The Light’s Work

Anas and Grace discuss their experience visiting The Dusty Wheel Inn for The Wheel of Time Season 2 Premiere (Episodes 1-3) and which of their predictions about fandom reactions came true. **This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Wheel of Time TV Series Season 2 Episodes 1-3 and Book Series through Book 2, The Great Hunt**

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We've heard so many plot predictions and theories for the Wheel of Time Season 2, but what about fandom predictions? Anas and Grace break down what they think WoT fans will be most excited about after watching Episodes 1-3, what will be most meme-able, and more. **This episode contains book series spoilers through The Dragon Reborn and a minor, non-contextual spoiler for the TV series Andor.**

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The Final Count-Tom. The ReTom of the King. Tarmon Gai'Tom. Our 3-part series on Talk'aran'rhiod comes to a thrilling end as we interview the charismatic and sometimes blood-boiling Tom Cocozza about his other project, Audio Dungeon, how podcasting is like pro-wrestling, and why doing Talk'aran'rhiod was the best decision of his life.

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Part II 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 TAR founder and official fandom horn-sounder Joe Perry about the origins of the "showcast" and why he picked Tom and Jen as cohosts. Along the way, we talk all things fandom, including WoTCon, Where's WoT Origins, Hot Mikes, Steve, and more.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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As hype for WotCon 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!

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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, WoT Companion Challenge, and Very Good Friends Read Tweets Meanly.

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.**

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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!

(CW: brief discussion of COVID, bodily fluids, and medical intervention)

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When he's not busy sleuthing on search engines for WoT Series, our very good friend Omar makes memes, role-plays as 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.

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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.

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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). Contains spoilers for the movie The Prestige (7:03-7:38)

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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**

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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.

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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, finding fans on Facebook, and finding this wonderful community that she loves taking care of at JordanCon. Enjoy!

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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).

**This episodes contains FULL BOOK SERIES SPOILERS**

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SPOILER WARNING: Book spoilers through The Fires of Heaven (Book 5). 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.

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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.

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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.

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Anas and Grace chat with Vance, the Bard of the Red Hand, about his "romantic" Wheel of Time origin story, the challenges of content creation, and why food is love when it comes to making friends in the fandom.*This episode contains a brief FULL SERIES SPOILER (22:38-24:50).*

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Anas and Grace sat down with Sara from WoT Series on their recent trip to Charleston, SC for OgierCon 2022. As an integral part of the WoT Series crew (with three other awesome people), Sara provided an inside look at the amazing work WoT Series does in investigating and breaking show news and how that brings so much joy and happiness to the Fandom.  

Brian The Gleeman joins Anas and Grace as they recount how the Fandom has brought so much joy back into their lives. Meeting at conventions has been one of the most joyous moments this year, and they reflect on their most recent meeting at OgierCon—a gathering of fans in a Black Ajah style mansion in Charleston, SC for the book release event for Origins of The Wheel of Time by Michael Livinsgton, Harriet McDougal and Maria Simons.

**SPOILERS for LOTR Rings of Power Episode 7 (1:09-1:11)**

In this second episode, Anas and Grace dive into all the different ways the Wheel of Time Fandom has changed their lives—overwhelmingly, and in such a positive way. In their reflection, they are surprised at how much of an effect this community has had on them and how grateful they are for all the changes; even for the overabundance of black t-shirts and mugs.

Join Anas and Grace in this first episode as they discuss the Origins of The Light's Work: A Wheel of Time Fandom Podcast. They talk about their introduction to the online fandom and also their first introduction to the Wheel of Time book series. They explore their own experiences within the fandom and their obsession with creating and amplifying great fandom moments.  

*SPOILER-FREE for the books*