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 Bards, plus Screeched Inn with yours truly.

This is Folk Songs & Stories #298

0:39 - Tami Curtis "Keep Our Fire Burning" from Cavort

4:43 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES

I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic and Folk musician and also host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send an email to follow@celtfather.

Greetings my friends. Spring has sprung in Atlanta. Everything is covered in the yellowish glow of pollen. Fortunately, I’ve doubled up on allergy meds this year. It seems to have helped. I haven’t lost my voice once this season, knock on wood. Even after a 4 hour show at the Wings Cafe & Tap House on St Patrick’s Day. I call that a HUGE win.

In the meantime, I’ve got a little challenge for you. It’s simple, it’s soulful, and it’s rooted in the music we love. It’s called the Celtic Spring Challenge, and it’s happening all through the month of April.

Here’s how it works:

🎶 First—listen to Celtic music every day. Whether it’s a lively jig, a haunting ballad, or an old favorite that stirs your heart. This podcast is mostly about Celtic Folk songs. So let that music be your companion.

🚶‍♀️ Second—go for a 30-minute walk. Every day if you can. Get outside, breathe in that spring air, and let the rhythm of the music move your feet.

♻️ And third—pick up three pieces of trash while you’re out there. It’s a small gesture, but it’s a way of giving something back to the land that inspires so much of the music we celebrate here.

It’s easy, it’s meaningful, and it’s a beautiful way to connect—with nature, with music, and with community.

Share your journey with us using the hashtag #CelticSpringChallenge. We’d love to see your favorite walking paths, hear your go-to songs, and celebrate the good you’re doing out in the world.

So what do you say? Lace up. Press play. And let’s make this April a month to remember.

8:08 - Charlie O'Brien "Donovan's Mount" from The Trackless Wild, Irish Song of the Pampa

11:05 - BUY LOCAL. BUY SMALL. BUY SUSTAINABLE.

14:39 - Marc Gunn, Screeched Inn "Bright Side of Everything" from Selcouth

• Hear the story of Bright Side of Everything” on the 2022 episode #247

Vote:  Favorite songs on Selcouth?

17:49 - UPCOMING SHOWS

• APR 4-6: StellarFest, Duluth, GA
• APR 12-13: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX
• APR 19-20: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX
• APR 25-27: Jordan Con, Atlanta, GA
• MAY 3: Maggie McGuinness Pub, Huntsville, AL
• MAY 4: The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA @ 4-7 PM
• JUN 21-28: Celtic Invasion of Wexford, Ireland
• JUL 19: Fiddler's Green Coffeehouse Concert series @ 8 PM
• JUL 31-AUG 3: Gen Con, Indianapolis, IN
• AUG 28-SEP 1: Dragon Con, Atlanta, GA
• SEP 24-28: ALEP 6, Harrodsburg, KY
• DEC 7: Nerdy Wonderland at The Lost Druid, Avondale Estates, GA @ 12 - 5 PM.

I’m gonna be at Sherwood Forest Faire for the last two weekends. And I’d like you to do me a favor. I gave them a big ask this year. You see, I was initially scheduled for different dates. But because of my hip surgery, the faires so kind enough to change the dates for me so I could be sure I was able to walk at the festival. I am so grateful to them. So tell the faire thank you once you visit me at the event

21:49 - Sassenach "My Lagan Love" from Passages

25:47 - LATEST NEWS

• Slowly mailing merch for two Kickstarters
• Updated my blog on What is an Album Pin?
• New Come Adventure With Me album pins are laser-engraved wood

See pictures from my Celtic Invasion of Isle of Man

Merch: Buy the Kiss Me I’m Sci F’Irish Album Pin. I have a limited run of these album pins available. But I also now have a Sci Fi Drinking Songs Special Package.

32:03 - THANK YOU GUNN RUNNERS ON PATREON

Your support on Patreon isn’t just appreciated—it means everything.

It’s because of you that I’m able to make a living doing what I love: creating music that brings people joy, comfort, laughter… and sometimes, even a bit of healing. It’s your patronage that fuels the songs, the podcasts, and the stories I get to share with the world.

When you sign up as an official Gunn Runner—starting at just $5 a month—you become part of something truly special. You get access to exclusive, unreleased songs, intimate podcast moments, behind-the-scenes blogs, and a deep archive of video concerts. But more than that, you help keep this creative fire burning.

And if you’re not in a place to support me financially right now, that’s okay. Honestly. Take care of yourself first—that’s what matters most. You can still join the club for free and get weekly snapshots from my Celtic adventures and musical wanderings.

However you choose to be part of this journey, know this: I’m deeply grateful. Your presence makes the music matter.

Email follow@celtfather to get more details!

33:13 - Toby Bresnahan "Lord Randall" from All In Good time

Please leave a comment on the podcast show notes at pubsong.com or wherever you're listening. You can also message me on Facebook. Email me, send me pictures of where you're listening. follow@celtfather

37:49 - TODAY’S SHOW IS BROUGHT TO BY CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I take a select group of Celtic music enthusiasts on an unforgettable, laid-back adventure. We don’t rush to see everything. Instead, we immerse ourselves in one beautiful region, exploring its culture, history, and legends at a relaxed pace. You can join us from the comfort of your own home with a rich mix of podcasts and videos that bring the journey to life.

In 2026, we’ll be traveling to Galicia, a Celtic heartland in Spain.

Together, we’ll explore the deep history and captivating myths of the Galician Celts, tracing their connections to Ireland, Scotland, and beyond. We’ll wander the same lands once tread by Celtic warriors, uncover the ancient tales passed down through the ages, and experience the soul-stirring rhythms of authentic Galician Celtic music, filled with history and passion.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s an immersive journey into a Celtic culture like no other. Are you ready to join us?

Sign to the Celtic Invasion Vacations mailing list at CelticInvasion.com.

39:00 - THE STORY OF MUSHROOMS

43:48 - Brobdingnagian Bards “Mushrooms” from Another Faire to Remember

46:32 - CREDITS

Thanks for listening to Folk Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen. The intro was performed by Sharon Collins. The podcast was produced by Marc Gunn and my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Follow my Patreon blog for free updates and to listen to the podcast. Sign up to my mailing list for monthly updates and to discover where I’m performing.

Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.

Finally, remember. Climate change is real, and we can fix it. Cutting waste, saving energy, and pushing for clean power all make a difference. A cleaner, safer world benefits everyone.

Talk to someone today—our children are counting on you.

Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!

#folksongs #celticsongs