Rediscovering the Outdoors (and Music Along the Way) (Patreon)

I spent a lot of time outdoors as a kid in Silver Spring, Maryland. Our development had this great green space behind it. When I wasn’t playing Star Wars figures or playing sports on the circle, I was catching crayfish and salamanders in the creek or exploring every part of the woods. Back then, I didn’t realize I was learning how fragile and amazing these ecosystems are. But I always felt outdoorsy.

My outdoors time disappeared in my teenage years in San Antonio. But the connection lasted. However, it’s not been til I moved to Atlanta that I have rediscovered my love of the great outdoors.

Gwen and I left the kids at home to go hiking this weekend in North Carolina. We found a trail on Mitchell Mountain, where the clean air and well-kept trails reminded me how much depends on people caring for these spaces. I had good hiking boots and walking poles as we climbed our way up the mountainside to experience some stunning vistas.

Relaxing and energizing as it was, I kept thinking: if we want our kids to have these same experiences, we need to keep protecting these places.

I guess I should’ve thought more about writing a song while I was out there. But I have a song still stuck in my mind from last week.

Oh! I don't know that this affects you, but in October, there’s a Gunn Runners Membership Drive. Get ready for a new digital, Patreon-Only album. :)

I’m aiming for 165 paid-members.

Can we do it?

My projects and upcoming events:

NEW SONG FOR PATREON. - I wrote a new song called “I See You”. It’s inspired by the first episode of the Outlander TV series. I recorded it and sent it to Mikey Mason for our In the ‘Verse podcast, but I feel like it needs some rewriting. We shall see. Listen on Patreon (when it goes live).

PODCAST. Quest & Chorus at Tintagel. - Every time I record one of these podcasts, I get inspired. I think I could continue this for a while. BUT we shall see. In the meantime, this is the best episode yet. Listen to the podcast.

FIREFLY MERCH FLASH SALE - Mikey Mason and I released a limited-edition 2025 Firefly Drinking Songs shirt and shot glass. Both of those items go on sale on October 1-8 in my store. Sign up to Patreon so you don’t miss the updates. Plus, paid patrons are getting a free album!

NEW HIGHLIGHT REELS. - Highlight Reels are music-only episodes of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. They are exclusively available to Celtic Podcast Patrons. Next week, you can sample these great podcast episodes. But for now, here’s where you can listen.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

POLL: What should my podcast be called? Vote for your favorite podcast.

PATRONAGE HAS ITS PERKS

Get 14 albums… while you can!

Plus a bunch of bootleg concerts.

If you want all of those albums, Just sign up right now and visit my Patreon store.