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.

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!

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 !

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.

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!

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!

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!!!

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.

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

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.

This is great breakdown of LOTR

These 2 are passionate about Tolkien and the world he created. I am on episode 35 and will continue to listen.

Great podcast. I started listening to it resentful and it’s the highlight of my day.

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.

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.

Tolkien has been my favorite writer for years, but this show has helped me appreciate his works on a whole new level

You two are amazing, thank you for opening this world up to me way more than I thought possible.

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!

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!!

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!

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…

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.

Such a great show. These are some awesome guys!

Thank you for the years of continuing contribution and curating of such wonderful lore!

I LOVE THIS! i have been deep diving into lotr lore and needed something to listen to at work, this is amazing !!

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.

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!

They are like old friends, and I get such a warm feeling from this podcast - thank you.

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.

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

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!

Please fix this issue

The knowledge and genuine love of hosts make this a delight with every episode. Highly recommend checking this out.

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!

Thank you.

The friendship and joy felt through discussion of Middle Earth is infectious. A special show.

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.

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.

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!

Just went through the hobbit loving the content

I’ve listened to a few LOTR/ Tolkien podcasts and enjoyed them but this is by far my favorite.

Since discovering the Prancing Pony Podcast in January 2023, I’ve been absolutely binging. The hosts are knowledgeable, funny, and welcoming. It really feels like you are sitting at the bar or at home with your friends chatting about Tolkien. I’ve grown in my appreciation for JRRT and got through The Silmarillion for the first time. For Tolkien fans or people that want to get started, this podcast is a must.

This was once a podcast i enjoyed. The loss of shaun is felt greatly. Since his departure the show feels over commercialized and cringy. Alan specifically has become insufferable both in episodes and via social media. Smug attitude and can’t keep political ideology out of Tolkien. A true shame.

This is the greatest podcast a Tolkien fan can stumble across. 50+ episodes in and I cannot get enough of it. Absolutely love getting into my car so I can turn on TPPP. I digress. My 1 single critique: In episode 41 it’s said Arnie is 5’ 8”. He is 6’ 2”. I would appreciate if you would issue a co…corre…”c word” on behalf of the legend.

I always looked past many of the jokes and digressions because the Tolkien content and analysis is incredible. I’m okay with some digressions — and sometimes felt they were funny and added a lighthearted charm to the podcast — however, they are increasing in occurrence, duration, and annoyance of late. It’s bringing me to even click the “skip 30” button which used to only be reserved for ads and North Wing segments. Talk about rolling your eyes at the herb master of Gondor, I cannot believe how often I roll my eyes as Alan forces already belabored, unfunny jokes that interrupt guests mid-sentence. At best, it’s distracting. At worst, it derails a serious point of analysis and just feels self-absorbed. This is all unfortunate. The analysis is truly insightful, the guests have incredible experience with the material, and I’ve been listening for years. My patience however is wearing thin. I’m not the only listener who has noticed the change per reviews. Please listen to our feedback and make some adjustments to the script.

I’ve loved the LotR since childhood (I’m a Zillennial) and always wanted to read the Silmarillion. When I tried however, I often became confused by all the names and felt like I was missing the significance of passages. This podcast helped me digest the story and I was shortly absolutely obsessed. They read favorite passages, discuss words and names, and bring in content from other sources such as Tolkien’s letters and Unfinished Tales. I’m only in the 50s episodes but am excited to continue through The Hobbit and again tLotR. Thank you!

I’ve come a few years late to this terrific podcast. Shaun and Alan make the journey through Tolkien’s legendarium conceivable. Their lighthearted humor and goofiness is throughly enjoyable. Thank you gentlemen!

It has podcast creep: it keeps getting longer and longer. 1 hour per week was good. Constantly going around or over 2 hours…too long.

I came to this podcast via the sister podcast on the Rings of Power, which reignited my interest in Tolkien. What a find! PPP has given so much insight and depth to a fantasy realm I thought I knew so well. Alan and Shawn (and more recent cohosts) have brought more depth and meaning to the books than I ever could have imagined. Their banter and insights into underlying themes (and some pretty deep scholarship along the way) have been invaluable for illuminating the Silmarillion, which I dutifully plowed through once as a nerdy teen and never revisited because it gave me such a headache. Yes they are flat out nerds, but hilarious and *kind*. The related social media groups are well-moderated and free of the cringe factor that typifies so much of the fandom.

I love the PPP for the overview it gives of the story, the subtle connections it helps you make, the interesting etymology (!!!), guests, and the goofy laughs. I’ve been listening to the podcast for a while now and really commend them for navigating through some hard situations gracefully while keeping the quality the same as we would expect. I LOVED having Shawn as a co-host, and no one will ever replace his way of rubbing in PE 17, but this season with Alan and the kaleidoscope of Tolkien experts he has had with him has been a great change. Everyone has brought their own ideas and views to the show and enriched it so much. And for those of us who miss the lenition discussions, we get guest appearances for intros and some episodes. In these hard times, this podcast is a warm reminder of the good in the world. They make sure to keep the community welcoming- as a gay woman I’ve never felt the exclusion that you can feel with fans of a work from this time period. I have been recommending this podcast to people for years and I will continue to do so.