Middle-earth and Modern Meaning: Tolkien, Barfield, and the Soul of Story

Middle-earth and Modern Meaning: Tolkien, Barfield, and the Soul of Story

January 23, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

The episode explores the imaginative world of J.R.R. Tolkien and the influence of Owen Barfield.

In this conversation, psychotherapist and writer Dr Mark Vernon is joined by philosopher Dr Robert Rowland Smith to explore the imaginative world of J.R.R. Tolkien and the often-overlooked influence of Owen Barfield - friend of C.S. Lewis and another Inkling.

More episodes of Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts podcast page.