The Signalman: Recent Episodes
Josh Urban
A trip to the mountains, the philosophy of the Chicken Dance, and more. It's the Nighthawk, printed at www.JoshUrban.Substack.com
Getting ready for the partial solar eclipse, thoughts on war, and more. It's the Nighthawk!
"Shine on, Harvest Moon." Sidewalk astronomy, a birthday shoutout, and more in this week's Nighthawk.
Stories from a mountain man, and a column about the anti-robot task force. It's the Nighthawk, in podcast form.
The Nighthawk returns to podcast format with news about Bugeye boats, Schubert, and the pause between summer and fall.
A visit to the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, Dr. Electro meets some real bad guys, and more.
The Nighthawk, Vol. 40: Bringing Good Things to Life, fib poetry, and Episode 20 of Dr. Electro "Science, Religion, and Bravery." Blog version at joshurban.substack.com
Pigs 1, Farmers 0, Dr. Electro takes a road trip, and Marcus Aurelius' advice. This is The Nighthawk, Vol. 38
The Nighthawk, Vol. 37. Remembering the Sky, The Gold Rush, and Episode 17 of Dr. Electro: "Unseen Visitors." (Correction to the audio: Actually volume 37, not 38.)
The Nighthawk goes audio! George Washington, Haydn, Blogging, and Episode 1 of Dr. Electro. Welcome to Season 6!
Building a community with a newspaper - The Nighthawk is launched and ready to rumble! Read it at: https://www.patreon.com/thenighthawk or https://joshurban.substack.com/
Stay home, stay safe. The State will give you a robot if you're lonely. (And what I'm doing about it.)
Chasing down a few galaxies from the backyard - a field recording of springtime sights of deep space.
The quest to print star charts for the Blind continues. Here's a bit about 3D printing.
Welcome to Season 5! We're going on some adventures - here's what's been happening on mine.
On how to be less of a bird brain...(Drawn from personal experience, and learning the hard way.)
What a fun time talking with the kids about space today...and a marvelous insight from one of them.
A birthday shoutout to my pal Josh, and some Jungian dream interpretation, cause why not?
We're the Standard-Bearers of Spring, along with the violets and tulip poplar. How sweet it is!
I sought bliss for years, but much prefer Responsibility now. Some Easter Monday thoughts...
Kia's warranty is better than their transmissions. This is a good thing and a bad thing, all at once. Yet another dichotomy of Life.
Delighted to have an article featured on the Sky & Telescope website! https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/stargazers-corner/believing-isnt-seeing-teaching-astronomy-for-the-visually-impaired/
Cassandra sweet-talks the jumper cable boys into a mission, and Oscar mixes his metaphors. This is Dr. Electro, Episode 26
I'm digging the book "Surrounded by Idiots" - WOW is it informative! Here's a quick review.
A brief overview of the Enneagram - fascinating stuff! Check out www.EnneagramInstitute.com for more deets.
"The Dweller in the Cellar" - Dr. E and co meet a philosophical resident of a boiler room, and the Frenchman starts to move.
Installment 2 of "The 24 Hour Observatory." Taking a safari into Infinity with a telescope and the written word.
Episode XXII of Dr. Electro - the gang scoots on down the hall, and The Frechman shows up.
Episode 21 of Dr. Electro - a close scrape with the evil professor, and some equipment sabotaged.
29 years ago tonight I was witnessing a miracle of life - the birth of my youngest brother! Happy birthday, Zakk!
Some ducks provide a nifty illustration of Hawking Radiation. Ya never know what you'll find at the river.
I buried a friend on MLK day. It couldn't have been more fitting, Here's her story of redemption, and how she was a living example of how people can change.
Isn't it exciting to discover parts of ourselves we never thought possible? (Boy that sounds cliché, but I mean it.)
Processing the passing of two friends, plus a few notes on the transcendent beauty of Sirius, the Dog Star.
Henry makes a break for it, and the rest of the team lurks in the alley. It's Episode 17 of Dr. Electro!
We go LIVE to the Sports Center on FrankieBoi Radio...I've got a mouse, but that doesn't mean I've gotta be quiet.
A very Merry Christmas to you! An agnostic examines the psychological meaning of the season.
How did Santa fly in WWII? Join us for a Christmas Eve tradition - the telling of Lt. Prancer.
The effort to cheer up a building full of seniors has been a smashing success. Here's an update for "Operation White Whiskers."
Viewing the "Christmas Star" conjunction this evening, plus, Episode 14 of "Dr. Electro!"
Ever notice how a song can be a time machine? Christmas music summons a whole army of ghosts for me.
On the man's 250th birthday, an interesting question asked by a 7 year old: "Can I be like Beethoven?" "What?" (Too soon?)
How's everyone getting in the spirit? What records we got spinnin'! Here's a few ideas!
Welcome to The Armchair Observatory! Tonight, we visit The Orion Nebula. (Photo credit Noah Urban.)
What's it like when four Urban men convene for a party? Some sounds from the living room as we try to figure out how a piano works.
"How could they THINK that?!" Well, how could they? Breaking this idea down a bit in effort to be a good neighbor.
Saluting the heroes that say "No, not today" today. A look at the power of Parks, Solzhenitsyn, and a Pennsylvania truck driver.
A new idea - astronomy stories, geared towards the blind, vision impaired, or anyone who would prefer to stay by the fireside bright.
An invitation to be the Christmas Magic. Here's what I'm up to in effort to make the season a little brighter, and you're invited to join me!
Tackling the subject of Gratitude...which turns out to be rather complicated, doesn't it?
Dr. Electro finds himself in a power outage, Henry goes to investigate, and Mabel learns some family history. It's Episode X!
The Kindness Exchange kicks off today, plus - a happy International Men's Day to my fellow fellas out there!
Continuing the conversation about Purpose, plus a few thoughts on Death. I've been taking Jordan Peterson's idea of "fixing what's broken and possible to fix" seriously, and am startled at the richness of the results. What do you think?
An audio trip across the Deep - some quiet backyard astronomy, and sights described for radio.
On the topic of Ritual, and how we live in a coral reef. It's the Countdown to Halloween on FrankieBoi Radio!
A villain emerges, Murphy goes on the wrong side of the tracks, and Dr, Electro watches from the shadows.
You KNOW Halloween would have an HR department. Here's the short story, and some seasonal comedy.
A friend died today. Why did he leave such a big impact? No, seriously. And how can we?
It's Episode 5 of "Dr. Electro" - a Streetcar Named Purpose. WWI Vet and rich dude Murphy goes looking for trouble, and boy does he find it.
Thoughts on the world being "one person deep", and how to navigate the difficult waters ahead.
Life, keeping me on track. My dad had a saying "Keeps ya humble." What a good thing that is!
Instead of asking what planet politicians are from, I'm gonna observe the planets instead!
It's another installment of "Dr. Electro" (#3) - "Mabel at the Table". This serial fiction thing is turning out to be pretty darn fun!
What do we DO about the dumpster fire of that "presidential" debate? Some encouragement in the form of remarkable young men, some philosophy from Jordan Peterson, and a Biblical idea to save the world. Yeah, it's not comfortable.
A buddy's new album dropped today. I haven't been this excited about an album in...ever! Check it out at https://open.spotify.com/album/3AE1forbwzTZSCsPYJs03A?highlight=spotify:track:1dZT8cKsNJfJ5kW08TJoyQ
Episode TWO HUNDRED! Some birthday wisdom from my brother Noah, and a reading of "IF" by Rudyard Kipling.
I am my brother's keeper. A happier ending to a universal story, and a look at how siblings can help us become our best. Much credit goes to Jordan Peterson's interpretation of the Cain and Abel story, specifically,https://soundcloud.com/jordanpetersonpodcast/23-cain-and-abel-the-hostile-brotherss
Crafting a "Man Card" in the shop, plus, pondering ideas on how to bring Astronomy down to earth.
A great conversation with a buddy this evening - how nice it was to discuss, and have the room to do so.
"How you do anything is how you do everything." A story of a lady who follows that maxim.
DJing records...and people. What can we learn by careful observation of others (and ourselves?) A talk on interests and growth.
A heartfelt "thanks" to my senior buddies for their shining example of quiet fortitude.
Started out as a wee lad with a simple crosscut saw, and now...220 volts of whirling steel, baby! :)
Enjoying "The Hidden Life of Trees" (Peter Wohlleben), and well, gave that photo to my buddy!
Finally! A guided meditation for those who hate meditation. Welcome to...Josh's Island.
Got to call my first bingo games today! Plus, a fake Gucci mask at the 7:00 mark, and Beta Lyrae continues to impress.
At last! A successful observation of a variable star (Beta Lyrae), and some of the science behind it. Plus, socially awkward singing of Happy Birthday.
A chance encounter with my younger self leads to the question: what are we REALLY asking?
Wandered into the woods to record tonight's episode! Live from the Glade...it's SATURDAY NIGHT!
A quick sky tour to a distance of 800 million miles - paying a visit to Mr. Hula Hoop (Saturn, that is), and by Jove, it's Jupiter!
It's an especially melodic summer night in the forest, with the rain and the crickets and all. Here's a nice soundtrack for some deep breathing, live from my front porch.
An evening of guitar lessons yields some interesting questions on mistakes and...questions.
Just so ya know - it ain't Energizer Bunny land over here ALL time time! (So if you're tired, I get it!)
Anthony stopped by to work on a new track. (Check out his page! www.SoundCloud.com/Anthony-R) Boy, it was good to be back in the lab again!
Some great philosophy from a friend this evening on the subject of staying grounded and humble.
On location in the Rose River Canyon, halfway down a mountainside somewhere in the wilds of Shenandoah.
Another rainy evening brings us a great setting for a lo-fi story. A bit about Robert Johnson's chilling "Me and the Devil Blues", and the psychology of evil.
A power outage can't stop the show! here's an episode taped on a phone on the front porch.
WOW that comet really traveled far! It's a #MathematicMonday post here on the show, talking about how far 4.6 TRILLION miles really is!
Checking out a variable star (U Sagittae) this evening in the yard. Dig the sound of the Katydids!
Fiddling with the delightful tune "Ain't Misbehavin'", and how I'm trying to play Fats Waller on the guitar.
A Sunday road trip appreciating American treasures, from wayside history to family on a sunny day.
On a most excellent disagreeing conversation with an old friend today...boy could it have gone sideways, too!
What's on your "essential reading to be the best person you can be" list? I'd like to know!
Need something to do? Won't ya write me a letter with some advice, wisdom, or a life lesson you learned?
Some interesting stories from Grandma about the ancestors puts daily struggle into perspective.
One of those philosophical questions suited to a mountain hike - but perhaps it pertains to more than I'd think. Questions on Collecting vs. Looking.
How many Joshes does it take to change a lightbulb? And hey, speaking of light, here's a bit about quantum mechanics.
Getting ready to board the starship - here's a bit about a city of a hundred thousand suns.
76 years ago today, some young men went to the beach. It was a little different than the usual excursion.
Lightening up the day with a skimmer hat and a "Spaceballs" reference, and how trees talk to each other.
Some good news is...good news! There's good things happening out there, folks, and don't you forget it!
Epictetus straight BRINGING IT! Some great motivation today - this is not a dress rehearsal.
Staring at empty space? Or the dawn of time? Sometimes what you don't see is cooler than what you do.
A remarkable day applying some ideas presented by Jordan Peterson, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and the Bible.
How to write a song (or how to start.) A few ideas, influenced by Andrea Stolpe's excellent "Popular Lyric Writing."
Happy Mother's Day to all the ladies out there...for motherhood comes in many different forms.
It's the Super Flower Moon. (Seriously.) A few notes on going to observe, and creeping through the woods, troll-like.
Does the admiration for the accomplishments of the Young preclude the chance of achievement of the not-so-young?
Getting lost in the moonlight tonight, and the wind came to remind me how the Unknown can be good.
Got a delightful letter from a stranger today...a spark in the dark, and a new way of connecting across the isolation.
It's raining, and a great time to sit on the front porch and listen...both to the rain, and some poetry.
Pondering the vastness of Space and Time - and how it can be hopeful. A few thoughts for ya this evening.
What would it be like to be a tree? Today I've been feeling like the answer to that question!
When The Man has his panties in a bunch, it's time to take action. Sounds like a good occasion for a Carburetor Party.
Sometimes, the best thing to do is hang out by the pond and listen to the frogs 'n owls and stuff.
Johnny Cash used to sell washers. An excerpt from "Man In Black", his autobiography, and encouragement for us to pay attention to what matters to us.
I keep hearing my senior buddies being referred to as "vulnerable." While I won't disagree with science, the psychology must be debated. A tip of the hat to the heroes out there.
The stars were calling this evening - come along on an audio adventure across the light years. (Josh brings the observing to you.) (By the way, the Orion Nebula mentioned in this episode is pictured to the left. My brother took this photo through a telescope I aimed.)
Some psychology, a fun fact, a strange metaphor, and a field trip to go listen to the frogs!
The phrase "and how does that make you feel?" has become cliche - for a reason. Plus, some Mark Nepo writings for a rainy Monday evening.
A nice way to relax. Without a doubt, the calmest thing I've ever done, ever. Hopefully it puts ya to sleep. (Not recommended for getting motivated - but great if you can't sleep!)
A much-needed glimpse into the Infinite has put me in a good frame of mine. Here's a few stories for you today.
Happy St. Pat's Day! Here's some stories of leprechauns, black holes, and a blues song from Martha!
Today we hear Ted's story, and how he founded www.gosailing4all.org, a way cool foundation that changes lives through boating.
Beware the Ides of March, plus, an unexpected visit. An old friend stops by in quite a dramatic fashion.
Martha Braden shares a Brahms waltz she recorded in 1954, and we celebrate Pi Day (3/14) on FrankieBoi Radio today!
Controlling the Controllables, and some history of Friday the 13th. FrankieBoi Radio is a public service from Josh Urban, and he welcomes your submissions to the show!
On the 87th anniversary of FDR's fireside chat, we talk about...The Dancing Crisis (funny stories.) Plus, a few shout-outs!
Hey folks! Many of my senior buddies are under lockdown with the Coronavirus scare, so here's a daily "fireside chat" series to entertain. Hopefully it makes you smile!
Introducing my favorite musician of all time...the Spring Peeper! Listen in as we visit their pond...
Sgt. John Nichols (pictured, right) shares his story of serving in WWII and Korea with Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis in the segregated 92nd Infantry division. WOW!
Alex Lee Ratner kicks off Season 4 with an on-air appearance on WDCE 90.1 FM Richmond. On the agenda: live performances, songwriting, and of course, life!
An interview with Chon Gotti, speaker, advocate, and former homeless person on the power of positive decisions.
Could listening to different types of music help us live better? I've been listening to Jordan Peterson talk about Carl Jung, and I think the answer is - yes! Here's why.
The J.O.B. returns to the show to talk life, music, and their new album "Highway of Shadows." Own the tracks! Buy them at https://thejoband.bandcamp.com/album/highway-of-shadows and https://thejoband.bandcamp.com/album/free-downloads
And of course, visit them at www.TheJoband.com
Songs used with permission of The J.O.B./Free Fall Records
Gettin' pumped for 2019, and a detailed way to make some resolutions...or perhaps plans and intentions is a more fitting description. Live on WDCE!
The 2018 Kindness Exchange starts today - tag your good deeds to #KindnessExchange on social media, and visit www.JoshUrban.com/Kindness for more info
And we're back on the air, broadcasting live on Radio iBRO - The Brother! Here's a story of jamming with T, a homeless guy in Richmond, VA.
136 episodes in Season 2! Here's the last one before the Labor Day break...getting ready to kick off Season 3 in a few weeks! Special thanks to Luther Luxe photography for the awesome shot!
It's Leonard Bernstein's 100th. What gifts he's given us. Check out this dude! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH2PH0auTUU
Leonard Bernstein's speech to the United Jewish Appeal Benefit following JFK's death...wow, man!
Shoes, Politics, Trump, Racism! It's all here, man. A conversation among blacks, white (me), and Latinos about some of the important things...and a lot of fun, too.
Sneakerheads, Mountain Dew, and important discussions about...racism? You bet! Just another Friday evening.
A conversation with Kristine Hsia and Adam Grimm of the US Navy Band. Some vital stats: The US Navy Band Commodores (jazz ensemble) are in their 49th year, recently wrapped up recording an album celebrating their 50th anniversary, and play out all the time - so go see them and say hello! More information at: www.navyband.navy.mil
Colin Kaepernick and the anthem debate divides military, law enforcement, and black rights advocates - usually. Chester is all of these as an army vet, police officer, and historian of African culture. He stopped by the show to talk about this topic, and others. Listen in to our heavy conversation about these issues that affect all of us.
Time for another Classical Radio Party, smashing the Pretentiarchy! 3-5 pm EST on 7/14 on www.wdce.net
"I have a particular set of skills..." Going Liam Neeson for good, and the continuing journey to gift the cigar box guitar.
On building a cigar box guitar for a homeless lady. (It's an instrument almost anyone can play.) I hope it gives her some joy, a few extra bucks, and most of all, dignity.
A reporter who lives what he writes, Mr. Black works for Street Sense, a publication spotlighting poverty and homelessness in the Nation's Capital. He graciously shared a bit of his story yesterday. www.StreetSenseMedia.org
Mr. Rogers is a new hero, and the movie "Won't you be my neighbor?" is a must-watch.
Fred 'n Charlie - check this out : https://youtu.be/djoyd46TVVc
Is Talent Overrated? Geoff Colvin thinks so. A quick look at his fascinating book, and an insight. (Many more to follow!)
Father's Day - are we "changing the dirty diapers", metaphorically or literally, in a world that sorely needs some good guys?
Lessons from the Baltimore Symphony - how a major orchestra made my life better for the listening.
Funny how easy it is to forget. What I want to do before it all goes back to black water and a sunny day.
What do we miss with blind striving? A new outlook on goals, courtesy of a Mark Nepo quote.
A teenager asked about discouragement. "I don't know" is the honest answer. Here's a story about it.
The best part of being an adult is going to the store, and buying a new power tool. Just 'cause.
Author of "Finding God in the Ruins" stops by the show to talk about Love, God, Christianity, and coming out as gay in the church. Matt's unique grace and warmth make this a must-listen for all of us, especially those walking a path to find themselves (which, hopefully, is everyone.) Say hello at www.MattBaysWriter.com
Most people don't like classical music, and some of it is the fault of those who do (myself included.) Here's to a new program to fix The Classical Problem.
Some motivation, a shoutout to my grandma, and events this weekend from Flying Jacob (https://www.facebook.com/WeAreFlyingJacob/), George Lynch, and Ryan Thompson (www.RyanTMusic.com)
Went to the Air and Space museum with some 2nd graders, and learned not to get stuck in the details.
An update on Josh's World Bank - with some fun fake news sound effects.
"News Theme" Music by Kevin MacLeod /https://incompetech.com/ under a CC licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ryan Thompson stops by the show to talk about music, the Cinco de Mayo show at Hard Bargain Farm, and inviting the chaos in. Say hello on Twitter at @ThompsonRy or www.RyanTMusic.com
Something good is like a brick to the face - undeniable, no matter who's watching. So, let's rock it!
Don't let the Gray paint over your heart. We start out so neon, and hopefully mellow out in a jazzy tone. But what if we don't?
Phillip Andrew on "Unrealistic, Terrifyingly Massive Goals" - and how important they are. https://www.phillipandrew.co/
It seems a GOOD Friday to check in to make sure one isn't making a mistake of historical proportions....
A trip to the silent disco....(and the footage of a silent disco in the B roll here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJIIfR2huSk&t=18s)
Veteran and citizen Pat Harris stops by the show to talk about war, kindness, healing, and perspective. A show-recommended link, check out http://platoon22.org/
Brian Woodward stops by the show to talk about a career in radio, hosting an EDM show, and practicing faith in a manner that doesn't make an agnostic like me go "WHAAAT?!" It's a conversation between friends on the radio, and another episode of "Grillin' with Josh." Tune in to Brian's dope EDM broadcast "Under the Needle", Fridays 7-9 pm on www.wdce.net
What if...WE are the conductor, and everything else is the orchestra? What will we lead?
"She kept yelling "LITTLE PIG LITTLE PIG LET ME IN" through the whole church service. This, and more tales of influence, recorded live at the 5th grade music class at Matula Elementary. It's the bucket drum orchestra performing "Three Little Pigs", led by conductor Josh Urban.
Phillip Andrew stops by to talk about recovery, doing the work, facing the hard stuff, personal mission statements, big terrifying goals, and much more. Listen in for an energizing, inspiring interview, and say hey to Phillip at www.phillipandrew.co
"Dripping water hollows out a stone." Talent, work, music in the NYC subway, a conversation with a student, and a trip to Wawa. A short story.
Miss Music Nerd a.k.a. Linda Kernohan stops by the show to talk classical music, the viewpoint of a composer, and how the rest of us can get involved with this fascinating genre of music. Check her out at www.missmusicnerd.com
A story version of an impressionist painting...or, on how time didn't seem to be linear today.
A "greatest hits" episode, featuring stories and wise words from Mayor Brandon Paulin, DC Go Go Pioneer Big Tony, and founder of Island Music Keith Grasso. Full interviews may be found at:
Brandon Paulin: https://soundcloud.com/thesignalman/the-signalman-show-s1-e25-mayor-brandon-paulin
Big Tony: https://soundcloud.com/thesignalman/the-signalman-show-s1-e63-big-tony-and-the-dc-go-go-story
Keith Grasso: https://soundcloud.com/thesignalman/the-signalman-show-s1-e44-interview-keith-grasso
Joyce Yang and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra played Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major,, and totally rattled my cage (in a good way.) Here's a show review, and some lessons from the concert about living life better. Wow! Special thanks to Ms. Yang's parents for the dope symphony selfie.