StoneLore Podcast

Can a stone make a man?
In 2011, while working on a construction site in Scotland, my guest Martin Jancsics (@thestoneman265) found a large stone that he took home simply to train with it, never imagining it would lead him into the world of Scotland's historic lifting stones.
That one discovery introduced him to legendary stone historian Peter Martin and ultimately helped make Martin one of the leading voices preserving Scotland's stonelifting tradition.
Today, that same stone named Clach Fear Alba, has crossed the Atlantic to begin a new chapter in America. Before sending it overseas, Martin completed an incredible challenge, lifting the 266 lb stone 1,000 times in 14 weeks.
In this episode, we talk about the remarkable story behind the stone, the tradition it represents, and why Martin believes lifting a stone can build far more than strength. Sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things CLACH FEAR ALBA.
Stonelifting: An Ancient Test of Strength Revived By Martin Jancsics/Dr. Bill Crawford
Strength: A Life Changing Adventure By Martin Jancsics

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Journey into the sacred landscapes of the Arctic as we explore the spiritual world of the Sámi, Europe's Indigenous people. In this fascinating conversation, researcher and author, Dr. Francis Joy, shares decades of work studying Sámi cosmology, shamanism, and the mysterious Sieidi Stones. Sieidis are natural rock formations believed to serve as places of communication between humans and the spirit world.
We discuss the origins of the Sámi people, the role of the Noaidi (shaman), ancient offering traditions, and how Sieidi stones were used to seek guidance, protection, successful hunts, healthy reindeer herds, and more. Dr. Joy also explains how many of these sacred sites were destroyed, why some are still revered today, and the importance of treating these places with respect.
Whether you're interested in Indigenous spirituality, ancient sacred sites, folklore, shamanism, or the history of Northern Europe, this is an episode you won't want to miss. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things SIEIDI STONES.
Sámi Shamanism, Cosmology and Art as Systems of Embedded Knowledge By Francis Joy

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Were you aware that at the start of the Medieval period, a new alphabet emerged apart from the Latin alphabet by the name of Ogham? Ogham has a very unique and primitive style and can be seen on ancient stones all over Ireland’s countryside, especially in the southwest. Joining me to discuss this topic is Irish historian and tour guide Tony Corcoran, owner of Wild Irish Tours (@wild_irish_tours).
Tony breaks down how Ogham was written and read, what these ancient inscriptions reveal about land ownership, the role monks played in preserving Ogham knowledge, and the surprising possibility that the language was never truly lost at all.
Along the way, Tony shares personal stories passed down through his own family and offers a rare glimpse into how Ireland’s ancient past still echoes through the landscape today. This episode is packed with mythology, archaeology, language, and living oral tradition, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things OGHAM STONES.
Book a tour of Ireland: wildirishtours.com

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Delphi was revered as the spiritual center of the ancient Greek world, marked by the enigmatic Omphalos Stone. Said to be either the stone swallowed by Kronos and later cast back out, or a marker placed by Zeus after his eagles identified the center of the cosmos, the Omphalos represented far more than a geographic midpoint. But beyond its symbolism, could this mysterious stone possibly be a device used by the Pythia to communicate with the Greek gods?
Returning guest, author and historian Tom Billinge (@waryoga) joins me to examine the mythology surrounding the site, where the Omphalos was positioned within the temple, its distinctive shape, and the unusual “web of wool” carving seen on the surviving replica. Tom explains the true function of the Omphalos and how it could represent far older earth-based traditions predating Olympian gods. 
From cosmic mythology to archaeological uncertainty, this episode offers a fascinating look at how myth, religion, and history intertwine at one of antiquity’s most sacred sites. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE OMPHALOS STONE.
Please visit: waryoga.com

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The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland between the 3rd and 9th centuries. With no written records of their own, the Picts remain one of history’s most mysterious cultures. Known to us only through Roman accounts, archaeology, and their ornately carved stones, what stories did they leave behind?
My guest, author and historian Graeme Johncock (@scotlands_stories) joins me to examine the Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone, one of the most unique Pictish stones that we have today. Graeme explains the meaning behind its symbolic designs and early Christian imagery to a dramatic scene that may depict the pivotal Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685 AD. Could this stone commemorate a decisive Pictish victory over the Anglo-Saxons? Or does it tell a different story entirely?
With insights into archaeology, myth, and history, this episode brings ancient Scotland vividly to life and reveals how much we still have to learn from these inspiring stones. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE ABERLEMNO KIRKYARD STONE.

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Scotland's Stories: Historic Tales for Incredible Places by Graeme Johncock
linktr.ee/ScotlandsStories