The Irish Snug Podcast

Tim Grant
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HISTORY

Pull up a stool and settle in. The Irish Snug Podcast is your dedicated corner for the stories, history, and characters that make Irish pub culture legendary. From the storied wood of Manhattan’s iconic bars to the hidden gems of the Irish countryside, we sit down with the people who keep the tradition alive. Whether it’s a deep dive into family legacies or a chat with a local regular, we’re capturing the spirit of Ireland, one pint and one story at a time. (Formerly the Pubs & Pints Podcast). Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, each episode invites listeners to pull up a stool and enjoy tales that range from laugh-out- loud funny to deeply moving.

  1. The Man Who Led NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 33 Years | Joe Brady

    4D AGO

    The Man Who Led NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 33 Years | Joe Brady

    🎙️ In this episode of the Irish Snug Podcast, we sit down with legendary bagpiper Joe Brady —a cornerstone of Irish-American piping and a key figure in New York City’s rich musical and firefighting traditions. Joe shares his journey from learning the pipes as a young boy in the Bronx to becoming an elite open-level piper by age 17. He reflects on decades of experience with the FDNY Pipe Band, founding the FBI Pipe Band, and his remarkable 33-year run leading the iconic Fighting 69th Regiment up Fifth Avenue in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We dive deep into: • The legacy of Irish piping in New York • The history and honor of the Fighting 69th • Performing with world-renowned groups like The Chieftains and The High Kings • Playing at historic events, including for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey • The rise and fall of the Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival This episode is packed with unforgettable stories, humor, and insight into a lifetime dedicated to music, tradition, and service. 👉 Whether you're a bagpiper, firefighter, or fan of Irish culture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🔥 Episode Highlights • [00:00:02] Introduction to the podcast and Joe Brady • [00:00:16] Early days with the FDNY Pipe Band • [00:01:38] Becoming an open piper at 17 • [00:02:22] Leading the Fighting 69th for 33 years • [00:03:10] Joe Brady Sr. and Irish roots • [00:05:44] First trip to Ireland at 17 • [00:07:26] Winning a drum major competition in Kilkenny • [00:08:59] Stories about his father • [00:11:24] Learning the pipes as a kid • [00:13:30] Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band & flying to practice • [00:15:50] Founding the FBI Pipe Band • [00:19:10] Joining the Fighting 69th • [00:20:46] First NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade • [00:22:30] Marching up Fifth Avenue • [00:24:03] Playing the entire parade route nonstop • [00:25:10] History of the Fighting 69th • [00:26:49] Teaching the FDNY Pipe Band • [00:29:51] Training FDNY drum major Liam Flaherty • [00:33:04] Playing with The Chieftains & The High Kings • [00:34:18] Performing for General Martin Dempsey • [00:35:25] “The Parting Glass” performance story • [00:37:20] Behind the scenes at The Jay Leno Show • [00:43:14] Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival origins • [00:44:53] Massed bands marching down the mountain • [00:46:17] End of the festival and legacy If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell icon so you never miss a story from the Snug. Sláinte! Follow The Irish Snug Podcast: Website: 👉 YouTube: 👉 Spotify:👉 Apple Podcasts:👉 Facebook: 👉 Instagram: 👉 #Bagpipes #Fighting69th #StPatricksDay #FDNY #JoeBrady Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    51 min
  2. Ancient Irish Strength Rituals You’ve Never Heard Of | David Keohan

    APR 25

    Ancient Irish Strength Rituals You’ve Never Heard Of | David Keohan

    In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, I’m joined by David Keohan, widely known as Indiana Stones, a man on a singular mission to revive the lost Irish tradition of stone lifting. For centuries, these massive boulders—scattered across the Irish landscape in fields, graveyards, and coastal villages—served as rites of passage, tests of strength for jobs like stonemasonry, and even ways to honor the dead at funeral games. David discusses how this deep-rooted cultural practice was nearly erased by history and how he used archival research to track down these "stones of strength," some of which haven't been lifted in generations. We dive into the intersection of folklore, physical strength, and the spiritual connection to the land that comes with "getting the wind under the stone." KEY TOPICS The Rediscovery: How David transitioned from a world-champion kettlebell lifter to a "cultural archaeologist" of Irish stone lifting.The Schools’ Collection: Using 1930s folklore archives to locate forgotten stones through the stories of schoolchildren.The Mythology of Strength: Understanding the legends attached to stones like the Fianna stone and the "manhood stones" of the Aran Islands.A Cultural Revival: How stone lifting is reawakening national pride and connecting people with their ancestry today.LINKS & RESOURCES  Follow David Keohan (Indiana Stones) on Instagram: Dúchas.ie: Explore the National Folklore Collection and the Schools' Collection David uses for his research.David’s Upcoming Book: The Wind Beneath the Stone: My Quest to Unearth a Piece of Ireland's Folklore (Available for pre-order/release in 2026): Pre-order via Bloomsbury (Ireland & UK) Pre-order via Penguin (US & Canada)Documentary: Made of Stone – Available on the RTÉ Player Film Inspiration: Fullsterkur (Icelandic Stones), Levantadores (Basque Stones), and Stoneland (Scottish Stones) by Rogue Fitness If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Irish Snug to get notified as new episodes are released.  Support the podcast here. FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG PODCAST Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug #TheIrishSnug #ind Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    55 min
  3. What It Takes to Become a 5x World Champion Irish Dancer | Paige Turilli

    APR 19

    What It Takes to Become a 5x World Champion Irish Dancer | Paige Turilli

    This episode of The Irish Snug is a masterclass in discipline, grit, and the deep-rooted connections within the Irish-American community. Today, Tim sits down with Paige Turilli, a five-time World Champion Irish dancer, to discuss her journey from a five-year-old beginner in Pearl River to standing on top of the world stage. Whether you're an "Irish Dance Dad," a competitive athlete, or someone who loves a good story about heritage and hard work, this conversation offers a rare look behind the curtain of elite Irish dance. ☘️ Episode Highlights The FDNY Connection: Tim and Paige reminisce about their family ties within the FDNY and the bagpipe band, including a touching tribute to Paige's father—an exceptional firefighter and hero of 9/11.The Road to World Titles: Paige breaks down the sacrifices, injuries (including a near-torn hamstring), and the mental toughness required to win five World Championships.The Pivot for Growth: Why Paige made the difficult decision to switch dance schools at age 17 and how that drive for new challenges propelled her to the next level.Life After Competition: From balancing dance with college life at Villanova to her current role teaching "Jig and Swig" in London, Paige discusses finding joy in the "retirement" phase of her career.The Future of the Craft: Insights on the evolution of Irish dance—from increased athleticism to the rhythm-focused styles of the past—and Paige's aspirations to become an adjudicator.🎙️ About Paige Turilli Paige Turilli is one of the most decorated Irish dancers of her generation. Her resume includes: 5x World Champion9x Oireachtas Champion6x National Champion2x All-Ireland Champion🇮🇪 About The Irish Snug Podcast Hosted by Tim Grant, The Irish Snug is a place for unscripted, deep-dive conversations about Irish culture, history, and the people who keep the traditions alive. We prioritize storytelling over soundbites, focusing on the "grey areas" of resilience, character, and the legendary Irish banter. 🇮🇪 Follow The Irish Snug Podcast: Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug #IrishDance #WorldChampion #TheIrishSnug #FDNY #PaigeTurilli Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    41 min
  4. From Dublin Firefighter to Irish Poet: A Story of Grit & Identity (Part 1) | Gerard Devine

    APR 12

    From Dublin Firefighter to Irish Poet: A Story of Grit & Identity (Part 1) | Gerard Devine

    Gerry's Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerard_devine_poetry Videos used in this podcast: The Hurley Maker: https://youtu.be/sFYIz-lzmwE?si=g0eqLbIn0cqwX415 The Quarryman: https://youtu.be/z9rkr1ONVRs?si=Yp0fn5YL-izKQBDM Website: https://www.gerarddevinepoetry.com/ Welcome back to the Irish Snug Podcast! In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Gerard Devine — a man who truly embodies the heart of the Irish spirit. From walking the thin red line as a full-time firefighter in Dublin City to crafting poetry now taught in the very school he once attended, Gerard’s story is one of grit, resilience, creativity, and heritage. His journey spans continents, trades, and passions — from construction sites in Boston and San Francisco to the firehouses of Dublin, and from the roar of Gaelic games to the quiet reflection of poetry. In this episode, we dive into: Life in the Dublin Fire Brigade and the universal brotherhood of firefightersGrowing up in Dublin’s north inner city and the legacy of family, culture, and traditionGerard’s experiences working and playing GAA football & hurling across the United StatesThe deep-rooted role of Irish communities abroad, especially through GAA clubs and Irish pubsHis late-in-life journey into poetry — sparked during recovery from a serious injuryThe story behind his powerful poems like The Quarryman, The Poet, The Firefighters Call, & The Hurley Maker.How his work has come full circle — now being taught in his old schoolReflections on identity, pride, hardship, and leaving a legacyGerard shares unforgettable stories — from his father’s days in Guinness, to encounters with legends, to the realities of emigration and finding purpose. His poetry, like his life, is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in Irish identity. This episode is about more than one man’s journey — it’s about tradition, resilience, and carving your mark on the world. Whether you're a firefighter, an emigrant, a lover of Irish culture, or someone chasing meaning in your own life — this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, like, and share to support the podcast! Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug #IrishSnugPodcast #GerardDevine #IrishPoetry #GAA #IrishCulture Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    1h 22m
  5. Is the Irish Language Making a Comeback? | Irish with Mollie

    MAR 24

    Is the Irish Language Making a Comeback? | Irish with Mollie

    In this episode of The Irish Snug, host Tim Grant welcomes the inspiring Mollie Guidera, known globally as Irish with Mollie. Mollie is a visionary educator dedicated to stripping away the classroom stigmas of the Irish language and replacing them with the beauty of its history, logic, and soul. From teaching in the Basque Country to reaching over 12,000 students in 85 countries, Mollie shares how her grandmother’s "unconditional love" sparked her journey. We dive into the "language healing" movement, the fascinating world of Hiberno-English, and why the Irish diaspora—especially in America—is the engine behind the current Gaeilge renaissance. Whether you're a fluent speaker, a "recovering" learner from your school days, or just curious about your roots, this conversation explores how the Irish language is a "remembering" of who we are. *In this episode, we discuss:* The "Silent" Letters: Mollie explains her grandmother’s wisdom on why Irish is actually logical and musical once you find the rhythm. Language as Healing: The profound connection between Gaeilge and the brain, including moving stories of how it reaches those with dementia. Irish-American Identity: A candid talk on the "Irish accent," the history of the diaspora, and moving past the gatekeepers of culture. Modern Renaissance: The impact of social media, the internet, and bands like Kneecap in making Irish vibrant and relevant for a new generation. *Resources & Links Mentioned* *Learn with Mollie:* Official Website: https://www.irishwithmollie.com The Gaeilge Guide: Mollie’s book on sparking your connection to the language and legacy. Free Resources: Download the Ciorcal Comhrá (Conversation Cheat Sheet) and sign up for her bilingual weekly newsletter. *Language & Media Resources:* TG4: Ireland's national Irish-language broadcaster (Check out their documentaries and kids' TV). Gaeilge Weekly: A must-listen podcast for learners. Scéal (Story) & Seachtain (Week): New Irish language supplements and podcasts from the Irish Times and Independent. Duolingo: For daily vocabulary practice. *Cultural Inspiration:* Manchán Magan: Explore the work of this "language healer" and author. Glasnevin Cemetery: Tour Glasnevin and walk the history of Michael Collins and Constance Markievicz. https://www.dctrust.ie/experience-glasnevin/tours-and-highlights.html The Basque History of the World: The book that influenced Mollie’s perspective on indigenous language pride. 🪉 *FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG:* Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug #Ir Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    43 min
  6. Why Irish Traditional Music Is More Powerful Than You Think | Dawn Doherty

    MAR 19

    Why Irish Traditional Music Is More Powerful Than You Think | Dawn Doherty

    Welcome back to The Irish Snug! In this episode, host Tim Grant sits down with his cousin, the incredible Dawn Doherty. From being an All-Ireland tin whistle champion to her current role as a master music therapist, Dawn’s journey is a masterclass in keeping Irish culture alive and thriving in the modern world. Born in NYC and raised in Castlebar, County Mayo, Dawn shares her unique perspective on the "bridge" between Ireland and New York. We dive deep into: The Healing Power of Trad: Dawn’s work using Irish music to unlock memories for dementia patients and providing a vital outlet for children with autism at the Aisling Irish Community Center. The Art of Teaching: From the "Music Munchkins" (ages 3–4) to the McLean Avenue Adult Singing Club, Dawn breaks down her philosophy on mentoring the next generation of musicians. The Road to the Fleadh: Why song selection is everything in competition and how she prepares her students for the world stage at the Fleadh Cheoil. The Gaeilge Revival: The modern "spark" in the Irish language and the importance of teaching Gaeilge in a fun, accessible way. Whether you’re a musician, a fan of Irish history, or just looking for a bit of "craic," this episode is for you. 🎓 TEACHER’S SPOTLIGHT: DAWN DOHERTY Dawn is a pillar of the New York-Irish music scene, offering a wide range of programs for all ages and abilities: For Kids: Tin whistle, singing, and "Music Munchkins" classes at the Aisling Center. For Adults: Private online whistle lessons and the popular McLean Avenue Adult Singing Club. Specialized Therapy: Private music therapy sessions for elderly patients and scholarship-based programs for children with special needs. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dawn Doherty’s Official Website: https://dawndohertymusic.com (For music lessons, music therapy inquiries, and performance dates). The Aisling Irish Community Center: https://aislingcenter.org/ Kneecap (Amhrán Na Scadán): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=323QYC9XHY0 🎵 RECOMMENDED LISTENING: Dolores Keane: The Voice of Ireland Seán Keane: Traditional Master 🪉 FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG: Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    47 min
  7. Why Storytelling Is the Heart of Irish Culture | John Lee

    MAR 12

    Why Storytelling Is the Heart of Irish Culture | John Lee

    Welcome to The Irish Snug Podcast! In this episode, your host Tim Grant sits down with John Lee—communications executive, former President of the Irish Business Organization of New York, and co-host of the Irish Stew podcast. We are diving deep into the evolution of Irish-American identity, the art of storytelling, and the enduring power of community. From reminiscing about the old Greenwich Village folk scene and the Clancy Brothers to discussing the modern, vibrant landscape of contemporary Ireland, this is a conversation for anyone with a connection to the Irish diaspora. In this episode, we discuss: The Irish-American Journey: How we move from "identity" to "immersion." We explore the importance of seeking out contemporary Irish stories rather than just relying on the time-capsule version of our grandparents' past.The Power of Conversation: Whether it’s the peace process in Northern Ireland or just finding common ground in a polarized world, we discuss why open dialogue is the heartbeat of our communities.Professional Paths & Podcasting: John shares his journey from PR and horse racing at Belmont/Saratoga to his leadership in the Irish Business Organization during the pandemic, and how he transitioned into the world of podcasting with Irish Stew.Pub Culture: We compare notes on the "perfect pint," the magic of a traditional snug, and the vital role of the local pub in global Irish connection.Inspiring Figures: We touch on remarkable guests John has hosted, including Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling and astronaut Katie Coleman.About Our Guest: John Lee is a communications professional dedicated to connecting the Irish and Irish-American business and cultural communities. As the co-host of Irish Stew, he brings an international perspective to the Irish experience, focusing on the modern, evolving voices of the global diaspora. Resources Mentioned: Listen to Irish Stew Podcast: https://www.irishstewpodcast.com/Learn more about the Irish Business Organization of NY: https://www.ibonewyork.org/Follow The Irish Snug Podcast: Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? Instagram: irish_snug #IrishSnug #IrishAmerican #Podcast #IrishHeritage #IrishStewPodcast Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    47 min
  8. Inside the World of Competitive Bagpiping (Metro Cup & Beyond) | Eric Stein

    MAR 6

    Inside the World of Competitive Bagpiping (Metro Cup & Beyond) | Eric Stein

    Join us on this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast as we sit down with one of the true legends of the bagpiping world, Eric Stein. With nearly 60 years of involvement in the piping community, Eric has evolved from a young student in Long Island’s Saffron United pipe band to one of the most influential "impresarios" in modern solo piping. He’s the driving force behind legendary events like the Metro Cup, the Sun Belt Invitational, and the Ardmore Cup, creating stages where the world’s best pipers can compete and push the art form to new heights. It’s an honest look at the hard work and love required to keep the piping community thriving today. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Early Years: How an 11-year-old kid from Long Island fell in love with the pipes and navigated the local band circuit.Building Stages: The origin story of the Metro Cup and why Eric felt it was necessary to innovate competition formats to keep them exciting for players and audiences alike.The Funding Struggle: A transparent look at the difficulty of securing sponsorships for the arts and why, unlike other musical disciplines, piping often struggles to attract large-scale commercial backing.The Future of Piping: The challenge of recruiting younger generations and the vital need for a "young rock star" or a fresh, startup-style approach to capture the modern imagination.Anecdotes from the Circuit: Stories of piping icons like Terry Tully, unforgettable pub sessions in Dublin, and the magic that happens when the competition ends and the real music begins.Connect with Eric Eric is actively looking for the next generation of leaders, collaborators, and potential sponsors who want to ensure the future of solo piping remains vibrant. If you have ideas, interest, or questions, you can reach out to him directly: 📧 Eric Stein Email: ericmstein53@gmail.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    1h 12m
See All (23)

About

Pull up a stool and settle in. The Irish Snug Podcast is your dedicated corner for the stories, history, and characters that make Irish pub culture legendary. From the storied wood of Manhattan’s iconic bars to the hidden gems of the Irish countryside, we sit down with the people who keep the tradition alive. Whether it’s a deep dive into family legacies or a chat with a local regular, we’re capturing the spirit of Ireland, one pint and one story at a time. (Formerly the Pubs & Pints Podcast). Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, each episode invites listeners to pull up a stool and enjoy tales that range from laugh-out- loud funny to deeply moving.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Grant
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Irish Snug Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Irish Snug Podcast

You Might Also Like