Welcome to Talking Shire! The podcast that talks about all things Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game from the perspective of the hobby and gaming community in the North East of England.
In this month's episode we discuss the profiles in MESBG that we think represent accurately, or catfish us completely, compared to their book and movie counterparts!
We take the opinions of the community and have a fantastic time with our quiz, this time from Johnathan!
Thanks for listening!
Local Creators:
Ian Minto - TheForgeGaming on Etsy
Nick King - Brass Oasis - Patreon
Check out the latest blog, stats, and information on upcoming North East events at:
www.NEHL.co.uk
23 Aug 2026
Episode 11 - "Beginner friendly" Advice
On this episode of Talking Shire we sit down and talk about our advice for beginners. Some of the advice might be better than others, but we will give it all nonetheless.
Also, who will come out victorious on this weeks quiz?
Get in touch with the podcast at: talkingshire@outlook.com (mailto:talkingshire@outlook.com)
Local creator shoutouts:
Ian Minto - TheForgeGaming - Etsy UK (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheForgeGaming)
Nick King - Brass Oasis | A mechanical horror wargame set in a gargantuan desert city. | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/BrassOasis)
23 Jul 2026
Episode 10 - North East Hobbit League
In this landmark episode we speak to Jack Thurlbeck all about the North East Hobbit League. We get some insight on what it is, how it all started and some interesting facts along the way. Jack has also done the quiz for this one too!
Check out the NEHL website and find out how you have done in the North East of England this year, or maybe just see how we do things round here at www.NEHL.co.uk (http://www.NEHL.co.uk)
Thanks for listening!
21 Jun 2026
Episode 9 - Changing the Narrative on Scenarios
Welcome to episode 9 of Talking Shire! On this m0nth's episode, we answer a question sent in by the community. We rank our favourite parts of the hobby and debate which of narrative play or competitive play is better than the other.
We also have the regular quiz, and Nick definitely raised the bar on this one!
Wherever you are in the world, get in touch with the podcast:
talkingshire@outlook.com (mailto:talkingshire@outlook.com)
Also check out:
Brass Oasis on Patreon
Diceforge - TheForgeGaming on Etsy
23 May 2026
Episode 8 - The Hobby: Battle of Five Thin Coats
Welcome back to Talking Shire! On this months episode we delve into our hobby journeys and talk about our favourite models in the MESBG range and why, and how we brought them to life!
This episode of the podcast has a lot of visual references and a visual based quiz, that can be found over on our Youtube channel - @talkingshirepod (https://www.youtube.com/@TalkingShirePod)
Follow along there for the best experience!
We would love to hear from you all. Please get in touch with the podcast:
talkingshire@outlook.com
19 Apr 2026
Episode 7 - Organised Chaos
Welcome to Episode 7 of Talking Shire. In this episode, we discuss custom events, special rules and what we love and hate about them. Do events get the balance right? What does the North East community prefer? ... how about we give everyone a free Legolas? Surely, that would be fun!
Also, Johnathan and Nick battle it out in the quiz, which is ... quite difficult.
Get in touch with the podcast at: talkingshire@outlook.com (mailto:talkingshire@outlook.com)
We are also now on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/TalkingShire?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink (https://patreon.com/TalkingShire?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink)
23 Mar 2026
Episode 6 - Unsung Heroes!
In this episode of the podcast we are discussing our most favourite heroes that cost under 100pts! You may be surprised by a few of the picks.
We also have our regular quiz, where Jamie and Johnathan go head to head in quite an unorthodox quiz, based on answers given by the community, and beyond!
Get in touch with us at Talking Shire and have your say ... talkingshire@outlook.com (mailto:talkingshire@outlook.com)
19 Feb 2026
Episode 5 - Monsters!
In this episode we talk about the monsters of Middle Earth, what we like about them, and maybe a bit about what we don't! Find out who our favourite monsters are, and who wins this episodes quiz!
Now with improved audio!
17 Jan 2026
Episode 4 - Overestimating the Underdogs
Welcome to Episode 4 of Talking Shire! This month we are taking a look at the winning lists of 2025, then completely ignoring them in favour of those lists that haven't won anything ... yet!
Nick and Johnathan go head to head in this months quiz, who will pull ahead?
Big thanks to Ryan Ailano for helping record and produce this episode.
19 Dec 2025
Episode 3 - Great British Hobbit League Finale!
Find out how we all got on at the GBHL Finale 2025, when it was held in our little neck of the woods, Newcastle Upon Tyne!
Brace yourself, this one is a long episode! Grab your paintbrushes and a snack, we're about to talk complete shire for a while.
Check out the YouTube version of the podcast for photos of the event.
30 Nov 2025
Episode 2 - The world's longest Q&A
In this episode, we take questions from the community and answer them as best we can, before Nick makes life hard for himself in our quiz!
13 Nov 2025
Episode 1 - Introductions, chit chat and Bill the Pony
Welcome to Talking Shire! We are Jamie, Johnathan and Nick and we are here to talk about all things Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game from the brilliant hobby and gaming community in the North East of England.
In this episode we introduce ourselves, have a bit of a quiz, talk about various lists and profiles and generally talk shire about lots of different things.
Get in touch with us with any feedback or your views at: talkingshire@outlook,com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Talking Shire
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
