Pull up a chair for what Greg jokingly calls the First Council of the Lord of the Rings in Holland, Ohio. Joined by friends and Tolkien devotees Rob Hohler, Andrew Reinhart, and Bobby McDonagh, we journey beyond the extraordinary world-building of Middle-earth into the profoundly human—and unmistakably Catholic—vision beneath it. Why are we still so moved by hobbits, rings, fellowship, sacrifice and impossible battles? Perhaps because Tolkien isn’t merely giving us an escape from reality. He is helping us see reality more clearly.
Tolkien’s Catholic imagination—and how faith, suffering and friendship shaped Middle-earth
Why story forms us, awakening us to realities deeper than what we can immediately see
The One Ring as the perennial temptation toward power, control, influence and domination
Why even using power “for good” can corrupt—and the wisdom of knowing your garden, your calling, your part
Hobbits, humility and the surprising power of those who know they cannot save the world by themselves
Frodo, Gollum and the stunning role of mercy and providence when even the hero cannot finish the task alone
Fellowship as the answer to isolation: victory comes through communion, cooperation and sacrifice
Gandalf, the Balrog and the crucibles that reveal identity and prepare us for mission
Tolkien’s warning for our age of technology, AI, celebrity and “influence”: will we cooperate with creation—or try to dominate it?
Samwise and one of the story’s deepest truths: after all the battles, what are we fighting for? Marriage. Family. Friendship. Home.
Why, in an increasingly pixelated world, the human soul still aches for real fellowship and meaningful friendship
And finally: what Tolkien’s great story can teach us about our own story—suffering, perseverance, death, hope and the fulfillment God is writing beyond what we can presently see
The Ring promises power—and leaves us alone. The Fellowship embraces weakness, sacrifice and dependence—and discovers communion. Perhaps that is why Middle-earth still feels so much like home.
Truth is a Person. Freedom is found in Him. Live IT. At the heart of IT all is God’s reminder: We Image the Trinity.
That’s the IT.
More than a program, we invite you to be united with us through the Live IT Today daily reflection, where thousands begin each day listening for the Father’s voice and learning to Live IT in their marriages, families, and daily decisions. If this episode strengthens you, please like, share, and subscribe—and consider becoming a paid subscriber at $5/month or $50/year to help us bring God’s voice to more souls.
Please take a moment and read this short note.
Hear His voice. Live IT.
WELCOME TO ROCK OF SAGES
🌹Twelve Roses—Anna’s life is unraveling. Alone, pregnant, and grappling with a broken heart. On December 12th, she awakes to the weight of decisions she can’t face. Until the roses begin to appear.
🐽The Magnificent Piglets of Pigletsville—our present-day plight wrapped in a fairytale, accurately foretelling in detail the most consequential events that have unfolded in recent years.
🎠 Ride of a Lifetime—a captivating children’s book set in an amusement park, honoring parents and grandparents who paved our rides on earth and into eternity. Listen to the story set to beautiful illustrations and the soundtrack.
🔥 Primal Fire—a cinematic novella inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, alongside a 15-track rock soundtrack (Primal Fire).
👑Help us share the story of Slaying Giants—learn more at SlayingGiants.us
