A conversation on a subtropical Irish Island with Bird expert, Sean Ronayne
Summary
Blindboy returns from West Cork to share a live recording from Garnish Island, featuring a conversation with ornithologist Sean Ronane about bird song and neurodivergence. The episode highlights a striking Jungian synchronicity where Ronane’s wasp-stung eye mirrored the setting sun over Bull Rock, a site tied to Irish mythology. Blindboy also reads an excerpt from his short story "Pamela Fags," which explores childhood memories of his father’s obsessive suit-sniffing rituals, and promotes his upcoming Abbey Theatre play and UK tour.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Colon cancer screening with Cologuard
Welcome to The Blind By Podcast and trip to West Cork
Dynamic with guest Sean Ronane and Jungian synchronicity
Garnish Island, the setting sun, and Bull Rock mythology
The wasp sting incident and the 'one-eyed' guest
Reflections on meaning, art, and Man Con Magan
Episode structure, Patreon support, and listening tips
Promoting the Abbey Theatre play 'Animals'
Upcoming tour dates in UK and Australia
Sponsors: Total Human and Whole Foods Market
Sponsors: Cologuard and Quora
On the boat: Glengariff, Atlantic views, and seals
Garnish Island history: Seagulls, gardens, and WWI
Podcast interruptions: Rain, grapes, and chutney stories
Reading excerpt: The story of the smelly suit
Discussing the story and other short fiction
Relics, folklore, and the rings of Saturn
Wasp biology, spider facts, and the guest's eye
Bird playback, black redstarts, and bioacoustics
Ronane's Island, autism, and object permanence
Personal anecdotes: Pissing, farts, and friends
Seal sounds, bird mimicry, and invasive species
AI, bird calls, and oral storytelling traditions
Crossbills, legal bird disturbance, and audience Q&A
Closing remarks and dog cameo
Sponsor: Pura fragrance
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