Crafty Rogues

On the road again this week at Padraigs Brewing in NE Minneapolis to chat with the "car"ismatic proprieter, Pat Carey.  Hailing from SoCal, through NoDak he ended up in MSP.  Along the way he was introduced to the great sport of Hurling and beer.  He wants the world to know that there is more to Irish beer than Guinnness and he is putting his hops, grain and yeast in the tank to prove it!

Patricia "Pat" McManus showed up this week in a vintage Ian Hunter shirt and set the tone for the latest episode.  You will learn how to make a "proper" Wisconsin Old Fashioned, what makes Alaskan's different, road trips to a bar in Cleveland and why David Bowie really was the coolest.  All in this weeks jaunt on a trippy hippy ride.

Chris Carlson was the very special guest this week and much was discussed including theater acting, Cillian Murphy stories (Cill to his friends), biking across France and why you should never let your child cheer for Chelsea. Enjoy!

On the road again this week, all the way to Merlin's Rest on Lake Street in Minneapolis to chat with owner Lee Tomlin.  A proper Eastender who took his love of whiskies and pubs to the Twin Cities and now operates two fine establishements.  Together with his wife, Tracie, they are making sure the original traditions of proper pubs continues, despite having Morris dancers show up now and again.
Listen in for stories, drams and a couple of 80's tunes that will take you back!  Proper order!

Midwest with deep Irish roots are explored with humor and melancholy this week with the efforvesent Suzanne Murphy.  Tales of an upbringing with a Dublin born Dad, political revealations from Minneapolis and chaotic driving adventures around the Dingle Pinnesula.  All that and why dark lyrics make the best bedtime lullabies and learning new swear words when you're seven set you up for life!

This week, John returns from a sushi-fueled NYC spring break with his teenage daughter (and a suitcase full of anime), while Sean Barnard drops by to talk 90's music, fuzzy memories, and why he gives his commission to rock stars instead of billboards. We’ve got Broadway monsters, Snow Patrol singalongs, Violent Femmes rebellion, a proper gush over Aster House, and a nostalgic nod to Irish roots...plus the usual footy review, Midwest mayhem, and a Bulgarian footballer who definitely isn’t dead.  Tariff that!

This week, the Crafty Rogues goes on the roadfor a bittersweet farewell to Irish on Grand, the beloved St. Paul shop closing its doors after decades serving the Twin Cities' Irish community and Elvis Costello!. Enjoy the chat with Maeve and Liam about the shop’s history, its future online, and their plans post-retirement (like escaping the MN winters) 
Also in this episode: St. Patrick’s Day adventures in Alexandria, avoiding the sunshine in California, some sports updates, Gig annoucements And yes, custard creams and tea bags were involved. It’s the end of an era — don’t miss it.

Post Paddy’s Day, Cosgrove chats with D. Patrick Connolly, a quintessential Irish-American from St. Paul!  Patrick shares his take on St. Patrick's Day traditions, snow plows & potholes, proper pub etiquette (never order an "Irish Car Bomb"!), and his love for music including Bruce Springsteen and U2. The conversation weaves through politics, Patrick's PR career, and the evolution of Irish food culture. Two boys that love to chat and it shows! 

This week on The Crafty Rogues, John Cosgrove is joined by longtime listener, first-time guest, Aiden Benedict Scanlan!

Aiden shares stories about the Scanlan family's 100+ year history in the Twin Cities, from his grand-uncle's arrival in 1910 to the family's deep roots in the local Irish community. Also covered in no particular order:

• Ireland's disappointing Six Nations rugby match against France
• The best spots to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Twin Cities (hint: avoid places that call it "Patty's Day"!)
• How the Rock of Gibraltor destroyed Man United
• Stay away from German bollix biters.

You're welcome.

This week, John Cosgrove welcomes guest Pat Curry—bartender, storyteller, and American of Irish descent with roots in Emyvale and West Cork.

They dive into everything from Shakespeare  James Bond propaganda, the madness of St. Patrick’s Day in St. Paul, and why the New York Yankees suddenly allow beards (spoiler: JD Vance). Plus, they talk sports, music, and a 40,000-piece Disney jigsaw puzzle (yes, really).

With tunes from Steve Earle, The Waterboys, and Sinead O’Connor, this episode is packed with craic.  And the Eagan tourist board will not be a sponsor anytime soon.