An Irish podcast exploring the cultural dynamics of traditional music sessions has received further international recognition with new nominations at the Shorty Awards and the Golden Lobes, following its recent five-award success in New York.
In Tune with Tradition – Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music, hosted by Donegal musician and author Tara Connaghan, was previously the only Irish podcast nominated at the 2026 New York City Podcast Awards, where it went on to win all two Libby awards and three Audience Choice Awards.
Tara collects her podcast award in New York recently - pic David F Choy
The podcast has now been nominated in the
Podcast: Arts & Culture category at the Shorty Awards, alongside nominations at the
Golden Lobes for Best Guest (for an episode featuring Lunasa flute player, Kevin Crawford) and Society & Culture nominee at the Women Podcasters Awards.
The series examines the often-unspoken social and cultural structures that shape Irish traditional music sessions, the informal gatherings where musicians come together to share music in pubs and communities across Ireland and around the world.
Through conversations with leading traditional musicians, learner musicians and everyone in between, the podcast explores how these sessions function as living cultural ecosystems, and how musicians learn to participate in ways that support both the music and the community.
Speaking following the latest nominations, Connaghan reflects, "The continued international recognition reflects a growing global interest in the deeper cultural context of Irish music."
“Irish music sessions are informal, but they are not accidental. They rely on shared understanding, listening, and respect. This podcast explores those dynamics so that musicians, wherever they are in the world, can take part with confidence.”
Since its launch, In Tune with Tradition, has attracted a global listenership across the Irish diaspora and traditional music communities, and is increasingly being used as a resource for musicians seeking to better understand session culture.
Public voting is now open for the Shorty Awards and Golden Lobes, with listeners invited to support the podcast as it continues to represent Irish traditional music culture on an international stage. Voting for the
Women Podcasters Awards opens on April 1st.