An Unexpected Podcast: Talkin' Tolkien

Lord of the Rings
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  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to “An Unexpected Podcast: Talkin’ Tolkien”. We are excited to be covering the Rings of Power TV series; we also invite you to join us in an adventure as Ezra and Lane delve deep into Middle Earth. Each fortnight we will gather for a book re-read, show speculation, and much more! So grab your book, a highlighter, cup of coffee, and keep a pocket-handkerchief close at hand. Remember, “Not all those who wander are lost” and we intend to let our imagination wander far and wide. Speak "Friend" and ENTER!!!

  1. The Silmarillion: Chapter Four: Of Thingol and Melian

    FEB 5

    The Silmarillion: Chapter Four: Of Thingol and Melian

    In this episode, we journey into one of the most quietly powerful chapters of The Silmarillion: Of Thingol and Melian. This is the story where myth slows down and something rare happens — an Elf and a Maia meet beneath the stars, and Middle-earth is changed forever. But obviously we caught a whiff of some conspiracy stuff ... Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    3h 8m

  2. JAN 3

    Anniversary Episode: 8 Years... Who Would Believe It?

    In this episode, we celebrate 8 years in a very unique way- giving you our "TOP 5" in everything from films and tv shows to local restaurants and dive bars! 8 years is far too short a time to spend amongst such excellent and admirable UPers... so let's just never stop then. What say you? Thank you for all of your support, for listening for near a decade, but most of all for becoming our dear friends along the way. Through life's unforeseen ebbs and flows, ups and downs- it's you UPers that have been the constant. And it's something we don't take for granted. PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw Order your CANDLES: Firelight Fables Candles Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/ Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/ Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard If you'd like to send us something please address it to: The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    3h 14m

  3. 12/31/2025

    The Silmarillion: Chapter Three: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor

    In this episode, we finally witness the arrival of the Children of Eru Illuvatar- but right from the start, Melkor sows deception and discord. Not only that, many elves go missing, only to be taken by Melkor- tortured and mutilated, they are transformed into an utter mockery and perversion (Orcs). With the Children in mortal danger, what are the Valar to do? After a quick council, it's decided that the Children should be defended and protected (and Tulkas smiles) and Melkor's butt kicked, destined to be held prisoner in the Halls of Mandos for a sentence of no less than 3 ages. Meanwhile, after Ingwe (Vanyar), Finwe (Noldor) and Elwe (Teleri) visit Valinor and witness the light of the Trees, they return to Cuivienen (the birthplace of the elves) as ambassadors with an invitation from the Valar to come venture westward and make a home in Valinor. What follows is truly the genesis of all drama (and doom) in Arda. Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    3h 5m
  4. The Silmarillion: Chapter Two: Of Aulë and Yavanna

    12/08/2025

    The Silmarillion: Chapter Two: Of Aulë and Yavanna

    In this episode, we return to the heart of Arda and explore one of the most beautiful contrasts in all of Tolkien’s legendarium: the brilliant craftsmanship of Aulë and the life-giving grace of Yavanna. Aulë, the Smith of the Valar, is restless with creativity — shaping mountains, forging the deep places of the earth, and longing for minds to teach. Yavanna, the Giver of Fruits, watches over every green thing that grows, from towering forests to the smallest blades of grass. Their desires clash, intertwine, and ultimately give birth to some of the most important beings in Middle-earth’s history. Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings. PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw Order your CANDLES: Firelight Fables Candles Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/ Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/ Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard If you'd like to send us something please address it to: The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2h 52m
  5. The Silmarillion: Chapter One: Of the Beginning of Days

    11/24/2025

    The Silmarillion: Chapter One: Of the Beginning of Days

    In this episode, we witness the beginning of days as the Valar and Maiar strive to bring the vision and music of Eru Illuvatar to life, while fending off the discord of Melkor relentlessly being woven into the alreay young world, as all await the arrival of the Children of the One. Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings. PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw Order your CANDLES: Firelight Fables Candles Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/ Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/ Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard If you'd like to send us something please address it to: The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    3h 11m
  6. The Silmarillion: Valaquenta: Of the Valar and Maiar

    11/10/2025

    The Silmarillion: Valaquenta: Of the Valar and Maiar

    In this episode, we explore the Valaquenta, and get to the know the Valar and Maiar a little better! But it's October 31st, so we've dressed for the occasion ... and Mor-goth has made an unexpected apperance to play a GAME with Blue Suit Andy Serkis ... Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings. PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw Order your CANDLES: Firelight Fables Candles Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/ Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/ Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard If you'd like to send us something please address it to: The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2h 19m
  7. The Silmarillion: Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur (Part 2)

    10/27/2025

    The Silmarillion: Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur (Part 2)

    In this episode, we explore Tolkien's letter 131 &The Ainulindalë, the opening chapter of The Silmarillion, where Tolkien’s world begins with music. Discover how Eru Ilúvatar and the Ainur sang creation into being, what the Flame Imperishable means, and how Melkor’s discord shaped Middle-earth’s destiny. Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings. PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/ Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/ Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard If you'd like to send us something please address it to: The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2h 59m
  8. The Silmarillion: Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur (Part 1)

    10/27/2025

    The Silmarillion: Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur (Part 1)

    Part 1 - In this episode of An Unexpected Podcast, we embark on our new journey to cover the Silmarillion and march our way back through Tolkien's legendarium. We have a lot of catching up to do in this episode: Quick Council, Droppin Eaves (Rings of Power Season 3 News & the Hunt for Gollum news & speculation), and other corners of Middle Earth. In Part 2, we will be discussing Tolkien's letter 131 and part I of the Silmarillion - Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/ Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/ Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard If you'd like to send us something please address it to: The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2h 32m
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About

Welcome to “An Unexpected Podcast: Talkin’ Tolkien”. We are excited to be covering the Rings of Power TV series; we also invite you to join us in an adventure as Ezra and Lane delve deep into Middle Earth. Each fortnight we will gather for a book re-read, show speculation, and much more! So grab your book, a highlighter, cup of coffee, and keep a pocket-handkerchief close at hand. Remember, “Not all those who wander are lost” and we intend to let our imagination wander far and wide. Speak "Friend" and ENTER!!!

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