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


    • Jul 11, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 754 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 124 — Silmarillion Saturday: Check, Please!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2026 12:42


    Possibly the worst first date in the history of Arda. Join The Man of the West as Fëanor names the Black Foe and Morgoth discovers what Ungoliant charges for dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 124 — Friendship Friday: More Cannot Be Said

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 10:26


    The two who didn't even speak until Moria end up sharing a ship across the Sea. Join The Man of the West for the last Friendship Friday of the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 124 — Third Age Thursday: By the Mouth of Gríma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 12:24


    No battle today — just the paperwork behind one. Join The Man of the West for the Marshals of the Mark: who really ran Rohan while the King faded, and a bit of horse-lending that turns up again tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 124 — Word-nerd Wednesday: Old as Mountains

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 9:21


    It only took seven hundred episodes to circle back to the Ents. Join The Man of the West for the Elvish side of their names that we never did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 124 — Tolkien Tuesday: The Shepherds of the Trees

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 11:45


    Join The Man of the West for the back half of Letter 247, as we learn where the Ents came from: both on the page and from Tolkien's own pen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 124 — Middle-earth Map Monday: Is There a Carpool Lane?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 12:59


    Turns out the express lane to Mount Doom was paved by the Enemy himself. Join The Man of the West for our last Map Monday in Mordor, as the road ends at the Sammath Naur — and the Dark Tower comes crashing down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 123 - Silmarillion Saturday: Not the First

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2026 11:22


    Join The Man of the West as the Valar ask Fëanor to break the Silmarils and heal the Trees — and Fëanor does precisely what you'd imagine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 123 - Friendship Friday: An Elf Will Go Underground

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 9:13


    …and a Dwarf dare not! Join The Man of the West on the Paths of the Dead, and Legolas has to tell Gimli's story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 123 - Third Age Thursday: An Ambush, Not an Absence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 11:42


    Join The Man of the West as Grimbold breaks out of the trap at the Fords, and we finally learn what really kept his friend away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 123 - Word-nerd Wednesday: A Mushy Language

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 10:23


    What do moose have in common with the Nazgûl? Join The Man of the West for six of Mordor's darkest names — and the Gaelic word for ‘ring' that Tolkien swore he never borrowed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 123 - Tolkien Tuesday: An Unvisited Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 11:48


    Join The Man of the West for the first half of Letter 247, where Tolkien frets that some magic dies the moment you visit it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 123 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Chance Our Luck

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 11:34


    Not a lottery ticket The Man of the West would buy. Join him as Frodo and Sam take the one road left to them, and end up conscripted into Sauron's army. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 122 - Silmarillion Saturday: All Song Ceased

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2026 10:10


    Join The Man of the West as Melkor and Ungoliant reach the Trees — and Valinor, which was sung into being, discovers silence alongside darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 122 - Friendship Friday: You Move Me, Gimli

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 11:19


    Join The Man of the West as Gimli describes the caverns of Helm's Deep with great detail and glorious prose, like… well, like Tolkien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 122 - Third Age Thursday: The Shieldwall Held

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 9:26


    Midnight, a river of fire, and no sign of Elfhelm. Join The Man of the West as Grimbold makes his stand at the Fords of Isen — and faces a choice between glory and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 122 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Horse-Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 10:00


    Join The Man of the West for one Old English root, four Rohirric names, and a word that has been galloping through the language since the Eurasian steppe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 122 - Tolkien Tuesday: And Good Detestable

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 12:10


    The Ringwraiths would have said “my lord”, but not to The Man of the West. We close out letter 246 today — including some hard truths about Gandalf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 122 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Pieces on a Board

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 11:12


    Join The Man of the West as Frodo and Sam crest the Morgai — and discover the plain of Gorgoroth is crawling with orcs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 121 - Silmarillion Saturday: Reconciled, In Word

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 10:12


    Join The Man of the West as Melkor and Ungoliant come down from Hyarmentir, and Valinor holds a party. Moral of the story: hire private security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 121 - Friendship Friday: You Comfort Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 11:24


    Join The Man of the West as Legolas and Gimli become two-thirds of the Three Hunters — from the breaking of the Fellowship, across Rohan, and into Helm's Deep, where two friends find the same word for what the other gives them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 121 - Third Age Thursday: Let Isen Be Their Snare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 11:18


    Join The Man of the West as two loyal commanders disagree about how to fight a battle Tolkien has already told us was lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 121 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Brightest of Stars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 10:45


    Join The Man of the West for six words drawn from the cry that broke the Watchers — and from an older cry, in the dark of Shelob's lair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 121 - Tolkien Tuesday: Nice Master

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 13:02


    It's certainly not what Alan's team members call him. Join The Man of the West as we continue letter 246 and visit the moment that Tolkien calls perhaps the most tragic in the entire Tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 121 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Down and Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 10:26


    But not to goblin-town; not yet. Join The Man of the West as Sam finds the way up to Frodo, and the two escape the Tower of Cirith Ungol — into The Land of Shadow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 120 - Silmarillion Saturday: With Both Hands

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2026 12:25


    Join The Man of the West as we go back to where the whole tragedy begins — Melkor slips south to the lightless land of Avathar, and strikes a bargain with a dark hunger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 120 - Friendship Friday: Above All the Jewels

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 11:41


    What Fëanor didn't get after begging three times, a Dwarf gets at first asking. Join The Man of the West as Gimli leaves Lothlórien with three golden hairs and an unexpected wound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 120 - Third Age Thursday: Till Éomer Comes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 11:18


    Two wolfriders, a two-mile charge, and a horn in the dark. Join The Man of the West as Elfhelm reaches the Fords of Isen, and the Prince of the Mark speaks his last words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 120 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Full Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 11:06


    Join The Man of the West for a black fence, a shadow that argued with itself, a mountain that watched the wrong way — and the Latin word Tolkien used to describe Gandalf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 120 - Tolkien Tuesday: Where Shall I Find Rest?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 10:53


    Join The Man of the West as we continue letter 246, where Tolkien turns from Frodo's blame to Frodo's wounds —  and the question Gandalf wouldn't answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 120 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Climbs Backwards-Like

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 10:45


    Join The Man of the West (who climbs forward, if at all) as we follow Sam in, and up, the Tower of Cirith Ungol on his quest to find Frodo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 119 - Silmarillion Saturday: Dark Fruit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 12:09


    Join The Man of the West as the last two sons of Fëanor wish they'd ordered oven mitts, and the Quenta Silmarillion comes to its end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 119 - Friendship Friday: I Need You Both

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 12:10


    Two peoples, three Ages of grievance, and one wizard who refuses to give judgment. Join The Man of the West as we begin our look at An Unexpected Friendship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 119 - Third Age Thursday: Too Late

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 11:40


    Join The Man of the West as Saruman's trap closes around Théodred at the Fords of Isen — and Grimbold proves his worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 119 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Through the Cenedril, and What Gimli Found There

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 11:23


    That would be a very different book, Mr. Carroll. Join The Man of the West for a look at a river and a lake, six names, and a 1971 BBC interview with Tolkien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 119 - Tolkien Tuesday: He Did That

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 12:30


    Join The Man of the West as we begin a four-episode read-through of letter 246 — in which Tolkien defends Frodo, demolishes simple-minded heroism, and gives us the entire argument in three words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 119 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Boom. Clang.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 10:26


    Join The Man of the West as we approach the Tower of Cirith Ungol with Sam — from leaving Frodo's body behind, to the Two Watchers at the gate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 118 - Silmarillion Saturday: Who Shall Release Us?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 10:02


    Join The Man of the West as the two surviving sons of Fëanor argue the theology of an oath sworn to Ilúvatar, with one simply asking: can we just do a little less evil? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 118 - Friendship Friday: Two Is Enough

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 9:15


    Four episodes, two cousins, and one Man with a regrettable attitude. Join The Man of the West as we wrap up our time with Merry and Pippin, from the road home to their beds set beside the great king. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 118 - Third Age Thursday: Five Days

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 11:20


    Join The Man of the West as we shift gears on Third Age Thursday and being a series-long read through of The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfinished Tales: and learn just how close Saruman came to winning the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 118 - Word-nerd Wednesday: To Have and To Holdwine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 9:28


    Join The Man of the West for a pair of Sindarin words from Shelob's Lair, and three Old English words from the open horse-lands of Rohan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 118 - Tolkien Tuesday: Crabbed and Not Too Legible

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 10:32


    Tolkien's writing, not mine — though my writing is rarely legible. Join The Man of the West as Tolkien, developing his ambidexterity, answers a reader's questions about runes and the gift of death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 118 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Filth Unnameable

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 10:40


    No, not the latest hotel review from The Man of the West. Join us as we open Series 16 in the dark, fragrant comfort of Shelob's Lair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 117 - Silmarillion Saturday: And Yet Unvaliant

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 15:06


    Join The Man of the West — to whom this episode's title does not refer… usually — as we read the climax of the War of Wrath, and Morgoth finally gets what's coming to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 117 - Friendship Friday: I Am Lonely

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 13:56


    No, not me — I'm fine; it's Pippin you should worry about. Join The Man of the West as we examine Merry & Pippin's friendship during their time apart, and enjoy their warm reunion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 117 - Third Age Thursday: It Is Difficult to Keep Awake Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 13:19


    Look, I'm trying to keep things exciting, but… oh, that wasn't about the show. Join The Man of the West as we conclude our study of the Elves of Rivendell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 117 - Word-nerd Wednesday: His Children's Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 8:49


    Join The Man of the West as this week's linguistic deep dive includes a look at Estel, and a reminder of the Old English inspiration behind the beginning of the legendarium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 117 - Tolkien Tuesday: Petty Fencing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 10:36


    Join The Man of the West as he discovers Petty Fencing isn't what you build when you just want to get even with your neighbor, and Tolkien gives a reader a fierce defense of Faramir, Éowyn, and their love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 117 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Just a Few More Little Steps

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 9:20


    Sure, Gollum, sure. Join The Man of the West as we continue our journey with Frodo and Sam, climbing the Stairs of Cirith Ungol. Are you sure there isn't an elevator somewhere, Gollum? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 116 - Silmarillion Saturday: Glittering and Bright

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2026 12:24


    Clearly not The Man of the West, today's title describes the sight of Eärendil's ship, Vingilot, as it sails into the heavens — freeing the Elves from despair, while filling Morgoth with doubt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 116 - Friendship Friday: Brush Up My Toes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 12:18


    Join The Man of the West as Merry acknowledges he has some work to do to catch up to Pippin as we continue our (now) four-episode look at their friendship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 116 - Third Age Thursday: Long It Endured

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 10:01


    Join The Man of the West as we begin a two-part look at the Elves of Rivendell: this time featuring the tra-la-lally Elves. 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