The Tolkien Professor
The Tolkien Professor podcast is a series of lectures, discussions, and seminars on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien by Corey Olsen, President of Signum University. All are welcome to enter – even those without any party business!
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 137
Corey and Maggie return with many Rings of Power things to discuss, including their interview with JD and Patrick, and Corey's trip to England.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 137, recorded on October 26, 2026.
Corey talks about his trip to London and becoming a dwarf, they share info on upcoming Signum classes and events (Maggie is teaching a class on adaptation in December), and they share info about their long interview with showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay that just dropped.
Adaptation Discussion with Rings of...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 136
Maggie and Corey are back for a Rings & Realms pre-production meeting! We will tell you what we plan to do, and get your feedback on what you'd like to see.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 136, recorded on October 12, 2026.
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SilmFilm 8-17: Season 8, Episode 1
The SilmFilm team is ready to start with real episodes! Today we discuss the Episode 1 script, written by Ilana Mushin.
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 135
After a discussion of the recently released Narnia images (which reveal a lot!), Corey and Maggie return to think about what we expect in S3 of Rings of Power.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 135, recorded on September 21, 2026. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET, on this SignumU Youtube channel / signumuniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel / signumu
Check the schedule here. / schedule
For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/
You can watch or...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 134
Corey and Maggie are back, and thinking through Rings of Power Season 3 stuff, and the Road Ahead.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 134, recorded on September 14, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET, on this SignumU Youtube channel / signumuniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel / signumu
Check the schedule here. / schedule
For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/
You can watch or listen to the recordings here. • Other Minds and Hands: An Op...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 133
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation
Corey and Maggie take a step back to think through the upcoming Tolkien film adaptations (Rings of Power, Hunt for Gollum, Shadows of the Past) and consider them as creative undertakings. Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 133, recorded on August 31, 2026. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET, on this SignumU Youtube channel / signumuniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel / signumu
Check the schedule here. / schedule<...
SilmFilm 8-16: Music Commissioning
The SilmFilm writer's room is joined our resident composer, Phil Menzies, for some discussion of the musical themes and passages that we will want to include in Season 8. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 132
Maggie and Corey are together in the studio to chat more about Rings of Power Season 3 and Rings & Realms.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 132, recorded on August 10, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET, on this SignumU Youtube channel / signumuniversity and SignumU Twitch channel / signumu Check the schedule here. / schedule
For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/ You can watch or listen to the recordings here. • Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendl... https://tolkienprof.fi...
SilmFilm 8-15: Casting Criteria
SilmFilm returns, in the homestretch of the pre-production process. Today we discuss Casting Criteria for our new characters in Season 8.
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 131
Maggie and Corey return to the Rings of Power to do some analysis of the Rings of Power Season 3 teaser trailer.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 131,
recorded on August 3, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET, on this SignumU Youtube channel / signumuniversity and SignumU Twitch channel / signumu Check the schedule here. / schedule For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/ You can watch or listen to the recordings here. • Other Minds and Ha...
SilmFilm 8-14: The Frame Story
It is time to decide on the frame story for Season 8! Today, we consider possibilities and flesh out its relationship to the main story and theme of Season 8. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Mythmoot XIII: June 25-28, 2026
https://signumuniversity.org/event/mythmoot-xiii-june-25-28-2026/
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SilmFilm 8-13: The Season Outline
In today's writers'-room meeting, the SilmFilm team will complete the planning of the Season Outline for Season 8!
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 130
Maggie and Corey return today, and they return to Jane Austen, to check in on and continue that production.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 130,
recorded on June 1, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule here. https://www.twitch.tv/signumu/schedule
For more information https...
SilmFilm 8-12: The Season Outline
As they near the end of the pre-production process, the SilmFilm team sits down to examine and finalize the detailed outline of all of Season 8.
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 129
Maggie and Corey return to Anne of Green Gables for Part 2 of their discussion of LM Montgomery adaptation.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 128,
recorded on May 11, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule here. https://www.twitch.tv/signumu/schedule
For more information https...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 128
It's May the 4th, so Maggie and Corey are going to indulge in a Star Wars Diversion and take a close look at the final trailer for the upcoming Mandalorian film.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 128,
recorded on May 4, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule...
SilmFilm 8-11: The Villains
As the SilmFilm Writer's Room nears the end of the pre-production planning, they look north, turning to the Villains.
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 127
Tonight, Maggie and Corey fulfill a long-standing request and look at Anne of Green Gables!
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 127,
recorded on April 13, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule here. https://www.twitch.tv/signumu/schedule
For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/<...
SilmFilm 8-09: The Havens
Join the SilmFilm team as we continue pre-production discussions, takling about Elves.
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SilmFilm 8-10: Galadriel
Today, the SilmFilm team finally turns to the question that Tolkien himself never got around to answering fully: What was Galadriel up to in the last stages of the First Age?
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 126
After touching on some news updates, Maggie and Corey continue with their Pride and Prejudice discussion, focusing on their analysis of Lydia's introduction.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 126,
recorded on March 31, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule here. https://www.twitch.tv/signumu/schedule
...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 125
Maggie and Corey are back and returning to Pride and Prejudice and Adaptation!
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 125,
recorded on March 23, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule here. https://www.twitch.tv/signumu/schedule
For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/
You can...
SilmFilm 8-08: Doriath Story
Today the SilmFilm Team returns to pre-production discussions, considering the Doriath situation during the time of Turin.
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SilmFilm 8-07: Outlaw Story
SilmFilm Season 8 Pre-production meetings continue in our writers' room for a discussion of Turin's outlaws.
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SilmFilm 8-03: Story Structure and Themes
The SilmFilm team sits down to work through the big picture of the post-Nirnaeth Season 8.
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SilmFilm 8-06: Dor-lómin's Story
Join the team in the SilmFilm Writers' Room, as we continue planning Season 8, with a focus on Dor-Lomin and the Easterlings.
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SilmFilm 8-01: The Journey Thus Far
It is time at last to begin the Eighth Season of the SilmFilm Project! Today, we look back at what we've discussed and prepare for where we are headed.
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SilmFilm 8-02: The Journey Thus Far, Continued!
Today the SilmFilm team is back to complete their discussion of the Journey Thus Far, our recap and discussion of the trajectory of the project to this point.
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SilmFilm 8-05: Tuor's Story
Pre-production continues for Season 8, as the SilmFilm Team considers how to adapt Tuor's story and interweave it with Turin's story.
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SilmFilm 8-04: Túrin's Story
It's time to continue working through the Season 8 storylines! Join the SilmFilm writing team as we work through the big plot and character questions for Season 8.
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Other Minds and Hands, Episode 124
Maggie and Corey return for another out-of-studio recording session for their Pride and Prejudice analysis.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 124,
recorded on March 2, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
For the SPACE classes, please visit
https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/space/welcome/
For Maggie's SPACE classes,
https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/space/modules/preceptor/1031/
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 123
Maggie and Corey return to Pride and Prejudice, continuing with the planning and recording of Episode 1 of the series.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 122,
recorded on February 2, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Check out Maggie's upcoming SPACE class in March, Susan Cooper: King of Shadows.
https://tinyurl.com/class-with-maggie
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 122
Corey and Maggie are joined by special guest Una McCormack for a discussion on film-to-book adaptation!
Maggie and Corey are joined by author Una McCormack who has written numerous novels in the worlds of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Firefly. She's a respected voice in the world of creative writing, science fiction, authorship and fan fiction and her work can be found at: https://unamccormack.co.uk/
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 122,
recorded on January 19, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 121
Maggie and Corey return to Pride and Prejudice to start the filming of Episode 1 of the series.
Corey and Maggie review last weeks' filming and do their first recording for Pride & Prejudice.
Check out Maggie's upcoming SPACE class in March, Susan Cooper: King of Shadows. https://tinyurl.com/class-with-maggie
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 121, recorded on January 12, 2026.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 120
Corey and Maggie are back for the New Year, and invite you to join them in a production meeting about several Signum Studios projects!
Maggie and Corey discuss the weeks' filming at StudioLab and organise ideas and details for the projects in this production meeting.
Check out Maggie's upcoming SPACE class in March, Susan Cooper: King of Shadows.
https://tinyurl.com/class-with-maggie
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 120,
recorded on January 5, 2026.Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 119
Join Maggie and Corey for some exciting discussion of adaptation theory today, building on recent discussions.Corey and Maggie explore the terms and ideas of adaption and discuss plotting adaptations on axes. Data!
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 119,
recorded on December 15, 2025.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 118
Corey and Maggie return to pre-production on their Pride and Prejudice case study.Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 118,
recorded on December 1, 2025.Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check the schedule here. https://www.twitch.tv/signumu/schedule
For more information https://mythgard.org/miscellany/
You can watch or listen to the...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 117
Maggie and Corey return with a brief look at another Rings of Power teaser and then more work on the opening episode of the Pride and Prejudice series.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 117,
recorded on November 24, 2025.
Thank you for your support for Signum University!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIWCIWTJnbzBloe3AyakiTjE
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 116
Maggie and Corey return to the production meeting to flesh out some detailed notes for P&P Episode 0.
Corey and Maggie finalise their plan for ep 1 of the Pride and Prejudice Deep Dive episodes.
Other Minds and Hands: An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 116,
recorded on November 10, 2025.https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAv
Join us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https...
Other Minds and Hands, Episode 115
Maggie and Corey return to Pride and Prejudice! It's time to regroup and work towards script notes for our first episode.Corey and Maggie continue planning for their deep dive into the adaptations of Pride and Prejudice.
Other Minds and Hands:
An Open and Friendly Discussion of Tolkien Adaptation, Episode 115,
recorded on November 3, 2025.Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.gg/szXMFAvJoin us on Mondays at 4:30 PM ET,
on this SignumU Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SignumUniversity
and SignumU Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/signumu
Check...
