Cultural Inspirations Episodes

Ever wondered about the link between fantasy writers like Tolkien and the multitude of subcultures they inspired, from Dungeons and Dragons to LARPing, and video gaming. In this episode, we discuss these worlds with special guest Ethan Gilsdorf, author of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks. We discuss Ethan’s quest to rediscover the world that enchanted his teenage self before such things became ‘cool’. He explains exactly what D&D is and how the game sits alongside fantasy fiction both influenced ...

One of the biggest fantasy worlds of modern times is the Marvel universe. Julia is in conversation with Ed Saunders, tracing the origins of the MCU in comics and latterly in films. We find out what the Marvel method is and how some creatives flourish while others struggle. Enjoy our deep dive into the strong currents of the fluctuating fortunes of the company, including the phase when they sold all their best properties and had to resort to the B team which included such also rans as Iron Man. A...

Today Julia Golding is joined by Matt Fox, creator of the Magic of Middle Earth exhibition currently showing at the Willis Museum, Basingstoke, Hampshire, open until 16 October. Matt's an avid collector of Tolkien-related artifacts. Hear about his huge collection, from artworks to bigatures, how he has recreated the Battle for Helm's Deep, and the chance for you to channel your inner hobbit for a selfie on his bar stool. We discuss what collecting has taught Matt about Tolkien and why is this is...

There are many experts on the Inklings but there are still lots you might not know about how they lived in their home of Oxford. Julia Golding challenges some myths and makes some new ones about Tolkien and Lewis, and their experiences here. Was the Eagle and Child Pub where Narnia and The Lord of the Rings was first read aloud - or was that somewhere else? What's the mental geography of Oxford for someone who lives here long-term? Find out about Oxford as a place for military training for both ...

Why is Oxford, England, such a fantasy hotspot? From Lewis Carroll to Philip Pullman, Diana Wynne-Jones to Deborah Harkness, it has inspired writers and is even the location for many fantasy stories. It is famously home of the Inklings whose leading figures, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, established two of the biggest fantasy worlds yet invented. So what's the secret? Is it the university with its exchange of ideas, the beautiful built environment and countryside, or a combination of factors that make...