By far my favorite podcast of the 40 or so episodes we’ve done so far, today we spoke with Dr. Robert Tally, a literature professor who teaches a Tolkien class at Texas State University. We spend nearly two and half hours discussing all things Tolkien, including Tolkien’s childhood, various jobs that Tolkien took before writing The Hobbit, the background story to The Hobbit, how Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit are intertwined, his writing style, and so, so much more. We didn’t even get to Dr. Tally’s questionable sympathies towards Orcs and Saruman!

If you don’t learn something about Tolkien or the Lord of the Rings universe, you’re a LOTR wizard or you weren’t paying attention.

Man, this podcast was so much fun. If you haven’t listened in awhile or were waiting for us to do something really cool, THIS IS IT. Load the podcast up on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you listen.

Also, take a look at Dr. Tally’s latest book, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Realizing History Through Fantasy (A Critical Companion). I read it, and it’s a quick, fun read that is very informative and provides insight into why and how Tolkien made some of his creative decisions throughout the series.

Once again, thanks for your support!