Best The Urban Oracle Podcasts (2025)

1
Hawaiian Guitar (Entry 572.PS14409) 1:25:22

4d ago1:25:22

1:25:22

In which a Honolulu teenager discovers a rusty bolt by the side of the road and changes the face of 20th-century music across multiple genres, and Ken is surprised to learn what Aerosmith, Paul Shaffer, and Harvard have in common. Certificate #35281.By Omnibus

1
Vows of Silence (Entry 1403.PS10730) 1:31:33

11d ago1:31:33

1:31:33

In which a famed monastic tradition is revealed to be a modern misunderstanding of the chattiness of religious life, and Ken does not want to know what a Robot Guitar really is. Certificate #38497.By Omnibus

1
Rock Paper Scissors (Entry 1079.1CH2613) 1:16:50

18d ago1:16:50

1:16:50

In which an ancient Chinese game of intransitive balance changes the world as both a children's pastime and a decision-making method, and John has the candy tastes of a pioneer child. Certificate #23611.By Omnibus

1
Lemmings (Entry 711.MK1503) 1:14:28

25d ago1:14:28

1:14:28

In which the documentary films of the Arctic are revealed to be full of lies, leading to one misunderstood rodent, and John thinks about a vole in a bowl. Certificate #25575.By Omnibus

1
Pulgasari (Entry 1007.IS4602) 1:26:54

1M ago1:26:54

1:26:54

In which North Korea jump-starts its fledgeling monster movie industry by literally kidnapping talent from across the DMZ, and Ken was distracted by skateboarding. Certificate #37139By Omnibus

1
The World's Tallest Building (Entry 1444.GE1104) 1:27:57

1M ago1:27:57

1:27:57

In which the measurement of spires and skyscrapers becomes a source of architectural squabbles and global prestige, and John hides in the forest with a guitar. Certificate #51591.By Omnibus

1
Anthropology Days (Entry 053.NU1516) 1:30:52

2M ago1:30:52

1:30:52

In which the planners of the third modern Olympics scour the globe hoping to populate a human zoo and maybe make the exhibits do sports, and Ken thinks the periodic table needs some work. Certificate #53289.By Omnibus

1
The Mona Lisa Heist (Entry 800.JN1206) 1:20:16

2M ago1:20:16

1:20:16

In which an Italian workman creates a cultural icon when he attempts to repatriate a Renaissance masterpiece from the laxly secured Louvre, and John upstages Ken's sturgeon. Certificate #35100.By Omnibus

1
Genuine Leather (Entry 522.GE0321) 1:13:53

2M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

In which the tanning industry invents a fancy-sounding term for one of its worst grades of leather, and Ken learns his childhood jacket may have had epaulets. Certificate #46978.By Omnibus

1
The Dionne Quintuplets (Entry 352.JB0525) 1:31:55

2M ago1:31:55

1:31:55

In which five adorable and identical Franco-Ontarians become an international sensation and then wards of the state, and John doesn't know what to call the bulb of Canada. Certificate #31042.By Omnibus

1
Pedestrianism (Entry 913.PS1833) 1:27:46

2M ago1:27:46

1:27:46

In which the first great sporting fad of the 19th century springs from great feats of British walking, and Ken isn't sure how to use protozoa as a metaphor for time. Certificate #21218.By Omnibus

1
The Battle of the Sisters (Entry 104.GE3008) 1:31:03

3M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

In which Hollywood's greatest case of sibling rivalry begins with a swimming pool injury and ends at the Oscars, and John rediscovers pop music thanks to the Queeb. Certificate #30747.By Omnibus

1
The Golden Age of Porn (Entry 537.1C0618) 1:19:58

3M ago1:19:58

1:19:58

In which we celebrate the post-Valentine's season by looking back at the sleazy 1970s when adult films briefly became mainstream chic, and Ken avoids a Y2K for his marriage. Certificate #25369.By Omnibus

1
The Oracle of Delphi (Entry 872.1S0911) 1:08:15

3M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

In which a veiled, fume-huffing priestess tells the ancient world what to do for over a millennium, and John only knows what time it is from his truck clock. Certificate #25192.By Omnibus

1
Balloon Man (Entry 094.DE1501) 1:26:04

3M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

In which a Disneyland-trained dreamer invents a new art form with the help of a cookie entrepreneur and a jellybean innovator, and Ken has a theory about the worst balloon vendors. Certificate #32691.By Omnibus

1
The EGOT (Entry 398.AC2810) 1:30:59

4M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

In which an inescapable awards-season acronym is jump-started twenty-five years earlier by an eccentric TV cop actor and a pop reference book, and John's family would like to kick in hotel room doors. Certificate #42952.By Omnibus

1
Reiki Blog Companion: Can Shame Be Healthy: Reiki Wisdom Podcast 8:59

4M ago8:59

8:59

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we delve into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of shame using insights from Bronwen Logan's blog post, 'Can Shame Be Healthy?' We discuss the crucial differences between shame and guilt, explore how shame can serve as a moral compass and foster social cohesion, and consider the balance needed to preven…

1
Reiki Blog Companion: Reiki Teacher Ethics Podcast 11:29

4M ago11:29

11:29

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we look into the often whispered-about topic of appropriate boundaries between Reiki teachers and students, with a particular focus on romantic and sexual relationships. We explore a thought-provoking blog post by Reiki expert Bronwen Logan titled 'Should Reiki Teachers Sleep With Their Students?'. The discussi…

1
Reiki Blog Companion: Am I a Reiki Master? Podcast 10:27

4M ago10:27

10:27

In this episode of Reiki Blog Companion, we explore the nuances of the term 'Reiki Master' with insights from Bronwen Logan's blog post, 'Am I a Reiki Master?' https://reikiwithbronwen.com/am-i-a-reiki-master/ Discover how translation quirks have shaped our understanding of Reiki, the true essence of 'sensei,' and the importance of active engagemen…

1
Reiki Blog Companion: How to Find Your Hara Podcast 12:10

4M ago12:10

12:10

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we explore the fascinating concept of Hara, derived from an online class on Japanese Reiki taught by Bronwen Logan, who has 25 years of experience in traditional Japanese Reiki. We delve into the significance of Hara as the home of personal power, balance, and deep knowing, located two inches below the navel. T…

1
Reiki Blog Companion: Is Reiju, the Reiki Initiation, Safe? Podcast 8:16

4M ago8:16

8:16

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Reiki with a special focus on Reiju Initiation. We explore Bronwen Logan's thought-provoking article, 'Is Reju, the Reiki Initiation Process, Safe?', and discuss its comparison to sunbathing for the soul. Learn about the spiritual blessings of Reiju, its potential benefits…

1
Reiki Blog Companion: How You Feel Matters Podcast 10:53

4M ago10:53

10:53

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we explore the significance of emotional and mental health on overall well-being, inspired by Reiki teacher Bronwen Logan's blog post "How You Feel Matters" . We discuss holistic approaches to healthcare, research on the link between mental and physical health, and effective stress management techniques. Topics…

1
Reiki Blog Companion: Have You Read the Wikipedia Definition of Reiki? Podcast 8:56

4M ago8:56

8:56

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we delve into Bronwyn Logan's intriguing blog post, 'Have you read the Wikipedia definition of Reiki?" We explore her critique of Wikipedia's labeling of Reiki as pseudoscientific and discuss the importance of understanding Reiki's spiritual, cultural, and historical context. We also touch on how Reiki can comp…

1
Martin Luther King, Sr. (Entry 688.PR1301) 1:08:30

4M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

In which an Atlanta pastor changes his name after a very inspiring visit to Germany and begins an American civil rights dynasty, and Ken gets to make a chart. Certificate #45274.By Omnibus

1
2.7 - Morgan Le Fey & Mariners' Risk 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: Morgan Le Fey, a 3-volume set by Jacob Sprenger Mariners' Risk, a watercolour painting by Sarah Porter Subscriber to our patreon for bonus episodes, merch, and more! https://patreon.com/phosphenecatalogue 📓 Free transcript: https://www.patreon.com/posts/119634075 🦣 Mastodon https://namtao.com/@Ph…

1
Spontaneous Combustion (Entry 1206.PR0627) 1:19:11

4M ago1:19:11

1:19:11

In which scientists and paranormal investigators puzzle over a string of mysterious deaths beginning with a "dull and heavy" Italian countess, and John learns about the peat of the Maldives. Certificate #40714.By Omnibus

1
Canal Mania (Entry 178.PR0516) 1:23:47

4M ago1:23:47

1:23:47

In which British investors power the Industrial Revolution with arguably too many waterways for the nation's barges, and Ken thinks escalators are not cheating. Certificate #27217.By Omnibus

1
2.6 - The Garden & Golden Oracle 25:07

4M ago25:07

25:07

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: "The Garden" a watercolour painting by Josephine Croft "Golden Oracle", a linen tapestry Kurbak and Posch The next episode available is available TODAY for subscribers: https://patreon.com/phosphenecatalogue 📓 Free transcript: 🦣 Mastodon https://namtao.com/@PhospheneCatalogue 🎙️ Recorded using a …

1
The Carrington Event (Entry 189.2P0312) 1:06:33

5M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

In which a solar storm in 1859 leads to eye-popping auroras and a harboring of technological doom, and John compares gold pan and pizza sizes. Certificate #54094.By Omnibus

1
2.5 - Portrait of a Young Man & Casket of Wonders 18:06

5M ago18:06

18:06

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: "Portrait of a Young Man", an oil painting by Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino "Casket of Wonders", a walnut box by Embriachi Workshop 📓 Free transcript: https://www.patreon.com/posts/117816210 🦣 Mastodon https://masto.namtao.com/@PhospheneCatalogue 🎙️ Recorded using a RODE NT-1 v5 USB in 32-bit float,…

1
Elf on the Shelf (Entry 404.PR1503) 1:14:20

5M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

In which the childhood Christmas tradition of two Georgia twins becomes a cultural tug-of-war over surveillance psychology, and Ken is going to buy a light blue tree. Certificate #45509.By Omnibus

1
Space Contraband (Entry 1194.JB1312) 1:07:31

5M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

In which astronauts and cosmonauts smuggle sandwiches, golf clubs, harmonicas, collectibles, and ashes into orbit, and John wants to blow bubbles on the Moon. Certificate #54825.By Omnibus

1
Lazy Susans (Entry 706.LK1237) 1:06:05

5M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

In which a Cantonese restaurant in San Franciscos's Chinatown spreads American revolving-table technology worldwide, and Ken wonders how long it takes to get sick of a musician in your spare bedroom. Certificate #43576.By Omnibus

1
2.4 - Happenings & Fey Tails 15:20

5M ago15:20

15:20

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: "The Juniper Tree", an oil painting by Olive Yorke The next episode available is available TODAY for subscribers: https://patreon.com/phosphenecatalogue 📓 Free transcript: 🦣 Mastodon https://masto.namtao.com/@PhospheneCatalogue 🎙️ Recorded using a RODE NT-1 v5 USB in 32-bit float, edited with REA…

1
The Tooth Fairy (Entry 1317.SS0606) 1:16:25

6M ago1:16:25

1:16:25

In which ancient sorcery, changeling myths, and Edwardian fads combine to create America's only homegrown childhood rite of passage, and John's dentist turns teeth into boats. Certificate #19230.By Omnibus

1
411 (Entry 495.LK2003) 1:10:12

6M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In which telephone users once had access to a surprising array of helpful and informative services, and Ken got rid of his landline to spite Al-Qaeda. Certificate #26038.By Omnibus

1
2.3 - The Sentinal & The Unquiet 18:40

6M ago18:40

18:40

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: "The Sentinel", a statue by Audrey Pennington "The Unquiet", a late 18th Century. Bronze Singing Bowl The next episode available is available TODAY for subscribers: https://patreon.com/phosphenecatalogue 📓 Free transcript: 🦣 Mastodon https://masto.namtao.com/@PhospheneCatalogue 🎙️ Recorded using …

1
Whistling (Entry 1427.DE2323) 1:12:47

6M ago1:12:47

1:12:47

In which an ancient linguistic and religious practice becomes a jaunty, ambulatory musical form before falling into decline, and John does not want to see condors in a hospital. Certificate #45133.By Omnibus

1
The Population Bomb (Entry 966.GE2803) 1:20:03

6M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

In which centuries of sterilization-happy doomsayers fail to predict a game-changing revolution in wheat, and Ken thinks Pakistan wants John to clean out his fridge. Certificate #2037.By Omnibus

1
2.2 - Lithocarta & The Stranger 15:33

6M ago15:33

15:33

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: "Lithocarta", An Astrological Star Map Carved in Stone "The Stranger", Henri Beauchamp. Oil on Canvas, Teak Frame The next episode available is available TODAY for subscribers: https://patreon.com/phosphenecatalogue 📓 Free transcript: https://www.patreon.com/posts/115091892 🦣 Mastodon https://mas…

1
The King Under the Mountain (Entry 688.RO1311) 1:13:15

7M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

In which dozens of national sleeping guys with long beards wait in caves for their countries to need them again, and John thinks Tom Cruise should not be in a courtyard. Certificate #53610.By Omnibus

1
2.1 - Huijia & Sirens 16:40

7M ago16:40

16:40

Featured in this fortnight's issue of the Catalogue: "Huija", an ink wash painting by Li Zhen. "Sirens", an oil painting by Sarah Porter. The next episode available is available TODAY for subscribers: https://patreon.com/phosphenecatalogue 📓 Free transcript: https://www.patreon.com/posts/2-1-huijia-114567058 🦣 Mastodon https://masto.namtao.com/@Pho…

1
New Urbanism (Entry 835.SS0711) 1:21:49

7M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

In which conservative Sun Belt retirees and progressive urbanists agree on a nostalgic but radical revolution in city design, and Ken does a Norman Rockwell impression. Certificate #34959.By Omnibus

1
Soviet Spartacus (Entry 1194.EX2116) 1:12:08

7M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

In which a Thracian slave from two thousand years earlier becomes a proletarian role model and Communist sports hero, and John prefers action stars with boogers. Certificate #37084.By Omnibus

1
Electrical Sockets (Entry 400.JS0215) 1:21:09

7M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

In which the long war between alternating and direct current produces power outlets that multiply nto a dizzying world of configurations, and Ken needs a grounding prong. Certificate #29673.By Omnibus

1
Tartans (Entry 1279.DE2230) 1:21:08

7M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

In which Scottish clans each choose a distinctive plaid based on a romantic Highland history that didn't really happen, and John takes a hard hit while playing Frisbee in a skirt. Certificate #26624.By Omnibus

1
The Twenty-Seventh Amendment (Entry 1352.GE3028) 1:14:50

8M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

In which a constitutional change finally happens after a two-hundred-year delay just to spite one Texas poli sci professor, and Ken likes it when scriveners get away scot-free. Certificate #43079.By Omnibus

1
The Teddy Bear Shipwreck (Entry 1283.PR2433) 1:19:25

8M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

In which the toy market is revolutionized by a faddish stuffed animal that would be priceless today if it hadn't disappeared, and John buys the concept of a rabbit. Certificate #24398.By Omnibus

1
Sea Peoples (Entry 1120.1K2248) 1:09:00

8M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

In which the great Mediterranean civilizations of the late Bronze Age collapse virtually overnight due to some mysterious visitors, and Ken knows a lot about white broccoli. Certificate #9795.By Omnibus

1
The Coconut Revolution (Entry 239.JE0207) 1:13:05

8M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

In which Melanesian eco-revolutionaries fight off helicopter gunships with literal slingshots and homemade diesel, and John makes a shocking announcement about all scientists. Certificate #54146.By Omnibus

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Urban Oracle Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen