Tales for our Times – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this episode I speak with Irish Storyteller and chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, Eimear Burke.

We discuss fairy doors and healing wells, the practice of restoring female stories in folklore and myth, and methods of walking stories out on the land an reweaving the tales.

We cover grief, love and poetry, seasonal cycles and nature connection, and touch upon several stories from the Celtic cannon, especially the Birth of Ossian and tales involving Fionn McCoull, Lugh & Taliesin.

You can find Eimear on Youtube during her weekly 'fireside chats' or through her work with OBOD at druidry.org.

If you'd like to become a storyteller or improve your storytelling skills I'll announce a new cohort programme starting in September 26 https://sendfox.com/lp/3epnd0

You can find my writing on Substack at 'Rekindling the Hearth' and join a live storytelling event in the north of Scotland via the Shieling Collective or in Edinburgh at the Scottish Storytellling Centre.

Thanks for listening!

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In this episode I share a story about a hunter who is haunted by ghosts before encountering a wolf.

I reflect upon Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 and talk about the storytelling and shadow puppetry show, "A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun'.

I mention my substack page "Rekindling the Hearth" https://deeprootscommunity.substack.com/

aswell as upcoming festivals in the Glens of Antrim, Bray, and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

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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 reconnecting with nature and each other in a world that often prioritizes individuality. 

We discuss the joy of learning and practicing ancient skills, as well as the intangible magic that occurs when people come together in such settings. We cover concept of rewilding, not only in terms of the natural environment but also in relation to rewilding humans and returning to a more natural state of being. 

We also touch upon the significance of storytelling in teaching and connecting with others, its ability to engage the heart and impart wisdom. 

Daan shares the story of the 'Mastership of the knife'.

Follow Daan @daan_gaat_wild (insta)

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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 featuring the Old Grey Magician, a mysterious wizard type character in who appears in several old Celtic myths. This is a story you are unlikely to hear elsewhere.
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Dougie shares his summer adventures, including attending the Lithica Gathering in Norway, running a camp on the Scottish island of Egg, and participating in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

The focus of the podcast is on Dougie's storytelling music show called Animate Lands, which explores the Birth of Ossian and the significance of deer stories in Celtic culture. The transcript highlights Dougie's passion for storytelling and his commitment to exploring the connections between folk culture, mythology, and the natural world.

The second transcript delves into the evolution of Dougie's show Animate Lands, which combines storytelling and music. The show reflects on the loss of Animistic awareness in modern times and its impact on issues like climate change. A story from the show is shared, featuring the character of the Old Grey Magician and his apprentice, Donnran, who embarks on a transformative journey. The story draws parallels to figures like Merlin and the Dark Druid in Celtic mythology, showcasing the mystical nature of the Old Grey Magician.

The third transcript explores the tale of the Magician in the context of Finn and Fianna. It highlights the originality and ancient roots of the story, rooted in Druidical stories and early Celtic culture. The importance of bees and the presence of a stag in the tale raise questions about their significance in ancient cultures. 

The transcript also mentions resources for further exploration of Fianna tales and the Finn cycle, as well as the Animate Lands show performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Referenced in this episode are the following books:

The Old Grey Magician, by George Macpherson
Over 9 Waves, Mari Heaney
Gods and Fighting Men, Lady Gregory
Finn and the Fianna, Daniel Allison

Also:

If you're interested in participating in Myth as Medicine register interest via:
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Check out the Animate Lands teaser video:
https://youtu.be/6PWu1LwawbI?si=cC3cPfLlzbSeU3qb

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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 oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.

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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 reflections upon this folk tale from Central Asia, we explore the contradiction of focusing on carbon whilst ignoring biodiversity and yearn for decision making strategies with youthful vision and elders to offer advice.

You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.

https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackaystory

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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 novel version of this tale has had on our adult lives.

It's a cracking folk tale in it's finest form: simple, engaging and with just a seed of something to ponder afterwards.

I first discovered this story via Hugh Lupton's collection of Wisdom Tales, published by Barefoot Books.

You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.

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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 times of 'the troubles'. It was one of the strongest accounts of applied storytelling I have heard, and only one of many community projects delivered by Liz.

Since then, I have visited her across the water several times and have always been made very welcome.

Liz is a storytelling powerhouse, mentor to many, and great craic. I had no doubts about inviting her to be the first guest on the podcast.

You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.

https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackaystory

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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, memories of old lore, and the harshness of the Scottish elements.

You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.

https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackaystory

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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 resurgence in traditional storytelling.

This story is a classic, and one of the tales I tell most often as it's a winner with all age groups and presents a age old dichotomy, that stirs something inmost people.

You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.

https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackaystory