{"podcast":{"title":"The Ireland Podcast","slug":"the-ireland-podcast-6592574","podcast_index_feed_id":6592574,"rss_url":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/64e340adddadb00012365278","website_url":"https://shows.acast.com/the-ireland-podcast","image_url":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64e340adddadb00012365278/1693559531557-a3e429011c16709063a495507115d15b.jpeg","author":"Salthill Media","episode_count":231,"summary":"About the Podcast The Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series creating space for unhurried conversation about life on the island of Ireland and beyond. The Conversations Hosted by Fender Jackson and produced by Salthill Media, the podcast centres on listening rather than argument. Each episode features a single guest and allows time for reflection, context, and experience to emerge naturally. Guests include artists, musicians, writers, athletes, broadcasters, historians, and cultural figures whose work or perspective offers insight into place, memory, and lived experience. There is no political or religious agenda. The podcast does not seek to persuade, promote, or argue a position. Instead, it exists as a space for careful dialogue, where complexity is allowed and difference is approached with curiosity rather than confrontation. The Host Fender Jackson grew up in Ulster and later lived in England and China before returning to Ireland and settling in Galway, where most episodes are now recorded. These experiences inform a listening-led, exploratory approach shaped by distance as well as proximity, and by an awareness of how place, movement, and memory intersect. Approach…","last_synced_at":"2026-07-29T06:19:48.107666+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-ireland-podcast-6592574"},"episode":{"title":"221. Andy McKee: Modern Fingerstyle Guitarist","slug":"221-andy-mckee-modern-fingerstyle-guitarist","published_at":"2026-06-10T11:00:48+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-ireland-podcast-6592574/221-andy-mckee-modern-fingerstyle-guitarist","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-ireland-podcast-6592574","url":"https://shows.acast.com/the-ireland-podcast/episodes/221-andy-mckee-modern-fingerstyle-guitarist","audio_url":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/64e340adddadb00012365278/e/6a286a53a917ce4c708a44f0/media.mp3","summary":"Andy McKee is one of the world's best-known modern fingerstyle guitarists. His groundbreaking instrumental compositions and viral YouTube success helped introduce a new generation to acoustic guitar music. In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, Andy joins me in Galway to discuss his musical journey, the influence of Michael Hedges and Preston Reed, writing instrumental music, alternate tunings, fan-fret guitars and the enduring appeal of acoustic guitar. Andy also reflects on being invited to Paisley Park by Prince, the impact of YouTube on his career, his love of Irish-made guitars, and why Ireland always feels a little like coming home. Recorded in Galway during Andy's Irish tour. Topics include: Prince and Paisley Park The story behind Drifting Modern fingerstyle guitar Michael Hedges and Preston Reed Fan-fret and harp guitars Lowden and Avalon guitars Songwriting and creativity Touring Ireland Relevant Links https://andymckee.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","meta_description":"Andy McKee is one of the world's best-known modern fingerstyle guitarists. His groundbreaking instrumental compositions and viral YouTube success helped i…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1655,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-ireland-podcast-6592574/episodes/221-andy-mckee-modern-fingerstyle-guitarist/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-ireland-podcast-6592574/221-andy-mckee-modern-fingerstyle-guitarist.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}