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


    • May 2, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 712 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 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

    Week 116 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Not One Star; All the Stars

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 8:49


    Break out your Quenya and Sindarin dictionaries as The Man of the West does his usual mid-week deep dive into the names of some familiar places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 116 - Tolkien Tuesday: Never Mind the Critics

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 10:01


    As though Tolkien ever took them too seriously to begin with. Join The Man of the West as he looks at two letters closing out 1962, including how a neighbor literally influenced the shape of Tolkien's world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 116 - Middle-earth Map Monday: A Shapeless Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 10:57


    Join The Man of the West as he continues his anti-bucket list of places to visit in Middle-earth with a trip through history to view the city known both as Minas Ithil and Minas Morgul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 115 - Silmarillion Saturday: And His Prayer Was Granted

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 13:15


    Join The Man of the West as Eärendil wanders the lonely streets of Tirion, and Eönwë has a sense of dramatic timing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 115 - Friendship Friday: Good Old Merry!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 11:12


    Join The Man of the West as we begin a look at another friendship in the legendarium: everyone's favorite troublemakers, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 115 - Third Age Thursday: That What Should Be Shall Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 12:55


    Galadriel takes the high road when faced with a no-win scenario, as The Man of the West completes a three-episode look at the Elves of Lórien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 115 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Any Excuse At All, Really

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 9:17


    Join The Man of the West as he finds a reason to read a line from Galadriel's Lament because… well, see above. Also: which of these words is not like the others? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 115 - Tolkien Tuesday: Blow Me Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 10:05


    Three short letters in the Revised and Expanded edition provide the usual combination of insight, wit, and kindness that characterize Tolkien's letters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 115 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Corpse Candles and Carne Asada?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 12:02


    Join The Man of the West as we continue our itinerary of Places No One Wants to Visit: this time, looking at the lovely and refreshing Morgul Vale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 114 - Silmarillion Saturday: Move Their Hearts to Pity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 12:35


    We've been building up to this for a few series now, and it's finally time to begin Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    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

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