Thistlepod with Fiona Ritchie

Travel with Fiona Ritchie to the home of Pete Seeger for a conversation with the legendary folk siniger and activist Pete Seeger, a man  whose music and message became universal.

Travel with Fiona Ritchie to the home of Pete Seeger for a conversation with the legendary folk siniger and activist Pete Seeger, a man  whose music and message became universal.

Seamus Egan and Winifred Horan, founding members of Solas, talk about the roots of this quintessential Irish-American band.

The legendary Scottish singer, songwriter, song interpreter, guitarist and radio broadcaster joins host Fiona Ritchie to talk about his connection with Americana music and reveals why he rarely records studio albums.

Fiona Ritchie narrates a folk legend from Lapland that retells the traditional nativity tale: Scottish writer Kenneth Steven's 'Bearer of Gifts'. Music from Nordic traditions accompanies the reading.

Julee Glaub and Mark Weems share their blend of Irish and Appalachian music, performing live in the studio with host Fiona Ritchie.

Jack Beck explores the legacy of Scottish balladry in the U.S., showing how the stories traveled and changed across the miles and the generations.

Jack Beck explores the legacy of Scottish balladry in the U.S., showing how the stories traveled and changed across the miles and the generations.

The internationally known composer, harpist and multi-instrumentalist William Jackson has visited NPR's The Thistle & Shamrock on several occasions, going back to his early career with the influential band Ossian. He has shared each new composition with Fiona Ritchie's listeners and gave his Duan Àlbanach suite its world broadcast premiere on her show.  Hear him talk about the music and his influences.

The internationally known composer, harpist and multi-instrumentalist William Jackson has visited NPR's The Thistle & Shamrock on several occasions, going back to his early career with the influential band Ossian. He has shared each new composition with Fiona Ritchie's listeners and gave his Duan Àlbanach suite its world broadcast premiere on her show.  Hear him talk about the music and his influences.

Fiona Ritchie remembers festive encounters in the City of Edinburgh. Children in line at Santa's grotto divulge their hopes for Christmas morning to come, while elderly residents of the port of Leith share their memories of Christmas past. Music from Loreena McKennitt, John Fahy, William Jackson, Alasdair Fraser and The Cast.

Fiona Ritchie remembers festive encounters in the City of Edinburgh. Children in line at Santa's grotto divulge their hopes for Christmas morning to come, while elderly residents of the port of Leith share their memories of Christmas past. Music from Loreena McKennitt, John Fahy, William Jackson, Alasdair Fraser and The Cast.

Thistlepod presents: John Doyle.  He has a rhythmic guitar style like no other and, since his days with Solas, his playing has become one of the defining features of today's contemporary Irish sound. Born in Dublin, John Doyle now makes his home in Asheville, North Carolina. He often records and tours with fiddler Liz Carroll and talks about their playling partnership here.

Thistlepod presents: Dave Richardson.  Reminisce with the mandolin player about the early days of his legendary Celtic band, Boys of the Lough.  Dave has toured the world with The Boys since the 1970s and remembers when things took off for the band. We hear a classic Garrison Keillor introduction of the group at Carnegie Hall.

Thistlepod presents: Christine Kydd. Whether solo or featured in bands, trios and duos, harmony is the hallmark of the singing of Christine Kydd. Hear about her life-long love of song and learn how she empowers others to discover their voices in her community choirs. Christine sings here with Janet Russell, Lorraine Jordan and Chantan (view music details at thistleradio.com).