Best J.R.R. Tolkien Podcasts (2025)

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 18 » Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin 55:39

1d ago55:39

55:39

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 18 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin. In Chapter 18, Angband breaks loose upon Beleriand. What ensues is the The Battle of Sudden Flame and its terrible aftermath. Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg21/ To support our work here, plea…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 18 » Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin 55:39

1d ago55:39

55:39

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 18 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin. In Chapter 18, Angband breaks loose upon Beleriand. What ensues is the The Battle of Sudden Flame and its terrible aftermath. Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg21/ To support our work here, plea…

1
377 – This Must Be Thursday 2:08:00

2d ago2:08:00

2:08:00

The Númenóreans altered the calendar of the Elves; Alan & James never could get the hang of Thursdays. Join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as we practice only the best kind of pedantry in our exploration of Appendix D on the various intricate calendar systems in Middle-earth. The Elves are obsessed with sixes and twelves, the Númenór…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 17 » Of the Coming of Men Into the West 1:03:54

7d ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 17 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Coming of Men Into the West. In Chapter 17, we learn of the first Men to enter into Beleriand. Furthermore, we learn about the beginnings of their relationship with the Elves, and what the term Edain means. By the way, this is the last relatively calm chapter in…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 17 » Of the Coming of Men Into the West 1:03:54

7d ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 17 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Coming of Men Into the West. In Chapter 17, we learn of the first Men to enter into Beleriand. Furthermore, we learn about the beginnings of their relationship with the Elves, and what the term Edain means. By the way, this is the last relatively calm chapter in…

1
376 – Questions After Nightfall 31 1:36:02

9d ago1:36:02

1:36:02

Grab a drink at the bar and step into the Common Room — it’s time to join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as we answer listener questions again in our 31st quarterly Questions After Nightfall. From questions about Saruman, Ring-maker to the Dagor Dagorath; from the Forsaken Inn to awkward conversations in the Halls of Mandos, our list…

1
621: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 104 1:17:16

13d ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Maggie and Corey return for another production meeting, planning Episode 1 of our forthcoming Austen analysis!Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 104, recorded on June 9, 2025.For more information about Signum Studios and Signum Collaboratory, visit Signum Studios https://studios.signumuniversity.or…

1
375 – If You Don’t Know Me By Now 1:44:30

16d ago1:44:30

1:44:30

One of the greatest Elven loremasters finally gets his time in the spotlight; and in an ironic twist, James gets some time in the spotlight (or is that ‘under the bus’?). Join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as Alan hands the reins of the show over to James, who brings us a special episode on Pengoloð the Wise of Gondolin. From the de…

1
Episode 83: Live from Westmoot 2025: “The Unsung Underachievers of Tolkien’s Legendarium” with Knewbettadobetta 1:18:27

20d ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Join Jude and Stef and our special guest Knewbettadobetta for our first-ever live show, “Athrabeth Podcast Live: The Unsung Underachievers of Tolkien’s Legendarium” from Westmoot 2025! We put three of Arda’s wettest noodle’s on blast! Thank you Westmoot for having us, and thank you Knewbetta for joining us! Citations: Thank you to our special guest…

1
620: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 103 1:18:33

20d ago1:18:33

1:18:33

Maggie and Corey return, to invite their viewer to join them in a production meeting for the proposed new Pride and Prejudice pilot.Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 103, recorded on June 2, 2025.For more information about Signum Studios and Signum Collaboratory, visit Signum Studios https://studi…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 16 » Of Maeglin 52:56

22d ago52:56

52:56

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 16 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Maeglin. “Of Maeglin” represents a shift in the style of The Silmarillion. While we had previously been dealing in something like a chronicle of the various Elves in Beleriand, with this chapter the scope becomes much narrower, and we focus in on the story of Aredhe…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 16 » Of Maeglin 52:56

22d ago52:56

52:56

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 16 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Maeglin. “Of Maeglin” represents a shift in the style of The Silmarillion. While we had previously been dealing in something like a chronicle of the various Elves in Beleriand, with this chapter the scope becomes much narrower, and we focus in on the story of Aredhe…

1
374 – Holding Back the Years 1:59:59

23d ago1:59:59

1:59:59

Tolkien is forced to shrink the Tale of Years to satisfy his publisher; James is forced to co-host a few episodes of the PPP to satisfy Alan. Join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as we get to the sooner or later, flying through the history of the Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth in our look at Appendix B to The Lord of the Rings,…

1
117 - Sing Hey! for the Bath

27d ago

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Fr. Anthony talks with returning guest co-host Richard Barrett about Chapter 5 of the Fellowship of the Ring: A Conspiracy Unmasked, and they dig deeply into an entirely different sort of music in Middle Earth than Richard and Fr. Andrew discussed five years ago.By Fr. Anthony Cook, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 15 » Of the Noldor in Beleriand 42:53

29d ago42:53

42:53

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 15 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Noldor in Beleriand. In Chapter 15, Turgon establishes the secret and glorious realm of Gondolin, Galadriel becomes a handmaiden of Melian, and Thingol learns of the kinslaying! Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg18/ To support our work her…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 15 » Of the Noldor in Beleriand 42:53

29d ago42:53

42:53

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 15 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Noldor in Beleriand. In Chapter 15, Turgon establishes the secret and glorious realm of Gondolin, Galadriel becomes a handmaiden of Melian, and Thingol learns of the kinslaying! Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg18/ To support our work her…

1
373 – Let’s Go Crazy (and Take a Hobbit) 1:57:46

1M ago1:57:46

1:57:46

Christopher Tolkien explains that “the textual situation… is complex and hard to unravel.” Fortunately, the podcast situation is quite simple. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we conclude our time with the Dwarves - and our time with Sara for this season - in an in-depth look at The Quest of Erebor, including bits of the st…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 14 » Of Beleriand and Its Realms 39:35

1M ago39:35

39:35

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 14 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Beleriand and Its Realms. Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg17/ To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad. Enjoy! OTHER LINKS: Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/AQCD0gBtfoE Watch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/post…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 14 » Of Beleriand and Its Realms 39:35

1M ago39:35

39:35

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 14 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Beleriand and Its Realms. Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg17/ To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad. Enjoy! OTHER LINKS: Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/AQCD0gBtfoE Watch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/post…

1
372 – Little Red Dragon 2:09:47

1M ago2:09:47

2:09:47

Gandalf worries that the dragon Sauron might use with terrible effect; Sara worries that the bad jokes Alan might use with terrible effect. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin our longer-than-expected look into The Quest of Erebor from Unfinished Tales, as a sidebar to our walk through Appendix A III on Durin’s Folk. …

1
618: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 101 1:37:41

1M ago1:37:41

1:37:41

Welcome behind the scenes, as Corey and Maggie record a FanTrack commentary on Rings of Power Season 2, Ep 2.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim?ref=user_menuOther Minds and H…

1
619: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 102 1:27:31

1M ago1:27:31

1:27:31

Corey and Maggie, excited by their first experiment, are trying another FanTracks recording, watching Andor, s1e1 together.Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 102, recorded on May 12, 2025.For more information about Signum Studios and Signum Collaboratory, visit Signum Studios https://studios.signum…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 13 » Of the Return of the Noldor 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 13 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor. The action really picks back up in Chapter 13: a faceoff between Fëanor and Balrogs, the capture and torment of Maedhros, a confrontation with Thingol, and to top it all, Melkor introduces a dragon into the mix! Over the next several months…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 13 » Of the Return of the Noldor 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 13 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor. The action really picks back up in Chapter 13: a faceoff between Fëanor and Balrogs, the capture and torment of Maedhros, a confrontation with Thingol, and to top it all, Melkor introduces a dragon into the mix! Over the next several months…

1
371 – When Dwarves Cry 2:09:22

1M ago2:09:22

2:09:22

A deep dive into Tolkien’s oldest stories about the Dwarves uncovers all sorts of interesting details, as Alan hands the reins of the PPP to Sara for her expertise on the Dwarves. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we explore the origin, awakening, culture, and language of Tolkien’s Dwarves as we take a sidebar into several v…

1
Episode 82: Lesser-trod Histories 9 - The Return of the Shadow: We love a party 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

How did Tolkien start writing his epic tale, “The Lord of the Rings”? Join Jude and Stef as they discuss the humble beginnings of the book that became the Fellowship of the Ring in this month’s episode about volume six of the History of Middle-earth, The Return of the Shadow. We chat specifically about the Foreword by Christopher Tolkien, and dig d…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 12 » Of Men 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 12 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Men. Yes, Chapter 12 introduces a mysterious new intelligent species to Middle-earth - the Atani, that is, the mortal people of mankind - and speaks of their first contact with the Elves of Beleriand. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the …

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 12 » Of Men 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 12 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Men. Yes, Chapter 12 introduces a mysterious new intelligent species to Middle-earth - the Atani, that is, the mortal people of mankind - and speaks of their first contact with the Elves of Beleriand. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the …

1
370 – Take Me With U, Legolas 2:12:42

2M ago2:12:42

2:12:42

They say that Gandalf is wise and knows more than any other of what goes on in the world; they say Alan can sometimes do math. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we continue our team in Appendix A III to The Lord of the Rings, on Durin’s Folk. Thorin is too proud to beg, Gandalf begins to worry about Smaug and Sauron becoming…

1
116 - Paschal Extravaganza! (Panic Episode)

2M ago

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In this month's episode, Fr. Anthony assembles an intrepid panel to discuss Paschal themes in Tolkien. This episode originally aired on April 25 on the YouTube channel, so the format will be a little different this time.Music attribution:Hidden Past and Celtic Impulse, both by Kevin MacLeod (www.incompatech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY At…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 11 » Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor 1:00:10

2M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 11 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor. With the hurricane of catastrophes brought on by Morgoth’s murder of the Two Trees subsiding, the dust is settling, and the Valar have some decisions to make. Chapter 11 of The Silmarillion deals with the creation of the S…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 11 » Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor 1:00:10

2M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 11 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor. With the hurricane of catastrophes brought on by Morgoth’s murder of the Two Trees subsiding, the dust is settling, and the Valar have some decisions to make. Chapter 11 of The Silmarillion deals with the creation of the S…

1
617: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 100 1:25:49

2M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

In their centennial episode, Maggie and Corey talk about some future plans and discuss adaptation analysis possibilities with the attendees.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim…

1
369 – Party Like it’s (Third Age) 1999 1:47:37

2M ago1:47:37

1:47:37

Thráin escapes the Balrog in Moria and establishes Erebor; Sara can’t escape Alan and the PPP quite yet, despite her best efforts. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin a five-part look at the Dwarves, starting with two episodes on Appendix A III to The Lord of the Rings on Durin’s Folk. Durin the Deathless lived a very…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 10 » Of the Sindar 53:04

2M ago53:04

53:04

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 10 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sindar. The Noldor, led by Fëanor, have re-entered Beleriand in pursuit of Morgoth and the Silmarils. This chapter brings us up to speed with the Elves that already inhabit Beleriand, especially the people of King Elwë Thingol (a.k.a. the Sindar) and what has tr…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 10 » Of the Sindar 53:04

2M ago53:04

53:04

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 10 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sindar. The Noldor, led by Fëanor, have re-entered Beleriand in pursuit of Morgoth and the Silmarils. This chapter brings us up to speed with the Elves that already inhabit Beleriand, especially the people of King Elwë Thingol (a.k.a. the Sindar) and what has tr…

1
368 – If You Leave Me Now 2:07:43

2M ago2:07:43

2:07:43

After a long reign as King, Aragorn finally takes his rest, and a great beauty was revealed in him; after a season of the PPP, Alan takes a week off, and… well, the comparison ends there. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan for an unexpected episode as we conclude the now three-part discussion of The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen fro…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 09 » Of the Flight of the Noldor 1:21:42

2M ago1:21:42

1:21:42

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 9 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Flight Of The Noldor. With Melkor and Ungoliant having slain the Two Trees and stolen the Silmarils, Chapter 9 concerns the consequences of these actions for the Valar and the Elves, as well as the fate of Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continu…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 09 » Of the Flight of the Noldor 1:21:42

2M ago1:21:42

1:21:42

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 9 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Flight Of The Noldor. With Melkor and Ungoliant having slain the Two Trees and stolen the Silmarils, Chapter 9 concerns the consequences of these actions for the Valar and the Elves, as well as the fate of Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continu…

1
367 – Hard to Say I’m Sorry 1:59:49

2M ago1:59:49

1:59:49

After years away doing errantry, Aragorn returns to Rivendell, looking like an Elf-lord. After a week away doing a few errands, Alan returns to the Common Room, looking much the same. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan for the second of three episodes on The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen from Appendix A of The Lord Of the Rings. Ara…

1
616: SilmFilm 7-27: Season 7 Casting 2:13:42

3M ago2:13:42

2:13:42

It's time for the Season 7 Casting episode on SilmFilm, where we review the voting and find out which actors are going to get their big breaks! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch…

1
615: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 99 1:29:20

3M ago1:29:20

1:29:20

Maggie and Corey are joined by Ben Davis for an anticipatory discussion of the material to be adapted in The Hunt for Gollum.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim?ref=user_menuO…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 08 » Of the Darkening of Valinor 53:19

3M ago53:19

53:19

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 8 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Darkening of Valinor. In Chapter 8, the bliss of Valinor comes to a sudden end as Melkor unleashes his sinister plot with the aid of the horrifying monster Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion …

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 08 » Of the Darkening of Valinor 53:19

3M ago53:19

53:19

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 8 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Darkening of Valinor. In Chapter 8, the bliss of Valinor comes to a sudden end as Melkor unleashes his sinister plot with the aid of the horrifying monster Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion …

1
366 – You’re the Inspiration 1:59:56

3M ago1:59:56

1:59:56

Gilraen’s mom and dad have differing opinions on whether she should marry Arathorn; Alan and Sara just have differing opinions. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin a two-part series — which rapidly becomes three parts — on The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen as the PPP returns to Appendix A in The Lord Of the Rings. Aragorn…

1
Episode 81: Lesser-trod Histories 8 - The Lost Road and Other Writings 57:14

3M ago57:14

57:14

We made it to the History of Middle-earth volume 5, “The Lost Road and Other Writings” in our Lesser-trod Histories series! This month we’re chatting about the Etymologies, a list of stems and their derivatives upon which Tolkien’s Elvish languages are built. Join us to learn about the Professor’s interest in the process of language evolution throu…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 07 » Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor 1:07:52

3M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 7 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor. In Chapter 7, we learn what the Silmarils are, where they came from, and how clouds begin to gather over the blessed realm of Valinor. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silma…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 07 » Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor 1:07:52

3M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 7 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor. In Chapter 7, we learn what the Silmarils are, where they came from, and how clouds begin to gather over the blessed realm of Valinor. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silma…

1
365 – QAN 30 1:39:14

3M ago1:39:14

1:39:14

It’s time to come into the Common Room with The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we answer listener questions again in our 30th Questions After Nightfall! From the necessity of real-world physics to whose brooch did Bombadil find; from Fëanor’s favorite games to Thingol’s quite-appropriate guilt, our listeners always bring their A g…

1
614: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 98 1:29:32

3M ago1:29:32

1:29:32

Corey and Maggie return to Narnia and the unfortunate Voyage of the Dawn Treader adaptation in order to address the question: Wherein does its badness consist?Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-…

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