In this episode, I am joined by a very special guest. Michael McGlynn has been a mentor, friend, and my pastor since the age of six...he is also my Father. My Dad and I sit down to wrap up the three-part series on Christmas and talk about the history of the holiday, lament on our best Holidays, and talk about how this one may be a little different. The holiday we celebrate today, although not as old or distant in origin as we think, is still worth our time and attention. This year is going to look different. No doubt. It's our hope and desire at Why Whiskey that regardless of the change in tradition the covid-year brings, you all are able to find peace, cherish those here and be well. Merry Christmas! - Ian

Referenced Song: https://open.spotify.com/track/3mXol3KLx3Q1RxVNLE1OJa?si=XDYmMP9sSm6QoqUyTWs1ag

Sources:

Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas, Vintage Books, 1996.

Ian Stronach and Alan Hodkinson, Anthropology Today, Towards a theory of Santa: Or, the Ghost of Christmas Present, December 2011, Vol. 27, No. 6 (December 2011), pp. 15-19

Warren O. Hagstrom, The American Sociologist, What is the Meaning of Santa Claus?, Nov. 1966, Vol. 1, No. 5 (Nov. 1966), pp. 248-252.

Richard Bauman, Western Folklore, Belsnickling in a Nova Scotia Island Community, Oct. 1972, Vol. 31, No. 4, Festival Issue (Oct. 1972), pp. 229-

243.

The is the start of a three-part series on Christmas in America. This episode is centered around the Christmas Tree. From its ancient pagan origins to Buckingham Palace, to Rockefeller Plaza, and finally, to your living room, the little guy depicted brilliantly in Charlie Brown's Christmas special has quite a storied past. Join me for some great Rye whiskey from Wild Turkey, Taconic DIstillery, and Boston Harbor Distillery and fun stories about the ol' Christmas Tree. 

Sources:

Nissenbaum, Stephen The Battle for Christmas, Random House, NY 1996

https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/holydays/wintersolstice.shtml#:~:text=The%20Winter%20Solstice%20falls%20on,give%20it%20as%20a%20blessing.

https://time.com/5736523/history-of-christmas-trees/

https://www.zmescience.com/science/history-science/origin-christmas-tree-pagan/

We are one year old! On the 13th of November 2019, I started this silly thing and in that year I have talked with incredible folks, researched some very fun stuff, and shared time with you all in one of the most challenging times in recent memory. And we are just getting started! Here we go! Cheers!

In this episode, I sit down with two lovely folks, John and Dena, and we discuss the very first spy ring in American history. From the start of reconnaissance to the high stakes intel gathering in New York City at the height of the Revolutionary War Washington's "Secret Six" played a pivotal role in the success of the revolution. Join us for some spirited conversation, some wonderful whiskey, and grand shenanigans all around!

You can find Dena and John at the links below!

So this is me Trying Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/74bGNvUyFkkdvSJtV4wivi?si=Cb0_7o9ETEio2iiJNgrWUQ

Questioning Everything: https://open.spotify.com/show/3YJLWu1ti0X5bqkaxfZzZ6?si=QMIAXt8QQYCWNzDxy3D6IA

In this episode, I talk about the Whiskey Ring Scandal where distillers, rectifiers, and revenue collectors worked an elaborate scheme to defraud the government of millions of dollars and one of the kingpins was none other than the President's own personal secretary. Lets chat!

In this episode, I am joined by the hosts of the Boos and Bourbon Podcast as we explore the ins and outs of the Salem Witch Trials and Ghost hunting. We share some pointed observations, such as licking wands to make them ours and "hell bears" sent from Satan himself. We drink some incredible whiskey from Angel's Envy and have many shenanigans! Enjoy!

Monty Python Witch Scene: https://youtu.be/yp_l5ntikaU

In this episode, I do a quick overview of the life and work of Frank Sinatra. From his humble beginnings in Hoboken NJ to his political activism that won him the NAACP Lifetime Achievement award. We know his music, love his whiskey, and now will hopefully appreciate his intellect a little more. Cheers!

Playboy Interview: https://sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php/29275-Frank-Sinatra-s-1963-Playboy-Magazine-Interview