Tales for our Times
We live in turbulent times, such times need great stories and storytelling.
This podcast presents the ancient craft of storytelling as tool for connection, imagination, entertainment and empowerment.
Scottish storyteller Dougie Mackay, shares folk tales, myths and musings. Sometimes joined by guest storytellers, change-makers, rebels and poets, who share their perspective on stories and folk culture and its impact on modern life.
Themes of rewilding, nature connection, folk arts, primitive skills and regenerative culture are explored.
Episodes
13 episodes
Culture Making with Tad Hargrave
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:11:39
Ep12. Wise fools with Dan Serridge
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 experi...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:28:06
Ep11. Wild Awake with Lucy O'Hagan
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:08:51
Ep 10. The Witches of Kintail live at SISF
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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41:36
Ep 9. The Hunter Ogalusa
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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41:08
Ep 8. Rewilding Humans (with Daan Timmers)
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 o...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:15:50
Ep 7. The Old Grey Magician
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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44:55
Ep 6. The Monkey's Heart
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 (tha...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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27:01
Ep 5. Story Activism and the Magic Garden
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 Aberde...
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32:15
Ep 4. Treasure under the Apple Tree
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 tha...
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26:14
Ep 3. 'A Wee Lift' with Liz Weir
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 du...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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42:47