The Tolkien Road

Latest episodes

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0232: The Book of Lost Tales I » How Tolkien’s Middle-earth Really Began

What exactly is The Book of Lost Tales—and why did Christopher Tolkien decide to publish the long, complicated history of his father’s evolving mythology? In this episode

Oct 21
54 min

0385: The Lord of the Rings » Prologue » Concerning Pipe-weed and the Ordering of the Shire

Why did Tolkien devote part of The Lord of the Rings Prologue to pipe-weed and the government of the Shire? In this episode of Do Not Be Hasty, we continue through the P

Oct 19
24 min

0231: Unfinished Tales » What’s In The Book?

What exactly is inside Unfinished Tales—and why did Christopher Tolkien include these particular writings? In this episode of The Tolkien Road, we continue our After the

Oct 14
48 min

0384: The Lord of the Rings » Prologue » Concerning Hobbits

What exactly are hobbits—and where did they come from? In this episode of DO NOT BE HASTY, we begin our journey through the Prologue to The Lord of the Rings with “Concer

Oct 12
36 min

0230: Unfinished Tales » Overview & Background

What exactly is Unfinished Tales—and why did Christopher Tolkien choose to publish his father’s unfinished writings at all? In this episode of The Tolkien Road, we begin

Oct 7
1 h 14 min

0381: The Lord of the Rings » Tolkien's Foreword(s)

What did Tolkien himself say The Lord of the Rings was about?In this episode of Do Not Be Hasty, we explore Tolkien’s forewords to The Lord of the Rings — because there a

Oct 5
33 min

Three Major Problems With The Silmarillion (Episode 0253 Revisited)

Is The Silmarillion harder to read than it needs to be?In this episode of The Tolkien Road, we take a loving but critical look at three major problems with the published

Sep 30
55 min

The Mariner's Wife - Part 5: The Mariner's Mailbag (EP188 Revisited)

My new book, Tolkien's Tragedy, is now available! Visit TolkiensTragedy.com to learn more! Hey there, Fellowship! Welcome to The Tolkien Road. Over the next four episodes

Sep 28
55 min

The Mariner's Wife - Part 4: Númenor's First Queen (EP187 Revisited)

My new book, Tolkien's Tragedy, is now available! Visit TolkiensTragedy.com to learn more! Hey there, Fellowship! Welcome to The Tolkien Road. Over the next four episodes

Sep 21
58 min

Tolkien's Overture: Music, Metaphysics, and Middle-earth (Chapter 8 / Coda)

On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you the Final Chapter of my book Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur! It's available now at Tolk

Sep 16
19 min

The Mariner's Wife - Part 3: The Crowning of Aldarion (EP186 Revisited)

Over the next four episodes, we’re returning to one of Tolkien’s most compelling—and heartbreaking—tales: “Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner’s Wife.” Originally published

Sep 14
1 h 17 min

Tolkien's Overture: Musical Mathoms (Chapter 7)

TolkiensOverture.com On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you the Seventh Chapter of my book Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur! It'

Sep 9
37 min

The Mariner's Wife - Part 2: The Call of the Sea (EP185 Revisited)

My new book, Tolkien's Tragedy, is now available! Visit TolkiensTragedy.com to learn more! Hey there, Fellowship! Welcome to The Tolkien Road. Over the next four episodes

Sep 7
47 min

Tolkien's Overture: Tom Bombadil, the Musical Master (Chapter 6)

TolkiensOverture.com On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you the Sixth Chapter of my book Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur! It's

Sep 2
12 min

Nolan’s Odyssey vs. The Rings of Power: What Makes a Great Adaptation?

What makes a great adaptation of an ancient epic—and did Christopher Nolan nail it with The Odyssey? We discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how Nolan’s singular vision

Aug 31
47 min

Tolkien's Overture: Lúthien, Mighty In Song (Chapter 5)

TolkiensOverture.com On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you the Fifth Chapter of my book Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur! It's

Aug 26
11 min

The Mariner's Wife - Part 1: Young Aldarion (EP183 Revisited)

My new book, Tolkien's Tragedy, is now available! Visit TolkiensTragedy.com to learn more! Hey there, Fellowship! Welcome to The Tolkien Road. Over the next four episodes

Aug 24
1 h 09 min

Tolkien's Overture: Ulmo, Lord of Water and Music (Chapter 4)

TolkiensOverture.com On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you the Fourth Chapter of my book Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur! It's

Aug 19
11 min

Tolkien's Tragedy: The Rings of Power Done Right

TolkiensTragedy.com On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you AppendixB of my new book Tolkien's Tragedy - Concerning Númenor, the Rings of Power, and th

Aug 17
24 min

Tolkien's Overture: The Reality of Arda (Chapter 3)

TolkiensOverture.com On this special episode of The Tolkien Road, I'm bring you the Third Chapter of my book Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur! It's

Aug 12
12 min

Chart positions

Where The Tolkien Road ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 24, 2026).

#183 ▼ 40 Books US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I started listening to this podcast specifically for the Silmarillion walk through episodes and it kindled an excitement about the book that I hadn’t felt before. They made the book feel way less intimidating to read. I loved having someone put all the greater themes of the book into simpler language and the discussions feel very thoughtful. Thank you for helping me get excited about Tolkien lore again!

laurastephanie_11 · Apr 2025

I just stumbled upon this podcast and I’m so grateful that I did. These two are fantastic, enthusiastic Tolkien fans and I’m really excited to dive into their breakdown of the Silmarillion.

Stormcrow22 · Mar 2025

I have listened to many Tolkien-based podcasts over the years and I have to say this one of the best. The chemistry between the co-hosts is great and the content is top-notch. I love their down-to-earth approach to tackling the deeper things of Tolkien and his writings while at the same time keeping the conversation natural and respectful to all listeners.

EarendilHope · Aug 2024

I was enjoying listening to Carswell and his wife discuss the Silmarillion, a Tolkien work that I feel is woefully unread by many. He obviously has loved the Professor’s work for many years, and she, through him, is discovering these works. Then came episode 6. I honestly think I may know the author of the criticism he received. I could actually hear these exact words in the voice of my erstwhile and occasional friend (whom I shall not name). The response to this unnecessary comment is well measured. I jotted down John’s haiku in response (because it’s clever and actually deep). I’ve gone from enjoying this podcast to looking forward to the next installment. I’m years behind on it (listening to episode six in October 2023), and don’t know if he’s still at it, but I’d like to meet this fellow one day. He sounds like a younger, more confident version of myself. John, if you read this, I’d love to sit and chat with you about books and music.

Harthkóss · Oct 2023

I only listened to one episode (#10), which might not be fair. But I just couldn’t take it, especially the mispronunciation of Tolkien’s own name. I’m sure the pod improves over time. Maybe they learn how to say Tolkien. I think this pod is best for those reading The Silmarillion and other Tolkien works for the first time.

Hieran · Nov 2025

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.