Best Wbr Podcasts (2025)

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Christmas in Narnia or Middle-earth: the Pros and Cons 47:41

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5h ago47:41

47:41

In a bit of festive fun, join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker in this episode of Mythmakers as they explore how Christmas appears in the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. From the icy rule of the White Witch to a surprise visit from Father Christmas in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they dig into the lore behind Narnia’s wintry themes. Then …

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Tolkien, Lewis, the Inklings and Audiobooks 28:45

7d ago28:45

28:45

We may be in a golden age for audiobooks, but for those with sight impairments they have always been essential. Blind writer and returning guest Andrew Head joins Julia Golding on once again on today's episode of Mythmakers to share his thoughts on the audiobook biographies of Tolkien, Lewis, and the Inklings. Be sure to tune in as Andrew and Julia…

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Pullman on Audio: Our Verdict! 26:50

14d ago26:50

26:50

Our friend from Australia, Andrew Head—a blind writer and devoted audiobook listener—joins Julia Golding once again on today's episode of Mythmakers to explore the world of Philip Pullman through audio. Together, they dive into the pros and cons of semi-dramatised audiobooks: Are they a help or a hindrance? Which are the best Pullman titles? Their …

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Devilry of Saruman - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 7 44:44

21d ago44:44

44:44

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 …

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75th Anniversary of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - How Does It Read Today? 50:26

28d ago50:26

50:26

This year marks 75 years since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe arrived in bookshops, so join us on this anniversary episode of Mythmakers as Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker discuss the origins of the book and consider how it stood out among its literary contemporaries before we reflect on its enduring legacy today. If you have an opinion on t…

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Dark Have Been My Dreams of Late - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 6 41:25

1M ago41:25

41:25

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 …

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Wingardium Leviosa! Harry Potter Audiobook With Full Cast: Our Verdict 19:11

1M ago19:11

19:11

In this episode of Mythmakers, join Julia Golding for a review of the newly released full-cast production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone from Pottermore and Audible. Does this reimagined version enhance the magic, or distract from the original charm? Tune in to hear Julia’s take on the production quality, narration choices, and ultimat…

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At the Turn of the Tide - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 5 46:50

2M ago46:50

46:50

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 …

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Greta Gerwig's Narnia 42:25

2M ago42:25

42:25

Netflix is bringing The Chronicles of Narnia back to our screens with Greta Gerwig at the helm for the first two films in the series. Interestingly, the adaptation begins with The Magician’s Nephew, opting for chronological order rather than the order in which the books were written. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker d…

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Root and Twig - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 4 51:06

2M ago51:06

51:06

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 …

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The Circle of Shadows: Dark Academia with Marisa Linton 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

We’re thrilled to welcome Marisa Linton to this episode of Mythmakers. A former student from our writing course and a valued member of one of our writers' groups, Marisa recently won the Times Chicken House Fiction Competition for her YA fantasy title The Binding Spell, and she’s now stepping into new territory with the release of her first adult f…

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Can't Take His Medicine - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 3 34:16

3M ago34:16

34:16

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 …

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Thirst: Horror Folk Stories, Uncanny Rivers and the Walking Dead 44:22

3M ago44:22

44:22

Joining us on Mythmakers today is Darren Simpson, author of Thirst—a spooky folkloric tale for readers aged 11 and up. In conversation with Julia Golding, Darren shares how he crafted the eerie world of his novel, drawing inspiration from myths and legends while carefully navigating messaging, naming, and the challenges of writing and editing. But …

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Not Idly Do The Leaves Of Lorien Fall - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 2 47:33

3M ago47:33

47:33

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 …

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Marve and the Firstborn of the Sun: Mining Your Culture for New Fantasy Ideas 49:59

3M ago49:59

49:59

An exciting new voice has arrived in the epic fantasy genre. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined by author Marvellous Michael Anson—known as Marve—to discuss her trilogy, The Firstborn of the Sun. Marve shares how her Nigerian heritage has shaped her writing, the role of her grandmother as the source of oral storytelling, and how…

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Forth the Three Hunters! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 1 18:29

4M ago18:29

18:29

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 …

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Climate Change and Fantasy: H.S. Norup and The Changeling Child 46:35

4M ago46:35

46:35

We’re kicking off Season 8 of Mythmakers with a relevant and enchanting conversation, as Julia Golding welcomes Helle Norup back to the podcast. Having just published the second book in her children’s series, The Changeling Child, Helle’s feisty heroine, Saga, is an environmental campaigner—so we’re taking the opportunity to explore the long and ev…

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Mythmakers Encore: Andy Serkis Audio Book of The Lord of the Rings - Our Verdict 21:32

4M ago21:32

21:32

Big news for Tolkien fans was the release of Andy Serkis unabridged version of The Lord of the Rings with Harper Collins on Audible. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding reviews the recording, comparing it to the BBC dramatised version from 1981 and the Robert Inglis reading of 1990. Which version has the best songs? Who dares to dip into t…

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Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Return of the King Movie Reconsidered 1:03:02

4M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Where would you rate The Return of the King in the trilogy? Join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker on today's episode of Mythmakers as they take a deep dive into the script and movie-making choices of the adaptation of the concluding part of The Lord of the Rings. What are your perfect moments - and your fails? Julia and Jacob disagree over one big …

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Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Two Towers Movie Reconsidered 49:06

5M ago49:06

49:06

Middle films are always the most difficult. In this episode Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker continue their reconsideration of the Peter Jackson trilogy, turning their attention to The Two Towers. They consider the perfect moments and the fails, with one serious criticism which could definitely to revisited if a filmmaker takes it on again. Remembe…

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Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Reconsidered 55:32

5M ago55:32

55:32

20 years from now someone somewhere will surely be considering having another go at The Lord of the Rings on film. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined by academic and Tolkien fan Jacob Rennaker to look back at the Peter Jackson adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, considering the script choices and casting, the cuts and the …

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Mythmakers Encore: Tolkien's Modern Reading with Holly Ordway 45:46

5M ago45:46

45:46

We are so 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 genre…

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Mythmakers Encore: The Oddest Inkling - Charles Williams with Sørina Higgins 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

The oddest Inkling - that's Charles Williams, poet, playwright, novelist, editor, theologian and occult practitioner. If you think the Inklings are summed up by Oxford dons, Lewis and Tolkien, think again, because Williams added an extraordinary influence to the group. Today on Mythmakers Julia Golding is joined by world expert on Charles William, …

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Mythmakers Encore: The Wonderful Worlds Of TA White 39:46

5M ago39:46

39:46

It’s not every day you get to interview one of your heroes, but in this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is in conversation with one of hers. Meet T.A. White, the American author behind several acclaimed series that cross the fantasy genres. Tobey shares her journey into writing, including a unique background that offers insight into authority …

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Sidecast - LOTR: Wrap Up of The Fellowship of the Ring 34:16

6M ago34:16

34:16

In this special Sidecast episode, Julia Golding revisits some of the most engaging moments from an author’s journey through The Fellowship of the Ring. From the confusion and peril of Weathertop to the hidden histories unearthed in Rivendell and the forging of great swords and alliances, we take a look back at some of the highlights of Tolkien’s st…

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Mythmakers Season 7 Wrap Up 42:15

6M ago42:15

42:15

Once again, we have come to the end of another enthralling season of Mythmakers, we’ve embarked on many adventures spanning a variety of fantasy realms and topics, featuring some truly fascinating guests. On today’s wrap up episode, Julia Golding takes us on a journey through some of the most popular and thought-provoking moments of our seventh sea…

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 10 33:44

6M ago33:44

33:44

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
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 9 34:22

6M ago34:22

34:22

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 …

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Emily J. Taylor: The Otherwhere Post 38:07

7M ago38:07

38:07

In today’s episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding sits down with bestselling author Emily J. Taylor to discuss her second novel, The Otherwhere Post (Penguin US / Pushkin Press UK). Set in a world where magic is powered by handwriting, the story follows Maeve, a determined heroine fighting to prove her father’s innocence for a crime that has affected…

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 8 43:00

7M ago43:00

43:00

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 …

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Tolkien's Tales from the Perilous Realm 1:00:56

7M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

In 1997, Tolkien’s publishers collected several of his shorter works and published a collection titled ‘Tales from the Perilous Realm’—a BBC radio adaptation soon followed. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker unpack the collection, examining each story in turn. Are they all truly set in perilous realms? How do these real…

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 7 40:23

7M ago40:23

40:23

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
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 6 55:14

8M ago55:14

55:14

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
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 5 35:07

8M ago35:07

35:07

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
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 4 49:02

8M ago49:02

49:02

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 …

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William Morris, Tolkien and The House of the Wolfings 43:49

8M ago43:49

43:49

If you love Rohan and want to delve into Tolkien’s influences, you’ll enjoy reading William Morris’s 1889 fantasy novel The House of the Wolfings. Join Dr Ingrid Hanson of the University of Manchester as she takes Julia Golding deep into the heart of Mirkwood in today’s episode of Mythmakers. Discover the fabulous female characters, Hall Sun and Wo…

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 3 38:14

9M ago38:14

38:14

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 …

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Tolkien the Poet: Our verdict on the New Collected Poems of JRR Tolkien 1:00:23

9M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

A fabulous new addition to the world of Tolkien literature is the recently published collection of his poetry. Today on Mythmakers, join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker as they guide you through the highlights and must-read pieces, delving into Tolkien’s remarkable range and versatility. They explore what the collection reveals about his creative …

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 2 34:35

9M ago34:35

34:35

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 …

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The Curse of the Silvan Oaks: Meet Debut Fantasy Writer, Georgia Channon 34:46

9M ago34:46

34:46

It’s truly delightful when a world imagined by a dreamy child eventually blossoms into a novel for the adult writer. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding meets with Georgia Channon, who first conceived the idea for her book many moons ago during a school trip to a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Georgia shares her journey from stag…

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 1 48:21

9M ago48:21

48:21

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 …

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Twenty-First Century Tolkien: Prof Nick Groom and What Tolkien Means to Us Today—Part 2 42:16

10M ago42:16

42:16

What a breath of fresh air it is to find an academic as passionate about discussing the adaptations of Tolkien works, as he is about Tolkien’s books! Today, on Mythmakers, in this wide-ranging interview, Julia Golding meets with Professor Nick Groom to discuss his book Twenty-First Century Tolkien. In the first part of their discussion, Nick provid…

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Twenty-First Century Tolkien: Prof Nick Groom and What Tolkien Means to Us Today—Part 1 41:31

10M ago41:31

41:31

What a breath of fresh air it is to find an academic as passionate about discussing the adaptations of Tolkien works, as he is about Tolkien’s books! Today, on Mythmakers, in this wide-ranging interview, Julia Golding meets with Professor Nick Groom to discuss his book Twenty-First Century Tolkien. In the first part of their discussion, Nick provid…

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Dr Eleanor Baker: Book of Curses and the Power of the Word 44:12

10M ago44:12

44:12

Words have the power to bless and to curse. In a fascinating discussion with Dr Eleanor Baker of Oxford University, Julia Golding takes Mythmakers on an exploration of the world of book curses in Eleanor’s Bodleian Library little book called—inevitably enough—Book Curses! From there, we’ll go on to look at the Medieval culture of the book, and the …

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Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 1 Chapter 12 33:47

10M ago33:47

33:47

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 Discarded Image and the Key to Narnia 1:01:04

11M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Do you want to know the key to the Narnian universe? Today, on Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker take a quick tour around the seven heavens as they discuss C.S. Lewis's book The Discarded Image, as well as the Medieval model, Michael Ward's groundbreaking study, Planet Narnia, and so much more. What other scientific model inspirations ha…

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Dragons, Victorians and Forests: Professor John Holmes on Performing Tolkien's Lecture, William Morris and Much More! 53:34

11M ago53:34

53:34

You certainly won't want to miss today’s episode of Mythmakers where Julia Golding is meeting with Professor John Holmes from Birmingham University. John has made a name for himself by giving performances of Tolkien's 1938 lecture on dragons, complete with the magic lantern slides discovered in the archives of Oxford's Natural History Museum. Today…

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The War of the Rohirrim: Our Verdict 1:01:26

11M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Is this film a hit or miss? Did the New Zealand team, led by Phillippa Boyens, Japanese director Kenji Kamiyama and Executive Producer Peter Jackson, deliver? That's the question that preoccupies Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker today as they dissect their response to The War of the Rohirrim, in the Season 7 debut episode of Mythmakers. Listen in t…

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Mythmakers Season 6 Wrap Up 37:10

12M ago37:10

37:10

Season 6 of Mythmakers has been a whirlwind of captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and fascinating insights into the world of fantasy and beyond. As we reach the end of this season, we're taking a moment to reflect on some of the standout moments with a collection of clips from five fan-favourite episodes. Join Julia Golding as we j…

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Hannah Kingsley: Soul Hate and Battling Your Fate 39:50

12M ago39:50

39:50

How does one come up with an original idea for a fantasy story? Hannah Kingsley in her debut novel Soul Hate (due to come out in February 2025) has taken the trope of the ‘soul mate’ and asked the question: 'what if...you had a soul hate?' Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers as she discusses with Julia Golding the origins of her story and the …