The Sassenach Files: An Outlander Podcast

The Battle of Culloden

This week on The Sassenach Files podcast, I’m breaking down the season one finale of Men in Kilts: “The Battle of Culloden”. Come along as I chat about the lead up to that fateful day and the two men who commanded the field. I also discuss the weaponry and tactics used during the battle, the family-oriented nature of the Jacobite Army, and how the rising of 1745 forever changed the face of Scotland and it’s people. The Battle of Culloden and the Jacobite cause has fascinated me for a long time, so it was a pleasure to close out this round of my Men in Kilts series with this topic. Enjoy!

Scottish Clans and Tartans

This week on The Sassenach Files podcast, I’m chatting about episode 107 of Men in Kilts: “Clans and Tartans”. Join me as I discuss some of the most infamous feuds during Scotland’s Clan Wars from 1300-1600: the MacDonalds versus the McLeods, and the MacGregors versus the McLarens. I also break down the making of tartan, waulking wool, and where those brilliant colored plaids we’ve come to know and love first originated.

Scotland by Land, Air, and Sea

This week on The Sassenach Files I’m diving into the episode 106 of Men in Kilts: “Scotland by Land, Air, and Sea”. Come along with me as I explore the Highlands and Islands with Sam and Graham I will share some of my own stories and recommendations of places they visited including the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools, and Loch Ness, as well as some places you may not know about including the Isle of Iona and The Kelpies. I felt this episode was unique because it was less on history and more on the land itself, so I hope you enjoy the change of pace!

Scottish Tradition

Welcome back to another episode of The Sassenach Files where I am discussing episode 105 of Men in Kilts: “Tradition”. Come along for the ride as I discuss some of the basic elements of life in Scotland such as basket weaving, the Gaelic language, and being eaten alive by midges. As always, I take a couple of detours on my road trip with Sam and Graham, so you’ll also hear me chat about the technicalities of training sheep dogs and beg the age old question, “How accurate is Outlander, really?” You’ll get all of that and much more on this episode of The Sassenach Files!

Season Seven Opening Credits

Welcome back Obsassenachs! This week on The Sassenach Files I am releasing the audio from my LIVE breakdown of the Season Seven Opening Credits from February. I chat about the visuals and music of this iconic piece of Outlander along with the frames and snippets of film we see throughout the wonderful rendition of The Skye Boat Song by Sinead O’Connor. Join me as I talk about the color and lighting choices, the roles of some of the behind the scenes worker bees that are credited, and how I think some of these images fit into the seventh season.

Droughtlander Book Club: The Broken Brooch

Hey Obsassenachs! This week on The Sassenach Files, I’m doing a deep dive into the fifth book in Katherine Lowry Logan’s Celtic Brooch Series, The Broken Brooch. Join me as I break down the thoughts, feelings, and actions of our two protagonists, JL O’Grady and Kevin Allen. I also chat about some of the major themes we see over the course of the book, the inner workings of a good murder mystery plot, and how Elliott was really trying my last nerve. The Broken Brooch, coincidentally one of my favorites of the series, is our introduction to the O’Grady family, James Cullen’s point of view, and the beginnings of The Diamond Brooch story. So hold tight! The Droughtlander Book Club train is departing the station, and you’re in for a wild ride.

Scottish Witchcraft and Superstition

This week on The Sassenach Files podcast I’m breaking down episode 104 of Men in Kilts: Witchcraft and Superstition. Join me as I chat about the lore and myths that are baked into daily Scottish life including a multitude of ghost stories, witchy woo woo, and Pagan traditions. In this episode I finally got to share my favorite hilarious Clanlands moment – the good ole Fiat Prostate getting stuck in the gates of Cawdor Castle. I also shared a couple of stories about my own experiences with the ghosts of Edinburgh. So, gather round the fire for a spooky tale a la The Sassenach Files!

Scottish Song and Dance

This week on The Sassenach Files podcast I’m discussing the third episode of Men in Kilts, “Song and Dance”.  Join me as I chat about all the different ways music has shaped the Scottish culture. Since one of the most famous songs from Scotland is “The Massacre of Glencoe” by The Corries, I thought it would be fitting to talk about the events that inspired the song. I also chat about a few other songs from the Jacobite era including my personal favorite, "The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond" and the events that inspired them. From waulking songs to sword dancing and everything in between, we run the gamut of musical inspiration in Scotland, and I hope you’ll join me for the journey!

Scottish Sports

Hey Obsassenachs! This week on The Sassenach Files I’m breaking down the second episode of Men in Kilts, “Scottish Sports”. Come along for the ride as I chat about some of the most famous sports in Scotland from shinty to the Highland Games and everything in between. During this wee episode, I discuss the regulations and history of Scotland’s famed past times. I also throw in some fun stories about me, myself and I as I chat about the sports I personally love including racing and American football. Along the way, I bring in a few nuggets from Clanlands, so I highly recommend reading the book or listening to the audiobook as part of this podcast series.

Scottish Food and Drink

Welcome back for another episode of The Sassenach Files. This week I begin my journey through Scotland with Sam and Graham by breaking down their show Men in Kilts. First up is Scottish Food and Drink, and I am here for it! Join me as I chat about the endless array of seafood in Scotland’s larder along with the fascinating process of making whisky. As part of this series, I’m also including interesting bits and pieces of Sam and Graham’s book Clanlands along with some of my personal experiences in Scotland. You won’t want to miss it!