The Prancing Pony Podcast
The Prancing Pony PodcastThe Prancing Pony Podcast is a weekly show about the Middle-earth legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien, hosted - for six seasons - by Alan Sisto and Shawn E. Marchese. Now in its ninth season, Alan is joined by an all-star cast of co-hosts as he explores more of Middle-earth! Alan and all his co-hosts are passionate Tolkien enthusiasts, inviting listeners to enjoy their detailed exploration of Tolkien’s ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 424 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsFilm ReviewsTV & Film | |||
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Latest Episodes
It turns out the Stones are more amenable to legitimate users; too bad all we have are Alan and Shawn. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as we conclude our reading of the chapter on The Palantíri, as well as our time in Unfinished Tal... more
After the Kings, Gondor declined into a Middle Age of fading knowledge and simpler skills. Alan and Shawn find that surprisingly familiar. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as we begin our two-episode look at the final chapter of Unfi... more
Some people believe that “Gandalf” was the last appearance of Manwë; Alan is convinced Shawn is the last appearance of Oromë. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as they conclude their three-episode walk through the chapter on The Istar... more
The Istari were never young and aged only slowly; Alan and Shawn will have to settle for only one of those two. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as they continue their three-part study of The Istari from Unfinished Tales. The Valar h... more
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- Recent listener catching up
I just started listening to this podcast early in 2026. These gentlemen bring so much depth and connections to the Legendarium! And they are funny! I’ve been listening while I am trail walking. At some points they have me laughing out loud. Between the puns, movie and music references, they just bring a freshness and fun the Professor’s works. I haven’t read whether balrogs have wings yet, but I agree—who doesn’t like Firefly! Since I am so far behind, I will be listening for many years, I think... more
Apple Podcasts5Quilter1986
United States16 days ago - Want to understand Tolkien?
This podcast has been my companion in my almost year long project to read and truly understand the Silmarillion. I first re read the hobbit and the Lord of the rings and then just finished the Silmarillion with these podcasts after each chapter. Great podcast and helped me go from casual fan to a deep lover of these works. Loved the special episodes on topics like race and faith. The hosts have come to feel like friends. I do caution, not sure if someone outside of the Gen X crowd would like it ... more
Apple Podcasts5Lybrand1234@&United States18 days ago - Finally understand Silmarillion
I'm late to this podcast. But better late than never. I started at the begining of the podcast with the Silmarillion eposidoes. Third time through the book and listening to the podcast along side my read through has finally made it click for me. Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5Moe-1234United States19 days ago - Revisiting Tolkien
I’m enjoying reading all the books again, slowly with the guys, and learning more about the Legendarium and reigniting my love for all things Hobbity.
The presenters are irreverently serious, add to the depth of my knowledge and have given me a rich experience.
Apple Podcasts5Estragon73
United Kingdom2 months ago - New to podcasts
Hello a friend who I found out had read the series was sharing how difficult he had found reading the Silmarillion was. I was so frustrated by it that I gave my copy away and stopped rereading the series. He shared your podcast info and highly recommended I hear it. New to the world of podcasts I find it difficult to follow without stopping every five minutes to research a word or reference. I guess being a genealogist explains that lol.
Apple Podcasts5CPhjjjjdihrjrirbrh
Canada3 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #31 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #89 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #37 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #47 | Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #95 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #118 | Canada/Arts |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Prancing Pony Podcast
What is The Prancing Pony Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A weekly, lore-forward discussion about Tolkien's Middle-earth, mixing dense textual analysis with lighthearted humor, pop culture riffs, and community updates. Hosts build long-running conversations around the Legendarium, often inviting scholars and dedicated fans to illuminate obscure details, while maintaining a pub-night vibe that makes deep dives feel approachable. Notable strengths include rigorous textual close-reading, strong guest contributions from academics and seasoned enthusiasts, and a vibrant, donation-supported community that fosters collaboration and events. Potential listeners who enjoy thorough lore, philology, and witty banter will likely find this show rewarding, though some episodes run lengthy due to their digressive... more
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How many listeners does The Prancing Pony Podcast get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Prancing Pony Podcast?
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How many subscribers and views does The Prancing Pony Podcast have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Prancing Pony Podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Prancing Pony Podcast:
1. Today's Tolkien Times
2. Lord of the Rings Lorecast - J.R.R. Tolkien's World & Writings Explained
3. Imaginary Worlds
4. StarTalk Radio
5. Past Lives
How many episodes of The Prancing Pony Podcast are there?
The Prancing Pony Podcast launched 11 years ago and published 424 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Prancing Pony Podcast?
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What guests have appeared on The Prancing Pony Podcast?
Recent guests on The Prancing Pony Podcast include:
1. Katie McKenna
2. Anna Maria
3. Corey Olson
4. Dr. Bret Devereaux
5. Sam H. Sam
6. David Smith
7. Matt from The Nerd of the Rings
8. Sara Brown
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.