Angela and Kelsey go full-spooky for October and tour the creepiest corners of Middle-earth — from the bone-chilling Barrow-downs and the ghostly Dead Marshes to the Paths of the Dead, Shelob’s lair, and the corrupted splendor of Minas Morgul. They explore why these places haunt the lore, what makes them terrifying, and the history that turns landscapes into nightmares.

This is part one of a two-part dive into Tolkien’s darker places, with more First Age horrors promised next episode.

Hosts Kelsey and Angela debate where they would actually live in Middle-earth if they had to move there for real. They weigh geography, culture, safety, and lifestyle—covering places like Lindon, the Shire, Rivendell, Gondolin, Doriath, Gondor, Númenor, and even Mordor—while sharing personal preferences and what retirement might look like in each locale.

Tune in for cozy takes, lore tangents, and a playful exploration of Tolkien’s richly imagined world as the hosts decide between hiking coasts, cozy hobbit-holes, and everything in between.

Hosts Angela and Kelsey wander the kitchens and lore of Middle-earth, tasting the ideas behind lembas, cram, and Beorn's famous honeycakes. They discuss who makes each dish, what they might taste like, and the role these foods play in Tolkien's stories.

This cozy episode blends foodie curiosity with literary lore, invites listeners to share recipes and impressions, and explores how comfort food and survival rations shape the journeys of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men.

In the first episode of Beyond the Brandywine, hosts Angela and Kelsey introduce themselves and explore some of Tolkien's strangest and most intriguing lore.

They discuss Tom Bombadil's mystery, the roaming huorns and the lost Entwives, and the terrifying tale of Ungoliant — mixing personal anecdotes with close readings and plenty of tangents.

New - coming 22 September 2025! Join hosts Angela and Kelsey on Beyond the Brandywine, a cozy and curious podcast exploring the stories and oddities of Middle-Earth. Join them as they share personal stories, nerdy tangents, and why Tolkien’s Middle-earth has been a lifelong refuge.

Expect laughter, lore, and the promise of many amusing detours—hobbits included.