Best Jump Down The Rabbit Hole Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 1 41:50

1d ago41:50

41:50

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Lucy Strange: The Island at the Edge of Night 39:06

8d ago39:06

39:06

Ever wondered what it would be like to be caught in a living nightmare and shipped off to a mysterious island to attend a lethal boarding school? You can find out by joining Julia Golding and Lucy Strange on today’s episode of Mythmakers as they celebrate the publishing of Lucy's new middle grade novel: The Island at the Edge of Night. Stick around…

1
The Rings of Power, Season 2: Our Hopes and Fears 19:34

15d ago19:34

19:34

Amazon has released its teaser trailer and the first 'behind the scenes' video of The Rings of Power: Season 2. Join Julia Golding on today’s episode of Mythmakers to find out what appears to be included in this upcoming season. Do you share our hopes and fears that this series might not regain its mojo? Is it too sprawling, as Julia believes, or d…

1
Hunt for Gollum: What Might Be in Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis' New Film 21:04

22d ago21:04

21:04

Very excitingly, Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis have announced that they are teaming up for a new film: The Hunt for Gollum. Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers where Julia Golding will take us through the material that they will be drawing on and what the story possibilities are in this LotR prequel. Don't forget to let us know what you'd like…

1
Should Dark Lords be Rationed? Evil in Fantasy - Part 2 37:20

29d ago37:20

37:20

Today on Mythmakers we enter into the second part of our discussion of evil in fantasy stories, progressing on to contemporary fantasy stories, and beginning with Harry Potter. Who is the most interesting evil character in Rowling's world? See if you agree with Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker’s picks! The discussion moves on to mad scientists, spa…

1
Should Dark Lords be Rationed? Evil in Fantasy - Part 1 41:36

1M ago41:36

41:36

Terry Pratchett famously said that “dark lords should be rationed” - but there is so much more to say about evil in fantasy than the cliche of the dark lord in a sinister tower at the bottom right of your map! On today’s episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker look at the philosophical underpinnings of evil, starting with the Inklin…

1
Top 5 Moments in The Lord of the Rings 25:36

1M ago25:36

25:36

Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers where we've boldly picked our top five moments in The Lord of the Rings novels! Have a listen as Julia Golding takes a closer look at each moment, diving into what exactly makes these five the top contenders. Agree with our choices? Let us know! For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writ…

1
Historical v. Fantasy Fiction 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

Join in on today’s episode of Mythmakers as we dive into the surprising similarities between writing historical fiction and fantasy fiction. Julia Golding, whose adult historical novel ‘The Persephone Code’ comes out this week, reflects on her experience of writing both. We go through the research, locations, rule setting and much more that goes in…

1
Romantasy: Rebecca Yarros and the Latest Fantasy Craze 30:28

2M ago30:28

30:28

What's all this fuss about romantasy? Accompany Julia Golding on today’s episode of Mythmakers on a quest for the origin of this sub-fantasy genre, and for the subsequent deep dive into Rebecca Yarros' breakout success: Fourth Wing. Can you find the recipe for a successful romantasy? Is it too late to join in the craze if you are a writer whose boo…

1
Cultural Takeover? 3 Body Problem and Other Adaptations 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

Netflix’s 3 Body Problem has raised some questions as to whether or not it is right to move a story’s adaptation to a different country. Is it cultural appropriation or a justifiable reinterpretation? On today’s episode of Mythmakers, we’re taking a journey through Blade Runner, Matilda, and Wonka to HG Wells. Join the discussion as Julia Golding c…

1
Percy Jackson... Our Verdict on the Adaptations 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

What makes for a good adaptation of a beloved book series? Today on Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker discuss the latest fantasy series to undergo a significant adaptation: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. What are the strengths of the book? What went wrong - or right - in the movie adaptation in 2010? And what has Disney made of t…

1
Damsels Not in Distress 14:44

3M ago14:44

14:44

On today’s episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding reviews the latest Netflix fantasy film offering: Damsel, starring Millie Bobby Brown. Take a listen and see if you agree with her verdict! We’ll take a moment to think about the modern version of fairytale heroines - are they really so original? For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, …

1
New Zealand and Peter Jackson 41:26

3M ago41:26

41:26

What effect has Peter Jackson’s filming of two Tolkien trilogies had on New Zealand? Has New Zealand skewed our appreciation of Tolkien's works? What would happen if future filmmakers chose other locations - or ventured into a CGI environment? Julia Golding has just arrived back from visiting this beautiful country, we invite you to join us as she …

1
The Oscars and Fantasy Movies 37:24

3M ago37:24

37:24

The Oscars are fast approaching and we’re starting off Season 5 of Mythmakers with Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker discussing the intriguing history of awards and fantasy films. It may not be true that fantasy films don't receive recognition, but which ones tend to attract the votes? And why don't performances in fantasy films receive many nominat…

1
Mythmakers Season 4 Wrap Up: Season Highlights 53:36

6M ago53:36

53:36

As 2023 — and our fourth season of Mythmakers — draw to a close, we’re taking a look back at our 5 most popular episodes of the season. Whether you’re interested in vampires and werewolves, or the phenomenon of smaller than average folk being a story’s focus, or if you share our overwhelming fascination with the great J.R.R. Tolkien and his fellow …

1
Universes - Good or Bad for Creativity 1:09:44

6M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

It would seem that every fandom is getting its own universe; First Marvel, then DC, Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter and now the Whoniverse. Is this phenomenon good for the future of fantasy creativity? Which universes are flourishing, and which are exhausted? Join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker to consider this phenomenon and its effects, is i…

1
The Dr Who Episode: Steve Cole and MG Harris - Part 2 37:28

6M ago37:28

37:28

Dr Who is celebrating 60 years and getting its own Whoniverse - thanks to the BBC link up with Disney. To celebrate this most British of time travellers, Julia Golding is joined by two Dr Who experts, Steve Cole and MG Harris. Both have written for the Dr Who spin-off books Steve, in particular, is very involved in current and future plans, includi…

1
The Dr Who Episode: Steve Cole and MG Harris - Part 1 30:08

7M ago30:08

30:08

Dr Who is celebrating 60 years and getting its own Whoniverse - thanks to the BBC link up with Disney. To celebrate this most British of time travellers, Julia Golding is joined by two Dr Who experts, Steve Cole and MG Harris. Both have written for the Dr Who spin-off books Steve, in particular, is very involved in current and future plans, includi…

1
CS Lewis 60 Years On 1:03:34

7M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

60 years on from the death of CS Lewis how is his legacy viewed? We’ll look at him as writer, academic and as a Christian apologist. Join us to find out why he is like camembert and to discover the hidden Lewis novel that you've probably not read - and yet it is arguably his best work for adults. Why has he attracted detractors, from his own biogra…

1
David D. Levine: The Kuiper Belt Job – Part 2 29:44

7M ago29:44

29:44

We are set for outer space as Julia Golding talks to the award-winning science fiction writer David D. Levine. David shares his journey into science fiction writing and guides us through a deep dive into the pulp fiction of the mid-20th century - so get your boy, babe, and bug-eyed monster ready! David is not just a writer, but an expert on sci-fi,…

1
David D. Levine: The Kuiper Belt Job – Part 1 35:58

7M ago35:58

35:58

We are set for outer space as Julia Golding talks to the award-winning science fiction writer David D. Levine. David shares his journey into science fiction writing and guides us through a deep dive into the pulp fiction of the mid-20th century - so get your boy, babe, and bug-eyed monster ready! David is not just a writer, but an expert on sci-fi,…

1
Vampires v. Werewolves - the Halloween Edition 59:32

8M ago59:32

59:32

As Halloween approaches Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker discuss the fantasy origins of two of our favourite spooky creatures - Vampires and Werewolves. Who was the inspiration for the first vampire novel? What are the origins of werewolves? Stop press - there is both a vampire and a werewolf in Tolkien’s works - but where? What evolving metaphors …

1
Result of the Oxford/Pushkin Children's Fantasy Prize 54:20

8M ago54:20

54:20

Join us for a very special episode of Mythmakers: an Inklings style reading of our finalists in the inaugural Oxford/Pushkin Children's Fantasy Prize. Meet all of the talented writers who made it to the finals and stay tuned to hear who our winner is! For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our a…

1
Fantasy Writing - Why Go Small? 53:08

8M ago53:08

53:08

Join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker as they discuss the issue of scale when writing fantasy. Starting small by thinking of smaller than average people at the heart of a story, follow us as we travel from Aristophanes “The Frogs” all the way to Barbie, with an in-depth discussion of the inner lives of hobbits. Does being small equate to being simp…

1
Anna Waterworth - The Girl Who Grew Wings 42:12

8M ago42:12

42:12

Internationally acclaimed fantasy author, Anna Waterworth, pays a visit to the Mythmakers studio to talk about her latest book, The Girl who Grew Wings. She discusses with Julia Golding the origins of the novel and the retelling of ancient myths, particularly in her case the story of Icarus. How do you handle dark material when writing for younger …

1
Why it is dangerous to study Tolkien? 34:54

9M ago34:54

34:54

It is a dangerous business going out of your front door, according to Bilbo - but so is studying Tolkien! On today’s episode, Julia Golding reports on current scholarship on Tolkien, thanks to the Tolkien's Words and Worlds conference at Corpus Christi College on the 2nd and 3rd of September of this year. What is the big mystery behind Tolkien's na…

1
An Evening with the Inklings - JRR Tolkien 13:58

9M ago13:58

13:58

Today’s episode of Mythmakers is the third part of our series looking into four of the main Inklings members. In the second part of our Inklings Evening, where our esteemed guests recreated the type of literary discussion that the original group would have engaged in, Colin Duriez takes us through Tolkien's participation in the group and how he, a …

1
An Evening with the Inklings - Owen Barfield 19:22

9M ago19:22

19:22

Have you ever wished that you could be a fly on the wall at a meeting of the original Inklings? We certainly have! Last year we invited four experts to represent four of the main Inklings at a special evening at Merton College Oxford to recreate the kind of discussion the original group might have had. Today’s episode focuses on our first guest: Ow…

1
The Rings of Power v. The Lord of the Rings Musical 26:50

9M ago26:50

26:50

We interrupt our 4-part Inklings series to bring you our honest review of the Lord of the Rings musical on today’s Mythmakers episode! Join us as Julia Golding reviews the revival of The Lord of the Rings musical at the Watermill Theatre and draws some comparisons with The Rings of Power series. What is the ideal approach to adaptations of Tolkien’…

1
An Evening with the Inklings - Meet the Inklings Experts 30:52

9M ago30:52

30:52

Today’s episode of Mythmakers is part one of a four-part special deep dive into four of the legendary Inklings: J.R.R. Tolkien, represented by Colin Duriez, CS Lewis by Professor Simon Horobin, Owen Barfield by his grandson of the same name, and Charles Williams by Alicia Smith. These discussions took place at our Inklings evening at Merton College…

1
Tolkien's Faith - a Spiritual Biography 34:30

10M ago34:30

34:30

Professor Holly Ordway returns to Mythmakers on today’s episode to discuss her new book on Tolkien's Faith. Having been first an agnostic, then an atheist, and now a Catholic, Professor Ordway uses her insider/outsider perspective to elucidate this fascinating topic. Join in as Professor Ordway discusses with Julia Golding the many flavours of Cath…

1
Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion - The Verdict (Season 4 Premiere!) 31:24

10M ago31:24

31:24

Welcome to Mythmakers Season 4!! Since April of 2022 Andy Serkis has been working his way through Tolkien's books, producing audio versions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit- he has now turned his attention to The Silmarillion. Our expert on audiobooks, Andrew Head, who as a blind consumer often turns to audio versions to access stories, talk…

1
Mythmakers Season 3 Finale: The Tolkien Top 5 48:34

12M ago48:34

48:34

As Season 3 of the Mythmakers podcast draws to a close, we are commemorating this milestone by highlighting our top 5 Tolkien themed podcasts that we have produced over the seasons. From little known facts about professor J.R.R. Tolkien, and how we celebrate his memory 50 years on since his passing, to recent adaptations of his works and Andy Serki…

1
Best and Worst Fathers in The Lord of the Rings 15:56

12M ago15:56

15:56

As we look forward to celebrating Father's Day, on today’s episode of Mythmakers we’ll take a look at the best and worst fathers in The Lord of the Rings. Do you agree with our picks for the three worst fathers? One is very controversial! The top four fathers jostle for their place, but one stands out as being a particularly great role model. Any i…

1
Celebrating Fantasy Illustrators - John Tenniel 18:10

1y ago18:10

18:10

Let's celebrate the contribution to fantasy by our favourite illustrators! Today we start by taking a look at the grandfather of Oxford Fantasy Illustration: Sir John Tenniel, the illustrator behind the iconic Alice in Wonderland images. Listen in to find out about the unfortunate accident in his youth that he hid from his father, his extraordinary…

1
From Colours to Makeovers – Mythmakers Ask us Anything 18:00

1y ago18:00

18:00

If you have had a question for the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, you won’t want to miss this episode of Mythmakers! In this episode, Julia Golding answers the questions that we have received from our audience regarding her fantasy realm preferences, her favourite colour, as well as indulging the curiosity surrounding our exciting new project at number…

1
Tolkien's Modern Reading with Holly Ordway 45:46

1y ago45:46

45:46

We are used to thinking of Tolkien being all about the past - old languages, old stories and no post-Shakespearean literature going into his cauldron of story-making. But of course that is wrong. Meet Dr Holly Ordway, whose fantastic book, Tolkien's Modern Reading, is a scholarly and entertaining exploration of the breadth of books in many genres t…

1
The Hobbit Tea Party - Readathon Livestream 56:14

1y ago56:14

56:14

As our Readathon of The Hobbit drew to a close, we celebrated our journey to the Lonely Mountain and back again with a Hobbit Tea Party Livestream event! Julia Golding was joined by friend of the Centre, Jacob Rennaker, and participants of the Readathon as we discussed our favourite aspects of the book and tested our knowledge with a fun quiz. List…

1
Behind the Scenes at the Oxford Centre for Fantasy – Part 2: Where Next? 26:04

1y ago26:04

26:04

What's our story? It’s time to get to know the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. Find out how we emerged from an effort to buy Tolkien's house, but ended up setting up a literary centre in honour of Tolkien and the Inklings, which does far more than we initially imagined. Find out more about our director, Julia Golding, and her team and stick around to he…

1
Top Ten Fantasy Royals - Coronation Special 23:12

1y ago23:12

23:12

As King Charles III is crowned in the first coronation in most people's living memory, we take this opportunity to look at our top 10 fantasy royals. We trawl the world for the best examples - and even venture into outer space. Do you agree with our list? And what bone do we have to pick with Stephen Colbert? :) Have a listen and let us know if we'…

1
Behind the Scenes at the Oxford Centre for Fantasy – Part 1: How We Got Here 28:58

1y ago28:58

28:58

What's our story? It’s time to get to know the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. Find out how we emerged from an effort to buy Tolkien's house, but ended up setting up a literary centre in honour of Tolkien and the Inklings, which does far more than we initially imagined. Find out more about our director, Julia Golding, and her team and stick around to he…

1
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Our Verdict 40:24

1y ago40:24

40:24

It started with a board game in the 1970s and now has become a major motion picture. If you are thinking of watching Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - or want to see if you agree with our verdict – take a listen to our multi-generational discussion about this family film, but be aware that there will be SPOILERS in our discussion. What wa…

1
AI Revolution: What should writers and artists do? Part 2: Text 31:32

1y ago31:32

31:32

The tidal wave of AI art and AI generated text is upon us. What should writers and artists do about it? Author Julia Golding talks to Pete Williamson, an illustrator, to work out what is fair to creatives. Is there any way this can be stopped before it sweeps creatives away, or would that be like King Canute trying to stop the tide? If it is here t…

1
AI Revolution: What should writers and artists do? Part 1: Images 53:16

1y ago53:16

53:16

The tidal wave of AI art and AI generated text is upon us. What should writers and artists do about it? Author Julia Golding talks to Pete Williamson, an illustrator, to work out what is fair to creatives. Is there any way this can be stopped before it sweeps creatives away, or would that be like King Canute trying to stop the tide? If it is here t…

1
Eggs! Cracking open Myths and Legends 46:24

1y ago46:24

46:24

Ever wondered why we have a bunny collecting eggs at Easter? In this seasonal podcast Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker take a crack at the long history of eggs in myths and legends, venturing from there into fantasy stories. Where can we find Humpty Dumpty, and what do Dorothy and Oz have to do with eggs? We find Tolkien and eggs scrambled together…

1
Anger, Responsibility, and Relationships: How to learn when you hit rock bottom. 49:05

1y ago49:05

49:05

Hello SoL Tribe! It has been a minute and I am so excited to back to bring you SEASON 3 of the.SoL.method Podcast!!! The reason I took a break is because I've gone through some major shifts in the past six weeks and I needed time to process through them. Joe and I chose to end our relationship and in that there were a lot of emotions I needed to de…

1
Tolkien and Creativity: Creation as Jazz - Part 2 34:08

1y ago34:08

34:08

One of the most inspiring aspects of Tolkien's work is his thinking about creativity. Following a question from a listener, Jacob Rennaker and Julia Golding discuss this using the poem Mythopoeia, the short story Leaf by Niggle and the essay 'On Fairy Stories' - all must-reads for Tolkien fans and anyone interested in writing fantasy. How does free…

1
Tolkien and Creativity: Creation as Jazz - Part 1 42:44

1y ago42:44

42:44

One of the most inspiring aspects of Tolkien's work is his thinking about creativity. Following a question from a listener, Jacob Rennaker and Julia Golding discuss this using the poem Mythopoeia, the short story Leaf by Niggle and the essay 'On Fairy Stories' - all must-reads for Tolkien fans and anyone interested in writing fantasy. How does free…

1
Katherine Livesey: Girls in Love 38:12

1+ y ago38:12

38:12

Katherine Livesey, writer of the Sisters of Shadow trilogy, got her first deal at 26. Hear about her steps to becoming an author and how her search for stories about female romantic love prompted her to write her own young adult fantasy. Katherine also recommends some other titles dealing with same sex relationships. We discuss the importance of re…

1
Jennifer Hayashi Danns: Adventures with Gender 49:56

1+ y ago49:56

49:56

Today we present you with something very different! Jennifer Hayashi Danns tells us about her journey to being an author and describes her innovative fantasy novel Beneath the Burning Wave. This book breaks new ground using neutral pronouns for the first half before evolving into a kind of 'fallen' split language, this gives Jennifer a chance to in…

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