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Artwork for The Tolkien Professor
Gondolin
A Christmas Carol
Middle-Earth
Union Of Maedhros
Morgoth
Alice In Wonderland
Elrond
Scrooge
Christmas
Spirited
Disney
J.R.R. Tolkien
1951 A Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Maedhros
Fingon
Silmarillion
The Noldor
Winnie the Pooh
Gwyndor

The Tolkien Professor podcast is a series of lectures, discussions, and seminars on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien by Corey Olsen, President of Signum University. All are welcome to enter – even those without any party business!

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Artwork for The Tolkien Professor

Latest Episodes

Today the SilmFilm Team returns to pre-production discussions, considering the Doriath situation during the time of Turin.

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Support The Tolkien Professor

SilmFilm Season 8 Pre-production meetings continue in our writers' room for a discussion of Turin's outlaws.

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Support The Tolkien Professor

It's time to continue working through the Season 8 storylines! Join the SilmFilm writing team as we work through the big plot and character questions for Season 8.

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv... more

The SilmFilm team sits down to work through the big picture of the post-Nirnaeth Season 8.

signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Sup... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Marie Prosser
Writer contributing to the Signum University project, involved in the writers' room discussion
Signum University
Episode: 649: SilmFilm 8-04: Túrin's Story
Ilana Mushen
Writer joining from Australia, contributing to the Túrin story development
Signum University
Episode: 649: SilmFilm 8-04: Túrin's Story
Una McCormack
A published author known for her works in science fiction and fantasy, including novels in the Star Trek universe.
Author
Episode: 643: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 122
Una McCormick
Author of several TV and film novelizations
Episode: 642: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 121
Miriam Ellis
Artist and author of 'The Art of Mercy in Middle-Earth'
Solid Books
Episode: 635: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 114
Bradley Bethel
Director of the film 'Ranger of the North'
Signum University
Episode: 633: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 112
Anni Fosberg
Preceptor in the SPACE Program, specializing in anime modules.
Signum University
Episode: 607: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 94
Daniel Falconer
Designer at Weta Workshop, involved in design for the Lord of the Rings films
Weta Workshop
Episode: 604: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 92
Alana Mushen
Screenwriter and guest of the podcast discussing script details.
Episode: 599: SilmFilm 7-20: Episode 5

Host

Corey Olsen
Corey Olsen is the President of Signum University and is known as The Tolkien Professor. He hosts in-depth discussions and lectures on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, bringing academic rigor and enthusiasm to his explorations of these literary worlds.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 734 ratings
  • Long overdue

    I’ve been listening to The Tolkien Professor for over 10 years now and have always appreciated his love for my favorite author and his careful analysis of his works and adaptations. Other Minds and Hands is no exception and I’ve enjoyed listening to these companion episodes alongside watching Rings of Power. Thanks for opening up Tolkien in a new way!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SButing
    United States2 months ago
  • Excellent in-depth analysis. If you're looking for opinions, go somewhere else, but if you want expert insight you're in the right place.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    ArtTheArt
    5 months ago
  • So much content!

    My all-time favorite podcast. There are several shows here, all of them fantastic. I especially love the SilmFilm Project as well as Other Minds and Hands. I wasn’t a fan of Rings of Power but I have thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtful discourse on the show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pricegouging
    United Statesa year ago
  • 100 stars

    Five stars is too few. His lectures on Tolkien are beyond awesome. How does this only have 200 ratings on iTunes?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    skarwer
    United Statesa year ago
  • Surprisingly entertaining

    “Other Minds and Hands” should be so boring. Can’t quite figure out why it isn’t.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Man of Cambridgeshire
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some criticisms mention that discussions can sometimes seem disconnected or overly indulgent in specific literary analyses.
Listeners appreciate the intellectual depth and thorough analysis provided in discussions about Tolkien's works.
Overall, it is regarded as a must-listen for Tolkien enthusiasts as well as those interested in literary adaptations.
The blend of humor and academic rigor is highlighted as a unique strength, making complex topics accessible to a wider audience.
Feedback indicates a strong enjoyment of guest discussions, especially around contemporary adaptations and fan works.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#211
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#116
Finland/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#133
Israel/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#144
Israel/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#191
Switzerland/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#250
Norway/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

607: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 94
Q: Are there stories in The Legendarium that would be really good in anime?
The Discovery of Gondolin stands out as an excellent candidate for an anime adaptation.
607: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 94
Q: Anni, what are some of the differences between an anime audience and a Western anime audience?
There's a greater expectation of fantastical elements and similarities to live-action films in Western audiences.
559: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 63
Q: What role does audience perception play in the adaptations?
Adaptations target different audience reactions, with modern interpretations often broadening the audience and expectations compared to the original works.
559: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 63
Q: How do the adaptations of Alice's Adventures differ from the originals?
The adaptations combine elements from both Alice books, often leading to a blending of characters and themes that can significantly alter the original narrative structure and intent.
579: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 75
Q: How different is an opera adaptation from other mediums?
Unlike film, operas rely predominantly on music to convey narrative, rather than visuals, requiring more emphasis on singing and choreography to keep audiences engaged.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Tolkien Professor

What is The Tolkien Professor about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast features a blend of lectures, discussions, and seminars that center around the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The content primarily comprises in-depth analyses of Tolkien's narratives, storytelling techniques, and adaptations. The hosts engage with listeners on topics such as 'Pride and Prejudice', fan fiction, and even the ongoing discourse surrounding adaptations like 'Rings of Power'. Through thoughtful and often academic dialogue, the series aims to create an accessible environment for both novices and seasoned Tolkien enthusiasts alike, encouraging a rich communal exploration of these beloved texts. The podcast is notable for its commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all interested parties can participat... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Tolkien Professor?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Tolkien Professor:

1. The Prancing Pony Podcast
2. Mythgard Academy
3. Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings
4. Taskmaster The Podcast
5. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

How many episodes of The Tolkien Professor are there?

The Tolkien Professor launched 7 years ago and published 651 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 The Tolkien Professor?

Recent guests on The Tolkien Professor include:

1. Marie Prosser
2. Ilana Mushen
3. Una McCormack
4. Una McCormick
5. Miriam Ellis
6. Bradley Bethel
7. Anni Fosberg
8. Daniel Falconer

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