Podcast appearances and mentions of serenity valley

Living literally or metaphorically in a war is a terrible way to live. How do you keep going forward when your friends are dying all around you? Come Adventure with me and my new Kickstarter. Find out how you can keep listening to more Pub Stories on Pub Songs & Stories #253. WHO'S PLAYING IN THE PUB TODAY Welcome to Pub Stories. This is the Virtual Public House to share stories and inspiration behind my music. 0:30 - WHAT'S NEW? First, let me tell you that I am getting ready to Kickstart a new album. If you're not yet subscribed to my mailing list, please sign up so you don't miss the Kickstarter. It's for an album called Come Adventure With Me. It has some more amazing songs. I hope to announce the release of the Kickstarter on the next episode. Second, you'll note that this episode is quite a bit shorter than past shows. After much debate, I decided to once again retire the format I've been working on for the past year. There was a LOT that I loved about that format. I've actually been pretty giddy about it. But the pros just didn't outweigh the cons. You can read about my decision in my blog on my website. That said, the Pub Stories are not exactly going away. If you want to keep listening to my Pub Stories, then join my Gunn Runners Club on Patreon. I plan to release two episodes per month in the Spring and Fall season. However, they will be shorter episodes like this and they will focus almost exclusively on my music. You can get that with any pledge on Patreon, for just five buck a month. And I also plan to post at least one episode per month in the PubSong.com feed. At least through the end of the Spring season. So what happens to the stories I still have left to publish? Because I do have a few. Those will move to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I'll add them to every 2-3 episodes. So again, thank you for all of your support. I truly appreciate everyone who became an actual fan of THIS show. A special Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Robert Eby, Mikey Mason, Nowisthewinterofourdiscord, Sue DeSimone, Bill Shields 3:13 - UPCOMING SHOWS APR 22-24: JordanCon, Atlanta, GA APR 24: Three Taverns Brewery, Decatur, GA @ 4-7 PM. APR 29: Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs, GA @ 6-9 PM MAY 6: Tucker Brewing Company, Tucker, GA @ 6:30 - 9:30 PM. MAY 20: Ironshield Brewing in Lawrenceville, GA @ 7:00 – 10:00 PM. May 28: The Lost Druid, Avondale Estates, GA @ I was gonna do a story about Tough Times in this show. But I realized I already highlighted it in show #217. It's even called Tough Times. 3:51 - STORY OF SERENITY VALLEY WALTZ “Serenity Valley Waltz” changed everything for me. I was not confident I could write a song on command. Heck, I'm still not. But I am MORE confident. Mikey Mason and I met at a sports bar in Chicago for FuMPFest a few years back. Mikey asked if I'd be interested in starting a podcast where we wrote a song for each episode of Firefly. I didn't think I could do it. I was nervous as hell, but I wanted to try. I wanted to flex my songwriting muscles and get better. What better way! So the first episode we watched was “Serenity”. It's the two-hour introduction to the characters. I remember when I first watched it, I was left in a kind of daze. I didn't know what to think about the episode. When I rewatched it, one of the things that stuck out to me was the introductory scene. It's a flashback to one of the most-important battles of the Unification War. The Battle of Serenity Valley is when the Alliance finally beat back the Browncoats. ⅔ of the Independents died fighting in that battle. The look of dejection on Malcolm Reynold's face when the Angels retreat is just incredible. It's also very appropriate. And then later in the episode when he talks and the season when he talks about Serenity Valley, you can tell there was trauma. The type that must be SO hard to get over. I mean, imagine fighting in a battle where ⅔ of your family and friends that you're fighting with end up dead. Hm. ⅔ is such a weird number. Imagine you're standing with 9 of your best friends and family. At the end of the battle, six of those people are no longer there. This is the type of stuff that I think about with the War in Ukraine. They're fighting hard. But the Russians are ruthless and evil. It's not just fellow soldiers there. It's family and friends. Imagine that. It makes me want to cry. That's where I was when I was writing “Serenity Valley Waltz”. Music is such a great healer. I wanted to write a song for the survivors. How did they do it? I imagine Mal, Zoe, Tracey and others sitting around the campfire singing this song, raising a glass to the fallen. The second verse is extra important to me too. Because it's a realization of the damage we can cause to one another when we don't believe. It was inspired a bit by the Me Too movement. But also by a couple friends who are very dear to me. It's also a universal truth. Sometimes we hurt those around us. Sometimes we just don't want to believe it. Either from their own ignorance or because they just don't trust you. Maybe because we're a bit dramatic at times or because they're in their own colored-glasses world. What's made a huge difference is my family. When I'm sad or hurting, I turn to them. But I learned the Serenity Prayer from my mom, who was drug and alcohol counselor. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.” That's what that last verse is for me. I'm not sure Mal found that peace in the show. But he definitely built a family around him. That too is his Serenity. You can download the Campfire version of “Serenity Valley Waltz” as an MP3 when join my Gunn Runners on Patreon. 7:43 - “Serenity Valley Waltz” by Marc Gunn from Thanks for listening to Pub Stories. If you want more behind-the-scene Pub Stories, please join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon. This is how I make a living and support this show. The show was produced by Marc Gunn, edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. You can subscribe and listen wherever you find podcasts. You will love  subscribing to my mailing list. You will get regular updates of new music, podcasts, special offers, and you'll get a free album. Welcome to the pub at www.pubsong.com! #pubstories #serenityvalleywaltz #serenityvalley

In this episode Dave & Mr-P are talking about the hit early 00’s sci-fi TV show created & written by the one and only Joss Whedon - “Firefly”. That’s right we’re talking Browncoats, Serenity, Serenity Valley, The Alliance, the pros & cons of Smuggling & Cargo Running in space & the shows enduring popularity despite being off of our television screens for a fair few years, this is a very “shiny” podcast episode, enjoy!! :)

Firefly, Volume 1 summary: “From Joss Whedon comes a new era of Firefly, as the definitive story of the Unification War is told at last! Captain Malcolm Reynolds thought he could outrun his past, but when a simple heist goes wrong, he’s forced to confront it. With the fabled Traitor of Serenity Valley in his sights, Mal’s quest for revenge will put him at odds with his own crew, forcing him to make a choice: fix the past or fight for the future. Along with Whedon, writer Greg Pak (Mech Cadet Yu, Totally Awesome Hulk, Weapon X) and artist Dan McDaid (Judge Dredd: Mega City Zero) take you back to the battleground where it all began...and reveal a secret history that might end it all.”This week we are joined again by special guest, John Speas from the Blast From Our Past podcast to talk about Firefly Vol 1 by BOOM! Studios! This episode works as a part 2 of sorts to co-host Tess’ guest spot on John’s podcast where they reviewed the Firefly TV show and Serenity! You should definitely give that a listen too. Oh, and just a heads up: We plan on reviewing the other volumes in this series with John over the course of 2020!We hope you all enjoy the show and make sure you check out The Blast From Our Past Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify and follow them on Facebook & Instagram!Follow us on social media and let us know what you think of the episode!Instagram - @ocdpodcastFacebook - @ocdpodcastCorey’s Instagram - @coreynationTess’ Instagram - @tessllanosIf you would like to support the show, please leave us a 5 Star review on Apple Podcasts and/or you can support us at Patreon.com/OCDPodcastThis podcast is part of the BFOP Network

Time to start a new series here on Fusion Patrol.  Simon and Eugene begin a run through of Joss Whedon’s cult series, Firefly. Note, viewing order will be more DVD order than Fox airing order.  We begin with the intended pilot, Serenity. Episode Synopsis:  A group of soldier are pinned down in Serenity Valley, all ... Read more

Birds Fly in the Deep Blue Sky of Ireland on show #398 of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. http://bestcelticmusic.net/ Dylan Foley, Poitin, Bannal, Forkroot, Spirited Lads, The Blackfoot Broethers, The Gothard Sisters, IONA, The Persephone Pickers, Ballinloch, Dun Aengus, Brymor, Fathom, The Wild Irish Roses, Celtica Pipes Rock, Wolf & Clover I hope you enjoyed this week's show. If you did, please share the show with ONE friend. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is dedicated to growing our community and helping the incredible artists who so generously share their music. If you find music you love, buy their albums, shirts, and songbooks, follow them on Spotify, see their shows, and drop them an email to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Remember also to Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine. Every week, I'll send you 4 or 5 cool bits of Celtic music news. It's a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Plus, you'll get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free, just for signing up today. Thank you again for being a Celt of Kindness. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 With the new year comes a new votes in the Celtic Top 20. This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. Just list the show number, and the name of as many bands in the episode as you like. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2019 episode. http://bestcelticmusic.net/vote/ THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:03 "The Birds/Jackie Coleman's" by Dylan Foley from Deliriously Happy 3:58 "Tired by Kids" by Poitin from Simple Pleasures 7:59 "An Long Eireannach (Clapping Song)" by Bannal from Waulking Songs 9:06 "Unk's Last Stand" by Forkroot from Water & Shade 12:59 "Joe Batts Arm Longliners" by Spirited Lads from Tall Tales and Fond Farewells 17:28 CELTIC FEEDBACK 19:34 "Laugh or Else You'll Cry" by The Blackfoot Brothers from Bigmouth at the Bar 22:05 "It's the Little Things" by The Gothard Sisters from Story Girl 26:38 "Can Merthyr" by IONA from Signature 30:46 "Serenity Valley" by The Persephone Pickers from Sounds of the Verse 33:28 "Iron Ore Terrier" by Ballinloch from Home from the Sea 38:06 CELTIC PODCAST NEWS 39:48 "Kelly the Boy from Killan" by Dun Aengus from Down by the Glenside 42:38 "Jig of Retribution / Star of Munster" by Brynmor from The Great Hill 46:41 "Somewhere to Go" by Fathom from Available Light 50:46 "Haunting Highland Laddie" by The Wild Irish Roses from Fill Yer Boots, Man! 53:31 "The Last Voyage of the Great Mich" by Celtica Pipes Rock from Oceans of Fire 59:05 "Blue Sky" by Wolf & Clover from Wolf & Clover The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather. To subscribe, go to Apple Podcasts or to our website where you can become a Patron of the Podcast for as little as $1 per episode. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/.   CELTIC PODCAST NEWS * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. My name is Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and podcaster. This show is dedicated to the indie Celtic musicians. I want to ask you to support these artists. Share the show with your friends. And find more episodes at celticmusicpodcast.com. You can also support this podcast on Patreon. How would you like to celebrate St Patrick's Day on the beach with me? My band Kilted Kings are performing at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama on Sunday March 17th. KiltedKings.com for details and you can find an event page attached to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast page on Facebook. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast has a free app. This is one of the easiest ways to get notified and access the show each and every week. You can get it in the App Store in iTunes or on Amazon. If you currently use it, I would greatly appreciate it if you would take a moment to post a review of it on one of those sites. Do you have your Irish & Celtic Music Podcast t-shirt? We have multiple designs available in our store at magerecords.com. Your purchase helps support this podcast. TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through it's culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. 2019 is the Celtic Invasion of Star Wars. 2020 is the Origins of Celtic Invasions. You can find out more about these two exciting trips. Join the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/ THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is listener-supported. Instead of filling your ears with advertisements, I make this show free and let you, the listener, support the podcast through your kind patronage on Patreon. You can make a per episode pledge and cap how much you want to spend each month supporting this podcast. Your generosity funds the creation, production, and promotion of the show. Best of all, you get episodes before regular listeners, discounts on merch, and when we hit a milestone, you get extra special episodes. I want to thank our newest patron of the podcast: You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast at http://patreon.com/celticpodcast   I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? You can send a written comment along with a picture of what you're doing while listening. Email a voicemail message to celticpodcast@gmail.com Jane Beardan-Fadely emailed on Facebook: "Hello! I started listening to your podcast in 2009 after my first trip to Ireland. In 2013 I moved to Co. Kerry where I lived for 3 years. Miss it dearly but Ireland now wants retirees to be wealthy...anyway, thrilled to find you are still carrying on with the podcast! ?? Jane" Jenna Hitt emailed a photo on Facebook: "My pointer and I are listening to your podcast while snowed in during an Ohio blizzard!  Thanks!" Neal Ó Muircheartaigh emailed some photos on Facebook: "Mr.Gunn, I’ve been meaning to send u a note w a pic of what I do while listening to your most excellent podcast but the truth is, I involve your collaboration of these fine independent artists in nearly everyday of my life...from pumping fire engines, to running the rainy beach sands w my huskies to roadtrippin the great Continental USA w my wife and children, this music awakens the portals of both my motivation and meditation. It throws homage to my ancestral roots in this incredibly busy reality. Please know it is so much appreciated this portal you have created...Thank you!"  

In this episode, the boys discuss The Walking Dead, Deadpool and please go vote!

In this episode, the boys discuss The Walking Dead, Deadpool and please go vote!

Browncoats and Geek musicians, Marc Gunn and Mikey Mason, rewatch episodes of Firefly to find themes and inspiration for crafting songs inspired by Joss Whedon's cult classic TV series.  In this first episode, we watched the episode, "Serenity". We created a rather long synopsis before diving into some of the themes from the episode. Both Marc and Mikey shared the themes that inspired them the most.  At the end, we share the songs we wrote for this episode. Marc Gunn shares "Serenity Valley Waltz". Mikey Mason shares "One of Us". Thanks so much for listening. We would love your comments, songs and lyrics or links to videos to share in the next show. You can post them on the Blue Sun Holiday Spectacular Tour Facebook page  Or email us at intheverse@fireflydrinkingsongs.com  If you're not subscribed to the podcast, please sign up at FireflyDrinkingSongs.com. We would also love your reviews in your favorite podcatcher. You can listen and download this podcast early and these demo songs when you sign up on our Patreon pages. Find out more about Marc Gunn and Mikey Mason and how to support our music on Patreon. Go to FireflyDrinkingSongs.com 

We're gonna honor those who died while serving in the armed forces for Memorial Day. I picked a few songs for soldiers as well as those of parting and even one that's an satirical twist on how people celebrate the holiday. I also have my own little memorial for a musician friend who passed away recently. We have music from Marc Gunn, The Selkie Girls, The Rogues, 3 Pints Gone, Jed Marum, Bedlam Bards, Jiggernaut, Scooter Muse, The Changing Room. If you enjoy this show, LIKE it, SHARE it, post in the comments, or tell a friend. Then subscribe to the podcast and my mailing list at http://pubsong.net/ WHO'S PLAYING IN THE PUB TODAY? 0:12 "Bring Me Home, Boys" by Marc Gunn from Sci Fi Drinking Songs 4:32 "Fall of Serenity Valley" by Brobdingnagian Bards from Single 8:29 "The Parting Glass" by The Selkie Girls from Parting Glass 13:44 "The Warrior's Salute" by The Rogues from RogueTrip 17:52 "Freedom Costs" by Bedlam Bards & Marc Gunn from Firefly Drinking Songs 22:07 TRIBUTE TO JED MARUM Jed Marum is a Celtic folk singer out of Dallas. He was a big part of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I am broken-hearted to share that he died at the beginning of May at the age of 66. He was incredibly kind and generous performer who touched many lives, including mine. 22:56 "Loch Lomond" by Jed Marum from Calla's Waltz 26:46 PUB TALK 27:57 "Two Minute's Silence" by Jiggernaut from The Well 34:24 "Wear the Brown with Pride" by Marc Gunn from As Long As I'm Flyin' 37:00 "The Parting" by Scooter Muse from Saddell Abbey Annie Binding, the Royal British Legion‘s community fundraiser for Cornwall, added:“The joint project by The Changing Room and The Lost Gardens of Heligan to produce a Cornish EP to commemorate the lives of the Heligan gardeners who served in The Great War will act as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices. The Lost Garden of Heligan’s support for The Royal British Legion over the past few years has been fantastic, and we hope to keep our partnership strong for many years to come as we continue to keep alive the memory of the fallen and support the future of the living.” 41:07 "We Will Remember Them" by The Changing Room from Names On A Wall 45:43 "The Sailboat Armada" by Marc Gunn from Kilted For Her Pleasure 49:33 "Raise a Glass in Parting" by Marc Gunn from Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits If enjoy any of these artists, please support the musicians who support this podcast, buy their merch, follow them on Spotify, and share the show. Geek Pub Songs was produced by Marc Gunn. To subscribe, go to Apple Podcasts or to our website where you can join the Gunn Runners Club for as little as $1 per month to support my music. You can get regular updates of new videos, podcasts, lyrics, stories behind the songs, plus 21 songs for free at www.pubsong.net. THANK YOU PATRONS I want to thank everyone in the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon. There are 143 people who pledge a $1 or more per month so that I can keep creating new music and entertainment for you. You are amazing.  I want to thank my newest Gunn Runners: Russell Witte-Dycus, Craig Wallerstein, Mark Albright, Rob Wilson. Go to marcgunn.net to express your generous nature today!   PUB TALK The next CeltfatherLive concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 20 at 8 PM CST. Register at Celtfather.com/watch to join me for this free concert on YouTube. I finished up a video challenge on YouTube last month. It was called Video Every Day in April. I happily completed the challenge. So you can watch 30 new videos in a playlist I created. They are not all music. Some are vlogs for Gunn Runners and others are for musicians. That said, I have a bunch of new videos I've released. Every Tuesday, I put out a new music video. Right now, it's just me singing songs. But in the future, I hope to have more produced official music videos. In the meantime, I hope you'll check out my videos of "She's Shiny", "Browncoat Baby", "Spancil Hill" "Jasper Tabby Kitty Cat-y", "Lord of the Pounce" and "Molly Malone". I think the videos are getting better. I'd love your thoughts. I released two new singles to Patrons. The one in April is a comedy song called "Why Do You Torture Me?". The May one is of the "Mingulay Cat Song". There's also a podcast all about that episode on Celtfather Music & Travel. Check the link in the shownotes for details.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS: Louisiana Renaissance Festival Renaissance Magazine   CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS The Renaissance Festival Bawdy Show The Q.U.A.S.O.R. Podcast   SONGS Jedi Drinking Song performed by Brobdingnagian Bards from Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales Walk on the Dark Side performed by Clearly Guilty from There goes the Galaxy Dragon for Sail performed by Gallamor the Bard from Gather Day Gamer’s Lullaby performed by Dan the Bard from Bard Camp Dragon Feeds Tonight performed by Boogie Knights from Cavalier Attitude Elf Glade performed by Bramblebush from Songs from the Glade Free (Angry) Bird performed by Danny Birt from Songs of my People King of Cannibal Island performed by Flying Fish Sailors from Loch Ness Monster Hero of Canton performed by Bedlam Bards from On the Drift Zombies in the Shire performed by The Dregs from Uncorked Patreon Only Songs Her Name is Serenity performed by Danny Birt from Songs of my People If I Had a Million Ducats performed by Brobdingnagian Bards from Dragons and Virgins Rainbow Connection performed by The Dregs from Angelina Farewell Concert Sword from a Stone performed by Fugli from Fugli - the less than Unauthorized ‘Bootleg’ Edition To hear the extended version with no commercial interruptions go to Patreon Elvish Lullaby performed by Broceliande from The Starlit Jewel Fall of Serenity Valley performed by Brobdingnagian Bards from Fall of Serenity Valley   MINIONS: Honorary Minion - Jesse Linder Honorary Minion - Brad Boucher Tony The Tinker The Lookout Chamber Maid Ken Matt Fugli Captain Acknowledgments Blooper Songs  Nathan Deese (Blooper Songs) The Moat  Scoundrels Inn LINKS Pirate Directory for a listing of all things piratical. The Ren List for a listing of all Renaissance Festivals   HOW TO CONTACT US Post it on Facebook Email us at renfestpodcast@gmail.com Call or text the castle at 478- castles that is (478) 227-8537

In the Firefly episode Out of Gas, Malcolm Reynolds says, “No matter how far the long arm of the Alliance might get, we’ll just get ourselves a little further.”   This is The Celtfather, Marc Gunn. I’m going to share with you the story behind my song “The Long Arm”. It was the first single released for my new Firefly album, As Long As I’m Flyin’. The album came out on March 6, 2018. And the physical CD will no longer be available after March 31. So if you want that album, buy it in my Bandcamp store.   SHOW TIMES   0:30 Celtfather News 2:01 Intro toThe Long Arm  4:15 Verse One, Basic Human Rights 5:50 Verse Two, Environmentalism and Unification 8:22 Verse Three, Fake News, Lies, and Resistance 10:25 Chorus, Fighting Back Thru the Arts 12:05 Creating Change Through Politics 14:44 Congressional Dish Podcast Recommendation   NEWS   Before we get to that, I want to share some news.    My next CeltfatherLive internet concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, 2018. If you want to watch that show or future internet shows, please register now at celtfather.com/watch/.    If you love the TV show Firefly, like I do, please follow my Firefly Drinking Songs playlist on Spotify. You can listen to all of my Firefly albums PLUS other Firefly songs by other artists.   You can find all of my upcoming news for April in the Celtfather Monthly. It's a free post on Patreon. You'll also learn a great tip for engaging on social media.   Find all these links in the shownotes.   In general, I prefer to let my music speak for itself. “The Long Arm” has a lot of nuances though. So I want to talk about it.    While it is set in the Firefly verse, it is a very political song. It is inspired by our current administration which I am not fond of. So if you are a fan of what’s happening in the White House, you probably don't want to listen to this episode.    Might I suggest instead that you check out the Canton Radio episode of Geek Pub Songs.    Alright, I'm hoping everyone who doesn't want to listen has logged off now.   ABOUT THE LONG ARM   When that line by Malcolm Reynolds is first spoken, it comes from a man who’s been beaten. Reynolds fought in one of the worst battles in the Unification War. The Battle of Serenity Valley saw some of the biggest loss of life of that war.    You can hear in his voice a man who had lost his faith in God, in justice and in humanity. He just wanted to hide away and avoid the encroaching “civilization” of the Alliance. He wanted to escape.    The Serenity movie turned that all around. He and the crew learned about one of the atrocities committed by the Alliance. He found faith in a cause bigger than himself. And once again he took up arms and won.    This song is about fighting for something bigger than oneself.    It was written at the very beginning of the Trump Administration. Trump was picking people to run various parts of the government with an obvious aim to dismantle the government. Most were corporate flunkies, people who wanted to decrease the size of the government and strengthen their own businesses. Liberals were up in arms and I believe rightfully so.    You see, one of the things Trump ran on was to run the government like a business. I used to be a fan of that idea. I remember watching the movie Dave. One of the lines that stuck with me is “if I ran my business like this, I would be out of business.”   I remember thinking, “right!”   Then I saw it in practice. A government cannot be run as a business. Because either you end up giving one business a monopoly or you stop thinking about what’s best for the people.    The for-profit business does what’s best for the business. That is not always what's best for its customers. The for-profit business focuses on what's best for its shareholders. Sometimes they coincide, but not always.   I am not a fan of big debts and deficits. America's is out of control. And the supposedly fiscally-conservative Congress is not doing anything to stop it. In fact, they're making it bigger, even while they attempt to dismantle the minuscule programs that actually help every day Americans like you and me.   It comes down to another lie by Trump. The Machiavellian idea of "the ends justify the means". He'll lie and support that lie even if he doesn't believe it, as long as he gets support for it.   I'm sort of jumping ahead of myself. So let's break down the lyrics.   The Long Arm is reaching for you Wants to wrest and take control It struck down your family   Now it's aimin' for your soul   The Long Arm is of course the Trump administration fighting to take away the basic human rights of Americans. It is trying to destroy everything that makes America beautiful and beloved by its people.   This might be an over-dramatization. But it makes the point.   It's grasp is filled with hate. It's fingers naught but fear White knuckled, it grips you Till your eyes fill with tears.   One of the things I've noticed most about the election of Trump is the hate. I'm not gonna point fingers at conservatives though. This is a universal thing. Conservatives are arguing that Liberals are hate-filled and Liberals are saying the same about Conservatives.   I think it's safe to say that this administration inspires hate. Trump is very polarizing. He bullies and belittles those who disagree with him. And he riles people up, both his supporters and those who despise him.   That's a narrative that liberals tried to warn about during the election. That's what all the claims of sexual misconduct were all about. Yes, Trump will never sue those women who claimed he abused them because he did, either physically or with emotional abuse. I have no doubt. He's the worst kind of person.   That's why I used the imagery of rape in this verse. I wanted the listener to get the feeling of being forced against your will to submit to Trump's will.   Alright, I'm gonna save the chorus for the last because admittedly, it takes a slightly different twist.   The Long Arm took our planet Down our throats, it done rammed The promise of unification But it left us all damned.   This second verse is mostly about environmentalism. However, it starts with another broken promise of Trump. Much like in Firefly, the Alliance promised unification. But that idea was only if it's under their rule.   Trump was the same. He promised to unite America and to work across the aisle. But he lied about that. Yes, Liberals were not willing to work with him. But he didn't even try. The great "negotiator" once again was not so great. Because all he cares about is himself and maybe his progeny. The rest of us are damned.   Laid waste to our landscape While its pockets grew fat Left us homeless and cold Now it's time we fight back   Now we get to the next prediction, that Trump would make it easier for corporations to destroy our environment for his own profit.   To that end, he removed a lot of bad regulations that Obama setup. And I say bad, because Obama did not get these passed as law. He used executive orders to protect our country because he couldn't get the Republican Congress to pass any laws to protect our country.   So let me talk a moment about regulations. I am not a fan of regulations. Or at least the idea of them. But this goes back to why for-profits should not run non-profit institutions.    Corporations are beholden to their shareholders. The most-important thing for investors is to make money. So if that means cutting costs or not doing stuff, like regulating your own company in the short-term so that your investors are happy, so be it.    Meaning, Corporations will not regulate themselves. And when it comes to convenience, consumers will not regulate corporations. That's one of the big pro-free market lies. The market will not regulate corporations if there's no immediate incentive.    So sure, when Conservatives finally see climate change as a real thing because our air quality, water quality and health diminish, THEN they will be fine with regulating corporations. But by then it's too late.   This goes back to Firefly too. "Earth's resources were all used up."   Why on Earth would any sensible person wait until THEN to protect our resources. It's stupid. Regulations are necessary to prevent profit over health.   Of course, who's making money while our environment goes to hell? Trump and his corporate cronies. Who's not? You and me.   The only way to protect true Americans is to defend the environment and to regulate corporations.   We're done running from the Long Arm Browncoats rise again We'll weaken your grip  And the stories you spin    As we start the final verse, I bring it back to the Independents. The Browncoats rising to fight for freedom and to fight against the "stories we spin" aka Fake News.    In the case of the Browncoats, it's the news spread over the Cortex by the Alliance. In our case, it's pretty much everything that Trump says and tweets. He is the #1 creator of Fake News in our country. Everything is Trump extremism.   I wish that "weaking your grip" was as easy as sharing the "facts". But as Ben Kenobi said in Empire Strikes Back.   Obi-Wan: "So what I told you was true, from a certain point of view." Luke: "A certain point of view?" Obi-Wan: "Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."   Yes. There are many facts that are easy to dispute. That's why Politifact has a scorecard for Trump that lists about 69% of his statements as Mostly False all the way down to Pants on Fire at 15%, higher than any other politician. Follow the link in the shownotes to see specific truths and lies.    Even though Trump is held accountable for every statement, if you're a true believer in him, you will blow off facts. That's a truth for any believer. Whether you're a fan of Trump or Obama or whatever you believe. If you are a believer, you will ignore facts.   This is especially true if he's keeping his big promises. And according to Politifact he's working on those. Even stupid ones like building a wall.   Like you done with all your lies That you packed in your fist But you ain't seen the truth yet Till you seen us resist   Of course, the final line calls for Browncoats and Americans to stand up and fight back, to Resist against tyranny.    We fight for freedom, freedom, For poetry and song We fight for actors and authors Painters and potters, Dancers and dreamers, Laborers and learners, It's them artists who make us strong.   I should point out that despite the resistance and calls for fighting for freedom, I am personally a pacifist. I believe in peaceful resistance. While this hearkens back to the Browncoats fighting for independence, I believe in fighting back through poetry and song, through the arts.   This actually makes a lot of sense, because the arts are often some of the first things attacked by conservative politicians as they rail on about fiscal responsibility while spending even more money elsewhere.   The arts are easy to overlook. But they are the best sign of a prosperous country. They're a sign of culture and humanity. The arts tell a story. Truth is revealed through that story. That's how humans grow. That's why we are no longer living in the dark ages. We live longer. We are more prosperous.    Even a small independent musician like me, I can make a living playing music thanks to the arts and the internet. I am able to tell this story.   And of course, I'm not alone. There's actors and authors, painters and potters, dancers and dreamers. Thank you Patty for coming up with the "dreamers". That line got new meaning because DACA, Differed Action for Child Arrivals, that was up in the air back in February.   And of course laborers and learners.   It's you who make us strong.   But it's not just the artists. It's each and every one of us who tries to make a living in this country. We're all struggling to be heard. We are all the heroes of our own Firefly episode. Each of us can make a difference. But we have to fight for a better world.   We can't just stand by idly and watch the world go to hell. We have to get to the polls and vote for people who stand for something better, people who will make a difference.    And I don't mean egotistical billionaires like Trump. I mean you or one of your friends.   Over the past year, I feel like I have finally learned how our government works. There's so much I didn't understand. But I read and learned.   Last December, Doug Jones won a senate seat here in Alabama. What I learned from that win and from everything last year is that our votes matter. Even a Democrat in Alabama can win a seat in a very Republican state if we vote, and if we find non-extremist people to run for office.   Republicans tried to brand Jones as an extremist liberal. But he's not. He's moderate who is now campaigning for bipartisanship, the very thing our Congress needs right now.   But how many others could step up and make a difference, in Congress or even at the state level. Or heck! How about the city level.   I saw a post on Facebook by a libertarian friend. He went to a school board meeting and was aghast. He ranted why couldn't the board do what was in the best interest of the students instead of trying to put money in their own pockets.   Of course, my friend Jamie and I rolled our eyes after reading that. Because the same could be said about your city hall, your state legislature, and definitely the Congress and Trump.    OpenSecrets.org publishes data on how each politician gets their money. Most are lobbied and owned by corporations. That's why the NRA has such a stranglehold on gun legislation. That's why Wall Street and banks were able to remove many of the regulations that were setup to prevent another recession like we had ten years ago. They own many of our politicians. And that's why the oil companies block the development of renewable energy resources.    But just imagine if you wanted to just do good for your city, state, or federal government. Just imagine if you weren't in it to get rich quick.    Well, the fact is you can do it. Anyone can get elected. Thanks to the internet, anyone can raise funding. All it takes is a passion and a willingness to make good change for our country.   That's ultimately what "The Long Arm" is about. It's about doing what's right for individuals. It's about standing against governments or corporations or anyone who tries to limit your freedoms. I pray to God that we never end up with a Unification War like on Firefly. "The Long Arm" is my small contribution to make sure that never happens.    Plus it’s just a gorgeous song inspired by an amazing tv show.    One final note. The president doesn’t make the laws. That job falls to Congress. But the news doesn’t report much about the laws that congress passes.    That’s why Jennifer Brinely started Congressional Dish. She reads the actual laws to see what’s in them and shares the facts. She also provides references in the shownotes. This is a great podcast if you want to find out what’s happening in our country beyond the headline.    I can’t say the show is unbiased. Brinely has very strong opinions. But I do think she does a good job at staying with the facts. She was very critical of Obama and is just as much of Trump. But more than anything she is critical of congress no matter what side they are on.    It’s an awesome show. You can subscribe for free at congressionaldish.com.    -   Thank you so much for listening. I know politics these days is very divisive. And I'm not gonna make a habit of doing political episodes. But if I'm to be true to myself and my songwriting, I felt I should share my thoughts on this song.    You can support this podcast for as little as $1 per month when you join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon. You'll get hours of great content for one low fee and help me create new music for you.    You can also subscribe to the podcast and download free music at celtfather.com.      

Howdy Frequent Flyers and welcome aboard this here rig, Flight 98, Firefly. Sometimes you don't win the battle, but you keep fightin' that there war. Sometimes you never leave Serenity Valley, but you take it with you. Keep stickin' it to the Alliance, with your rag tag bunch of rule-breaking ruffians, their Shepherd, a fancy Doctor, and his rescued sister, and keep runnin'. And if you keep runnin', maybe you'll find what it is you stay for. 

Rob from Serenity Valley Outfitters is your source for quality survival and emergency preparedness supplies, specializing in Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kits. Serenity Valley Outfitters uses the ZA model in the same way as the CDC: a catch point to help the public be prepared for whatever emergency may come along.  And now, the News! REY TOYS FINALLY […]

Okay, so after the nightmare editing sessions that brought you the JVB/BoTo/Cristy/Swig podcast, this one was actually quite easy to edit, thereby restoring my enthusiasm and energy for the whole otherwise soul-sucking process. This week, I'm happy to introduce many of you, I suspect, to The Dead Squirrels, an atomic-punk band from London's East End famous for blowing up small woodland animals on stage and showering the audience in ... wait ... never trust Wikipedia as a fact-checking source source. In reality, the Squirrels -- who chose a rather suggestive moniker despite their mainstream, easy-going nature -- are a couple of friends of mine, mostly famous for tearing up the Fishers, Indiana open-mic scene for the past several months. Their shows are generally loose, always fun, well-attended, and feature a balance of solid songwriting combined with courage to continually attempt experimentation and risk ridcule. (Violin ... seriously?) Surprisingly, they have also amassed a cult-like following of loyal fans -- whom I learned are referred to as "Squirrel Nuts" -- that will, given any opportunity, talk to you for hours about the history and direction of a band that is just a few months old, with a fervor not unlike that of a Browncoat recounting the battle of Serenity Valley at a Firefly convention. This interview marks the first use of the new studio recording setup, graciously donated by our good friends at Sam Ash music in Castleton. (Hey, I'll shill the corporate line for gear. I'm not proud.) Okay, maybe the mics are set just a little bit hot still, but understand I had only been playing with the dials for less than a day when this recording was made. With luck, sound quality will continue to improve in the weeks to come and I'll graduate to only slightly sucking. Stay tuned. Links referenced in the show: The Dead Squirrels can be found here: | | | | Their first album can be found Did you check out our ?  If you're lucky you can catch me picking my nose at 3:00am. Notice the sound quality?  Courtesy of our new compressor, limiter, cables, and mic stands from Sam Ash music. The Dead Squirrels recorded their entire album via the . Still not sure what the difference is between the $25+ and pantyhose with a coat hanger. The Squirrels are regulars at at the . Yes, I am ashamed for my knowledge of old K-Tel albums, but here's for you.  

A new movie is coming out in the Firefly verse which seems the perfect time to release a new album. I've had this idea on my brain for quite a while. A couple weeks ago, I finally figured out how I could make that happen. It involves DragonCon, the Bedlam Bards and YOU! Come to DragonCon and you can be a part of the new CD. Music from Marc Gunn, Bedlam Bards, Persephone Pickers, Brobdingnagian Bards, Michelle Dockery, Marian Call. Check out http://FireflyDrinkingSongs.com  You can listen to the Firefly Drinking Songs playlist on Spotify and don't forget to Follow Me on Spotify.   Firefly Pub Songs "Browncoats Keep Flyin'" by Marc Gunn from Browncoats Redemption Tribute Album and Sci Fi Drinking Songs lyrics by Rie Sheridan Rose "The Ballad of Joss" by Bedlam Bards from On the Drift "Air Through The Engine" by Persephone Pickers from Sounds Of The Verse "The Fall of Serenity Valley by Brobdingnagian Bards from Done the Impossible Soundtrack (The Fans' Tale of Firefly & Serenity) "Mal's Song" by Michelle Dockrey from Thirteen "Never Did Catch Her Name" by Marian Call from Sing a Song of Saffron   Marc Gunn in the News "Monahan's Mudder's Milk" was used on Season 6.9 of The Signal Podcast in their audio drama "Around the Verse in 80 Days". Beach Holiday blog features my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast in their blog roll. Tiscale Finale features my song "The Bridge" SoulGeek's feature on DragonCon mentions my name as a performer. Wandering Geek mentions my show times at GenCon Rie Sheridan Rose posted a video of "Black Velvet Band" and  "Old Dun Cow" on YouTube from my show in Austin.   Support the Podcast If this show entertained, you can return the favor… Buy Me a Pint! Find out more about Marc Gunn and buy Celtic Music CDs.   Notes: Browncoats Redemption August Music Promotion iMixes Contest: Why do you like Marc Gunn's music? Question of the Day: What are you doing that's exceptional? Have a website?   Upcoming Shows: Aug 6: Indianapolis, Indiana - GenCon Indianapolis Aug 21: Maynard, AR - Blackthorn Village Renaissance Faire Sep 3: Atlanta, GA - DragonCon Sep 18: Addison, TX - FenCon Nov 6: Hammond , LA - Louisiana Renaissance Festival Also confirmed: Concert in Lafayette, LA

In part 2 of this interview, we continue our conversation with Serenity Valley and Roasted Tomatoes-a young LDS couple living in the San Francisco Bay area, and creators of the LDS Blog Latter-Day Saint Liberation Front. In this episode, Serenity and RT discuss her ultimate return to Mormonism, the impact it has had on their marriage and family, and conclude with a very candid and somewhat courageous discussion of their testimonies-some of which can safely be considered non-mainstream or alternative within the LDS paradigm.

Over the past few months, I’ve developed a friendship with several members of the LDS Bloggernacle-including a young couple known as Serenity Valley and Roasted Tomatoes. This husband/wife pair live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and run a blog called, Latter-Day Saint Liberation Front. Serenity and RT are interesting and inspirational for many reasons one of which being the spiritual journeys that each of them traveled on their way towards being sealed in the LDS Temple (RT being a former atheist turned LDS missionary, and Serenity having left the church to become an Episcopalian, only to return later). In part 1 of this 2 part series, we learn about their early years within the LDS church, and their journeys away from, and back to, faith.

Over the past few months, I’ve developed a friendship with several members of the LDS Bloggernacle-including a young couple known as Serenity Valley and Roasted Tomatoes. This husband/wife pair live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and run a blog called, Latter-Day Saint Liberation Front. Serenity and RT are interesting and inspirational for many reasons one of which being the spiritual journeys that each of them traveled on their way towards being sealed in the LDS Temple (RT being a former atheist turned LDS missionary, and Serenity having left the church to become an Episcopalian, only to return later). In part 1 of this 2 part series, we learn about their early years within the LDS church, and their journeys away from, and back to, faith.

In part 2 of this interview, we continue our conversation with Serenity Valley and Roasted Tomatoes-a young LDS couple living in the San Francisco Bay area, and creators of the LDS Blog Latter-Day Saint Liberation Front. In this episode, Serenity and RT discuss her ultimate return to Mormonism, the impact it has had on their marriage and family, and conclude with a very candid and somewhat courageous discussion of their testimonies-some of which can safely be considered non-mainstream or alternative within the LDS paradigm.

Bedlam Bards have a new album and Brobdingnagian Bards were added to a Firefly documentary soundtrack. It's all in this week's show. Why I love Firefly? Songs: "The Ballad of Joss" by Bedlam Bards from On the Drift "The Fall of Serenity Valley" by Brobdingnagian Bards from Done the Impossible Soundtrack "Firefly Theme Song" by Marc Gunn Notes: How I found Firefly The Signal - A Firefly Podcast Done the Impossible - DVD Documentary on the Firefly Phenomena Firefly Fans Firefly DVDs The Ballad of Jossmusic by Joss Whedon, lyrics by James Hazlerig of the Bedlam Bards Joss, the man they call Joss . . . He wrote about spaceships and shepherds and whores,Stood up to the networks and gave 'em what for.Fox cancelled his program, but that was their loss--The creator of Firefly, the man they call Joss! Our Joss saw the viewers' hearts breakin',He heard the Browncoats' lament,He saw the Fox network takin',His show in a way that made no sense.(He said) "You can't do that to my program,Can't grind it under your heel."So he took all the cast,And now at last,They've landed a Big Damn Movie deal! He wrote about spaceships and shepherds and whores,Stood up to the networks and gave 'em what for.Fox cancelled his program, but that was their loss--The creator of Firefly, the man they call Joss! Now here is what separates Whedon,From writers who slave in the core,The man they call Joss,Well, he said to Fox,"I'm going where no show has gone before."He told us about reavers,He told us about sin,He took us to the black,And we ain't comin' back,'till all those crazy Browncoats rise again! He wrote about spaceships and shepherds and whores,Stood up to the networks and gave 'em what for.Fox cancelled his program, but that was their loss--The creator of Firefly, the man they call Joss! Now, here is what separates FireflyFrom other shows you're likely to see--It's meaningful and witty,And the setting's really gritty,And the theme song is about Serenity.It's a little like a western,And a little like X-Files,It's better than Trek,And funnier than Shrek,And it beats out Andromeda by miles! He wrote about spaceships and shepherds and whores,Stood up to the networks and gave 'em what for.Fox cancelled his program, but that was their loss--The creator of Firefly, the man they call Joss! Hero of Cantonfrom "Jaynestown" on the Firefly TV show Jayne, the man they call Jayne He robbed from the richAnd he gave to the poorStood up to the manAnd gave him what forOur love for him nowAin't hard to explainThe hero of CantonThe man they call Jayne Our Jayne saw the mudders' backs breakin'He saw the mudders' lamentAnd he saw the magistrate takin'Every dollar and leavin' five centsSo he said "you can't do that to my people"He said "you can't crush them under your heel"So Jayne strapped on his hatAnd in 5 seconds flatStole everythin' Boss Higgins had to steal He robbed from the richAnd he gave to the poorStood up to the manAnd gave him what forOur love for him nowAin't hard to explainThe hero of CantonThe man they call Jayne Now here is what separates heroesFrom common folk like you and IThe man they call JayneHe turned 'round his planeAnd let that money hit skyHe dropped it onto our housesHe dropped it into our yardsThe man they called JayneHe stole away our painAnd headed out for the stars He robbed from the richAnd he gave to the poorStood up to the manAnd gave him what forOur love for him nowAin't hard to explainThe hero of CantonThe man they call Jayne. Firefly Theme Songmusic and lyrics by Joss Whedon Take my love, take my landTake me where I cannot standI don't care, I'm still freeYou can't take the sky from meTake me out to the blackTell them I ain't comin' backBurn the land and boil the seaYou can't take the sky from meThere's no place I can beSince I found SerenityBut you can't take the sky from me...