StoneLore Podcast

Imagine for a moment that you’re standing over a stone, and the way you have to lift it is by crouching over, placing the heels of your hands into the hollows on either side, then press your knees against your hands, and leverage the stone upward from that awkward kneeling position.
Historian and author Deirdre O’Neill (@remnantsofourpast) tells the remarkable story of this particular stone: a medieval apex stone that was once lifted by local men, and was on the verge of disappearing from history. Deirdre has spent years researching Ireland’s forgotten traditions, including the practice of stonelifting. Through Ireland’s National Folklore Collection, she eventually tracked it down inside of a church, where its significance was completely unknown.
We also talk about why Ireland’s stonelifting tradition was interrupted, how the Great Famine contributed to that break in tradition, and why Deirdre believes the recent revival is bringing these “sleeping stones” back to life. Sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things THE APEX STONE OF DRUMREILLY.

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Ireland has a long and fascinating history of stonelifting, but much of that history was nearly forgotten.
In this episode, my guest Dr. Conor Heffernan, explores the origins of Irish stonelifting, from ancient mythology and folklore to the stories preserved in Ireland’s National Folklore Collection. We discuss why stonelifting never became a formalized sport in Ireland, how migration and cultural change contributed to its decline, and what modern lifters are doing to bring the tradition back.
Dr. Conor also explains the challenges facing Irish stonelifting today, including responsible lifting practices and the growing tension between social media, accessibility, and protecting these pieces of living history.
Most importantly, we discuss the future of stonelifting and why preserving this tradition may be just as important as lifting the stones themselves. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things IRISH STONELIFTING.
https://physicalculturestudy.com/

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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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