Episode 38: Jen
Talk’aran’rhiod Part I
Part I of a 3-part series featuring each of the hosts behind one of Wheel of Time fandom's first and most beloved podcasts, Talk'aran'rhiod. In this episode, we interview Jen Isgro about her fandom origin story, #HenNews, and why singing with the fandom is The Light's Work.
Episode 37: Fandom Gai’don
Season 2 Trailer Reactions
Anas and Grace discuss the Wheel of Time Season 2 Trailer, the 12-hour Trailer Gai'don Livestream, and how the fandom reacted through chat, tweets, memes, and more.
Episode 36: Live from WoTCon
We had the pleasure of hosting our first live podcast at WoTCon 2023 on Sunday morning, surrounded by The Light's Fandom eating breakfast—and, of course, there was a surprise!
Episode 35: “Magic is Real”
Dr. Michael Livingston
With WoTCon 2023 only days away, Anas and Grace interview Guest of Honor, Dr. Michael Livingston, author of Origins of the Wheel of Time, about his experience of WoT fandom, from his early days sharing the series with a friend, to his introduction to Team Jordan, to his current status as a Wheel of Time scholar. Will his academic opinion finally solve the mystery of why WoT fandom is so special?
Episode 34: Reading the Pattern with Rebecca
As hype for WoTCon 2023 builds, Anas and Grace have a lovely chat with the Programming Director at WotCon, Rebecca from Reading the Pattern. Listen to find out how her journey started in the fandom, what she is most looking forward to at WoTCon this year, and what inspired her new WoT tattoo design.
Episode 33: Game Night
After 3 weeks of being tired, sick, and busy, Anas and Grace kick back and have a leisurely game night at The Light's Work——something a little different and yet, still very on brand. Games included WoT Fandom 20 Questions, the WoT Companion Challenge, and Very Good Friends Read Tweets Meanly.
Episode 32: Tai’shar Nick
From Family to Fandom
After months of sending text message updates about his progress, Grace's brother-in-law, Nick, finally finished reading the Wheel of Time. A self-described "smart jock," Nick visits The Light's Work and talks about the experience of reading Grace's favorite fantasy series, how it measures up to his own favorite series (The Dark Tower by Stephen King), and whether he would ever take on his sister-in-law's level of WoT fandom.
This episode contains FULL BOOK SPOILERS for the Wheel of Time.
Episode 31: Hype
It’s Real
As hype for Season 2 builds, Anas and Grace recall the most hype-filled moments leading up to Season 1 of the Wheel of Time and anticipate what new fans might have in store from now until September 1. Spoiler alert: talking about hype hypes hype. HYPE!
Episode 30: Not a Lord
Doing “Light Work” with Omar
When he's not busy sleuthing on search engines for WoT Series, our very good friend Omar makes memes, role-plays as Lord Mat Cauthon on Twitter, and shares his love of food with the Wheel of Time fandom—most infamously in the form of late night snacks that magically appear at WoT conventions. Discussing everything from the WoT Series code of ethics to how much mint should go into a salad, Omar shares his insights and reveals just how much he has in common with our favorite reluctant hero.
Episode 29: Dragonmount
WoT Nostalgia with Jason Denzel
Fantasy fiction author Jason Denzel is the founder of Dragonmount and has been a Wheel of Time fan for over 30 years. We sat down with him to talk about his memories of the fandom, including the surreal experience of attending Robert Jordan's funeral, and how the fandom—and his own involvement in it—has transformed over the years.
Episode 28: Rereading the Wheel of Time
After getting 61 replies from fans about their experience rereading The Wheel of Time, Anas and Grace discuss why exactly so many people choose to reread 14 giant books over and over again (and why some don't).
This episode contains spoilers for the movie The Prestige (7:03-7:38)
Episode 27: Rioting with Rajesh
Rajesh aka Moridin on Twitter has threatened to riot over countless potential oversights and missed opportunities in The Wheel of Time Season 2 (and 3). But what would a Wheel of Time fandom riot actually look like? And are all riots created equal? Anas and Grace sit down with Rajesh to learn more about his experience in the fandom and determine what he deems most riot-worthy.
This episode contains Season 2 speculation and therefore related plot points from Books 1-3 of the Wheel of Time.
Episode 26: “It Me”
How Superfans React to Casting News
Grace and Anas discuss how the fandom has been reacting to the recent casting news of Dain Bornhald and Bain & Chiad, including what it was like to hear the news in a large group of fans at JordanCon, and how character role-play accounts react to seeing "themselves" cast.
This episode contains minor book spoilers for Elayne's story arc.
Episode 25: WreathCon
A group of twelve WoT fans and one special guest get together to discuss Grace's secret plans to lay the bridal wreath at JordanCon 2023. Despite Grace's assumption that the episode would be all about the surprise itself, the conversation became a beautiful expression of love and appreciation among dear friends.
Episode 24: JordanCon
Before Anas and Grace flew out to meet all the wonderful fans who are converging in Atlanta for JordanCon, they had a lovely discussion with Ebony, who is not only a truly wonderful and kind person but also New Member Services Director at JordanCon. She shared her origin story of finding the books, meeting other fans on Facebook, and finally joining the WoT community that she loves taking care of at JordanCon. Enjoy!
Episode 23: WoT-isms
The Shared Language of Fandom
Anas and Grace show their appreciation for the shared language of the Wheel of Time fandom and how it has evolved over time. Lots of laughter ensues as they discuss the etymology of some of their favorite inside jokes, portmanteaus, and colloquialisms (if Anas can pronounce it).
Episode 22: Love & MUD
WoT Fandom’s Roots in Online RPG’s
Long before Twitter of Time and The Dusty Wheel, there was the WoT MUD (Multi-User Dungeon), a text-based online role playing game. Anas and Grace interview WoT couple Melindhra and Doyn (aka Real Life Mat Cauthon) about their experiences on the MUD, including their epic enemies-to-lovers love story.
SPOILER WARNING: Book spoilers through The Fires of Heaven (Book 5).
Episode 21: Talent
Wheel of Time Idol
Anas and Grace sit down with WoT Idol finalists Salya al'Onir and Miss Sara James to talk about the preeminent fandom event that started off as “The Wheel of Time Song Parody Contest” in 2021. Now approaching the deadline for parody submissions to the 3rd annual WoT Idol competition, the guests discuss their process of creating parodies, overcoming fears and insecurities, and why WoT Idol is so uniquely special within the fandom.
Episode 20: Kindness
Inspired by the new book, Fandom Acts of Kindness: A Heroic Guide to Activism, Advocacy, and Doing Chaotic Good by Tanya Cook and Kaela Joseph, Grace and Anas collect stories of kindness and generosity within the Wheel of Time Fandom.
Episode 19: Ask Us Anything
Anas and Grace answer 18 questions submitted by listeners, ranging from the very silly to the very serious. Featuring a special appearance by Grapes the Cat.
This episode contains FULL BOOK SERIES SPOILERS.