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Tales for our Times

Author: Dougie Mackay

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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.

13 Episodes
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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 this guy at your party!In our conversation we touch upon his own path to discover of the richness of his Celtic heritage, learning from cultural heavyweights such as Stephen Jenkinson, discuss indigenous knowledge, heritage crafts, and trans Atlanti...
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 experience of walking the border between England and Scotland, whilst musing the classic tale of Thomas the Rhymer, and his own experience of loss. How do we return changed from a trip to the underworld?This theme continues, using the greek myth of orpheus as a means to proces...
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 outside Galway where we met.To find out more about Lucy's work:https://www.wildawake.ie/To stay tuned for more story offerings:https://sendfox.com/dougiemackaystoryLynx Vilden's Lithica project:https://www.lithica.earth/
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 Rachel Newton...aswell as some random audience participation and suggestion!I also comment on various features of the storytelling festival including the Basket of Stories project and finish with a poem from a prominent Palestinian poet.Mentioned in th...
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, inspired by irreverent British-Danish author Roald Dahl.There is some commentary on my time in Norway and the story too.If you'd like to support this podcast you can make a donation, to the price of a hot drink via my Kofi page:https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackayst...
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 of reconnecting with nature and each other in a world that often prioritizes individuality. We discuss the joy of learning and practicing ancient skills, as well as the intangible magic that occurs when people come together in such settings. We cover concep...
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 story featuring the Old Grey Magician, a mysterious wizard type character in who appears in several old Celtic myths. This is a story you are unlikely to hear elsewhere............Dougie shares his summer adventures, including attending the Lithica Gathering in ...
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 (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackaystorySignup to news and info:https://sendfox.com/dougiemackaystory
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 Aberdeen, and reflections upon this folk tale from Central Asia, we explore the contradiction of focusing on carbon whilst ignoring biodiversity and yearn for decision making strategies with youthful vision and elders to offer advice.You can support this podcast to t...
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 that the novel version of this tale has had on our adult lives.It's a cracking folk tale in it's finest form: simple, engaging and with just a seed of something to ponder afterwards.I first discovered this story via Hugh Lupton's collection of Wisdom Tales, publis...
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 during the times of 'the troubles'. It was one of the strongest accounts of applied storytelling I have heard, and only one of many community projects delivered by Liz.Since then, I have visited her across the water several times and have always been made very we...
Ep 2. The Faery Fox

Ep 2. The Faery Fox

2023-06-0821:271

This episode shares a local folk tale from the Isle of Skye, first told to me by renowned Seanachie, George 'Seoras' Macpherson. The tale is set in the time of the Highland clearances, and has themes of co-operation common in rural places, memories of old lore, and the harshness of the Scottish elements.You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much appreciated.https://...
Ep 1. Dog & Fox

Ep 1. Dog & Fox

2023-06-0817:491

Welcome to the Tales for our Times podcast!In this first episode (recorded back in the winter time) I share a classic tale from the Scottish Traveller people and give a little cultural context around the travellers, and their role in the modern resurgence in traditional storytelling.This story is a classic, and one of the tales I tell most often as it's a winner with all age groups and presents a age old dichotomy, that stirs something inmost people.You can support this podcast to the cost of...
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