Get Folked

Where once there was but darkness and ignorance in the world Andy and Ed come forth in the latest instalment of your favourite podcast and bequeath knowledge unto the masses through their illuminating discourse on literature, history, musical theory, mathematics, theology, and the deceptive ways of a very observational horse. All of this is, of course, set against the back-drop of Andy's most recent excursion into the world of Albanian Folk Music (this link will take you to the site of that excursion on instagram).

Honestly, this episode belongs in the lecture halls of prestigious universities, or should be beamed into outer space as an indication to all alien life of the high water mark in learning which has been reached by modern human civilization, failing those two mediums we'll also settle for your podcast app of choice.

Theology and Theme Parks make surprising conversational bed-fellows as Andy and Ed reminisce and compare notes on the pros and cons of being alter boys in their respective parishes back in the day (yes that day was the 80s). This subject causes the unexpected need for deep questions to be tackled head-on: Communism Vs Capitalism. Individual Enrichment Vs the Common Good. Should those who serve be paid for their service or should the wealth of the few be shared by the many? And just how old is too old before you should really stop getting on those tiny amusement rides meant for small babies? So many questions! What are we to make of it all? Listen to this week’s episode of "Get Folked" to find out more, while not necessarily finding any answers.

BOOM! Another Get Folked episode makes it to the editor's desk before deadline. Tactics on how to make friends are discussed as well as the chronic shortage of Bouncy Castles. Is this an indication of the decline of western civilization or merely a minor inconvenience to too many stressed out parents as they cram themselves into one small urban location?

And, in a rare melancholy moment for the podcast, daylight robbery strikes in Berlin! This one is an emotional roller coaster.

Also, Ed is wearing a peaked hat and sunglasses during this episode and possibly from now on. No big deal.

Andy asks Ed to write the podcast blurb for the first time. Ed panics and, due to a lack of any better ideas, decides to “go meta” and reference the act of writing the blurb within the blurb itself. I think it’s safe to say that Ed will never be asked to write the blurb again.

In this episode the guys talk about the fantastic physical feats of the O’Donovan’s of old down in West Cork and how they led directly to Ed’s clumsy behaviour as a tourist. Andy is doing some child-rearing with the help of electronic music, beat-boxing, and science. The Aurora Borealis making a rare appearance over Limerick and the merits of mercy killings for rodents in Berlin all serve to provide a veritable treasure trove of talking points ranging in scale from the truly cosmic to the down and dirty.

Ed wanders the south west of Ireland in search of a session or two. Andrew wanders the canals and parks on May day as the bright sunshine and warm temperatures brings thousands out onto the streets of Berlin to celebrate a range of music. We're proud to have made it to 20 episodes, thanks for being with us. Here's to another 20!

Ed talks astronomy as two star crossed lovers have themselves a lunar landing. Andrew meets the one and only Edgeman who gives us an insight into Manchester’s local culture. Dave Haslam shares life lessons while Ed shares an early draft of his newest song “Morally Superior”

Andy returns to the competitive sports arena but isn’t ready for the intimacy involved in being part of a team. Ed cleans up some of last week's rambling with a few added tidbits. 80’s TV culture still guides them in the modern world of communication. Trips back memory lane bring stories of rural whistling techniques and sound engineers lacking visual, but more importantly, audio understanding of sound equipment, and that’s coming from us! It’s episode 18 and Getfolked is all grown up…sort of.

Ed and Andy reflect on the joys of medieval folk music. Ireland's rain plays havoc on the small plane industry. Faherty and the gang have some of life's deeper meanings hidden in the garden, just waiting to be dug up. Bill Bailey, Victorian instruments of pain (or pleasure) and all the flagellants with none of smell are discussed in this week’s episode.

Brassless Balls. “Better the lie that draws a smile, than a truth that draws a tear!” Ed keeps it real in housekeeping, The LouvRe, it’s pyramid (glorious!) and teachers explaining abstinence while touring the wonders of Paris are barely mentioned.  Andrew segues neatly into his marathon running days and waddles around EuroDisney in search of stormtroopers. Along with Beyonce, Eastern Folk and a touch of genocide… these are the topics of this week's edition.

A day late (Clocks went forward!) but Ed and Andrew took to the stage once more. Rebranding the band is given a game show veneer, Napoleon's exploits in both Italy and Germany are discussed with Andrew wandering the famous monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig. Bessie Smyths rise and untimely end are discussed. It may or may not be groundhog day in terms of storytelling but as always, Ed and Andy bite the bullet, grow some brass balls and get poetic.