Secrets of Middle Earth
Secrets of Middle-earth is a podcast from SQPN, a Catholic nonprofit, examining the themes, symbolism and moral vision in Tolkien's writings and screen adaptations. A panel including Jeff Haecker and Rob Story hosts. Apple Podcasts lists 132 episodes, released about every two weeks at roughly 75 to 80 minutes each. Estimated downloads are 2,000 to 6,000 per episode, about $40 to $150 per sponsored spot.
A 16-year Tolkien analysis show with a devoted, highly rated fan audience
- Apple Podcasts shows 159 ratings at 4.8 stars, 142 of them five stars, indicating a loyal listener base.
- Long episodes of about 78 minutes give a sponsor time to reach listeners who stay through a full discussion.
- The SQPN network already offers a sponsorship page and a Tolkien bookstore, which signals openness to commercial partners.
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- panel discussion, thematic analysis, episode-per-book study
- Tone
- thoughtful, enthusiastic
- Language
- English
- Production
- Clean, edited audio
- Typical length
- 70 to 85 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- SQPN
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- Yes
The SQPN website menu lists a Sponsor a StarQuest Show page, a Give link and a Secrets of Middle Earth bookstore, but no sponsor appears in the last 20 titles.
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
Family friendly
The feed is not flagged explicit and titles such as 'Weapons of Middle-Earth' concern fiction analysis.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | sqpn.com/category/podcasts/sme/ |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id252800456 |
| Spotify | open.spotify.com/show/7JTw8yjNSvhtIFWjAD1PB3 |
| RSS feed | feeds.sqpn.com/middleearth |
Benchmark score: 69 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Concerning Hobbits, Part 2 | 2026-10-06 | 1 h 11 min |
| Concerning Hobbits, Part 1 | 2026-09-22 | 1 h 17 min |
| Announcing Holy Troublemakers | 2026-09-09 | 2 min |
| Weapons of Middle-Earth | 2026-09-01 | 1 h 7 min |
| The Mythmakers | 2026-08-25 | 1 h 47 min |
| Rings of Power S3: The Balrog Talks | 2026-08-11 | 1 h 22 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 13 days ago, a new one about every 14 days.
Secrets of Middle-Earth explores the deeper meanings, themes, and symbolism found in the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and their screen adaptations. From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to The Silmarillion and beyond, each episode goes past plot summaries to examine Tolkien’s myth-making, moral vision, and spiritual imagination. Hosted by a panel of thoughtful Tolkien enthusiasts, the show…
Do you make Secrets of Middle Earth? Claim or remove this page.
About Secrets of Middle Earth
Secrets of Middle-earth explores the themes, symbolism and moral vision in J.R.R. Tolkien's writings and their screen adaptations, from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to The Silmarillion. The feed describes a panel of Tolkien enthusiasts blending literary insight, theology and discussion. Episode descriptions on the SQPN website name Jeff Haecker, Rob Story, Patrick Mason, Fr. Bryan Shackett and Rob Leonardi as panelists.
SQPN's website describes the network as a Catholic non-profit. Apple Podcasts lists 132 episodes since 2010 and 159 ratings averaging 4.8, released biweekly at about 75 to 80 minutes. Listeners are likely Tolkien fans and Catholic readers; this is an estimate. Estimated downloads are 2,000 to 6,000 per episode. No sponsors appear in the feed, though SQPN's site has a Sponsor a StarQuest Show page.
At $18 to $25 per 1,000 downloads, a host-read mid-roll would cost about $40 to $150 per episode. It suits book publishers, games, collectibles and faith-oriented brands.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Secrets of Middle Earth can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Secrets of Middle Earth
How much does Secrets of Middle-earth charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Starbooked estimates about $40 to $150 per host-read mid-roll episode, based on an estimated 2,000 to 6,000 downloads per episode. The show and its network, SQPN, do not publish rates here.
What is Secrets of Middle-earth about?
It examines the deeper meanings, themes and symbolism in Tolkien's writings and screen adaptations, with a panel combining literary insight, theology and discussion in roughly 75 minute episodes released about every two weeks.
How do I contact Secrets of Middle-earth about sponsoring an episode?
SQPN's website has a Sponsor a StarQuest Show page. The show's contact email also unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80, and boosted shows can be booked directly through Starbooked.
Similar creators
Podcast and other creators in tolkien, ranked by score.
| Creator | Niches | Est. downloads | Median views | Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| literary analysistolkien | 5k | – | $40–200 | 77 | |
The Tolkien Professorpodcast | tolkienliterature | 15k | – | $90–620 | 76 |
The Prancing Pony Podcastpodcast | tolkienfantasy literature | 50k | – | $360–2000 | 74 |
Amon Sûlpodcast | tolkienchristianity | 5k | – | $40–200 | 62 |
| fantasy bookstolkien | 5k | – | $40–200 | 40 |