Episodes

What an extraordinary decade for fantasy! In the first instalment of a decade by decade look at fantasy publishing, in this episode Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker begin with a period that gave us countless instant classics. Each shares their top three picks—will you agree with their choices? Tune in to find out! (00:04) Revisiting the Fantasy Reads of the 1990s (02:31) Major Fantasy Titles of the Decade (05:28) Adding Game of Thrones and Good Omens to the List (07:51) Defining “Best” as Books...

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to seek the Grail?

With the King and Queen of the United Kingdom heading to the US this week, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker begin today’s episode of Mythmakers with a playful look at soft toy diplomacy and the source of many fantasy stories in nursery toys—including a bonus Tolkien connection. From there, the conversation turns to the thorny question of which cinematic universe is the best? Expect strong opinions as Julia and Jacob weigh the merits of Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Star Wars, and amongst others… (00:...

In today’s episode of Mythmakers, we cover three lively topics of discussion. Join Julia Golding and friend of the podcast, Jacob Rennaker, as they begin with the latest casting news for the upcoming prequel film The Hunt for Gollum—hits or misses? Next, they turn to the content challenges surrounding Stephen Colbert’s script for the second Lord of the Rings film currently in development—which we’re calling “the interval.” Rather than focusing on canon, Julia and Jacob explore the storytelling ...

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to take part in a magical contest?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to go to a stylish party?

What is the best mythical species to introduce into our world?

Saddle up and join the Round Table as Mythmakers embarks on a journey through some of the most famous retellings of King Arthur in celebration of Tolkien Reading Day. Which author started the ball rolling, and who poetically kicked it on into the 19th century? Where do the traces of these tales become most apparent in the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis? And who has continued the Arthurian tradition into modern times? Finally, we turn to the screen—what is the most successful adaptation of them...

A Sidecast Episode

A Sidecast Episode

A Sidecast Episode

A Sidecast Episode

A Sidecast Episode

Today on Mythmakers, you’re invited to join us on a short visit to the world of fantasy romance. What's all the fuss about romantasy and where did it come from? What's the secret sauce (pun intended) of Fourth Wing? And why was the world so transfixed by Twilight back early 2000s? Be sure to stay to the end to hear Julia’s recommendations of what you might like to read this Valentine's Day from the fantasy genre. (01:00) The Rise of Romantasy and Fourth Wing (02:00) Market Forces and Female Re...

A Sidecast Episode

In this two-part episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined once more by Andrew Head to review the full-cast Audible production of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Together, their discussion broadens to consider whether this form of audiobook, when not adapted for the actors, works or if it is simply distracting. In the second part of today’s episode, accompany Julia on a deep dive into the recent report on the top ten grossing films of all time – where fantasy titles dominate. And ...

A Sidecast Episode

What do the classical stories of myths and legends mean to us today? In this episode of Mythmakers, Dr. Lorna Robinson—founder of the Iris Project and director of the Rumble Museum at Cheney School in Oxford—joins Julia Golding to discuss her quest to bring these timeless tales to young people. The conversation explores Lorna’s reinterpretation of Ovid's Metamorphoses in The Birder, a magical realism novel built around the idea that, as in the myths, people don’t die—they transform into other c...

A Sidecast Episode

In a bit of festive fun, join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker in this episode of Mythmakers as they explore how Christmas appears in the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. From the icy rule of the White Witch to a surprise visit from Father Christmas in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they dig into the lore behind Narnia’s wintry themes. Then it’s on to Tolkien’s Father Christmas Letters and a look at how Yule is celebrated in Middle-earth. Listen in to find out where they’d each choose to...

We may be in a golden age for audiobooks, but for those with sight impairments they have always been essential. Blind writer and returning guest Andrew Head joins Julia Golding on once again on today's episode of Mythmakers to share his thoughts on the audiobook biographies of Tolkien, Lewis, and the Inklings. Be sure to tune in as Andrew and Julia delve into the Mrs Moore controversy so have a listen to find out what that's all about! (00:00) Welcome to Mythmakers and audiobook focus (03:40) N...

Our friend from Australia, Andrew Head—a blind writer and devoted audiobook listener—joins Julia Golding once again on today's episode of Mythmakers to explore the world of Philip Pullman through audio. Together, they dive into the pros and cons of semi-dramatised audiobooks: Are they a help or a hindrance? Which are the best Pullman titles? Their conversation then takes a deeper turn as they reflect on Pullman’s atheistic worldview and how it comes through in his writing. (00:00) Welcoming And...

A Sidecast Episode

This year marks 75 years since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe arrived in bookshops, so join us on this anniversary episode of Mythmakers as Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker discuss the origins of the book and consider how it stood out among its literary contemporaries before we reflect on its enduring legacy today. If you have an opinion on this, have a listen and join the conversation to let us know what you think! The book referred to in the news section is WARDROBE AND RINGS by Julia G...