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


    • Feb 10, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 660 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 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

    Week 106 - Tolkien Tuesday: Her Dragon is Absurd

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 9:18


    When an artist fails to meet Tolkien's standards, it's time to call in Pauline Baynes! Join The Man of the West as we revisit the Letters on Tolkien Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 106 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Five Swift Streams

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 8:54


    Join The Man of the West as he continues his journeys in southern Gondor, moving into the green fields of Lebennin where the people are hardy and numerous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 105 - Silmarillion Saturday: Utúlie'n Aurë!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 10:03


    And The Man of the West answered crying “Auta i lómë! The night is passing!” Or maybe that was the army of Fingon when they heard the trumpet of Turgon, who finally decided to do something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 105 - First Age Friday: Felt Old Age Creep Upon Him

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 10:32


    The Man of the West is wondering who's behind these episode titles. Tuor leads the refugees of Gondolin to safety before deciding it's time to sail off into the sunset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 105 - Third Age Thursday: You Shall Be Summoned Once Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 10:34


    Perhaps this is a reference to jury duty for The Man of the West. Or perhaps it's part of Isildur's curse on the Men of the Mountains, as we continue our look at the Men of Darkness in the Third Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 105 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Mistakes Were Likely to Be Made

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 11:59


    The Man of the West is far, far too familiar with the truth of today's title, which is actually Tolkien's explanation for some of the place names in Gondor on this week's Word-nerd Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 105 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Loathe It

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 9:06


    Join The Man of the West as we have to carefully dissect and analyze Professor Tolkien's words to really understand what he's saying. Or not at all, really. Watch out, Disney! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 105 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Weed is Better Than I Thought

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 10:03


    Good heavens, no — not that weed: athelas, of course. It's also a quote from Ioreth, not The Man of the West — who is here to take you up into the vales of Lossarnach on this week's Middle-earth Map Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 104 - Silmarillion Saturday: Less Aid Than Should Have Been

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 10:24


    Join The Man of the West as Fëanor's foolish oath bears unpleasant fruit more than 500 years later as we begin our reading about the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 104 - First Age Friday: Both Fell to Ruin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 11:59


    While it is true that The Man of the West isn't what he used to be, I'd hardly use ‘fell to ruin'. No, that's just a Balrog of Morgoth and our old friend Glorfindel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 104 - Third Age Thursday: Black Sails Bellying in the Breeze

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 12:12


    We continue our look at the Men of Darkness in the Third Age as The Man of the West concludes his time studying the Corsairs of Umbar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 104 - Word-nerd Wednesday: A Little Tomfoolery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 8:47


    Join The Man of the West for some different word-nerdery, this time on some English-sounding names that aren't especially English. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 104 - Tolkien Tuesday: Heraldic Overtones

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 10:14


    Continuing our look at Tolkien's 1961 letter to his Aunt Jane, we find an argument for why a word like ‘argent' is beautiful even before it is understood. Totally unlike The Man of the West, of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 104 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Tour of Gondor Continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 10:09


    Join The Man of the West as he begins the 14th Series of Today's Tolkien Times with a look at the region of South Ithilien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 103 - Rude Little Errand Boy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 9:32


    Yes, that's The Man of the West. But NPB means that to refer to Ilbereth, the secretary for Father Christmas, who writes the largest portion of this second half of the 1937 letter. What does roast Polar Bear taste like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 103 - One of the Cleverest Elves

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 10:02


    Father Christmas wishes Tolkien a speedy recovery, and explains that he's already giving away ‘second editions' of The Hobbit just three months after its publication, as we look at the first part of the 1937 letter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 103 - A Letter Worth Hearing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 8:39


    Join The Man of the West for the 1936 letter as Father Christmas introduces us to a new member of Team North Pole, and Polar Bear takes a very long bath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 103 - Quite a Nasty Outbreak

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 10:04


    It's 1935, and Father Christmas grows concerned about the goblins, expecting trouble with them soon — but hey, elvish magic sparkler spears should do the trick, right? Right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 103 - Frightful Mischief

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 9:43


    While The Man of the West is sometimes guilty of such trouble, today's title refers to guests at the North Pole in 1934: Polar Bear's young cousins, Paksu and Valkotukka! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 103 - I Enjoyed it Immensely!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 11:20


    It's time for our holiday tradition of reading from Letters From Father Christmas, this time starting in 1933 as Polar Bear continues his goblin-smashing ways! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 102 - Silmarillion Saturday: Great in Strength Both of Mind and Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 10:23


    No, today's title… oh, you know the joke by now. Join The Man of the West as we conclude our time in Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin from The Silmarillion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 102 - First Age Friday: A Light Was in His Face as the Light of Heaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 10:22


    Just like yesterday, today's title still isn't a reference to The Man of the West — though it's a bit more obvious this time. No, today's the day we meet baby Eärendil, the half-elf who will save the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 102 - Third Age Thursday: Enamored of Evil Knowledge

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 9:28


    No, I promise today's title isn't a reference to The Man of the West. Instead, it's time to take a look at two more groups of the Men of Darkness: the Black Númenóreans and the Corsairs of Umbar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 102 - Word-nerd Wednesday: And Now for Something Completely Different

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 9:36


    We step away from the First Age to do a very deep dive on a single word from our Middle-earth Map Monday discussion, and learn more about trees as a bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 102 - Tolkien Tuesday: Other and Duller Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 8:53


    Join The Man of the West as he begins a look at another letter from Tolkien to his Aunt Jane; turns out sorting through old poetry is better than the rest of the things Tolkien should be doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 102 - Middle-earth Map Monday: How Long Have I Been Asleep?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 10:26


    I'd say about two days, if episodes of Today's Tolkien Times are anything to go by. Join The Man of the West as he begins the last week of Series 13 by looking at the site of what Tolkien says is the eucatastrophe of the whole story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 101 - Silmarillion Saturday: At Least They Had Window Seats

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 10:03


    Join The Man of the West as he spends a year in Gondolin with the brothers Húrin and Huor, only to get left at the airport in the middle of the night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 101 - First Age Friday: Word of the Woes Without

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 10:37


    Tuor finally brings his message to Turgon; the King doesn't take his advice, but does allow him to marry his daughter, as we shift chapters in our story of Tuor and Gondolin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 101 - Third Age Thursday: Like a Glitter of Stars

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 10:05


    Join The Man of the West for the third episode on the Haradrim, as we look at the actions of the Southrons in The War of the Ring in another of our deep dives of the Men of Darkness in the Third Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 101 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Ugly Shaggy Hair, Son of Ugly Beard

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 8:05


    No, this isn't The Man of the West saying his son needs a haircut; today's Word-nerd Wednesday looks at the Sindarin names of some of the new arrivals in Beleriand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 101 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Don't Know if They Have Any Virtue at All

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 9:41


    The Man of the West says the same about TTT episodes, but one of today's letters sees the Professor say this about some of his poems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 101 - Middle-earth Map Monday: An Unconsuming Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 9:00


    Welcome to the start of the next 100 weeks of Today's Tolkien Times, with a Middle-earth Map Monday spent in the “window of some elven-tower, curtained with threaded jewels”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 100 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Sons of Galdor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 10:43


    Join The Man of the West as he celebrates his 600th episode of Today's Tolkien Times, just in time to see Húrin and Huor rescued and taken to Gondolin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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