Welcome back to The Irish Snug! In this episode, host Tim Grant sits down with his cousin, the incredible Dawn Doherty. From being an All-Ireland tin whistle champion to her current role as a master music therapist, Dawn’s journey is a masterclass in keeping Irish culture alive and thriving in the modern world.

Born in NYC and raised in Castlebar, County Mayo, Dawn shares her unique perspective on the "bridge" between Ireland and New York. We dive deep into:

The Healing Power of Trad: Dawn’s work using Irish music to unlock memories for dementia patients and providing a vital outlet for children with autism at the Aisling Irish Community Center.
The Art of Teaching: From the "Music Munchkins" (ages 3–4) to the McLean Avenue Adult Singing Club, Dawn breaks down her philosophy on mentoring the next generation of musicians.
The Road to the Fleadh: Why song selection is everything in competition and how she prepares her students for the world stage at the Fleadh Cheoil.
The Gaeilge Revival: The modern "spark" in the Irish language and the importance of teaching Gaeilge in a fun, accessible way.

Whether you’re a musician, a fan of Irish history, or just looking for a bit of "craic," this episode is for you.

🎓 TEACHER’S SPOTLIGHT: DAWN DOHERTY
Dawn is a pillar of the New York-Irish music scene, offering a wide range of programs for all ages and abilities:
For Kids: Tin whistle, singing, and "Music Munchkins" classes at the Aisling Center.
For Adults: Private online whistle lessons and the popular McLean Avenue Adult Singing Club.
Specialized Therapy: Private music therapy sessions for elderly patients and scholarship-based programs for children with special needs.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Dawn Doherty’s Official Website: https://dawndohertymusic.com (For music lessons, music therapy inquiries, and performance dates).
The Aisling Irish Community Center: https://aislingcenter.org/
Kneecap (Amhrán Na Scadán): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=323QYC9XHY0

🎵 RECOMMENDED LISTENING:
Dolores Keane: The Voice of Ireland
Seán Keane: Traditional Master

🪉 FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG:
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Welcome to The Irish Snug Podcast! In this episode, your host Tim Grant sits down with John Lee—communications executive, former President of the Irish Business Organization of New York, and co-host of the Irish Stew podcast.

We are diving deep into the evolution of Irish-American identity, the art of storytelling, and the enduring power of community. From reminiscing about the old Greenwich Village folk scene and the Clancy Brothers to discussing the modern, vibrant landscape of contemporary Ireland, this is a conversation for anyone with a connection to the Irish diaspora.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Irish-American Journey: How we move from "identity" to "immersion." We explore the importance of seeking out contemporary Irish stories rather than just relying on the time-capsule version of our grandparents' past.
• The Power of Conversation: Whether it’s the peace process in Northern Ireland or just finding common ground in a polarized world, we discuss why open dialogue is the heartbeat of our communities.
• Professional Paths & Podcasting: John shares his journey from PR and horse racing at Belmont/Saratoga to his leadership in the Irish Business Organization during the pandemic, and how he transitioned into the world of podcasting with Irish Stew.
• Pub Culture: We compare notes on the "perfect pint," the magic of a traditional snug, and the vital role of the local pub in global Irish connection.
• Inspiring Figures: We touch on remarkable guests John has hosted, including Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling and astronaut Katie Coleman.

About Our Guest:

John Lee is a communications professional dedicated to connecting the Irish and Irish-American business and cultural communities. As the co-host of Irish Stew, he brings an international perspective to the Irish experience, focusing on the modern, evolving voices of the global diaspora.

Resources Mentioned:

• Listen to Irish Stew Podcast: https://www.irishstewpodcast.com/
• Learn more about the Irish Business Organization of NY: https://www.ibonewyork.org/

Follow The Irish Snug Podcast:

Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209

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Instagram: irish_snug

#IrishSnug #IrishAmerican #Podcast #IrishHeritage #IrishStewPodcast

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Join us on this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast as we sit down with one of the true legends of the bagpiping world, Eric Stein.
With nearly 60 years of involvement in the piping community, Eric has evolved from a young student in Long Island’s Saffron United pipe band to one of the most influential "impresarios" in modern solo piping. He’s the driving force behind legendary events like the Metro Cup, the Sun Belt Invitational, and the Ardmore Cup, creating stages where the world’s best pipers can compete and push the art form to new heights.

It’s an honest look at the hard work and love required to keep the piping community thriving today.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Early Years: How an 11-year-old kid from Long Island fell in love with the pipes and navigated the local band circuit.
• Building Stages: The origin story of the Metro Cup and why Eric felt it was necessary to innovate competition formats to keep them exciting for players and audiences alike.
• The Funding Struggle: A transparent look at the difficulty of securing sponsorships for the arts and why, unlike other musical disciplines, piping often struggles to attract large-scale commercial backing.
• The Future of Piping: The challenge of recruiting younger generations and the vital need for a "young rock star" or a fresh, startup-style approach to capture the modern imagination.
• Anecdotes from the Circuit: Stories of piping icons like Terry Tully, unforgettable pub sessions in Dublin, and the magic that happens when the competition ends and the real music begins.

Connect with Eric
Eric is actively looking for the next generation of leaders, collaborators, and potential sponsors who want to ensure the future of solo piping remains vibrant. If you have ideas, interest, or questions, you can reach out to him directly:
📧 Eric Stein Email: ericmstein53@gmail.com

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