Alan Doyle and The Smiling Land
Jann Arden speaks with beloved singer-songwriter and best-selling author Alan Doyle about his new book, The Smiling Land, his love letter to Newfoundland. They discuss the cultural significance of Newfoundland, the influence of music and storytelling, and the connection to Viking history. Alan shares his experiences of touring, writing, and the unique charm of Newfoundland, making it a central character in his works.
More About Alan Doyle:
Alan Doyle is a Canadian musician, actor and writer. His albums as a solo artist and as front man for the Newfoundland Celtic-rock band Great Big Sea have sold over a million copies. He has starred in such features as Ridley Scott's Robin Hood and CBC's Republic of Doyle. He has written three books, Where I Belong, published in 2014, A Newfoundlander in Canada, published in 2017, and All Together Now, published in 2020, each of which were national bestsellers. He has recently co-written and starred in a box-office-breaking stage musical, Tell Tale Harbour. Alan lives in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Few Canadian musicians are as synonymous with their home province as Alan Doyle is to his—and even fewer once worked as tour guides. In The Smiling Land, Alan reprises his tour-guiding role to welcome the rest of Canada to his home and take readers on an adventure: a freewheeling road trip through Newfoundland, its history, and its culture. From Fogo Island to the Southwest Coast, Labrador to Ferryland, and everywhere in between, Alan's Newfoundland awaits you.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/612283/the-smiling-land-by-alan-doyle/9780385694414
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Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Alan Doyle
(02:59) The Journey of Becoming an Author
(05:55) The Love for Newfoundland
(08:57) Exploring Newfoundland's Vastness
(12:02) Cultural Connections and Historical Significance
(14:51) The Viking Legacy in Newfoundland
(19:26) Exploring Indigenous History and Viking Tours
(22:27) Alan Doyle's Journey as a Tour Guide
(25:20) The Art of Singing and Performance
(28:23) The Influence of Newfoundland's Musical Heritage
(31:23) The Challenges of Writing Books vs. Songs
(34:28) Personal Connections Through Music
(37:23) Celebrating Alan Doyle's New Book
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