The Sassenach Files: An Outlander Podcast

Droughtlander Book Club: The Last MacKlenna

Greetings everyone! This week on The Sassenach Files I hosted my second edition of Droughtlander Book Club live on my Facebook Group: TSF Obsassenach. On the docket this go round was the second book in the Celtic Brooch series: The Last MacKlenna by Katherine Lowry Logan. Come join me as I dive deep into the roots of the MacKlenna Clan’s matriarch and patriarch. I also chat about some important themes, the whodunnit horse murder mystery, and what makes our inner circle members so integral to our main characters and the rest of the series. I also share some exclusive details from the author herself along with thoughts and opinions from my live audience.

Time to Change Horses

Hey Obsassenachs! This week on The Sassenach Files podcast, I’m chatting about 604: “Hour of The Wolf.” Join me as I dive into Ian’s time with the Mohawk and the relationships he formed with Kaheroton and Emily, and how the loss of his daughter has impacted his mental state over the course of the season. I also discuss the parallels drawn between Ian and Jamie, Jamie’s predicament in telling Chief Bird about the future of the Snowbird Cherokee, and a few things that bothered me about this episode including the portrayal of Scotchee Cameron.

Much That I Regret

Welcome back Obsassenachs! This week on The Sassenach Files podcast, I’m breaking down 603: “Temperance”. Join me as I chat about Jamie and Claire’s role as grandparents, Roger finding firmer footing in the 18th century, and Ian and Malva’s budding romance. I also dive deep into Fergus’s arc of the season and how his emotional state impacts the characters surrounding him. But wait, there’s more! The onions of Tom and Malva Christie come further into focus this week as we start to unwrap the mystery surrounding Malva’s existence.

Come What May

Settle in with a good strong cuppa and join me as I discuss Jamie’s massive predicament. On deck this week: walking the line between the Snow Bird Cherokee and the rebels of the American Revolution. I also chat about Ian’s reaction to Jamie’s fence sitting, Roger’s budding role as Mediator of The Ridge, and Bree’s journey to make their 18th century home a bit more…erm… modern. Of course, you can’t talk about 602 without discussing the increasing tension between Fergus and Marsali, and boy there is A LOT of it. So, you may want to take a page out of Fergus’s playbook and put a tot of whisky in that cup of tea.

That Was Then. This Is Now.

Greetings Obsassenachs! This week kicks off my analysis of season six as I chat all things 601: “Echoes”. Join me as I discuss the importance of the twenty-minute long cold open, a few things that concerned me regarding the timeline of the season opener, and some key differences you may notice about the look of show. I also speak to Claire’s emotional state following the events of the season five finale, Fergus and Marsali’s looming implosion, and the sweet spot Bree and Roger have found in their relationship.

King of Men: Part II

Hello everyone! This week I was joined by my friend Angela to continue our discussion of Jamie Fraser live on TSF Obsassenachs. We pick up with his time in the Jacobite Army and that informs the roles he takes on in later seasons (and books). We also chat about his journey as a father, his relationship with Lord John, and how the reemergence of Murtagh limited his growth as a character in seasons four and five. Of course there is much more to this super sized episode including his decision to marry Laoghaire, his decision to turn down River Run, and his time as laird of Fraser's Ridge. So grab some coffee (or a dram) and a wee bite, because you’re in for an unscripted and entertaining journey through the later years of JAMMF!

Droughtlander Book Club: The Ruby Brooch

Hey Obsassenachs! This week I’m taking a wee detour from Outlander for my first edition of Droughtlander Book Club. The subject of this week’s chat is The Ruby Brooch, the first novel in The Celtic Brooch series by Katherine Lowry Logan. Come join me as I dive deep into the characters of the novel and the history of the Oregon Trail (the historical setting for this novel). I also take a look at Katherine’s writing style, her use of symbolism, and the inclusion of major themes such as grief, loss, and forgiveness. In preparation for this book study, I also had the opportunity to ask the author a few questions, and those answers are sprinkled throughout my analysis as well. Enjoy!

King of Men: Part I

Greetings wonderful listeners! This week I was joined by my friend Angela Hickey of Outlandercast Clan Book Club and Queen Bee’s Hive (Patreon) to break down every facet of Jamie Fraser’s very nuanced character. Because his story is broad in scope and crucial to the overall shape of Outlander, it was impossible for us to cover everything in one episode. So in Part One of our King of Men duo, we discussed his backstory including the influence his family had on him growing up, his faith as a Celtic Christian, and the events of Wentworth Prison and how that created a ripple effect throughout the rest of the series. Make sure to check back for more details on Part Two coming soon!

Season Five Superlatives

Hello everyone! This week, I was joined by my friend and fellow Obsassenach, Angela Hickey from Outlandercast Clan Book Club and Queen Bee’s Hive (Patreon) to discuss all the highs and lows of season five on a live edition of The Sassenach Files. This is a replay you won’t want to miss as we discussed all the best musical moments, laugh out loud moments, and scene stealers. We also chatted about our favorite episodes, character arcs, and romantic moments alongside some of the adaptation “misses” and why certain characters and scenes fell flat for us.

Kill Them All

Greetings Obsassenachs! This week I’m discussing 512: “Never My Love”. Join me for a wild ride as I express my thoughts on how Lionel Brown matches up to some of the greatest villains in this series, Jamie’s immense sense of guilt and failure of what Claire endured, and the stunning cinematography of this episode. I also chat about Claire’s crazy dreamscape, it’s many, many Easter eggs, and why I felt that this particular form of escapism made total sense for Claire’s character.