The Ballad Lounge Podcast

Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin
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The Ballad Lounge Podcast Join Rory Makem & Máirtín de Cógáin, your hosts, lyric lovers and part time history buffs, on a captivating journey through the ages of song! Get involved as we delve into the rich tapestry of a single ballad, exploring its origins, transformations, and cultural significance. But this isn't just a history lesson – it's an exploration of the human spirit as expressed through music. Each episode, Rory & Máirtín brings to life the captivating story behind the ballad: Where did it come from? What events or figures inspired it? The voices that made it famous!

Episodes

  1. 12/18/2025

    The Holly Bears a Berry - A Christmas Ballad

    Welcome to "The Ballad Lounge" with your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem. Pull up a cozy chair, pour yourself a warm cup of cheer, and join us as we dive into the heart of the holiday season. Today, we're sharing our cherished Christmas traditions- stories wrapped in the warmth of family, festivity, and folklore. Plus, we'll be exploring the timeless charm of the song 'The Holly Bears a Berry," uncovering its rich history and melodic beauty. So, settle in and let the spirit of the season carry you through this special episode.

    40 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    A lovely chat with Belfast Balladeer Séamus Kennedy

    Welcome to The Ballad Lounge Join your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem, as they take you on a melodic journey through the heart and soul of Irish music. Each week, we dive deep into the stories, traditions, and voices that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Irish culture. In this episode, we're honored to sit down with none other than Irish music legend Séamus Kennedy. With his rich vocals, masterful guitar work, and signature wit, Séamus shares tales from his musical journey, the inspiration behind his timeless ballads, and some unforgettable moments from the road. So, grab a seat and relax in The Ballad Lounge where every song tells a story and every guest has a tale worth hearing.

    55 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    An Interview with the Great Cork Singer Donie Carroll

    Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where stories meet song and voices carry tales from near and far. Rory and Máirtín are your hosts as they dive deep into the heart and soul of the song tradition. In today's episode, they're thrilled to sit down with the legendary Donie Carroll- a singer whose voice is as rich in history as it is in heart. Join us as we explore Donie's musical journey, his inspirations, and the events that have shaped his life. So, settle in, tune your ears, and let the melodies guide you. This is The Ballad Lounge. Check out www.MercyCentre.org for the charity that Donie speaks about.

    1h 3m

  4. 11/05/2025

    Rebel Songs, Part 3: Carrigdhoun

    Come to Máirtín's home town of Carrigaline, Co. Cork as we interrogate Carrigdhoun by Denny Lane. A song from 1845, part of the Young Islanders' collection. Rory gives us a good run down of the uprisings from 1803 to 1848.

    32 min

  5. 10/29/2025

    Rebels Songs, Part 2: The Rising of the Moon

    Today we're exploring "The Rising of the Moon," a stirring Irish ballad that echoes the spirit of rebellion, resilience, and hope. In this episode, we'll unravel the historical backdrop of the song, born from Ireland's fight for freedom, and dissect its evocative lyrics that have inspired generations. We'll also discuss the powerful role this ballad has played in folk traditions and how its message still resonates today. So, grab a cozy seat, let the music guide you, and join us in "The Ballad Lounge" as we delve into "The Rising of the Moon."

    41 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    Rebel Songs, Part 1: The Wind that Shakes the Barley

    We are moving away from the Pot Boilers and roaming o'er the roads of Rebellion. Starting with a song made famous from the singing of Sarah Makem, Rory's Granny. The Wind that Shakes the Barley brings us back to 1798 and the Pikemen of Wexford. Máirtín takes a quick dip into the well of Irish History, while Rory brings us back to the kitchen where it rejoined the Irish Vernacular and sings us out to send us home again. Join us for another great episode of The Ballad Lounge.

    39 min
  7. The Rattlin’ Bog

    10/15/2025

    The Rattlin’ Bog

    The Rattlin’ Bog Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where we uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stories woven into the world’s most iconic ballads. In this episode, we delve into one of the most well known cumulative songs in the Irish songbook, “The “Rattlin’ Bog. Join us as we dissect a song that brings out the child in all of us. A brilliant number for the classroom or indeed the pub. What makes it engaging? Why do we still sing it? Why does everyone wait with bated breath hoping for the singer to mess up? Rory & Máirtín talk about the origins and build from there. Forgive us for the sound issues in this episode. Hope you enjoy it!

    34 min
  8. Whiskey in the Jar

    10/08/2025

    Whiskey in the Jar

    Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where we uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stories woven into the world’s most iconic ballads. In this episode, we delve into the timeless song, "Whiskey in the Jar". Join us as we trace its journey from traditional Irish folk roots to its electrifying rock renditions. We'll explore the song’s gripping tale of betrayal and outlaw spirit, dissect its lyrical evolution. Pour one for yourself, settle in, and let The Ballad Lounge serenade you with the fascinating saga of "Whiskey in the Jar."

    33 min
  9. I'll Tell My Ma

    10/01/2025

    I'll Tell My Ma

    Welcome to the latest episode from The Ballad Lounge, where we dive into the rich history and cultural significance of the beloved folk song, "I'll Tell My Ma." This timeless tune, also known as "The Belle of Belfast City," has been passed down through generations, cherished for its catchy melody and charming lyrics. Whether you're a folk music enthusiast or new to the world of traditional tunes, this episode offers an insightful and entertaining look into the story behind "I'll Tell My Ma."

    30 min
  10. The Moonshiner

    09/24/2025

    The Moonshiner

    This week we look at the ballad The Moonshiner. Is it Irish? Which side of the Atlantic does it come from? Or indeed the word Moonshiner, is it uniquely American? Come sit with Rory & Máirtín as they dive into it only to break out into distant memories of family singsongs.

    29 min
  11. The Black Velvet Band

    09/17/2025

    The Black Velvet Band

    Is the Black Velvet Band an Irish song? Was it based in Belfast or Tralee? Does it matter? Where is Van Diemen's Land? Should we still be singing it today? Join us as we explore the origins of one of Ireland's most recorded and beloved ballads for the past 80 years!

    26 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Ballad Lounge Podcast Join Rory Makem & Máirtín de Cógáin, your hosts, lyric lovers and part time history buffs, on a captivating journey through the ages of song! Get involved as we delve into the rich tapestry of a single ballad, exploring its origins, transformations, and cultural significance. But this isn't just a history lesson – it's an exploration of the human spirit as expressed through music. Each episode, Rory & Máirtín brings to life the captivating story behind the ballad: Where did it come from? What events or figures inspired it? The voices that made it famous!

Information

  • Creator
    Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin
  • Show Website
    The Ballad Lounge Podcast