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Artwork for Secrets of Middle Earth

Secrets of Middle Earth

SQPN, Inc.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Rings Of Power
Sauron
The Rings Of Power
Middle Earth
Middle-Earth
The Lord Of the Rings
Galadriel
The Silmarillion
Dwarves
Adar
Numenor
Tolkien
Peter Jackson
Silmarillion
The Hobbit
Celebrimbor
Melkor
Balrog
The Fellowship Of the Ring

Secrets of Middle-Earth explores the deeper meanings, themes, and symbolism found in the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and their screen adaptations. From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to The Silmarillion and beyond, each episode goes past plot summaries to examine Tolkien’s myth-making, moral vision, and spiritual imagination. Hosted by a panel of thoughtful Tolkien enthusiasts, the show blend... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes131Founded19 years ago
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Artwork for Secrets of Middle Earth

Latest Episodes

Tolkien wrote books of elven genealogy, then waved a hand at where hobbits came from. On Hobbit Day, the panel takes up the three kindreds, the Shire's missing economy, and a calendar with a day belonging to no week.

The post Concerning Hobbits, Pa... more

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Announcing Holy Troublemakers, a new podcast from StarQuest. In this weekly podcast host Dom Bettinelli will introduce you to the difficult people who built the Catholic Church. From mystics who argued with popes to missionaries who walked into place... more

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Sting, a hobbit's barrow-knife, one black arrow: the smallest weapons in Middle-earth carry the heaviest freight. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Fr. Bryan Shackett rank Tolkien's heroic blades — with Andúril barred from competing.

The post Weapo... more

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Two archetypes walk you through the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and never once say their own names. Thomas Salerno and the panel on why *The Mythmakers* is not the kids' book its cover promises — and why its ending earns the tears.

The post The Myth... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Robert Story
Author/illustrator contributor to Mythmakers
Mythmakers book team
Episode: The Mythmakers
Father Brian Shackett
Catholic priest, panelist
Detroite seminary/faith community
Episode: The Mythmakers
Pat Mason
Special arrival joining the discussion
Episode: Roverandom
Father Bryan Shackett
Catholic priest invited onto the show
Catholic Church
Episode: The Council of Robs
Alex Murray
Bookshop worker in the UK, panelist
The Ironbridge Bookshop
Episode: Tolkien Reading Day 2026: Unlikely Heroes
Caitlin Faschista
Author, Into the Heart of Middle Earth
Episode: Tolkien Reading Day 2026: Unlikely Heroes
Kaitlyn Facista
Author of Into the Heart of Middle-Earth
Tea with Tolkien / Ave Maria Press
Episode: Into the Heart of Middle Earth with Kaitlyn Facista
Jeff Haecker
Guest, co-host on episode
Episode: The Fall of Gondolin
Patrick Mason
Guest, co-host on episode
Episode: The Fall of Gondolin

Hosts

Patrick Mason
Host of Secrets of Middle Earth, appears across episodes with focus on literary and film analysis
Rob Leonardi
Co-host, provides panel insights on film adaptation and design
Thomas Salerno
Host with a focus on Tolkien lore and discussion leadership
Alix Murray
Host, panelist, organizer of game-show style formats
Jeff Haecker
Guest contributing questions and commentary, panelist

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 258 ratings
  • What happened to F. RODRICK!? please I need to know.

    What happened to F RODRICK!? please I need to know.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nicknamed doggie
    United Statesa year ago
  • Share Sid tomes and Kaitlin hosts of this show go?

    G

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nicknamed doggie
    United Statesa year ago
  • I like the knowledge of all the commentary

    Repost:::

    I believe this is a wonderful podcast I like the knowledge of all the podcast commentary companions and think you all did well , I’m about 1/3 thru … update :: ((completed)) thru the entire recordings, I think this is very relaxing to listen too, except maybe the battles haha , those are brutal hahahhh. Good work everyone God bless you I’m so glad you all finally did a episode on Rohan and helms deep , I was looking for and episode on helms deep

    Take care creatures of middle earth

    E... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tjay F
    United Statesa year ago
  • You guys are great but what happened to F.RODRICK?

    Where is F Rodrick?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ddogstog
    United Statesa year ago
  • I like the knowledge of all the commentary

    I believe this is a wonderful podcast I like the knowledge of all the podcast commentary companions and think you all did well , I’m about 1/3 thru the entire recordings, I think this is very relaxing to listen too, except maybe the battles haha , those are brutal hahahhh. Good work everyone God bless you

    I’m so glad you all finally did a episode on Rohan and helms deep , I was looking for and episode on helms deep

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tjay F
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests often bring professional experience in writing, publishing, or media.
Listener feedback highlights high-quality discussions and engaging host dynamics.
Theology-informed angles add depth beyond standard lore debates.
Thoughtful, well-researched Tolkien discussions with strong guest lineups.

Top Books Podcasts

The Book Club
The Book ClubGoalhanger
Myths and Legends
Myths and LegendsJason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
The Book Review
The Book ReviewThe New York Times
Fantasy Fangirls
Fantasy FangirlsFantasy Fangirls
It Was A Book First
It Was A Book FirstIt Was A Book First

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Mythmakers
Q: How does Mythmakers balance myth and biographical detail for readers unfamiliar with Tolkien and Lewis?
It uses a clever framing device and accessible storytelling to introduce heavy topics like war, faith, and friendship, while situating them within a vivid, meta-narrative that engages younger readers without dumbing down the material.
Into the Heart of Middle Earth with Kaitlyn Facista
Q: What is the structure of the book and how does it align with the Ring cycle?
The book follows Bilbo's journey at the start and Frodo's journey thereafter, using places like Lothlórien to discuss discernment, temptation, hope, and grief, mirroring the narrative arc of The Lord of the Rings.
Into the Heart of Middle Earth with Kaitlyn Facista
Q: Can you remind us of Kaitlyn's background with Tolkien and how she approached Tea with Tolkien before writing the book?
Kaitlyn explains she came to Tolkien via the films, later reading the books, and built Tea with Tolkien to explore Tolkien's faith and life openly, which inspired the book's faith-centered approach.
Where Did the Blue Wizards Go? (And More Patron Questions)
Q: What do you really think happened to the Blue Wizards?
There are theories that they went to the East to search for the cradle of life and possibly failed in their mission, potentially aligning with Sauron.
Where Did the Blue Wizards Go? (And More Patron Questions)
Q: Who is Melian again?
Melian is a Maiar who marries King Thingol, and their daughter is Luthien, the ancestor of Aragorn.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Secrets of Middle Earth

What is Secrets of Middle Earth about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show analyzes Tolkien's legendarium through literary, theological, and cultural lenses, often pairing close-text analysis with discussions of film and game adaptations. Across episodes, guests include scholars, authors, clergy, and creators who bring literary insight, faith-based perspectives, and industry experience to topics like subcreation, myth, and moral themes, as well as narrative devices, character arcs, and worldbuilding. A notable strength is its ability to connect deep Tolkien lore with contemporary culture and media, while keeping discussions accessible for devoted fans and newcomers alike. The format frequently blends rigorous analysis with community storytelling, making it valuable for listeners who want to understand wh... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Secrets of Middle Earth?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Secrets of Middle Earth:

1. Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World
2. Secrets of Star Wars
3. The Thomistic Institute
4. Secrets of Television
5. Godsplaining

How many episodes of Secrets of Middle Earth are there?

Secrets of Middle Earth launched 19 years ago and published 131 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Secrets of Middle Earth?

Recent guests on Secrets of Middle Earth include:

1. Robert Story
2. Father Brian Shackett
3. Pat Mason
4. Father Bryan Shackett
5. Alex Murray
6. Caitlin Faschista
7. Kaitlyn Facista
8. Jeff Haecker

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