In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival host Tara Reese sits down with Dr. Amy Potter and a group of honors global scholars from Georgia Southern University who spent six weeks in Ireland.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

These students share their experiences conducting agricultural research, studying international farming practices, and immersing in Irish culture. They discuss their unexpected findings, such as the gap in succession planning in Irish farming and the nuanced relationship between farmers and the government.

The conversation also touches on the students' eye-opening cultural experiences, their bonding moments, and how the trip has influenced their academic and career aspirations. Dr. Potter provides insights into the broader vision of the Ireland initiative at Georgia Southern. With moments of humor and heartfelt realizations, this episode is a fascinating look at the impact of global study programs.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Georgia Southern University's Research & Study Abroad Program in Wexford, Ireland

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to the Savannah Irish Podcast

01:03 Meet the Georgia Southern University Honors Global Scholars

01:32 Dr. Amy Potter on the Ireland Initiative

02:01 Student Introductions and Favorite Subjects

03:15 Overview of the Agricultural Research Project

06:19 Conducting the Survey and Initial Findings

07:22 Surprising Survey Results and Farmer-Government Relations

08:01 Challenges in Succession Planning and Mental Health

11:31 Comparing Irish and American Dairy and Beef

14:04 Broader Implications of Agricultural Research

19:27 Presenting Research to High-Ranking Officials

23:49 Experiencing Irish Farm Life

28:44 Daily Life and Learning in Ireland

30:23 Self-Motivation and Group Dynamics

31:39 First Impressions and Cultural Shocks

34:25 Bonding and Social Experiences

37:48 Impact on Future Goals

41:13 Unique Learning Experiences

44:42 Reflections and Gratitude

50:01 Memorable Moments and Traditions

56:34 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival host Tara Reese focuses on the revered position of Grand Marshal in the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

Guests John Forbes, Mike Kenny, and Mike Roush, all former Grand Marshals, share their personal stories and the significance of this lifetime honor. They discuss the traditions, emotional experiences, and community leadership tied to the role, including insights into the historic COVID-era cancellation. The conversation also highlights the various events leading up to the parade, the importance of humility and community involvement, and reflections on the enduring spirit of Savannah's Irish community.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Season Three

00:09 Meet the Grand Marshals

00:19 The Honor of Being Grand Marshal

00:27 Grand Marshals Share Their Stories

00:45 Impact of COVID on the Parade

01:15 Introductions and Backgrounds

02:38 Path to Becoming Grand Marshal

03:17 Deciding to Run for Grand Marshal

06:37 Election Process and Emotions

16:16 Leading the Parade

25:17 Traditions and Community Impact

32:11 Setting Up for the Parade

33:28 Memorable Parade Moments

36:45 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Parade

40:44 Reflections on Being Grand Marshal

49:54 Irish Traditions and Fun Questions

55:10 Advice for Future Grand Marshals

56:24 Closing Remarks and Festival Announcement

Join the SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival as host Tara Reese dives into a lively discussion with tourism leaders Michael Owens and Joe Marinelli about the massive economic and cultural impact of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

The guests cover how tourism dollars invigorate the local economy, the special ties between Savannah and Ireland, and the importance of local and international collaboration. Expect fun insights, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes details about the planning of this beloved celebration.

From debunking myths about visitor numbers to reminiscing about heartwarming moments and wild antics, this episode offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on one of Savannah's most cherished traditions.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to the Savannah Irish Podcast

00:40 Meet the Tourism Leaders: Michael Owens and Joseph Marinelli

01:30 The Economic Impact of Tourism in Savannah

05:21 Debunking St. Patrick's Day Myths

09:25 Visitor vs. Tourist: Understanding the Difference

11:56 The Importance of St. Patrick's Day to Savannah

19:42 Behind the Scenes: Organizing St. Patrick's Day

25:33 Cultural Exchange with Ireland

26:02 Irish Immigration to Savannah

26:28 Building Business Bridges with Wexford

27:15 Cultural and Educational Exchanges

27:47 Personal Reflections on Irish Friendships

28:23 Scottish and Ulster Scots Heritage

29:28 Future Collaborations with Wexford

32:43 Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Traditions

36:41 Favorite St. Patrick's Day Memories

40:03 Final Reflections and Farewells

In this episode of the SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival - host Tara Reese sits down over a pint - or four - of Guiness ON LOCATION at O'Connell's Irish Pub with Irish transplants Derek, Sharon, and Damien for PART 2 as they share their experiences of moving from Ireland to Savannah, Georgia.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

With plenty of laughter and 'crack,' they discuss how they maintain their Irish heritage while embracing Southern culture. They recount their journeys to America, the cultural shocks, and the amusing misunderstandings resulting from their accents. From savoring both Irish and Southern traditions, navigating through local festivals, to the peculiarities of American football versus GAA, this episode is a warm-hearted, humorous celebration of Irish spirit blending with Southern hospitality. Join them at O'Connell's Pub, where the conversation is lively, and the Guinness flows freely.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Meet the Guests

00:10 Raising Irish-American Kids

03:04 Favorite Irish Foods

04:15 Family Visits and Impressions of Savannah

06:40 Finding Love Abroad

12:15 Humorous Anecdotes and Reflections

15:37 Reflecting on Marriage and Family

17:21 Nostalgia for Ireland

19:03 Damien's Musical Journey

24:25 Auditioning for Bagatelle

29:26 A Poem for Guinness Lovers

32:05 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

In this episode of the SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival - host Tara Reese sits down over a pint - or four - of Guiness ON LOCATION at O'Connell's Irish Pub with Irish transplants Derek, Sharon, and Damien as they share their experiences of moving from Ireland to Savannah, Georgia.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

With plenty of laughter and 'crack,' they discuss how they maintain their Irish heritage while embracing Southern culture. They recount their journeys to America, the cultural shocks, and the amusing misunderstandings resulting from their accents. From savoring both Irish and Southern traditions, navigating through local festivals, to the peculiarities of American football versus GAA, this episode is a warm-hearted, humorous celebration of Irish spirit blending with Southern hospitality. Join them at O'Connell's Pub, where the conversation is lively, and the Guinness flows freely.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Meet the Irish Savannahians

00:57 Sharon's Journey from Sligo to Savannah

01:45 Damien's Move from Dublin to Savannah

02:50 Derek's Path to Savannah and Firefighting

07:43 First Impressions of Savannah

09:11 Irish Traditions and Southern Hospitality

26:24 Cultural Sayings and Expressions

29:21 Sports: American Football vs. GAA

32:09 Sligo's Day at Crow Park

32:57 GAA vs. American Football

33:43 Funny Story from San Francisco

35:16 Southern Gigi vs. Irish Granny Cooking

36:13 Irish Breakfast and Brown Bread

37:23 Potatoes and Roast Dinners

39:53 Favorite Whiskeys and Drinking Stories

44:47 Accents and Misunderstandings

49:56 Returning to Ireland

53:03 Americanized or Not?

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival!

In this episode of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Irish musicians Tom O’Carroll and Michael Corbett to discuss the rich traditions and living story of Irish music.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

The podcast delves into the influence of Irish music in America, how tradition is kept alive in Ireland, and the impact of sessions, festivals, and mentorships. Both musicians share their personal journeys, favorite songs, and the role of modern technology in promoting Irish music.

They also touch on the challenges and joys of maintaining musical traditions in a changing world. The episode closes with a lively discussion on the future of Irish music and the social role it plays in different cultures.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Meet the Musicians: Michael Corbett and Tom O’Carroll

01:12 The Influence of Irish Music in America

02:55 Personal Journeys into Irish Music

07:40 The Evolution of Irish Music

13:33 The Importance of Oral Tradition and Sessions

19:09 Irish Festivals and Their Role in Sustaining Music

24:02 Savannah's Vibrant Irish Festival

24:46 Attracting Younger Generations

25:39 Challenges of Modernizing Traditional Music

27:18 Influence of Irish Music on Other Genres

29:40 The Role of Social Media in Promoting Music

33:02 Blending Tradition with Modern Styles

39:02 Irish Music's Global Reach

42:46 Favorite and Least Favorite Songs

45:52 A Song About Tara

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival!

In this special Halloween episode of The Savannah Irish Podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Patrick Burns, a paranormal enthusiast and ghost tour guide in Savannah, GA. Patrick shares his journey into the paranormal world, sparked by a personal tragedy, and discusses his experiences and encounters while leading ghost tours in the historic city.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

The conversation delves into the rich haunted heritage of Savannah, including stories of Irish ghosts, the infamous Alice Riley, and the eerie traditions surrounding Colonial Park Cemetery. Listeners are also treated to Patrick's personal ghost encounters and the unique charm he brings to his tours. Tune in for a captivating blend of history, folklore, and spine-chilling tales from Savannah.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Meet Patrick - The Guy in the Kilt

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A SPOOKY SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Spooky Season

00:31 Meet Patrick Burns: Paranormal Enthusiast

00:43 Patrick's Journey into the Paranormal

01:39 Savannah Ghost Tours and Personal Encounters

03:19 A Personal Ghost Story at Kevin Barry's

06:12 Savannah: A City Built on Its Dead

08:42 Irish Roots and Ghost Lore in Savannah

18:51 Alice Riley: The Restless Irish Ghost

20:45 The Trial and Execution of Alice Riley

22:52 The Haunting of Wright Square

23:58 Colonial Park Cemetery and Yellow Fever

26:14 Ghostly Encounters in Savannah

28:38 The Kehoe House and Other Haunted Locations

30:54 The Importance of Historical Accuracy in Ghost Stories

38:50 The Guy in the Kilt: Personal Experiences and Tours

43:12 Conclusion and Invitation to the Ghost Tour

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Nicole Sheils Deputy Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, representing the US Southeast.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

Nicole shares her impressive career journey from Dublin, including her time working in various capacities within the Irish civil service and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering Irish culture and community in the Southeast US, with particular emphasis on economic ties, youth engagement, and historical connections. Nicole also reveals exciting upcoming projects, including the USA 250 celebrations and the launch of a lecture series on Irish immigration stories. Listeners will gain insight into the vibrant cultural exchanges and diplomatic efforts that strengthen the bonds between Ireland and the Southeast US.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Website: Consulate General Of Ireland, Atlanta | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie

Facebook: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | Atlanta GA | Facebook

Instagram: Consulate General of Ireland - US Southeast (@irelandatlanta) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | LinkedIn

Newsletter: Consulate General of Ireland Atlanta

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Meet Nicole Shiels: Deputy Council General of Ireland

00:56 Nicole's Career Journey

02:30 Experiences in the US and St. Patrick's Day Parade

05:49 Role and Responsibilities of the Consulate

08:06 Economic and Cultural Connections

09:08 Irish Heritage in the Southeast

12:08 Future Goals and Initiatives

19:10 Irish-American Connections Today

20:19 Celebrating Irish Culture and Heritage

21:37 The Role of the Irish Diaspora

24:04 Irish Cultural Influence and Storytelling

29:42 Economic and Educational Partnerships

35:43 Upcoming Initiatives and Final Thoughts