As a prequel to my upcoming tour of British Columbia I speak with Tad Hargrave, best known for his Marketing for Hippies movement, but also eloquent in culture making and something of a storyteller, improv actor and street magician. You want th

Ep12. Wise fools with Dan Serridge

Mar 9th, 2024 1h 28m

In this episode I discuss 'applied storytelling' as well as performance with Glasgow based storyteller Dan Serridge.We dive into story as a tool for community engagement and how it can break down barriers.Dan shares his experience of walking th

Ep11. Wild Awake with Lucy O'Hagan

Feb 3rd, 2024 1h 8m

In this episode I catch up with Lucy O'Hagan about her wilderness programmes in Ireland. We range from local myths of Lugh and Balor of the evil eye, to the Belfast Punk scene, snow shelters in Norway, cave dwelling in Dordogne, and the teepee

Ep 10. The Witches of Kintail live at SISF

Nov 3rd, 2023 41m 36s

This episode features a live recording of a story told at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 23. It's a version of one of the stories I first fell in love with many years ago and has sublime musical accompaniment from the talented

Ep 9. The Hunter Ogalusa

Oct 4th, 2023 41m 8s

In the episode I give a nod to my recent trip to Norway for a primitive skills gathering by telling a hunting tale from Sierra Leone. I also share a 'Revolting Rhyme' version of the Norwegian folk tale, the Three Billy Goats Gruff, inspired by

Ep 8. Rewilding Humans (with Daan Timmers)

Sep 5th, 2023 1h 15m

In this episode I discuss rewilding with Daan Timmers, whom I met at the Lithica ancestral skills gathering in Norway.We reflect upon our experience at the Lithica Gathering highlighting the sense of community and connection and value of reconn

Ep 7. The Old Grey Magician

Aug 17th, 2023 44m 55s

In this episode I introduce Animate Lands, a live storytelling and music piece that recently showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.I introduce the Fianna and some of the old Celtic myths relating to them before sharing a Scottish story fea

Ep 2. The Faery Fox

Jun 8th, 2023 21m 27s

This episode shares a local folk tale from the Isle of Skye, first told to me by renowned Seanachie, George 'Seoras' Macpherson. The tale is set in the time of the Highland clearances, and has themes of co-operation common in rural places, memo

Ep 1. Dog & Fox

Jun 8th, 2023 17m 49s

Welcome to the Tales for our Times podcast!In this first episode (recorded back in the winter time) I share a classic tale from the Scottish Traveller people and give a little cultural context around the travellers, and their role in the modern

Ep 5. Story Activism and the Magic Garden

Jun 8th, 2023 32m 15s

Inspired by a community action programme in the North of Scotland, this episode relays a the challenges placed upon green spaces and community resources under the guise of 'green energy'.With anecdotes from Torrie community up in Aberdeen, and

Ep 6. The Monkey's Heart

Jun 8th, 2023 27m 1s

Celebrating high summer, this tale is a nod to swims in the river and finding new stories for festival season.This tale is a fun one and a new one in my repertoire.You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oa

Ep 3. 'A Wee Lift' with Liz Weir

Jun 8th, 2023 42m 47s

In this episode I am joined by Northern Irish storytelling phenomenon Liz Weir.I first met Liz many years ago at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and was fascinated by her anecdotes of storytelling in Northern Ireland during the

Ep 4. Treasure under the Apple Tree

Jun 8th, 2023 26m 14s

Another classic tale about dreaming and unexpected treasures in familiar places and an inspiration for a best selling novel.This story appeals to all ages and whilst discussing with a friend recently, we reflected upon the influence that the no

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