The Lorehounds

Welcome to the Lorehounds! We're David, John, and Elysia — proud independent podcasters who dig deep into the shows and movies you love. We go beyond recaps to explore the storytelling, the lore, the themes, and everything in between, bringing genuine passion and thoughtful analysis to every episode.

Right now we're breaking down The Vampire Lestat and House of the Dragon with Ted Lasso, The Bear, Ahsoka, and plenty more on the horizon.

The Lorehounds sit at the heart of a growing network of affiliated podcasts and a thriving Discord community where the conversation never stops. Find links to all of our shows, subscriber feeds, and community spaces at linktr.ee/thelorehounds.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 34 min
Cosmere Corner - A Brandon Sanderson Book Club!
John's been working with Aaron and Richard from Radioactive Ramblings to bring you Cosmere Corner, a book club podcast about the novels of Brandon Sanderson! Elysia talks to John about this new project. And guess what? It's on audio AND video! This is the only episode that will be on this feed. Please subscribe via the links below to keep listening. linktr.ee/cosmerecorner Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinions of or belong to any employers or other entities. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Friday · 1 hr 28 min
House of the Dragon - S03E06 - Faceless Men - Feedback
David and Jean dig into community feedback on "Faceless Men," covering listener reactions to the episode's many moving pieces and open questions. The discussion takes in Marilyn's deep dive into the history of male squeamishness around menstruation, Jacob G.'s sharp parallel between Hugh's disastrous trip home and the Gold Cloak resignations, and the community's ongoing debate about Alys Rivers and whether the show has yet given her a moment that earns her the witch credibility the story keeps implying she deserves. Military Corner returns with a breakdown of Cole's flail and a primer on the rules of warfare, specifically the line between an allowed ruse de guerre and an act of perfidy, applied to what we just watched on screen. Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Tuesday · 2 hr 5 min
House of the Dragon - S03E06 - Faceless Men
David and Jean cover episode six, unpacking the episode's title across its multiple meanings and what they signal about where the season is heading. The discussion covers Criston Cole's end, Daemon's increasingly poor judgment, the Gold Cloak crisis, and what the shadowy assassin network operating inside King's Landing means for Rhaenyra's grip on power. David also brings some real world political history to bear on the question of what happens when rulers neglect their security forces. Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 25 · 1 hr 20 min
House of the Dragon - S03E05 - Unbowed and Unbent - Feedback
David and Jean dig into listener feedback on "Unbowed and Unbent," and the episode's most contested scene dominates the conversation. The community pushes back hard on the Harrenhal rescue sequence, with listeners arguing that Alys Rivers is far too capable and calculating to have genuinely needed saving, and that what looked like a damsel in distress moment may actually be Alys tightening her psychological hold over Aemond. The discussion also takes in Criston Cole's arc and the community's feelings about his inevitable end, a tinfoil hat theory from the Dungeons 'n' Durags crew about how Ormund's assassins are getting so close to the Gold Cloaks, and some deep lore on Harrenhal's history courtesy of community members and Nancy Hand the Pod. The book corner closes things out with Jean weighing in on how the show's divergences from the source material are landing for readers and non-readers alike. Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 22 · 2 hr 39 min
The Vampire Lestat - S01E07 - The Failures
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 Murderboard Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: askdan@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 21 · 1 hr 52 min
House of the Dragon - S03E05 - Unbowed and Unbent
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. Criston 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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 17 · 1 hr 52 min
House of the Dragon - S03E04 - Tumbleton - Feedback
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 14 · 2 hr 26 min
House of the Dragon - S03E04 - Tumbleton
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 13 · 2 hr 14 min
The Vampire Lestat - S01E06 - Montreal
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: askdan@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 10 · 1 hr 49 min
House of the Dragon - S03E03 - Rhaenyra Triumphant - Feedback
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 8 · 2 hr 29 min
House of the Dragon - S03E03 - Rhaenyra Triumphant
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 7 · 2 hr 27 min
The Vampire Lestat - S01E05 - New York
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: askdan@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 30 · 1 hr 44 min
House of the Dragon - S03E02 - Queen's Landing
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: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 29 · 2 hr 11 min
The Vampire Lestat - S01E04 - The Devil's Road
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: askdan@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 24 · 2 hr 47 min
House of the Dragon - S03E01 - Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood
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 Discussed HBO BTS: How to Film An Epic Sea Battle Backrooms (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: hotd@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 22 · 2 hr 16 min
The Vampire Lestat - S01E03 - Toronto
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 Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: askdan@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 20 · 1 hr 57 min
Widow's Bay – S01E06-10 – The island's many mysteries
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 Discussed Sea Shanty in episode 7 Did [Writer James Grissom] Actually Know Tennessee Williams? Map of the island Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: lorehounds@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 19 · 1 hr 8 min
Silmarillion Stories - E25 - Túrin Turambar Part 2
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 Website Marilyn R. Pukkila, Research & Instruction Librarian Emerita, Colby College Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Deep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts to share? Send us an email at lotr@thelorehounds.com Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 17 · 1 hr 49 min
Disclosure Day (2026) – Spielberg's alien empathy
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 lorehounds@thelorehounds.com Or, 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/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 15 · 2 hr 11 min
Spider-Noir – Season 1 – MCUniverse Oneshot
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-Verse Across the Spider-Verse breakdown Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: mcu@thelorehounds.com Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehounds Any 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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy