The Legendarium

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The Legendarium exists primarily as a book club for fantasy and sci-fi, both the classics and the new classics. Authors discussed have included Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, David Eddings, Ernest Cline, Robert Heinlein, Michael Crichton, and more. You'll also get the occasional movie review or Star Wars discussion. (Anything in the realm of the fantastic is fair game!) Check out past episodes and other content at thelegendariumpodcast.com.

The Legendarium Podcast


    • Feb 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 57m AVG DURATION
    • 485 EPISODES

    4.7 from 368 ratings Listeners of The Legendarium that love the show mention: legendarium, cosmere, fantasy books, brandon sanderson, kenn, episode 240, todd and ryan, fantasy genre, insults, wheezing, wheel of time, wot, tolkien, podcast for fantasy, lord of the rings, craig, lotr, great fantasy, brooks, book podcast.


    Ivy Insights

    The Legendarium podcast is a delightful and engaging podcast that covers fantasy and science-fiction books. It offers book reviews, discussions, interviews with authors, and more. The panel of hosts, including Craig Hanks, provide insightful commentary and analysis on the books they discuss. The show has a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, making it feel like a book club with friends. Additionally, the episodes are well-structured and offer recaps that serve as fantastic summaries of the books. Overall, The Legendarium is a must-listen for fans of fantasy and sci-fi literature.

    One of the best aspects of The Legendarium podcast is the panel's depth of knowledge on fantasy and science-fiction literature. They provide intelligent conversations on various types of content within these genres, offering insights that are helpful to any listener. The hosts strike a great balance between insightful discussion and entertaining banter, making each episode enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're familiar with the books under discussion or not, the podcast is still a delight to listen to due to its diverse range of topics.

    However, one downside to the podcast is Craig Hanks' negative and dismissive personality. Some listeners find his dominating presence off-putting and feel that it detracts from their enjoyment of the show. While the overall content and approach are fantastic, Craig's demeanor can sometimes overshadow the positive aspects of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Legendarium podcast is a wonderful resource for fans of fantasy and science-fiction literature. It offers in-depth discussions, book reviews, interviews with authors, and more. Despite some reservations about one of the hosts' personalities, the panel provides insightful commentary in an entertaining manner that keeps listeners engaged throughout each episode. Whether you're looking for a book club experience or simply want to hear knowledgeable conversations about fantasy content, The Legendarium has something for everyone.



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    Latest episodes from The Legendarium

    #441. The Tiger's Daughter with Martha Wells | The Author's Shelf

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 45:58


    Martha Wells stops by for another installment of The Author's Shelf. Together, she and Craig discuss The Tiger's Daughter, the 2017 novel by K. Arsenault Rivera.   Check out Martha Wells' new projects: https://www.marthawells.com/    Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx

    #440. When a Game Designer becomes an Author, with Katie Hallahan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 33:09


    Author Katie Hallahan drops by for a conversation with Craig about her experience going from game designer to author. What does she value in fiction and storytelling, and how did that impact both areas of her professional life?   Visit Katie and check out her books here: https://www.katiehal.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx

    #439. WoT a Tangential Return!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 71:02


    Ryan, Todd, and Craig reunite for a discussion about Todd's experience with the Wheel of Time. And because they came with a real purpose in mind, of course you know that they won't stick to that at all. Buckle up for Rings of Power, adaptations, Star Wars, and pretty much anything else that crosses their distractible little minds.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx

    [Rerelease] The Lord of the Rings, Book 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 55:45


    This episode was originally published on June 8, 2020   Craig, Ryan, and Megan reunite for the final part of the Lord of the Rings. Well, except for the appendices, and there will be an episode on that as well, it turns out. Anyway, for this one, they unlock the real meaning behind the Field of Cormallen scene, discuss why Frodo couldn't be the one who destroyed the Ring, and get one more verse recap from Craig.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] Mort (Discworld #4) | Author's Shelf feat. Daniel Greene

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 61:06


    Daniel Greene joins Craig and Ryan for this installment of the Author's Shelf series. Daniel selected Mort, the fourth installment in the Discworld series. Why did he select it? Actually, Daniel isn't quite sure, and he and the guys spend an hour trying to figure that out. Subscribe to Daniel's YouTube channel ...and buy his book   Visit TheLegendarium.com to hear past episodes Join the Discord community Support the show on Patreon

    [Rerelease] The Lord of the Rings, Book 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 64:34


    This episode was originally released on May 3, 2020   Ryan, Megan, and Professor Craig (whose elbow patches are back from the shop and in better shape than ever) tackle book 5 of The Lord of the Rings. There are battles and ghosts and pirates and dramatic suicides, among many other exciting things, so Craig kicks off the discussion with ... 5 minutes about word order in the hobbits' speech. Riveting stuff, rest assured.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] The Lord of the Rings, Book 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 69:25


    This episode was originally published on April 14, 2020   Craig, Ryan, and Megan reunite remotely for the next installment of their Lord of the Rings series of podcasts. Up today, Book 4, or the latter half of The Two Towers. In these ten chapters, we follow Frodo, Sam, and Gollum through the Emyn Muil, the Dead Marshes, Ithilien, and Shelob's Lair. The panelists will discuss the split nature of the narrative, Sam's place in the reader's experience, and why Gollum's final betrayal is possibly Tolkien's best writing in all of The Lord of the Rings.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] Determinism in SFF, with James Kennedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 53:17


    In this episode, author James Kennedy stops by to chat with Craig about predestination in speculative fiction. He's got four basic categories of determinism, and they walk through each, with a fine-toothed, good-humored comb. Originally released on August 22, 2022 Check out James Kennedy's website And his new book, Dare to Know   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod 

    [Rerelease] Enter The Dungeons and Dragons

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 35:54


    Originally published January 11, 2015. Craig and Ryan tackle their first game of Dungeons and Dragons and they are natural....ly poor at figuring it out at the start. Join the Legendarium crew at HaJoMaJe games for the abbreviated adventure into never winter and the quest for the best 401k option available to adventurers.

    [Rerelease] Why Do Video Game Movies Always Suck?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 50:47


    Originally released October 31, 2019 Do video game movies always suck? Maybe not. But they're never actually good, either. Why is that? Craig and Kyle are joined by Adam Sherlock from Deep Dive Film School to spend, oh...maybe 5 minutes teasing out the answer to the question at hand, and 45 minutes just laughing about terrible video game movies. Check out Sherlock's show, Deep Dive Film School, in audio or video form. Support the show on Patreon Join the conversation on Reddit Music: "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Released] Worst Dates & the Merits of Michael Bay - Wheel of Tangents #8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 53:15


    Originally released August 18, 2020 Ryan joins Craig and spins the Wheel of Tangents for the first time ever! They answer over a dozen questions submitted by patrons, including tough-to-visualize elements of books, their favorite love stories, and what they'd be reading if they weren't making a podcast. Support the show on Patreon Music: "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] The Lord of the Rings, Book 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 71:07


    This episode was originally released on March 16, 2020   Craig, Ryan, and Megan (no Kyle today) talk about book 3 of The Lord of the Rings, being the first half of The Two Towers.They take on the entrelacement writing technique Tolkien employs, Aragorn's character arc (yep, he has one!), and the nature of the palantiri. Craig is of course back with his recap poem, but Megan decides to one up him by singing on this episode. Trigger warning.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] The Dark Lord of Derkholm - The Author's Shelf, feat. Veronica Roth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 51:18


    Originally released May 25, 2020. Veronica Roth, bestselling author of the Divergent series and the brand-new, adult-oriented fantasy Chosen Ones, joins Craig and Ryan to discuss her pick for the Author's Shelf podcast series. Veronica had the guys read Dark Lord of Derkholm, a 1998 fantasy parody by Diana Wynne Jones. The trio has a good time picking apart a few of the key characters and themes of the book, and Veronica enlightens the group on the personal connection between Jones and Tolkien. Visit Veronica's website and check out Chosen Ones Support the show on Patreon Join the conversation on Reddit Music: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] Great Art and the Age Ceiling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 35:27


    Originally released April 26, 2020 Craig is joined by author Maram Taibah to discuss the assertion, "Great art has an age floor but no age ceiling." They get into contextual issues, content issues, and what place YA fiction has to play in this discussion. They also talk about Maram's book, Weathernose, and Craig gets an education on "children's steampunk." Check out Maram's website and Instagram Buy Weathernose Support the show on Patreon Join the conversation on Reddit Music: "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] The Truth (Discworld) feat. Brandon Sanderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 62:49


    This episode was originally released on January 27, 2019   Craig and Ryan welcome a new panelist, Brandon Sanderson (maybe you've heard of him?). The three of them discuss The Truth, the 25th book in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. Spoiler alert, technically, because we range all over the story, as usual. But as we mention during the show, this isn't the type of book with which you should be overly concerned about spoilers; it's delightful and hilarious regardless of what you know about it. Enjoy the episode!   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    #438. NEW - Caine's Law, part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 92:06


    What in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is this book, anyway? Craig brings Drew back for one final discussion on Matthew Stover's Acts of Caine series. They wrap up with book 4, Caine's Law, which is a book about ... something. The guys will try to figure that out.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    [Rerelease] The Lord of the Rings, Book 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 76:26


    This episode was originally released on March 1, 2020 Craig, Ryan, Megan, and Kyle discuss the second book in The Lord of the Rings--or to put it another way, the second half of The Fellowship of the Ring. They get into lots of listener questions, like whether the Rivendell chapters are too long, whether balrogs should have wings, whether the fellowship sufficiently mourns Gandalf, and much, much more. Enjoy!   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/  

    [Rerelease] The Neverending Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 61:02


    This episode was originally released October 27, 2019.   The Ladies of the Legendarium are back! And this time, Stephanie, Megan, and Kate are joined by Sara Hanks to discuss Michael Ende's classic book, The Neverending Story. There's laughing and crying, and a whole lot of love -- old and new -- for this particular book.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] Brent Weeks Spins the Wheel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 11:37


    This episode was originally released October  17, 2019. Weeks Week begins on Monday with the release of The Burning White, but we thought we'd get a jump on it by airing a few minutes of Brent Weeks spinning The Wheel of Tangents. Brent answers eight questions scientifically designed in a lab to help us get to know one of our favorite authors a little bit better. (Narrator: "There was, in fact, no lab.") Enjoy! Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Release] The Lord of the Rings, Book 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 75:37


    This episode was originally released February 9, 2020. The other episodes in this series are #268, #270, #274, #277, and #281.   The time has come! Six years ago Craig and Ryan kicked off the Legendarium podcast with a read-through of the Lord of the Rings. Now they're back, and they've got Kyle and Megan in tow as well. In this episode they discuss a bit about the hobbits, the pacing, the poetry and the reasons for Gandalf's 17-year absence. If you're hoping to get your fix of Professor Craig, stick around, because that mostly happens toward the end. A note: If you're looking for an in-depth discussion of the minutiae of this book, look elsewhere! But you can enjoy a discussion amongst friends loosely based around the first book of The Lord of the Rings.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] Scary Stories and Why We Like Them

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 62:10


    This episode was originally released October 10, 2015. We're joined again by Dr. Matt Woolley, who helps Craig, Ryan, and Kenn work through the benefits, pitfalls, and psychology of scary stories and people who love (or hate) them. (And no, you're not hallucinating, we swapped out our normal theme music; it was way too peppy for this episode.) Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    [Rerelease] Leaf by Niggle

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 71:39


    This episode was originally released May 13, 2018.   In 1944, Professor Tolkien published a short story about a strange little man who was obsessed with a single piece of art that consumed his entire life. Sound familiar? It should. And if it doesn't, then listen on, and we'll lift the extraordinarily thin veil from this little wishful allegory. Ryan's taking a sick day for this one, so Craig, Todd, and Megan hash this one out without him.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod MUSIC: "Adventure Time" and "The Seven Seas" courtesy of https://www.philter.no/

    #437. You saw Dune 2, right?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 37:18


    Craig and Todd chat for a few minutes about the new installment of Denis Villeneuve's Dune adaptation. Before that, Craig makes an announcement about the show taking a short break.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #436. FIRELORD - Author's Shelf with Daniel Ford

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 52:33


    Returning guest Daniel Ford drops by to discuss a favorite of his, Parke Godwin's Firelord. This 1980 retelling of the King Arthur myth is one of the best you'll come across, and it made for some great discussion.   Check out Daniel's stuff here: https://www.danielmford.com/books   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod  

    #435. Project Hail Mary

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2024 64:29


    Megan has brought the Blue Team back together to a discussion of a recent favorite: Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary. Will she have better success in bringing them a good book than Todd did when he made her read John Carter of Mars? (Hint: How could she not?)   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #434. I AM THE MESSENGER | Author's Shelf with Kaela Rivera

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 46:31


    Old friend of the podcast Kaela Rivera stops by for an Author's Shelf episode about I Am the Messenger, by Markus Zusak. This magical-realism novel was an absolute delight, and you should give it a read if you haven't yet. And as a bonus, it made for a fun 45 minutes of conversation!   Check out Kaela's stuff here: https://www.kaelarivera.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    JADE CITY | Author's Shelf with Moses Ose Utomi

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 44:18


    Moses Ose Utomi is Craig's guest today on the Author's Shelf series, and he's selected Fonda Lee's Jade City to discuss. As always, the first question is, "Why did you choose this book?" And with that, Moses and Craig are off to the races for a fun discussion.   Check out Moses's stuff here: https://www.mosesoseutomi.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #432. A Game of Thrones (the book.) (finally.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 69:22


    Craig and Kenn are joined by Eradandis (of Discord fame) to discuss A Game of Thrones, the first book in #georgerrmartin 's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Are they going to give it the lengthy treatment it deserves? Absolutely not. At least not today. But they are going to talk about its merits--and demerits--as they see them, for the next hour.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #431. Caine Black Knife, part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 65:52


    After the ... experience that is Blade of Tyshalle, Craig and Drew are back for more, starting in on part 1 of Caine Black Knife, the third book in Matthew Stover's Acts of Caine series. Is this book really as "fun" as Craig was promised?   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #430. Read the LAST Page FIRST? With Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 41:06


    Author and journalist Hank Phillippi Ryan joins Craig for a very spoiler-y discussion. Luckily, they don't spoil anything for you, but Hank is here to talk about why she sometimes reads the last page of a book first. What exactly counts as a spoiler? When and why should we be careful about them? And when might we seek them out?   Check out Hank's latest book, One Last Word   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #429. How Self Publishing Really Works, with Philip Chase

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 52:19


    What was once condescendingly sneered at only a few years ago has become more and more commonplace: self publishing. With the rise of new technologies and easier printing, now authors can bypass the middleman (the publisher) and get their work out on their own. But how does it actually work? Are publishers antiquated, and this is the wave of the future? And if he could, would Craig's guest, Philip Chase, do it again?   Grab The Way of Edan here: https://a.co/d/heM6yFa   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #428. A Wrinkle in Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 52:24


    Craig and Megan are joined by longtime listener and friend of the show, "Codingfoo," to discuss A Wrinkle in Time, the classic young-reader sci-fi novel by Madeleine L'Engle. Enjoy an hour of vintage Legendarium conversation on a vintage book.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #427. Travis Baldree talks going from narrator to author

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 36:37


    Travis Baldree, Author of Legends and Lattes and the new Bookshops and Bonedust, stops by to chat with Craig about what it's like to go from narrating to writing books. What have been the challenges, the lessons, the surprises?   Check out Travis and his books here: https://www.travisbaldree.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #426. The Darkest, then the Weirdest Book I Ever Read

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 72:27


    Blade of Tyshalle, part 2. Craig and Drew dive into the second half of the book. Which in this case means Drew dives into it, because Craig has no idea what's going on in this book anymore. Drew attempts to explain it to him.   Check out part 1 at Inking Out Loud (Spotify link)   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #425. HELLSPARK - Author's Shelf w/ Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2023 58:37


    Craig welcomes again Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, the writers behind the Liaden universe. They stop this time to discuss Hellspark, the 1988 novel by Janet Kagan. It's a murder mystery ("in spaaaaaace!!"), but more than that, it's a meditation on language, communication, and what it means to be a sapient being.   Grab Sharon and Steve's latest, Salvage Right   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #424. Why Do We Love Talking Animals?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 37:10


    Is it projection? Wish fulfillment? Or just plain adorableness? Why do we readers (and viewers) enjoy stories with talking animals so much? Christopher Rowe stops by to chat with Craig about our favorite fabled furry friends.   Check out Christopher's latest, The Navigating Fox: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250804501/thenavigatingfox   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #423. A Comedic and Divine Author's Shelf

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 56:11


    Austin Freeman makes his return to the Legendarium! After a great discussion on the theology of Tolkien (episode 400), he's back for an Author's Shelf episode, and together he and Craig talk Dante's Divine Comedy. (Which is a bit like saying that between Craig and Jeff Bezos, they're multi-billionaires.) Enjoy!   Check out Austin's book, Tolkien Dogmatics   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #422. When a Mental Health Pro Takes Up Fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 40:52


    Kristen Simmons joins Craig to discuss the intersection of her work both as a mental health professional and as an author. How does the one inform the other?   Check out Kristen's work here: https://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com/books   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #421. Mattimeo (Redwall #3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 47:51


    Craig and Kenn welcome Little Red Book from the Patrons' Discord channel as they discuss Mattimeo, the third book in Brian Jacques' Redwall series. Well, "discuss" may be the wrong word here. And maybe "Mattimeo" too, since they mostly spend their time sidetracked and flailing. But hey, that's fun too.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #420. Tolkien & Beowulf, with Tom Shippey

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 44:37


    It's a big day at the Legendarium when Craig finally gets to talk with Tom Shippey, one of the most frequently cited writers on the show. Tom comes by to talk about his new translation of Beowulf, and especially about the chapter dedicated to Tolkien's relationship with the poem and the poet. It really is a fantastic translation and guide to Beowulf, so please check it out.   Grab a copy of the new Beowulf translation: https://a.co/d/6fnzbxs Check out Uppsala Books here: https://uppsalabooks.com/about-us   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #419. When a Diplomat Writes a Fantasy Book... with David Schlaefer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 45:10


    Dropping in from his temporary home in Poland, author and diplomat David Schlaefer joins Craig to talk about his experiences serving in the U.S. State Department. After having been stationed in several countries (most notably for this conversation, Finland), how do David's international experiences color his career as a writer?   Check out David's stuff here: https://davidschlaefer.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #418. Heroes Die, days 1-3 | The Acts of Caine

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 61:13


    Craig and Drew embark on a new podcast series, covering Matthew Stover's four-book series, The Acts of Caine. To follow the entire series of discussions, you'll need to subscribe to both The Legendarium and Inking Out Loud, since episodes will appear both places. But you'll be well rewarded if you do, because this series is rich, interesting, funny, dark, distressing, heroic, tragic, and every other word you might care to use, except boring.   Inking Out Loud: https://iolpodcast.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #417.BEOWULF | Author's Shelf with Philip Chase

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 56:07


    Philip Chase joins Craig for an Author's Shelf episode about Beowulf. Why has this story endured? Is it just a historical artifact, or is there something worthwhile here on its own terms? Frankly, it's a long-overdue discussion, and Philip brought his A-game, so enjoy.   Check out Philip's book here: https://www.philipchaseauthor.com/ And Philip's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #416. Mossflower | Redwall book 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 56:48


    Craig and Kenn are joined by longtime patron Levi, aka Texas Blade, to discuss Mossflower, Brian Jacques' prequel to Redwall. The guys talk about great heroes, great villains, and the establishment of many of the Redwall tropes that will hit us through this whole series.   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #415. Tropes come to life! What we're reading + a big announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 51:33


    Drew McCaffrey from Inking Out Loud joins Craig again for some seemingly random potpourri. But it's all for a purpose! The guys announce an upcoming series and the return of a beloved podcast.   Check out Inking Out Loud here: https://iolpodcast.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #414. The Enduring Power of Alice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 45:48


    Author, producer, and all-around interesting guy Frank Beddor joins Craig for a discussion about why stories last. Craig, as you know, is a big Tolkien guy, and Frank is a big Lewis Carroll guy--and between the two of them, they try to tease out what makes stories last (when they do).   Check out Frank's latest stuff here: https://frankbeddor.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #413. The Origins of Tropes: Comparative Mythology and Modern Fantasy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 56:53


    Craig is joined again by Aparna Verma, and this time they also have R.R. Virdi to speak with as well. The trio (mostly the latter two) dive into the world of comparative mythology and the origins of many of our story beats and structures.   Check out R.R. Virdi's newest offerings here: http://rrvirdi.com/ And Aparna Verma is here: https://theaparnaverma.com/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #412. AI, Tech, and Storytelling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 38:17


    Craig welcomes Jon Evans, author and Impressive Man extraordinaire, to discuss tech, AI, and how they think it may intersect with writing and storytelling.   Check out Jon's new book, Exadelic, here: https://rezendi.com/wp/   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #411. Talking SPACE OPERA with Sharon Lee & Steve Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 47:07


    Craig is joined for this episode by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, the husband-wife team behind the Liaden Universe (and plenty else besides). They talk about the history of the term "space opera," their own experiences with the genre, and the authors' approach to it.   Check out their latest Liaden entry, Salvage Right: https://a.co/d/3uGZyTs   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #410. WoT a surprise! New Wheel of Time episodes kickoff

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 26:35


    Craig and Todd are WoT'ing it up! They'll do a mini Wheel of Time series of podcasts, one after each 1-3 books or so. This series, though, aside from this episode, will be Patreon-only!! Check out the link below to sign up for as little as a dollar per episode. Glad to have the patrons along for this ride!   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

    #409. Redwall

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 60:05


    Craig and Kenn are joined by special guest -- and Discord super legend -- Befuddled Panda. Together they discuss an old childhood favorite, Redwall. What holds up in this book, besides pretty much everything?   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod

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