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PODCAST · games

Card Talk

by David Walsh & Grant Thompson

Dave Walsh, Grant Thompson and Ted Banach spend a few minutes each podcast discussing the cards from Lord of the Rings: The Card Game by Fantasy Flight Games.

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Episodes

  1. East Road Ranger

    A generic card for side quest decks, primarily. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  2. Sulien

    Oh man! Does this card remind you of Sigourney Weaver or Phil Collins? It your answer is either one of these, you and I aren't that different. Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/05/08/sulien/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  3. Amarthiul

    What is there to say about this hero? Tune in to find out! Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/04/24/amarthuil/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  4. Guardian of Arnor

    This may be the first show that there is WAY more cards mentioned from a different sphere than the card is in. Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/04/16/guardian-of-arnor/ Become a patron! https://www.patreoncom/cardtalk2018

  5. Spirit Beregond

    Possibly one of... No... One of the best defenders in the game! Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/04/02/beregond-spirit-hero/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  6. Tom Cotton

    What is there to say about this hero? Tune in to find out! Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/03/26/tom-cotton/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  7. Tactics Elfhelm

    Tactics Elfhelm. Hmm. Not the best, not the worst Fits into the Rohan "thing" for sure, though. Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/01/29/elfhelm-tactics-ally/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  8. Extravaganza!! Top Five Card Talk Moments

    As a wrap up to our Long-extended Extravaganza Month, I take a look back at some of the best moments we've had on the show. Interestingly, many of these moments come from other extravaganza month shows. Here are links to those shows: Moment 5 (Banana Hammock)...

  9. Extravaganza!! Five Worst Treacheries

    Out of all the shows, this one could have been expanded to 20 cards and we would have still argued about all the cards that could go on it. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  10. Extravaganza!! Top Five Events

    This was a more contentious conversation than I thought it was going to be. I'm sure some favorites of yours aren't on this list. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  11. Extravaganza!! Best Attachments

    Can you believe that Steward of Gondor almost didn't make the list? Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018 Visit our blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com

  12. Extravaganza!! Best Allies

    Who are the best allies in the game? You'll be surprised to know that two of our picks are NOT unique! Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018 Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com

  13. Extravaganza!! Worst Scenarios

    There aren't that many to choose from, but we give the five scenarios that we will play only if we are forced to. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  14. Extravaganza!! Best Heroes

    We've done all the spheres. Now it's time to look at the best of the best! Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  15. Extravaganza!! Best Scenarios

    We take on the impossible task of determining the five best scenarios in the game. Admittedly, if there was a different line-up of Card Talkers, or even the same on a different day, we'd probably have a different list. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron!...

  16. Extravaganza!! Bottom Five Heroes

    Before we get to the best overall heroes in the game, let's take a look at the heroes that can stay in the binder. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  17. Extravaganza!! Top Five Tactics Heroes

    Our look at the best tactics heroes the game has to offer. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  18. Extravaganza!! Top Five Leadership Heroes

    For our next installment during our extravaganza month, we look at the leadership sphere and its heroes. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  19. Extravaganza!! Top Five Lore Heroes

    What are the top five lore heroes? I'll give you a hint. Cardboard of the Rings is going to be grumpy at us!! Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  20. Extravaganza!! Top Five Spirit Heroes

    Our Extravaganza Month is Back!!! We are looking at the fives in the game. Top five, bottom five, heroes, allies, quests, everything! Today? Spirit Heroes. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  21. Sterner than Steel

    When you are playing tactics and need to cancel a shadow effect... Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/01/15/sterner-than-steel/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  22. Desperate Defense

    When you need a defense boost and a ready, it doesn't get much easier than this!! Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2025/01/08/desperate-defense/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  23. Guardian of Esgaroth

    In true holiday fashion, the ally was a gift to any dale deck. I find it interesting to play him in a non-Dale deck and see if that can work itself out. Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/12/25/guardian-of-esgaroth/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  24. Greenwood Defender

    One of the very few Silvan Defenders. That should give him a place in a Silvan Deck, right? I'm not so sure it does. Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron: https://patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  25. Gaffer Gamgee

    Despite losing Ted's audio at the end of the show (it was his ring rating), we uncover A whole myriad of uses that Gaffer could support. Read the Blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/12/05/gaffer-gamgee/ Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  26. Bow of Yew

    To quote Ted, "For zero cost, this card is worth its cost!!" Check out the blog. https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/11/06/bow-of-yew/ Become a patron. https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  27. Spirit Bard son of Brand

    This is the best Dale hero that won't go into a Dale deck. Or maybe that's his tactics version, but regardless, he works in all sorts of decks! Check out the blog! https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/10/30/bard-son-of-brand/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  28. Squire's Helm

    When you think an attachment should go on a squire, but it really doesn't! Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/10/16/squires-helm/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  29. Brand son of Bain

    You can make a Dale deck without this guy, but why would you? He's awesome for Dale, but maybe not so much for any other deck type. Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/09/25/brand-son-of-bain-leadership/ Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  30. Long Lake Fisherman

    Here's a card that seems to sneak under the radar for Dave, but Ted seems all aboard for using it! Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  31. Ancestral Armor

    This is like Citadel Plate's big brother. It makes defend-y characters even more defend-y. Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  32. Swift and Strong

    This is a great card for multiplayer and in a Three Hunters deck, but what about for solo? Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  33. Giant Bear

    Every card game has a giant bear, right? Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  34. Leather Boots

    Lore's misunderstood readying card. Maybe worth a play? Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  35. Map of Rhovanion

    "I'm the Map, I'm the Map, I'm the Map, I'm the Map, I'm the Map. I'm the Maaap.' IYKYK Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/07/24/map-of-rhovanion/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  36. Round Shield

    A great shield for a great price. Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  37. Matthew Dempsey Reminisces About Lord of the Rings

    Matthew, one of the hosts of The Grey Company Podcast and the other half of the Progression Series, is back on the show talking about all things LotR. We touch on the books, the Rings of Power, but we mainly stick to talking about the game we both love! Check out the blog:...

  38. Haldan

    Haldan is the OG burglar before we knew burgling was going to be a thing! Check out the blog: https://cardtalk2018.com/2024/07/03/haldan/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  39. Spirit Dain Ironfoot

    First, here's the clip of the Caleb's rules interpretation of Dain: https://youtu.be/ri5AtxinPq4?si=CkZEalHIYQmkfGOH&t=1208 And Spirit Dain is probably the best defender in the game, despite Beregond holding on to everyone's hearts. Check out the blog:...

  40. Caleb Grace Talks Ered Mithrin

    Caleb Grace, Senior Designer and former Lead Designer of the LOTR LCG, joins us for a conversation about the game as a whole, and specifically the revised Core Set and the campaign "add-on." Join us for a great conversation with the guy who made LoTR what it is today! Check out the blog:...

  41. Jeremy Zwirn

    Jeremy Zwirn comes back on the show to talk (a little) about the Ered Mithrin campaign, a whole bunch about the Dream-chaser, and about root beer. Like what we do? Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  42. Lore Glorfindel

    I wish I could say we saved the best for last. Unfortunately, this card isn't on the list of best cards in the core set. Although, it is the only hero that heals characters. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  43. Protector of Lorien

    A great toolbox card for the game. It remains useful to this day! Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  44. The Galadhrim's Greeting

    From early in the game's life, certain cards just hold their value. Not that they are staples and included in every deck, but are cards you look for to do a specific job. This card is one of those cards. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron!...

  45. Stand Together

    Another amazing card from the core set. Amazingly bad, that is. Check out the blog: https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  46. Lorien's Wealth

    A card that was not very good from the beginning. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  47. Swift Strike

    A card in the direct damage archetype. But we think that direct damage doesn't need this card. And that's a problem. Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  48. Quick Strike

    Calling all rules lawyers! Quick strike has certainly caused many headaches over the years, but is the lawyer juice worth the attacking squeeze? Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  49. Strength of Will

    When Ted pans a card, we listen. What was that you said, Ted? We didn't quite hear you. Say it louder for the people in the back! Check out the blog! https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

  50. For Gondor!

    For Gondor!? More like For the Binder! Check out the blog. https://www.cardtalk2018.com Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/cardtalk2018

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Dave Walsh, Grant Thompson and Ted Banach spend a few minutes each podcast discussing the cards from Lord of the Rings: The Card Game by Fantasy Flight Games.

HOSTED BY

David Walsh & Grant Thompson

Produced by David Walsh

CATEGORIES

games hobbies sports

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Card Talk have?

Card Talk currently has 370 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Card Talk about?

Dave Walsh, Grant Thompson and Ted Banach spend a few minutes each podcast discussing the cards from Lord of the Rings: The Card Game by Fantasy Flight Games.

How often does Card Talk release new episodes?

Card Talk publishes regularly with 370 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Card Talk?

You can listen to Card Talk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Card Talk?

Card Talk is created and hosted by David Walsh & Grant Thompson.
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