PUB SONGS & STORIES (Atlanta, Georgia)

Music

About

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.

Episodes

  • Washer Well Wenches, Thorin's Eulogy & Celtic Folk #315

    This episode of Pub Songs & Stories, #315, features music from Marc Gunn, Fialla, Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes, and Brobdingnagian Bards. It includes an interview with Danielle DuPont of the Washer Well Wenches and discusses Thorin Oakensh…

  • Firefly Drinking Songs #314: Still Flyin'

    Pub Songs & Stories #314 features music from Faoileán, CaliCeltic, Marc Gunn, and others, alongside a discussion about the Firefly animated series and the direction of songwriting.

  • St. Patrick's Day in the Pub #313

    Episode 313 of PUB SONGS & STORIES features music and stories for St. Patrick's Day from artists like Irish Millie, Brobdingnagian Bards, and The Gothard Sisters. The episode includes songs such as "I'll Tell My Ma" and "Come Out Ye Black…

  • Four Lights and Rebel Songs #312

    Pub Songs & Stories #312 connects Irish rebel songs, like "The Foggy Dew," with themes of courage and truth to Star Trek: The Next Generation. The episode discusses how these songs challenge authority and inspire change, featuring music fr…

  • Manufacturing Inspiration: Songwriting Habits of Mikey Mason

    This episode features an interview with geek-rock musician Mikey Mason, discussing his approach to songwriting, including a commitment to writing a new song every Monday and strategies for consistent creativity. The episode also includes m…

  • Quest & Chorus #6: From Carnac to Fangorn | The End of the Quest (special feat: Pub Songs and Stories #310)

    Over 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 leg…

  • Quest & Chorus #5: Crossing the Waves to Skellig Michael (special feat: Folk Songs & Stories #309)

    The 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 an…

  • Quest & Chorus Ep. 4: Come Adventure to The Quiraing on Skye (special feat: Folk Songs & Stories #308)

    The 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…

  • Quest & Chorus #3: Tintagel - History, Shipwrecks & Myth (special feature Folk Songs & Stories)

    Welcome 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 th…

  • Quest & Chorus #2: A Lonely Shore on the Calf of Man (special feature Folk Songs & Stories)

    The 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…

  • Quest & Chorus #1: Don't Blink at Kilmartin (special feature)

    Quest & 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…

  • 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 Son…

  • 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 Gun…

  • 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 Lo…

  • Furagone's Wake: Zombie Cats and One Wild Party #301

    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…

  • 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'…

  • 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 Fe…

  • 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 B…

  • 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…

  • 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 S…

  • 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)…

  • 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 ch…

  • 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…

  • 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 Celti…

  • 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…

  • 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 & S…

  • 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 somet…

  • 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-b…

  • 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 w…

  • 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 m…

  • 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…

  • 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" fro…

  • 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 "…

  • 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 & S…

  • 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 fi…

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • 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 Selco…

  • 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 "…

  • 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…

  • 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 - Bro…

  • Fun at Dragon Con 2023

    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.…

  • Dragon Con 2023: firefly, musical pins and madness #273

    Dragon 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 F…

  • Live Show at Maggie McGuiness Pub #272

    This 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…

  • The 3 S's: Songs, Stories, & Sustainability this Fall #271

    Greetings 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 l…

  • A Man Who Wears A Kilt Every Day #270

    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 abo…

  • Making Better Things, Sustainable Music with Kyle Carey #269

    My 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 intervie…

  • Isn't it Grand to be Walking Undead #268

    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 I…

  • St Patrick's Day, Writing Drinking Songs #267

    St 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…

  • Irish Diaspora, Men of New Basin Canal #266

    The 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…