
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 | 155 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksEntertainment NewsNewsArts | |||

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
Did Tolkien “earn” The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence? In this episode, we look at Tolkien’s climactic battle from The Hobbit, comparing how it unfolds on the page to its chaotic portrayal in the extende... more
Bilbo owns up to his burgling — a betrayal that drives Thorin to the brink of killing him. But Bilbo isn’t cowed… and the armies of elves and men aren’t cowed by Dain’s special forces. But maybe they should be!
We also explore:
* Bilbo’s crowni... 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!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #194 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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The content centers around an in-depth examination of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, particularly focusing on his narratives within Middle-earth. Listeners can expect a rich combination of readings, discussions, and insights that cover major themes, character analyses, and comparisons to cinematic adaptations of Tolkien's writings. The hosts also engage with current events and adaptations, particularly the impact of corporate entities on Tolkien's legacy, which adds a contemporary relevance to the discussions. Unique elements include playful banter between the hosts, guest interviews, and critiques of modern interpretations of Tolkien's works, making it appealing not just to die-hard fans but to anyone interested in the intersection of literature ... more
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Exploring Tolkien launched 4 years ago and published 155 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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