Shows
StoneLore PodcastMarjunar Hav“I know what awaits. Death surely looms. This stone will be a testament to my strength.”These were the words of Norðnástova housemaid Marjun, who fell pregnant out of wedlock at a time when that was punishable by death. Marjun was on her way along Åargil river with the other milkmaids when they came across the stone. She stopped in her tracks and lifted it single-handedly. This story dates back to the 16th century and is now the most famous lifting stone in the Faroe Islands.Researcher and stonelifter Bjartur Niclasson (@bjartur.leo) joins m...2025-08-0152 min
StoneLore PodcastStonelifting RoundtableTune in to an epic discussion featuring some of today’s most prominent stonelifters from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Join Martin Jancsics (@thestoneman265) David Keohan (@_indiana_stones_) Dave Nisbet (@caveman.daveman) Dale Nisbet (@i_byde_it) Jarrett McPhee (@newenglandstonelifting) Sean Urquhart (@seanurq) Keith Surette (@_fullsterkur_) Tom Billinge (@waryoga) and myself as we gather together and share stories, memories, and our vision for the future of stonelifting and its community.From inspiring moments to personal reflections on what stonelifting means to each of us (and even a few good laughs), this episode has it all! En...2025-07-121h 12
StoneLore PodcastAncient Greek Lifting StonesAfter picking up a used book for just $4, author and historian Tom Billinge (@waryoga) stumbled upon the names of four ancient Greek lifting stones, virtually unknown to the modern world. This discovery launched him on a journey across Greece, into the offices of local archaeologists, and even deep into the museum vault.In this episode, we explore everything from supernatural feats of strength and the healing powers once attributed to Greek gods, to the bureaucratic hurdles Tom overcame to see a stone that probably hadn’t been exposed to daylight since the late 1800s.If yo...2025-07-011h 00
StoneLore PodcastBrynjumannaborð & the HákunarhavIn the Middle Ages, Kirkjubøur was the religious cultural and political center of the Faroe Islands. Bishop Mus imposed heavy taxes on the people in order to build a stone cathedral there and an uprising broke out. The bishop sought to gather a large army with only the strongest men. Only the men who could lift the large stone that lay upon Brynjumannaborð were allowed to join the army.My guest, Sean Urquhart (@seanurq) has been researching the lifting stones in the Faroe Islands for years and has helped populate the map of that region with hi...2025-06-0134 min
StoneLore PodcastFlag of DennIn the old graveyard in lower Denn, convenient to Drumavaddy Chapel, lies a stone which in former years is supposed to have formed a table or substitute for an altar, on which the priests celebrated Mass in the Penal Days. It was a great feat of strength for the strongest men attending a funeral to try their skill to lift this stone.My guest, Andy Downes (@handmedownes), shares another incredible story detailing the events that led to the rediscovery of this ancient stone known as the Denn Flagstone (Flag of Denn). Andy goes into great detail about...2025-05-0128 min
StoneLore PodcastJohn Coffey StoneOne of the great stone lifters was John Coffey of Scrageen. He used to lift a big flag at Clare Bridge and put it standing on the end of it. Strong men from all parts of the country used to come to try to lift it, but nobody was able to lift it but himself.My guest, Andy Downes (@handmedownes), is on a mission to lift every historic lifting stone in Ireland, and was at the forefront in rediscovering the John Coffey Stone that was almost lost to time. Andy is also doing some incredible work on...2025-04-0134 min
StoneLore PodcastFianna StoneThe Fianna Stone, known to locals as the Bodach Craigh, may well be perhaps the oldest remaining test of strength known to man. Local folklore states that those being able to lift the stone would be entitled to lift the heavy spear of Morven and allow them to fight alongside the Fianna warriors.Joining me to discuss this infamous stone is Dr. Bill Crawford (@doc.roccc). Along with Martin Jancsics (@thestoneman265), Dr. Bill co-authored the book Stonelifting: An Ancient Test of Strength Revived and is also well-known due to his involvement with Rogue Fitness’ (@roguefitness) Scottish heavy at...2025-03-0135 min
StoneLore PodcastThe Wallace Putting Stone & PlinthIn this episode, we dive deep into the history and folklore attached to The Wallace Putting Stone & Plinth in Sheriffmuir, Scotland. Dating back to 1297, this stone is the very object that William Wallace used to train with and display his heroic power. I am joined by none other than Jamie Gorrian (@bigsexygrandad101) from Alloa, Scotland. Jamie was prominently featured in Maximum Iron’s documentary titled Stones: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Scottish Stonelifting. He also single handedly repositioned The Wallace Plinth and recreated the Arc of the Seven Stanes; a site mentioned in the Dunblane Traditions by...2025-02-0135 min
StoneLore PodcastBarevan StoneIn this episode, we will be covering the Barevan Stone in Cawdor, Scotland. This stone is unique due to its location in a 14th century churchyard alongside a mysterious open coffin. I am joined by an extremely special guest: Martin “The Stone Man” Jancsics (@thestoneman265) from Elgin, Scotland. He was prominently featured in Rogue Fitness’s documentary Stoneland and in Maximum Iron’s documentary titled STONES: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Scottish Stonelifting. Martin was also the first man in modern times to lift the Barevan Stone.Join us as we spend time exploring the history...2025-01-0144 min
StoneLore PodcastClach MacPheeIn this debut episode, we will be covering The MacPhee Lifting Stone in Islay, Scotland, exploring the rich history of this location, and uncovering little known facts about Clach MacPhee.My special guest is New England Stonelifting's own Jarrett McPhee (@newenglandstonelifting) from Rhode Island. He recently visited and lifted this stone a few months ago, becoming the first McPhee in 400 years to accomplish a successful lift.Jarrett shares information from John Dewar, author of John Dewar's Islay, Jura and Colonsay (https://www.johndewarpublishers.com/john-dewars-islay-jura-and-colonsay/) which covers the incredible...2024-12-0128 min
StoneLore PodcastThis Is The StoneLore PodcastJoin me, Jonathan "Wulfgar" Shears, every month, as we journey through time discovering and recovering the fables, myths, and legends of ancient stones and stones of strength. This is the StoneLore Podcast!2024-11-0201 min