In his third appearance on the "Irish Stew Podcast", battlefield archaeologist and historian Dr. Damian Shiels once again delivers a powerful conversation—this time from his new home in Finland. In a wide-ranging and deeply personal chat with host Martin Nutty, Damian opens up about his reasons for relocating abroad, from Ireland’s rising cost of living to the possibilities offered by remote work.
The heart of the latest episode of the "Irish Stew Podcast" is rich in history. Dr Damian Shiels dives into his latest endeavors, including "Transatlantic", a new podcast he co-hosts with fellow historian Finn Dwyer. The series uncovers the layered and often untold stories connecting Ireland and America, highlighting the deep cultural and historical ties that bind the two nations.
Damian also shares insights from his newest book, "Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861–1865". The result of 15 years of research, the book offers a revelatory look at the lives of Irish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. Far from romanticizing the past, Damian paints a vivid picture of the real social, economic, and personal struggles these Irish men endured—and what their stories can teach us today.
Throughout the conversation, big themes emerge: immigration, identity, belonging, and racism. Damian and Martin reflect on how the Irish experience abroad, both historically and now, can help us better understand modern challenges, from housing insecurity to shifting ideas of Irishness.
If you’re curious about how the past echoes into the present, or just want to hear a passionate historian break down the Irish diaspora in all its complexity, this is an episode worth tuning into.
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