Best Brothers Howdyshell Podcasts (2025)

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147 - Douglas Howdyshell - Traveling to Peru - December 23, 2025 42:15

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19h ago42:15

42:15

Meet once again, the Howdyshell Brothers’ father, Douglas Howdyshell! In this special episode, we talk about a Peru trip that Douglas and Mike took last year. It’s a real “Guy outta Briery Branch” story where we learn the value of traveling and how special it can be to take an amazing trip with family. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - The Machu Pizz…

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146 - Gordon Davies - Local Recording Engineer - December 16, 2025 55:36

8d ago55:36

55:36

We welcome our local recording engineer and cycling enthusiast, Gordon Davies! Gordon shares his passion for recording and the magic of capturing audio creativity. With an extensive history and experience in the scene, Gordon has plenty to discuss regarding his work and the people he has had the opportunity to collaborate with. We even get to hear …

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145 - Taylor Endres - Backyard Fossil Adventures - December 9, 2025 46:50

15d ago46:50

46:50

Today we welcome the ever-curious Taylor Endres! She shares the fascinating tale of a special find she discovered in her back yard while gardening. Was it a rock? Bone? A fossil? Or something completely different? It was an odd piece and curiosity compelled her to find out what this weirdly interesting thing could be. Her adventures lead her to var…

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144 - Sofia Samatar - Local Writer - December 2, 2025 48:08

22d ago48:08

48:08

Sofia Samatar returns to the podcast to talk to us about her new book, Friendly City: A Year of Walks. She shares some of her writing strategies, some behind-the-scenes of book publishing, and of course - why this town is worth writing about in the first place! “Anyone can write about a large city—large cities are open to everyone—but small cities …

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143 - Tony DiStefano - Photographer and Creative Advocate - November 25, 2025 36:59

29d ago36:59

36:59

We welcome Tony DiStefano, one of our local, fantastic photographers! Tony shares how he and a few other fellow Pennsylvanians found our ‘burg and made it a home. Tony loves to support our local music scene by capturing images of musicians at work. But, because photography is in his DNA, he explores so much more. With an exposition show focused on …

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142 - Sara Christensen - Owner of The Lady Jane - November 18, 2025 40:54

1M ago40:54

40:54

Today we speak with Sara Christensen, entrepreneur and community builder! Sara talks about her shop, The Lady Jane, and how she found a home in our wonderful ‘burg! Candles, macrame, stationary, cats! Sara has the unique opportunity to surround herself with locals, students, tourists, and independent artists. And she embraces this community, advoca…

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141 - Ivan Christo- The Busy Creator - November 11, 2025 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

We have the pleasure to speak with one of Harrisburg’s busiest, creative people - Ivan Christo! From his music with bands such as Jaguardini and Death By Bellows, to his work live scoring horror films, Ivan is busy writing, playing, performing, and just generally creating awesome. We are putting plenty of links in the show notes. Go find a recordin…

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140 - Field Trip to Restless Moons! - November 4, 2025 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

We take a field trip! In this episode we visit Restless Moons Brewery and join them in the wonderful Tuesday festivities - including The Old Time Jam Open Mic! We welcome Bruce Johnson, one of the best musicians in our area! We also speak with Shania Flora, one of the originators of the Old Time Jam event. A great break away from the normal Bingo r…

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139 - 3rd Annual Spooktacular! - October 28, 2025 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

Happy Halloween everyone! We are extremely happy to introduce our 3rd annual Spooktacular episode! We share 4 stories tonight in the spirit of the season. Just Doing My Part - Mike shares a little AI inspired recording that may be a little more sinister than it seems. Haunted Taxidermy or The Deer They Should Have Let Walk - Chris brings a story wi…

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138 - Dean Suttles and Katie McAnally - Travelers Find Harrisonburg - October 21, 2025 54:10

2M ago54:10

54:10

Dean and Katie are your typical take-a-three-year-road-trip-together-in-a-van kind of couple. And where did they land? Why Harrisonburg of course! This is a great love story, a traveler's story, a seeker’s story - all in the name of the journey. It’s always great to discover new people who find the same creative vibe in this town as energizing as w…

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137 - Alison Trochia and Becca Stehle - Madea and Harrisonburg’s Theatre Scene - October 14, 2025 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, we are joined by Alison Trochia, Becca Stehle, and several of their Eunoia Theatre friends to discuss their upcoming play- an adaptation of Madea from writer Rachel Cusk. Court Square Theater is hosting this production and this is, yet again, another showcase for Harrisonburg’s creative community. Come get your Greek tragedy! A Few…

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136 - Dana Sprowl and Jake Burtner - Harrisonburg’s Own - October 07, 2025 54:48

3M ago54:48

54:48

This week we welcome Dana Sprowl and Jake Burtner, two beautiful heartbeats of Harrisonburg! We take a jump into some of our favorite Harrisonburg-centric restaurant and bar stories. Anyone with a little food service or hospitality industry experience will appreciate this conversation. Mike even shares his personally embarrassing piano moving story…

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135 - SuperGr8, Rocktoberfest, and How a Song Is Created - September 30, 2025 47:04

3M ago47:04

47:04

This episode we celebrate creativity! We had a great Bingo Show and that energy transferred right to the podcast! We hit upon the excitement of the coming days. Rocktoberfest, a Chris Howdyshell birthday celebration, happens at Restless Moons on October 1st. And then, we are happy to help promote the SuperGr8 Film Festival back at Court Square Thea…

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134 - Rachel FitzGerald - Musician and Head Chef - September 23, 2025 40:45

3M ago40:45

40:45

Episode 134 finds us in the wonderful company of Rachel FitzGerald! Rachel shares her life experiences and how she has landed here in Harrisonburg. Whether she is engineering the menu as Head Chef at Magpie Diner or singing as half of her band, Spectator Bird, Rachel brings the same joy to her work and life as she brings to the harmonies she sings.…

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133 - Dr. Kristofor Wiley - Professor, Park Ranger, Time Traveler - September 16, 2025 42:34

3M ago42:34

42:34

This week we welcome Dr. Kristofor Wiley aboard! He shares his story of how he found Harrisonburg and explains why there is so much to love here! From his help with the high school’s marching bands to his adventures with being a Park Ranger, Kris proves that Harrisonburg pulls in some cool people! A Few Mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Your regiment of du…

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132 - Bob and Me - Show Preview! - September 9, 2025 36:34

4M ago36:34

36:34

Jay, Mumshackles, Mike and Chris dive into a preview of this Friday’s SOLD OUT SHOW, “Bob and Me” at Court Square Theater! We are so excited for this evening of sharing songs! We also welcome any new listeners to the podcast! We have interviewed almost all the musicians performing at the Bob and Me show. Go to https://brothershowdyshell.podbean.com…

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131 - Paul Somers - Harrisonburg’s Creative Catalyst - September 2, 2025 56:20

4M ago56:20

56:20

Harrisonburg is so lucky to have someone like Paul in the scene. And we are fortunate that he was able to join us for the show! We talk about how he found Harrisonburg and started The Golden Pony. And let’s not forget the work he is doing with the Super Gr8 Film Festival! Paul is an artist’s best advocate. His passion for creativity is contagious a…

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130 - Aili Huber - The Silk Moth Stage - August 26, 2025 48:02

4M ago48:02

48:02

We warmly welcome Artistic Director from Silk Moth Stage, Aili Huber! She tells us all about the Silk Moth Stage and their awesome local productions. More than theatre, Rockingham County’s hidden jewel offers an entire experience- a play, music, community, and even s’mores! Links are in the show notes. If you’re looking for a special night of theat…

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129 - The Amateur Rodeo - Quintessential Harrisonburg Band - August 19, 2025 42:38

4M ago42:38

42:38

10 folks on this episode! This week we are honored to host the entire band, The Amateur Rodeo! If you are interested in the local music scene, this episode is for you. We talk about the band and their newly released album, local venues, music itself, and of course what draws us all into this community and what keeps us here! This town always has op…

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128 - Ian Chinnery - From Delaware to Bingo - August 12, 2025 35:09

5M ago35:09

35:09

This week we speak to Ian Chinnery, a relative newcomer to town who happens to enjoy Harrisonburg, and of course, the Bingo game show! And small world, Ian and Jay find out they were practically neighbors! The Delaware gravitational pull is strong in this one. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Offering the best of the Pity Pie - https://rubysarcade.c…

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127 - Dietrich Maune - Painter and Professor - August 5, 2025 45:34

5M ago45:34

45:34

A painter’s delight! This week we talk to Dietrich Maune, professor in the School of Media Arts and Design at JMU and professional artist! Dietrich shares his methodology and gives his perspective of why and how he creates. Interesting, thought provoking, and of course- fun! Fun fact- Ryan Stiles of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” fame is a big fan of D…

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126 - Gina Currence Alago - Theatre Folks Are Awesome - July 29, 2025 44:58

5M ago44:58

44:58

This week we lift the art that is local theatre! We welcome Gina Currence Alago who shares her part in the local scene and why the gift of theatre is worth investing in! Gina is another vibrant participant in Harrisonburg’s theatre scene, and is also a mother, a friend, and an adamant supporter of local art. While our conversation focuses on Theatr…

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125 - Joyce Sampson-Franklin - Just One Women’s Circle - July 22, 2025 35:50

5M ago35:50

35:50

This week we welcome Joyce Sampson-Franklin, founder of Just One Women's Circle. This organization is building a community of women who uplift, support, and empower one another. Joyce shares the mission, goals, and direction of the group and describes the scholarship opportunities they provide. Simply put, Joyce inspires. She is another example of …

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124 - The Gang’s All Here - July 15, 2025 32:36

5M ago32:36

32:36

We had an unexpected guest cancellation this week. No worries, we adapt! Jay, Brittany, Christian, Chris, and Mike catch up on the latest happenings of the past few weeks. Normal antics ensue. With an off the rail discussion concerning modern vernacular… Links to the events and places we mention are in the show notes! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade …

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123 - Gramma Howdyshell - A Moment In Time - July 8, 2025 23:34

6M ago23:34

23:34

This week Chris and Mike honor Gramma Howdyshell! Over twenty years ago, at a family get together, we had the opportunity to hear Gramma sing a few songs on the porch. Fortunately we had an old cassette recorder nearby and happened to catch a few songs! We decided to share the moment with you, in all its unpolished splendor. Gramma had a cold that …

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122 - Podcast News! - We Need Your Feedback - July 01, 2025 40:06

6M ago40:06

40:06

This week we go straight to you, dear listener, for feedback! The gang goes meta this week, talking about the podcast and where you might like to see it go! As we evolve into an awesome show about cool people doing cool things, we are hoping you can help us come up with a great new title for the podcast that better reflects the quirky nature of wha…

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121 - Waiting For Godot in Harrisonburg - The Cast and Director Speak - June 24, 2025 44:08

6M ago44:08

44:08

A reunion of sorts! We welcome the cast and director from a local production of Waiting For Godot at The Little Grill! We talk all about Samuel Beckett’s famous play being performed in a Harrisonburg staple. Ron Copeland, Fadia Vergara, Tom King, and Jay Zehr share their thoughts about the play and the venue itself, our beloved Little Grill! Get yo…

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120 - Scott Murray - Grammy Nominated Artist and Ghost Hunter - June 17, 2025 53:06

6M ago53:06

53:06

This week Scott Murray joins us - and wow, does he have some stories… How to go about being nominated for a grammy? Check. Being caught by Bob Dylan wearing his stage clothes? Check. Ghost encounters with husband holding a pistol and a wife holding a newborn? Sure, check that as well. Scott Murray is a talented local artist, a gentle soul, and a gr…

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119 - Bill Howard - Hometown Hero and Local Music’s Gem - June 10, 2025 51:48

7M ago51:48

51:48

So honored to have Bill Howard join us for an episode and talk to us about the old days, the new days, the good days, and all the music and theatre in between! For you guitarist fans, Bill even shares how he came to playing lead guitar and uses improv to refine his style. A fun listen! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Talk some music and have some p…

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118 - Ellen Atwood - Travels of a Musician - June 3, 2025 43:12

7M ago43:12

43:12

Ellen Atwood joins us to talk about her musician’s journey! She shares her tale of travel starting with local roots here in Harrisonburg onward to Germany with next plans for Troy, New York! Singer songwriters will appreciate Ellen’s story. She explains her strategies and motivations. She inspires with her adventurous spirit! So glad she was able t…

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117 - Ashley Hunter - A Glimpse of the Nomadic Life - May 27, 2025 43:28

7M ago43:28

43:28

Ashley Hunter brings a peak of the nomadic lifestyle to our podcast! As a musician, an educator, yoga instructor, and counselor, she has found a path in this world that is fascinating to hear. Ashley inspires by sharing what she has learned in her travels and how her experiences manifest among those fortunate enough to call her a friend. It doesn’t…

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116 - Vian Ozic - The Local Pole Dancing Community - May 20, 2025 39:04

7M ago39:04

39:04

This week Brittany invited a surprise guest and we are so glad she did! Vian Ozic is a pole dancer from Pink Ambition Pole Fitness. She shares her fascinating story about how she found herself here in our ‘burg and how she found the local pole community. Vian is a great, positive ambassador, highlighting the multifaceted pieces that embrace the art…

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115 - Nathan Moore - Songwriter, Musician, Inspirational Troubadour! - May 13, 2025 1:07:22

8M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

We were so lucky to have Nathan Moore on the podcast! Nathan is a musician’s musician, a true worker of the craft. Nathan shares his story from traveling musician to Youtube Live nightly performances. Stop whatever you are doing now. You HAVE to go hear this guy! Give’m heaven. Show mercy. Be silly. Be honest. Always trust your cape! A few mentions…

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114 - Sam Lambert and Suzanne Dupuis - Escapism! - May 06, 2025 35:30

8M ago35:30

35:30

We had the great fortune to meet with Sam Lambert and Suzanne Dupuis who talked to us about their escape room in Harrisonburg: Escapism! These folks carry the entrepreneurial spirit, showing how following a passion can lead to an incredibly creative business! For those interested in escape rooms, you’re going to love this episode! And if you wonder…

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113 - Maureen Ward and Trent Wagler - Making Music Festivals! - April 29, 2025 39:36

8M ago39:36

39:36

Amazing guests! We welcome Maureen Ward and Trent Wagler who share their stories of building incredible music festivals and the communities that support them. Big News! An exciting announcement is made by Maureen and Trent in the last half of this show! Listen for it and check the show notes for more. Doers do! And these two are getting it done. Th…

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112 - Jonathan Stewart - Dabbler In All Things Art - April 22, 2025 38:36

8M ago38:36

38:36

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Jonathan Stewart join us for a show! Jonathan dabbles in all arts as an actor, writer, musician, painter, and more. A true multi talented performer and creator! Jonathan shares his Harrisonburg story and how it pulled him in to stay. We also talk about Rocktown Improv and Friendly City Fables, the premier improv of…

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111 - Travis Whitmore - Drummers Gotta Drum - April 15, 2025 35:38

9M ago35:38

35:38

Drummer and good guy Travis Whitmore joins us for an episode! Travis shares his story of being a drummer, a touring musician, a recording artist and more! Music lovers, especially drummers, are going to like this chat. Travis is another passionate local artist who still creates, educates and continues to be another strong thread in the Harrisonburg…

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110 - Alison and Michael Trocchia - Theatre Lives! - April 08, 2025 36:38

9M ago36:38

36:38

We welcome another power couple, Alison and Michael Trocchia to the show! These two share the multiple projects they are working on currently with Eunoia Theatre. They also provide a little insight on where the art of theatre has been in this town, and more importantly, where it's going! Opportunities abound for anyone interested in becoming a part…

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109 - Phillip Bly and Tony Lopez - Script VS Improv! - April 01, 2025 34:36

9M ago34:36

34:36

Happy April Fools! Today we welcome Phillip Bly and Tony Lopez, the not-so-foolish, but totally sporadic guests for our show. Phil shares his acting experiences and what it means to have a "theatre relapse" here in our 'burg. Tony meanwhile brings the improv perspective. The theatre dramatics ensue as we discuss the script vs. improv question that …

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108 - Jenny Burden and Justin Reiter - Arts Council of the Valley and Court Square Theater - March 25, 2025 41:26

9M ago41:26

41:26

Two guests on one episode, what a deal! We are honored this week to have Jenny Burden, Executive Director of the Arts Council of the Valley, and Justin Reiter, Managing Director of Court Square Theater! Jenny and Justin share their passion for the arts and for Court Square Theater. Exciting times! The Arts Council of the Valley also celebrates thei…

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107 - Mike and Christian Present: Music is Life Part 5! - March 18, 2025 35:08

9M ago35:08

35:08

This week we bring back the popular "Music is Life!" series. Originally a four part series by Dan, Chris, and Mike, we are returning to the vanity well to talk about music! Christian Perritt joins Mike to talk about song writing. They each share a song and try to answer the ever-present self reflection: What the heck is this all about? A few mentio…

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106 - Todd Schlabach - A Harrisonburg Musician’s Musician - March 11, 2025 33:02

10M ago33:02

33:02

Todd Schlabach joins the show to talk the musician talk and walk our podcast walk. He shares the time capsule of his history here in our area and gives us a glimpse into his art. This guy has been killing it for over 30 years! If you haven’t had the chance to hear him live - go find any one of the many local venues he visits to perform. You can tha…

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105 - Laura Thompson - Harrisonburg Artist and Entrepreneur - March 04, 2025 39:54

10M ago39:54

39:54

This week we have the pleasure of interviewing Laura Thompson! Laura is the quintessential Harrisonburg artist and entrepreneur. She shares how she landed in the 'Burg and talks about work she has created. We take a deeper dive into her mural work and how Harrisonburg has become an interesting canvas for many artists. Look for the links in the show…

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104 - Lia Hamilton - The Arcade Gives Another Harrisonburg Story - February 25, 2025 35:08

10M ago35:08

35:08

We welcome Ruby’s own Lia Hamilton to the show! Lia is exactly the type of interesting person doing interesting things that we love to meet through this podcast. Lia shares her story of how- even through all the world travels of her youth, she found Harrisonburg. And the ‘burg is better for it! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Quite possibly the bes…

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103 - Dick Halterman and Janessa Baker from the Valley CIGAR Club - February 18, 2025 38:30

10M ago38:30

38:30

We welcome Dick Halterman and Janessa Baker to the show! They tell us all about The Shenandoah Valley CIGAR Club, celebrating their 12th year. First things first - It’s an acronym for Come In Get Acquainted Regularly. We find out how they started, what they do, and how a group with “no bylaws, no dues and no subscriptions” might just be the group y…

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102 - Bingo and Bad Jokes - February 11, 2025 25:56

11M ago25:56

25:56

Snowpocalypse made us cancel Bingo this evening… Boo. No worries though! The gang recorded a little something in November. We talked Bingo and shared jokes. Bad jokes... We apologize-in-advance kind of jokes… A few mentions: Ruby's Arcade - Why did the pizza cross the road? To get to the other slice of town. https://rubysarcade.com/…

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101 - Eric Brubaker - Fiddle Player Extraordinaire - February 04, 2025 40:50

11M ago40:50

40:50

We are extremely fortunate to have a local favorite, Steel Wheels fiddle player Eric Brubaker, join us for the show! We talk music, bands, touring, and the beauty of community. We also get a chance to speak to the goodness of the Red Wing Festival and its crowd favorite, the Red Wing Academy. What a great guy, a great group, and a local gem! A few …

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100 - Bob Adamek - Photographer, Musician, and Writer - January 28, 2025 53:36

11M ago53:36

53:36

We made it to 100 episodes!!! And wow, what a great guest. Bob Adamek joins us and talks about his interesting work. This guy has photographed some of the biggest musicians alive AND some of the best musicians in OUR area! Bob sure knows how to take a pretty picture. Bob regales us with stories of finding the perfect shot. Whether a live band or mo…

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Artificial Intelligence Talks Bingo - Supplemental Episode 14:53

11M ago14:53

14:53

Our next podcast will be our 100th show! In the meantime, we asked our Artificial Intelligence overlords to listen to some of what we have done and tell us what it “thinks” about the Tuesday night show, Ruby’s Arcade, and of course, Bingo is Life: The Post-Bingo Harrisonburg Podcast. “Kind of a secret society of creative weirdos hiding in plain sig…

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099 - Grayson Pritchard - Internal Martial Arts and Medicine - January 14, 2025 34:52

12M ago34:52

34:52

This week we welcome one of Harrisonburg's finest human beings, Grayson Pritchard! Grayson shares his experience with Internal Martial Arts and his work in Harrisonburg. Another traveling seeker finds a path that runs straight to Harrisonburg! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Find balance between your Pizza and Duckpin Bowling and clarity with your …