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★★★★★

4.8

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159 reviews

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Secrets of Middle-Earth explores the deeper meanings, themes, and symbolism found in the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and their screen adaptations. From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to The Silmarillion and beyond, each episode goes past plot summaries to examine Tolkien’s myth-making, moral vision, and spiritual imagination. Hosted by a panel of thoughtful Tolkien enthusiasts, the show blends literary insight, theology, and lively discussion to reveal why Middle-earth continues to resonate so powerfully. If you love Tolkien and want to understand what his stories are really saying about courage, evil, hope, and sacrifice, this podcast is for you.

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Check latest episodes from Secrets of Middle Earth podcast

Concerning Hobbits, Part 2

2026/10/06

Why would Tolkien trust the fate of Middle-earth to people who mostly want second breakfast? Jeff Haecker, Rob Story, Patrick Mason, Fr. Bryan Shackett and Rob Leonardi on unlikely heroes, courage, and the Ring. The post Concerning Hobbits, Part 2 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Concerning Hobbits, Part 1

2026/09/22

Tolkien wrote books of elven genealogy, then waved a hand at where hobbits came from. On Hobbit Day, the panel takes up the three kindreds, the Shire's missing economy, and a calendar with a day belonging to no week. The post Concerning Hobbits, Part 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Announcing Holy Troublemakers

2026/09/09

Announcing Holy Troublemakers, a new podcast from StarQuest. In this weekly podcast host Dom Bettinelli will introduce you to the difficult people who built the Catholic Church. From mystics who argued with popes to missionaries who walked into places nobody sane would go, every episode tells one of their stories. The post Announcing Holy Troublemakers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Weapons of Middle-Earth

2026/09/01

Sting, a hobbit's barrow-knife, one black arrow: the smallest weapons in Middle-earth carry the heaviest freight. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Fr. Bryan Shackett rank Tolkien's heroic blades — with Andúril barred from competing. The post Weapons of Middle-Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Mythmakers

2026/08/25

Two archetypes walk you through the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and never once say their own names. Thomas Salerno and the panel on why *The Mythmakers* is not the kids' book its cover promises — and why its ending earns the tears. The post The Mythmakers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Rings of Power S3: The Balrog Talks

2026/08/11

A Balrog with Simon Pegg's voice, a husband missing for two seasons, and zero Harfoots. Jeff Haecker, Fr. Bryan Shackett, Rob Leonardi, and Rob Story pick apart the Rings of Power season 3 teaser and argue over how much of it Tolkien would recognize. The post Rings of Power S3: The Balrog Talks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Sin of Denethor

2026/07/21

Despair isn't sadness — it's the choice to stop hoping, and it destroys Denethor. Patrick Mason, Rob Leonardi, Robert Story, and Fr. Bryan Shackett on the palantír, Sauron's algorithm of doom, and the Gandalf line Pope Leo just quoted. The post The Sin of Denethor appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Roverandom

2026/07/14

A dog bites a wizard's trousers, gets turned into a toy for his trouble, and that's the least strange thing that happens. Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Rob Story, Fr. Bryan Shackett, and Patrick Mason unpack Tolkien's Roverandom. The post Roverandom appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Council of Robs

2026/06/30

Is Rings of Power Peter Jackson fanfiction or genuine Tolkien? Patrick Mason asks Rob Leonardi, Robert Story, and honorary "Rob" Fr. Bryan Shackett to give their takes on Seasons 1 and 2 — and cautious hope for Season 3. The post The Council of Robs appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Eleventy-First Quiz Show

2026/06/02

Tolkien called 111 "eleventy-one." For our 111th episode, we celebrateswith a six-round Tolkien trivia competition that tests our panel of Jeff Haecker, Rob Leonardi, Patrick Mason, and Robert Story, who must face host Alix Murray's toughest questions. Who will win and be crowned King Under the Trivia? The post The Eleventy-First Quiz Show appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Animals of Middle Earth

2026/05/19

Every creature in Arda has a story. The panel examines Middle-earth's animals — Huan, the Eagles, Ungoliant's brood, Beorn, the Nazgûl's horses — and asks what separates the natural from the supernatural in Tolkien's world. The post Animals of Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Women of Middle Earth

2026/05/05

Tolkien's women don't need the spotlight to hold the world together. That's the point. Alix Murray, Jeff Haecker, and Kathryn Laffrey trace the powerful, mysterious women of Middle-earth from the Valar to the Shire. The post Women of Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Music of the Legendarium

2026/04/21

Music didn't just accompany the creation of Middle-earth — it *was* the creation. Jeff Haecker, Alix Murray, and Patrick Mason trace how song, horn, and verse shape everything from the Ainulindalë to the charge at Pelennor Fields. The post Music of the Legendarium appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Leaf by Niggle

2026/04/07

Tolkien's "Leaf by Niggle" gets a full panel reading — purgatory, sub-creation, and the eternal weight of creative work. Thomas Salerno leads Kathryn Laffrey, Rob Leonardi, and Robert King through this haunting, personal story. The post Leaf by Niggle appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tolkien Reading Day 2026: Unlikely Heroes

2026/03/17

Sam resists the Ring. Fatty Bolger outruns the Nazgûl. Lúthien tears down Sauron's tower. Jeff Haecker, Robert Story, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi celebrate Tolkien Reading Day with favorite passages on unlikely heroes. The post Tolkien Reading Day 2026: Unlikely Heroes appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Podcast reviews

Read Secrets of Middle Earth podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

159 reviews

★★★★★

Nicknamed doggie 2025/06/17

What happened to F. RODRICK!? please I need to know.

What happened to F RODRICK!? please I need to know.

★★★★★

Tjay F 2025/06/11

I like the knowledge of all the commentary

Repost::: I believe this is a wonderful podcast I like the knowledge of all the podcast commentary companions and think you all did well , I’m about ...

★★★★★

Ddogstog 2025/05/29

You guys are great but what happened to F.RODRICK?

Where is F Rodrick?

★★★★★

WickedScamp 2021/09/03

Awesome source of LOTR Lore

Father Roderick built an amazing show that gave great insight into the lord of the LOTR while pulling out some very meaningful insights!

★☆☆☆☆

extrametal 2020/12/31

!!??

★★★★★

grimmest400 2020/04/09

I haven’t listened to it yet

The home Page looks interesting so in excited to listen to it 😁

★★★★★

Mordacil 2014/11/14

Love this podcast

Fr. Roderick gets a good panel together who are very knowledgable of the material.

★★★★★

Michael 52 2014/04/17

Awsome

This is a Great Show i enjoy the episodes so much thanks to Father Roderick and crew. Please make lots more!!!!!

★★★★★

Sparky1977 2012/11/30

I live for this for the Secrets of Middle Earth

I found this podcast about 2 months ago, and I've been a faithful listener ever since. I get so much insight and fun speculation into what the upcomin...

★★★★★

QueenFreddie83 2012/10/22

Great Podcast

I really enjoy this podcast. I have learned so much more about Lord of the Rings. I Hope You Put More Episodes on this one.

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