Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast

New Orleans is one of the most famous cities in the American South. World-renowned for Mardi Gras, the city has a unique history. Founded by the French, it was also an outpost of the Spanish, today, it is famous for its Creole and Cajun culture. However, the city also became home to tens of thousands of Irish emigrants in the 19th century. In this final episode of Season 1 (don't worry, we are already prepping Season 2), Damian and Fin are joined by Dr. David Gleeson, an expert on the Irish in the American South. David details the origins of New Orleans, when the Irish first arrived, how they shaped the city, and how they were influenced by its unique culture.

We are currently preparing Season 2, which is coming in early 2025. In the meantime, we are recording a special bonus Christmas episode where we answer your questions and share some fascinating stories we didn't get to include in Season 1. If you have any questions, get in touch at [email protected].

Check out David's books:

• The Irish in the American South 1815-1877 Link
• The Green and the Gray: The Irish in the Confederate States of America (Civil War America) Link

Sound by Kate Dunlea

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Transatlantic, the new podcast from Fin Dwyer and Damian Shiels, explores the history between Ireland and North America. Today, over 30 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. While many trace their origins to emigrants during the Great Hunger of the 1840s, Ireland's complex relationship with North America stretches back centuries. In this brand new show, Fin and Damian bring you on a journey exploring connections between Ireland and the Americas.

Series one is packed with fascinating stories.

Episode 1, coming on September 9th, looks at who the first Irish person to cross the Atlantic was. We will be exploring some fascinating and forgotten stories from our past, including Goody Glover, an Irish woman who was hanged as a witch in Boston, and the forgotten American invasion of Cork! We will also explore more well-known stories, including the experiences of emigrants during the Great Hunger and how Irish emigrants shaped the US Civil War.

Subscribe to Transatlantic today – Episode 1 drops on September 9th.

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In this episode, Fin and Damian explore the intriguing question: Are Irish Americans truly Irish? This complex inquiry challenges the reasons behind the strong protectiveness many Irish people feel over Irish identity. Is this protectiveness legitimate, or does it create barriers to a broader understanding of what it means to be Irish?

We delve into the shared history of the Great Famine, a pivotal event that profoundly shaped both Ireland and the Irish diaspora, discussing its lasting impact on both sides of the Atlantic. Join us for an unusual episode, recorded face-to-face during Damian's recent flying visit to Ireland. This unique setup—since we normally record remotely—sparked a great conversation. We offer a few hot takes on the evolving nature of Irishness, the dual identity of Irish Americans, and what it truly means to belong to a culture that spans continents and generations.

What do you think? Let Fin and Damian know at your thoughts at transatlanticseries at gmail.com

There will be no show next week, but we will return on Nov 4th with the story of the famine emigrant who went to become known as 'the most dangerous woman in the United States'.

Subscribe to the show at https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod

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In 1917, the USA entered the First World War. Some of the first Americans to arrive in Europe were stationed in Ireland. However, this did not go entirely to plan. While Irish American sailors based in Cork were excited to see the land of their forefathers for the first time, many in Ireland were less than enthused. The island was hurtling towards a revolution and the War of Independence. Irish republicans viewed the Americans as coming to aid Britain in what was becoming a deeply unpopular war. This led to clashes between Irish revolutionaries and US Navy personnel. Beyond these political tensions, relationships between Irish women and American sailors also caused resentment and tension.

In this episode, Damian and Fin explore this forgotten story from World War I. We reveal the violence that erupted around the war and also look at the lives of Irish war brides—women who married sailors and emigrated to the USA, where life could be challenging and difficult.

Episode 4 looks at the Forgotten Generations - The Irish who emigrated before the Great Hunger of the 1840s. Subscribe to Transatlantic here and get that episode when it drops.

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In this episode, Fin and Damian explore the life of one of the most renowned Irish American women in history: Mother Jones. Known as a fearless labour organiser at the turn of the 20th century, she played a pivotal role in the often violent struggles between workers and employers. Her very name instilled fear in the authorities, with one prosecutor famously calling her "the most dangerous woman in America."

Mother Jones's backstory is equally fascinating.

In this intriguing episode, Fin and Damian take you back to early 19th-century Cork, where she survived the Famine. They then follow her story after she emigrated to the US where she endured personal tragedy. Despite these challenges, she rose to become a leading figure in the American labour movement in the early 20th century. Remarkably active into her 70s and 80s, her fascinating story is summed up in her catchphrase: “Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living."

Buckle up for one of the most incredible stories from Irish American history!

Subscribe to Transatlantic https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod

Get in Touch with Fin and Damian Transatlanticseries (at) gmail.com

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