The BGS team is excited to announce yet another addition to the BGS Podcast Network lineup for 2026, after both The Other 22 Hours and the Working Songwriter came on board earlier this year. On June 19, 2026 beloved folk music podcast Folk Files, hosted and created by Olivia Harding, will begin a new season as part of the BGS family. This makes the third new podcast to join BGS in 2026 and the 15th show to partner with or be produced or distributed by the BGS Podcast Network.
Founded in 2023, Harding began Folk Files as a podcast seeking to uncover “the mysteries of folk music through the ages.” Each episode dives deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music that has withstood the test of time. Folk Files provides context, history, and insight into songs we all know and love – and fresh discoveries and deep cuts, too. Episodes will be released once a month on every third Friday beginning on June 19, 2026, with an episode examining a child ballad, “Two Brothers,” and stories of fratricide from around the world. The episode will also discuss the importance of nomadic communities when it comes to the folk process and song collecting. (Find where to listen and subscribe here.)
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“When I first started Folk Files, the Bluegrass Situation was an amazing resource full of interviews, articles, and audio that proved invaluable while I was researching my earliest episodes,” Harding says about the announcement. “I never would have guessed that within a couple years, BGS would become my podcast’s new home. I am so excited and grateful to have joined a network of such passionate, supportive people.”
Cindy Howes, director of the BGS Podcast Network and host of Basic Folk, also gushed about the new partnership: “We have been quietly freaking out over Folk Files for some time now. The way Olivia presents and untangles the mysteries and backstories of folk music had us hooked from the jump. We are overjoyed to welcome this wonderful show to our network.”
With BGS’s longtime focus on roots music, culture, and traditions, Folk Files will certainly feel right at home on the BGS Podcast Network. Before the show resumes with BGS on June 19, Harding shared with us five recommended episodes from the Folk Files archives so readers and subscribers can catch up on the show in preparation. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a thing and dive into the full show archive (above) or Harding’s five recommended episodes (below) to celebrate the addition of Folk Files to the BGS Podcast Network.
The Music of Temple Bar (Episode #3.3)
In 2026’s St. Patrick’s Day episode, Folk Files asks the question: Is it actually Irish? Explore over thirty songs that are performed in Irish contexts and see if they actually come from Irish sources. Along the way, we’ll discuss the Rising of 1798, the history of Dublin, the Great Famine, and the Irish diaspora.
Stand and Deliver (Episode #2.8)
Robbers, bandits, highwaymen – there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we look at “Robbers’ Retreat” in an attempt to figure out why the song (also known as “Cadgwith Anthem”) doesn’t seem to follow any of those patterns.
Peaches in the Summertime (Episode #8)
“Shady Grove” is an Appalachian folk song that is often linked to the English ballad “Matty Groves.” But what is the actual relationship between them? This episode of Folk Files discusses the meaning and history of “Shady Grove” and untangles the origins of the two iconic songs.
Haul Away (Episode #4)
This episode of Folk Files traces the roots of popular sea shanties to Black work songs and African folk traditions.
Learn more about Folk Files and subscribe here.
Lead image photo courtesy of Olivia Harding.
