Podcast Summary: Flightless Bird — "Lord of the Rings Revisited"

Host: David Farrier
Cohost: Rob
Date: December 31, 2024

Episode Overview

In this special "Lord of the Rings Revisited" episode, David Farrier and Rob look back at one of the podcast’s most loved and controversial topics: the Lord of the Rings trilogy—particularly David's infamous admission that, as a proud New Zealander, he had never watched a full Lord of the Rings movie.
The episode features:

• New banter between David and fellow Kiwi Leon, who stars in The Rings of Power.
• A redux replay of David’s tour of the Hobbiton set in New Zealand.
• Insights and affectionate digs into American and Kiwi cultural quirks.
• A highly entertaining recap from Rob’s young son Calvin, sharing his takes on the first two Lord of the Rings films.

The tone is warm, irreverent, and self-effacing, weaving in playful complaints about working over the holidays, gratitude toward listeners, and deep dives into what Hobbiton means for fans and New Zealand itself.

Key Discussion Points

1. David Farrier’s Lord of the Rings Confession & Kiwi Guilt

[00:09] – [02:18]

• David admits (again) he’s never watched an entire LotR movie, much to co-guest Leon's and listeners' horror.
• Leon recalls how inescapable the trilogy was in New Zealand and shares childhood memories of obsession over the books and films.
• Quote:
  Leon [01:13]: “I don’t think [not seeing the films] felt like an option… it just didn’t feel like there was an option not to be part of this.”
• Leon speaks about his ongoing involvement in the Tolkien universe: “I feel like it’s never going to stop now.”

2. A Lord of the Rings Actor’s Perspective

[02:18] – [03:58]

• Leon discusses his role in Amazon’s Rings of Power, playing someone from the island of Númenor (the ancestors of Aragorn).
• Playful banter as David quips about not knowing Aragorn or Viggo Mortensen, and Leon teases back.
• When asked if his character is good or bad, Leon replies:
  Leon [03:48]: “People on the internet at this point would say bad. And I would say, isn’t it fun to see where the story will go?”

3. Podcast Updates, Community Thanks, and Reflections

[05:15] – [14:45]

• David and Rob’s American/New Zealander cultural mashup continues, with discussions about their team’s workload, favorite holiday rituals, and the supportive listener community.
• Discussion about live shows and the positive impact of listener ratings and engagement.
• Quote:
  David Farrier [11:03]: “To have that first show sell out relatively quickly… it means a lot. It’s one thing having people listen… but to buy a ticket to a show… it means a lot.”

4. Listener Feedback and Cultural Differences

[14:45] – [24:41]

• Rob gifts David custom cookies and a Dave Clock–illustrated Flightless Bird birthday/Christmas present (with "metal" flightless birds).
• Heartfelt discussions of listener emails, memories of awkward childhoods (braces, gaps in teeth), and feedback from ultra-religious backgrounds on American Girl dolls and Disney “satanic panic.”
• Quote:
  Rob [22:38]: “It’s a pretty American time. I had some of those years too.”
  David Farrier [23:43]: Reading a listener email: “American girls were actually preached against in my church…”

5. Generational and Cultural Observations

[27:49] – [28:50]

• Debate about the current generation’s inability to “Google” or seek out information as compared to being fed content by algorithms.
• Quote:
  David Farrier [28:01]: “Google has become completely corrupted and is just now returning a whole lot of like terrible results…The Internet in general is turning into a bit of a muddy cesspit.”

6. Listener Stories About American Oddities

[31:18] – [32:21]

• Listener tales of strange jobs (body part logistics for medical demonstrations) and the weirdest things found in homes in rural Maine (“knives stuck so far into the trees… can’t get them out,” “large dog minus the head in a plastic bin”).

7. About Hobbiton: The LOTR Tourist Pilgrimage

[34:15] – [53:03]
[Key tour: 34:15–53:03]

• David is joined by American transplant Matt for a drive to Hobbiton, discussing U.S.–Kiwi cultural differences (e.g., tipping vs. cow tipping).
• Interview with Shane Forrest, Hobbiton’s general manager, about the evolution from temporary film set to permanent tourist attraction:
  • Initially, locals begged to see the original filming remains.
  • Peter Jackson rebuilt Hobbiton for The Hobbit films, creating a permanent, ultra-detailed set.
  • The Alexander family, who own the farm, now run the site, which is still live sheep and cattle property.
  • Quote:
    Shane Forrest [38:13]: “I imagine they got the bulldozers in after the movie stopped. And then someone went, ‘Wait, don’t touch it.’”
• Vivid description of Hobbiton: sheep fields, rolling green hills, and the fully immersive vibe.
• Guest Americans (including former Hobbiton film extras) marvel at Kiwi quirks—barefoot mall-goers and, yes, lower water in toilets.
• Interviews with set decorator Josie Keane and American staffer Kate, herself an extra in The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies.
• Quote:
  Josie Keane [51:24]: “This is the dream. I get to craft things authentically and give that to people and watch them interact with it and feel like they’re in a book series I’ve loved my whole life.”

8. The Hobbit Hole Tour (Inside the New "Living" Set)

[47:45] – [51:24]

• Description of entering an actual newly-built hobbit home (interiors, beds, a hot oven, a lived-in feel).
• Fans allowed to touch and interact with everything—“Because we’re trusting them and their fans, they are very respectful.”
• The emotional resonance for both tourists and staff is palpable.

9. Gift Shops and Cultural Parallels

[52:30] – [52:52]

• Matt debates buying a “thou shalt not pass” doormat and leaves with a Bag End tea towel—realizing New Zealanders share Americans' love of gift shops.

10. Calvin’s Lord of the Rings Recaps — Childhood Wonder

[52:55] – [58:29]

• Rob interviews his young son, Calvin, for charming, hilarious, and clear-eyed recaps of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers.
• Calvin’s highlights:
  • The ring is evil, made by a “master” who is the bad guy, only destroyed by volcano lava.
  • “There was a war. And they’re getting ready for the war, and they’re trying to break the ring into the volcano…” [55:50]
  • Identifying “Lego us” as his favorite elf; delight in big battles; amazed by Gollum/Smeagol’s dual personalities.
• Memorable outro:
  Calvin [58:14]: “Like and subscribe. Exclamation mark. My name’s Calvin. Like and describ.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Leon on LotR in NZ [01:13]:
  “I don’t think [not seeing the films] felt like an option… it just didn’t feel like there was an option not to be part of this.”
• Shane Forrest on Hobbiton’s History [38:13]:
  “Wait, don’t touch it! Who wants to get rich? Picture this — Hobbiton.”
• Matt on Hobbiton’s Authenticity [43:03]:
  “It’s lacking that gimmicky thing. It’s way more authentic than that. It’s not a movie set. It’s way more immersive than that.”
• Josie Keane, Set Decorator [51:24]:
  “It’s the playhouse that I dreamed of as a kid and I get to work in it. This world is kind of made for me and I get to make it for other short people, and that means something.”
• Calvin’s Summary of The Two Towers [55:50]:
  “There’s a war. And they’re getting ready for the war and they’re trying to break the ring into the volcano and they’re getting ready for the war.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Kiwi Guilt: David admits not having seen LotR — [00:09–02:18]
• Leon discusses his Rings of Power role — [02:18–03:58]
• Thanks to community and show updates — [05:15–14:45]
• Heartfelt listener feedback & American Girl/Disney “satanic panic” — [22:54–24:41]
• Generational Google and internet conversation — [27:49–28:50]
• Hobbiton tour and interviews — [34:15–53:03]
• Set decorator’s emotional connection — [51:24]
• Calvin’s LotR recaps — [52:55–58:29]

Summary Tone & Style

The episode balances wit and warmth, mixing high-concept cultural analysis with genuine appreciation and gentle self-mockery. The hosts’ dynamic flows easily between sincere discussions about creativity and community, and humorous, endearing commentary on fandom and family. The inclusion of Calvin’s “like and describ” sign-off perfectly encapsulates the show’s blend of irreverence and sincerity.

For the Listener

This episode is both a love letter to Lord of the Rings fandom and a wry exploration of New Zealand’s proud micro-culture in the age of global pop culture. It’s a must-listen for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of Hobbiton, the global reach of Tolkien’s world, and sweet, unexpectedly funny insights from the next generation of fans.