What's up with the word 'Celtic,' and what does it have to do with Irish music? Why does the C-Word sometimes come off as non-specific, simplistic, or academic? Host Shannon Heaton unpacks the meaning and mysteries of Celtic culture with Seamus Egan, Neil Pearlman, Marc Gunn, Ellery Klein, and coffee drinkers at Mystic Roaster in Medford, Mass.

There's plenty of music here, too. Credits below.

* * * * * * *

Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Kevin O'Neil, Rex Edwards, and Hannah Derusha for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * *

Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 13 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: "Free the Heel" (reel), from Rehearsal Artist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Many Splendored Celtic Music Fantasia," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist/Composer: Ryan Beveridge

Tune: "Many Splendored Acoustic Reprise," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Tune: "Hugo's Big Reel," from The Turning TideArtist: Solas

Song: "Weep Not for the Memories," from Brothers McMullen SoundtrackArtist: Sarah McLaughlin Composer: Seamus Egan

Tune: "Hector the Hero Medley," from 2015 Worlds CompetitionArtist: Inveray District Pipe Band

Tunes: "Jig Runrig, The Ramnee Ceilidh," from Highlander's Farewell Artists: Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas

Song: "Jedi Drinking Song Prequel," from Sci Fi Drinking Songs Artist/Composer: Marc Gunn

Tune: "Fingerstyle Fantasia," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Song: "The Call," from The Greatest Journey – Essential CollectionArtist: Celtic Woman Composer: David Downes

Song: "A Place in the Choir," from The Very Best of Celtic Thunder Artist: Celtic Thunder

Song: "Johnny Tarr," from Special ReserveArtist/Composer: Gaelic Storm

Song: "Kiss Me I'm Irish," from Bring Yer Wellies Artist/Composer: Gaelic Storm

Tune: "Marie's Cabin, Rachel on her Feet," from Salt & Pepper Artist/Composer: Ellery Klein