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Artwork for The Prancing Pony Podcast

The Prancing Pony Podcast

The Prancing Pony Podcast
Middle-Earth
The Lord Of the Rings
Tolkien
Numenor
J.R.R. Tolkien
Rohan
Gondor
Galadriel
Aragorn
Frodo Baggins
Aldarion
Númenor
Erendis
Gandalf
Hobbits
The Silmarillion
The Hobbit
Dwarves
Sauron
Samwise Gamgee

The 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes412Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
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Artwork for The Prancing Pony Podcast

Latest Episodes

Gollum was peculiarly fitted to survive in Moria, though at cost of great misery; Matt is also able to survive his time on the PPP with the same cost. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we get a closer look at Saruman’s unenviable ... more

Christopher Tolkien tells us that the manuscripts for this story are “in great, though hardly exceptional, confusion” — so it seems this podcast is in good company. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we begin to sort through the va... more

Saruon had never paid heed to the halflings, even if he had heard of them — and Matt still doesn’t pay heed to Alan, even if he works with him. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we begin our four-part dive into the chapter The Hun... more

Join The Man of the West as he welcomes The Nerd of the Rings for his run of episodes this season by throwing him into the deep end of a Live Q&A in the PPP Common Room for our 34th Questions After Nightfall! Matt and Alan decide to crash several leg... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

David Smith
Guest, Tolkien enthusiast described as a listener guest in The North Wing
Episode: 409 – Runnin’ Down a Ring
Matt from The Nerd of the Rings
Content creator and co-host
The Nerd of the Rings
Episode: 405 – Tolkien Reading Day 2026
Sara Brown
Shield maiden of Rohan, co-host
The Prancing Pony Podcast
Episode: 405 – Tolkien Reading Day 2026
Chris Pete
Tolkien enthusiast and creator of the Imladris calendar
Wizard Way
Episode: 399 – Under Pressure
Joe Hanfman
Listener and Tolkien enthusiast
Episode: 397 – Rebel, Rebel
Dawn Marshall
TikTok creator known for his Lord of the Rings facts; discussing his new book about J.R.R. Tolkien
Adams Media
Episode: 392 – Help!
Michael D.C. Drout
Accomplished Tolkien scholar and author of 'The Tower and the Ruin'
Wheaton College
Episode: 391 – By Grabthar’s Hammer, What a Book!
Jordan Rannells
Soundscape artist and creator of the soundscapes for the podcast
Episode: 390 – Hello, Goodbye
Jack from Jersey Jack Pinball
Founder of Jersey Jack Pinball, discussing the adaptation of The Hobbit pinball game
Jersey Jack Pinball
Episode: 388 – All You Need is Love (Maybe)

Hosts

Alan Sisto
Host and co-creator, passionate about Tolkien's works and engaging discussions.
James Talbot
Co-host contributing insights into Tolkien's storytelling and lore.
Sara Brown
Co-host who brings a unique perspective to discussions about Middle-earth.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 5.4k ratings
  • Best Tolkien Podcast

    informative, funny, entertaining! if you love the works of JRR Tolkien, this podcast is for you!

    Audible
    5
    D. A.
    United States8 days ago
  • Good show but…

    When it comes to being stewards to Tolkien’s works you have failed terribly to defend his world. I’m way behind and found the ppp first talking about the rings of power. It was lazy and pretentious garbage and to this day they refuse to call it what it is. Even on eve of the third season they say nothing as arda is marred. Nonetheless they taught me Tolkien and gave insight that I will cherish forever. To the books they mastered light. To the movies they succumb to glare. Good show. Good men. Se... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Nerdb01
    United States23 days ago
  • I’m sorry

    I am a Tolkien nut and was excited for a truly deep dive! These hosts just cannot stop themselves going off topic and shouting unrelated pop culture slogans and lyrics at each other. It’s just too much. I want to escape to Middle Earth and this isn’t it. I wanted to love this but it is unfortunately a mess.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    FletchVV
    United States2 months ago
  • The religious guy is insufferable

    The number of times he promises not to beat you over the head with his religion only to then beat you over the head with his religion is insane. “As a Protestant….” Are 50% of his statements. I don’t care about your personal religious journey nor does any listener. If you have things to add to Tolkien in the context of religion great! But please stop beating us over the head with your word view “as a Protestant…”

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    podreviewquy
    United States2 months ago
  • Great reading accompaniment

    After years of trying on my own I finally finished reading the Silmarillion AND feel like I understand it. The hosts are long winded (and often digress) but when they actually talk about the text, it is so informative and enjoyable. Episodes are long but worthwhile. I’m years late to the party having just finished the Silmarillion section but looking forward to moving on to the hobbit!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bfjjcsdjk
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The depth of analysis and literary insight is appreciated, often described as a great companion to reading Tolkien's works.
Overall, the balance of humor, knowledge, and community engagement is highlighted as standout features.
Listeners praise the show for its engaging hosts and humorous take on Tolkien lore.
Audience feedback can be polarizing, with some comments reflecting dissatisfaction with discussions around social issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#28
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#92
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#28
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#28
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#77
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#80
Canada/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

408 – Questions After Nightfall 34
Q: What are the two or three greatest unsolved mysteries of Middle-earth?
Many participants point to the Blue Wizards, the rest of Tuor's story through Gondolin, and the Lay of Latheirn (Lay of Latium) as major unsolved or underexplored arcs that could yield rich narratives if discovered in manuscripts or adaptations.
408 – Questions After Nightfall 34
Q: What hypotheticals about the afterlife and immortality are most debated among the group?
The discussion covers whether mortals who reach Valinor continue to exist, how long they live, and how time moves relative to Arda and Valinor, with various theories about the fates of Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
408 – Questions After Nightfall 34
Q: What is the nature of Gandalf's staff after his death and return as Gandalf the White?
The staff primarily represents authority and is a channel for power; Gandalf's breaking of his staff during the Balrog confrontation signified giving up some power and authority, which aligns with his later return enhanced as Gandalf the White.
408 – Questions After Nightfall 34
Q: Does Tolkien mention any other afterlives besides elves for hobbits and dwarves?
Hobbits are relatives of men and thus share the fate of death; dwarves have a separate, less clearly defined afterlife in Mandos, while elves have a different fate tied to immortality, with speculation about exact destinations when Arda ends.
399 – Under Pressure
Q: When were you first introduced to Tolkien's works and what is it about them that keeps you coming back?
Chris Pete recounts that he was introduced to Tolkien through the Peter Jackson films before reading the books, and his fascination with Elves has driven his ongoing interest.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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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?

The show offers a thorough exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, engaging audiences with smart yet accessible discussions filled with humor and pop culture references. Each episode tackles various aspects of Tolkien's work, supported by textual evidence and personal insights from the hosts and guests, who are all avid Tolkien enthusiasts. Listeners can expect a blend of literary analysis and practical interpretations that make the complex lore more understandable. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, reminiscent of casual conversations among friends in a pub, which enhances the overall enjoyment of the content.

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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. The Ancients
3. The Rest Is History
4. Gone Medieval
5. Empire: World History

How many episodes of The Prancing Pony Podcast are there?

The Prancing Pony Podcast launched 10 years ago and published 412 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Prancing Pony Podcast?

Recent guests on The Prancing Pony Podcast include:

1. David Smith
2. Matt from The Nerd of the Rings
3. Sara Brown
4. Chris Pete
5. Joe Hanfman
6. Dawn Marshall
7. Michael D.C. Drout
8. Jordan Rannells

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.

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