SME098: Númenor teeters on ruin as fear of death eclipses faith. Is mortality a gift or a curse? Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason dissect Tolkien’s Atlantis myth and its spiritual echoes.



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Code:

SME097: What do Tolkien’s ghosts reveal about sin, redemption, and the afterlife? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi uncover the undead of Middle-earth—from barrow-wights to Nazgûl—and their spiritual meaning



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Code:

SME096: Can mercy undo millennia of pride? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Rob Leonardi tackle Eärendil’s voyage, the Valar’s return, and Morgoth’s ruin—where hope is forged from doom.



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SME095: Tolkien’s most ancient tale meets its sharpest lessons: Ulmo’s call to Tuor, Turgon’s fatal stubbornness, Maeglin’s betrayal, Idril’s foresight, and Glorfindel’s stand. With Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi. Was Gondolin doomed—or chosen?



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Code:

SME094: What makes An Unexpected Journey the strongest Hobbit film? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi debate Bilbo’s wit, Thorin’s grit, Radagast’s quirks, and whether Jackson’s changes strengthened or weakened Tolkien’s tale.



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Code:

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 Kinslaying. Is this Tolkien’s darkest tragedy?



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Code:

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 Middle Earth’s creator.



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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 brutal end to Tolkien’s darkest tale.



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Code:

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.



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Code:

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 fate, pride, and sorrow.



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Code:

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 Halifirien, Legend of Gurthang, and the excellent Horn of Gondor.



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Code:

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 gems of Tolkien’s creative world.



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Code:

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 mythic roots of Middle-earth’s greatest beasts.



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Code:

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, and Jeff Haecker.



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Code:

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 reveal Tolkien’s heart for fellowship and community.



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SME083: Beren and Lúthien’s legendary love story takes center stage! Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason break down its epic moments, from Sauron’s defeat to the Silmaril’s power and Lúthien’s fateful choice. Magic, fate, and heroism collide in Tolkien’s masterpiece!



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Code:

SME082: Love, doom, and destiny collide in the legendary tale of Beren and Lúthien! Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Pat Mason recount Beren’s perilous quest, Finrod’s heroic sacrifice, and Sauron’s cruelty—plus, the latest on Rings of Power Season 3!



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Code:

SME081: The House of Finwë shaped the fate of the Noldor, from Fëanor’s fiery rebellion to Fingolfin’s heroism and Finarfin’s wisdom. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason recount the family’s triumphs, tragedies, and the doom that followed their choices.



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SME080: What Middle-earth stories would you bring to life? Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason unleash creative pitches from Patrons, from epic battles to whimsical tales. Hear bold ideas for Tolkien-inspired shows and share your own!



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SME079: Discover hidden themes in The Silmarillion as Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason unravel the alliances of men and elves, Fingolfin’s duel with Morgoth, and the tragedy of the Dagor Bragollach. Plus, news on Tolkien adaptations and fan feedback!



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