The Black Tower Podcast: A Wheel of Time Podcast

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 that no one expects at first glance. Join us as we explore: 🔥 Vanin’s origins and life before Mat 🔥 His unique skillset as a tracker, scout, and thief 🔥 Why Mat relies on him more than almost anyone 🔥 His role in some of the Band’s most important operations 🔥 How Vanin quietly becomes one of the great unsung heroes of the Last Battle Whether you think he’s a scoundrel, a legend, or both, this deep dive will give you a whole new appreciation for the magnificence of Chel Vanin. 📚 Follow the Black Tower Podcast for more Wheel of Time deep dives! https://linktr.ee/blacktowerpodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more: https://blacktowerpod.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe for weekly WoT content: @blacktowerpod Get 10% off of Dubby Energy by using code BTP or this link: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/BTP New Creations by Jen: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com Intro Music - Black Tower Podcast by Slylock https://soundcloud.com/theslylock Outro Music - The Black Tower by Androl-Bard of Time https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrolBardoftime

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 repairs, we explore how these unsung heroes of the Wheel handle chaos, destiny, and the occasional Trolloc attack… all while making sure the stew doesn’t burn. Join the Black Tower Podcast as we dig into: 🏨 What daily life looks like for Randland’s innkeepers 🌀 How ta’veren distort their businesses, their patrons, and their sanity 🍺 Which inns absolutely cash in on ta’veren chaos 📚 Fun lore details about inns and common rooms across the Westlands 🤣 And of course, our trademark blend of analysis, nonsense, and taint-adjacent humor Whether you're a longtime WoT fan or a fresh novice, come grab a pint and dive deep with us! 📚 Follow the Black Tower Podcast for more Wheel of Time deep dives! https://linktr.ee/blacktowerpodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more: https://blacktowerpod.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe for weekly WoT content: @blacktowerpod Get 10% off of Dubby Energy by using code BTP or this link: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/BTP New Creations by Jen: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com Intro Music - Black Tower Podcast by Slylock https://soundcloud.com/theslylock Outro Music - The Black Tower by Androl-Bard of Time https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrolBardoftime

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 Rand al’Thor/Lews Therin Telamon is not a Hero of the Horn — and what that means for the Dragon Reborn’s role in the Pattern • The difference between ta’veren, champions, and true reborn heroes • The unsettling implications of choosing vs. being chosen Plus: we ask the big fandom question — who ELSE in the series deserves the Horn? Sound off in the comments with your picks! 📚 Follow the Black Tower Podcast for more Wheel of Time deep dives! https://linktr.ee/blacktowerpodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more: https://blacktowerpod.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe for weekly WoT content: @blacktowerpod Get 10% off of Dubby Energy by using code BTP or this link: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/BTP New Creations by Jen: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com Intro Music - Black Tower Podcast by Slylock https://soundcloud.com/theslylock Outro Music - The Black Tower by Androl-Bard of Time https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrolBardoftime

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, Perrin) and their memorable verbal moments - The fiery women of Emond’s Field and how their words assert strength and personality - Side characters, the Aiel, and even the Forsaken delivering lines that leave an impact - Patterns in dialogue that reveal character, humor, and power dynamics Whether you love clever burns, epic comebacks, or just enjoy seeing characters’ personalities shine through their words, this episode has something for every Wheel of Time fan. 📚 Follow the Black Tower Podcast for more Wheel of Time deep dives! https://linktr.ee/blacktowerpodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more: https://blacktowerpod.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe for weekly WoT content: @blacktowerpod Get 10% off of Dubby Energy by using code BTP or this link: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/BTP New Creations by Jen: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com Intro Music - Black Tower Podcast by Slylock https://soundcloud.com/theslylock Outro Music - The Black Tower by Androl-Bard of Time https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrolBardoftime

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 🌫️ Why the city was created — and what it was designed to protect 🌀 The Glass Columns and their role in the Pattern ⚔️ How Rhuidean reshaped Rand, the Aiel, and the Last Battle itself 🔍 Theories about Nakomi, the Jenn Aiel, and the purpose of the city 💥 Why Rhuidean might be the single most pivotal location in the Third Age From ancient covenants to prophetic visions, from political upheaval to metaphysical revelations, Rhuidean stands at the crossroads of identity, destiny, and the Wheel itself. Whether you're a first-time reader or a veteran of many turnings, this is one deep dive you won’t want to miss. 📚 Follow the Black Tower Podcast for more Wheel of Time deep dives! https://linktr.ee/blacktowerpodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more: https://blacktowerpod.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe for weekly WoT content: @blacktowerpod Get 10% off of Dubby Energy by using code BTP or this link: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/BTP New Creations by Jen: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com Intro Music - Black Tower Podcast by Slylock https://soundcloud.com/theslylock Outro Music - The Black Tower by Androl-Bard of Time https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrolBardoftime