The podcast always presents interesting information about the Tokien legendarium plus loads of other fun facts and fun references. It also does great work in showing how stories can help frame one’s thinking in order to see the world in a more real and inspiring way.

Amon Sul tackles all kinds of themes and every variation of Tolkien’s life and work. It’s fun, there’s a variety of guest hosts, and it often simply warms the heart and draws me deeper into wanting to live a true and good life. Would highly recommend to any Tolkien or Fantasy fan, Orthodox or not!

I love this podcast! It is factual, thoughtful, and whimsical. I’m going to start at episode 1 and listen to every episode. ❤️

Here be goodness galore! These guys will help us remember what we have forgotten. That said, I say: Go froward!

I was hesitant to listen. How much orthodoxy and how much broad appreciation would there be? Fortunately, they are true to their faith, true to the narrative, and share genuine exploration of the books from an interesting, inviting, and engaging perspective. One need not be Orthodox to glean deep wisdom of this epic tale from a spiritually inclusive angle.

One of my favorites, the Amon Sul podcast sheds light on Tolkien’s works and their profound ability to convey the truth of the world and our place in it. I gain insight into theological concepts through the host’s explanations. I love the conversational style of piecing through bit by bit the myriad themes awoken through their own experience and enjoyed through our common humanity. Well done!

I was looking for a podcast like this that would compare and contrast the religious themes in Tolkien’s writings and mix it with my interest in theology. Enjoyable and not dry at all. But gentlemen, you need to keep your hands off the countertop when you’re recording because it makes a lot of thumping when you are talking.Grace and peace to you through our Lord Jesus Christ 🙏🏼

I have never read the Simarillion, although I mean to, and I am not the caliber of Tolkien nerd that might be expected to listen to this podcast. But every episode feels like you’re sitting near a fire, comfortably listening to the pleasant conversation of others. You learn things by listening, and although you may at times feel like Bilbo wondering what all these uninvited dwarves are going on about, it doesn’t really matter if you know the stories of Luthien or Feanor. Here you are welcome to sit and listen, and feel part of a world larger and more wonderous than yourself. And that’s a gift.

Father Andrew does such a great job of hosting podcasts, and his henchman Richard Rohlin has really proven himself as well! If you like Tolkien and aren’t trying to pretend that Tolkien’s Christian faith was central to his writing, then you will likely enjoy this podcast. The guest speakers and their host(s) explore the depths of Tolkien’s works, including the one’s not related to the Legendarium. ** DISCLAIMER: There are tons of “spoilers”, but in fairness, the books have been around longer than the hosts of the show have even been alive, so just read them already. Like seriously.

This is a great podcast. Fr. Andrew and his guest and co-hosts have encouraged me read further and think about how it relates to my life and faith.

I listen to this at work. The guests are always interesting and provide good perspective and substance on their part all while Father Damick keeps the conversation on engaging topics. I also love the, “taking the hobbits to Isengard” segment.

Amon Sûl is a great podcast that reflects on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien through the lens of Orthodox Christian faith and praxis. I appreciate the topical approach that Fr. Stephen and the variety of guests use to examine and reflect on the Tolkien legendarium. Each time I listen, I’ve learn something new, I’ve been inspired by beauty, and my mind has been oriented toward high and noble concepts. If the works of Tolkien have been a part of your journey, then this podcast might be a good touchstone for contemplation and meaningful living. And remember, never go full Denethor.

Full of interesting Tolkien trivia, deep lore and wisdom, and, most importantly, connections to the spiritual life.

Cannot recommend this podcast enough. While centered around Tolkien, the connection the Christian faith has broadened my knowledge of Orthodoxy and encourages me.

“Things are not disconnected” —S.R.R.

Variety of topics and guests are ALWAYS engaging, informative and entertaining! Highly recommend! Thanks!

Fr Damick’s joy of the source material is infectious and even topics I would think to find uninteresting I am brought to rapt attention and am always rewarded with a new thing to sit and think with. As an Orthodox Christian it provides a fantastic framework to build out with into a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy and the variety of guests is welcome as is the laughter and banter. just a really nice time. —kevin zalac.

I’m a new student of Professor Tolkien and this podcast is really helping me navigate Middle Earth. I love the long talk format. I feel like I’m sitting at a table listening to Fr. Andrew and his guest sharing their knowledge and their joy of JRR Tolkien’s work.

Listened to the episode “Full Denethor” which devoles into childish giggles and goofy pop culture phrase swapping that makes me think this show represents the worst in solipsistic podcasting.

My husband and I listen to new episodes of this podcast together. We both really like Tolkien, we are Orthodox, and this is a fun and funny podcast that we both enjoy. It's something that we can discuss after we've listened to it. In terms of free, at-home date night activities, this is an excellent podcast choice.

I love this podcast. I am a pretty big Tolkien nerd, and there wasn’t too much of his universe that was new for me in here. I was remembering things I had forgotten and tying it in with what I believe. It was great. Then I found episode 5. Oh my! It was something entirely new, that I had never heard before and it tied in with my faith so amazingly. I’m too afraid the show has peaked after that episode (where else can it go?), but my fingers are crossed for more amazing episodes. Thanks so much!

I am really enjoying this podcast, Father. You and your guests do a wonderful job of interpreting this fantasy world into Christian meaning. I only wish you published more often. Have a blessed Pascha!!

Truly beautiful and artistic, helps to make long mundane drives into epic quests for the goodness of God.

I read "The Hobbit" in high school, but I had only seen the movies for the "Lord of the Rings". My priest (I am Orthodox) used to frequently reference the books in his sermons, so I finally read them. I have now read them twice. The "Two Towers" portion is probably my favorite fictional book I have ever read. The whole thing makes an incredible story. This first podcast was really great. I listen to other podcasts by Father Damick and Stephen. They each always impress me with the quality of the episodes and the depth of their thought on whatever they are discussing. I can't tell you how many "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" episodes by Stephen Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez I have listened to on books, movies, etc. that I have never seen but still truly enjoy. If you're at all a fan of Tolkien, this is well worth listening to. If you've never read the books, this may inspire you to do so.

Professional grade podcast, I am not a Tolkien expert, but have great respect for him, and even having read the Rings books 1 time only, I was able to follow and understand this podcast

The show approaches both serious and comical topics in regard to JRR Tolkien’s fantasy work. It does it while enriching the worldview of the orthodox Christian. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick Brings his already established podcast talent along with that of his fellow friends to give a show that is clearly a labor of love for and by fans. I think the show will be of listening value for Tolkien fans in general regardless of their religious background so long as you’re not totally adverse to religious discussion. And if you have an interest in the Orthodox faith it might be healthy to encounter it from the perspective of how it views the beauty and fun of a fantasy world. Yes the Orthodox world also contains nerds. In fact, maybe they were even first at producing Christian nerds. And I suspect after the current trend of “cool nerds” fizzles out they will still be properly stoking the nerd flame. Not because it is culturally popular. But rather that may be a good world should always have people who know how to enjoy the types of things that nerds enjoy. And if you do not believe yourself to be a nerd I am sorry. You will still enjoy the show. But I suggest you fully embrace the inner fantasy nerd screaming to get out.

Wonderful stuff! The Tolkien LOTR worlds have been a massive part of my childhood since the beginning. I was not given a Tolkien-esque name, but my family has many memories surrounding LOTR marathons going late into the night and reading the books aloud on rainy weekends. I have grown up steeped in Tolkien myth and mystery. After becoming Orthodox, the tales and their depths have only seem to compound, further improving (if even possible) my enjoyment of them. Thus, what could be more awesome than an Orthodox Tolkien podcast! Hearing about it I was absolutely ecstatic, and it is definitively everything I hoped it could be. From moments of melancholic remembrance indices by Father Andrew’s beautiful opening piece, to tearing up in laughter during Taking the Hobbits To Isengard, it was wonderful, entertaining, and quite thought provoking production. I am also an avid Pop Culture Coffee hour listener, which merely added my enjoyment of the episode (highly recommend PCCH!). They had very similar structures of examining, comparing, and, if possible, incorporating a subject of pop culture to orthodoxy and our lives. I am extremely excited about the future of this podcast and I will be impatient for March 25th! God bless you all!

Loved the first episode, the level of discussion was well put together. I found the correlation between the books and the Orthodox faith refreshing. Can’t wait for number two.

Take in-depth literary study of one of the most brilliant authors in the English language and integrate it with a wide array of topical discussion and theology, then present it by way of hosts who sincerely and intimately love the material and this is everything I’ve wanted in a podcast. I have been inspired to re-read the Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion and bask in its light, as magnified by the insight provided in this show. Father Andrew mentions that he hopes this will be dozens or hundreds of episodes long, and I hope that comes to fruition. I also hope he resists the temptation to cut down runtime as the show carries on. The longer episode runtime is a perfect forum for what the show seeks to accomplish - the longer the better! Bravo, thank you for this, and God bless!

There are plenty of Tolkien podcasts, and many that consider the man and his work through the lens of the Catholic Christian Faith that was so important to him, but (surprisingly) none so far dedicated to considering him from the close, but not identical perspective of Orthodox Christianity. Fr. Damick has created a smooth and polished (and versatile) format, and a winning first entry with Steven Christoforou as guest-host. I look forward eagerly to seeing what comes next!

Beautifully nerdy but also filled with deep spiritual thoughts. And game shows.