Best John Scanlan Podcasts (2025)

1
A Moose Loose Boost 1:02:54

18h ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Dave "Moose" Muslof was our special guest this week. It is not every week you hang with someone who has had a Papal blessing (thanks to a couple of Aussies) and a moment with the Queen. These and many other yarns spun like New Zealand wool in what was a rather chatty edition of the podcast. Enjoy at your leisure.…

1
That'll Brew Nicely 45:58

8d ago45:58

45:58

On the road again this week at Padraigs Brewing in NE Minneapolis to chat with the "car"ismatic proprieter, Pat Carey. Hailing from SoCal, through NoDak he ended up in MSP. Along the way he was introduced to the great sport of Hurling and beer. He wants the world to know that there is more to Irish beer than Guinnness and he is putting his hops, gr…

1
William Blake, Sea Monsters, and the Ecstasy of Art, with Philip Hoare 57:28

9d ago57:28

57:28

In this episode of the Shakespeare and Company Interview Podcast, Adam Biles welcomes Philip Hoare to the bookstore for a mesmerizing conversation about Hoare’s latest book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love. With characteristic lyricism, Hoare explores the mystic intersections between Blake’s visionary art and poetry and the siren call of…

1
Call me Old Fashioned 40:06

15d ago40:06

40:06

Patricia "Pat" McManus showed up this week in a vintage Ian Hunter shirt and set the tone for the latest episode. You will learn how to make a "proper" Wisconsin Old Fashioned, what makes Alaskan's different, road trips to a bar in Cleveland and why David Bowie really was the coolest. All in this weeks jaunt on a trippy hippy ride.…

1
Take a Bike! 53:12

22d ago53:12

53:12

Chris Carlson was the very special guest this week and much was discussed including theater acting, Cillian Murphy stories (Cill to his friends), biking across France and why you should never let your child cheer for Chelsea. Enjoy!By The Crafty Rogues

1
Overnight: Dan Richards on Sleep, Service, and the Secrets of the Small Hours 59:27

23d ago59:27

59:27

In this episode, Adam Biles is joined by writer Dan Richards to talk about his new book Overnight, a deep dive into the world of the night and the people who live and work while the rest of us sleep. From ferry captains and bakers to ICU nurses, researchers, and racing drivers, Richards explores the unseen rhythms and quiet heroism of nocturnal lif…

1
Distill my beating heart 37:40

29d ago37:40

37:40

On the road again this week, all the way to Merlin's Rest on Lake Street in Minneapolis to chat with owner Lee Tomlin. A proper Eastender who took his love of whiskies and pubs to the Twin Cities and now operates two fine establishements. Together with his wife, Tracie, they are making sure the original traditions of proper pubs continues, despite …

1
Bruise, Heal, Repeat: Anna Whitwham on On Boxing, Loss, and the Female Body 45:45

30d ago45:45

45:45

In this episode, Adam Biles is joined in the bookshop’s writing studio by Anna Whitwham, author of Soft Tissue Damage, a raw and electrifying memoir of grief, boxing, and womanhood. Following her mother’s death, Whitwham trained and fought competitively as a boxer—an act of both healing and reckoning. She discusses how physical pain can become a la…

1
Murphy's Laws 46:51

1M ago46:51

46:51

Midwest with deep Irish roots are explored with humor and melancholy this week with the efforvesent Suzanne Murphy. Tales of an upbringing with a Dublin born Dad, political revealations from Minneapolis and chaotic driving adventures around the Dingle Pinnesula. All that and why dark lyrics make the best bedtime lullabies and learning new swear wor…

1
Solvej Balle on Time, Wonder, and Writing the Impossible International Booker Prize Shortlist 56:43

1M ago56:43

56:43

In this episode recorded live at Shakespeare and Company, celebrated Danish author Solvej Balle returns to the bookshop she once called home to discuss her monumental literary project On the Calculation of Volume. The novel’s protagonist, Tara Selter, finds herself reliving November 18th—again and again—opening up a profound meditation on time, mem…

1
It's a new Sean, It's a new day 51:29

1M ago51:29

51:29

This week, John returns from a sushi-fueled NYC spring break with his teenage daughter (and a suitcase full of anime), while Sean Barnard drops by to talk 90's music, fuzzy memories, and why he gives his commission to rock stars instead of billboards. We’ve got Broadway monsters, Snow Patrol singalongs, Violent Femmes rebellion, a proper gush over …

1
Grand Ole Goodbye 37:34

2M ago37:34

37:34

This week, the Crafty Rogues goes on the roadfor a bittersweet farewell to Irish on Grand, the beloved St. Paul shop closing its doors after decades serving the Twin Cities' Irish community and Elvis Costello!. Enjoy the chat with Maeve and Liam about the shop’s history, its future online, and their plans post-retirement (like escaping the MN winte…

1
Nobel Prizewinner Abdulrazak Gurnah on Theft, Love, and the Power of Fiction 48:45

2M ago48:45

48:45

Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah sits down with Adam Biles in store to discuss his new novel, Theft. Their conversation delves into the intricate interplay between personal history and the enduring legacy of colonialism, examines the complex dynamics of family and servitude, and discusses the challenge of transcending inherited narrativ…

1
Swearing of the Green 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

Post Paddy’s Day, Cosgrove chats with D. Patrick Connolly, a quintessential Irish-American from St. Paul! Patrick shares his take on St. Patrick's Day traditions, snow plows & potholes, proper pub etiquette (never order an "Irish Car Bomb"!), and his love for music including Bruce Springsteen and U2. The conversation weaves through politics, Patric…

1
BONUS: Jeremy Pelt on Preserving Jazz Through Storytelling 54:10

2M ago54:10

54:10

For this bonus episode, the Shakespeare and Company podcast welcomes Jeremy Pelt, renowned jazz trumpeter and author of Griot: Examining the Lives of Jazz Great Storytellers. In conversation with Alex Freiman, Pelt discusses the evolution of jazz, the influence of oral traditions, and the importance of documenting firsthand accounts from legendary …

1
A Proper Scanlan 52:21

2M ago52:21

52:21

This week on The Crafty Rogues, John Cosgrove is joined by longtime listener, first-time guest, Aiden Benedict Scanlan! Aiden shares stories about the Scanlan family's 100+ year history in the Twin Cities, from his grand-uncle's arrival in 1910 to the family's deep roots in the local Irish community. Also covered in no particular order: Ireland's d…

1
Reimagining Moby-Dick, with Xiaolu Guo 57:03

2M ago57:03

57:03

In this episode, we’re joined by novelist and filmmaker Xiaolu Guo to discuss her latest novel, Call Me Ishmaelle. A bold reimagining of Moby-Dick, Guo's novel audaciously swaps the gender of Melville’s narrator and plunges into a world of hidden identities, maritime adventure, and cultural collision. With host Adam Biles, Guo reflects on her perso…

1
Curry on My Wayward Son. 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

This week, John Cosgrove welcomes guest Pat Curry—bartender, storyteller, and American of Irish descent with roots in Emyvale and West Cork. They dive into everything from Shakespeare James Bond propaganda, the madness of St. Patrick’s Day in St. Paul, and why the New York Yankees suddenly allow beards (spoiler: JD Vance). Plus, they talk sports, m…

1
Raise the Barnwell! 48:55

3M ago48:55

48:55

This week, John Cosgrove is joined by Ruairi Barnwell for a lively chat about Minnesota’s wild weather swings, Irish community happenings, and a short but deep dive into Liverpool’s title procession (the chase is over). They reminisce about life in Chicago, debate Premier League drama, and share insights on the local Irish network scene with Irelan…

1
2016: The Year That Broke Us - with poet and oral-historian Sarah Hesketh 1:02:24

3M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

In this thought-provoking discussion, poet and oral historian Sarah Hesketh discusses her latest book, 2016 (CB Editions), a powerful exploration of one of the most pivotal years in recent history. Through a poetic and documentary approach, she captures the voices of twelve individuals reflecting on key events that shaped the world—Brexit, Trump’s …

1
Oh Danny Joy! 43:38

3M ago43:38

43:38

This week, John welcomes Danny Stockton, the other famous thing about Slough and the newest board member of the Irish Fair of Minnesota, to chat about growing up in an Irish household in England, expat life in the U.S., and why volunteering at the Irish Fair led him to join the board. #CraftyRogues #Podcast #IrishFairMN #Football #ExpatLife #IrishM…

1
The Pod must go on... 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

After 17 amazing episodes, 398 decent ones and a few stinkers, the pod must go on without our beloved Quinno. From kitchen table beginnings to interviews with sports legends, he's been the heart and soul of our show. Missing you already, mate. In our first "new" format, we're cozying up with storyteller Jim Leinfelder, chatting about Minnesota wint…

1
The Power of Voice – Sulaiman Addonia on The Seers 49:28

3M ago49:28

49:28

In this special live recording we dive into The Seers, the mesmerising new novel by Sulaiman Addonia. In conversation with Adam Biles, Addonia shares the story behind his bold, unfiltered novel—written as a single, unbroken paragraph—through the voice of Hannah, an Eritrean refugee navigating love, loss, sexuality, and identity on the streets of Lo…

1
Closing time. 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

Seinfeld...The Sopranos...Game of Thrones...The Crafty Rogues. Three of these four are among the most talked about final episodes in entertainment history. Which is the odd one out? Listen to this, and you'll probably have a better idea.By The Crafty Rogues

1
And now, the end is near... 46:17

4M ago46:17

46:17

The boys revealed some pretty big news this week. We'll give you a hint; this is the second-to-last show in its current format. We'll give you another hint; not only is this the second-to-last show in its current format, it's also an absolute craic-fest!By The Crafty Rogues

1
Acts of Resistance: Amber Massie-Blomfield on the Power of Art to Shape a Better World 1:03:32

4M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Amber Massie-Blomfield, author of Acts of Resistance: The Power of Art to Create a Better World. This conversation, recorded in store, dives into the profound role art plays in times of crisis. Amber shares stories of artists who defied oppressive regimes, like Claude Cahun's surrealist resistance i…

1
King of wishful thinking. 39:23

4M ago39:23

39:23

America has new king...Erling Haaland has new contract...and Kevin Keegan had a problematic perm. Seriously, the perm era of football was a little disturbing. Mind you, it was fun to talk about. In fact, this whole show is fun. Well, expect the 'America has new king' bit.By The Crafty Rogues

1
Democracy at Risk: Salomé Saqué on Resisting the Far Right 47:56

4M ago47:56

47:56

In this pivotal episode, Adam Biles speaks with French journalist and author Salomé Saqué about her urgent new book, Résister. Recorded two days after the death of French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen and coinciding with Donald Trump’s second inauguration, this conversation delves into the global rise of far-right movements, their strategies, …

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John Scanlan Podcasts

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