I'm a geek who is lucky enough to make music and art for a living. I've had a long history with podcasts, and it's been too long, so I'm back and talking into a microphone again.
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Mikey Mason Podcasts
Every song has a story, every episode is a toast to Celtic and folk songwriters. Discover the stories behind the songs from the heart of the Celtic pub scene. This is Pub Songs & Stories by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather. All songs are used with permission of the artists and copyright holders.
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with Andrew McKee Podcast
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Manufacturing Inspiration: Songwriting Habits of Mikey Mason
1:09:28
1:09:28
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1:09:28Geek-rock musician Mikey Mason joins me to talk about writing songs on schedule, his New Music Monday ritual, and how to stay creative every single week. Music by Caliceltic, May Will Bloom, The Gothard Sisters, and Mikey Mason. This is Pub Songs & Stories #311 0:18 - Caliceltic "The Beer from St James Gate" from 2023 and Me 5:25 - WELCOME TO PUB S…
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Quest & Chorus #6: From Carnac to Fangorn | The End of the Quest (special feat: Pub Songs and Stories #310)
35:36
35:36
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35:36Over 3,000 stones rise from the fields of Carnac. They stand silent, waiting, like the trees of Fangorn Forest, patient and alive beneath their stillness. In this episode of Quest & Chorus, we walk among ancient alignments, uncover old legends, and listen to what endures. Featuring music from The Irish Lassies, Dublin Gulch, and Brobdingnagian Bard…
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Quest & Chorus #5: Crossing the Waves to Skellig Michael (special feat: Folk Songs & Stories #309)
24:55
24:55
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24:55The sea around Skellig Michael never rests. Waves slam the cliffs like a heartbeat, and mist rises from the rocks like breath from some sleeping giant. Eight miles off the Kerry coast, this jagged island looks less like a piece of earth and more like a fragment of another world. More than a thousand years ago, monks climbed 600 stone steps to live …
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Quest & Chorus Ep. 4: Come Adventure to The Quiraing on Skye (special feat: Folk Songs & Stories #308)
34:50
34:50
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34:50The Quiraing is not a gentle place. Stone spires jut skyward, cliffs crumble toward the sea, and paths twist like they're still being carved by giants. It's a landscape that doesn't promise safety—it dares you to take another step. On Skye, they say even dragons once hid in these folds, rising to defend the island from invaders. And standing here, …
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Quest & Chorus #3: Tintagel - History, Shipwrecks & Myth (special feature Folk Songs & Stories)
27:47
27:47
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27:47Welcome to Quest & Chorus, where songs remember what history forgets. I'm your bard, and today, we climb a legendary cliff—where myth and memory blur. To Tintagel. Some say King Arthur was born here. Others say he died here. And whether that's true or not doesn't really matter… Because this place feels like the kind of place where someone says good…
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Quest & Chorus #2: A Lonely Shore on the Calf of Man (special feature Folk Songs & Stories)
21:29
21:29
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21:29The Calf of Man, just off the southern tip of the Isle of Man. There's a decayed building there. And on its wall hangs a strange thing. A life preserver—round, red and white, worn by time. It made me wonder: What do we leave behind to save the ones who come after us?" This is Quest & Chorus #306 0:21 - We Banjo 3 "Alive With You" from Open The Road…
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Quest & Chorus #1: Don't Blink at Kilmartin (special feature)
26:52
26:52
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26:52Quest & Chorus is a six-part series where I share songs, stories, and places along with a game to make the adventure even more fun. This is the first episode in your quest. A reminder to be present with those who you love, while we travel through time to Kilmartin Glen in Scotland. This is Quest & Chorus on Folk Songs & Stories #305 0:12 - Tan and …
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Harry Potter Rising of the Moon: The Cat Who Lived (to Sing Irish Songs) #304
28:39
28:39
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28:39Wanna hear a Harry Potter inspired cat song? Plus learn some facts about whether you should declaw your cat. Celebrate Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers' 20th anniversary with this special podcast of the new and the old. This is Folk Songs & Stories #304 0:34 - Marc Gunn "Rising of the Moon" from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion 2:…
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Lord of the Pounce: A Feline Folk Fantasy #303
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25:40
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25:40Make sure your cat is drinking water. Cats love to pounce. It's another 20th anniversary celebration of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers as I share the story behind "Lord of the Pounce". This is Folk Songs & Stories #303 0:29 - Marc Gunn "Lord of the Dance" from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion 3:05 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORI…
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Catnipping Green: Where Good Kitties Go #302
27:18
27:18
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27:18What happens when a kitty passes from this life to the next? It's filled with milk and catnip and all the luxuries a cat could possibly enjoy. Hear the story of "Catnipping Green" as we celebrate 20 years of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. This is Folk Songs & Stories #302 0:34 - Marc Gunn "Fiddler's Green" from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat L…
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Furagone's Wake: Zombie Cats and One Wild Party #301
25:00
25:00
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25:00Can cats become zombies, outside of Stephen King's Pet Sematary? Apparently, it happens in songs too. I'll share the story behind "Furagone's Wake" and another Cat Lovers Podcast episode. We're celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. This is Folk Songs & Stories #301 0:34 - Marc Gunn "Finnegan's Wake" from Irish …
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We're celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. I'll share a story about "When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling". You'll find out how about how my first Kickstarter did 4 years before Kickstarter existed. Plus, you'll enjoy rockin 'traditional music from High Octane out of France. This is Folk Songs & Stories #300 0:45 - Mar…
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Wild Kitty Turns 20: Paws, Pints, & Parodies #299
27:32
27:32
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27:322025 is the 20 year anniversary of the release of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. We're resharing the Cat Lovers Podcast along with stories about the song that launched that album, "Wild Kitty". You'll also enjoy the music of Jesse Ferguson in this week's show. This is Folk Songs & Stories #299 WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES 0:35 - Marc Gunn …
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The Celtic Spring Challenge is underway. I will tell you all about it. I'm heading back to Texas for Sherwood Forest Faire. Buy local and buy sustainable. Music from Tami Curtis, Sassenach, Charlie O'Brien, Toby Bresnahan, Brobdingnagian Bards, plus Screeched Inn with yours truly. This is Folk Songs & Stories #298 0:39 - Tami Curtis "Keep Our Fire …
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St Patrick's Day is a week away. Listen to a fun concert of St Patrick's Day music. Irish songs with my own unique twist. This is Folk Songs & Stories #297 WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic and Folk musician and also host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, an hour-long radio show of some of the best indie Celtic music o…
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St. Patrick's Day is almost here. So it's time to definitively answer the old question. Is it Saint Paddy's day or Saint Patty's day? Plus, I'll give you 17 amazing Celtic bands that you should listen to for St. Patrick's Day. Music from Socks in the Frying Pan, Marc Gunn & Jesse Ferguson, and Blackwillow Starling. This is Folk Songs & Stories #296…
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17 Things To See & Do in Wicklow, Ireland #295
32:28
32:28
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32:28Today, you'll learn about 17 things you can see and do in Wicklow, Ireland. Plus you'll hear music from Eimear Arkins, The Ciderhouse Rebellion and Kyle Carey. This is Folk Songs & Stories #295 0:14 - Eimear Arkins "Téir Abhaile Riú (Song)" from Here & There 3:47 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic and Folk musician and a…
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17 Things to See and Do in Wexford, Ireland
36:14
36:14
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36:14Today, you'll learn about 17 things to see and do in Wexford, Ireland. Just in time for my Celtic Invasion of Wexford that happens in June. I share one of the best ways to make effective climate change happen along with an easy personal change. And you'll hear music from Kinnfolk, Tarren, and Erin Ruth. This is Folk Songs & Stories #294 0:22 - Tarr…
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Top Celtic Folk Bands of 2025 to Watch #293
31:46
31:46
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31:46Today, I'm talking about… 9 Celtic Folk bands you want to watch in 2025. We also talk about simple actions we can take to combat climate change and improve our local community. This is Folk Songs & Stories #293 0:17 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic and Folk musician and host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you'…
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Live Pub Songs from Dragon Con 2024 #292
1:12:57
1:12:57
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1:12:57Here's a holiday gift. It's a live concert from Dragon Con 2024. This is Pub Songs & Stories #292 0:09 - Marc Gunn & Mikey Mason "Hero of Christmas" from Browncoat Christmas 2:26 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic and Folk musician and host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you're new to the show, please subscribe. …
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Can Album Pins Save the Music Business? #291
33:56
33:56
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33:56Can album pins save the music business? I'll tell you what they're all about, why all musicians should be selling them, and how to get started with them. This is Pub Songs & Stories #291 0:13 - Marc Gunn "Blink" from Come Adventure With Me Listen to #277 Blink to learn more about the song Listen to In the Verse #2.1 Blink for more about the song 3:…
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So you want to go to the Isle of Man? Can you spend a full week there and find enough to do? I'll share with you 17 things you will enjoy on the Isle of Man. Plus, you'll get some music from Ruth Keggin & Rachel Hair. This is Pub Songs & Stories #290 0:14 - Marc Gunn "By Amazing Grace" from Come Adventure With Me 4:22 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORI…
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Happy Birthday from Ireland, Laughter Yoga #289
1:35:34
1:35:34
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1:35:34Is there an Irish birthday song? There is now. It's by Marc Gunn with the song "Happy Birthday From Ireland". Cedric of the Bedlam Bards hypnotizes with wit and charm. Then he shares how laughter is the best medicine, especially with something called Laughter Yoga. This is Pub Songs & Stories #289 0:21 - Marc Gunn with Rimbo "My Love Is Like A Red …
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Princess Bride's Big Adventure #288
1:14:05
1:14:05
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1:14:05True love lost at sea. I share the story behind "Buttercup's Lament" inspired by Princess Bride. You'll learn why you should watch out for wild boar in Italy, see what happens when a juggler's props don't arrive, and learn about the most-beautiful place in Europe. Hear a story about biking across Italy. I interviewed jugglers Paolo Garbanzo and Car…
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Middle Earth Bragging, Greatest Women Composers in History w/ Apryl Knight #287
41:14
41:14
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41:14Have you ever read Lord of the Rings and noticed that each time the hobbits meet a new race along the road, it's the OLDEST RACE EVER?! I wrote a song about that bragging. There are a lot of famous male composers in history. Apryl Knight will introduce you to some of the incredible female composers that you may not have heard of. This is Pub Songs …
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The Leprechaun, Building Sherwood Forest Faire Castle #286
1:02:32
1:02:32
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1:02:32The modern image of the leprechaun is very different from the leprechaun of Irish legends. But times change and not everyone adapts as easily. That doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate both the new and the old as we explore the origins of my song "The Leprechaun." Ever dream of building your own castle and starting your own Renaissance festival? Dre…
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The Bridge & Best Travel Tips With Vince Conaway #285
54:45
54:45
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54:45Vince Conaway shares his top 3 places to see in Italy along with some travel tips, and stories of busking in Italy. Music from Vince Conaway, Brobdingnagian Bards, and Ironwood. And if you're going to apologize, make it a good one. That's what I did when I wrote the song "The Bridge" as an apology. It's all part of a new series where I talk about m…
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Sci Fi Drinking Songs at Gen Con 2023 #284
1:35:56
1:35:56
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1:35:56We're taking a journey today as I share the story of how I found myself playing Sci Fi Drinking Songs at science fiction conventions around the nation. This is Pub Songs & Stories #284 0:15 - Marc Gunn and Jesse Ferguson "Molly Malone" from Come Adventure With Me 2:52 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Sci F' Irish musician and …
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Pain is hard to deal with. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. You can get through it with maybe a little help from Doctor Who. We talk about my song Redemption. You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #283 0:16 - Marc Gunn "By Amazing Grace" from Come Adventure With Me By Amazing Grace, Hat Came Back, Tartanic Inspired by the Firefly …
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Everything changes. But what do you do when your career, your life, your joy, comes to an end because everything must change. We're talking about the life of a scallop diver in Lamlash Bay. You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #282 0:17 - Marc Gunn "Favor of a Dance" from Come Adventure With Me Favor of a Dance | West Side Story …
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Do you ever get nervous or anxious? Sometimes the toughest thing to do, to overcome your fear, is to just take those first steps forward. Come Adventure With Me is the title track to my brand new album inspired by the 1977 Rankin & Bass film, The Hobbit. You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #281 0:20 - Marc Gunn "Selkie's Life" f…
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"If they take the ship, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh, and sew our skins into their clothing – and if we're very, very lucky, they'll do it in that order." Zoe's description of reavers on the TV show Firefly sounds pretty insane. And every time we meet the reavers in the show and movie, they seem just as insane. And yet… they can fly spac…
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Is it all a game that we all fall into? Saffron certainly thinks so in "Our Mrs Reynolds from the TV show Firefly. Hear the story behind my song "Spiderwebs". We're also making waves with music from Matt McGinn. This is Pub Songs & Stories #279 0:17 - Marc Gunn "Bright Side of Everything" from Selcouth 3:28 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Mar…
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Let's get Naked! Or at least I'll share a story of one of my songs inspired by an episode of Firefly. Plus, The Haar are featured on this week's show. This is Pub Songs & Stories #278 0:13 - Marc Gunn "Bright Side of Everything" from Selcouth 3:25 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Sci F'Irish musician and podcaster living in At…
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They don't kill you in the normal sense of the word. Rather they feed off the life that might've been. My song, Blink is a parable about missing out on the best things in life. This is Pub Songs & Stories #277 0:14 - Brobdingnagian Bards "Oor Hamlet" from Real Men Wear Kilts 4:02 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Sci F'Irish mu…
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Imagine a holiday market for nerds and geeks. I talk with one of the creators of Nerdy Noel and share my own Nerdy Wonderland story. Plus, I have a new album on Kickstarter. It's called Dancing With Hobbits. Find out why you should support this CD and Musical Pin. This is Pub Songs & Stories #276 0:20 - "Celtic Christmas Elf" by Marc Gunn from Celt…
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Who was the red-headed queen of Ireland? Why did she assault the harpers of old? Author Rie Sheridan Rose tells the story behind her song "Soul of A Harper". New Star Trek inspired musical pin. This is Pub Songs & Stories #275. 00:14 - Brobdingnagian Bards "The Unicorn Song" from Songs of Ireland 3:38 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn…
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Did I go drinking with hobbits this year? You bet I did. Hear all my stories escapades from Dragon Con 2023. Learn what new musical pin is in my store and how I'm keeping them organized through upcycling. This is Pub Songs & Stories #274. 0:20 - Marc Gunn "Arthur McBride" from St Patrick's Day 3:02 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I…
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Dragon Con 2023: firefly, musical pins and madness #273
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33:14Dragon Con weekend is back. There's Firefly, hobbits, Brobdingnagian Bards, musical pins and madness. Music from Marc Gunn, Wakefire, Brobdingnagian Bards, Mikey Mason. This is Pub Songs & Stories #273. 0:21 - Marc Gunn "Raise a Glass to Flyin'" from As Long As I'm Flyin' 1:57 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a rhythm and folk m…
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Live Show at Maggie McGuiness Pub #272
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1:23:16This pub is not a real Irish pub, but it's the most-authentic Irish pub that is not in Ireland. Enjoy music from Kinnfolk and Fire in the Glen. Learn when Coffee with The Celtfather returns and what the future holds for this fall. This is Pub Songs & Stories #272. 0:19 - Kinnfolk "Siúil a Rún" from Kinnfolk 3:34 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I a…
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The 3 S's: Songs, Stories, & Sustainability this Fall #271
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6:19Greetings Gunn Runners, The Fall 2023 season of Pub Songs & Stories will be back on Mon Aug 14 at 6 PM Eastern. So mark your calendar and of course subscribe if you haven't done so already. You can do that at PubSong.net You will enjoy a live concert, some stories from my Celtic Invasion of County Mayo, Ireland. I will continue my series talking ab…
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The first Friday of May is no pants day. Learn about the origins of this hilarious holiday, and if it was actually invented by a Scotsman in Glasgow in the early 1800s. I talk about a man who wears a kilt every day. You will also learn about some sustainable green bath products. Listen to music by Marc Gunn, Vicki Swan and Johnny Dyer, Niamh Dunne,…
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Making Better Things, Sustainable Music with Kyle Carey #269
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40:06My goal is to get someone to share what I make. Highlight a new theme each week. Your mom is calling! Or is it? It might be a scammer. But I can help you protect yourself. Can we make the music business more sustainable? I have an interview with Kyle Carey. This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #269. 0:16 - Marc Gunn "Romulan Ale" from Sci Fi Drinking…
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What happens when a traditional Irish song is rewritten about zombies? And I have CDs!!!! If you didn't say, "You have Cds…", you'll find out why it's important. It's kind of funny. This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #268. 0:16 - "Isn't It Grand Boys" from Happy Songs of Death 4:09 - WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIES This is the audio edition o…
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St Patrick's Day, Writing Drinking Songs #267
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1:02:01St Patrick's Day isn't just about drinking. But I will tell you the story of how I learned to write drinking songs so you can write your own… just sing along a little more easily. I share 17 amazing Celtic Bands you should check out for St Patrick's Day. Learn a green idea for investing in our climate. This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #267. 0:22 …
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Irish Diaspora, Men of New Basin Canal #266
1:10:54
1:10:54
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1:10:54The departure of the Irish from Ireland in the 1800s had some tragic consequences. Jamie Haeuser's songs "Men of New Basin Canal" and "Bridget's Prayer" dig into that. So we're gonna dig into the songs and the album How America Saved Irish Music. Great news about my next album, Come Adventure With Me. Bandcamp now playlists. And learning to say no.…
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When She Held Me In Her Arms, Running Tips #265
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45:02
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45:02Happy Valentine's Day! I have a love song story to share with you from my newest CD, Selcouth. Find how my next album, Come Adventure With Me, is progressing. I added another February gig to my calendar. I share things no one ever told me about running. And is Arbor Day in February? This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #265 0:24 - "Galway Shawl (live…
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Blue Sun, 5 Things to Do in County Mayo, Ireland #264
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42:41
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42:41The itinerary for my Celtic Invasion of Westport, Ireland is now online. Find out what my Firefly song, "Blue Sun", has to do with Monopoly and Walmart. Get an Atlanta Food Recommendation. Then go out to eat with your own Celtery. This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #264. 0:20 - Kilted Kings "Blue Sun" from Flower of Scotland WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB S…
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Green Grow the Rashes | Robert Burns #263
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38:27
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38:27Was Robert Burns a Vulcan? Learn more about one of the most-famous songs by the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Get ready for the pub that's not really a pub. Catch a bus at a Buzz Stop. It might help beautify your neighborhood and fight climate change. 0:20 - "Ride On" from Flower of Scotland by Kilted Kings 4:40 - WELCOME TO ATLANTA PUB SONGS …
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Demon & Reaver Lullaby, Top 10 Celtic Bands of 2022 #262
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50:15There are demons beneath your bed that are gonna eat you up this year. I am unofficially performing at GaFilk this weekend in Atlanta. And I count down the Best Celtic Bands of 2022. This is Atlanta Pub Songs & Stories #262. 0:16 - "The Prettiest Hobbit" by Kilted Kings from Flower of Scotland 2:08 - WELCOME TO ATLANTA PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc…
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