaga and finally rescues Frodo44:50 The Ring turns Frodo against Sam in a heartbreaking moment50:54 Galadriel’s phial helps Frodo and Sam escape the Watchers56:51 Why Tolkien’s descriptions of Mount Doom and Mordor are so effective1:02:50 The Gondorian origins and original purpose of the Tower of Cirith Ungol1:18:44 “Filthy Tarks,” Snaga, and the meaning behind Tolkien’s Orc language1:26:51 Food for Thought Today's "Food for Thought": Mordor Sunrise Cocktails (with Watcher garnish)This felt like a great chapter to show off a cocktail introduced to me by my friends Mark and Vicki. 2 parts vodka2 parts cranberry juice1 part Amarettofresh-squeezed orange juice to tasteThis can be served shaken with ice, or over ice. I chose over ice so that my toothpick garnishes would have something to rest on. The garnishes are a 3-headed peep to represent the vulture heads of the Watchers. I simply snipped off the heads of 2 peeps and stuck them onto a whole peep, then skewered it with a toothpick. Cheers! ----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  6. Aug 19

    055 - One Does Simply Walk into Mordor when "The Black Gate Opens"

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 10: The Black Gate Opens from "The Return of the King". The Captains of the West march straight toward Mordor on what is essentially a 7,000-man suicide mission. Along the way, Aragorn restores the symbols of Gondor, soldiers begin to break under the terror of Mordor, and Sauron patiently draws the army deeper into his trap. At the Black Gate, the Mouth of Sauron arrives with horrifying evidence that Frodo and Sam may have been captured, Gandalf refuses his terms, and the full strength of Mordor pours out to surround the army. Conversation Topics Merry watches the army leave Minas Tirith while Pippin marches toward Mordor Aragorn restores the fallen king at the Crossroads and publicly reclaims Gondor Gandalf refuses to attack Minas Morgul and protects Frodo’s secret path Sauron lures the army forward with silence, fear, and a deliberately weak ambush Aragorn shows mercy to soldiers who cannot face the terror of Mordor The Mouth of Sauron reveals Frodo and Sam’s possessions and offers Sauron’s terms Gandalf rejects the bargain and takes back the mithril coat, cloak, and sword Mordor’s armies surround the Captains of the West at the Black Gate Timestamps 00:00 The Black Gate is closed… opened… somewhat unlocked 06:56 Merry is left behind as the army marches east 10:19 Aragorn restores the king at the Crossroads 17:28 Mablung returns and the army walks into Sauron’s ambush 24:04 Leaving Ithilien and entering the nightmare of Mordor 29:46 The army camps within sight of the Black Gate 38:48 The Mouth of Sauron arrives 45:08 Frodo and Sam’s belongings are revealed 50:26 Gandalf rejects Sauron’s terms 52:30 The trap is sprung and Mordor attacks 56:46 Pippin saves Beregond and kills the troll chieftain 58:05 “The Eagles are coming!” and the end of Book Five 1:05:48 Why the Mouth of Sauron is such a great villain 1:17:05 Where the hell are Legolas and Gimli? 1:26:42 Food for Thought This weeks "Food for Thought": Troll Blood Soup I know, it would have been a cool cocktail, but after what I did to my co-hosts last week, I couldn't. Instead, a thick and lumpy black bean soup would have to suffice. Adapted from: https://cookieandkate.com/spicy-vegan-black-bean-soup/ 1 Tblsp olive oil1 medium onion, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped1 carrot, sliced into thin rounds 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 2 cans black beans 2 cups veg or chicken broth 1 tsp sherry vinegarsalt & pepper to taste Cook onion, celery, and carrots in oil for 10-15 min. Add garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Add beans and broth, then simmer 30 min. Blend some or all of the soup, depending on how chunky you want it. Stir in sherry vinegar. I doctored mine with cayenne and lime for more heat and acid, plus extra liquid since I blended all the beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. I also added black food coloring because it wasn’t dark enough to be troll blood. If you don’t eat a lot of beans, beware the revenge of the troll… ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: Explicit Support the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard Got a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Follow the fools on IG: Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard) Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815) Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023) Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731) Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  7. Aug 12

    054 - "The Last Debate"... Marching Straight into Mordor?

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 9: The Last Debate from "The Return of the King". The battle is won, but the war definitely isn’t. This week, the fellowship finally gets the story of Aragorn and the Army of the Dead before Gandalf gathers the leaders of the West for one last, slightly suicidal strategy session. We talk ghost armies, Legolas discovering the sea, Aragorn coming into his own, Sauron’s greatest weakness, and why marching directly toward Mordor might actually be the only plan left. Plus, Laura turns the Shadow Host into extremely alcoholic ghost Jell-O shots, which goes about as well as you’d expect. Conversation Topics Legolas and Gimli reunite with Merry and Pippin The story behind Aragorn and the Army of the Dead How the Corsairs of Umbar were defeated Why Aragorn released the Oathbreakers The themes of hope and fear in The Last Debate Why Gandalf says they can’t defeat Sauron by force Aragorn’s decision to march on the Black Gate The plan to distract Sauron while Frodo finishes his mission Aragorn finally comes into his own as king How Tolkien’s World War I experience influenced this chapter Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Chapter 9: “The Last Debate” 03:24 Tolkien finally fills in the missing pieces of the battle 05:33 Legolas and Gimli head into Minas Tirith to find the hobbits 09:30 Legolas hears the call of the sea 15:35 Aragorn’s desperate race toward Minas Tirith 22:38 Aragorn captures the Corsair fleet 28:48 The Last Debate begins 30:24 Gandalf explains why Sauron cannot be defeated by force 37:29 Aragorn makes the call: they’re marching on Mordor 41:08 7,000 soldiers against the might of Mordor 43:06 Aragorn is finally coming into his own 52:07 The important question: How exactly do ghosts run? 1:05:10 Aragorn releases the Army of the Dead 1:09:45 Where is Faramir during all of this? 1:14:42 Food for Though1:19:02 Next week: “The Black Gate Opens” 1:23:22 What happens to Fool of a Took after LOTR? This weeks "Food for Thought": The Shadow Host Jello Shots This week we honor the good work of the Shadow Host by making jello shots in their likeness. Or something. 1 6-oz packet blue jello 1 packet unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup vodka (I used Everclear because I ran out of vodka and regretted it... we ALL regretted it) 1/4 cup Gordon's strawberry gin 1/4 cup ginger beer 1 cup hot water In a medium-sized bowl, bloom the gelatin in the liquor/ginger beer mix. Add hot water and jello packet. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 3-5 hours. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut your army out. Add candy eyes (they will not stick) and a toothpick sword! I added a small amount of edible glitter and a drop of black food coloring to make them less neon blue. ----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  8. Aug 5

    053 - Dr. Aragorn Will See You Now in "The Houses of Healing"

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 8: The Houses of Healing from "The Return of the King". Chris, Patrick, Laura, and Robbie Jean return to Minas Tirith for one of the most hopeful chapters in The Return of the King. As Merry, Éowyn, and Faramir struggle against the Black Breath, Aragorn enters the Houses of Healing and finally begins to look like the king he was born to become. Along the way, the hosts debate Tolkien’s best healing scenes, share the recurring nightmares that would become their own “Black Breath,” and spend far too much time laughing at Gondor’s endlessly talkative healers. Between thoughtful discussions and the usual chaos, this episode reminds everyone why the quieter chapters often have the biggest emotional payoff.Conversation TopicsMerry and Pippin reunite after the battleThe Black Breath and magical depressionAragorn refuses to claim the throneFaramir recognizes his kingÉowyn’s wounds go beyond the battlefieldSassy Aragorn returns with healing handsThe hosts reveal their worst recurring nightmaresTimestamps00:00 No Laughing in the Houses of Healing04:22 Merry Wanders Through a Hateful Dream13:16 The Hands of a King20:24 Aragorn Secretly Enters Minas Tirith29:04 Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry Need Healing38:02 Aragorn Awakens Éowyn47:02 The People Discover Their King53:02 The Hosts Face the Black Breath1:12:55 Faramir Recognizes Aragorn1:22:04 Food for Thought: Healing Herbal TeaToday's "Food for Thought": The Tea of HealingThe Athelas tea that Aragorn made filled the room with a lovely, sweet scent and healed our heroes. Rather than spraying my co-hosts down with perfume, I brought one of my favorite delicious-smelling herbal teas.No recipe for this one. If you're looking for ideas, the tea I used had chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rose hip, valerian root, hibiscus, and cornflower. Enjoy with pinkies out and be healed!----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

One does not simply walk into serious discussion…  Fool of a Took Podcast  is a show where deep lore meets even deeper nonsense!  Enter the Shire-adjacent mind of Chris, your host, guide, and certified Fool of a Took as he sets out to read The Lord of the Rings for the very first time, joined by his book-loving wife RJ, fellow first-time reader and baker Laura, and Laura’s husband Patrick, a devoted Tolkien super-fan.   Fool of a Took is your book-club companion through Middle-earth—whether you’re discovering LOTR for the first time, revisiting it again, or geeking out as a lifelong Tolkien fan.

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  • Creator
    Fool of a Took Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Fool of a Took Podcast
  • Show Website
    Fool of a Took Podcast

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