Episode 11

The Man Without a Story, With Michael Newton | Ep 11

Published on: 6th April, 2022

Our Story

At a céilidh, a home-based social gathering in the Highlands of Scotland, a young man is asked to follow the custom of sharing a song or a story. He doesn't think he has anything to offer, but then he sets off on an incredible journey across the loch. This is a story of gender fluidity, transformation, and community.

Our Guest

Dr Michael Newton, who holds a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh. He has written many books and articles about Gaelic culture and history and is a leading authority on Scottish Gaelic heritage in North America.

Michael is the founder of the Hidden Glen Folk School. Find Michael’s scholarly articles here. 

Our Conversation

This story is hundreds of years old, but it invites us to discuss some of the most important (and challenging) issues of today:

  • Gender identity and gender fluidity
  • Issues of toxic masculinity and why this is particularly important to discuss in relation to Irish- and Scottish-American communities where expectations of “manly men” and military prowess twist both the understanding of history and contemporary culture
  • The long legacy of alcoholism and abuse that are part of the Scottish and Irish communities
  • The legacy of imperialism and colonialism

Our Music

Music on the show is by the wonderful Beth Sweeney and Billy Hardy, a Celtic Fiddle and multi-instrumental Duo based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The traditional Irish reel we play at the start of the show is called The College Groves. Find out about their music and shows at: billyandbeth.com

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About the Podcast

KnotWork Storytelling
Myths Retold, from Ireland and Beyond
In each KnotWork Storytelling episode, we'll explore a different story from mythology, folklore, or history, particularly from Ireland and the Celtic World. Then, my guest and I dive deep into why these ideas and characters still resonate today.

Your host is Marisa Goudy, author of The Sovereignty Knot: A Woman’s Way to Freedom, Power, Love, and Magic. She is a Myth Worker, a Story Healer, a Writing Coach, and a has an MA in Irish literature from University College Dublin.

Join us as we wander through these ancient storylines as we set out on a quest to learn from the past, better understand the present, and craft a sustainable future.

Every episode reminds us that age-old stories are medicine for this modern moment.

About your host

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Marisa Goudy

Marisa Goudy is a story healer, a writing coach, and a word witch. Her book, The Sovereignty Knot: A Woman’s Way to Freedom, Power, Love, and Magic, was released in 2020.
Marisa nurtures writers and storytellers in her long-running online writing community, the Sovereign Writers’ Knot.
On this show, Marisa combines her passion for story with her love of Irish literature, culture, and folklore and her fascination with the Celtic world. She has a particular love of stories of heroines, goddess, and women whose tales were forgotten by history.