Session Etiquette - Ep. 9 Fairy Forts & Changelings

In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music podcast

Episode 9: 'Fairy Forts and Changelings'

Guest: Collaboration with Shannon Heaton (Irish Music Stories Podcast)

Host: Tara Connaghan / Shannon Heaton

Released: November 6th 2025

This episode is a collaboration between Tara Connaghan (In Tune with Tradition podcast) and Shannon Heaton (Irish Music Stories podcast). It delves into the rich tapestry of Irish folklore, particularly focusing on the mystical traditions surrounding fairies and fairy forts. The conversation explores how these supernatural elements are intertwined with Irish music, storytelling, and cultural heritage. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, the hosts examine the significance of fairies in both historical and modern contexts, highlighting their role in shaping Irish identity and the lessons embedded in fairy tales.

Shannon Heaton is a flute player, podcaster and Irish traditional musician based in Boston. She is the creator and host of Irish Music Stories, a podcast exploring Irish music through musicians’ lives, tune histories, cultural context and storytelling. Shannon has spent many years playing, teaching, recording and thinking deeply about Irish traditional music in the United States and Ireland, with a particular interest in how music brings people together socially as well as musically.

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