The Prancing Pony Podcast
Episodes
305 – All You Need is Love
29 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam hesitantly takes what he sees as an irrevocable step down into Mordor; Don Marshall hesitantly agrees to do one more chapter with The Man of the W...
304 – Not Your Father's Hobbit
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo has been a prisoner of the Orcs for more than a year in podcast time, but what’s another episode between friends? Before Alan and Don Marshall...
303 – Questions After Nightfall 24
01 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Fëanor piñata takes some more hits as The Man of the West welcomes Don Marshall, the Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy, to the Prancing Pony P...
302 – Live at Oxonmoot 50!
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join both The Man of the West and the Lord of the Mark as they celebrate the release of their new book by recording a LIVE episode at The Tolkien Soci...
301 – A Little Bit Me, A Little… Nah, it’s All You
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sauron smells a trap, and sends his lieutenant to open the door and see who’s there; Matt smells a sidebar, and sends Alan to find out more. Join us...
300 – Another Unpleasant Valley Sunday
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some of Aragorn’s followers are told how they might “keep what honor you may”; The Nerd of the Rings returns to the Common Room to keep what hon...
299 – Not a Trace of Hope in My Mind
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gimli says he’s near the end of their tale; Alan and Shaun aren’t convinced. Join us as we discuss how hard it is to look at your watch when you’...
298 – Take the Last Train to Harlond
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Legolas and Gimli reunite with Merry and Pippin, telling them stories about the last few days. Shaun Gunner (not Shawn) reunites with Alan, telling hi...
297 – Questions After Nightfall 23
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Alan and Sara, as we send Sara back to more civilized realms by joining some of our listeners in the Common Room for our latest Q&A episode. We r...
296 – A Farewell to Kings (For Now)
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hobbits use light words and fear to say too much; we use light words and clearly don’t fear saying too much. Join Alan and Sara, and the many fragra...
295 – It’s Good to Be King
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It turns out Aragorn has a LOT of names; it’s good that none of them are Herbert or Alan and Sara would argue about the leading ‘h’ for (h)ours....
294 – King of Pain (Relief)
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Merry and Pippin meet again after Merry’s agelong ascent; Alan and Dr. Sara Brown meet again after Alan climbs some stairs - nowhere near as dramati...
293 – We’ve Got to Have Some Bears In Here: An Interview with Brian Sibley
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and KnewBetta roll out the red carpet — and put away the Hawaiian shirts — for Brian Sibley’s return to the Common Room! A prolific and tal...
292 – (Goodness, Gracious) Great Ball of Fire
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve heard of ‘quiet quitting’, right? Well, Denethor clearly wants nothing to do with such a trend. Join Alan and KnewBetta as the steward re...
291 – Whole Lotta Heathen Goin’ On
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Authority is given to you, listener of The Prancing Pony Podcast, to order the hour of your listening! Join Alan and KnewBettaDoBetta as Beregond save...
290 – Beautiful Day
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Éomer forms a final shield-wall and thinks of songs that will never be sung; Alan and Shawn offer to gladly butcher, uh, sing those songs. Join us as...
289 – Stuck In a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The king is dead, long live the king! Meet was Théoden’s ending; will meat be Alan and Shawn’s ending? Join us as Éomer receives an unexpected p...
288 – Pride (In the Name of Hindering)
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Witch-king arrives on the battlefield; Alan and Shawn also arrive, presumably with less stink. Join us as we finally arrive at the moment that we’...
287 – Questions After Nightfall 22
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It always comes back to Rush, at least when The Lord of the Mark returns! Join Alan, and a few of our listeners, as we celebrate Shawn’s return to t...
286 – Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Now is the hour come… for us to read one of our favorite passages in all of The Lord of the Rings! Need brooks no delay, so join Alan and Marcel now...
285 – In Ghân’s Country
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Merry’s obsession with luggage continues, as Alan and Marcel discuss whether he should be put in the overhead compartment or checked at the counter....
284 – Tolkien Reading Day 2023
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pack your bags and renew your passports as you join us for the PPP’s eighth annual celebration of Tolkien Reading Day, observed every March 25 in ho...
283 – He Won’t Back Down
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The forces of Mordor begin their assault on the city of Minas Tirith, as Alan and Matt begin their assault on your patience. Join us as The Heathen Ki...
282 – Runnin’ Down a Rout
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Imrahil and Gandalf save the day, along with Faramir’s body; who will ride out to save Alan and Matt? Join us as we follow Gandalf’s Magic Flashli...
281 – Don’t Come Around Here No More
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Faramir goes off to earn his father’s grudging admiration, while Alan and Matt continue to work to earn yours. Join us, and all the captains, as we ...
280 – Don’t Do Him Like That
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Denethor submits his application for Father of the Year, making Alan and Matt feel great about their parenting skills in the process. Join us as we ce...
279 – You Got Lucky
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pippin is asked to sing by the Steward of Gondor; Alan and his new co-host, Matt from The Nerd of the Rings are begged not to sing by everyone else. J...
278 – The Lion & Unicorn: Another Visit with John Garth
05 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and James welcome John Garth in his return to the Common Room here at The Prancing Pony Podcast! We talk about everything in this one: his landma...
277 – I Will Follow
29 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Merry is given his pink slip, but refuses to pack up his desk and leave: a security guard by the name of Dernhelm will escort him out. Join Alan and J...
276 – With or Without You, Rohan
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Red Arrow arrives: do we turn right after coming to a complete stop, or wait? Join Alan and James as we continue The Muster of Rohan (ignoring the...
275 – Who’s Gonna Ride Your War Horses?
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Merry’s not big enough to ride one of the Rohirrim’s steeds, while Alan and his co-host, James Tauber, aren’t exactly keen to try. Join us as we...
274 – Live from PPP Moot!
08 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Alan and Shawn and an all-star panel of guests in an episode recorded live at PPP Moot 2022! Matt from Nerd of the Rings, Luke Shelton from The T...
273 – Questions After Nightfall 21
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Alan and Don, as we send Don back (for now, at any rate) to TikTok, where they apparently need their Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy. But bef...
272 – Bad Company
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
They say bad company corrupts good character; we’ll leave it to you to decide whether the title refers to the Dead Men of Dunharrow, or your hosts, ...
271 – Feel like Breakin’ Love
04 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan has walked this podcast land ere Don was born to grace it — just getting the old jokes out of the way, folks. Join Alan and Don as we listen in...
270 – Run With the Pack
20 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So much alike are Elladan and Elrohir that few could tell them apart; not so with Alan and his co-host, Don Marshall! Join us as Aragorn breaks hard n...
269 – It’s All Part of My Gondorian Fantasy
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here come the jesters, one, two… well, two. Alan is joined by Don Marshall, The Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy from TikTok, as we join Aragorn ...
268 – Waiting for the Son
06 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Shaun finish their time in Minas Tirith waiting for Bergil to decide whether to take Pippin’s lunch money. Hard, bold, and wicked, Pippin c...
267 – This is the End, My Hobbit Friend
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Shaun continue their extended visit to Minas Tirith, spending most of their time with a fellow named Beregond. Pippin asks good questions, th...
266 – People Are Strange When You’re a Halfling
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shaun Gunner of The Tolkien Society begins his service to the PPP, just as Pippin begins his service to Denethor in what is clearly an unacceptable an...
265 – Hello, I Loathe You
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Corey tread carefully as they walk with Pippin and Gandalf into the Hall of Kings to meet the Steward. We watch as Denethor plays a rhetorica...
264 – Riders on the Storm
09 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Corey continue their journey towards Minas Tirith, riding with Gandalf and Pippin on the wings of the storm. We study the architecture of the...
263 – Come on Gondor, Light That Fire
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Corey introduce Book Five, and with no time to wallow in the mire, journey with Gandalf and Pippin towards Minas Tirith, as the beacons try t...
262 – Questions After Nightfall 20
25 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan welcomes The Tolkien Professor himself, Corey Olsen, to the Prancing Pony - just in time for us both to join our listeners in the common-room for...
261 – Drinking the Cup of Farewell
18 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The time has come for Shawn to drink the cup of parting, but not before we take a moment to celebrate his time in the Common Room! We look back on how...
260 – Hanging Out with Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan
24 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Real hobbits arrive at the Prancing Pony, as Alan and Shawn welcome Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan (better known as Pippin and Merry) for our season ...
259 – Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
17 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sam desperately tries to get through the blocked passage while the Orc captains — oblivious that their eaves are being dropped — continue complain...
258 – We Can Be Heroes, Just for One Day
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Letting logic guide him rather than emotion, Sam has made up his mind to leave Frodo’s body where it is and take the Ring to Mount Doom all by himse...
257 – There’s a Star, Man
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Samwise returns to where he left Frodo in the pass of Cirith Ungol, only to discover his master already defeated and being dragged away by Shelob. Act...
256 – Questions After Nightfall 19
19 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Shawn welcome listeners once again to join us in the common-room for our latest Q&A episode! Dwarf-fans rejoice as we answer questions about ...
255 – She Never Begs, She Knows How to Choose Them
12 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The appearance of the biggest cobwebs he’s ever seen gives Sam some hope that he’s at least dealing with something he understands, and fortunately...
254 – She’s Got (Eight) Legs, She Knows How to Use Them
05 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo and Sam follow Gollum into the tunnel, but they’re greeted by a stench and a palpable darkness that are far from welcoming. Soon they are lost...
253 – …That Leads to Mordor
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The hobbits take a quick rest stop before the last leg of the journey down into Mordor, and in a moment of contemplation, Sam imparts some newfound wi...
252 – The Long and Winding Stair…
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Overcome by despair at the sight of the Witch-king’s army, Frodo fears that his quest has already failed. But ever-practical Samwise snaps him out o...
251 – Don’t Stop and Don’t Smell the Flowers
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When the lights go down near the city of the Ringwraiths, Gollum is anxious to continue east as quickly as possible. Frodo and Sam follow, heedless of...
250 – In the Sunshine of Your Love
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new day begins, but doesn’t quite “dawn”, and Gollum leads the hobbits down to the cross-roads. They clearly aren’t in decent places anymore...
249 – Down to the Crossroads
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum leave Henneth Annûn and continue on their quest with Faramir’s blessing and two (not three) shiny new hobbit-sized walking s...
248 – Much More Than Skin Deep: An Interview with Clifford Broadway
24 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Be hasty to tune in as Alan and Shawn welcome Clifford Broadway to The Prancing Pony Podcast! Clifford (also known as Quickbeam) has been on staff at ...
247 – Everybody Out of the Pool
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo convinces Gollum to leave the Forbidden Pool, not without some feelings of regret at his betrayal of the wretched creature. After a brief interr...
246 – Return of the Giant Squirrel
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo is awakened by Faramir in the middle of the night to be treated to a sight he did not expect: a familiar-looking creature fishing in the pool be...
245 – Questions After Nightfall 18
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Shawn once again welcome listeners to the common room for our latest Q&A episode! This time we answer questions about themes in Tolkien’s l...
244 – Tolkien Reading Day 2022
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bring a friend and come along with us for our seventh annual celebration of Tolkien Reading Day, observed every March 25 in honor of the fall of Barad...
243 – Just a Little Bit of Peril
13 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Faramir continues wowing the hobbits with his knowledge of Gondorian history, prompting Sam to one-up him with a recitation of his new spoken word pie...
242 – And the People Did Feast
06 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s supper time at Henneth Annûn, and Faramir‘s men set out the evening meal. Soon the plates and the goblets are full (then empty, then full ag...
241 – There Are Some Who Call Me… Tharkûn
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo learns the identity of the wandering wizard Faramir calls the Grey Pilgrim, and it’s exactly who he thinks (which is to say it’s not John Cl...
240 – Bereft of Life, He Rests in Peace
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Too soon? Probably so, because Frodo’s just learned that Boromir is dead — oh, and the guy interrogating him is the brother of the deceased. He qu...
239 – Nobody Expects the Mannish Inquisition
13 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sam awakens from his nap (honestly, the guy can sleep anywhere) to find Frodo standing before the Rangers of Ithilien, as if on trial. Faramir presses...
238 – Gondor Calling
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With Gollum missing in action, Frodo and Sam get ready to flee from whoever is making the mysterious bird-calls. Soon they’re trapped by tall men wi...
237 – Should I Stew or Should I Go Now
30 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While Frodo rests, Gollum is away hunting for something to eat besides lembas. He returns with two rabbits, which Sam is happy to make a meal out of —...
236 – Go Straight to Smells, Boys
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After the sun sets on the Black Gate, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum set out and take the road south towards Minas Morgul. They soon find themselves in the “...
235 – All Along the Watchtower
16 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There must be some kind of way out of here… and in fact, it’s right down the road to the south, to the side door into Mordor near Minas Ithil (whi...
234 – Knockin’ on Sauron’s Door
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Move over, Saruman! There’s a new contender in the running for Worst Curb Appeal in Middle-earth, and he’s got noise coming out of the place at al...
233 – Questions After Nightfall 17
19 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time for the holidays, it’s the gift that keeps on giving: a new Q&A episode! We answer timely questions about Frodo, Sam, and Gollum as the...
232 – Don't Stand So Close to Me
12 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The wraith on wings is gone, and our heroes appear not to have been noticed. But as the marshes come to an end and the walls of Mordor loom closer, Sm...
231 – Spirits in the Material World
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Frodo and Sam follow their travel guide Gollum through the Dead Marshes — it’s not the tour package we would have chosen, but who are we to judge?...
230 – Choking on a Crust of Bread
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sméagol proves to be willing and able to show Frodo and Sam the way to Mordor, now that his promise on the Precious keeps him from running away (thou...
229 – Always Reaching: An Interview with John Howe
14 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alan and Shawn welcome John Howe to the Prancing Pony Podcast! Over the past several decades John has established himself as one of the most enduringl...
228 – Where Sméagols Swear
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gollum is disinclined to acquiesce to Frodo’s request to lead them to Mordor, and he tries to escape when he thinks the hobbits aren’t looking. Sa...
227 – Where Sméagols Dare
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Three episodes into the chapter, we finally meet Sméagol… and the other fellow sharing his brain. Sam jumps the creeping, crawling creature at the ...
226 – Places High
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The shrieking cry of what might sound like a Ringwraith if they weren’t destroyed forever at the Ford of Bruinen (They were, right? Right!?) makes F...
225 – Strangers in a Strange Land
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We finally begin our readthrough of Book IV of The Lord of the Rings with “The Taming of Sméagol”! All alone after fleeing Parth Galen, Frodo and...
224 – Whose Story Line Is It Anyway?
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One does not simply walk into Mordor without a recap, so before we start our readthrough of Book IV of The Lord of the Rings, we’re reviewing previo...
223 – Questions After Nightfall 16
03 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s our first live Q&A episode of the season, which means Alan and Shawn have got our speculating caps on for another round of questions from our g...
222 – Double Nelson: The 222nd Episode Extravaganza
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For the second time in history, Alan and Shawn throw a party of special magnificence to celebrate a milestone: 222 episodes of the PPP! Once again, we...
221 – Dancing Bears: An Interview with Carl F. Hostetter
19 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We start our sixth season in style by welcoming Carl F. Hostetter to the podcast! In addition to his role as chief editor of Vinyar Tengwar, Carl has ...
220 – The Worst of Times
01 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While Gandalf and Aragorn ponder the evening’s events and finally identify the object of Pippin’s affections as the palantír of Orthanc, a Nazgû...
219 – Crystal Ball
25 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the Saruman situation handled, Gandalf settles in for a leisurely journey back to Helm’s Deep with Merry dangling behind him. Pippin, however, ...
218 – Renegade
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Unable to persuade Théoden, Saruman now tries to sway Gandalf, not realizing his former underling has gotten a promotion and executive sponsorship fo...
217 – Fooling Yourself (The Angry Old Man)
11 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fully fed, fully caught up, and fully reeking of pipe-weed, our heroes enter Isengard, where Gandalf demands to speak with Saruman at the foot of Orth...
216 – Questions After Nightfall 15
04 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for another live Q&A episode, this time with more questions than ever before heard on a single episode of the Prancing Pony Podcast! Join ...
215 – (Flash)Back in Black
27 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The epic flashback continues as Pippin and Merry continue their story with a play-by-play account of the destruction of Isengard, expertly managed by ...
214 – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
20 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The reunited members of the Fellowship of the Ring (minus Gandalf, who’s off hobnobbing with kings and trees) get some valuable bro time amid the fl...
213 – Let There Be (Lots of Broken) Rock
13 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The company reaches Isengard and discovers that property values have tanked in recent months, and it’s no wonder why when they see how poorly Saruma...
212 – Highway to Dell
06 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As the company exits the mysterious forest, Legolas looks back and is enchanted by the trees and their eyes — a perfectly ordinary thing for trees t...
211 – For Those About to (Rave About a) Rock, We Salute You
30 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After a long night, the heroes of Helm’s Deep reunite on the grass by a stream near a forest that, uh, wasn’t there yesterday… but we’ll get t...
210 – Live from PPP Moot 2021
23 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you missed out on the PPP’s first-ever digital moot, here’s a chance to hear what you missed — or relive it, if you were there — in this ep...
209 – Pyromania
16 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An explosion rocks the Deeping Wall, and soon there are more as Saruman’s blasting fires make what little hope the heroes had go up in smoke. But as...
208 – White Lightning
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rohirrim, led by Théoden and Éomer (with lots of help from Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli), man the Deeping Wall and the Hornburg as Saruman’s as...
207 – Rock of Ages
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Théoden and Gandalf lead the host of the Rohirrim towards the fords of the Isen to strengthen the forces holding back Saruman’s army. But when they...
206 – I Saw Her Standing There
25 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Théoden offers Wormtongue one last chance to redeem himself, but the counsellor is disinclined to acquiesce to his lord’s request. As Gríma’s st...