The Black Tower Podcast: A Wheel of Time Podcast
Making mostly full spoiler content since October 2018, the Black Tower Podcast focuses on topics ranging from cultures to characters to metaphysics across the entirety of Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time. Born out of a love for the books and an appreciation for its nuance, these folks get together weekly to discuss all of the things that make us love this series.
Episodes
What kind of brotherhood do the Children of the Light really offer the men who join them?
In Part 1 of this two-part Black Tower Podcast series, we focus entirely on the Whitecloaks, examining how faith, certainty, and rigid structure shape their version of brotherhood—and what that means for men’s mental health in The Wheel of Time. Through in-world analysis and character case studies like Galad Damodred, Dain Bornhald, and Eamon ...
Chel Vanin: horse thief, master tracker, expert scout… and somehow still the guy who looks like he’d rather be asleep than saving the world.
In this episode of The Black Tower Podcast, we break down one of the Wheel of Time’s most underrated and surprisingly lovable characters. From his shady past in Lugard to earning Mat Cauthon’s trust in the Band of the Red Hand, Vanin’s journey is full of grit, humor, and a level of competence ...
Step into the common rooms of Randland and pull up a chair—because in this episode, we're taking the innkeepers’ point of view. What do the hardworking, gossip-gathering, coin-counting masters and mistresses of the inns really think when a group of ta’veren strolls in and turns their peaceful evening upside down?
From Marin al’Vere’s quiet competence to Innkeepers in Cairhien silently calculating the rising cost of structural repai...
What actually makes someone worthy of becoming a Hero of the Horn in The Wheel of Time? Is it power, glory, destiny… or something far more complicated?
In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into the Pattern to explore:
• The real qualifications for being bound to the Wheel
• What sets Heroes like Birgitte, Gaidal Cain, and Rogosh apart
• Whether heroic status comes from deeds, soul nature, or cosmic balance
• Why...
Dive into the sharpest, funniest, and most iconic verbal moments in The Wheel of Time! From Aes Sedai authority to Mat Cauthon’s sarcasm, Perrin’s stoic statements, and Nynaeve and Faile’s fiery comebacks, we explore how words in Randland cut deeper than any sword.
In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we break down:
- How Aes Sedai use calm authority and strategic wit to dominate conversations
- The Ta’veren trio (Rand, Mat,...
Step into the mist and walk the ancient paths with us as we dive deep into Rhuidean — the shattered, secret heart of the Aiel and one of the most mysterious cities in The Wheel of Time. Hidden behind deadly fog, guarded by ancient oaths, and filled with ter’angreal no one fully understands, Rhuidean may be far more important to the Pattern than anyone realizes.
In this episode, we break down:
🏜️ The true origins of Rhuidean
🌫️ Wh...
In this episode of The Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into the mysterious and often-overlooked Kin — the group of women who walked away from the White Tower and built something of their own.
Join us as we explore:
🌀 How the Kin preserved lost Aes Sedai traditions long forgotten in Tar Valon
🏡 Why they survived in secrecy for centuries when so many others fell
⚖️ What their story reveals about the arrogance and blind spots of t...
In this episode of The Black Tower Podcast, we turn our gaze north to the borderlands and dive deep into the life and legacy of Ethenielle Kirukon Materasu, the indomitable Queen of Kandor. A ruler, a warrior, and a mother, Ethenielle’s story is one of strength, sacrifice, and the burden of duty in a world ever on the brink of chaos.
Join us as we explore her political insight, her role among the Borderland monarchs, and her decisi...
In this episode of The Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into the moral heart of The Wheel of Time — the balance that holds the Pattern together. What does it mean to live in a world where “the balance must be maintained,” even at the cost of countless lives? Is the Creator’s hands-off approach truly divine wisdom… or cosmic indifference?
Join your favorite Asha’man as we explore the philosophical and emotional weight behind the Pa...
Once called the Mountain Home, Manetheren stood proud against the Shadow — and paid the ultimate price. In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into the history and legacy of one of the most legendary nations in The Wheel of Time.
Join us as we explore:
⚔️ The founding of Manetheren and its fiery spirit of independence
🩸 The Last Battle of Manetheren — and how a king’s love became legend
🔥 The echoes of Manethere...
Most readers barely remember her name, but Jarna Malari’s actions changed the course of the Wheel of Time forever. A Gray Ajah Sitter and secret Black Ajah sister, Jarna stood at the very heart of Tower politics — and used her position to serve the Shadow.
In this episode, we explore:
• Who Jarna Malari was and why her rank mattered
• Her role in the assassination of Amyrlin Seat Tamra Ospenya
• How her actions crippled the Tower’s...
This week on the Black Tower Podcast, it’s just Reese and Andrew holding down the Tower! Join us as we dive deep into the mysteries, lies, and carefully chosen words of the Aes Sedai.
Is the White Tower’s secrecy and manipulation truly necessary for the survival of the world, or has their web of half-truths done more harm than good? From the Oaths to their political games, we unravel the Cult of Secrecy surrounding the Aes Sedai an...
The seas of The Wheel of Time are rarely calm, and neither is the journey of Joline Maza. In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into the life and background of this Green Ajah sister—exploring her fiery personality, her entanglement with pirates, and her unique role in the Pattern.
⚔️ Who is Joline Maza, really?
⚔️ What does her time at sea tell us about Aes Sedai adaptability and politics?
⚔️ How does her story ...
The Black Tower boys are back in the Tower, and this time we’re diving into one of the most mysterious and fascinating aspects of the Wheel of Time universe: Angreal, Sa’angreal, and Ter’angreal from the 1st Age.
What secrets lie hidden in the remnants of the Age of Legends? Were these incredible artifacts tools, weapons, or simply everyday conveniences? And how might they connect to the real-world myths and legends we know today?
...
Join the Black Tower Podcast as we journey to the Three-fold Land for a deep dive into two of the most formidable and fascinating Aiel: Bain and Chiad.
From their origins in Robert Jordan’s legendary Wheel of Time series to their fierce presence in the Amazon Prime adaptation, we explore the heart of their bond — a sisterhood forged in battle, loyalty, and honor. Discover their cultural roots, their relationships with key character...
TGM 2025 Live Q&A on Friday, 15 August 2025 at 8pm Eastern! https://youtube.com/live/aoxip9v_Jc0?feature=share
TGM 2025 Website: https://www.blacktowerpod.com/tgm
In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into the political and cultural upheaval of The Wheel of Time as Rand al’Thor rises to power. What happens to nations like Tear, Andor, and Illian when the Dragon Reborn reshapes the world? We explore shifting...
The One Power may grant incredible strength, but it never comes without a price. In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll that channeling takes on those who wield it. From the slow erosion of the body to the mental strain of touching the Source, we dive deep into what it truly means to pay the cost of power.
🔹 How does the One Power affect a channeler’s health and longevity...
In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most thought-provoking themes of The Wheel of Time: the tension between the endless turning of the Wheel and humanity’s yearning for progress and change.
Is true freedom possible in a world bound by eternal recurrence? Does the Wheel’s cycle preserve balance, or does it trap humanity in stagnation? And what happens when individuals or movements dare to push ag...
The Pattern weaves as the Wheel wills… but could the showrunners weave a little closer to the books?
In this episode of the Black Tower Podcast, your favorite Asha’man dive deep into the Wheel of Time TV show and explore what could be done in future seasons to bring the adaptation closer to Robert Jordan's epic vision. From character arcs and lore accuracy to thematic depth and iconic moments yet unseen, we discuss the changes that...
Join Josh, Andrew, and Reese as they dive into the fascinating character of Reanne Corly from The Wheel of Time. Once a leader among the Kin, Reanne plays a pivotal role in reconnecting the long-hidden group of women with the White Tower. In this episode, the Black Tower crew explores her story, her impact on the larger narrative, and what makes her such a compelling and underrated figure in the series.
🔍 In this episode:
- Who is...
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