Secrets of Middle Earth

SQPN, Inc.
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies

    2D AGO

    The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies

    Can spectacle replace substance? Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi weigh Thorin’s fall and redemption, Bilbo’s brave choice with the Arkenstone, and a battle bursting with CGI. Does The Battle of the Five Armies honor Tolkien—or bury his themes beneath excess? The post The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 28m
  2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    FEB 3

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    Lavish visuals, unforgettable Smaug, and one very debated romance. Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason, Rob Leonardi, and Kathryn Laffrey weigh Tolkien’s themes against big-screen changes in Jackson's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The post The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 21m
  3. Lord of the Rings (1978 Bakshi)

    JAN 20

    Lord of the Rings (1978 Bakshi)

    What happens when Tolkien meets experimental animation? Jeff Haecker, Robert King, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi weigh Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings. Does visual ambition excuse rushed storytelling—or does Gandalf steal the show? The post Lord of the Rings (1978 Bakshi) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 21m
  4. The Silmarillion: Of The Third Age

    JAN 6

    The Silmarillion: Of The Third Age

    What happens when evil isn’t fully defeated? Thomas Salerno, Pat Mason, and Jeff Haecker finish their discussion of The Silmarillion as they unpack Isildur’s failure, Gondor’s long decline, and the fading of the Elves. The Third Age asks a hard question: is victory ever final? The post The Silmarillion: Of The Third Age appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 24m
  5. The Silmarillion: The Rings of Power

    12/09/2025

    The Silmarillion: The Rings of Power

    Sauron’s fake repentance. Celebrimbor’s fatal pride. What makes a ring powerful? In our 100th episode, Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Pat Mason, and Jeff Haecker uncover the roots of evil in the final chapters of The Silmarillion and what Tolkien says about the nature of corruption. The post The Silmarillion: The Rings of Power appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 30m
  6. This Advent, Help StarQuest Continue the Mission

    11/30/2025

    This Advent, Help StarQuest Continue the Mission

    Advent begins. Help StarQuest bring faith and reason to the world. Become a $10/month patron (or increase your current donation by $10 per month) and be among the first 400 donors to receive a Mysterious World sticker signed by Jimmy and Dom. Your gift is matched up to $15,000. The post This Advent, Help StarQuest Continue the Mission appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1 min
  7. Akallabeth, Part 2

    11/18/2025

    Akallabeth, Part 2

    What drives a golden kingdom to collapse into the sea? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Rob Leonardi, and Jeff Haecker dissect Númenor’s fall in Part 2 of the Akallabêth. Is Sauron the ultimate deceiver—or just the spark? The post Akallabeth, Part 2 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 28m
  8. Akallabeth, Part 1

    11/04/2025

    Akallabeth, Part 1

    Númenor teeters on ruin as fear of death eclipses faith. Is mortality a gift or a curse? Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason dissect Tolkien’s Atlantis myth and its spiritual echoes. The post Akallabeth, Part 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    SQPN, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 - SQPN, Inc. - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Secrets of Middle Earth