
Exploring Tolkien is a weekly show that dives deep into JRR Tolkien and all the ages of Middle-earth. Jonathan Watson and Michael Grumbine are your hosts as they read through Tolkien’s works, interview other Tolkien enthusiasts and authors, and critically examine how Tolkien’s world is being treated by mega-corporations like Amazon.com and Warner Bros.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 157 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksEntertainment NewsNewsArts | |||

Most people haven’t read how Tolkien actually wrote how The Hobbit precisely connects to The Lord of the Rings. In The Quest of Erebor (first published in Unfinished Tales) Tolkien explains precisely how every major event in The Hobbit is connected t... more
We turn our attention from The Hobbit to a long-hidden Tolkien gem: his 1936 Christmas poem, “Noel.” We take a look at the history of the poem’s rediscovery, its deep-rooted Tolkien-esque imagery, and why its message of hope stands uniquely in Tolkie... more
In this episode, we wrap up The Hobbit with “The Last Stage” and reflect on Bilbo’s road home, the petty (now less petty?) Rivendell elves, the unexpected return to Bag End, and how Tolkien so thoroughly captures the meaning of “home.” We also take a... more
Three dwarves lost and a shape-shifting berserking bear unleashed—the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies reconciles Bilbo to Thorin and gives us a completely different Elvenking than what you saw in the movies. In this episode, we dig into To... more
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Production quality has suffered, making it difficult to listen to.
Fell into this podcast a couple months ago after the glowing review of the greatest show ever made, episode aired early April. This episode started my journey to binge every single podcast episode. I became a member and have greatly enjoyed my experience with the extra content and joining a new community of Tolkien enjoyers.
Best podcast to both escape into fantasy worlds and explore philosophy most applicable for today. No longer a freeloader. Definitely worth the $4.
I enjoy listening to you guys talking about your love of all things Tolkien
In a world that seems intent on subverting Tolkien’s stories, it’s incredibly refreshing to hear Michael, Jonathan and Dan appreciate Tolkien’s world for what it is, without imposing their own world views on it. I’ve never heard anyone delve so deeply into Tolkien’s universe: a must-listen-to if you’re a real Tolkien fan!
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Apple Podcasts | #211 |
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This podcast offers a thorough exploration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and the multifaceted world of Middle-earth. The hosts engage with a variety of themes, ranging from the detailed analysis of Tolkien's narratives to the implications of modern adaptations by major corporations. Episodes often feature discussions on specific chapters from Tolkien's texts, character developments, and the broader significance of his storytelling. Unique to this podcast is the combination of literary critique, personal insights, and cultural commentary on how Tolkien's legacy is shaped by contemporary media and fan interpretations, making it appealing for both devoted fans and newcomers to his work.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Exploring Tolkien:
1. The Tolkien Road
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4. Morning Wire
5. Chesterton's Gateway
Exploring Tolkien launched 4 years ago and published 157 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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Recent guests on Exploring Tolkien include:
1. Elijah Wood
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