Folk Files

He goes bare, he lives by the air, and he wants no drink nor money…or does he? In this episode, we explore the songs and stories surrounding Tom of Bedlam. Where did the modern tune come from? And why is the title misleading? Hold on to your hat and your sanity for this musical journey to Pluto’s kitchen and beyond.Host: Olivia HardingSpecial thanks to: Aaron J. MortonCheck out

Greenland Whale Fisheries is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files. While delving into the origins of the song, we will explore other ballads about Greenland and dip our toes into the extensive history of whaling. Well row’d, jolly trouts! Host: Olivia Harding Special thanks to: Pegmouth, ARRR!!!, and Aaron J. Morton Musical excerpts: ARTIST: ARRR!!! WORK: Greenland W

Happy Holidays! In this episode of Folk Files, we will explore the history, lore, and significance of plants in Christmas carols, with a special emphasis on the Holly and the Ivy! Host: Olivia Harding Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast Musical excerpts: ARTIST: Trio of Nyckelharpas (from The Nyckelharpa Effect) WORK:

Welcome to Filk Files! But what is Filk? And why are there so many aliens, adventurers, hobbits, muppets, and nerds in this episode? Host: Olivia Harding Guest Speakers: Daisy O’Danny, Marc Gunn, Andrew McKee, Dan Marcotte You can find the full interviews with each guest speaker (including a video interview with the Brobdingnagian Bards!) as well as other goodies on the Folk File

This episode of Folk Files discusses songs involving infanticide. “The Well Below the Valley” and “The Cruel Mother” stand at the center of this heartbreaking voyage through historical records, Scandinavian folklore, and murder ballads. Host: Olivia Harding Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton Note: Becau

Episode 9 is all about birds! Embark on a journey around the world to sample bird songs and birdsong. Along the way, listen to the mockingbird, help the blackbird find his missing pieces, and rumple up the cuckoo’s nest. Note: This was recorded on the road (away from the studio) so please excuse any loss of audio quality! Host: Olivia Harding Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://

“Shady Grove” is an Appalachian folk song that is often linked to the English ballad “Matty Groves”. But what is the actual relationship between them? This episode of Folk Files discusses the meaning of “Shady Grove” and untangles the origins of these two songs. Host: Olivia Harding Special thanks to: Aaron J Morton. Join the Folk Files Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/

This month’s episode focuses on folk songs from the British Isles where the main character dresses, acts, or lives in a way that challenges gender norms. It also offers a glimpse into the work of “Queer Folk”, an English organization that highlights traditional songs with LGBTQIA+ themes. Host: Olivia Harding Special thanks to: Shiloh DeFabia, Lafayette Matthews, and Aaron J

April is dead and summer is a-coming in! This episode of Folk Files explores the tradition of May songs and festivals, specifically focusing on Hal an Tow and the Flora Day celebrations in Cornwall. Morris dancing, maypoles, and the origin of May Day are also discussed. Host: Olivia Harding Special thanks to: Stephen Winick, Donna Smith, Aaron J. Morton, The Soup Musical excerpts:

Wayfaring Stranger is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files, which explores the history of Appalachia, shape note tradition, and the difficulties of tracing the origins of early American folk music. Host: Olivia Harding Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton, Jo Morton, Lucas "Whiskey Richards" Husted, and Mary White-Harding Musical excerpts: ARTIST: Jack White WOR