Best J.R.R. Tolkien Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 82: Lesser-trod Histories 9 - The Return of the Shadow: We love a party 53:05

a day ago53:05

53:05

How did Tolkien start writing his epic tale, “The Lord of the Rings”? Join Jude and Stef as they discuss the humble beginnings of the book that became the Fellowship of the Ring in this month’s episode about volume six of the History of Middle-earth, The Return of the Shadow. We chat specifically about the Foreword by Christopher Tolkien, and dig d…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 12 » Of Men 43:54

3 days ago43:54

43:54

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 12 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Men. Yes, Chapter 12 introduces a mysterious new intelligent species to Middle-earth - the Atani, that is, the mortal people of mankind - and speaks of their first contact with the Elves of Beleriand. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the …

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 12 » Of Men 43:54

3 days ago43:54

43:54

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 12 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Men. Yes, Chapter 12 introduces a mysterious new intelligent species to Middle-earth - the Atani, that is, the mortal people of mankind - and speaks of their first contact with the Elves of Beleriand. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the …

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370 – Take Me With U, Legolas 2:12:42

4 days ago2:12:42

2:12:42

They say that Gandalf is wise and knows more than any other of what goes on in the world; they say Alan can sometimes do math. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we continue our team in Appendix A III to The Lord of the Rings, on Durin’s Folk. Thorin is too proud to beg, Gandalf begins to worry about Smaug and Sauron becoming…

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116 - Paschal Extravaganza! (Panic Episode)

8 days ago

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In this month's episode, Fr. Anthony assembles an intrepid panel to discuss Paschal themes in Tolkien. This episode originally aired on April 25 on the YouTube channel, so the format will be a little different this time.Music attribution:Hidden Past and Celtic Impulse, both by Kevin MacLeod (www.incompatech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY At…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 11 » Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor 1:00:10

10 days ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 11 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor. With the hurricane of catastrophes brought on by Morgoth’s murder of the Two Trees subsiding, the dust is settling, and the Valar have some decisions to make. Chapter 11 of The Silmarillion deals with the creation of the S…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 11 » Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor 1:00:10

10 days ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 11 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor. With the hurricane of catastrophes brought on by Morgoth’s murder of the Two Trees subsiding, the dust is settling, and the Valar have some decisions to make. Chapter 11 of The Silmarillion deals with the creation of the S…

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617: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 100 1:25:49

11 days ago1:25:49

1:25:49

In their centennial episode, Maggie and Corey talk about some future plans and discuss adaptation analysis possibilities with the attendees.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim…

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369 – Party Like it’s (Third Age) 1999 1:47:37

11 days ago1:47:37

1:47:37

Thráin escapes the Balrog in Moria and establishes Erebor; Sara can’t escape Alan and the PPP quite yet, despite her best efforts. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin a five-part look at the Dwarves, starting with two episodes on Appendix A III to The Lord of the Rings on Durin’s Folk. Durin the Deathless lived a very…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 10 » Of the Sindar 53:04

17 days ago53:04

53:04

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 10 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sindar. The Noldor, led by Fëanor, have re-entered Beleriand in pursuit of Morgoth and the Silmarils. This chapter brings us up to speed with the Elves that already inhabit Beleriand, especially the people of King Elwë Thingol (a.k.a. the Sindar) and what has tr…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 10 » Of the Sindar 53:04

17 days ago53:04

53:04

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 10 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sindar. The Noldor, led by Fëanor, have re-entered Beleriand in pursuit of Morgoth and the Silmarils. This chapter brings us up to speed with the Elves that already inhabit Beleriand, especially the people of King Elwë Thingol (a.k.a. the Sindar) and what has tr…

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368 – If You Leave Me Now 2:07:43

18 days ago2:07:43

2:07:43

After a long reign as King, Aragorn finally takes his rest, and a great beauty was revealed in him; after a season of the PPP, Alan takes a week off, and… well, the comparison ends there. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan for an unexpected episode as we conclude the now three-part discussion of The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen fro…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 09 » Of the Flight of the Noldor 1:21:42

24 days ago1:21:42

1:21:42

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 9 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Flight Of The Noldor. With Melkor and Ungoliant having slain the Two Trees and stolen the Silmarils, Chapter 9 concerns the consequences of these actions for the Valar and the Elves, as well as the fate of Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continu…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 09 » Of the Flight of the Noldor 1:21:42

24 days ago1:21:42

1:21:42

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 9 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Flight Of The Noldor. With Melkor and Ungoliant having slain the Two Trees and stolen the Silmarils, Chapter 9 concerns the consequences of these actions for the Valar and the Elves, as well as the fate of Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continu…

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367 – Hard to Say I’m Sorry 1:59:49

25 days ago1:59:49

1:59:49

After years away doing errantry, Aragorn returns to Rivendell, looking like an Elf-lord. After a week away doing a few errands, Alan returns to the Common Room, looking much the same. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan for the second of three episodes on The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen from Appendix A of The Lord Of the Rings. Ara…

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616: SilmFilm 7-27: Season 7 Casting 2:13:42

28 days ago2:13:42

2:13:42

It's time for the Season 7 Casting episode on SilmFilm, where we review the voting and find out which actors are going to get their big breaks! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch…

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615: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 99 1:29:20

28 days ago1:29:20

1:29:20

Maggie and Corey are joined by Ben Davis for an anticipatory discussion of the material to be adapted in The Hunt for Gollum.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim?ref=user_menuO…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 08 » Of the Darkening of Valinor 53:19

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about a year ago53:19

53:19

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 8 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Darkening of Valinor. In Chapter 8, the bliss of Valinor comes to a sudden end as Melkor unleashes his sinister plot with the aid of the horrifying monster Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion …

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 08 » Of the Darkening of Valinor 53:19

Play Pause

about a year ago53:19

53:19

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 8 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Darkening of Valinor. In Chapter 8, the bliss of Valinor comes to a sudden end as Melkor unleashes his sinister plot with the aid of the horrifying monster Ungoliant. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion …

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366 – You’re the Inspiration 1:59:56

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about a year ago1:59:56

1:59:56

Gilraen’s mom and dad have differing opinions on whether she should marry Arathorn; Alan and Sara just have differing opinions. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin a two-part series — which rapidly becomes three parts — on The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen as the PPP returns to Appendix A in The Lord Of the Rings. Aragorn…

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Episode 81: Lesser-trod Histories 8 - The Lost Road and Other Writings 57:14

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about a year ago57:14

57:14

We made it to the History of Middle-earth volume 5, “The Lost Road and Other Writings” in our Lesser-trod Histories series! This month we’re chatting about the Etymologies, a list of stems and their derivatives upon which Tolkien’s Elvish languages are built. Join us to learn about the Professor’s interest in the process of language evolution throu…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 07 » Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor 1:07:52

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about a year ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 7 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor. In Chapter 7, we learn what the Silmarils are, where they came from, and how clouds begin to gather over the blessed realm of Valinor. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silma…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 07 » Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor 1:07:52

Play Pause

about a year ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 7 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor. In Chapter 7, we learn what the Silmarils are, where they came from, and how clouds begin to gather over the blessed realm of Valinor. Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silma…

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365 – QAN 30 1:39:14

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about a year ago1:39:14

1:39:14

It’s time to come into the Common Room with The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we answer listener questions again in our 30th Questions After Nightfall! From the necessity of real-world physics to whose brooch did Bombadil find; from Fëanor’s favorite games to Thingol’s quite-appropriate guilt, our listeners always bring their A g…

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614: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 98 1:29:32

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about a year ago1:29:32

1:29:32

Corey and Maggie return to Narnia and the unfortunate Voyage of the Dawn Treader adaptation in order to address the question: Wherein does its badness consist?Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-…

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612: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 96 1:26:16

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about a year ago1:26:16

1:26:16

Maggie and Corey turn aside for a discussion we've wanted to have for a long time: Rogue One as an adaptation.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim?ref=user_menuOther Minds and …

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613: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 97 1:24:26

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about a year ago1:24:26

1:24:26

Maggie and Corey return to Narnia to discuss Prince Caspian, focusing on the intro and the summoning of the Witch.Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim?ref=user_menuOther Minds …

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611: SilmFilm 7-26: Episode 11 2:15:26

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about a year ago2:15:26

2:15:26

The Day Has Come! The Night is Passing! Tonight we discuss Episode 11, the first episode of the Battle proper. Let the Unnumbered Tears begin to flow! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you ca…

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115 - Mushrooms & Handkerchiefs & Towers

about a year ago

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Fr. Anthony talks with first-time reader, long time movie fan Zach Heller about the beginning of the Lord of the Rings, the characters in the books, and the long slow leavetaking of the Shire.By Fr. Anthony Cook, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 06 » Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor 1:05:58

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about a year ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 6 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor. Chapter 6 is really the quiet calm before the storm. All hell is about to break loose. Yet first, we must become acquainted with the great Fëanor, one of the most significant characters in the whole Middle-earth legedarium, and al…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 06 » Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor 1:05:58

Play Pause

about a year ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 6 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor. Chapter 6 is really the quiet calm before the storm. All hell is about to break loose. Yet first, we must become acquainted with the great Fëanor, one of the most significant characters in the whole Middle-earth legedarium, and al…

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364 – Tolkien Reading Day 2025 2:22:37

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about a year ago2:22:37

2:22:37

Join the Tolkien fandom and community — along with The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark — for the PPP’s 10th annual Tolkien Reading Day, observed every March 25 in honor of the destruction of the Ring and the downfall of Barad-dûr. This year’s theme, as chosen by the Tolkien Society, is Fellowship and Community — and not only do we have som…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 05 » Of Eldarmar & The Princes of the Eldalië 55:15

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about a year ago55:15

55:15

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 5 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië. In Chapter 5, we come to find out how the three Elvish peoples (the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri) came to Aman, the Blessed Realm. We also learn a great deal more about the Noldor and the Teleri, and about the personaliti…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 05 » Of Eldarmar & The Princes of the Eldalië 55:15

Play Pause

about a year ago55:15

55:15

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 5 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië. In Chapter 5, we come to find out how the three Elvish peoples (the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri) came to Aman, the Blessed Realm. We also learn a great deal more about the Noldor and the Teleri, and about the personaliti…

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363 – Til You Find Your… Ancient & Military Historian? 2:32:23

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about a year ago2:32:23

2:32:23

The Man of the West bids farewell to The Nerd of the Rings, as they welcome everyone’s favorite ancient and military historian back to the PPP: Dr. Bret Devereaux, author of A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry returns to answer an absurd number of questions that Alan and Matt have come up with from their last ten episodes. We get our 40k reference…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 04 » Of Thingol and Melian 49:41

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about a year ago49:41

49:41

Hey there, fellow travelers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 4 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Thingol and Melian! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022. And while you're listening, check out SilmGuide.com for guides to individua…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 04 » Of Thingol and Melian 49:41

Play Pause

about a year ago49:41

49:41

Hey there, fellow travelers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 4 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Thingol and Melian! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022. And while you're listening, check out SilmGuide.com for guides to individua…

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362 – Follow Every Marshal 1:55:46

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about a year ago1:55:46

1:55:46

The Marshals of the Mark faithfully serve the King by leading their trained Riders in battle; Matt faithfully serves Alan by… well, we’re still figuring that one out. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as they dive into the inner workings of Rohan’s command structure in our final episode on The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfi…

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Episode 80: Lesser-trod Histories 7 - The Shaping of Middle-earth 58:05

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about a year ago58:05

58:05

We’re back to our Lesser-trod Histories series! This month, we are looking at the History of Middle-earth Volume 4, The Shaping of Middle-earth. Jude and Stef chat about the Dagor Dagorath (a.k.a. the Last Battle, or the Second Prophecy of Mandos) from its earliest stages in the Sketch of the Mythology through to the most recent version in The War …

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 03 » Of the Awakening of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor 1:14:43

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about a year ago1:14:43

1:14:43

Hey there, fellow travelers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 3 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Awakening of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022. And while you're listening, check out S…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 03 » Of the Awakening of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor 1:14:43

Play Pause

about a year ago1:14:43

1:14:43

Hey there, fellow travelers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 3 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Awakening of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022. And while you're listening, check out S…

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361 – Ford Every Stream 1:43:05

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about a year ago1:43:05

1:43:05

Erkenbrand takes command of the West-mark after the death of Théodred; Matt makes it clear that, in the event of Alan’s death, he wants no such responsibility. Join us as there is a coincidence of calendars in our second episode on The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfinished Tales. Grimbold stands firm by the Fords, Elfhelm is the Admiral Ackb…

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114 - Go Not to the Elves for Counsel

about a year ago

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Fr. Anthony reads Chapter 3, Three is Company, with Fr. Paul Hodge as the guest host.By Fr. Anthony Cook, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin

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609: SilmFilm 7-24: Episode 9 2:19:47

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about a year ago2:19:47

2:19:47

Tonight the SilmFilm team moves on to Episode 9, "The Death of Laughter". Join us for the uplifting discussion! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here. • https://…

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608: Other Minds and Hands, Episode 95 1:41:11

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about a year ago1:41:11

1:41:11

Corey and Maggie turn to Narnia! Anticipating a new adaptation, we look at the earlier adaptations of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Thank you for your support for our project. Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/ringsandrealms-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirri…

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610: SilmFilm 7-25: Episode 10 2:08:58

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about a year ago2:08:58

2:08:58

Join the SilmFilm team for a discussion of the script for Episode 10 of Season 7. It's time for everyone to say goodbye! And fight dragons. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 02 » Of Aulë and Yavanna » Origins of Dwarves and Ents 50:29

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about a year ago50:29

50:29

Hey there, fellow travellers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 2 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Aulë and Yavanna! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022. And while you're listening, check out SilmGuide.com for guides to individual…

1
Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 02 » Of Aulë and Yavanna » Origins of Dwarves and Ents 50:29

Play Pause

about a year ago50:29

50:29

Hey there, fellow travellers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 2 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Aulë and Yavanna! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022. And while you're listening, check out SilmGuide.com for guides to individual…

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360 – Climb Every Eyot 1:53:31

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about a year ago1:53:31

1:53:31

The Rohirrim are loyal to Théoden, even in his dotage; Matt’s loyalty to Alan is in doubt. Join us as Saruman begins his assault on Rohan with a strategic faux pas in the first of three episodes covering The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfinished Tales. Wormtongue pits brother against brother, Théodred proves to be the Faramir of Rohan, and G…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 01 (part 2) » Of the Beginning of Days » The Creation of the Two Trees of Valinor 1:14:23

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about a year ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Hey there, fellow travellers! Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 1 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Beginning of Days, part 2! Yes, Chapter 1 had so much to discuss that we had to break it into two parts, so you're getting the second half right now! Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode …

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