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


    • Nov 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 607 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 100 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Mist of Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 8:35


    Join The Man of the West as he discovers there's a lot less word-nerdery on Barahir's companions than he'd expected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 100 - Tolkien Tuesday: Unmingled

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 12:02


    We move on from Tolkien's beef with the Swedish translator (finally), with a look at another of Tolkien's letters to Rhona Beare, with this one feeling a bit like an early Word-nerd Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 100 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Saxifrages and Stonecrops

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 12:00


    Join The Man of the West for a milestone week of Today's Tolkien Times, as he starts with a visit to the region of North Ithilien on Middle-earth Map Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 099 - Silmarillion Saturday: A Measure of Truth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 9:09


    Join The Man of the West as he continues this series' read-through Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin, as Sauron captures a strategic location. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 099 - First Age Friday: Greater and More Lordly

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 10:21


    We return to yet another title that could (never) be said of The Man of the West. Join Alan as he drags Tuor through the Sixth and Seventh Gates, only to meet a guy with a diamond helmet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 099 - Third Age Thursday: For a Different Purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 10:02


    Join The Man of the West as he begins an extended look at yet another group of the Men of Darkness: the Haradrim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 099 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Baragund and Isildur's Horse?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 10:02


    Join The Man of the West as he discovers an unlikely connection in this week's fan favorite Philology Faire… uh, Word-nerd Wednesday. (You heard the music, didn't you?) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 099 - Tolkien Tuesday: A Farrago of Nonsense

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 10:46


    Once considered as a subtitle for Today's Tolkien Times, today's title is Tolkien's response to a continued onslaught of silliness from a Swedish translator of The Lord of the Rings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 099 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Haughty and Ungenerous

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 9:37


    Most definitely not describing The Man of the West… right? Join Alan as he begins the 99th week of episodes for Today's Tolkien Times with a look at the Gondorian capital city — not that one: Osgiliath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 098 - Silmarillion Saturday: So By Perilous Paths

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2025 10:05


    In this week's reading of “I hope I never have to do that”, we learn about the hero Emeldir and how her actions saved the future of Middle-earth. Also, Robin Hood and his… not-likely-merry men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 098 - First Age Friday: As Moonlight Through a Glimmering Mist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 11:16


    Join The Man of the West as we continue our climb through the Orfalch Echor, this time passing through the Gates of Iron and Silver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 098 - Third Age Thursday: Strong and War-hardened

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 10:17


    Most assuredly not describing The Man of the West, today's episode continues our look at the Easterlings over the last 500 years of the Third Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 098 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Back Away from the Elvish Dictionary, Sir

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 10:13


    Join The Man of the West as he walks through the meanings of several important names from our readings in Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin — and also proves why he's not a language consultant for any TV or film adaptations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 098 - Tolkien Tuesday: Presumptuous Impertinence

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 8:32


    Often presumptuous, sometimes impertinent, but rarely both: The Man of the West continues his look at the beef between Tolkien and the Swedish translator of The Lord of the Rings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 098 - Middle-earth Map Monday: How about Making-it-up Monday?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 10:37


    Join The Man of the West as he begins Week 98 of Today's Tolkien Times with a look at the port that keeps Minas Tirith going, the Harlond — and one more place of supreme strategic importance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 097 - Silmarillion Saturday: Great Was the Lamentation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2025 9:17


    The sound of PPP and TTT fans when The Man of the West retires? Ha! Join Alan as Fingolfin meets his fate with courage, and Morgoth gets an owie he can't fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 097 - First Age Friday: No Escape… and No Returning

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 10:03


    We continue our journey with Tuor and Voronwë as they make their way from the First Gate up the Orfalch Echor with their guard guide, Elemmakil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 097 - Third Age Thursday: Minds Filled with Hatred

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 11:14


    Join The Man of the West as we begin a long look at another group of Men of Darkness; from Bór and Ulfang's arrival in the First Age, the Easterlings and Edain have had a long history of conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 097 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Maybe Avoid the Fen of Serech?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 10:39


    Join The Man of the West as he practically sprints through ten place names from our Silmarillion Saturday readings about the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 097 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Should Make Him Apologize

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 11:01


    The Man of the West is genuinely sorry; fortunately, Tolkien is talking about a Swedish interpreter of The Lord of the Rings instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 097 - Middle-earth Map Monday: I Like Big Butteries

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 10:46


    Join The Man of the West as he relives a Philology Faire of the past while walking you through the rest of the City of Minas Tirith: the Hall of Feasts, Rath Dínen, stables, barracks, and yes, the buttery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 096 - Silmarillion Saturday: And Morgoth Came

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 10:38


    The war goes badly for the Noldor, and Fingolfin finds himself knocking on the door of the most powerful being in Middle-earth as we continue our readings in Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the (spoilers) Fall of Fingolfin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 096 - First Age Friday: I Should Slay Him

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 10:25


    Thankfully, nothing to do with The Man of the West in this title: just an acknowledgement that Voronwë has put his old friend in a hard spot as we continue our readings in Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 096 - Third Age Thursday: Men of Twilight and Men of Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 8:43


    Join The Man of the West as he begins a dive into a new topic on Third Age Thursdays looking at different cultures of the race of Men in the Third Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 096 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Fëanor Felt Aggrieved

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 11:20


    What else is new, right? Join The Man of the West for a deep dive into the name of the first High King of the Noldor and a few other words from our recent Silmarillion Saturday readings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 096 - Tolkien Tuesday: Simple-Minded Folk (Like Myself)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 10:06


    Join The Man of the West as we continue our look into Tolkien's letters and discover just how badly the Professor was irritated by a Swedish translator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 096 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Falling Year by Year Into Decay

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 10:33


    Yet another episode title that could be a quote from the text, or a reference to The Man of the West. Join Alan as he starts Series 13 of Today's Tolkien Times by continuing his deep dive into the City of Minas Tirith! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 095 - Silmarillion Saturday: All Aboard the Balrog Train

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 11:22


    Choo-choo. Join The Man of the West as we discuss just how many balrogs there might have been on the southbound train from Angband and point out how Barahir's rescue of Finrod really saved all of Middle-earth. Thanks for joining the TTT for Series 12 — we'll be back again after a short break! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 095 - First Age Friday: Forgotten In My Own Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 10:23


    There's always a title that could be read as applying to The Man of the West — but this is just Voronwë trying to make sure he and Tuor don't get killed… or at least not yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 095 - Third Age Thursday: A Token of Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 11:26


    Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at the original Elessar, and the two backstories of the one given to Aragorn.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 095 - Word-nerd Wednesday: But Wait, There's More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 10:54


    More names from Of Maeglin in this week's Word-nerd Wednesday, including the names of Turgon's wife and daughter — and of a Dwarven hall that's got a familiar name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 095 - Tolkien Tuesday: Neither ‘Foolhardy' Nor German

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 10:16


    The Man of the West isn't German either, but he might not have much to say on the ‘foolhardy' front. Join him as we take a look at Tolkien's surname and read more on C.S. Lewis and his misspelling of Númenor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 095 - Middle-earth Map Monday: A Thousand Feet Above the Plain

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 10:11


    Join The Man of the West as he begins the last week of Series 12 with a Middle-earth Map Monday exploring the City of Minas Tirith! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 094 - Silmarillion Saturday: Their Roofless Grave

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 10:03


    Join The Man of the West as he begins a new chapter on Silmarillion Saturdays, Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 094 - First Age Friday: Blame Me Not

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 9:37


    Week 094 - First Age Friday: Blame Me Not Voronwë echoes the words of the Man of the West, but sounds so much better doing it. He and Tuor get oh-so-close to the entrance to the Hidden Kingdom… in fact, I'd say this is the driveway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 094 - Third Age Thursday: Treasure Without Price

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 10:31


    At least you know the title isn't referring to The Man of the West! Join him as we look at the fascinating story behind the two versions of the Elendilmir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 094 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Sounds Like…

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 10:31


    Join The Man of the West as he looks at more words from the chapter Of Maeglin, and decides to fill in the blanks for a name that Tolkien was was “meaningless then and now”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 094 - Tolkien Tuesday: What Have Penguins Done to You, Professor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 10:06


    The Man of the West looks at some more of Tolkien's letters, discovering that the Professor is overworked, criticizes Lewis' “ponderous silliness”, and is not fond of puffins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 094 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Huge Tracts of Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 10:30


    Join The Man of the West as he goes inside the Rammas that we visited last week to see the wide tilth and many orchards of the Pelennor on another Middle-earth Map Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 093 - Silmarillion Saturday: Knowing That He Was Perilous

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 12:00


    Join The Man of the West for the tragic conclusion to the chapter Of Maeglin as Eöl does the unthinkable, Aredhel protects her son, and Maeglin's desires lead him down a dark road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 093 - First Age Friday: Short is the Sight of Mortal Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 10:30


    At least The Man of the West doesn't have to do any curvature-of-the-earth calculations in this week's reading in Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 093 - Third Age Thursday: Yet to Earn It

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 8:31


    Join The Man of the West for a deep dive into yet another Third Age Artifact in Middle-earth as we look at the nature and history of The Sceptre of Annúminas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 093 - Word-nerd Wednesday: An Aberration

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 9:54


    The Man of the West fully recognizes his status, but the title actually refers to a possible mixup on Tolkien's part! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 093 - Tolkien Tuesday: Not Going Off Exactly as Hot Cakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 10:09


    Does the title reference episodes of Today's Tolkien Times? Well, yes… but Tolkien is referring to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings on this week's Tolkien Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 093 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Ah, but Which Denethor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 10:48


    Join The Man of the West as he asks a question almost no one else would bother asking as we journey with Gandalf (and Pippin) as they pass the wall protecting the Fields of the Pelennor, the Rammas Echor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 092 - Silmarillion Saturday: To Claim My Own

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 10:47


    Join The Man of the West as Eöl proves he's exactly who we've known him to be all along when he finally gets a chance to meet his brother-in-law, the King of Gondolin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 092 - First Age Friday: Death Walks Between

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 9:52


    Join The Man of the West as we journey with Tuor and Voronwë through the Vale of Sirion; Tuor wants to fight, Voronwë offers better advice, and Ulmo's cloak saves the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 092 - Third Age Thursday: Touch It and Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 10:41


    Aragorn has strong words for Háma, as The Man of the West continues his look at Third Age artifacts with a study of Andúril, née Narsil, and the Ring of Barahir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 092 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Well, I'm Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 9:33


    Join The Man of the West as we discover that Sam's statement upon returning home is a lot easier to decipher than Voronwë's Alae! Ered en Echoriath, ered embar nín! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    west word nerds alae wednesday well
    Week 092 - Tolkien Tuesday: Fauna of Mordor

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 10:15


    It's time to hear Tolkien tell us what he really thinks about cats (or a breed of them, perhaps) — as well as retirement, vacation, and publishing Gawain — in this week's set of Letters on Tolkien Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 092 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Stone for Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 11:02


    Join The Man of the West as we continue our journeys in Anórien, stopping by the pine woods of the Drúadan Foreste, and walking the roads of Stonewain Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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