The Extra Curricular

Jon, Katie, and Sky explore a dark future in the fifth section of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Do genetically engineered clones hear Ayers' dream music? What does soap taste like? Join us as we read of a people who worship Ronald McDonald.

Join Jon, Katie, and Sky as we shift tones and tackle section four of Cloud Atlas. We consider an insufferable narrator of questionable reliability in Timothy Cavendish, a noted plot twist, and the ever interlacing themes that weave through seemingly disparate stories.

Join Jon, Katie, and Sky this week as we sift through a murderous conspiracy revolving around a nuclear power plant and work our way through section three of Cloud Atlas. Narrative themes and structures begin to emerge and our concept of the book is quickly changing.

Join Jon, Katie, and Sky as we listen to dream music and discuss ancient queens and kings in the second section of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell.

Join Jon, Katie, and Sky in our first episode of Interlibrary Loan, as we set out with Adam Ewing in the first section of Cloud Atlas

Here at the End of All Things

Jonathan Cox, Katie Sabo, and Chase Smith

I am glad that you're here with us, listeners, here at the end of all things. Join Katie and Jonathan as we discuss what it means to have read the Silmarillion, the Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings—what we've discovered that we never noticed before, how our understanding of the books has changed, and how our lives have changed, as well. 

And of course, the road goes ever on. For those of you wondering what our next journey will be, we shed light on our next project: Interlibrary Loan. We'll be bringing the same chapter-by-chapter reading group to other difficult and hard-to-digest works.

I am glad that you're here with us, listeners, here at the end of all things. Join Katie and Jonathan as we discuss what it means to have read the Silmarillion, the Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings—what we've discovered that we never noticed before, how our understanding of the books has changed, and how our lives have changed, as well.

RotK Part 20: Concerning a Return of a King

Jonathan Cox, Chase Smith, and Katie Sabo

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We finally watch the last movie in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, and Katie and Jonathan have a lot to talk about. The movie makes a lot of changes—some good, some bad, and some just for the sake of movie magic. 

You can find more episodes on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Also, please check out our Patreon page.

RotK Part 19: Concerning The Final Hours of the Fellowship

Jonathan Cox, Katie Sabo and Chase Smith

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The final chapter of the Lord of the Rings has been read and Jonathan, Katie and Chase have completed what they set out to do. They follow Frodo and Sam as they rebuild the Shire after the events of the pervious chapter and tie up the loose ends. But not all hurts can be fully healed and not all tears are evil. This is the final chapter episode of Talking Tolkien. 

You can find more episodes on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Also, please check out our Patreon page.

RotK Part 18: Concerning Never Really Returning Home

Jonathan Cox, Katie Sabo and Chase Smith

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The Hobbits finally end their journey back home in the Shire. They may have escaped the finally battles, but the war of the Ring has invade the Shire threatening all they hold dear. Jonathan, Katie and chase discuss the terrible events of the penultimate chapter of the Return of the King along with Netflix series like Stranger Things. 

You can find more episodes on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Also, please check out our Patreon page.