Bingo Is Life: A Post-Bingo Harrisonburg Podcast
FritidJoin Mike and Chris Howdyshell with Jay Zehr, and Britney ”Mumshackles” Mongold each week in a post-Bingo Harrisonburg Podcast. We discuss, music, theater, comedy, the Harrisonburg scene, and course the Bingo Gameshow! Links to our topics will be in the show notes.
Siste episoder av Bingo Is Life: A Post-Bingo Harrisonburg Podcast podcast
- 135 - SuperGr8, Rocktoberfest, and How a Song Is Created - September 30, 2025 (00:47:04)
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 Theater on October 4th and 5th! Last but not least, we share a sneak peak of a Chris Howdyshell song release, “The Universe,” which will be on all music platforms tomorrow! We discuss the process of how this song was produced - going from Jay’s recording space, to Ellen Atwood in New York, then off to Carl Brooks in Staunton, and finally back to Mike in Harrisonburg. Enjoy our collaborative effort of turning a Chris tune into a beautiful moment! A Few Mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - A creative’s pizza, an artist’s basement - https://rubysarcade.com/ Super Gr8 Film Festival 2025 - https://www.supergr8fest.com/ Rocktoberfest, October 1st at Restless Moons - https://www.facebook.com/events/restless-moons-brewing/rocktoberfest/1148951680422920/ Ivan Basil - https://www.facebook.com/ivan.basil.2025 Ellen Atwood - https://www.facebook.com/groups/108303025686440/user/1476615099/ Musiversal - Membership based service for recording resources - https://musiversal.com/ The Universe, by Chris Howdyshell, featuring Ellen Atwood - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chrishowdyshell/the-universe-feat-ellen-atwood
- 134 - Rachel FitzGerald - Musician and Head Chef - September 23, 2025 (00:40:45)
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. A fun conversation. Links are in the show notes! A Few Mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - https://rubysarcade.com/ Super Gr8 Film Festival 2025 - https://www.supergr8fest.com/ Rocktoberfest, October 1st at Restless Moons - https://www.facebook.com/events/restless-moons-brewing/rocktoberfest/1148951680422920/ Rachel the Chef - https://hburgcitizen.com/2025/03/11/foodie-qa-rachel-fitzgerald-of-magpie-diner/ Rachel the musician with Spectator Bird - https://www.spectatorbirdmusic.com/ And more of the band - https://www.dnronline.com/features/indie-pop-band-spectator-bird-flies-in-face-of-traditional-success-with-new-album/article_c98cc256-69c3-5238-a658-8d6469ed5367.html Spectator Bird Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/SpectatorBird Spectator Bird - The novel by Wallace Stegner - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spectator_Bird
- 133 - Dr. Kristofor Wiley - Professor, Park Ranger, Time Traveler - September 16, 2025 (00:42:34)
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 duckpins and pizza - https://rubysarcade.com/ Dr. Wiley - https://www.jmu.edu/coe/people/wiley-kristofor.shtml Rock City Regiment - https://www.facebook.com/p/Rock-City-Regiment-61563540754954/ RCR Insta - https://www.instagram.com/rockcityregiment/
- 132 - Bob and Me - Show Preview! - September 9, 2025 (00:36:34)
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 and search for any of the artists by name! A Few Mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Bob Dylan’s Favorite Pizza (probably) https://rubysarcade.com/ Tinsley Ellis - An Upbeat Downtown Concert at Court Square Theater - https://courtsquaretheater.org/event/tinsley-ellis/ Knots to know - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lLPAHK_k6I
- 131 - Paul Somers - Harrisonburg’s Creative Catalyst - September 2, 2025 (00:56:20)
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 and genuine. Go check out the Golden Pony, a great Harrisonburg find! Links in the show notes. A Few Mentions Ruby's Arcade - You need more basement pizza in your life - https://rubysarcade.com/ The Golden Pony - Website - https://www.goldenponyva.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thegoldenponyva/ Insta - https://www.instagram.com/goldenponyva/?hl=en Alex Dorney - Goof Craft - https://www.instagram.com/goofcraft/?hl=en Harrisonburg Rock Lotto - https://www.facebook.com/p/Harrisonburg-Rock-Lotto-100042955436798/ Illiterate Light - https://www.illiteratelight.com/ Super Gr8 Film Festival - https://www.supergr8fest.com/
- 130 - Aili Huber - The Silk Moth Stage - August 26, 2025 (00:48:02)
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 theatre, go get a ticket to their next event: “The Wanting Forest” playing September 19-28. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Pizza is but a baking shadow; a poor pepperoni, that struts and frets his moment upon the cheese, and then is tasted no more: it is a round pie sold in a basement, full of flavor and fury, signifying something - https://rubysarcade.com/ Silk Moth Stage - Info and tickets - https://silkmothstage.com/ Ben Johnson - For those who wanted the reference - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Jonson Eunoia Theatre - https://www.eunoiatheatre.com/ Bob and Me - September 12 at Court Square Theater. The multi-artist Bob Dylan and song writing tribute show! - https://courtsquaretheater.org/event/bob-and-me/ Friendly City Fables - https://courtsquaretheater.org/event/friendly-city-fables/2025-07-24/
- 129 - The Amateur Rodeo - Quintessential Harrisonburg Band - August 19, 2025 (00:42:38)
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 open arms for the creative types and it’s awesome to share this scene with wonderful people, just like folks in this band! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Heart of the Harrisonburg pizza game - https://rubysarcade.com/ The Amateur Rodeo - https://www.facebook.com/amateurrodeo https://sites.google.com/view/amateurrodeo/home Bob and Me - The multi-artist Bob Dylan and song writing tribute show! - Get tickets while they last! - https://courtsquaretheater.org/event/bob-and-me/ Steel Wheels new single, "Easy" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXDZCcUAl1k Rocktown House of Music - https://rocktownhouseofmusic.com/ Restless Moon Brewery - https://www.restlessmoons.com/
- 128 - Ian Chinnery - From Delaware to Bingo - August 12, 2025 (00:35:09)
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.com/ Visit Harrisonburg Website - https://visitharrisonburgva.com Ian Chinnery Insta - https://www.instagram.com/ianchinnery_fca/?hl=en
- 127 - Dietrich Maune - Painter and Professor - August 5, 2025 (00:45:34)
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 Dietrich’s and has his works displayed in his home! A Few Mentions: Ruby's Arcade - The pizza is the canvas, the pizza is the art. https://rubysarcade.com/ About Dietrich - Website - https://www.dietrichmaune.com/ Insta - https://www.instagram.com/dietrichmaune/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dietrich.maune.artist/ At JMU - https://www.jmu.edu/smad/about-smad/our-people/maune-dietrich.shtml The place where his exhibition will be - https://www.svacart.com/
- 126 - Gina Currence Alago - Theatre Folks Are Awesome - July 29, 2025 (00:44:58)
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 Theatre, the bigger realization is how positive an art-inspired life can be. The true value of expressive art is often found in the fervent discovery of simply being human. Oh the light, the light, the light! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - The drama in a pizza pie! https://rubysarcade.com/ The Cave Show - Stand Up Comedy in a Cave - https://www.melrosecaverns.com/comedy Shagwüf - An Amazing Band - https://www.shagwuf.com/ Back on the Farm - A Shenandoah Favorite - https://backhome-onthefarm.com/ Eunoia Theatre - Local Harrisonburg Storytelling - https://www.eunoiatheatre.com/about
- 125 - Joyce Sampson-Franklin - Just One Women’s Circle - July 22, 2025 (00:35:50)
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 the amazing people who make up this town! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Finding joy in pizza and pins. https://rubysarcade.com/ Just One Women's Circle - https://www.justonewomencircle.com/ White Horse Auto Wash - https://www.facebook.com/WHAWHarrisonburg/ Salon 11 - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063763923165# Ralph Sampson - Joyce’s brother - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Sampson Valley Olive Oil and Balsamics LLC - https://www.valleyoliveoil.net/
- 124 - The Gang’s All Here - July 15, 2025 (00:32:36)
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 - Jewel of the Wine Brothers Building! https://rubysarcade.com/ Alpine Goat - Great brewery and stage - https://alpinegoatbrewery.com/ Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA - https://rhspca.org/ Waiting for Godot - A few tickets still available! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waiting-for-godot-tickets-1388594275859 Fatal Fifties Affair - Friendly City Players https://www.friendlycityplayers.com/fatal-fifties-affair Rev. Billy C. Wirtz with Bob Driver at Clementine Cafe https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLWQ92RKSRCV0/checkout/6UNDGQQ7FU5FJBKLYH5EQNOS?src=embed
- 123 - Gramma Howdyshell - A Moment In Time - July 8, 2025 (00:23:34)
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 day, was playing an unfamiliar guitar, and our recording equipment was less than ideal… But even in this raw recording, her personality, charm and enduring spirit shine through. Gramma Howdyshell is on the right.
- 122 - Podcast News! - We Need Your Feedback - July 01, 2025 (00:40:06)
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 what we do. We share a few of our ideas, but we really want to hear from you! Comment, share, post, like, or simply email us at brothershowdyshell@gmail.com to let us know what you think! A few mentions: Ruby's Arcade - the sponsor of sponsors! https://rubysarcade.com/ Contact us! brothershowdyshell@gmail.com Or do the social media thing: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrothersHow1/ Insta - https://www.instagram.com/bingoislife64/?hl=en YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BrothersHowdyshell/ We would love to hear from you!
- 121 - Waiting For Godot in Harrisonburg - The Cast and Director Speak - June 24, 2025 (00:44:08)
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 your tickets before they sell out! Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett directed by Tom King this summer at the Little Grill! 7 shows at 7 pm! July 10-12, 17-19 Tickets are $20 General Admission. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Wait for Godot, sure. But you won’t wait long for a pizza pie at Ruby’s! https://rubysarcade.com/ Get tickets now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waiting-for-godot-tickets-1388594275859 Ron Copeland - https://www.facebook.com/ron.copeland.923 Fadia Vergara - https://www.facebook.com/fadia.vergara Emeritus Theater Professor Tom King https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=madisonmagazine Jay Zehr - https://www.facebook.com/jay.zehr.9
- 120 - Scott Murray - Grammy Nominated Artist and Ghost Hunter - June 17, 2025 (00:53:06)
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 great storyteller with a lot of heart! Enjoy! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Pretty sure there are no ghosts in the arcade, but occasionally there are some strange noises from the duckpin machines. Either way, the pizza is fantastic. https://rubysarcade.com/ Scott Murray - FB: https://www.facebook.com/scott.c.murray.7 IG: https://tinyurl.com/23wvm4cy Short Stories - The Album https://open.spotify.com/album/6oY7qSGFws7m0LWMy8q6DB Or https://www.allmusic.com/album/short-stories-mw0000007384
- 119 - Bill Howard - Hometown Hero and Local Music’s Gem - June 10, 2025 (00:51:48)
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 pie! - https://rubysarcade.com/ The Judy Chops - https://www.thejudychops.com/ Mothman Rodeo - https://www.facebook.com/mothmanrodeo/ Queen City Music Studios - https://www.queencitymusicstudios.com/ Patio Series at Golden Pony - https://www.goldenponyva.com/events-list/2025/6/7/pony-patio-summer-series-at-the-golden-pony Waiting For Godot at The Little Grill - https://downtownharrisonburg.org/events/waiting-for-godot-the-little-grill/2025-07-10/
- 118 - Ellen Atwood - Travels of a Musician - June 3, 2025 (00:43:12)
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 to stop by for the show! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Die beste Pizza der Welt! - https://rubysarcade.com/ Ellen’s site - https://www.ellenatwoodmusic.com/ Ellen on Insta - https://www.instagram.com/ellenatwoodmusic/ How German sounds compared to other languages - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x123y62 Townie Together, supporting Erika Furrow as she receives treatment for MS - https://www.gofundme.com/f/sharing-sunshine-with-erika-furrow?attribution_id=sl:ae4aba19-7725-42fc-94aa-da584afbb8be&utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Ellen’s listening pics - Gordi - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordi_(musician) Katie Gavin - https://katiegavin.com/ Lucy Dacus - https://www.lucydac.us/#/
- 117 - Ashley Hunter - A Glimpse of the Nomadic Life - May 27, 2025 (00:43:28)
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 hurt that she did spend a few years playing music with Dr. How and the Reasons to Live! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Travel to flavor town, right in the basement - https://rubysarcade.com/ Far Out of the Box - All things Ashley - https://faroutofthebox.com/ Far Out of the Box - Insta https://www.instagram.com/faroutofthebox/ Friendly City Hoops - Insta https://www.instagram.com/friendlycityhoops/ Star Destroyer in Guatemala https://www.facebook.com/groups/516704659790759/posts/1196302581830960/
- 116 - Vian Ozic - The Local Pole Dancing Community - May 20, 2025 (00:39:04)
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, the sport, and the people of the pole community. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Our forever ever sponsor - https://rubysarcade.com/ Pink Ambition Pole Fitness - 540.214.8917 info@pinkambitionfitness.com 31-C East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 https://www.pinkambitionfitness.com/ Vian Ozic - Insta - https://www.instagram.com/viani_ani9/
- 115 - Nathan Moore - Songwriter, Musician, Inspirational Troubadour! - May 13, 2025 (01:07:22)
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: Ruby’s Arcade - Always trust your pizza pie - https://rubysarcade.com/ Nathan’s Land - Everything Nathan Moore - https://nathansland.com/ The Daily Practice - Live weeknights - https://www.youtube.com/@NathanMooreSongs Work with musician’s from all over the world! Musiversal.com
- 114 - Sam Lambert and Suzanne Dupuis - Escapism! - May 06, 2025 (00:35:30)
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 what entrepreneurship looks like in Harrisonburg, Sam and Suzanne are great examples of how it’s done! A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - Escape in a pizza pie - https://rubysarcade.com/ Escapism - 29 West Water Street Harrisonburg VA - https://www.escapismva.com/ The socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Escapismva/?ref=py_c Insta - https://www.instagram.com/escapismva/ A nice writeup about Escapism from HDR - https://downtownharrisonburg.org/welcoming-downtowns-newest-business-escapism-escape-rooms/
- 113 - Maureen Ward and Trent Wagler - Making Music Festivals! - April 29, 2025 (00:39:36)
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. The Red Wing Roots Festival is happening June 20-22, 2025. Fred Fest is happening July 11-13th, 2025. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - A weekly pizza festival - https://rubysarcade.com/ Nathan Moore - A musician worth checking out - https://nathansland.com/ Tickets on sale now! Fred Fest - https://fredfestva.com/ Red Wing Roots Festival - https://www.redwingroots.com/ Trent Wagler - https://www.instagram.com/trentonwagler/ New Single - https://listeningthroughthelens.com/2025/04/25/trent-wagler-new-single/ Solo Album - This Might Be My Prime coming out June 2025 - https://www.facebook.com/thesteelwheels/posts/were-excited-to-announce-our-own-trentonwagler-has-a-solo-album-this-might-be-my/1217832859707971/ Rocktown House of Music - Harrisonburg’s vibrant hub for accessible music education in our community. Get involved! https://rocktownhouseofmusic.com/ And follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574819040488# Or reach them by email: rocktownhouseofmusic@gmail.com
- 112 - Jonathan Stewart - Dabbler In All Things Art - April 22, 2025 (00:38:36)
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 the Burg. A few mentions: Ruby’s Arcade - They dabble in the art of pizza. https://rubysarcade.com/ Improv - Rocktown Improv and Friendly City Fables Jonathan Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jonathanpstewart The Woolgatherer - https://www.eunoiatheatre.com/woolgatherer
- 111 - Travis Whitmore - Drummers Gotta Drum - April 15, 2025 (00:35:38)
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 tapestry! A few mentions: Ruby's Arcade - Pizza to the beat of their own drum - https://rubysarcade.com/ Travis Whitmore - Website: https://www.traviswhitmore.com/ Album - Perspectives: https://traviswhitmore.bandcamp.com/album/perspectives Drum Sounds Resources Site: https://www.bettersoundingdrums.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167m4bMQ2v/?mibextid=wwXIfr