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


    • Aug 31, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 779 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 129 - Might-Have-Been Monday: Only for a Moment

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2026 10:39


    Two cousins, one clearing and no words between them — join The Man of the West for the non-existent family reunion, plus a… slight correction from last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 128 - Silmarillion Saturday: Thou Hast Sworn in Vain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2026 11:19


    Join The Man of the West as Fëanor's facepalm moment arrives: we're going to need boats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 128 - Friendship Friday: Wingfoot I Name You

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 10:26


    A new pairing opens with 100 spears, one drawn sword, and a man betting his life on a stranger he'd just tried to arrest — join The Man of the West for Aragorn and Éomer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 128 - Third Age Thursday: Admitted as Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2026 10:05


    Isengard falls without a siege, and Gondor hands the keys to the first person who volunteers: join The Man of the West as the tower is empty no longer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 128 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The Place Where We Drink

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2026 9:23


    Join The Man of the West for Hall Week: one Old English word that means both ‘fence' and ‘king,' and another that connects Théoden's mead to your amethyst ring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 128 - Tolkien Tuesday: As Unbendable as an Ent

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2026 9:42


    Partially describing The Man of the West, but Tolkien couldn't have known that. Join Alan as letter 250 closes with a confession, a rugby injury, and a grandfather who cannot fathom why anyone finds Anglo-Saxon difficult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 128 - Might-Have-Been Monday: At the Moment of Its Failure

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2026 10:12


    One of our patrons asks, “What if Gandalf had survived the bridge?” Join The Man of the West for the answer, plus his first — and last — attempt at fanfic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 127 - Silmarillion Saturday: None Shall Break, and None Should Take

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2026 12:10


    Seven swords, one impossible promise, and a besotted people following Fëanor: join The Man of the West for the Oath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 127 - Friendship Friday: Dear Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 10:58


    Join The Man of the West as Aragorn and Gandalf finish their long friendship without ever saying farewell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 127 - Third Age Thursday: Though They Held the Keys

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2026 10:50


    Join The Man of the West as Calenardhon is emptied by 400 years of peace before it changes hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 127 - Word-nerd Wednesday: By Design or Chance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2026 10:08


    Join The Man of the West for Fortress Week, including a tower whose name means one thing in Elvish and something else entirely in Rohirric — but manages to be right both times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 127 - Tolkien Tuesday: Circumstances That Affront Your Taste

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 11:40


    The Man of the West hands the microphone to the Professor for the heart of letter 250 — sagging faith, bad priests, and a father's advice to go find the worst mass in town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 127 - Might-Have-Been Monday: Seeth All Things Crooked

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 12:14


    Everyone in Doriath ignores the wisest person in the room — except The Man of the West, of course! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 126 - Silmarillion Saturday: Say Farewell to the Weak

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2026 10:19


    Fëanor at the gym? No, just an announcement of the obvious. Join The Man of the West as Fëanor reminds us of his status as Morgoth's mini-me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 126 - Friendship Friday: What Did You Call Me?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 9:03


    Join The Man of the West for part two of Aragorn and Gandalf as the wizard bows to the ranger, and the ranger doesn't blink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 126 - Third Age Thursday: Three Peoples, One Kin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 10:05


    Join The Man of the West for the second appendix to the Fords of Isen, as we imagine a family reunion of Bree-folk, Dunlendings, and the Dead Men of Dunharrow. Awkward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 126 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Battle-Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 9:42


    Join The Man of the West for Sword Week: the storied blades of Aragorn, Gandalf, Théoden, and Éomer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 126 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Inability to Write Briefly

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 10:34


    True of The Man of the West; also true of Tolkien and his son, Michael. Join The Man of the West for the first of three weeks on Letter 250. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 126 - Might-Have-Been Monday: Every Warning Was Accurate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 10:06


    The wisest voice in Doriath speaks and Thingol answers with a shrug. Join The Man of the West as we look at what happens when nobody listens to Melian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 125 - Silmarillion Saturday: A Deadly Weariness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 9:56


    Join The Man of the West as Morgoth and Ungoliant's terrible, no-good, very-bad first date comes to a screaming end, and Balrogs come to save the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 125 - Friendship Friday: I Am With You, Gandalf

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 10:15


    Join The Man of the West as he continues Friendship Fridays with a new pairing: Aragorn and Gandalf. Today's episode: when not to say ‘I told you so'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 125 - Third Age Thursday: Virtually First Marshal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 11:37


    Join The Man of the West for Erkenbrand's inherited authority, Éomer's promotion that isn't one, and the invisible career of Grimbold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 125 - Word-nerd Wednesday: When is a French Word the Right Word?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 9:34


    Join The Man of the West for real Anglo-Saxon governance, a forest-word that forgot its own meaning, and a Philology Faire rerun on why Tolkien chose French over ‘Horse-thain.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 125 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Cannot Write Decently

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 10:07


    True for The Man of the West most of the time; only true for the Professor when his hand is giving out. A look at three letters reveals an exhausting fortnight for Tolkien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 125 - Might-Have-Been Monday: I Shall Roast Him

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 10:28


    Middle-earth Map Monday hangs up its cartography for a new series of speculations: Might-Have-Been Monday. First up: what if Barliman Butterbur had delivered Gandalf's letter on time? Join The Man of the West down the peaceful road to Rivendell — bad news only for Éowyn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    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

    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