Best Oxford Centre For Fantasy Podcasts (2024)

1
Kate Dylan: Until We Shatter and 'New Adult' Fantasy 54:58

2d ago54:58

54:58

Is it time that we revisit the category of 'New Adult' books again? Kate Dylan's fantasy heist story fits in this category, post YA but written for the reading tastes of the 20-something year old audience who've just graduated out that group. On today’s episode of Mythmakers, Kate will be engaging in a fascinating discussion with Julia Golding abou…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 6 32:48

9d ago32:48

32:48

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
This Ravenous Fate: Hayley Dennings, Vampires and the Harlem Renaissance 37:06

16d ago37:06

37:06

On today’s episode of Mythmakers, we’re meeting an exciting new writer coming out of the Bay Area. Hayley Dennings, author of This Ravenous Fate, has chosen the Harlem Renaissance for her vampire thriller and love story. Join us as she speaks with Julia Golding about her debut, the authors that inspired her and how she got published—this being her …

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 5 18:30

23d ago18:30

18:30

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
Megan Whalen Turner: The Queen's Thief and the Secret of a Long Career as a Fantasy Writer 49:52

1M ago49:52

49:52

Welcome back to Mythmakers for our sixth season! Megan Whalen Turner began her career in 1996 and is still going strong as her series The Queen's Thief becomes available in the UK and the Commonwealth for the first time. US readers have been enjoying the series for years and she won the Newbury Award and Mythopoeia Award in recognition of her achie…

1
Mythmakers Season 5 Wrap Up 30:40

1M ago30:40

30:40

Season 5 of Mythmakers has been one of many adventures, and as the season comes to a close, we’re going to look back at 5 highlights from our most enjoyed episodes. Join us as we dive back into the rising popularity of the Romantasy genre, before revisiting the presence of Fantasy at the Oscars. Appropriately, we’ll then steer the conversation towa…

1
We Review The Letters of JRR Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition 1:05:48

2M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

As a fitting finale to our 5th season of Mythmakers, we’re ending with Tolkien - namely his newly edited and augmented letters. Take a listen to Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker's 10 out of 10 review of the edition, they’ll break it down to what we learn about Middle-earth, how Middle-earth influenced his view of our real world events, his relation…

1
Samantha Shannon: The Bone Season 10th Anniversary Edition 51:46

2M ago51:46

51:46

Imagine starting your journey as a fantasy writer in a media storm where you are greeted as the next J K Rowling. That's precisely what faced Samantha Shannon when her first novel The Bone Season was published while she was in her early 20s. Ten years on and an established writer, Samantha has re-edited the book and is celebrating this anniversary …

1
Movies Showing Nowhere: Yorick Goldewijk and Memories in Fantasy 42:46

2M ago42:46

42:46

Today on Mythmakers, the Oxford Centre for Fantasy meets the winner of the Golden Pencil Prize for the best Dutch children's book of the year, Yorick Goldewijk, as his novel debuts in English. Movies Showing Nowhere, a fascinating middle-grade novel about memories, loss and time travel, is set in a special cinema which takes the hero, Cate, on an u…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 4 24:38

3M ago24:38

24:38

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
Who's your Robin Hood: T.K. Hall & 'Shadow of the Wolf' 44:50

3M ago44:50

44:50

Which was your first Robin? Today on Mythmakers, Julia Golding speaks with author T.K. Hall about Robin Hood and how this tale has changed with the centuries. We take our cue from the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring where Galadriel says 'History became legend. Legend became myth.' Do all Robin stories fall somewhere along that line? Tim has…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 3 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

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
The Twelve: Liz Hyder and Timeslip Fantasy 51:26

3M ago51:26

51:26

One of the things we love most is encouraging new voices in fantasy - and so on today’s episode of Mythmakers, we are delighted to meet Liz Hyder, author of award-winning Bearmouth and forthcoming The Twelve (coming October 2024 from Pushkin Press). The Twelve is a wonderful YA fantasy adventure set in Pembrokeshire Wales, it is a gripping mystery …

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 2 35:44

4M ago35:44

35:44

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
The War of the Rohirrim: New LotR Film 49:44

4M ago49:44

49:44

Have you heard about the new Lord of the Rings film? Not The Hunt for Gollum, but another from the Peter Jackson writing team! Philippa Boyens has teamed up with the next generation, in her daughter Pheobe Gittins and her writing partner Arty Papageorgiou, to produce an anime-style fantasy film based on the story of Helm Hammerhand and his family. …

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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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…

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