June 9, 2026

Ep. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)

Ep. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)
Ep. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)
Stories from Real Life
Ep. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)
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Irish singer, composer, storyteller, poet, teacher, and leadership guide Owen Ó Súilleabháin brings a rare blend of music, memory, spirituality, and cultural wisdom to the conversation. Raised in one of Ireland’s most respected artistic families, Owen inherited a deep relationship with song, story, poetry, and the ancient traditions of Ireland. His mother, Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain, Ph.D., is a renowned sacred singer, theologian, and spiritual director; his late father, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, was a celebrated composer, pianist, musicologist, and founder of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.

Owen’s work lives at the intersection of art and human transformation. With a background in philosophy, Greek and Roman civilization, and Peace and Development Studies, he uses music, poetry, conversation, and Celtic spirituality to help people reconnect with creativity, presence, purpose, and the deeper currents of their own lives.

Owen has collaborated with and worked alongside major artistic figures including The Chieftains, Sinéad O’Connor, Steven Spielberg, Russell Crowe, Nigel Kennedy, David Whyte, and John O’Donohue. His current work includes leadership coaching, cultural journeys through Ireland, and creative communities rooted in Celtic spirituality, seasonal ritual, song, and story.

In this episode, Owen helps us explore what ancient songs can teach modern people about grief, belonging, listening, creativity, and the human longing to be fully alive.



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