Episode #02 - "The Druids"

Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in County Meath, Ireland, built during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. There is no agreement about what the site was used for, but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice, when sunlight shines through a ‘roofbox’ located above the passage entrance and floods the inner chamber.

It is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne complex, alongside the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth, and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. Newgrange consists of approximately 200,000 tonnes of rock and other materials. It is 85 metres wide at its widest point. It is a popular tourist site and, according to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, is “unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland” and as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe.

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the “Apostle of Ireland”, he is the primary patron saint of Ireland. Early medieval tradition credits him with being the first bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, and regards him as the founder of Christianity in Ireland, converting a society practising a form of Celtic polytheism. He has been generally so regarded ever since, despite evidence of some earlier Christian presence in Ireland.

According to the autobiographical Confessio of Patrick, when he was about sixteen, he was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland, looking after animals; he lived there for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After becoming a cleric, he returned to northern and western Ireland. He is said to have documented the traditions and teachings of The Druids at this time.

Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on 17 March, the supposed date of his death. It is celebrated inside and outside Ireland as a religious and cultural holiday. Many a pint is drank in his honour on this date.

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession is a popular science book written by the McGill University neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin, and first published in 2006. TThe book describes the components of music, such as timbre, rhythm, pitch, and harmony and ties them to neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, cognitive psychology and evolution. One particular focus of the book is on cognitive models of categorization and expectation, and how music exploits these cognitive processes.

The book challenges Steven Pinker’s “auditory cheesecake” assertion that music was an incidental by-product of evolution, arguing instead that music served as an indicator of cognitive, emotional and physical health, and was evolutionarily advantageous as a force that led to social bonding and increased fitness. You can pick up this book for about a fiver on Amazon. It is well worth checking out.

Impact Theory is a weekly interview show that explores the mindsets of the world’s highest achievers to learn their secrets to success. Hosted by Tom Bilyeu, Impact Theory is designed to give people the tools and knowledge they need to unlock their potential and impact the world.

The show contains a long list of inspiring guests, and together with Tom Bilyeu’s excellent interviewing skills, produces a wealth of of actionable information that you can apply to your own life right away. Check out his YouTube channel, where his top guests all receive millions of views each. Get ready to learn and improve and inspire.

London Real is the “curator of people worth watching”. The aim of the London Real show is to promote personal transformation through inspiration, self-discovery and empowerment. Similar to Impact Theory, London Real features interesting guests with fascinating stories and unique perspectives on life. It aims to take viewers on a journey through the lives of others and ultimately inspire them to embark on one of their own.

The guest list is as varied as they come – sometimes controversial but always interesting. Check out the YouTube channel here.