Manufacturing Inspiration: Songwriting Habits of Mikey Mason

Manufacturing Inspiration: Songwriting Habits of Mikey Mason

Author: Marc Gunn, Celtic & Folk musician November 18, 2025 Duration: 1:09:28

Geek-rock musician Mikey Mason joins me to talk about writing songs on schedule, his New Music Monday ritual, and how to stay creative every single week. Music by Caliceltic, May Will Bloom, The Gothard Sisters, and Mikey Mason.

This is Pub Songs & Stories #311

0:18 - Caliceltic "The Beer from St James Gate" from 2023 and Me

5:25 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES

Every song has a story, every episode is a toast to Celtic and folk songwriters. Discover the stories behind the songs from the heart of the Celtic pub scene. I am your bard, Marc Gunn, also host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Today's episode dives into the creative mind of comedy-rock songwriter Mikey Mason.

If you've ever struggled to finish a song or waited for inspiration to strike, this conversation will change how you think about writing.

Mikey writes and releases a brand-new song every Monday. And he does it without relying on his muse. We'll talk about manufacturing inspiration, using unusual prompts, and turning routine into creative freedom.

6:59 - UPCOMING SHOWS

If you're new to the show, please follow us. You can do that at PubSong.com.

I have a new band with my daughter Inara. We are called May Will Bloom and at IrishFest Atlanta, we released a brand new single.

9:40 - May Will Bloom "Star of the County Down" from Single

A big thanks to my…

GUNN RUNNERS ON PATREON

If you're enjoying Pub Songs & Stories or you've been spinning my music for years, follow me on Patreon. It's free to join, and you'll get early, ad-free episodes along with updates on what I'm creating next.

But the real magic kicks in when you become a Patron of the Arts. Patreon is how independent musicians like me keep making music, telling stories, and sharing these pub-song adventures with you. For just $5 a month, you unlock a treasure trove of exclusives—unreleased songs, behind-the-scenes podcasts, video concerts, rare bootlegs, and surprises you won't hear anywhere else.

Want the full rundown? Email follow@celtfather and I'll send you all the details.

13:35 - NEWS

  • Mark your calendar for December 5. That's the next Bandcamp Friday. It's also the official release of Another Faire to Remember by Brobdingnagian Bards. If you loved our Renaissance festival classic, A Faire to Remember, you will love this one as well because it was made for you in mind. Follow our mailing list on Patreon to be the first to hear of the release to read some stories from our Renaissance festival past. It's http://patreon.com/thebards
  • Christmas music is in the air. In fact, Celtic Christmas Music is a podcast where you can enjoy Christmas music by Celtic musicians. There are over 80 episodes including some of my music.
  • Are you looking for the perfect Celtic stocking stuffer? Give a gift that's green… and a little bit magical. At MageRecords.com, you'll find eco-friendly Irish and Celtic treasures made to delight the music lovers, the festival wanderers, and the folklore fans in your life.Wood-burned album pins and for a limited time, Celtic Christmas ornaments. Small enough to slip into a stocking… and meaningful enough to make someone smile long after the holidays.

    So this year, skip the plastic. Go Celtic. Go sustainable. Visit com and fill those stockings with something worth keeping.

  • Check out my new Kickstarter,

Please leave a comment on the podcast show notes at pubsong.com or wherever you listen. Email pictures of where you're listening to follow@celtfather . I'll send you a free gift and you can learn more about how to follow this podcast.

16:33 - The Gothard Sisters "Moment in Time" from Moment in Time

19:55 - TODAY'S SHOW IS BROUGHT TO BY CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I take a small group of people on a relaxing adventure to one of the Celtic nations. We don't see everything. Instead we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join me with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts, blogs, videos, and photos.

Sign to the Celtic Invasion Vacations mailing list at CelticInvasion.com.

20:23 - QUEST & CHORUS

of How to Write Songs on Schedule (and Still Stay Inspired)

Where every place has a story, every story has a song, and every song is a step in the quest.

Mikey Mason is a U.S.-based "geek-rock" musician. He blends his stand-up comedy background with music rooted in sci-fi, fantasy, board games, cats and role-playing. He spent more than a decade as a full-time stand-up comedian performing across the U.S.

In 2011 his song "She Don't Like Firefly" went viral on YouTube and earned attention from outlets including Nerdist, SyFy, MTV Geek News, Dr. Demento and Time magazine.

Since then, Mikey has released numerous albums and EPs and now primarily works as a musician and artist whose work draws heavily on his lifelong love of geek culture.

Before we get started, this is also a Quest & Chorus.Where every place has a story, every story has a song, and every song is a step in the quest. That means you need a secret word to unlock a secret treasure chest of bonus content, this time from Mikey Mason. So listen up so you can unlock the Quest.

How many songs does Mikey Mason average in a year with his New Music Monday releases?

Click here to enter your answer and unlock your reward!

46:06 - Mikey Mason "Kinda Like" from Patreon Single

1:03:14 - Mikey Mason "Shades of Gray" from Shades of Gray

If you want to learn more about Mikey Mason,

1:07:35 - CREDITS

Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.

You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I'm performing.

Clean energy isn't just good for the planet, it's good for your wallet. Solar and wind are now the cheapest power sources in history. But too many politicians would rather protect billionaires than help working families save on their bills. Real change starts when we stop allowing the ultra-rich to write our energy policy and run our government. Let's choose affordable, renewable power. Clean energy means lower costs, more freedom, and a planet that can actually breathe.

Join the Pub and Sing Along at www.pubsong.com!

#pubstories

 


Grab a pint and pull up a stool. PUB SONGS & STORIES is a warm, welcoming corner of the audio world hosted by Celtic & Folk musician Marc Gunn, known to many as The Celtfather. This podcast isn't just a curated playlist; it's an intimate journey into the heart of the music. Each episode feels like a late-night conversation in a cozy pub, where every traditional tune, modern ballad, and rousing drinking song comes with a rich history. Marc explores the narratives woven into the fabric of Celtic and folk music, sharing the tales of the songwriters and the cultural moments that inspired them. You'll hear the music itself, of course, but more importantly, you'll understand the passion and the stories behind each melody and lyric. It's a celebration of musical heritage, a personal journal from the front lines of the folk scene, and a testament to the living culture that thrives in song. Listen to this podcast for a genuine connection to the artists and the timeless tradition of sharing stories through music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

PUB SONGS & STORIES (Atlanta, Georgia)
Podcast Episodes
The Leprechaun, Building Sherwood Forest Faire Castle #286 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:32
The modern image of the leprechaun is very different from the leprechaun of Irish legends. But times change and not everyone adapts as easily. That doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate both the new and the old as we explo…
The Bridge & Best Travel Tips With Vince Conaway #285 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:45
Vince Conaway shares his top 3 places to see in Italy along with some travel tips, and stories of busking in Italy. Music from Vince Conaway, Brobdingnagian Bards, and Ironwood. And if you're going to apologize, make it…
Sci Fi Drinking Songs at Gen Con 2023 #284 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:56
We're taking a journey today as I share the story of how I found myself playing Sci Fi Drinking Songs at science fiction conventions around the nation. This is Pub Songs & Stories #284 0:15 - Marc Gunn and Jesse Ferguson…
Redemption #283 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:54
Pain is hard to deal with. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. You can get through it with maybe a little help from Doctor Who. We talk about my song Redemption. You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #283…
Myra's Lament for Lamlash Bay #282 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Everything changes. But what do you do when your career, your life, your joy, comes to an end because everything must change. We're talking about the life of a scallop diver in Lamlash Bay. You can learn all about it tod…
Come Adventure With Me #281 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:21
Do you ever get nervous or anxious? Sometimes the toughest thing to do, to overcome your fear, is to just take those first steps forward. Come Adventure With Me is the title track to my brand new album inspired by the 19…
Reaver Drinking Song #280 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
"If they take the ship, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh, and sew our skins into their clothing – and if we're very, very lucky, they'll do it in that order." Zoe's description of reavers on the TV show Firefly so…
Spiderwebs #279 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:22
Is it all a game that we all fall into? Saffron certainly thinks so in "Our Mrs Reynolds from the TV show Firefly. Hear the story behind my song "Spiderwebs". We're also making waves with music from Matt McGinn. This is…
Naked #278 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
Let's get Naked! Or at least I'll share a story of one of my songs inspired by an episode of Firefly. Plus, The Haar are featured on this week's show. This is Pub Songs & Stories #278 0:13 - Marc Gunn "Bright Side of Eve…
Blink #277 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
They don't kill you in the normal sense of the word. Rather they feed off the life that might've been. My song, Blink is a parable about missing out on the best things in life. This is Pub Songs & Stories #277 0:14 - Bro…