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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
The Lord Of the Rings
Middle-Earth
The Silmarillion
Galadriel
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 monthlyEpisodes122Founded19 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
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Artwork for Secrets of Middle Earth

Latest Episodes

Every creature in Arda has a story. The panel examines Middle-earth's animals — Huan, the Eagles, Ungoliant's brood, Beorn, the Nazgûl's horses — and asks what separates the natural from the supernatural in Tolkien's world.

The post Animals of Midd... more

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Tolkien's women don't need the spotlight to hold the world together. That's the point. Alix Murray, Jeff Haecker, and Kathryn Laffrey trace the powerful, mysterious women of Middle-earth from the Valar to the Shire.

The post Women of Middle Earth a... more

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Music didn't just accompany the creation of Middle-earth — it *was* the creation. Jeff Haecker, Alix Murray, and Patrick Mason trace how song, horn, and verse shape everything from the Ainulindalë to the charge at Pelennor Fields.

The post Music of... more

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Tolkien's "Leaf by Niggle" gets a full panel reading — purgatory, sub-creation, and the eternal weight of creative work. Thomas Salerno leads Kathryn Laffrey, Rob Leonardi, and Robert King through this haunting, personal story.

The post Leaf by Nig... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

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
Robert Story
First-time guest on show, Tolkien enthusiast
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
Rob Leonardi
Panelist joining the discussion
SOMB Society
Episode: Tolkien (2019) Movie
Alix Murray
Artist and guest on the episode
Episode: Tolkien the Artist
Kathryn Laffrey
Special guest and expert on Tolkien
Secrets of Middle Earth
Episode: Middle Earth in Star Wars

Hosts

Thomas Salerno
Host with long-standing involvement across episodes, part of StarQuest Network/SQPN. Oversees discussions and co-hosting.
Jeff Haecker
Panelist and host contributor, frequently driving conversation and providing lore insights.
Patrick Mason
Co-host/guest contributing to discussions, engages in deep-lore analysis and panel dynamics.
Rob Leonardi
Co-host and panelist with focus on film adaptation perspectives and visual storytelling.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 255 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 Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Panel format with diverse Tolkien perspectives is a strong plus.
Sound quality and guest dynamics can vary episode to episode.
Knowledgeable analysis and engaging hosts make deep lore accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#146
Poland/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Rings of Power Season 2 Preview
Q: When did you or did you figure out how Halbrand was Sauron?
I was thinking there was no way he was Sauron due to various clues, but eventually realized it during the reveal moment later on.

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?

Deep dives into Tolkien lore, myth, and the intersection of faith with literature and screen adaptations drive discussions across episodes. Listeners encounter thoughtful analysis of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and related media, with attention to themes, symbolism, and worldbuilding, alongside reflections on film and TV adaptations. The show stands out for its panel-style format, guest diversity, and a willingness to connect ancient motifs to modern storytelling, making it a good fit for fans who crave rigorous literary discussion tempered by community insights and practical fandom context.

Where can I find podcast stats for Secrets of Middle Earth?

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How many listeners does Secrets of Middle Earth get?

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How many subscribers and views does Secrets of Middle Earth have?

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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. Secrets of Television
4. Catholic Answers Live
5. The Counsel of Trent

How many episodes of Secrets of Middle Earth are there?

Secrets of Middle Earth launched 19 years ago and published 122 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Secrets of Middle Earth?

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What guests have appeared on Secrets of Middle Earth?

Recent guests on Secrets of Middle Earth include:

1. Alex Murray
2. Caitlin Faschista
3. Kaitlyn Facista
4. Robert Story
5. Jeff Haecker
6. Patrick Mason
7. Rob Leonardi
8. Alix Murray

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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