The Prancing Pony Podcast

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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 work, with smart but straightforward discussion and a healthy dose of self-effacing humor, pop-culture references, and bad puns. These are the folks you'd want to hang out with at a pub and talk Tolkien with!

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Ducks man
    Huge Lord of the Rings fan
    This podcast does a great job of reliving. The awesomeness has Lord of the rings and JR tokens work if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, you should listen to this.
  • The Nine-toed Dwarf
    We’re going on an adventure
    Love this podcast so much. Only watched the movies until recently. This podcast makes me want to dive into additional books. Thank you for explaining the creation so beautifully. Please never stop coming in pints.
  • celebrimbanner
    Amazing work!
    Great coverage on all things LOTR! Totally recommend and love all the deep dives and questions after nightfall. You guys have a lot of insightful moments but please stop throwing Rings of Power under the bus. It’s a really great show, and even if you guys don’t appreciate it, that doesn’t mean everyone else has to. In conclusion, you’re doing a really good job! 👏 Keep it up! Namárië
  • DJW07
    Best podcast for all things Middle Earth and Tolkien!
    New listener working my way through the Silmarillion episodes. Thank you for making my drives and work less boring. In all seriousness, the amount of research and dedication is outstanding. I thought I loved Middle Earth before but your passion, dedication, knowledge, and humor has taken my love to new heights (like the Great Eagles). Thank you!
  • lord of gondor 76767
    Greatest podcast
    The greatest podcast ever seen, it’s logo shines with white and green, I could stay and listen for hours, and hear of men, elves, and the powers. No, that doesn’t do it justice. Great job Allen and all the other cohosts, I’m still sad that Shawn left, but your still the best Tolkien podcast ever.
  • thelessyouknow
    Allen’s voice is so soothing
    The content is awesome, and I love everyone involved, but tbh Allen’s readings of the text are like 85% of the reason i tune in xD
  • neville bamshottee
    Great
    Fun and insightful with obvious passion.
  • Threecoldnoses
    Found my Tribe
    I came to the podcast less than a year ago so I’m playing catch-up, but I’m hooked. Love the knowledge, the jokes, the digressions, all of it. The guest interviews have taught me a lot and I look forward to learning more. I do wish Alan would let others talk without constantly interrupting, but I can live with it!
  • The man in the blue hat
    Excellent
    Passion and thoughtfulness shine through. Also occasionally funny. Really worth the time.
  • Mikewise Gamgee
    Best Tolkien content
    Hats off to Alan as he continues to deliver the best Tolkien content. I’ve really enjoyed some of the recent podcasts with Don Marshal. You guys have some excellent chemistry going on! Always interesting, informative, and fun to listen to! Thanks for all you do.
  • WittySupername
    Stop that! You’re not going into a song while I’m here!
    Haven’t read the books in 20 years, but began The Hobbit with my kids after The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and I stumbled across your show. And after listening to the first episode somehow I went on! What a eucatastrophe! I listened to your movie episodes and some others and you reading some forgotten segments of LOTR gave me the push to crack open Fellowship again. Several years back on the show, I hope you guys don’t become jerks or something in the future. I really enjoy the mix of dramatic readings, philosophical deep dives, and Monty python references. Tolkien himself might even appreciate half of your show half as much as it deserves.
  • Nick Loweree
    Amazing!
    I am late the joining this podcast but I started at the beginning and am working my way through. This podcast has been monumental i helping me to further understand and appreciate the Legendarium. I look forward to the next 300+ episodes!
  • Matthew4868
    Little late
    I’m just starting this pod in 2024 so I’m a bit late for the party. I’m starting at the beginning. It’s very informative and the guys are doing a great job explaining everything that I seem to need answers for. Looking forward to listening to the entire podcast. I’m fascinated with this whole store line from the books and movies. Thanks for making this !
  • Looking4treasure
    How have I not known about the Prancing Pony Podcast?
    I am a truck driver and just started listening from the very beginning of the podcast two weeks ago. Already I am at episode 30 having laughed, pondered, and cried at this humor sprinkled, comprehensive walk through of Tolkien’s works with who I have come to think of as Sean the word wizard and Alan the lore bard. These guys are knocking it out of the park or rather out of Gondor (which is hard to do where we are at in the story). I ever look forward to the next episode.
  • Kellidra
    Fantastic podcast
    This has become my go to podcast for road trips. The hosts are funny and knowledgeable, and somehow they make the drive seem to go faster. I’ve learned a lot from them and now I’m rereading the Silmarillion after gaining a great deal of insight from their discussion of it. So far I’m in season two—I’m looking forward to all that is yet to come!
  • Finndizzle
    Excellent podcast!
    I love this podcast! I already liked LOTR, but once I started listening to the PPP I couldnt believe how rich and vast the mythology is! Highly recommended!
  • CodaElf22
    Informative and Entertaining!
    I first heard of this podcast from a classmate at college. I was a little skeptical at first but after getting a few episodes in I was hooked! I enjoy Shawn and Allen’s jokes and references (especially to Princess Bride) and I have learned so much about my favorite author! Well worth listening!!!
  • gershom99
    Charming discussion
    Totally charming discussion of the text of some of my favorite books. The speculation goes a bit far afield for my taste, but it is all good, as they say. Most enjoyable and friendly.
  • MomofMGM
    Simply amazing
    I first heard about the PPP from nerd of the rings which I also recommend on YouTube. this podcast is amazing! I just started listening not that long ago and I know so much more about middle earth then I did before. This is a great podcast if you’re just making your way through the Silmarillion or if you’ve been a long time Tolkien fan. highly recommended! Don’t hesitate. start listening! - M.J.E
  • Mardorwe
    I can still learn stuff about Tolkien
    I first read The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings about 50 years ago, long before podcasts, smart phones, or email even existed. I’ve just recently discovered The Prancing Pony Podcast, and although I have listened to only a fraction of the 300+ episodes, I am already wiser.
  • AZPiz#1
    Great!
    This is great breakdown of LOTR
  • Manimal05
    Passionate
    These 2 are passionate about Tolkien and the world he created. I am on episode 35 and will continue to listen.
  • Ulmo26
    Prancing pony podcast reveiw
    Great podcast. I started listening to it resentful and it’s the highlight of my day.
  • whydoineedanickname17
    Wish I would have found it sooner
    I only recently found The Prancing Pony Podcast, but fortunately for me it was right as I was beginning the Silmarillion for the first time. What a wonderful podcast for Tolkien fans. I read the Silmarillion chapter by chapter with the podcast as my reading companion, and I cannot recommend this enough. The hosts are the perfect balance of fan and researcher. I am tearing through the Silmarillion and looking forward to tearing through the rest of the show. Highly recommend, truly excellent and enjoyable.
  • Greek fan 2012
    Estel
    I’m not caught up yet and I haven’t seen Shawn leave yet, I have heard some bad things about after that but I have hope. But so far I love this podcast.
  • Kaoruchan42
    The Best Tolkien Podcast
    Tolkien has been my favorite writer for years, but this show has helped me appreciate his works on a whole new level
  • Diskokidd
    Love
    You two are amazing, thank you for opening this world up to me way more than I thought possible.
  • Taymy22
    You two take Tolkien to a whole ‘nother level for me!!!
    Just wanted to pop in and thank you for all the time and research you put into this podcast for all of us. Since listening, I’ve come to love his books even more than ever and I’ve learned so much along the way. A very big THANK YOU from Taylor in Missouri!
  • Mitch’s Review
    Truly Amazing
    I just started listening to this podcast and already on episode 32 after a two week binge! Amazing research and effort put forth by the two hosts. I love how they break down the Simarillion into bite-sized pieces and explore underlying themes, character traits, relationships, and histories and even family trees. This podcast is seriously amazing and is the one and only that satiates my increasing appetite for Tolkien’s work. Thanks so much you guys and I hope you keep going!!
  • Lail_Mail
    Love it!
    I have been reading the Fellowship of The Ring and listening alongside this amazing podcast. I love the commentary and explanation of the depth of Tolkien's universe. Keep up the great work!
  • TolkienModern
    Amazing!!!!!😍😍😍😍
    It’s a great show. They know what they’re talking about, and they show their passion. I wish they had a link for some books on Tengwar, Quenya, sindarin, and Angthuras, though…
  • BreadButta91
    Tolkien fans come one come all!
    Tolkien fanatics and fans of all levels must listen to this podcast! Alan and Shawn are truly dedicated to their craft and it shows every week. The study of the works is incredibly well thought out and includes lots of good humor to keep it light in between some of the deep themes. The pace is just right too. I spent a year playing catch up on old episodes and it was new adventure on an old tale, truly inspiring. Cannot recommend this podcast more. The professor himself would be proud of how the PPP take care of his legendary works. Honestly without Shawn it loses a star. Some of the guests have been great like Matt from NOTR and others, not so much.
  • Laiahabigail
    10 out for 5 stars
    Such a great show. These are some awesome guys!
  • Me20100311
    Such a Great Podcast!
    Thank you for the years of continuing contribution and curating of such wonderful lore!
  • Control your game
    10/10
    I LOVE THIS! i have been deep diving into lotr lore and needed something to listen to at work, this is amazing !!
  • Calladriel
    Wow
    I have been waiting my whole life for this. I’m blown away. I thought I knew a fair amount about Tolkien and his legendarium, but I am a mere neophyte. Couldn’t recommend enough.
  • JOJOdall
    Best Tolkien- related podcast!
    Whether you’re a Tolkien nerd or a fan of the films, or just confused about who all these elves, humans, hobbits, Dwarfs, Orcs and Wizards are, this is the place to help sift through it all. Really fun podcast, but also super informative. I found this when I started watching Amazon’s Rings of Power show… I was muddled because the pre- history shown in the series was maybe different from the somewhat familiar history I’ve absorbed after reading The Hobbit and LOTR books every year since I was 14, and and watching the PJ films every year as well. Alan and Shawn broke the Amazon series down… and roused my curiosity to checkout this PPPodcast. SO GLAD I DID! OMG, I’ve learned so much and enjoyed the jokes, the book/ chapter breakdowns, the guest hosts and started to feel a part of the Tolkien community, which wasn’t really on my radar- despite being an avid re-reader for decades. Starting w/ some of JRR Tolkien’s background, the creation of this amazing fictional world, the early histories of all the above mentioned characters, then plowing through The Silmarillion. Then thoroughly enjoying The Hobbit and LOTR books… after catching up to 5+ years of episodes, I’m proud to say I am caught up after almost two years of listening. They planted the seed for me to listen to the audiobooks, which are amazing. Andy Serkis reading the three main (Silmarillin, Hobbit, LOTR which is actually 3 books) are fabulous. I’ve explored some of the other printed and audio books in the Tolkien Legendarium, and now I can follow the podcast and Facebook discussions better than pre- PPP. Alan, the principal creator of the PPP says that after finishing LOTR breakdowns, he’s planning to return to The Silmarillion to do a better job than the quick run- through they did in the earliest podcasts… I cannot wait!
  • geostrophi
    Fellowship
    They are like old friends, and I get such a warm feeling from this podcast - thank you.
  • Hex1979
    Wonderful, accessible, and a in depth Tolkien Podcast
    I have been looking for ways to go more in depth into the Legendarium especially on long drives. I have been through all the audio books in the car and this is a perfect way to engage in Tolkien’s material short of reading and researching yourself. I am only about 20 episodes in so there are many many more to keep me busy for quite some time to come. I think they are in the 300’s. I am so glad I found this one.
  • Shannara76
    Prancing Pony Podcast
    I love this podcast! These two are fun to listen to plus they are knowledgeable about Tolkien’s work. Also the rating is wrong these guys are pg
  • Quilldwa
    Late to the show
    Just got here a few months ago, so I have a long way to go to catch up. Thoroughly enjoying the show, and have finished The Silmarillion with a much greater level of understanding than the first time I read it. On to The Hobbit!
  • DW Subscriber
    Um why is it explicit now?
    Please fix this issue
  • F8hplv
    Amazing Tolkien Podcast
    The knowledge and genuine love of hosts make this a delight with every episode. Highly recommend checking this out.
  • TJF97
    DELIGHTFUL!!!
    I’ve been a huge Tolkien fan since childhood. This podcast is a GIFT: the perfect blend of literary discussion, commentary, biography, humor, and hilarious pop culture references. This is a gem of a podcast. No, it’s the ARKENSTONE of podcasts!
  • AmListy
    Since 2019
    Thank you.
  • Jcboyn
    Joy-filled delight
    The friendship and joy felt through discussion of Middle Earth is infectious. A special show.
  • Daniel of Dor Lomin
    Like Wonder Friends With a Shared Passion
    Being of the same generation as the hosts (A listener since 2019) I have a special appreciation for their pop culture references, digressions, and attention to detail. While I miss Sean Marchese, I think the podcast is a most worthy listen for the Tolkien enthusiast, and the show provides an excellent sense of community and a way to feel like one is in a special club. As large as the internet community is, it is difficult to have the kind of artistic fellowship appreciation on a local level, and this podcast fills that void wonderfully. I am so, so late in providing a review, but I wanted to do my bit beyond being a patreon subscriber. I wish Alan all the best in his future endeavors, and I hope Rings of Power breathes new life into the Tolkien community. The Prancing Pony Podcast has on its own brought new fans into the fold, and I applaud and appreciate the cultural contribution from the hosts. The content is lovely, and I hope they endure for a long, long time.
  • huMAN4217492
    LOTR:RisetoWar
    Episode 298 you guys are discussing LOTR games but don’t mention the phone game LOTR:RisetoWar and I want to know why. It’s a fantastic game! All hail The Witch King 💀 Other than that I’d like to state that this is an amazing podcast, I’ve been listening for years now. Fantastic work in both quality and depth also your respect and admiration for Tolkiens work is appreciated. I hope to listen on for years to come still as you cover all his work.
  • LúthienMaia
    Enlightening Tolkien Podcast: A World of Knowledge!
    I am a huge Tolkien fan, and I must say, this podcast is an absolute gem for fellow enthusiasts! The hosts’ depth of knowledge about the world of Tolkien is truly impressive. Every episode is filled with fascinating details about Middle-earth, the characters, and the intricate lore that often goes unnoticed. I love how they delve into lesser-known aspects and provide fresh perspectives on well-known stories. Whether it’s analyzing the languages, exploring the histories of various races, or discussing the symbolism in Tolkien’s works, they never fail to amaze me with their insights. If you want to expand your understanding of Tolkien’s rich universe, this podcast is an absolute must-listen. Keep up the excellent work, and thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge with us!
  • Apex716
    The hobbit
    Just went through the hobbit loving the content
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