Today's Tolkien Times

Follow Today's Tolkien Times
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Get your Tolkien every day by subscribing to Today’s Tolkien Times! Alan Sisto, host of the award-winning Prancing Pony Podcast and Rings of Power Wrap-up, hosts a new short-format daily podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Listeners get answers on Mailbag Mondays; discover more about the Professor on Tolkien Tuesdays; indulge your inner philologist on Word-nerd Wednesdays; learn more about the familiar stories of Middle-earth on Third Age Thursdays; hear from Tolkien fans around the world on Fandom Fridays; and dive deep into Middle-earth history on Silmarillion Saturdays! And on Sundays? That’s what The Prancing Pony Podcast is for! So subscribe to Today’s Tolkien Times and follow us on all our social media channels! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5854727/advertisement

The Prancing Pony Podcast


    • Apr 10, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 693 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Today's Tolkien Times podcast is an insightful and entertaining daily show that provides short snippets of information about J.R.R. Tolkien and his works. Hosted by Alan Sisto, this well-produced podcast serves as a bridge between episodes of the Prancing Pony Podcast, offering listeners a daily dose of Tolkien goodness to fill their week. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Tolkien or just beginning to explore his works, this podcast offers something for everyone.

    One of the best aspects of The Today's Tolkien Times podcast is the variety of content it provides. Each episode focuses on a specific aspect of Tolkien's sub-creation, philology, or biography, allowing listeners to delve into various topics related to the author and his works. From discussions about the lore and background of Middle-earth to insights into Tolkien's life and inspirations, there is always something interesting and informative to discover. Additionally, Alan's delivery style is engaging and easy to listen to, making it enjoyable for both casual listeners and dedicated fans.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its production quality. The episodes are well-edited and professionally produced, creating a seamless listening experience. Whether you're listening on your commute or taking a quick break during the day, the bite-sized format makes it easy to fit into your busy schedule. Furthermore, Alan's extensive knowledge on all things Tolkien shines through in each episode, providing listeners with accurate and in-depth information.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to The Today's Tolkien Times podcast, one minor drawback may be its brevity. Each episode is less than 10 minutes long, which may leave some listeners craving more content or wanting a deeper dive into certain topics. However, this can also be seen as an advantage for those who prefer shorter episodes that can be enjoyed on-the-go.

    In conclusion, The Today's Tolkien Times podcast offers a fantastic daily dose of all things Tolkien. With its mix of insightful content, entertaining delivery, and well-produced episodes, it is a must-listen for anyone who loves the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Middle-earth, this podcast is sure to keep you engaged and excited about all things Tolkien.



    Search for episodes from Today's Tolkien Times with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Today's Tolkien Times

    Week 114 - Friendship Friday: Not Yet Anyway

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 12:50


    Join The Man of the West as we wrap up our four-episode look at the friendship of Frodo and Sam, from certain death on the slopes of Mount Doom, to their farewell at the Grey Havens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 114 - Third Age Thursday: An Island Amid Many Perils

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 11:09


    We continue our look at the Elves of Lórien as the Fellowship encounter Haldir and make their way towards Caras Galadhon itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 114 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Steep Streets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 11:08


    Join The Man of the West as we look at a few words from our visit to the darkness on Middle-earth Map Monday… and visit a golden river for a palate cleanse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 114 - Tolkien Tuesday: With Tears As I Wrote

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 10:57


    We reach the second half of Letter 241 as Tolkien gives his Aunt Jane (and us) the story behind his work, Leaf by Niggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 114 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Despair… Postponed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 10:56


    Join The Man of the West as we continue our travel journeys to only the worst places, this time to the Black Gate itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 113 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Fairest of All the Children of the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2026 12:00


    As if I need to tell you that today's episode title has nothing whatsoever to do with The Man of the West. We conclude the tragic chapter Of the Ruin of Doriath with the loss of Beren and Lúthien, some unwelcome guests, and even more death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 113 - Friendship Friday: As Our Strength Lessens

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 12:49


    Join The Man of the West as the friendship of Frodo and Sam grows stronger even in the most challenging circumstances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 113 - Third Age Thursday: Valiant and Wise

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 10:29


    Clearly not referring to The Man of the West, today's episode title actually speaks of Amroth, the King of Lórien, as we move west from Mirkwood to look at yet another of the Elven Kingdoms of the Third Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 113 - Word-nerd Wednesday: On Top of Old Wet Head

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 9:04


    Today's Word-nerd Wednesday looks at several words from our Silmarillion Saturday readings, some of which are more noble sounding than others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 113 - Tolkien Tuesday: Now I Want a Grilled Cheese

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 10:02


    Join The Man of the West as we begin another of the Professor's letters to his Aunt Jane Neave: today, it's all about the Welsh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 113 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Diseased Beyond All Healing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 9:33


    No, really, it's just a mild cold… oh, the text? That's a different story. Join The Man of the West as we follow Frodo and Sam's miserable itinerary through the Dagorlad and the wastes before the Black Gate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 112 - Silmarillion Saturday: With a Different Voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2026 13:26


    Join The Man of the West as we continue in The Ruin of Doriath, standing beside Melian in her grief. Mablung meets his end fulfilling his duty, and Beren rescues the stolen Nauglamír. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 112 - Friendship Friday: I Was Serious

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 13:31


    Join The Man of the West as we turn our 2-part look at Frodo and Sam's friendship into four episodes instead: today, from Parth Galen to Cirith Ungol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 112 - Third Age Thursday: Good People… Mostly

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 10:12


    Whether today's title also applies to The Man of the West is up to you. Today, we take a look at the Elves of Mirkwood in (mostly) the Third Age, as we continue our look at the free peoples of Middle-earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 112 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Frings — Not What you Thought

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 10:03


    The Man of the West takes a deep dive into a few words from last week's Silmarillion Saturday, including one that, it turns out, is long overdue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 112 - Tolkien Tuesday: Peacocks are Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 9:09


    Well, yes — but I thought everyone knew that. Join The Man of the West as we look at another letter from the Professor to his illustrator on The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, Pauline Baynes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 112 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Always Creeping

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 12:08


    Today's stop on our journey is not on The Man of the West's bucket list, nor is it likely on yours. Come visit the charming wetlands known as the Dead Marshes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 111 - Silmarillion Saturday: Be Gone Unrequited

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 11:42


    The Man of the West may be used to hearing those words, but today they're meant for the Dwarves of Nogrod that are haughtily dismissed by Thingol, unaware of the danger he faces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 111 - Friendship Friday: Jump Down a Dragon's Throat

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 11:14


    We begin an all-new thing for Fridays, as we study friendships in Middle-earth, starting with perhaps the best-known example with Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 111 - Third Age Thursday: He Dwells There Still

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 10:12


    Join The Man of the West as we begin a look at more people in the Third Age; having done a deep dive into all the different Men for two series, it's time to visit the Elves, beginning in Lindon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 111 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Not Your Average Garden Gnome

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 10:02


    Join The Man of the West for a Word-nerd Wednesday deep dive into Tolkien's early name for the Elves we now know as the Noldor, and learn why he could use it Gnome-Or (just say it out loud… no more). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 111 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Am Not Satisfied with ‘Hobbits'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 11:29


    It's time for another out-of-context quote as episode title, as we begin another TTT series spending Tolkien Tuesdays in the Revised and Expanded edition of the Letters. Today, it's more gripes about translations; anyone else not surprised? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 111 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Twisted Knot of Hills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 11:27


    Join The Man of the West as he begins Series 15 of Today's Tolkien Times with a Middle-earth Map Monday on the bleak hills of the Emyn Muil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 110 - Silmarillion Saturday: All Things Crooked

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 11:00


    Húrin's anger leads him to Doriath, where he throws jewelry at the King and finds himself gently reminded of the truth by Melian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 110 - First Age Friday: She Was Not Conquered

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 12:16


    Join The Man of the West as we begin our time in Of the Ruin of Doriath, watching as Húrin is all-too-briefly reunited with Morwen before his heart turns to “stone within him”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 110 - Third Age Thursday: Riders Tall and Fair

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 10:01


    We finish our look at Men of the Third Age as The Man of the West reviews the history of the Éothéod, their steadfast alliance with Gondor, and their move to the northern vales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 110 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Surf's Up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 10:24


    Join The Man of the West for another — this time more thorough — look at the name of Gondor's hottest surf spot, Belfalas, along with other places we've encountered in our journey through Gondor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 110 - Tolkien Tuesday: Insoluble Metrical Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 10:23


    Tolkien admits to a bit of poetic masochism in a letter to his aunt Jane, as The Man of the West continues his look through the Revised and Expanded edition of Tolkien's Letters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 110 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The End of Gondor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 10:21


    Join The Man of the West as we reach the far shores and conclude our 21-week journey through the regions of Gondor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 109 - Silmarillion Saturday: The First Evil

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2026 10:40


    Join The Man of the West as we accompany a now-free Húrin from Angband to his homelands and then on as he looks for mercy from Turgon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 109 - First Age Friday: You Lie

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 10:24


    Not you, sorry — Morgoth. At least that's Húrin's opinion as he continues his defiance of the Dark Lord in this week's First Age Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 109 - Third Age Thursday: A Bulwark of Gondor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 9:15


    We continue our study of the Men of Middle-earth, this time looking at the ancestors of the Rohirrim, known early on as the Northmen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 109 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Ló and Behold

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 9:39


    Join The Man of the West as he looks at the etymology of a few more of the rivers and towns in Gondor, continuing our journey west through the land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 109 - Tolkien Tuesday: The ‘Fan Mail' Keeps On Coming In

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 9:35


    And now you know the title isn't a reference to The Man of the West! Join Alan as he begins a two-part look at another letter Tolkien wrote to his aunt, Jane Neave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 109 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Angbor the Fearless

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 11:16


    Join The Man of the West as he continues his journey through Gondor, looking at Lamedon, the Morthond Vale, and the uniquely-named ridge that separates the two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 108 - Silmarillion Saturday: Hardly Better Than Orcs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 11:36


    Famously not what The Man of the West says about people who don't listen to the PPP or TTT. Instead, it's Húrin's opinion of the Men new to his part of the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 108 - First Age Friday: Time That Yet Lay Hidden

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 10:30


    Join The Man of the West as we finish Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and begin to pull all the strings together to lead us to Eärendil and the War of Wrath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 108 - Third Age Thursday: Middle Man, Not Middle Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 11:18


    Anyone can be a mid-level supervisor; it takes someone special to be a Middle Man — or does it? Join The Man of the West as he takes a closer look at Men of the Twilight (no vampires or werewolves involved). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 108 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Let x Be the Number of Rivers in a Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 11:52


    Join The Man of the West as we visit yet another land named solely after the number of rivers within it on this week's Word-nerd Wednesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 108 - Tolkien Tuesday: At Least as Capacious as Mine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 10:05


    The size of your waste paper basket doesn't really matter; after all, you know you're not throwing away a letter from Tolkien, even if it is long and pedantic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 108 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Independent ‘Traditions'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 10:16


    Join The Man of the West in his journeys…um, west… through the southern fiefs of Gondor, as he looks more closely at the home of Imrahil known as Dol Amroth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 107 - Silmarillion Saturday: Bereft of Their Power and Glory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 10:01


    Some might say it's a tragedy; others might say it's about time. We look at the aftermath of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and begin to tie this story together with the months-long journey we took with Tuor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 107 - First Age Friday: Aurë entuluva! Day Shall Come Again!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 11:15


    The Battle of Unnumbered Tears lives up to its name in spectacular fashion as Fingon meets his gruesome end and the Men of Dor-lómin lay down their lives to protect the secrecy of Gondolin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 107 - Third Age Thursday: Fierce Folk When Roused

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 10:35


    The Man of the West finishes his long look at the Men of Darkness with the Dunlendings, a group of Men that might be better called Middle Men gone wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 107 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Better Late Than… Wandering?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 10:17


    Join The Man of the West as he finishes off the last of the Five Rivers of Lebennin before discovering what Imrahil and Pippin have in common.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 107 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Feel Inclined to Tell Him So

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 9:35


    We're sure you do, Professor — and we hope you did! Join The Man of the West as the Professor calls himself — accurately — a natural niggler. Also, a bottle of the Old Winyards? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 107 - Middle-earth Map Monday: About That Beachfront Property…

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 10:03


    Join The Man of the West for a look at Pelargir throughout the ages, before we move into Belfalas and the realm of the Prince of Dol Amroth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 106 - Silmarillion Saturday: Hope Was Renewed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 11:32


    Granted, only to be smashed under the feet of Uldor and his sons, but it was still renewed. Join The Man of the West for another reading from the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 106 - First Age Friday: “and Morgoth trembled…”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 10:17


    Join The Man of the West as he brings the Nirnaeth Arnoediad to First Age Fridays as well; the quicker to get through it, I suppose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 106 - Third Age Thursday: A People Apart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 10:07


    It's time for an honest look at the folk known as the Dunlendings, so join The Man of the West as he goes back to the arrival of the Atani in Beleriand to draw connections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 106 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Calling Count von Count

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 9:36


    Join The Man of the West for an unexpected grammar lesson as we explore the names of the five rivers of Lebennin. Or four of them, at least. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Claim Today's Tolkien Times

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel