The bothies of Scotland, the true nature of Celtic Heartstrings, genetic counseling and an interview with Mikey Mason about our new single, “Hero of Christmas.” It’s all on the Pub Songs Podcast #219.

Welcome to the Pub Songs Podcast, the Virtual Public House for Celtic Geek culture. I am your Guide. My name is Marc Gunn. Today’s show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Subscribe to the podcast and download free music when you sign up at PubSong.com.

0:23 - SONG: “Barnyards of Delgaty” from Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion

2:16 - WELCOME

--That was a bothy ballad. Bothys are small houses in Scotland. They were typically used by itinerant farmers a century ago.

-- Post a review in Apple Podcasts

-- New videos: Bright Side of Everything, Tough Times, Something Different Coffee Concert with Hallelujah

-- New podcasts: Poor But Happy, Celtic Christmas Podcast

-- New Irish & Celtic Song Lyrics: Hero of Canton, Monahan’s Mudder’s Milk

5:15 - SPONSOR: Celtic Heartstrings

Celtic Heartstring are necklace pendants made from the broken strings of my heart. I mean, autoharp.

However, they are more than a recycled string from my autoharp. I like to think of them as a symbol.

Celtic Heartstrings are designed to be as unique as each person who wears one.

The large pendant is worn over our hearts to remind us that empathy and kindness are essential to the human experience. Generosity builds bridges. And when we look at people through their eyes, with empathy, we better understand them. Kindness becomes easier.

Celtic Heartstrings also symbolize our shared love of Celtic culture through music. They are a symbol of the diversity of the people who wear them.

Though they are called “Celtic”, these are not true Celtic knots. They *look* like them. Just because someone might not be of Celtic heritage does not mean they are not part of our Celtic community. Celtic Heartstrings are about inclusion. That’s something that I’ve talked about on my Celtic podcasts since I started all of them.

There’s enough exclusion in this world. Kindness and generosity are about inclusion. We can be different and yet also be one people, be that Americans or just the human race.

Some of my more popular designs are the Celtic Butterfly, the Celtic Dragonfly, the Infinity Heart, and the Celtic Cross. You can find them all in my store at MageRecords.com.

Wear your Celtic Heartstring with heart. Come together with kindness.

7:28 - GEEK SONG: “Genetic Counseling Song” from Selcouth

November 12 was Genetic Counseling Awareness Day. My wife is a genetic counselor. When she was completing her degree, she asked me to write a song for their graduation. I had a lot of trouble writing one. So we sat down together and wrote some lyrics for a song that captured different aspects of her new career.

I recorded a video of “Genetic Counseling Song” last year and posted it to YouTube. I think Genetic Counselors were happy to be seen.

10:36 - CELTIC GEEK SPOTLIGHT: Hero of Christmas Interview with Mikey Mason

In 2018, Mikey Mason and I did a Blue Sun Holiday Tour Spectacular. We played five dates between Alabama and Indiana. We recorded a few Firefly Christmas songs for the event. They were available on a limited-edition CD. We are planning the official release of the EP in December. In the meantime, we are very happy to officially release the first single, “Hero of Christmas”.

The song is of course a parody of “Hero of Canton” and touches on the 60’s Christmas special “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” as well as Dr Seuss’ masterpiece, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”.

I sat down with Mikey last year and talked to him about the song.

25:43 - SPOTLIGHT SONG: “Hero of Christmas” by Marc Gunn & Mikey Mason from Browncoat Christmas

TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS. Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. We’re going to Scotland in 2021. Join the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

28:19 - UPCOMING SHOWS

THURS: Coffee with The Celtfather on YouTube @ 12:00 PM Eastern

NOV 19: Celtfather Live on YouTube @ 8:00 - 9 PM EDT. Tickets $8.

29:10 - SUPPORT WHAT YOU LOVE

If you enjoy the music in this show, please show your support. Buy music or merch. Follow me on streaming. And tell a friend.

Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample my 23 albums. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour and have online concerts. Kickstarter funds the production of physical products like CDs, shirts, and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon. Your support pays for the production and promotion of my music and this podcast. Follow the link in the shownotes.

Special thanks to my newest patrons: Matt and Nykki Boersma

29:46 - JOIN THE PUB CHAT (read and see videos at bottom of notes)

Are you a Celtic Geek? Well, then you probably read. You might study history. And you might watch TV or movies with a Celtic or Geek twist. It’s what Celtic Geeks do. What are you reading, learning, or watching?

You can send a written comment along with a picture of what you’re enjoying to marc@marcgunn.com. Chat in the Celtic Geeks group on Facebook.

31:16 - SONG: “Galway Shawl”

Pub Songs Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn. To subscribe, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify or to my website where you can subscribe to my mailing list. I’ll email you regular updates of new music and podcasts, special offers, and you’ll get 21 songs for free. Welcome to the pub at www.pubsong.com!

#pubsongs

PUB CHAT

I posted a meme in the Celtic Geeks group regarding baby Yoda and the Mandalorian. It reads:

“As of October 30, take a drink every time something "Baby Yoda" related pops up on your timeline until December 18.”

Matt Hughes replied: "I'd be dead in a week."

Patrick Mahoney replied: "With my crowd I don't think I could make it past noon and be conscious"

Kris Dobie asks: "Does Tea count???"

What do you think? Do you like the Mandalorian? Some say it’s like Firefly.