THE SECRETS OF
Middle Earth
The Secrets of Middle-Earth is a podcast for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien who want to go beyond chapter summaries and plot recaps. Each episode explores the deeper meanings, spiritual themes, and hidden layers in Tolkien’s writings and their screen adaptations — from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to The Silmarillion and other tales of Middle-earth. We don’t just talk about what happens in these stories; we explore why they resonate so powerfully and what they say about truth, courage, hope, mortality, and the human heart.
Hosted by a panel of thoughtful Tolkien experts and commentators, the show blends careful textual insight with lively conversation. Episodes examine character arcs, mythic symbolism, moral choices, and the philosophical and theological currents running through Tolkien’s Legendarium. Whether unpacking Númenor’s tragic fall, probing the nature of evil in The Silmarillion, or tracing the echoes of faith and friendship in Middle-earth’s great journeys, we aim to help listeners see Tolkien’s world in a deeper, more meaningful way.
As part of the StarQuest Production Network, Secrets of Middle-Earth approaches Tolkien with curiosity, respect for the imagination, and a commitment to exploring how great stories reflect human longing and goodness. That perspective invites reflection — not preaching — and celebrates Tolkien’s art as a window into beauty, truth, and the heart of myth.
Send us your feedback at [email protected] and visit us at the StarQuest Media Facebook page.
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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…
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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?
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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.
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Ghosts and Undead of Middle Earth
What do Tolkien’s ghosts reveal about sin, redemption, and the afterlife? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi uncover the undead of Middle-earth—from barrow-wights to Nazgûl—and their spiritual meaning
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Voyage of Earendil and the War of Wrath
Can mercy undo millennia of pride? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Rob Leonardi tackle Eärendil’s voyage, the Valar’s return, and Morgoth’s ruin—where hope is forged from doom.
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The Fall of Gondolin
Tolkien’s most ancient tale meets its sharpest lessons: Ulmo’s call to Tuor, Turgon’s fatal stubbornness, Maeglin’s betrayal, Idril’s foresight, and Glorfindel’s stand. With Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi. Was Gondolin doomed—or chosen?
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
What makes An Unexpected Journey the strongest Hobbit film? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi debate Bilbo’s wit, Thorin’s grit, Radagast’s quirks, and whether Jackson’s changes strengthened or weakened Tolkien’s tale.
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Of the Ruin of Doriath
Was Thingol’s pride a greater curse than Morgoth’s malice? In The Ruin of Doriath, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi confront greed, betrayal, and the Second Kinslaying. Is this Tolkien’s darkest tragedy?
