231: Data: Older Stuff Beats Newer Stuff - What's going on? Host Crossover Chat Fall 2026

Tolkien is more popular than ever and it's partly due to a major cultural shift. Old books are out-selling new books. Valve pc gaming sales show old game beating new games. Old music is more popular with Gen Z and A. Old movies and shows are streamed more than new ones. What is going on and what does that mean for podcasts like this?Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecastTalk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ceYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio www.robotsradio.netAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do you know that you have the best friends ever? They keep your secrets better than you keep them. Merry reveals that they know all about Frodo leaving, the Ring, and even Bilbo's book, and this reveals exactly how deeply Frodo's friends care about him. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if you were an elf and could perfect a skill or craft over thousands of years, what would you choose? What culture would you fit most naturally into? If you lived in the Shire, where would you live? Why did Tolkien design the Valar to be married couples? We discuss these questions and more! Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecastTalk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ceYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Hobbits finally find safety and a time to relax after being chased for 2 days by Black Riders. We get a real sense of just how much his friends care about him. They know Frodo better than he realizes. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As the Hobbits set out for the ferry, we get horror vibes and meet an unexpected rider on the road. We discuss how this section of the novel and movie diverge and get a first glimpse of Buckland.Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecastTalk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ceYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The conversation with Farmer Maggot plays out in ways that Frodo never expected, and reveal so much about Maggot's character. What a stand-up guy. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Frodo is a good person, but he made his mistakes. The Hobbits avoid the Nazgul by cutting cross country and onto Farmer Maggot's land, and we learn about why Frodo fears him and his dogs so much. But maybe that was a good thing. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chapter 4's beginning gives us even more insight into the personalities of the Hobbits in a way that feels so real and honest, which is surprising in it's own way. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At the end of chapter 3 Frodo and Gildor sit down and have an important conversation. Frodo asks for advice while still withholding information about the ring, and Gildor's response is unexpected, but genius. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Frodo, Sam, and Pippen run into Gildor and his group of Elves in the Shire. At first, it may not seem that important, but there's more going on here than you probably realize. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening, and VIP Patron chats: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecast Talk Lord of the Rings and join the Robots Radio fam: Discord: https://discord.gg/tVnB9ce Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LordoftheRingsLorecast Live Shows and game streams: twitch.tv/robotsradio BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robotsradio.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robots_radio Send me a note! Email: [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy