Is there a better way to score pipe band competitions?  

This week, Andrew and Jim look at an unlikely comparison for inspiration: gymnastics. From artistic vs. objective elements, to the challenge of ranking large fields fairly, to the ever-present issue of bias, the guys explore what the world of sports can teach us about how pipe bands are judged. What makes a fair system? Should pipe bands stick to ordinal rankings? Would point-based scoring bring more consistency? And how do we balance tradition with the need for innovation?  

Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]  

Here’s what we cover this week:

Ever wondered how you can really tell who the top solo pipers are across a massive region like the Eastern United States?  

This week, Andrew introduces Jim to the new EUSPBA Greatest Hits program – a ranking system that takes a bunch of measures into account, rather than just aggregating total points.   

They discuss why it matters, the challenges of ranking players across a huge geographic area, the problems with the old points system, and how the new approach brings a more fair way to rank players that could bring back some excitement and participation across the region.   

Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]  

Here’s what we cover this week:
 

Are ceiling fans secretly ruining your tuning? And what’s actually essential to keep in your pipe case?

In this fun and practical episode, Andrew and Jim crack open the listener mailbag to tackle three big questions from the community.

First up, they dive into how to set up a practice space that actually makes you want to practice (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be fancy).

Then they break down the surprising ways ceiling fans can throw off your tuning – yes, really! – and wrap up with a great list of must-have items every beginner should carry in their pipe case (hint: corks, wax, and maybe a lucky chess piece?).

Got a burning question of your own that you'd like us to cover in a future episode?

Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

Here's what we cover this week:
00:00 – Intro & Banter

01:15 – Practice Space Tips

12:10 – Ceiling Fans & Tuning

22:40 – Pipe Case Essentials

27:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

Ever wondered where some of the most loved tunes today came from?

In this episode, Andrew and Jim dive into the life of John McLellan of Dunoon – one of the most iconic figures in Scottish piping. As of 8 August 2025, it's been 150 years since McLellan was born, and the guys take the opportunity to explore what made his music so powerful, memorable, and ahead of its time. 

They chat through the cultural and historical backdrop that influenced his tunes, unpack how his personal experiences shaped his writing, and take a look at how his legacy still echoes in the piping world today.

Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – ChatGPT as a tour guide
01:50 – The Scottish Enlightenment, John Knox, and the rise of literacy
04:40 – The impact of universal education on Scottish society
07:00 – Scotland’s literary and musical giants: Hume, Smith, Burns, Scott
09:15 – John McLellan’s background and the 150th anniversary
11:00 – What makes McLellan’s tunes so special?
13:00 – The role of nostalgia and romanticism in piping
15:00 – Musical literacy, family influence, and McLellan’s musical skills
18:00 – The explosion of printed music and the military pipe band system
21:00 – Why did so many great composers emerge in the late 1800s?
24:00 – The “Bagpipe Musical Enlightenment” hypothesis
27:00 – The enduring influence of McLellan and his contemporaries
30:00 – Reflections on creativity, tradition, and innovation in piping
33:00 – Closing thoughts: McLellan’s legacy and the evolution of bagpipe music

Ever wondered what makes a sheepskin bag so special – or so tricky?   

Last week we covered the broad pros and cons of sheepskin – this week, join Andrew and Jim as they do a deep dive on the mysteries, mishaps, and maintenance secrets of sheepskin bags.   

From airtightness to seasoning rituals, and the eternal debate between tradition and convenience, this episode is packed with practical tips and stories.  

Got a topic you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]  

Here's what we cover this week:  
0:00 – Welcome, episode intro, and why sheepskin matters 
1:00 – Who should care about sheepskin? (Hint: not just the pros) 
2:00 – Sheepskin vs. synthetic: sound, cost, and effort 
3:00 – Airtightness: myth-busting and real-world experience 
4:00 – The pain of tying in a sheepskin bag (and why it’s worth it) 
5:00 – Jim’s embarrassing tie-in story 
7:00 – How to avoid bag-destroying mistakes 
8:00 – Maintenance checks: pulling out stocks and prepping for big events 
10:00 – The all-important first seasoning: step-by-step 
12:00 – Why Andrew kneels on his bag (and you might want to, too) 
14:00 – How often should you season? (And why less is more) 
16:00 – Storage tips: humidity, “pipe humidors,” and what to avoid 
18:00 – Trade-offs: when to go sheepskin, synthetic, or moisture control 
20:00 – The science of condensation, dew points, and why it matters 
22:00 – Advice for beginners, intermediates, and advanced pipers 
24:00 – Final thoughts: keep it simple, experiment, and enjoy the journey

Why do some pipers prefer a sheepskin bag?  

In this episode, Jim and Andrew dive deep into the world of hide bagpipe bags – especially the legendary sheepskin. They draw some surprising parallels between Linux and sheepskin bags.   

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned piper, or just bagpipe-curious, you’ll get the inside scoop on why sheepskin bags are so beloved, what makes them tricky, and whether they’re worth the investment.   

(P.S. Make sure to tune in next week for some nitty gritty about hide bags in part 2…)  

Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]  

Here’s what we cover this week:  

Last week we looked at how maintenance, set up, and your bag can all massively help or massively hinder your strike ins.  

This week, Jim and Andrew break down how to actually execute a perfect strike-in, and how to get it right every time. They share the top mistakes pipers make, introduce a three-pronged method for success, and explain why air pressure and rhythm are everything. You'll also hear tips for syncing with your drum corps, tuning on the fly, and building confidence through solo practice.  

Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]  

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:02 Calibration and Strike Ins
01:17 Common Mistakes in Striking In
03:40 The Three-Pronged Attack
05:50 Advanced Techniques and Tips
14:17 Air Pressure and Final Tuning
16:30 Perfecting the E Note
16:59 The Role of Drummers in Synchronization
17:35 Mastering the Pipe Band Rhythm
18:12 Step-by-Step Guide to Pipe Band Attack
20:36 Importance of Practicing Alone
23:54 Why a Good Attack Matters
26:32 Handling Mistakes and Moving Forward
30:27 Final Tips and Resources

Are your strike ins leaving you deflated? 

This week, Andrew and Jim break down the real reasons your pipes might not be cooperating – from leaky bags and floppy setups to calibration quirks and climate curveballs. Plus, a little banter about band camp and Misty Mountain mugs to kick things off. Part one of a two-part deep dive into striking in.

Got a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

Here's what we cover this week:

00:00 – Band camp flashbacks

01:05 – A light Middle-earth geography squabble

02:46 – Bagpipes and golf: where obsession meets art

03:34 – Calibration 101: getting your drones to play nice

05:46 – Strike-in theory vs. what actually happens

11:30 – Making calibration part of your daily routine

14:55 – Cane reeds: fragile, finicky, but oh-so sweet

16:10 – Climate chaos and the Scotland setup struggle

16:30 – What “efficiency” means in real life and piping

17:34 – The mechanics of a clean strike-in

19:27 – Why setup is everything

21:15 – Fine-tuning your reeds and drones

31:15 – Floppy bags and other setup saboteurs

33:48 – Wrapping up: what’s next in part two

Ever find yourself stopping cold after making a mistake while you're playing?

In this episode, Andrew and Jim dig into what it really takes to master bagpipe tunes – especially when things don’t go perfectly. They chat about why stopping every time you make a mistake can actually hold you back, and how finishing what you start (even if it's messy) leads to better progress in the long run.

Along the way, they share stories from their own musical journeys – including a few childhood recital flashbacks – and reflect on lessons learned from some of the top pipers in the world.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of restarts or frustrated by your own mistakes, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder to persevere, stay out of the ruts, and trust the process – even when it’s not perfect.

Got a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

Here's what we cover this week:
00:00 Internet Woes and Dojo U
01:05 Teaching Technology to Seniors
01:46 Podcasting from Afar
02:01 The Struggles of Internet Service Providers
03:27 A Frustrating Call with Spectrum
05:32 Commitment to Learning and Practice
07:56 The Importance of Finishing What You Start
12:46 Effective Practice Strategies
17:22 Addressing Mistakes in Performances
18:25 The Concept of Ruts and Feedback Loops
19:17 Forming Good Habits in Practice
19:43 Treating Your Brain Like a Baby
21:19 The Problem with Fixating on Mistakes
26:36 Balancing Practice Sessions
28:37 Pipe Band Practice Strategies
29:22 Reflections on Leadership in Pipe Bands
31:16 Concluding Thoughts on Practice and Performance