In this episode, Fin and Damian explore the life of one of the most renowned Irish American women in history: Mother Jones. Known as a fearless labour organiser at the turn of the 20th century, she played a pivotal role in the often violent struggles between workers and employers. Her very name instilled fear in the authorities, with one prosecutor famously calling her "the most dangerous woman in America."

Mother Jones's backstory is equally fascinating.

In this intriguing episode, Fin and Damian take you back to early 19th-century Cork, where she survived the Famine. They then follow her story after she emigrated to the US where she endured personal tragedy. Despite these challenges, she rose to become a leading figure in the American labour movement in the early 20th century. Remarkably active into her 70s and 80s, her fascinating story is summed up in her catchphrase: “Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living."

Buckle up for one of the most incredible stories from Irish American history!

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In this episode, Fin and Damian explore the intriguing question: Are Irish Americans truly Irish? This complex inquiry challenges the reasons behind the strong protectiveness many Irish people feel over Irish identity. Is this protectiveness legitimate, or does it create barriers to a broader understanding of what it means to be Irish?

We delve into the shared history of the Great Famine, a pivotal event that profoundly shaped both Ireland and the Irish diaspora, discussing its lasting impact on both sides of the Atlantic. Join us for an unusual episode, recorded face-to-face during Damian's recent flying visit to Ireland. This unique setup—since we normally record remotely—sparked a great conversation. We offer a few hot takes on the evolving nature of Irishness, the dual identity of Irish Americans, and what it truly means to belong to a culture that spans continents and generations.

What do you think? Let Fin and Damian know at your thoughts at transatlanticseries at gmail.com

There will be no show next week, but we will return on Nov 4th with the story of the famine emigrant who went to become known as 'the most dangerous woman in the United States'.

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Fin and Damian explore the connections between English colonial settlements and the bloody conflicts of Tudor Ireland. They reveal how the violent plantation systems of 16th-century Ireland served as a blueprint for English colonial strategies in North America. The episode also highlights how many of the early English colonists in Virginia had previously participated in similar ventures in Ireland, bringing their experiences and methods across the Atlantic. They also uncover how this led some Irish people to venture into the Transatlantic world, with some being among the first settlers in Jamestown.

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