I really like the balance/interplay between the hosts and the way that they take care when going over events, characters and themes that are highly nuanced and detailed to always include context so that even casual fans can understand. Jude is admirably knowledgeable and amusingly cranky, and Steph is *also* admirably knowledgeable and has perhaps the most supportive/affirming vibe of any host of any podcast I listen to! And she loves Rohan, so her priorities are on point.

I learned of this podcast through Oxonmoot 2023 and I already love it after just 2 episodes! A topical Tolkien podcast is definitely something I need in my life, and the hosts are personable, knowledgeable, and willing to explore the depth and complexity of Tolkien’s legendarium while keeping things accessible and fun! Great work.

I came to the Tolkien game late… I watched the movies, then the Amazon series which ultimately led me into wanting to read the books. I struggled with the Silmarillion and was looking for a podcast that was informative but could keep my attention. I’m so glad I found this podcast. Jude and Stef are absolute gems - I’ve learned so much and have laughed so hard. I can’t recommend this podcast enough.

I love the discussions of the stranger and less well known corners of the legendarium. Informative and lots of fun.

Came here just to write a review. I found this podcast actually through Spotify. I find it hard to focus on podcasts, but Jude and Steph capture my attention every episode. In the beginning I jumped around but I’ve recently gone back and have started watching them in order. I love Jude’s expertise and Steph’s energy. Keep up the good work!

I just found this podcast and I love it! I read LotR and the Hobbit back in hs and fell in love with the world Tolkien created! It’s so exciting to delve further into his lesser known works and more of the histories created for middle earth.

There are plenty of Tolkien podcasts out there, but it's exciting to see one intentionally delving into the wonderful lesser-known writings of the corpus. The dynamic between the hosts is perfect: both are knowledgeable in their own ways, but each certainly contributes something unique to the conversation. I'm always excited to see another episode come out!

This show is entertaining in a way that I wasn't sure I'd get out of a podcast about the works of Tolkien. The hosts are a perfect duo of knowledge and humor that bring both a scholarly and a relatable perspective to the material. I don't see myself digging into the obscure corners of Tolkien's writings myself, but I love hearing about all the wonderfully strange and interesting things to be found there. Definitely check it out!

I’m a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, but always found Tolkien’s writings to be too dry. This show does an awesome job of making the deeper, history stuff accessible and interesting! I really like the hosts’ dynamic together, and the humor they bring! I can’t wait for more! (Also, they are responsible for putting the image of Sauron in a tankini in my head, which is something I don’t think I will ever be rid of!)

Even though I am by no means a Tolkien expert (I’ve seen the movies, that’s it!) Stef and Jude are so fun to listen to, I enjoyed this so much! The LoR franchise and Tolkien are such important cultural mainstays, it’s fun to learn a bit more about this whole fantasy world!

Other than having casually watched the LotR movies.... once... ages ago... I know next to nothing about Tolkien and his works. Jude and Stef weave historical context and humor together to shed light on the lesser known corners of Tolkien’s work, philosophies, and style in a user friendly package for those of us who are less than experts. I might even be inspired to read some of the works they discussed. Can’t wait to see where they go next!