FOLK SONGS & STORIES - podcast cover

FOLK SONGS & STORIES

Marc Gunn, Celtic & Folk musicianpubsong.com
Folk Songs & Stories shares the heart of indie Celtic and folk music. Host Marc Gunn uncovers the stories behind songs and offers tips for sustainable living—perfect for fans of authentic, grassroots tales. All songs are used with permission of the artists and copyright holders.
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Episodes

Harry Potter Rising of the Moon: The Cat Who Lived (to Sing Irish Songs) #304

Wanna 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 2:40 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic folk musician living in Atlanta, Georgia and host of the Irish & Celti...

Jul 01, 202529 minEp. 304

Lord of the Pounce: A Feline Folk Fantasy #303

Make 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 & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic folk musician living in Atlanta, Georgia and host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I’m also a cat love...

Jun 24, 202526 minEp. 303

Catnipping Green: Where Good Kitties Go #302

What 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 Lover’s Companion 4:38 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic folk musician living in Atlanta, Georgia and host of th...

Jun 10, 202527 minEp. 302

Folk Songs & Stories #301: Furagone's Wake: Zombie Cats and One Wild Party

Can 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 Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover’s Companion 3:16 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic folk musician living in Atlant...

Jun 03, 202525 minEp. 301

When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling #300

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 - Marc Gunn “ When Irish Eyes Are Smiling ” from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover’s Companion 2:37 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc G...

May 31, 202528 minEp. 300

Wild Kitty Turns 20: Paws, Pints, & Parodies #299

2025 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 “ Wild Rover ” from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover’s Companion I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic folk musician and podcaster living in Atlanta...

May 28, 202528 minEp. 299

Celtic Spring Challenge #298

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 Burning" from Cavort 4:43 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic and Folk musician and also host of the Irish & Ce...

Apr 08, 202547 minEp. 298

Irish Songs for St. Patrick's Day #297

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 online. That was… If you’re new to this show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send an email to follow@celtfather. SET...

Mar 12, 202541 minEp. 297

St. Paddy's Day or St. Patty's Day? #296

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 0:25 - Socks in the Frying Pan "Ireland's Struggle" from Waiting for Inspiration 4:47 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I...

Mar 04, 202529 minEp. 296

17 Things To See & Do in Wicklow, Ireland #295

Today, 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 also host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, an hour-long radio show of some of the best indie Celtic music online. That was… If you’...

Feb 18, 202532 minEp. 295

17 Things to See and Do in Wexford, Ireland

Today, 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 - Tarren “Sunk” from Outside Time 4:54 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic and Folk musician and also host of the Irish &...

Feb 04, 202536 minEp. 294

Top Celtic Folk Bands of 2025 to Watch #293

Today, 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’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send an email to follow@celtfather. Happy New Year! Climate chan...

Jan 14, 202532 minEp. 293

Live Pub Songs from Dragon Con 2024 #292

Here'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. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather. Today, I’m sharing a live concert from Dragon Con 2024. Eac...

Dec 23, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 292

Can Album Pins Save the Music Business? #291

Can 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 3:45 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’ Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re new to the...

Nov 19, 202434 minEp. 291

17 Things to Do on the Isle of Man #290

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 & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic folk musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. This podcast is primarily for fans of my music i...

Nov 05, 202433 minEp. 290

Happy Birthday from Ireland, Laughter Yoga #289

Is 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 Red Rose” from Soul of Harper and The Secret World of Celtic Rock 2:56 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’ Irish mus...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 36 minEp. 289

Princess Bride's Big Adventure #288

True 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 Carl Asch about their Ren Adventures. Plus, enjoy music from Scottish folk singer Ed Miller and Irish songwriter Enda Reilly. This is Pub Songs & Sto...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 288

Middle Earth Bragging, Greatest Women Composers in History w/ Apryl Knight #287

Have 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 & Stories #287 0:21 - Marc Gunn “The Lady of Setliff Manor” from Soul of Harper 2:41 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sc...

Jun 25, 202441 minEp. 287

The Leprechaun, Building Sherwood Forest Faire Castle #286

The 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? Dreams can come true. They did for George Appling of Sherwood Forest Faire. This is Pub Songs & Stories #286 0:24 - Marc Gunn “Parting Glass” from So...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 286

The Bridge & Best Travel Tips With Vince Conaway #285

Vince 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 my album Soul of a Harper. This is Pub Songs & Stories #285 0:30 - Marc Gunn “ Killiecrankie ” from Soul of Harper Inspired by the band Schiehallio...

Jun 11, 202455 minEp. 285

Sci Fi Drinking Songs at Gen Con 2023 #284

We’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 podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. This show is for fans of Celtic music and science fiction and fantasy. I create Celtic-inspired music. I...

Apr 30, 20241 hr 36 minEp. 284

Redemption #283

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 Grac e” from Come Adventure With Me By Amazing Grace, Hat Came Back, Tartanic Inspired by the Firefly episode “Heart of Glass” featuring Andrew McKee of Brobdingnagian Bards and Jamie Haeuser) 4:23 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc G...

Mar 19, 202434 minEp. 283

Myra's Lament for Lamlash Bay #282

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 Meets Firefly Inspired by the Firefly episode “Shindig” 3:14 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and p...

Mar 12, 202428 minEp. 282

Come Adventure With Me #281

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 ” from Come Adventure With Me Learn more about Selkie and Call of the Sea in show #234 . 3:57 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gu...

Mar 05, 202431 minEp. 281

Reaver Drinking Song #280

"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 spaceships. I share the story behind my song “Reavers Drinking Songs” today on Pub Songs & Stories #280. 0:25 - Marc Gunn “ Molly Malone feat. Jesse F...

Feb 27, 202423 minEp. 280

Spiderwebs #279

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 Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4 If you’re new to the ...

Feb 20, 202418 minEp. 279

Naked #278

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 Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4 If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just s...

Feb 13, 202427 minEp. 278

Blink #277

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 musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4 If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You ...

Feb 06, 202429 minEp. 277

Nerdy Noel & Dancing With Hobbits #276

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 Celtic Christmas Greetings WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I...

Nov 15, 202336 minEp. 276

Soul of a Harper, Rie Sheridan Rose #275

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. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I have a livestreaming concert this Thursday on Bandcamp. If you’re new...

Oct 19, 202323 minEp. 275
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