The Lorehounds

Take a seat at the table for the 7th course (the soul!) of this feast of a season. Elysia and John become talking heads about talking heads as they recap the emotional journeys of Lestat and Louis. And of course, we can't forget our favorite murder gremlin and his emotional growth.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment and a Body Thief MurderboardContact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Jean take a scene by scene approach to "Unbowed and Unbent," an episode that shifts gears from the psychological intensity of the earlier run into something more mechanical, moving pieces into position for the back half of the season. Kristen Cole gets the lion's share of attention, with Jean making the case that Cole's entire identity is the product of a man who never got over rejection, and David walking through the real world history and tactical use of caltrops as Cole's guerrilla campaign hits its limits. The Harrenhal storyline draws pointed criticism for leaning on the tired damsel in distress trope in a show that has set a far higher bar for itself, while Alicent's deeply uncomfortable confrontation with Helena over moon tea opens up one of the episode's most genuinely complex conversations about bodily autonomy, survival, and the cost of power on the women who wield it.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Jean dig into listener feedback on "Tumbleton," with voicemails and messages from community members and fellow podcasters. The conversation covers the moral and tactical questions around Ormond's garrison strategy, the disturbing picture the show is building of who Ormond really is and what his hold over Daeron reveals about power and abuse, and Corlys once again putting his own agenda ahead of everyone depending on him. The episode closes with Military Corner, David's new segment breaking down the battlefield positions of the Blacks and the Greens and what the uncommitted forces in the Stormlands could mean for the war ahead.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Jean return for a thematic breakdown of Tumbleton. The conversation moves through the strategic nightmare Ormond has created by garrisoning his forces inside a civilian town, the unsettling picture the show is painting of who he really is and what Daeron's life in his custody may have looked like, and Rhaenyra's continuing struggle to make sound decisions without the support structures a ruler needs around them.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is anyone really ok after this episode? We're in shock after watching Claudia give her daddy vampires a piece of her mind. There are witches, betrayals, and heartwarming moments as Elysia and John recap the latest episode of The Vampire Lestat. Grab your finest blood vintage and join us.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment and a Devil's Minion Corner.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Jean return to dig into listener feedback on "Rhaenyra Triumphant," with voicemails and messages from community members and fellow podcasters. The conversation tackles lingering questions about the Tessarion and fake Daeron storyline, how the episode's score and sound design illuminate Rhaenyra's inner world, and the staggering weight of everything she is suddenly being asked to carry.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David returns from holiday to join Jean for a deep dive into "Rhaenyra Triumphant," the third episode of House of the Dragon Season 3. The conversation covers the Hightower capitulation at Oldtown, Ormond's treacherous gambit with a fake Daeron, and Daemon's spectacular failure of tactical judgment throughout. At the heart of the discussion is the show's richest ongoing theme: what it truly means to rule when the entire system around you was never built for you to wield it, and how the complicated bond between Rhaenyra and Alicent remains the emotional core of the Dance of Dragons.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're all experiencing an awakening of some kind in the latest episode of The Vampire Lestat. From ice cream scoops to vampire origin stories to reliving the losses of our pasts, this episode has it all. Elysia and John laugh and cry along to our favorite gremlins and their games.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment and a Devil's Minion Corner.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mothers mourning, Black beach bonding, a new unlikely comic duo, and a whole bunch of dragons – there's a lot happening in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2: "Queen's Landing" even before it reaches its game-changing climax. And Jean and Elysia are here to break it all down.Stick around after the outro music for additional book-spoiler discussion.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ask not for whom the bell of shame tolls, for it tolls for every vampire on this show. Elysia and John recap Lestat's taunting of Armand, Daniel's transformational trauma and blackout years, and the overall failure of these vampires to develop healthy coping mechanisms.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment and a Devil's Minion Corner.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jean and Elysia kick off the new season of "horrible people doing horrible things to each other" – aka House of the Dragon season 3, episode 1 – with a dive even deeper than a dragon's fall into the Gullet. They discuss character motivations, the meanings of new revelations, one misused quote, Green Men lore, our new favorite dragon, and arguably the most beautiful battle ever committed to screen.Stick around until after the outro music for the final full-book-spoiler discussion of these events and what might be coming next.Links DiscussedHBO BTS: How to Film An Epic Sea BattleBackrooms (2026) pod (incl. discussion of “The Yellow Wallpaper” short story)Podcast discussing the Green Men (Electric Bookaloo)Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elysia and John head to Toronto to watch Lestat troll Daniel into a feeding frenzy. They discuss media handling of trauma, the truth behind Lestat's dramatizations, and the empathy machine that is Anne Rice's world.Content Warning: This episode addresses sexual assault and abuse.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Eight bells toll in the Widow's Bay season 1 finale – setting Elysia, Mark (Nevermind the Music), and Lisa (Into the West) off on an investigation to uncover what they mean. Sifting through the heart, horrors, and humor of the second half of the season, they piece together the emerging mythology of the island's many secrets through lore teases and key character moments.Links DiscussedSea Shanty in episode 7Did [Writer James Grissom] Actually Know Tennessee Williams?Map of the islandContact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John is joined by Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss the second part of Of Túrin Turambar, the twenty-fifth portion of The Silmarillion. They discuss classical heroes, the grimdark present in Tolkien's writings, and how a character gets in their own way.Marilyn's WebsiteMarilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby CollegeLinks to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsDeep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts to share? Send us an email at [email protected] opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Elysia work through their own and the community's mixed-but-leaning-positive feelings about Steven Spielberg's new alien-focused movie Disclosure Day (currently in theaters). They get into the greatest cinematic moments, the cast and performance(s) they loved best, and (yes) the lore holes nagging at them after the fact – and why this film is worth seeing in theaters, and even if it engages the heart more than your critical thinking skills.Contact Us [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jean and Elysia talk the good, the great, and the even better of the recently released first season (of, they hope, more) of Spider-Noir on Amazon Prime. They talk about the multiversal source of this Film Noir flavor of Spider-Man, here going by the name Ben Reilly – one of the many decisions that diverge this version of the 1930's New York webslinger from his comics inspiration and appearance in the animated Spider-Verse films.After a spoiler-free overview of the show and why you should watch it, they talk through all the important characters, their relationships and motivations, how they fit into their very specific world, the singular actors who bring them to life, the Nicolas Cage as EP factor, classic Film Noir and superhero film references, and which scenes look best in black & white or color.More Spider-Verse coverage:Prep for Across the Spider-VerseAcross the Spider-Verse breakdownContact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elysia and John follow Lestat through an Oedepiphany of epic proportions. They watch young Lestat grow up into a wolf killer before becoming a rock star who can troll his band into submission. They also discuss the implications of the Talamasca's involvement and the absence of Armand.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David, Lisa, and Bryan conclude their Gene Hackman coverage with a deep dive into The Conversation, Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 psychological thriller and the film chosen by community vote. The trio explores Gene Hackman's portrayal of Harry Caul, a surveillance expert whose paranoia, guilt, and isolation unravel him as he becomes convinced his latest recording may lead to a murder. The conversation covers the film's remarkable production history as Coppola's decade-long passion project made between the two Godfather films, its uncanny resonance with the Watergate scandal, and the contributions of editor and sound designer Walter Murch and composer David Shire, whose manipulated piano score mirrors Harry's own distorted perception of reality. From the iconic Union Square opening shot to the film's deliberately unresolved ambiguities, the hosts examine how a 50-year-old film about eavesdropping and the power of information remains strikingly relevant in an era of digital surveillance and post-truth uncertainty.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Interview with the Vampire is back - or maybe over. The story continues with Lestat beginning his journey as a rock star. Elysia and John are here to follow the tour and unveil the mysteries of Lestat's past.Stick around after the credits for a book spoiler Inside the Coffin segment.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David, Elysia, and Jean reunite to kick off their season three coverage of House of the Dragon, outlining what listeners can expect from the pod as the Dance of Dragons reaches its most explosive chapter yet. The team walks through their hosting lineup, with Elysia stepping in to lead episodes one and two while David is away and Jean on board as second chair for the full season, before David returns from episode three onward. Episodes will drop Tuesdays to Wednesdays at the latest each week, with a curated Notion show guide available for listeners who want character and actor context without risking spoilers on the open internet.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Elysia venture into the Horror Hounds to discuss Backrooms (2026), A24's creepypasta-turned-feature film directed by Kane Parsons and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. They trace the film's remarkable origin — from an anonymous 2019 post on 4chan to Kane Pixels' three-year YouTube web series — and unpack how a 19-year-old first-time director delivered a confident, visually stunning film on a $10M budget with a 14X box office return. The conversation digs into the film's rich thematic layers, including the backrooms as a Jungian mirror of shared anxiety and mental illness, the AI-as-mimicry subtext, the literary connection to Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper, the psychological character studies of Mary and Clark, and what this film signals about a new generation of internet-native storytellers reshaping the horror genre.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Part spin-off series following a new voice and perspective, part season 3 of AMC's Interview with the Vampire, all The Vampire Lestat. John and Elysia get together to discuss their favorite fanged villains and antiheroes ahead of the new season – opening with a (mostly) spoiler-free discussion of why those who haven't should tune into the first two seasons, before launching into their dive into the new season: what we know so far, the characters, the music, and awards for the vamps most likely to do anything from stand you up for a date to fall for an internet scam.Catch up with the discussion and recap of Interview with the Vampire seasons 1 &2 here.Lestat's music videos so far:• “Long Face”• “All Fall Down”• “Dancing with Myself” (cover)• “Butterscotch Bitch”• “Your Biggest Fan”Promo material referenced:• Latest, longest trailer• “I bet” trailer (first extended look)• Incest / “failure” trailer (“The Rolin Cut”)• Lestat discovers the book (clip)• Pom commercialContact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elysia and John continue the journey of the galaxy's favorite father and son in The Mandalorian and Grogu. They catch up with the New Republic before meeting Hutts of various sizes, watching stop motion and puppetry showcases, and overall having a fun, standalone adventure.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John drops in for cocktail hour before Mark, Lisa, and Elysia make a meal of all the lore-building and juicy character moments in the first five episode of Widow's Bay on Apple TV – also laying out what the many teases and blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments might mean for the rest of this season (and beyond?).This episode begins with spoiler-free reactions to the show so far before beginning our spoiler discussion.Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jean, Luke, and Elysia check in on the good, the could-be-better, and the absolute Red-Band of the 2026 Marvel Special Presentation The Punisher: One Last Kill on Disney+. Their conversation is dotted with discussions of grief, target audiences, the comic-book inspiration, and the future of this character and the rest of the MCU (with important opinions about movie-theater seating thrown in for good measure).Daredevil: Born Again coverage:DD:BA S1 eps 1-2DD:BA S1 ep 3DD:BA S1 eps 4-7DD:BA S1 eps 8-9DD:BA S2 eps 1-4DD:BA S2 eps 4-8Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsLuke's podcastItCouldBeSaidAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John, Elysia, and Marilyn follow Ryan Gosling to the far reaches of space to save humankind from destruction. They discuss the impressive puppetry and visuals, the hopepunk core of the film, and the parallels to other sci-fi worlds.Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates: linktr.ee/thelorehoundsSend your questions and feedback to [email protected] opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David is joined by Nichole from Nevermind the Music, John from the Dune Minute Podcast, and Ian from Captain's Pod: A Star Trek Companion for a full-spoiler season wrap-up of The Pitt Season 2.The panel works through the season's central argument: that Season 2 is a fifteen-hour indictment of what the American healthcare system does to the people inside it, told not through one catastrophic event but through the slow grind of a single ordinary shift. The conversation covers the Robby problem and his pattern of hot-and-cold behavior, individual patients as vessels for systemic critique, Langdon's recovery arc and stunning role reversal, the S1 vs S2 debate, off-screen controversies including cast departures and fandom toxicity, and what a Season 3 winter shift might need to do to stay vital.Guest LinksNevermind the Music: https://redcircle.com/shows/nevermind-the-musicDune Minute Podcast: https://linktr.ee/theduneminuteCaptain's Pod: A Star Trek Companion: https://redcircle.com/shows/captains-pod-a-star-trek-companion9159Contact Us Questions or comments?Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jean, Luke, and Elysia are back to wrap up their discussion of Daredevil: Born Again season 2 with an analysis of episodes 5 through 8, and plenty of speculation of where this story will go in season 3, not to mention the Punisher special presentation next week and everything else going on in the MCU this year or next.They're asking the important questions, from who is the least empathetic character on this show to when we will get the Buck–Pretty Woman crossover of Elysia's dreams. Plus, tips on the most essential comics to read to prepare for the next part of this tale.DD:BA S2 eps 1-4Watch out next week for our coverage of The Punisher: One Last Kill.Last season's coverage:DD:BA S1 eps 1-2DD:BA S1 ep 3DD:BA S1 eps 4-7DD:BA S1 eps 8-9Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsLuke's podcastItCouldBeSaidAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David sits down with Dr. Amy H. Sturgis, professor of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Gothic literature at Signum University and a contributor to the Hugo Award-winning podcast StarShipSofa, for a wide-ranging conversation about Star Trek, Star Wars, and the stories we need.They explore why both franchises have retained such fierce cultural grip across generations, unpacking the co-creative tradition that has defined Star Trek fandom, the danger of nostalgic and entitled fandoms, and the distinct but complementary ways the two franchises ask us to think about power, agency, and the future. The conversation also touches on Amy's two co-edited Vernon Press anthologies, the acafan identity, dark academia as a Gothic tradition, and her current recommendations across television, fiction, and music.Guest BioDr. Amy H. Sturgis is a professor of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Gothic literature at Signum University. She has authored or edited more than a dozen books, contributed over sixty scholarly essays, and holds a PhD in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Since 2008, she has contributed her "Looking Back on Genre History" segment to the Hugo Award-winning podcast StarShipSofa. Her most recent books are two co-edited anthologies: Star Trek: Essays Exploring the Final Frontier and Star Wars: Essays Exploring a Galaxy Far, Far Away (both Vernon Press, 2023).Website: amyhsturgis.comMastodon: @DrAHSturgis@UniversidonAmy's Three ThingsVienna Blood (TV series, PBS Masterpiece)https://www.pbs.org/show/vienna-blood/The Liebermann Papers novels by Frank Tallis https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/MXL/max-liebermann/Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins https://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/sunrise_on_the_reaping.htmIn Times of Dragons by Tori Amoshttps://toriamos.com/music/Also MentionedSignum University SPACE Program (Adult Continuing Education) https://signumuniversity.org/non-degree-programs/adult-continuing-education/Heat Death — Decline and Fall series by Asher and Saul Elbeinhttps://heat-death.gh

David, Jean, and Bryan close out the first season of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord with a finale that earns a standing ovation from the entire team. The conversation opens with reactions to a season they rank among the best Star Wars storytelling ever produced, animated or live action, before diving into full-spoiler discussion of both episodes. The team explores the shifting alliances and escalating power dynamics of the finale, Daki's complete character arc and the respect he ultimately earns, and the question of whether Devon's final choice is truly her own or the product of masterful manipulation. Bryan raises a compelling question about legacy versus weaponry in the Sith tradition, while Jean unpacks the cycle of grief and loss that connects the dark side across generations. Elysia delivers fresh takes and a lore bomb on the history of Stormtroopers. The crew also previews a packed slate of upcoming coverage across the network.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elysia and John meet new friends and foes in the island-hoping second half of Season 2 of One Piece.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David, Jean, and Bryan continue their weekly coverage of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord with a pair of episodes that push the series into its darkest territory yet. The conversation explores Rylee's capture and interrogation by the 11th Brother, the team's growing suspicion that Rylee has been compromised, and the broader question of whether Devon can straddle the line between light and dark without falling to either side. Two Boots' arc takes center stage as the droid's loss of identity sparks a reckoning with what the Empire truly represents, leading to one of the most layered character turns of the season. Elysia sends in fresh takes, a listener email response connecting Dathomir witchcraft to Marvel's Witches' Road, and a lore bomb on Crimson Dawn. The team digs deep into Maul's harrowing vision sequence in episode eight, what his suffering reveals about the cost of the dark side, and how his story connects to the broader question of what the Jedi must become in order to survive a post-Order 66 galaxy.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David, Lisa, and Bryan are joined by Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila for a special episode exploring the meaning behind the podcast's name and the deep cultural associations between the West and human mortality. The conversation traces how civilizations from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the Maori, the Celts, and the indigenous Wabanaki have connected the setting sun with death, transition, and what lies beyond. Marilyn draws on John Garth's research into how the phrase "going West" entered the English lexicon through Celtic-speaking soldiers in the trenches of World War I and became a foundational element in Tolkien's myth-making, while the hosts reflect on how art, storytelling, and community create spaces for renewal, shared grief, and the celebration of lives well lived.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David, Jean, and Bryan return for the third week of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord as the stakes reach a new level with the arrival of the Empire on Janix. The team digs into Daki's frustrating decision-making, Two Boots' uncertain loyalties under Imperial occupation, and the chilling introduction of Inquisitor Marrok as he takes over the investigation. Elysia sends in an extensive lore bomb on the history of the Inquisitors alongside her fresh takes. The conversation highlights Maul's stunning lightsaber forms practice, the horror-tinged pacing of episode six's chase and train fight sequences, Devon's resilience against a far more powerful opponent, and the quiet scene between Devon and Riley that grounds the chaos in real human stakes. The team also speculates on what Lawson's ex-wife Drea is really up to inside the Empire.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David is joined by Tansy Gardam, host of the acclaimed Going Rogue podcast, and Asher Elbein, journalist and co-creator of the newsletter and website Heat Death, for a deep dive into the Jurassic film franchise — all seven films across 32 years. The conversation spans the paleontological promise of the original Park trilogy, the stagnation and franchise anxiety of the Jurassic World era, and the ways mega-franchise pipeline thinking has constrained the series' creative evolution.Asher brings his background as a science journalist to examine how Hollywood arrested popular dinosaur science in amber while the real field moved on, and Tansy unpacks the franchise mechanics that kept the series reaching back to the first film rather than forward into new territory — including the quietly radical queerness encoded in the very biology of the dinosaurs themselves.Check Out Our GuestsTansy Gardam - Going Rogue Podcast https://patreon.com/goingroguepodcasthttps://bsky.app/profile/tansyg.bsky.socialAsher Elbein - Heat Deathhttps://heat-death.ghost.iohttps://bsky.app/profile/asherelbein.bsky.socialContact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and John discuss preeclampsia, wild births, epilepsy, toxic workplaces, and more in the season 2 finale of The Pitt.Podcast Referenced by David: Encore: What I learnt about Australia as an Outback GPView our Free Show Guide Online:https://thelorehounds.notion.site/the-pitt-show-guideContact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David, Jean, and Bryan dive into the second week of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord with a discussion that also features comm links from Elysia covering her fresh takes, comics connections, and a lore report on the Pyke Syndicate. The conversation centers on Maul's mesmerizing tea ceremony with Devon, a scene the team calls one of the best in any Star Wars property, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic that follows as Maul tests Devon's resolve, her ability to learn, and her untapped power. The team also explores the Lawson and Two Boots partnership, the noir-inflected policing storyline, the stunning animation style, and the explosive cliffhanger that brings the Empire to Janix's doorstep.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and John recap the darkness before the light in the penultimate episode of Season 2 of The Pitt.View our Free Show Guide Online:https://thelorehounds.notion.site/the-pitt-show-guideContact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jean, Elysia, and Luke are back to argue the finer points on what makes one murderer worse than another, what a villain's selection of cages says about them, and which romances are likely to be DOA in this mid-season check-in discussing the first four episodes of Daredevil: Born Again season 2 – "The Northern Star," "Shoot the Moon," "The Scales & The Sword," and "Gloves Off."Last season's coverage:DD:BA S1 eps 1-2DD:BA S1 ep 3DD:BA S1 eps 4-7DD:BA S1 eps 8-9Contact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsLuke's podcastItCouldBeSaidAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elysia is joined by Lisa to spill all the tea on everything that went down in Kristoffer Borgli's The Drama (2026). After giving their spoiler-free takes and general thoughts on the power of dark humor to unlock uncomfortable discussions, they talk about the film's opening sequence (00:21:14) without spoiling the twist, and then finally launch into a full-spoiler discussion of the rest of the film (00:37:40).Warning: This film (and thus this podcast episode) will not be for everyone. Heed the (spoiler-free, and then later spoiler-filled) content warnings within.Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates: linktr.ee/thelorehoundsSend your questions and feedback to [email protected] opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and Elysia dive into Shakespeare's Hamlet, opening with a discussion of the play itself and some of the most classic film and stage adaptations, not to mention the whole sub-genre of films loosely adapting and referencing the Bard's longest work.With that foundation laid, they turn their attention to the new adaptation starring Riz Ahmed, directed by Aneil Karia, that debuted at Telluride last year and is opening in theaters across North America today, April 10. How faithful is this new incarnation of the story, set in London's Asian community in the modern day? And what does and doesn't work when breaking down the source material to create what they call "the boldest adaptation to date"?Links discussed:"The Name of Action" short docThis American Life: "Act V"Bait TV series: trailerHamlet adaptations discussed:Hamlet (1948) – Directed by Laurence Olivier, starring Laurence OlivierHamlet (1990) – Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, starring Mel GibsonHamlet (1996) – Directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring Kenneth BranaghHamlet (2009) – Directed by Gregory Doran, starring David TennantHamlet (2018) – Directed by Rhodri Huw and Robert Icke, starring Andrew ScottHamlet (2024) – Directed by Sean Mathias, starring Ian McKellenHamlet (2025) – Directed by Aneil Karia, starring Riz AhmedHamlet: National Theatre Live (2026) – Directed by Robert Hastie, starring Hiran AbeysekeraOther films discussed:Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990) – Directed by Tom StoppardThe Lion King (1994) – Directed by Roger Allers and Rob MinkoffIn the Bleak Midwinter (1995) – Directed by Kenneth BranaghRosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead (2009) – Directed by Jordan GallandOphelia (2018) – Directed by Claire McCarthyThe Northman (2022) – Directed by Robert EggersGrand Theft Hamlet (2024) – Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny GryllsKing Hamlet (2025) – Directed by Elvira LindScarlet (2026) – Directed by Mamoru HosodaPatreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates: <a href="h

David, John, and Jean kick off their weekly coverage of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord with a discussion of the two-episode premiere. A quick note — we had some technical issues with our usual recording setup this week, so the audio quality isn't up to our normal standards, but the conversation is very much worth the listen. The team breaks down Maul's opening moves to reignite a syndicate war on Janix, the introduction of Devon Izara and her Jedi Master Daki in hiding, and Detective Brander Lawson's noir-tinged investigation into the chaos Maul is unleashing. The conversation explores the show's bold decision to center a villain as its protagonist, the striking animation style, and how these first two chapters establish the themes of revenge, power, and manipulation that will drive the season.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and John discuss the unraveling of Robby, the humbling of Ogilvie, and shredder placement.View our Free Show Guide Online:https://thelorehounds.notion.site/the-pitt-show-guideContact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David is joined by Jon and Elysia for the season preview of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, the new animated series created by Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz.The conversation is structured in tiers, starting spoiler-free with release details and coverage plans before moving into light story and production context, and finally diving deep into Maul's full backstory and the crime syndicates of the Star Wars underworld.Elysia provides extensive lore context on Maul's journey from Dathomir through The Clone Wars to his post-Order 66 status, while the team discusses the show's potential as a character study exploring revenge, power, and the criminal underbelly of the galaxy.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David sits down with Sarah, a longtime Lorehounds listener and ICU nurse with over two decades of experience in trauma care at teaching hospitals. The conversation explores the authenticity of The Pitt's depiction of emergency medicine, why Ogilvy's first-day cockiness is more common than viewers might think, and how addiction storylines among healthcare professionals ring surprisingly true. Sarah explains the hierarchy of nursing roles, why teaching hospitals need far more than two attendings on duty, and how watching The Pitt provides an unexpected emotional outlet for feelings nurses must suppress during shifts.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsView our Free Show Guide Online https://thelorehounds.notion.site/the-pitt-show-guideAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elysia and Riley kneel at the alter of Ralph Fiennes' Iron Maiden, discuss why Jimmy Crystal is scarier than Sinners' vampire Remmick, and glean hope from this film's not-so-hidden messages of humanity, sacrifice, and teasings of radical forgiveness in the second film in the game-changing 28 Years Later zoombie trilogy.Previous coverage: 28 Days & Weeks Later (subscribers) & 28 Years Later (2025)Find Riley online: YouTube – BlueskyPatreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates: linktr.ee/thelorehoundsSend your questions and feedback to [email protected] opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entitiesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David and John talk crime coverups and funding cuts in this episode of The Pitt.View our Free Show Guide Online:https://thelorehounds.notion.site/the-pitt-show-guideContact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John and Elysia set sail on the East Blue and recap One Piece Season 1 before the live action Season 2 premieres on March 10. They discuss the Hope-Punk of Luffy, the theme of found family, and the absurdity of the production.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateshttps://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dune Storyverse Check-In w/Zach & John from Dune Minute PodcastDavid sits down with Zach and John from the Dune Minute Podcast for a wide-ranging check-in on the state of the Dune storyverse. The conversation covers Dune Minute's current coverage of the Sci-Fi Channel miniseries, the latest on Dune: Prophecy season two production, and their spoiler-filled first reactions to the Dune: Part Three teaser trailer — including speculation on the mysterious casket, Anya Taylor-Joy's casting as Alia, the Stoneburner, and whether Denis Villeneuve is pulling from Brian Herbert's expanded novels.Movies by Minutes: https://moviesbyminutes.com/Find Dune Minute PodcastApple Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theduneminuteBsky: @duneminute.com Email: [email protected] Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected], send us a voicemail! You can use the voicemail tool on our website, thelorehounds.com/contact OR record a note on your smartphone and email it to us at the same address.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsView our Free Show Guide Online https://duneprophecy.notionlinker.comAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David is joined by community members Lisa and Bryan to launch Into the West, a new show on The Lorehounds Network dedicated to celebrating the careers of filmmakers and actors who have passed on. In this inaugural episode, the trio explores the life and legacy of Gene Hackman, from his Depression-era roots and early breakthrough in Bonnie and Clyde through his defining role in the New Hollywood movement with The French Connection and The Conversation to later triumphs like Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums. Lisa and Bryan share personal memories of growing up with Hackman's films, discuss his reputation as a fiercely prepared and principled actor, and walk through an essential filmography spanning his remarkable 79-film career before each host picks a film for the community vote.Vote for which Hackman movie we will watch & reviewPoll closes on 17-Apr-26 at 12pm EDT:https://strawpoll.com/BDyNzq4m4yRContact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: [email protected] to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates https://linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy