Secrets of Middle Earth Podcast
1) Of the Ruin of Doriath
SME093: 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 Kinslayin...Show More
2) Tolkien (2019) Movie
SME092: Friendship, faith, and the fire of creativity—how much did the 2019 Tolkien biopic get right? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Rob Leonardi unpack the war, love, and language that shaped Midd...Show More
3) Turin Turambar, Part 3
SME091: What makes Túrin Middle-earth’s most cursed man? Pat Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Salerno unpack the grim climax of his saga—dragon-slaying, doomed love, and a cursed sword that speaks. A b...Show More
4) Turin Turambar, Part 2
SME090: Can pride alone doom a hero? Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Pat Mason dissect Túrin’s tragic spiral from hero to destroyer as Glaurung’s lies twist fate. Get all new episodes automatical...Show More
5) Turin Turambar, Part 1
SME089: Is Túrin Middle-earth’s most cursed soul? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker peel back the layers of Tolkien’s most tragic figure—from hero to outlaw—in this rich discussion of fa...Show More
6) Fan Films
SME088: From backyard battles to cinematic gems, Jeff Haecker and Thomas Salerno dissect three Tolkien fan films—highlighting heartfelt efforts, haunting blades, and heroic calls for aid. Featuring Ha...Show More
7) Tolkien the Artist
SME087: From Middle-earth maps to Smaug’s lair, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno & artist Alix Murray unpack the genius of Tolkien’s art, its symbolism, and its deep ties to his stories. Discover hidden g...Show More
8) Dragons of Middle-Earth
SME086: What makes Tolkien’s dragons so unforgettable? From the sinister Glaurung to the catlike menace of Smaug, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker unravel the lore, symbolism, and mythi...Show More
9) The Battle of Unnumbered Tears
SME085: Tolkien’s most devastating chapter takes center stage: the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Fingon’s fall, dwarven defiance, and Morgoth’s dark triumph are unpacked by Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason...Show More
10) Tolkien Reading Day 2025: Fellowship and Community
SME084: Celebrate Tolkien Reading Day 2025 as we celebrate the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and courage in Middle-earth. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason share powerful passages that r...Show More