Get the app
Jim Deutsch
Curator of Folklife and Popular Culture at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage who provides historical context and expert commentary on 'Auld Lang Syne' and New Year traditions.
Best podcasts with Jim Deutsch
Ranked by the Snipd community
17 snips
Dec 31, 2025
• 23min
Auld Lang What? The surprising origins of the New Year’s song
chevron_right
Lizzie Peabody, host of the Smithsonian's Side Door, chats with Jim Deutsch, curator of Folklife and Popular Culture, about the origins of "Auld Lang Syne." They delve into the song's roots in rural Scotland, highlighting Robert Burns' influence. Jim reveals how 19th-century customs and Guy Lombardo's radio shows helped popularize the song in America. The emotional resonance of Charlie Chaplin's film scene, alongside its enduring themes of nostalgia and community, showcases why we sing it every New Year’s.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
Get the app