Exploring Tolkien

Exploring Tolkien


Latest Episodes

Rings of Power Got it ALL WRONG | Akallabêth, Part 1 | #35
May 09, 2023

We reach the 2nd age of Middle-earth, and with it are compelled to bring up The Rings of Power -- and how they got even the basics wrong!

Elven genetics! Race-baiting! Half-elf lies! | Of the Voyage of Eärendil | #34
May 02, 2023

Michael, Dan, and Jonathan finish the first age of Middle-earth! We see the final destruction that Fanor's Silmarils wrought, how arendil's desperate hope drove him to Valinor, and determine that--no--Elrond and Elros are not ACTUALLY half-elven!Join

48. Fellowship Fridays Live | NEW Lord of the Rings Movies, Rings of Power DIED, Gollum Game| #1
April 29, 2023

Listen in as Michael Grumbine (from our Exploring Tolkien), John Trent from Bounding into Comics, John Carswell From The Tolkien Road podcast, The MIddle-earth Mixer, and Steve Babb from Glass Hammer talk Tolkien, movies, games, Steven Spielberg and more!

The Sea is Always Right! | Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin | # 33
April 25, 2023

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss Ulmo's influence, Turgon's pride, Maeglin's treachery, and the Tolkien's rule on fighting Balrogs!

What’s Good in the Rings of Power?! – with The Middle-earth Mixer
April 18, 2023

Podcaster, Tweeter, and Tolkien fan, we chat with The MIddle-earth Mixer about Tolkien, The Rings of Power, and where these upcoming new films from Warner Bros might be going.

Real Middle-earth Bling | Of The Ruin of Doriath | # 32
April 11, 2023

Morgoth's curse over Hurin and the Curse of Mandos over the Noldor come join forces and end up destroying the the oldest elven kingdom from the inside out.

Captain Foolhardy! | Of Túrin Turambar | # 31
April 04, 2023

The footsteps of doom overtake Trin. But is his doom his own fault, or do we find Morgoth to blame?

The Worst Hero | Of Túrin Turumbar, Part 1 | #30
March 28, 2023

The tale of Trin Turambar is one of the great stories of Middle-earth. But Trin isn't really a hero--he makes bad decisions and runs from them. He refuses forgiveness. He ignores wise advice.

Sub-creation is Art, Not Power – with Austin Freeman, author of Tolkien Dogmatics
March 21, 2023

Join us for a deep discussion with Austin Freeman, author of "Tolkien Dogmatics", where we talk about Tolkien's theology, Tolkien's approach to criticism, what sub-creation IS, and more!

Why Tolkien is Great – with John Carswell from The Tolkien Road
March 14, 2023

John Carswell has been podcasting Tolkien for 8 years (and written 2 books!), but he's still on a Tolkien Road to discover more depth and meaning in his works.