A' That Burns

A' That Burns
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A’ That Burns is a podcast dedicated to the work of Robert Burns, hosted by Aidan Dow and David White, We explore the language, themes, personal and societal context surrounding the poems. The show also features unique performances of the works.

  1. 19 JAN

    Tam o' Shanter (Read by Aidan Dow)

    Following on from our discussion episode, Aidan performs Tam o' Shanter.

    14 min

  2. 19 JAN

    Tam o' Shanter (Discussion)

    Aidan and David take on Burns’s epic masterpiece Tam o’ Shanter — a wild, thrilling tale of drink, witches, and one farmer’s fateful ride home through the storm. They trace the poem’s origins, its humour and darkness, its unforgettable rhythm, and the real-life local events behind the horror. Aidan shares his experience performing the piece, and reveals how its words still move and haunt audiences today.

    23 min

  3. 19 JAN

    Address to the Unco Guid (Read by David White)

    Following our discussion episode, David reads Address to the Unco Guid

    3 min

  4. 19 JAN

    Address to the Unco Guid (Discussion)

    Aidan and David explore Robert Burns’s Address to the Unco Guid, one of his most thoughtful and humane works. Written as a plea for compassion over judgment, the poem challenges hypocrisy and moral superiority — urging us to “gently scan your brother man, still gentler sister woman.” The hosts unpack its wit, its wisdom, and its surprising modern relevance, revealing a gentler, wiser side of the poet.

    13 min

  5. 19 JAN

    A Man’s a Man for A’ That (Read by Aidan Dow)

    Following on from our discussion episode, Aidan performs A Man’s a Man for A’ That.

    3 min

  6. 19 JAN

    A Man’s a Man for A’ That (Discussion)

    Aidan and David explore one of Burns’s most enduring works, A Man’s a Man for A’ That — a radical statement of equality and human worth written amid revolution and war. They unpack its language, rhythm, and meaning, discuss Burns’s conflicted loyalties, and trace how the poem’s vision of honesty, fairness, and brotherhood still feels relevant today.

    16 min

  7. 19 JAN

    Holy Willie's Prayer (Read by Aidan Dow)

    Following on from our discussion episode, Aidan performs Holy Willie's Prayer.

    8 min

  8. 19 JAN

    Holy Willie's Prayer (Discussion)

    Aidan and David explore one of Burns’ boldest works, Holy Wullie’s Prayer. They trace the real story behind the poem, its target William Fisher, and Burns’ scathing attack on hypocrisy and predestination in Scottish Presbyterian Church (The Kirk.) The hosts discuss the clash between Old and New Licht religion, Burns’ Enlightenment outlook, and the mix of satire, sympathy, and outrage that makes this piece a masterpiece of social and moral critique.

    17 min
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About

A’ That Burns is a podcast dedicated to the work of Robert Burns, hosted by Aidan Dow and David White, We explore the language, themes, personal and societal context surrounding the poems. The show also features unique performances of the works.

Information

  • Creator
    A' That Burns
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © A' That Burns
  • Show Website
    A' That Burns