Rendezvous with Jamie McGlue

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool when used to good ends, but can equally be used for harm; and given these AI tools are being produced by the most powerful corporations in the world (often in close collaboration with governments), we would be wise to not become reliant on AI. Use it when you need simple info fast, but whenever you have time to spare or when an issue is complex or controversial, do your own reading of various sources and make up your mind with good old-fashioned reflection, critical thinking and intuition. Just like the TV Dinners of the 1950s, serving toxic slop at record speed, AI gets the job done rapidly but thereby deprives you of precious opportunities to be creative, to gain skills and self-discipline, to use and exercise your brain. So enjoy AI and do what makes you happy, but I for one will use it sparingly, to always cultivate above all my own intelligence. CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://jamiemcglue.com https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

Just as a physical mask may to some extent reduce your field of vision – blocking out the peripheries and separating your in some way from your environment – so to do the masks of image-projection and inauthenticity limit our ability to truly see and understand life around us and even within us. We must spend brainpower to maintain our fictions and monitor perceived reactions to our charade; vital energy which could otherwise be spent on creativity and wisdom. And it's also a lot more fun and relaxing to be your true self, nothing to hide, everything to see. CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://jamiemcglue.com https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

I had a really great time giving workshops to schoolkids in Germany earlier this month – sharing the how and why of mindfulness, music and creative writing. As part of the programme, the classes were divided into groups and made up their own stories; then the whole class voted on their favourite story. In today's episode I read the winning stories – plus a few others as well! All of them are amazing in that those who wrote them got outside their comfort zone and had the confidence and openness to connect to their creativity and share what they came up with. But some of the stories also have genuinely genius little twists and details, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. May we all keep writing our stories – the stories of each day in our unique way. CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://jamiemcglue.com https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

Just as with your digital devices, where we from time to time must discard old unnecessary files taking up our limited storage, to make space for the new and the onward flow of the now, just so is it the same with the soul. We must let go. We must allow the past to die and the now to live. This means letting memories, failures, relationships, interests, goals, ideologies, and possessions leave our emotional orbit and sail away into the infinite nothingness of space – to let our heart and mind refocus, redefine and reimagine ourselves and our world, our plans and preferences. Out with the old, in with the new! Whoever or whatever calls you, it means your soul is curious. CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://jamiemcglue.com https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

I read the first of twelve short stories that make up my newly released collection, Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales. It's basically a 20-minute audiobook! If you enjoy, please support me by liking/sharing the video, and purchasing (€10, wowza!) the paperback book off Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf (The author's permission is required for any republishing of the short story shared in this episode, copyright Jamie McGlue 2025.) CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://jamiemcglue.com https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

Everyone can and should play music. It's such a natural, beautiful, healing and uplifting way to express one's humanity and one's soul. Most people think music is only for certain 'creative' types, and while it's true that some people are better suited to it than others, nonetheless we all have the musical instinct and we all have the musical hunger. Harmonica is the easiest instrument of them all, as one need only blow and draw on it (you know how to breathe, right?) and it will sound good when accompanied by music in the key of that harmonica. The reason is that the harmonica only has the notes of that key (e.g. the key of C or the key of F#) and so there are no wrong notes to play. With just a little practice you will then be able to sound good even without the aid of accompanying music (e.g. your favourite song in that key, or a friend on guitar). Even if you don't particularly feel like it, I would highly recommend buying a harmonica for 20 quid and experiencing for yourself the adventure of music. You will probably fall in love with it. CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://www.jamiemcglue.com https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

As beautifully articulated in Dan Millman's "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior", there is a wise balance to be found between the extremes of, on the one hand, ego and emotional overinvolvement in the world, and on the other, solely focusing on oneself and one's self development and never getting involved in worldly struggles to better the condition of justice on the Earth. We can get the best of both worlds by avoiding exploitation of others (or zealous indignation at such, and inflated self-importance and toxic emotionality in the crusade to stop those baddies; which is another face of the same unhealthy pattern) but also not hiding away from society and from the mission of raising humans to higher love. The balance is to be the peaceful warrior: to first and foremost focus on one's own virtue, daily addressing one's vices and imbalances and so striking at the root of evil in oneself, and meanwhile also take opportunities to better all those around you – including sometimes standing up to oppression and toxic behaviour, in defence of oneself and innocent others. I believe it wise for all those going half mad with worry about politics and the fight against global dystopia to cool it down a bit and remember that ultimately all is well, and the main battle is within ourselves – to learn, grow, embody love and consciousness. Likewise, I feel all those already engaging in spirituality and wellness, healing themselves and so indirectly healing the planet, should ask themselves if they are putting themselves forward enough for the humble and lowly task of attempting to lift the tyranny and deception off the world, to not scorn the world as somehow illusory and beneath betterment, but to see the wisdom in reaching out and seeking to make life better on Earth, even while understanding that deep down all is well and resting in God's palm. It's a paradox, but it's the way to be. Humour and joy for one's own inner journey – which no tyrant can take away – yet also a burning desire to love and support one's fellow man, to stand up to the bullies and help the new age dawn. CONNECT & SUPPORT My short stories collection is available now! "Rings Round the Mind: Short Stories & Tall Tales" https://amzn.eu/d/ien0Bcf As are my poetry books, "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback €10 and Ebook €5 https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

Let's talk about why FG/FF/SF/SD voters too should spoil their votes at the Irish presidential election on 24th October. Simply write NO NO NO on the ballot, or anything else – "Democracy" for instance – and your vote will be counted and shown officially as a percentage under "spoiled votes". Not voting at all is not counted, but spoiling your vote is a way to express your loyalty to true democratic principle above political games. Independents like Nick Delehanty and Maria Steen had massive popularity but were blocked by the anti-democratic system around presidential election nominations, depriving what seems to be the vast majority of Irish people of a true choice and therefore a true democracy. A nomination doesn't mean endorsement, for if the mainstream parties truly believed they had the democratic mandate, there would be nothing to fear and everything to gain from beating their opponents fair and square. Thus the only reason the nominations were refused must be fear of democratic will. For those voters loyal to FF/FG/SF etc, if you want your party to maintain its brand and be able to win elections going forward, it would be wise to spoil your vote and thereby help trigger a crisis to make the powers-that-be regret their anti-democratic behaviour and in future act more honestly – and there is also a chance it will trigger reform to an unreasonable and anti-democratic nomination process which has turned this election into a sham and an international embarrassment to Irish democracy. To all Irish voters, of any political allegiance, for democracy I urge your to spoil your vote. Thereby Ireland has a hope of unspoiling our institutions and triggering healthy reforms. CONNECT & SUPPORT My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

I discuss how (and why) I am teaching myself Gaeilge – the Irish language – as well as using it as the primary language with which I communicate with my children. It really is very simple and relatively easy – it just requires you to ENJOY yourself and enjoy Gaeilge. First I lay out the basic framework for how I learn, and then I speak as Gaeilge for a bit on some topics that sprang up spontaneously, but which are near and dear to my heart. Hope you enjoy the episode and may the love of your buried native tongue rise through the dust, ashes and dirt of history to bloom in the radiant colourful flowers of soul's fluency renewed. Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus gach beannacht ar an bóthar ag éirí. CONNECT & SUPPORT My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

I played a solo set of my own original songs at the wonderful Mise Éire festival in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland this past weekend and am delighted to share it with you. There were many amazing musicians, speakers and artists present, so it was an honour to be part of it. Gach beannacht to all you attended, all who wanted to, and even those who wanted to shut it down! May the beauty of Irish culture shine true and bring all together. My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

This is a talk I gave at the recent Mise Éire festival in Co. Mayo, where I presented the Three Steps To Peace, being my simple framework for how the Irish can ignite a cultural revival that will restore balance and sanity to our individual lives and society as a whole. Step 1 is Awareness, Step 2 is Communication, and Step 3 is Action. Awareness is the key; when a significant minority of the public are relatively wise and aware, only then do the truly gamechanging actions become available for us – and we will take action organically, spontaneously, in ways that right now we may not even be able to imagine. A higher form of Step 2 is for artists; beyond merely sharing our questions and answers on the road of cultivating Awareness, the artist can use poetry, story, film, comedy, painting, cartoons, podcasting, journalism etc. to broadcast ideas to a wider audience and in a deeper way. Come on and join us! May we all take each day and each moment, the Three Steps, to see wisdom and harmony return to Ireland, and thereby help to do the same for the world. My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://buymeacoffee.com/jamiemcglue https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== https://www.youtube.com/@rendezvouswithjamiemcglue

My brother and myself went on NearFM 90.3, a local Dublin radio station, with the lovely Mary Oyediran of Northside Today for a chat about creativity and art, and shared some of our poetry and music on the air. Great craic! https://youtu.be/q6xyI8KG3_g My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== Audio: https://sites.libsyn.com/544787 (And the usual places.)

My brother Mark and myself will be on the radio today 12pm-1pm Dublin time with Mary Oyedin of Northside Today on 90.3FM to share our art (my poetry and Mark's music, which we'll be reading and playing in studio) and discuss art, creativity and our journeys. It's gonna be good fun so tune in for some rambunctious dialogue and uplifting expression. You can listen / watch live here: https://nearfm.ie/livestream/ https://youtu.be/7_jJb5EJB7c My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== Audio: https://sites.libsyn.com/544787 (And the usual places.)

I go through 10 examples of hypocrisy by those who have attempted to cancel this Irish cultural festival, and succeeded in forcing it to be relocated at the last minute from Leitrim to Mayo. I then also give an overview of what I'll be speaking about at the festival – the Three Steps To Peace – and read a poem from my latest poetry book, which I'll also be sharing at the festival. Mise Éire tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/miseeire/1705323 https://youtu.be/xzOg6zVNlsM My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamie_mcglue?igsh=MTNxNmdrdjZmaXczMg== Audio: https://sites.libsyn.com/544787 (And the usual places.)

A festival of Irish culture and wholesome community has been placed in jeopardy by extremists who have ironically labelled the festival goers and organisers as 'fascist' extremists lacking in 'inclusion' and 'throwing their weight around' even while they themselves use deception and intimidation to shut down free expression, thus threatening democracy and reducing diversity of perspective by aggressively pressuring all to conform. Is this compassion? Is this love? Is this enlightenment? Or is it hateful prejudiced narrow-minded thuggery, ultimately in the service of true fascism – forcing obedience to the will of a political establishment run by and for elite financial interests, cutting the throat of liberty and love – killing diversity of thought and inclusivity of belief – imprisoning democracy? Yes, the attendees of Mise Éire Festival may tend to agree on some things which extreme left-wingers don't agree with, but that is democracy! That is normal. No one's right to share culture and community should be at the mercy of cold-hearted fringe political groups such as those who petitioned for the cancellation of Mise Éire. And especially for Irish culture in Ireland! Happily, the festival is going ahead – relocated from Drumshanbo, Leitrim to a venue in Castlebar, Mayo – with yours truly among the artists and speakers. At the time of writing there are still tickets available. You are most welcome to come join the celebration of culture, community, and dear freedom! Mise Éire tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/miseeire/1705323 My poetry books are available now on Amazon: "Homecoming To A Foreign Land" https://amzn.eu/d/3bC29Lu and "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb Paperback for €10 and Ebook for €5. https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com Video: https://youtu.be/Qf3wYDOQHlE

I lay out the core concepts of A Manual For Living, the amazing little book by Roman philosopher Epictetus; in particular the translation by Sharon Lebell. The main idea is that we must accept all that is out of our control, take full control of what is in our power, and determine which is which by that most vital of things: wisdom. Wisdom is the highest goal. Get your paperback copy of my debut poetry book, "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening" on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/7cotrgb https://jamiemcglue.com https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com

I have just published my debut book of poetry, "Aye Am: Poems in Search of Spiritual Awakening". In this episode I read 7 of the poems as a taster, and if you enjoy them you are warmly welcomed to head to Amazon and purchase your own paperback copy of the book. https://amzn.eu/d/2qgeKEw Also, for those in Ireland, this Friday July 4th there will be a music and poetry evening at Saint Columbanus Hall in Howth, at which I'll be reciting poetry and my brother Mark will be performing music, among other poets and musicians – come join us if you're free! The craic will be mighty and for €10 entry your soul will be cleansed with cascades of culture. This book is a long time coming, as I've been writing poetry non-stop since I was fifteen and have always wished to share it in hopes of uplifting others as poetry always uplifts me. This volume is focused on spirituality – i.e. waking up from the trance of constant self-talk, the thinking that so often tortures us, and to connect to one's true self: pure consciousness, the silent presence of spirit. There is great beauty in these poems but also great potential for helping the reader to awaken to higher clarity of mind, to rise above limiting emotions and enjoy freedom and inner peace. I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think of it!

A song we of The Flamin' Babies recorded recently.

There's a paradox: it seems undeniable that we must help love overcome ignorance, aggression, exploitation and evil – but it also seems to many of us undeniable that ultimately all is well in the universe and inner peace is the only sane response and worthy aim for the individual seeking to be helpful. I discuss why each is a valid perspective, containing half the truth, and how I feel together they can be reconciled so we get the full picture, the balance. https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com Audio: https://sites.libsyn.com/544787 (And the usual places.)

Welcome back to the podcast, dear friends. After a well-needed break, we are back to the magical portal of intersoul communion via virtual rendezvous. This one is about something very simple and very powerful: Do your thing. Remember that we'll all be dead one day and you want to be able to say you lived on your own terms, that you shone your true colours whether or not others gave you the Van Gogh treatment, and that you offered others your own angle on existence – just by being yourself and doing what comes naturally. There are so many small ways we can do our thing, which will make us so much happier and more alive. And when we all do it, within the laws of love, then it also happens to bring something like world peace. So enjoy! https://jamiemcglue.ie https://twitter.com/JamieMcGlue https://howthwarts.com Audio: https://sites.libsyn.com/544787 Or anywhere in podcastland.