Main Team:
Robert and his daughter Evelyn grew up in the same household—but from two different generations of geek and nerd culture. From Star Wars marathons to late-night Dungeons & Dragons sessions, Evelyn inherited much of her father’s passion for all things fantastical. But one story always remained untouched: The Lord of the Rings.
While Robert had introduced Evelyn and her brother to The Hobbit—both the book and the classic animated film—Evelyn never ventured further into Middle-earth. She enjoyed the first Peter Jackson movie, but as a child, found The Two Towers too frightening and never made it to The Return of the King.
Years later, during the quiet and boredom of the COVID pandemic, Evelyn decided it was finally time to take the journey. Inspired by other read-through podcasts, she and Robert launched this project: a father revisiting a beloved classic, and a daughter experiencing it for the first time. Together, they explore Tolkien’s world from two different perspectives—sharing insights, laughs, and a few surprises along the way.
Robert Lewis: Executive Producer / Host
Robert Lewis is a lifelong nerd and proud Tolkien devotee who first discovered The Lord of the Rings in high school — and never looked back. What began as a love for epic fantasy soon became a lifelong pursuit; he’s since woven Tolkien’s work into his academic journey, incorporating Middle-earth into both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Today, Robert serves as an editor for several publications with the Tolkien Society, where he continues to explore, analyze, and celebrate the depth of Tolkien’s legendarium.
Beyond the world of Elves and Hobbits, Robert is also a professional Dungeon Master with decades of storytelling experience behind the screen, as well as a seasoned Comic Book Appraiser with a deep appreciation for pop culture history. Whether he’s diving into the Silmarillion or leading an adventuring party through perilous lands, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and humor to every discussion.
Evelyn Lewis: Producer / Host / Editor
Evelyn Lewis is a third-generation nerd — which means geekdom runs deep in her DNA. With a dad who’s a Tolkien scholar, a mom who’s a die-hard Star Trek and sci-fi fan, and a grandmother who’s been reading Superman since his Action Comics debut, Evelyn was raised on a steady diet of fandom, fantasy, and four-color heroes.
Though she came to Tolkien later in life, Evelyn is now fully immersed in Middle-earth and loving the adventure. On Tolkien About It, she brings a fresh perspective, humor, and honest curiosity as she journeys through the legendarium with her dad by her side.
Beyond the podcast, Evelyn is best known as Comic Canary — a professional nerd and creative force in the fandom world. She’s a cosplayer, panelist, speaker, artist, podcaster, professional Dungeon Master, and certified comic book appraiser (working alongside her father). Whether she’s running games, sharing stories at conventions, or bringing characters to life through cosplay and art, Evelyn lives and breathes geek culture.
From the Shire to the comic shop, Evelyn is always ready to explore, create, and celebrate the stories that shape us.
Hobbit Hosts: Amy Redman and Evelyn Mykelrose
Meet Amy Redman and Evelyn Mykelrose — two of Evelyn Lewis’s closest friends since high school and beloved returning guests on Tolkien About It. Their friendship has weathered decades, fandom debates, and at least one slightly embarrassing Senior Year Homecoming photo.
Evelyn Mykelrose — or Evey, as she’s known to friends — prefers to remain mysteriously unpictured and is universally acknowledged (even by Evelyn Lewis herself) as the superior Evelyn. Evey and her husband Matt have brought their humor and heart to several episodes of the podcast, including the Fellowship of the Ring movie discussion. Amy and her husband Collin have also graced the mic, most notably during the Return of the King movie episode.
Both Amy and Evey have only seen the Lord of the Rings films until now, and they’re very excited (and slightly nervous) to read The Hobbit for the first time. This season, they join the podcast as fresh voices, sharing their first-time reader impressions and rediscovering the world of Middle-earth through Bilbo’s eyes.
Equal parts insightful and hilarious, Amy and Evey bring the joy of new discovery, decades of friendship, and a little chaos to every episode they touch — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Guest Hosts: Colin Morrison and Matt
(Picture, from Left to Right, Colin, Amy, Evelyn, and Robert at the Folger Library posing with the Galley Proofs of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy)
Say hello to our Husband Hosts: Colin Morrison and Matt (last name withheld by request, mystery maintained by vibe). As longtime friends, Tolkien aficionados, and all-around excellent nerds, Colin and Matt have been essential voices on Tolkien About It — lending their insight, humor, and enthusiasm whenever we manage to drag them behind the mic.
Colin is an author with a deep love for world building and storytelling, often bringing a sharp eye and thoughtful takes on Tolkien’s themes, adaptations, and character arcs. He’s been a featured guest on episodes including Return of the King, where his narrative instincts and fandom knowledge shine. He also happens to be married to Amy Redman, a pairing of nerdy greatness we all admire.
Matt, who remains delightfully enigmatic without a listed last name, is our go-to lore expert and the Game Master for our occasional tabletop RPG adventures — where he channels his Tolkien passion into sprawling campaigns, dangerous quests, and deeply emotional character arcs. He’s married to Evelyn Mykelrose (a.k.a. the Superior Evelyn), and has joined us on several episodes, including the Fellowship of the Ring movie discussion.
Evelyn Lewis is honored to be the proud fifth wheel of this extremely nerdy friend group and thrilled to have these two as recurring guests. Whether they’re helping us break down the mythology of Arda or laughing about Tom Bombadil, Colin and Matt bring depth, creativity, and genuine joy to every episode.
