Today's Tolkien Times

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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


    • Jun 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 513 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.



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    Latest episodes from Today's Tolkien Times

    Week 084 - First Age Friday: A Great Yearning

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 10:59


    Tuor finds his way to the shores of the Great Sea and is struck with a deep Sea-longing in today's continued reading in Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin in Unfinished Tales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 084 - Third Age Thursday: To the Day's Rising

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 9:47


    Join The Man of the West as he walks through some of the most powerful alliterative verses in The Lord of the Rings, including Rohirric ‘epitaph poems'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 084 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Intelligent Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 7:55


    Today's episode title is clearly not referring to The Man of the West, but you'll have to listen to find out who it is talking about. Join in as we look at the names of Brandir, Handir, Ephel Brandir, Amon Obel, Haleth and yet another of Túrin's names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 084 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: In Peace Unshadowed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 11:10


    If only Túrin were right about that. Join The Man of the West as we continue reading the story of Túrin who finally takes the overly-optimistic name of Turambar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 084 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Rush and Chatter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 9:04


    No, The Man of the West isn't in a hurry and he's no more talkative than usual. Today's Middle-earth Map Monday continues our visit in Rohan as we stop by the Fords of Isen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 083 - Silmarillion Saturday: Shall Prove But Mine Instrument

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 9:54


    Join The Man of the West as he continues his reading of Ainulindalë, reaching the passage that spawned the classic PPP acronym, SPBMI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 083 - First Age Friday: Through Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 11:22


    Tuor begins his journeys and runs into two unexpected Elves who have some counsel — and unexpected prophecy — for the outlaw. Also, blue lamps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 083 - Third Age Thursday: Fealty Kept He

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 9:47


    Join The Man of the West as he takes a deep dive into dark Dunharrow and the dim morning, studying the alliterative verse of Rohan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 083 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Get Used to Disappointment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 8:38


    The Man of the West swings and misses at three words today, but still manages to bat .500 as he just keeps swinging. (Not a baseball fan? Please forgive the baseball analogy.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 083 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: I Offer Thee Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 10:25


    And if you really think that's what Glaurung is offering, I've got a bridge to sell you — and it's nowhere near Nargothrond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    freedom offer glaurung nargothrond
    Week 083 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Tap by Tap

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 10:50


    Join The Man of the West as he continues his trip through Rohan on Middle-earth Map Monday in a visit to the caves of Helm's Deep: the Glittering Caves of Aglarond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 082 - Silmarillion Saturday: Like Unto Countless Choirs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 9:47


    It's time for a deep dive into the musical origins of creation in the first of six readings in the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur, from The Silmarillion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 082 - First Age Friday: An Outlaw in the Land of His Fathers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 13:15


    Join The Man of the West for a new series of First Age Fridays as we look at the tale Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin from Unfinished Tales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 082 - Third Age Thursday: Need Shall Drive Him

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 10:31


    The Man of the West takes a long look at the words of Malbeth the Seer — including a look at the drafts when Malbeth had nothing to do with this prophecy at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 082 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Noble Towers, Silver Birches and Golden Worms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 8:32


    Join The Man of the West as he powers his word-nerd way through six words from yesterday's reading in the Tale of Túrin Turambar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 082 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Yet I Rue the Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 10:48


    We continue our Túrin Turambar Tuesdays as Ulmo sends Orodreth some good advice, and Túrin promptly ignores it. Gwindor loses everything, and Túrin gets one more chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 082 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Far-off Days of the Glory of Gondor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 10:11


    Join The Man of the West as he begins Series 11 of Today's Tolkien Times with a return to Middle-earth Map Monday as our Rohan road trip stops at Súthburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 081 - Silmarillion Saturday: With His Servant?!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 10:56


    I'd say Sam needs a new publicist. Join The Man of the West as we close out our time in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age with, uh, well, the end of the Third Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 081 - Fandom Friday: Don Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 19:41


    Join The Man of the West in welcoming back Don Marshall to Today's Tolkien Times, as he tells us about the new book he's writing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 081 - Third Age Thursday: Huge, Old, and Tall

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 7:43


    I'd make one of those “I feel called out” jokes, but I know I'm not tall. Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at a hobbit nursery rhyme that turns out to be prophetic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 081 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Orodreth Went to West Virginia?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 9:07


    Join The Man of the West for another look at a series of names connected to Nargothrond and Túrin's time there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 081 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Not In Your Name

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 10:22


    Gwindor speaks an unwelcome truth to Túrin, but he doesn't want to hear it. Join The Man of the West as our tragic hero gains not one, not two, but three new names in just a few paragraphs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 081 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Wide, Wind-Swept Walls

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 12:01


    Join The Man of the West as Gandalf and his Companions reach Edoras and make their way through the town to the top of the hill and Meduseld itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 080 - Silmarillion Saturday: Of Small Account

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 8:08


    Join The Man of the West as we continue reading through Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, this time as the White Council finally serves an eviction notice at Dol Guldur. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 080 - Fandom Friday: Bag End at End of Bag

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 13:22


    Join The Man of the West in welcoming Myla, a fellow collector of all things Tolkien, to the TTT to talk about our mutual obsession pastime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 080 - Third Age Thursday: Rhymes of Lore

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 9:35


    Join The Man of the West as he leaves alliterative Old English behind, in order to explore not one, not two, but three Rhymes of Lore. Well, maybe just two and a converted riddle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 080 - Word-nerd Wednesday: There's a Golf Joke Somewhere

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 9:54


    Not that The Man of the West finds the joke, but you'll understand. Join him for a whirlwind exploration of several words from the TTT's recent, um, TTT episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 080 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Fate Was That Day More Strong

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 11:49


    The day we all hoped would turn out differently has arrived, and Beleg meets his tragic end in this week's installment of Túrin Turambar Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 080 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Like a Sentinel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 11:08


    Join The Man of the West for more map exploration in Rohan: this time, accompanying Gandalf and the Three Hunters as they ride for Edoras, the capital of Rohan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 079 - Silmarillion Saturday: A Second Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 9:04


    Join The Man of the West as we continue reading through Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: Mithrandir is vigilant, Elrond is troubled, and Saruman plays with peril. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 079 - Fandom Friday: Galadriel's Gorgeous Gambeson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 16:13


    The Man of the West welcomes Silhouette Cosplay to the TTT to explain to us mere mortals how costuming magic is actually made! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 079 - Third Age Thursday: Arise!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 12:11


    Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at two pieces of alliterative verse cried out by a restored King Théoden… just ignore the butchering of Old English and Old Norse, please. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 079 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Beleriand Geography — Lightning Round

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 8:47


    It's time to look at a few of the place names we've encountered in our Túrin readings this series; we move through seven locations faster than Túrin comes up with seven names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 079 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: With Little Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 11:43


    Join The Man of the West as Túrin's reputation grows a little too big, Mîm picks a battle a bit too big, and Beleg runs across an Elf who's had better days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 079 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Great Brooding Presence

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 10:10


    Once again, a title that could — at times — describe your host, but this time it's where the Three Hunters are heading to start week 79 of the TTT! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 078 - Silmarillion Saturday: How Great Was Their Peril

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 9:02


    We continue in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age as the Dark Lord makes his return, the forest gets a new name, and the Valar send a little help. They could have screened them a bit better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 078 - Fandom Friday: A Song of Greater Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 17:04


    Join The Man of the West as he sits down with Tolkien scholar (and Ph.D. student) Clare Moore to talk about things he only barely understands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 078 - Third Age Thursday: Unmarred, Unstained

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 8:57


    Clearly not referring to The Man of the West or any of his clothing, today's title references a line in a poem that Gandalf may have just made up on the spot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 078 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Or, “Deadly Forest of Deadly Death”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 9:34


    Join The Man of the West for a closer look at Taur-nu-Fuin than you ever thought you'd like. Also, it turns out we've been misspelling the name of the River Teiglin all this time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 078 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Such a Churl

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 11:49


    Yet another line that could describe The Man of the West — but today, it's Túrin's own self-evaluation, as he reunites with an old friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 078 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Between Down and Fen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 10:23


    Join The Man of the West as he follows the Three Hunters into Rohan for another Middle-earth Map Monday to start week 78 of the TTT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 077 - Silmarillion Saturday: There Mirth Also Dwelt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 9:31


    Join The Man of the West as he continues Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, as we witness the power of the Three Rings — and the inevitability of their fading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 077 - Fandom Friday: Kaiakayy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 14:25


    The Man of the West welcomes Kaia to Today's Tolkien Times to talk Tolkien, TikTok and trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 077 - Third Age Thursday: Hwær Cwom Mearg?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 11:28


    Join The Man of the West for an attempt at Old English as he looks at Aragorn's Lament for the Rohirrim, the classic ubi sunt, and reads Tolkien's own words about ‘the ineluctable ending' of all good things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 077 - Word-nerd Wednesday: It Would Explain Much

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 9:54


    We spend another Word-nerd Wednesday looking at names from the Tale of Túrin Turambar; today, including four Elves and three swords! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 077 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Guard Him and Guide Him

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 11:06


    We return to the story of Túrin Turambar as perpetually-underrated Beleg Cúthalion does everything within his power to help the troubled young man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 077 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Swelled Like a Green Sea

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 9:31


    Join The Man of the West as he begins week 77 of Today's Tolkien Times with another Middle-earth Map Monday, joining the Three Hunters as they pursue the Orcs into Rohan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 076 - Silmarillion Saturday: Stirred as by a Cold Wind

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 9:00


    Join The Man of the West for the continuing story Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, as we witness the fall of Arnor and the waning of Gondor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 076 - Fandom Friday: History, Real or Feigned

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 13:54


    Join The Man of the West in welcoming Be1mont_lotr to Fandom Friday; he's another in the growing chorus of the Voices of Arda, a history buff, and diplomatically reaches the right answer on Balrog wings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 076 - Third Age Thursday: Dark is the Path

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 8:38


    Galadriel has messages for the Three Hunters, even if Gandalf nearly forgets to deliver one of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 076 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Say That Again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 7:53


    Join The Man of the West as he brings to light more of the words from our Tuesday readings in the story of Túrin: today, a look at the family of Húrin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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