The Keening and the Craic: Why Irish Hearts Are Always Full of Both

About this episode

Jennifer Muldowney and Vivienne Sayers discuss the complexities of Irish culture, blending joy and grief, in a St. Patrick's Day conversation.

In this season six premiere, Jennifer Muldowney welcomes viral sensation and dear friend Vivienne Sayers for a St. Patrick's Day conversation that goes beyond surface-level celebration. Together, they explore the bittersweet soul of Ireland, from red carpets like the Oscars to the sacred traditions of the Irish wake. They unpack why Irish culture has long been a masterclass in holding both joy and deep, generational grief at the same time. They dive into the power of visceral storytelling through films like Hamnet, share the hilarious realities of being Irish in New York, including a mortifying run-in with Ed Sheeran, and reflect on how Irish identity is evolving. The conversation highlights how the traditional Irish funeral is entering a "chrysalis stage," shifting alongside changing beliefs and modern perspectives. They also challenge the drinking stereotypes tied to St. Patrick's Day, encouraging a return to deeper roots like language, community, and the ancient practice of keening. Tune in for a celebration of the "Yin and Yang" of the Emerald Isle: the heart that smiles, the soul that cries, and the community that holds it all together. Key Topics: The Dual Soul: Navigating…

People in this episode

Host: Jennifer Muldowney

Guest: Vivienne Sayers

Topics covered

• Irish culture
• generational grief
• storytelling
• Irish identity
• St. Patrick's Day
• keening
• community

Keywords

• Irish culture
• generational trauma
• keening
• St. Patrick's Day
• storytelling
• Irish identity
• community
• Oscars
• Ed Sheeran

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Hamnet

Places: Ireland, New York

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