The Irish Snug Podcast

The Shillelagh: Reviving Ireland’s Indigenous Martial Arts | Nathan Featherstone

In today’s episode, Nathan Featherstone joins us from Dublin - an elite martial artist, historian, and leader of the global renaissance of the indigenous Irish art of stick fighting. Many of us grew up with a shillelagh in our homes, viewing it simply as a traditional walking stick or an Irish souvenir. But as Nathan explains, its history is far deeper, more complicated, and entirely fascinating. Driven underground by the 17th-century Penal Laws—which effectively outlawed "being Irish" and banned the ownership of conventional weapons—the shillelagh became a vital tool for self-defense, recreation, and massive "faction fights" at local cattle markets. Nathan breaks down the physics of the weapon, the two surviving traditional styles (Doyle and Antrim), the role women played in these historical brawls, and how he is working to keep these martial arts alive today through sparring and international workshops. We also discuss his work revitalizing traditional Irish Collar and Elbow wrestling and what to expect at the upcoming Neo-Trad Games near Boston! ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:00:02] - Welcome to The Irish Snug & Guest Introduction [00:01:01] - Host Tim shares his personal family shillelagh story [00:02:19] - The Penal Laws: How the shillelagh became Ireland's hidden weapon [00:03:51] - Stick fighting as recreation and letting off steam [00:05:06] - Fair days and faction fights: 5,000-person brawls [00:06:00] - Land clearances, city guilds (Butchers vs. Weavers), and sectarian feuds [00:07:36] - Peak popularity and how the Great Famine nearly drove the art extinct [00:08:00] - The social pushback: The GAA and the "saints and scholars" image [00:09:22] - Tracking folklore through the Dúchas archive [00:10:46] - Wood types: From outlawed Irish oak to traditional blackthorn [00:11:21] - The history of "souvenir" shillelaghs and 1960s American tourism [00:13:35] - The 7 specific types of Irish sticks [00:14:32] - Preserving traditional Irish Collar and Elbow wrestling [00:15:33] - The loss of young Irish men across generations of global wars [00:16:39] - Thanking the Irish diaspora for keeping traditions alive [00:17:18] - Nathan's martial arts background: MMA, Judo, and starting Ireland's first Sumo school [00:19:50] - The Rambling Kern: Deconstructing post-colonial stereotypes of Irish history [00:23:09] - Doyle vs. Antrim: Understanding the two surviving styles of Irish stick fighting [00:24:39] - The unique mechanics of the shillelagh grip and the "flick" action [00:25:56] - The historical rules: Women with rock-filled aprons and ground-fighting bans [00:26:55] - Evaluating historical artwork vs. modern living lineages [00:31:06] - The rhythm and combat acoustics of stick combinations [00:33:18] - How to train safely: Padded sticks, fencing masks, and tire drills [00:35:29] - Self-defense practicality vs. the dangers of turning it into a sport [00:37:59] - Nathan's global training tours and his goals for students in Ireland [00:40:31] - Embracing a modern Irish identity free from historical shackles [00:41:25] - Dismantling anti-Irish drinking stereotypes [00:43:42] - Thoughts on bringing Irish stick fighting to the Joe Rogan Experience [00:44:33] - The New England Celtic Games & the upcoming Northeastern Wrestling Championship 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Nathan’s Platform: Check out historical videos and martial arts demonstrations on Nathan's page, The Rambling Kern. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ramblingkern [https://www.youtube.com/@ramblingkern] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theramblingkern/ [https://www.instagram.com/theramblingkern/] Folklore Archive: Explore the Irish history and folklore archive mentioned by Nathan at http://Dúchas.ie [http://Dúchas.ie]. Upcoming Events: Get tickets and information for the No Fame Games (expanding from the Highland Games) in Milford, Massachusetts, taking place this June 13th. http://nofamegames.com [http://nofamegames.com] If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell icon so you never miss a story from the Snug. Sláinte! Follow The Irish Snug Podcast: Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ [https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/] YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug [https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW [https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug [https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug] #IrishStickFighting #Shillelagh #IrishCulture #MartialArts #TheRamblingKern Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/support]

40 Years of Irish Music, Stories & Tradition | Joanie Madden, Cherish the Ladies

For over 40 years, Joanie Madden has led Cherish the Ladies from small pub sessions to the world’s biggest stages, helping bring Irish culture, storytelling, music, and heritage to audiences across the globe. In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, Joanie shares an incredible journey filled with unforgettable stories, hard-earned lessons, deep family roots, and the passion that has driven her remarkable career for over four decades. From growing up in Woodlawn in the Bronx as the daughter of All-Ireland champion accordion player Joe Madden, to becoming one of the most influential whistle and flute players in Irish music history, Joanie shares incredible stories from her journey through the world of Irish music. In this episode, Joanie talks about: • learning the whistle as a young girl in New York • competing in Ireland at just 13 years old • founding Cherish the Ladies and breaking barriers for women in Irish music • touring the world for over 40 years • friendships with Liam Clancy, Tommy Makem, and even meeting Bob Dylan • emotional stories about Irish immigration and her mother’s sacrifices • the origins of some of her most beloved tunes including “The Cat’s Meow” and “Longing for Home” • life during COVID and the future of live Irish music • unforgettable sessions in Ireland and Japan • and why Irish music continues to connect people all over the world This episode is full of laughter, emotion, history, and incredible storytelling — exactly what The Irish Snug Podcast is all about. ☘️ If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, like, and share to help keep Irish stories, music, and traditions alive. ⸻ TIMESTAMPS • [0:00:02] Introduction to Joanie Madden and Irish traditional music • [0:01:21] Growing up in Woodlawn, the Bronx, and her Irish immigrant parents • [0:03:06] Learning tin whistle from Jack Coen and playing with her father’s band • [0:04:44] First trip to Ireland and competing at Fleadh Cheoil • [0:06:17] WFUV radio and the importance of Irish music broadcasting • [0:07:25] FDNY memories and music after 9/11 • [0:11:39] Leaving college to become a full-time musician • [0:12:28] The founding story of Cherish the Ladies • [0:13:33] Proving doubters wrong and achieving worldwide success • [0:15:00] Writing “The Cat’s Meow” at 14 years old • [0:17:15] Composing tunes and life on the road • [0:19:21] The emotional story behind “Longing for Home” • [0:23:03] “The Christmas Letter” and preserving Irish immigrant stories • [0:25:06] Performing in Ireland as an Irish American • [0:27:19] Irish cruises, festivals, and becoming a music ambassador • [0:29:22] Memories of 9/11 and connections to FDNY families • [0:31:04] Lessons learned from Liam Clancy and the Clancy Brothers • [0:35:45] Meeting Bob Dylan at Tommy Makem’s Pavilion • [0:39:18] COVID shutdowns and the future of live music • [0:42:41] Magical Irish music sessions around the world • [0:43:07] Playing traditional Irish music in Japan • [0:45:44] Joanie performs live on tin whistle • [0:47:47] Closing thoughts and farewell ⸻ Follow and support Joanie Madden & Cherish the Ladies: • Tours, cruises, festivals, and music releases • Traditional Irish music and cultural events worldwide Websites: https://cherishtheladies.com/ [https://cherishtheladies.com/] https://joaniemaddencruise.com/ [https://joaniemaddencruise.com/] Follow the Irish Snug Podcast: http://TheIrishSnugPodcast.com [http://TheIrishSnugPodcast.com] #IrishMusic #JoanieMadden #CherishTheLadies #TinWhistle #IrishCulture Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/support]

The Man Who Led NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 33 Years | Joe Brady

🎙️ In this episode of the Irish Snug Podcast, we sit down with legendary bagpiper Joe Brady —a cornerstone of Irish-American piping and a key figure in New York City’s rich musical and firefighting traditions. Joe shares his journey from learning the pipes as a young boy in the Bronx to becoming an elite open-level piper by age 17. He reflects on decades of experience with the FDNY Pipe Band, founding the FBI Pipe Band, and his remarkable 33-year run leading the iconic Fighting 69th Regiment up Fifth Avenue in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We dive deep into: • The legacy of Irish piping in New York • The history and honor of the Fighting 69th • Performing with world-renowned groups like The Chieftains and The High Kings • Playing at historic events, including for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey • The rise and fall of the Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival This episode is packed with unforgettable stories, humor, and insight into a lifetime dedicated to music, tradition, and service. 👉 Whether you're a bagpiper, firefighter, or fan of Irish culture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🔥 Episode Highlights • [00:00:02] Introduction to the podcast and Joe Brady • [00:00:16] Early days with the FDNY Pipe Band • [00:01:38] Becoming an open piper at 17 • [00:02:22] Leading the Fighting 69th for 33 years • [00:03:10] Joe Brady Sr. and Irish roots • [00:05:44] First trip to Ireland at 17 • [00:07:26] Winning a drum major competition in Kilkenny • [00:08:59] Stories about his father • [00:11:24] Learning the pipes as a kid • [00:13:30] Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band & flying to practice • [00:15:50] Founding the FBI Pipe Band • [00:19:10] Joining the Fighting 69th • [00:20:46] First NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade • [00:22:30] Marching up Fifth Avenue • [00:24:03] Playing the entire parade route nonstop • [00:25:10] History of the Fighting 69th • [00:26:49] Teaching the FDNY Pipe Band • [00:29:51] Training FDNY drum major Liam Flaherty • [00:33:04] Playing with The Chieftains & The High Kings • [00:34:18] Performing for General Martin Dempsey • [00:35:25] “The Parting Glass” performance story • [00:37:20] Behind the scenes at The Jay Leno Show • [00:43:14] Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival origins • [00:44:53] Massed bands marching down the mountain • [00:46:17] End of the festival and legacy If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell icon so you never miss a story from the Snug. Sláinte! Follow The Irish Snug Podcast: Website: 👉 [https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/] YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug]👉 Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW]👉 Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209]:👉 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] 👉 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug] 👉 #Bagpipes #Fighting69th #StPatricksDay #FDNY #JoeBrady Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/support]

Ancient Irish Strength Rituals You’ve Never Heard Of | David Keohan

In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, I’m joined by David Keohan, widely known as Indiana Stones, a man on a singular mission to revive the lost Irish tradition of stone lifting. For centuries, these massive boulders—scattered across the Irish landscape in fields, graveyards, and coastal villages—served as rites of passage, tests of strength for jobs like stonemasonry, and even ways to honor the dead at funeral games. David discusses how this deep-rooted cultural practice was nearly erased by history and how he used archival research to track down these "stones of strength," some of which haven't been lifted in generations. We dive into the intersection of folklore, physical strength, and the spiritual connection to the land that comes with "getting the wind under the stone." KEY TOPICS * The Rediscovery: How David transitioned from a world-champion kettlebell lifter to a "cultural archaeologist" of Irish stone lifting. * The Schools’ Collection: Using 1930s folklore archives to locate forgotten stones through the stories of schoolchildren. * The Mythology of Strength: Understanding the legends attached to stones like the Fianna stone and the "manhood stones" of the Aran Islands. * A Cultural Revival: How stone lifting is reawakening national pride and connecting people with their ancestry today. LINKS & RESOURCES  * Follow David Keohan [https://www.instagram.com/_indiana_stones_] (Indiana Stones) on Instagram:  * Dúchas.ie: [https://www.duchas.ie] Explore the National Folklore Collection and the Schools' Collection David uses for his research. * David’s Upcoming Book: The Wind Beneath the Stone: My Quest to Unearth a Piece of Ireland's Folklore (Available for pre-order/release in 2026):  * Pre-order via Bloomsbury (Ireland & UK)  [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/wind-beneath-the-stone-9781526691859/] * Pre-order via Penguin (US & Canada) [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/831124/the-wind-beneath-the-stone-by-david-keohan/9781645024897#:~:text=My%20Quest%20to%20Unearth%20a%20Piece%20of%20Ireland's%20Folklore&text=One%20competitive%20strongman's%20compelling%2C%20heartwarming,beneath%20the%20stone%20once%20more.] * Documentary: Made of Stone – Available on the RTÉ Player  * Film Inspiration: Fullsterkur (Icelandic Stones), Levantadores (Basque Stones), and Stoneland (Scottish Stones) by Rogue Fitness  If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Irish Snug to get notified as new episodes are released.  Support the podcast here. [https://buymeacoffee.com/theirishsnugpodcast] FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG PODCAST Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ [https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/] YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug [https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW [https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug [https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug] #TheIrishSnug #indianastones #stonelifting #IrishFolklore #Duchas Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/support]

What It Takes to Become a 5x World Champion Irish Dancer | Paige Turilli

This episode of The Irish Snug is a masterclass in discipline, grit, and the deep-rooted connections within the Irish-American community. Today, Tim sits down with Paige Turilli, a five-time World Champion Irish dancer, to discuss her journey from a five-year-old beginner in Pearl River to standing on top of the world stage. Whether you're an "Irish Dance Dad," a competitive athlete, or someone who loves a good story about heritage and hard work, this conversation offers a rare look behind the curtain of elite Irish dance. ☘️ Episode Highlights * The FDNY Connection: Tim and Paige reminisce about their family ties within the FDNY and the bagpipe band, including a touching tribute to Paige's father—an exceptional firefighter and hero of 9/11. * The Road to World Titles: Paige breaks down the sacrifices, injuries (including a near-torn hamstring), and the mental toughness required to win five World Championships. * The Pivot for Growth: Why Paige made the difficult decision to switch dance schools at age 17 and how that drive for new challenges propelled her to the next level. * Life After Competition: From balancing dance with college life at Villanova to her current role teaching "Jig and Swig" in London, Paige discusses finding joy in the "retirement" phase of her career. * The Future of the Craft: Insights on the evolution of Irish dance—from increased athleticism to the rhythm-focused styles of the past—and Paige's aspirations to become an adjudicator. 🎙️ About Paige Turilli Paige Turilli is one of the most decorated Irish dancers of her generation. Her resume includes: * 5x World Champion * 9x Oireachtas Champion * 6x National Champion * 2x All-Ireland Champion 🇮🇪 About The Irish Snug Podcast Hosted by Tim Grant, The Irish Snug is a place for unscripted, deep-dive conversations about Irish culture, history, and the people who keep the traditions alive. We prioritize storytelling over soundbites, focusing on the "grey areas" of resilience, character, and the legendary Irish banter. 🇮🇪 Follow The Irish Snug Podcast: Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ [https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/] YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug [https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW [https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug [https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug] #IrishDance [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/irishdance] #WorldChampion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/worldchampion] #TheIrishSnug [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/theirishsnug] #FDNY [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fdny] #PaigeTurilli [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/paigeturilli] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541921/support]