Libsyn Directory

Folk Files #2.8 - Stand and Deliver

Release Date: 08/28/2025

Folk Files

A harrowing murder ballad in which an older sister shoves her younger sister in the water (and sometimes a musician makes an instrument from the drowned girl's corpse) can be found all over Great Britain, North America, and Scandinavia. But where did it originally come from? And how has the story changed as it's traveled across seas? Find out in this episode of Folk Files, all about "Twa Sisters." Host: Olivia Harding Learn more about the Spokane Fall Folk Festival: For more on this ballad, check out the In the Roud podcast: Support Folk Files: Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton For a...

Episode #3.3 - The Music of Temple Bar

Folk Files

In this St. Patrick's Day episode, I ask the question: Is it actually Irish? We will explore over thirty songs that are performed in Irish contexts and see if they actually come from Irish sources. Along the way, we'll discuss the Rising of 1798, the history of Dublin, the Great Famine, and the Irish diaspora. Host: Olivia Harding Learn more about the Albuquerque Folk Festival: https://www.abqfolkfest.org/ Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode...

Episode #3.2 - He Never Returned

Folk Files

Is "The MTA Song" a conservative song or a communist song (or neither)? And why did record companies try to hide the origins of the tune of one of the most prolific early 20th century country songs? Find out in this episode of Folk Files, which discusses "The MTA," "The Wreck of the Old '97," and "The Ship That Never Returned." Host: Olivia Harding Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast Check out the new website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/ Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton Reach out to Folk Files at folkfilespodcast@gmail.com For a full list of musical excerpts...

Episode #3.1 - Piping in the Haggis

Folk Files

Welcome to the third season of Folk Files! We are starting off the year with a Robert Burns-themed episode to celebrate Burns Night on January 25th. Learn about the traditions associated with the Burns Night Supper and discover how Robert Burns was indispensable when it came to preserving Scottish folk music. Host: Olivia Harding Support Folk Files: Check out the new website: Listen to The Rhythm Atlas: Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton Reach out to Folk Files at For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode page on the Folk Files...

Episode #2.12 - Lully, Lulla

Folk Files

Happy Holidays! Coventry Carol is a lullaby to a “little tiny child”...but surprisingly, that child is not Jesus. Learn more about this Christmas carol that was almost lost to time, including the history of modern Western Theatre and the origins of the picardy third, in this final episode of the second season of Folk Files. Host: Olivia Harding Support Folk Files: Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton Musical excerpts: ARTIST: The Sixteen WORK: The Coventry Carol SOURCE: ARTIST: Sting (from A Winter’s Night Live from Durham Cathedral) WORK: Coventry Carol SOURCE: ...

Bonus Episode: The Ballad World of Anna Gordon

Folk Files

In this bonus episode of Folk Files, I interview Ruth Perry, the author of The Ballad World of Anna Gordon, Mrs. Brown of Falkland. Anna Gordon is one of the most famous source singers in the history of folk music from the British Isles, and Ruth Perry's book dives into her life as a woman and ballad singer in 18th century Scotland.

The book is available at https://global.oup.com/academic/

It's pricy, and understandably so, since it contains a wealth of new informa

Episode #2.11 - The Flower of England

Folk Files

For a long time, “The Death of Queen Jane” has been considered a folk song that takes artistic liberties with the historic event of the birth of Edward VI to Jane Seymour in 1537. But is it possible that the song hints at a more complicated story, filled with propaganda and intrigue? Explore the intersection of Tudor history and folk ballads in this episode of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: Folk Files #2.10 - Beware the Moss

Folk Files

Long Lankin is the bogeyman of the Child Ballads. A mysterious figure who lives in the moss (or the gorse, or the hay), he is known as a bloodthirsty murderer. But what’s the full story? Explore the origins of the horror-filled ballad in this Halloween episode of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Folk Files #2.9 - I Said the Sparrow

Folk Files

Who Killed Cock Robin? It was I, said the Sparrow. But where did the song come from? And what does it mean? Explore a world of birds, nursery rhymes, mythology, and history in this month’s episode.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Yuri Gohen: @yurigohenfolksong

Who Killed Cock Robin by Yuri Gohen: info_outline Folk Files #2.8 - Stand and Deliver

Folk Files

Robbers, bandits, highwaymen…there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we’ll look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we’ll look at Robbers’ Retreat in an attempt to figure out why the song (also known as Cadgwith Anthem) doesn’t seem to follow any of those patterns.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files:

More Episodes

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

*This episode of Folk Files was recorded on the road. Apologies for any lapses in quality.*

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Cadgwith Anthem

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBpPYA8ebY

ARTIST: Ewan MacColl

WORK: Alan Tyne O’Harrow