Episode 122: “Celtic Knot” with Author Robert Conlon

Posted on by Wynne Leon

In this fantastic episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I are talking with author, Bob Conlon.

Bob has written a fantastic book, Celtic Knot featuring the story of his grandfather, Tim Conlon. With Chicago as the backdrop, we get to follow Tim’s life after he was orphaned at age eight. Tim’s pluck, smarts, and ingenuity will hook and amaze as you follow along with his progress.

We ask Bob about how he researched this book that brings so many historical events like the Chicago Fire and Eastland boat disaster to light. Bob tells us how his career as a lawyer helped him to write this book.

We get such an incredible sense of family and community in Celtic Knot and talk with Bob about how important that was to his Irish immigrant family and the community overall.

You will love this book – for its roots in history, the ingenuity of the main character, and the way Bob has paid homage to family, love, and a life well lived.

Join us for a fascinating episode featuring a fantastic author writing about family, history and community. We know you’ll love it!

Here’s a sneak peek of Bob describing the symbolism of the Celtic Knot:

Here are some ways you can listen and watch:

Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/
  1. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey
  2. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman
  3. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott
  4. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman
  5. Episode 125: Jade's Broken Bridge with Michele Lee Sefton

Episode 122 Transcript

Links for this Episode:

Celtic Knot | Eckhartz Press

Q&A with “Celtic Knot” author Robert Conlon | Eckhartz Press

New book honors author’s ancestor, city of Chicago – The Hinsdalean

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

19 thoughts on “Episode 122: “Celtic Knot” with Author Robert Conlon”

  2. The adaptation of the ancient.Celtic Knot is a good example of how Christianity grew. It did not need to change the habits of pagans fully, but rather to incorporate them into the new religion. This obviously worked. Thanks for the heads-up about an author I did not know.

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  4. I found Conlon’s explanation of the Celtic knot and his conversation about his grandfather very interesting. He said his grandfather had a high IQ and that likely helped him to survive. But, what probably benefitted him the most on the streets, in the brothel, and in the saloon was his high EQ-emotional intelligence. Conlon’s book sounds fascinating! 🙂

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  7. I just finished listening and truly enjoyed hearing Bob talk about Celtic Knot, which sounds fascinating! I’m adding it to my titling TBR. The fact that his grandfather was orphaned at such a young age does beg the question, “How did he navigate the world around him?” Amazing and inspiring! Hearing Bob say how Tim loved to tell stories reminds me of my late father and his dad. Good memories. I also love Bob’s mention of the ‘debt of gratitude.’ Wonderful conversation! Thanks to the three of you, Vicki, Wynne, and Bob! 💞

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  8. A warm and lovely conversation, Wynne and Vicki. Like you, I was in awe of Bob’s grandfather, especially when I think of myself or my son at that age and the resilience he must’ve had to overcome everything. It must be fun for him to reflect on this now that he himself is a grandfather.

    I love a good memoir and this must’ve especially been special for Vicki, given her connection to Chicago. Also enjoyed hearing and learning about the Celtic Knot!

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  9. I loved this episode a lot. Bob did a great job of explaining how he got his ideas for this book. I also liked how he explained the immigrant thing and that we all come from immigrants. A terrific title for the book too.

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