CSL Reading Day 2024

In this episode of Mere C.S. Lewis, I'm joined byC.S. Lewis scholar, author, and educator Dr. Crystal Hurd to explore The Magician's Nephew, the sixth book published in The Chronicles of Narnia and the first in the series' internal chronology.Together, we journey back to the very beginning of Narnia,following Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer as they discover the mysterious Wood Between the Worlds, awaken an ancient evil in a dying world, and witness Aslan sing Narnia into existence. Along the way, we explore Lewis's rich imagination,the biblical echoes of creation and the Fall, the corrupting influence of power, and the difficult choices that test Digory's character. We also consider the upcoming The Magician's Nephew movie. About Our GuestDr. Crystal Hurd is a C.S. Lewis scholar, educator, andauthor of The Leadership of C.S. Lewis. Her research explores Lewis's life, writings, faith, and enduring influence.Explore more of her work on her YouTube channel, ThatLewis Lady.🍵 Featured Tea: The Wood Between the WorldsSmoky gunpowder green tea evokes the ancient magic andhidden possibilities of the Wood, while tart apple recalls the fateful fruit at the heart of the story. Warm spices add a touch of adventure, hinting at the wonders and dangers beyond each shimmering pool. Earthy, bright, and slightly wild, this tea invites you to linger between worlds, where every sip holds the promise of a new beginning.You can find the tea at this link.⁠: ⁠⁠AdagioTeas: My Signature Blends⁠⁠⁠⁠If you enjoyed this episode:- Like, rate, subscribe- Follow on twitter or instagram @merecslewis- Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Mere C.S. Lewis, Thornton is joined by special guest Mark Bradley, a Marine, business owner, and longtime friend, to explore The Silver Chair, the fifth book we will dive into in C.S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia.🍵 Featured Tea: The Queen's EnchantmentInspired by the mysterious Underland, The Queen's Enchantment is a creamy, floral, and nutty oolong blend featuring vanilla oolong, maple crème, almond oolong, and rose petals. A comforting companion for your next journey into Narnia.⁠You can find the tea at this link.⁠: ⁠Adagio Teas: My Signature Blends⁠If you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Like, rate, and subscribe🐦 Follow on X & Instagram: @merecslewis📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Thornton sets sail for the Eastern Seas to explore one of the most beloved—and perhaps most searching—of the Chronicles: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.Joined by author Katherine Langrish (From Spare Oom to War Drobe), we dive deep into a story that is less a military campaign and more a spiritual pilgrimage. Together they discuss:Personal Memories of Dawn TreaderLewis’s layered storytelling and moral imaginationAslan's character across the Narnia seriesThe thematic depths across NarniaLearn more about Katherine at: https://www.katherinelangrish.co.uk/🍵 Featured Tea: Voyage of the Dawn Treader BlendSet sail with a luminous white tea blend inspired by the Eastern Sea. Notes of white peony, white peach, eternal spring, and orange peel create a bright, hopeful cup—like dawn breaking over Aslan’s Country.You can find the tea at this link.: Adagio Teas: My Signature BlendsIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Like, rate, and subscribe🐦 Follow on X & Instagram: @merecslewis📧 Email: [email protected] loves hearing what you’re reading and how Lewis’s works are shaping your journey.

Celebrating this year's CS Lewis Reading day, Thornton discusses this year's theme of "Affection" from The Four Loves with his brother, Taylor. Exploring what affection looks like in today's digital age, these men explore how Lewis’ insights still apply today. 💡🤝❤️Celebrate #CSLewisReadingDay with us as we honor the timeless wisdom of Lewis and the friendships that make life richer! 🎙️📖⁠CS Lewis Reading Day 2025⁠Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at [email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please like, rate, or subscribe.

In this episode of The Mere C.S. Lewis Podcast, I’m joined by filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio, director of the new movie Triumph of the Heart. This powerful film examines and celebrates the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic priest and martyr during the Holocaust, whose act of sacrificial love continues to inspire people across the world today.Anthony shares the vision behind the film, the challenges of bringing such a profound story to the screen, and why Kolbe’s life resonates so deeply with our modern world. Together, we discuss the intersection of Lewis and Kolby and how stories of courage, sacrifice, and faith can change the way we view our own lives.If you’re interested in faith, history, or powerful storytelling that bridges past and present, you won’t want to miss this conversation.👉 Learn more about the film here: triumphoftheheart.comConnect with Mere C.S. Lewis:📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 'X' / Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠📧 Email: [email protected] you enjoyed today’s episode, kindly like, rate, or subscribe

In this episode, we dive into Prince Caspian, the stirring sequel that reintroduces us to Narnia long after the Golden Age has passed. Narnia has fallen under tyranny, the old stories are nearly forgotten—and Aslan is silent. Or is He?Joining me is singer-songwriter Thomas Austin, whose music is shaped by story, longing, and truth. Together, we explore the deep themes of Prince Caspian: waiting in faith, remembering rightly, and what it means to lead with humility. 🎵🌌. You can find Thomas Austin's music here.PLUS—we’re sipping on Caspian’s Woods, a rich and earthy Narnian tea blend crafted to match the mood of Telmarine forests and the hope of Aslan’s return. 🍵🌿 It’s one of several limited-edition Narnian blends we’ll share more about in the episode! You can find them here!So whether you're hiking through the trees, sailing toward Aslan’s Country, or just brewing a cup at home—join us as we journey back to the heart of Narnia.Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at [email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kindly like, rate, or subscribe.#CSLewis #PrinceCaspian #Narnia #Podcast #ThomasAustin #NarnianTea #AslanIsOnTheMove

In this episode, we journey into the wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved tale—exploring its themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the deep magic that governs Narnia. 🏰🕰️Joining me is the brilliant Patti Callahan Henry, author of Once Upon a Wardrobe, a novel that beautifully explores the origins of Narnia and the power of storytelling. 📖💫 Together, we discuss the enduring legacy of Aslan, the Pevensie children, and why this story still speaks to our deepest longings.So grab a cup of tea ☕, wrap up in a warm fur coat 🧥, and step through the wardrobe with us. Adventure awaits! 🗡️🦊You can learn more about Patti and her works at her site here: Home | Patti Callahan Henry | NYT Bestselling AuthorConnect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at [email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kindly like, rate, or subscribe.#CSLewis #Narnia #TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe #OnceUponAWardrobe

In this episode of The Mere C.S. Lewis Podcast, Thornton is joined by David Bates (Pints with Jack) and singer-songwriter Matt Wheeler for a deep dive into their favorite Narnia book—The Horse and His Boy! 🏜️🐎 From daring escapes and desert treks to Aslan’s unseen guidance and a surprisingly hilarious villain, they unpack what makes this adventure so special.Expect plenty of fanboy moments 🤓, discussions on the "problem of Susan", and why this book has captivated us for so long. Plus, Matt shares how Narnia influences his music 🎶, and David breaks down the book’s underrated humor! 😂Whether you're a longtime Narnia fan or discovering The Horse and His Boy for the first time, this episode will have you dreaming of desert sunsets and talking horses. 🌅🐴🎧 Grab your tea (Calormen Sunset blend 🍑🍵) and join the conversation!Check out Matt's music at his website.Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at [email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kindly like, rate, or subscribe.#CSLewis #Narnia #TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe #OnceUponAWardrobe

How do you bring the wonder of Narnia from the page to the stage? In this episode, I’m joined by Noah Stratton from The Logos Theatre, where they are bringing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to life in a breathtaking stage production. 🎭✨We’ll go behind the scenes to discuss the creative process, the challenges of adapting Lewis’ beloved classic, and the deep themes of sacrifice, redemption, and courage that make this story timeless. From stunning costumes to larger-than-life puppetry (yes, even Aslan himself! 🦁🔥), you won’t want to miss this conversation.So grab a warm drink ☕, imagine yourself stepping through the wardrobe, and join us as we explore the magic of Narnia on stage!You can check out the play and purchase tickets at this link.Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at [email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kindly like, rate, or subscribe.#CSLewis #Narnia #TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe #LogosTheatre #StageMagic #AslanIsOnTheMove

Check out Magic Mind: https://www.magicmind.com/MERECSLJANIn this episode of The Mere C.S. Lewis Podcast, we dive into C.S. Lewis’ essay “It All Began with a Picture…” 🎨, where he shares how The Chronicles of Narnia first took shape in his imagination. How did a mental image of a faun with an umbrella ☂️ lead to one of the most beloved fantasy series of all time? We’ll explore Lewis’ creative process, the mystery of inspiration, and what his experience teaches us about storytelling and faith.Plus, Thornton gives an overview of the year ahead 📅 and tackles the Chronicles of Narnia reading order controversy 📚🔥—should you read them in publication order or chronological order? Join us for a fascinating discussion on Lewis, imagination, and the stories that shape us!Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at [email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please like, rate, or subscribe.