The Sassenach Files: An Outlander Podcast

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!

Season Seven Teaser Trailer

Hey Obsassenachs! On this edition of The Sassenach Files, I’m releasing a previously recorded LIVE episode from December 23, 2022 regarding the Season Seven Teaser Trailer. If you didn’t catch the live chat on TSF Obsassenachs, head on over and check out this special podcast where I break down some of the key moments I caught in the teaser trailer and what that says about the upcoming season. I also chat about the overall aesthetic of the trailer in comparison to the season six color palette and themes, and gave my best guesses on answers to some of your burning questions regarding upcoming seasons of Outlander. Stay tuned for the announcement section at the end, as I have some interesting tidbits to share!

Through The Stones

What’s Up, Obsassenachs? This week, after a break for the holidays, I’m back with my friend Angela Hickey of Outlandercast Clan Book Club (Facebook) and Queen Bee’s Hive (Patreon) to discuss the Gabaldonian Time Travel Theory for a very special 100th episode of The Sassenach Files. Join us as we chat about our favorite time travelers and the supernatural magnetism that draws them all together. We also break down some of the scientific theories that Diana has used to create the time travel of the Outlander universe and discuss some of the key differences between the time travel of the books versus the show. It’s a wild ride full of facts, theories, and wild ass guesses, so come on in. The water’s fine!

Droughtlander Book Club: The Emerald Brooch -- Part II

Happy Holidays Obsassenachs! This week on another LIVE edition of The Sassenach Files, I hosted my sixth edition of Droughtlander Book Club where I discussed the second half of The Emerald Brooch by Katherine Lowry Logan. Join me as I break down the major plot points of the remainder of the book including Kenzie’s capture by Military Intelligence, Jack’s crazy idea to ride along on a B-17 bombing run over Germany, and how saving Lieutenant Robert Manning from a terrible fate changed Kenzie’s future for the better. I also chat about a few key themes and how David and Kenzie’s complete honesty with each other makes them one of the strongest couples in the Brooch Universe.