Reviews
Enjoyed the second listen, more than the first. Excited to have you back. One of my favorite podcasts.
Melzax via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/27/24
Everyone deserves a second chance, please come back to podcasting!
Sand_Man619 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/27/19
I’ve listened through this twice now. I’ve also now listened to the Tolkien professor and a few others mentioned in the other comments. The truth is. Regardless Alastair’s character (which I’m not defending in any way) his podcast is much more engaging and entertaining than really any other...Read full review »
Pmagz888 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/01/19
I loved this podcast, then I found out more about the host. Not worth it.
entkhaleesi via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/02/18
Google the host and all sorts of things start popping up. Don’t waste your time.
Good740155 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/02/18
Point North Media podcasts are all very well done. Nonetheless, as others have posted—and googling reveals—Alastair’s ideas are stolen and his “career” is anything but. I love his podcasts, but they aren’t worth the moral cost of listening to them.
Gaal Dornick via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/01/18
By far the most detailed, in-depth discussion you will find in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit—anywhere. Astonishingly good. Wish I could give 6 stars!
Treadder via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/16/18
The analysis is fantastic and Alistair is super knowledgeable about the history, language, and pretty much all things Lord of the Rings. Great literary podcast!
bscowan94 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/01/18
I love Alistar’s passion and chatty in depth deep dive into LOTR. If you are a big fan who wants in depth analysis, the pod is for you
Aussie Jollster via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 06/19/18
The best thing I’ve listened to in years!
MandelaLewis via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/01/18
I absolutely love this and everything point north does.
Rev on wheels via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/10/18
Alastair is an amazing speaker and I listen to everything he does. This deep dive into Tolkien’s legendarium is exceptional. The discussion focuses on the novels but also draws from letters and other works by the Professor as well as his son Christopher to round out the experience. The fact that...Read full review »
Kabarm via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/08/18
I’m shocked at how bad this was - total fraud
jessica_crumb via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/08/18
Absolutely first-rate stuff. Alistair makes me love and appreciate Tolkien even more with each episode.
Tomdmeyer via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/02/18
I cannot recommend the Point North podcasts enough. If you like story (aka books, movies, tv shows, etc) you'll enjoy this. Alistair analyzes these stories so well, it's really entertaining and relaxing, but you'll improve your critical reading and thinking skills, too. So often...Read full review »
Andrew Keel via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/27/18
Presents himself as a Story Expert. His narrative ideas are stolen from his ex-wife. Ideas lifted from actual Tolkien scholars as well. Pass.
CennB via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/19/18
I could listen all day. Stimulating, intelligent, entertaining, thoughtful, EXCELLENT!!
Ewintch80 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/15/18
I've been listening for like 6 months now and I'm *almost* caught up. I thought I was a LOTR nerd before but now I understand what REAL LOTR NERDDOM is. Alastair is a real and true nerd, bless his soul. It's always so wonderful to dig into the text (and soon the films) of Tolkien and...Read full review »
Socialsiege via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/10/18
This work is very derivative, largely "borrowed" from actual scholars who've done the real work. Seek them out and listen to them for legitimate insight.Read full review »
Long time listener New Concern via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/04/18
Host “borrows” the work of other Tolkien scholars, mixes it with a charming accent, and prays none of his listeners will notice that he’s a straw man commenter on the subject. Listen to the Tolkien Professor, the originator of most of this host’s theses.
K8Met via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/02/18
It is clear that the presenter has a deep understanding of Tolkien's works as well as a love for the books and, surprisingly for Tolkien purists an understanding of the required modifications made to the Peter Jackson films, in order to adapt the books to film. Another aspect I thoroughly...Read full review »
georgelappies via Apple Podcasts · South Africa · 12/03/17
Such a great podcast! Takes a deep dive into Tolkien yet is funny and witty. I refresh my podcast browser at the end of every week waiting for the next episode to arrive! Love your work Alister. :)
ellegria via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/01/17
I recommend this podcast to friends all the time!
jjillh via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/30/17
I've enjoyed every minute of listening to this podcast. Alastair regularly brings an insight to moments of the story that never dawned on me. I'm learning a lot!Read full review »
Yelkt via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/15/17
Alastair is always great and him talking about JRR Tolkien, it just doesn’t get any better. I have read these books dozens of times but I gain new insight with each episode, well done!!!
Andra34550 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/06/17
Listening to this podcast allows you to experience the professor’s works in such depth it makes the books fresh, even if you’ve read them multiple times.
BarbOutsideBoston via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/23/17
Another beautiful podcast by Point North
Spzcb10 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/21/17
Love this podcast. Great depth.
Classical is back in STL via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/16/17
A highlight of my week.
jodash27 via Apple Podcasts · New Zealand · 09/15/17
I have great friends, but none of them are as nerdily passionate about LOTR as I am. Thus, you can imagine my excitement when one of my favorite podcasters took this on as a project! I am not only learning so much more about the surrounding lore, but also genuinely charmed by the excitement of...Read full review »
whithawk42 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/06/17
By the con
Rthrrrr via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/06/17
Alastair is my all time favorite podcaster! I follow all of his podcasts:) you will learn so much and be thoroughly entertained!
Empathie03 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/04/17
If you call yourself a Tolkien fan, don't miss out on Alastair's gift to brink you deeper into the world of Middle-Earth with insight, humour, and charm. I have read LOTR annually for 20 years and this podcast has given me an even greater appreciation for this magnificent book. I look forward to...Read full review »
Cfinch27 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 08/26/17
Well worth your time!
Mark. Galassini via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/25/17
I love pretty much everything Alastair does and this podcast is no exception. I have learned SO much listening to this podcast. Fascinating deep dive into all things Tolkien.
start2fly1126 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/20/17
I've never managed to get very far with LOTR until this engaging and interesting podcast. Literary analysis applied to pop culture: love it! I look forward to each new episode.Read full review »
Photo taker99999 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/19/17
This is what got me into podcasts originally! Alastair does a great job analyzing the material and presents it great! I listen to the podcasts after but he does have a live chat for all the episodes on youtube and involves the audience in the discussions. Thanks for all the hard work!
Chris E. via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/16/17
...and appreciate fantasy, this podcast is for you.
Shinaew via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/22/17
Thoughtful discussion, interaction, and enthusiastic exploration of some of the worlds best fiction.
Shadowfax1849 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/19/17
Here are three reasons to listen to this podcast. There are more, but here are three: 1. Host Alastair Steven's voice is soothing and commanding, and he reads passages from the book in characters' accents . 2. His ability to analyze and communicate themes and narrative structure will...Read full review »
maximuskwame via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/13/17
I look forward to each new episode
IMJeffIM via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/05/17
This is a completely engaging and absorbing conversation about Tolkien's work. Alistair's love for the work and his interaction with listeners really make this a special experience for someone like me, who has been a fan of these books since childhood.
watchingu... via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/13/17
There and Back Again is always entertaining and thought provoking! The host/lecturer, Alastair, is wonderful and consistently points out new ideas that I've never thought of, though I've read The Hobbit about a million times! I love it! 😺Read full review »
Catdelacreme via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/03/17
An absolute masterpiece for entertainment and education
GoSportsteam via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 03/20/17
This podcast is a work of love. I can't imagine a better guide through Middle Earth than Alastair. At this point in my life, I feel like I'm just doing life with this lovely Scotsman haha! All of the Storywonk podcasts are must-listens, and this one is no exception!Read full review »
MadamMina via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/27/17
Have listened to the Harry Potter and Star Wars podcasts and I really am enjoying the Tolkein stuff as well. Has opened my eyes to many layers I had missed earlier during my reading. This is enriching.
Bsin11 via Apple Podcasts · India · 02/17/17
So loving this podcast! It feels like a mix of the best undergrad lit class and a lengthy, pithy argument in the pub afterwards.
JanersYYL via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/14/17
I read the Hobbit as a kid, couldn't remember much of it, and never felt motivated to read any other Tolkien -- I thought it just wasn't for me. But when I heard Alastair was doing a podcast on the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I knew I had to read them all. Alastair has a way...Read full review »
Cytotoxic4 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/12/17
The amount of thought and analysis that he has about Tolkien is phenomenal and I learn something new in the literary world every episode. I have loved his Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice podcasts and this Tolkien series is also one of my favorites.
laurenrae52 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/11/17
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