Explore every episode of the podcast The Star River Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Software Behind the Stars: Seti Astro's Frank Marek | 06 oct. 2026 | 01:19:28 | |
The Software Behind the Stars: How did Frank Marek's SETI Astro Suite Pro become the go-to tool for image processing? This episode dives into the world of astrophotography and the software that powers it, featuring Frank Marek, the creator of SETI Astro Suite Pro. We explore his journey from Navy veteran to astrophotography developer and his commitment to making advanced image processing accessible to everyone. "The bar's been set fairly low for entry to get in there." - Frank Marek00:02:53 - The Ritual: Sharing a Drink 00:15:20 - Introduction to Frank Marek 00:28:10 - Astrophotography Journey: From Navy to Hobby 00:45:30 - Seti Astro Suite Pro Development 01:00:19 - YouTube Channel and Content Creation 01:06:32 - Thumbnail Creation and Props 01:08:05 - Surprise at Community Growth 01:13:52 - Encouragement for New Astrophotographers - Frank's transition from Navy nuclear power to astrophotography - The importance of community support and user feedback in software development - The role of AI in creating and improving astrophotography tools - The significance of accessible and affordable equipment for newcomers to the hobby - The science behind color theory and its application in image processing - SETI Astro Suite Pro - Pix Insight - AI and machine learning in astrophotography - Color theory and chroma vs. saturation - Robotic telescopes like Sea Stars - NINA acquisition software - Frank Marek's YouTube channel - GPU-accelerated Riemann–Siegel Z scanner (whaaaaa?) - That YouTube video where we talk about the nature of the Galaxy # Join the Current So download SETI Astro Suite Pro, grab your drink for The Ritual, and join us as we take a trip down Frank Marek's tributary of the Star River! | |||
| Chasing Stars in the City Lights with Jessica Dowell | 29 sept. 2026 | 01:01:38 | |
How does an observatory thrive amidst urban lights? Charting the CourseExplore the challenges and triumphs of the University of New Mexico Observatory, nestled in the heart of Albuquerque. Observatory Director Jessica Dowell and her husband, Jayce Dowell discuss the observatory's history, outreach efforts, and the quest for a darker sky site. "The goal is to give them the experience I had as an undergrad, which inspired me to be an astronomer." - Jessica Dowell00:02:53 - The Ritual: Sharing a Drink 00:11:08 - Challenges of Light Pollution and City Expansion 00:22:20 - Visual Astronomy and Public Outreach 00:31:04 - Dreams for the Observatory 00:38:00 - Public Reactions to Observing Nights 00:45:30 - Optical Telescopes and Research Instruments 00:52:00 - Historical Context and Future Plans Currents
So visit the University of New Mexico Observatory's website, grab your drink for The Ritual, and join us as we take a trip down Jessica and Jayce Dowell's tributary of the Star River! | |||
| Seeing the Entire Sky at Once in Radio Waves with Dr Jayce Dowell | 01 sept. 2026 | 01:24:27 | |
What does it mean to look at the the entire sky all at once in radio waves? Charting the CourseThis episode dives into the world of radio astronomy with Dr. Jayce Dowell, research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and a leading scientist for the Long Wavelength Array (LWA). Unlike the VLA the LWA explores the entire visible sky all at once, and electronics and software give it unique abilities and views of the universe. I met him at the LWA-2 facility at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. "The LWA is all about looking at low frequencies. So light comes, light goes in, a variety of frequencies of wavelengths, depending on how you like to think about it." - Dr. Jayce DowellWaypoints 00:02:34 - Touring the Long Wavelength Array at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge 00:07:56 - Electronic Beamforming, All-Sky Imaging, and LWA Resolution 00:15:03 - LWA Ground Planes, Lightning Protection, and Air Force Experiments 00:24:12 - Inside the LWA Electronics Shelter: Fiber, Cable Delays, and Calibration 00:30:55 - RF Shielding, Custom Boards, FPGA Digitizers, and GPU Processing 00:43:45 - Formal Introduction to Dr. Jayce Dowell and the Long Wavelength Array 00:50:24 - LWA TV: All-Sky Images and Watching the Radio Sky 00:56:13 - Growing the LWA Network and Building a Backyard Station 01:00:04 - Software-Defined Radio, Hydrogen Line Astronomy, and Amateur Radio 01:07:25 - Seeing a Different Universe: Searching for Exoplanet Magnetospheres 01:14:59 - A Lunar Far-Side Radio Array and the Cosmic Dawn 01:18:18 - Dr. Jayce Dowell's Career Path and the Origins of His Work with LWA Currents
Where the River Took Us
Links Join the Current So explore the LWA's unique view of the cosmos, grab your drink for The Ritual, and join us as we take a trip down Dr. Dowell's tributary of the Star River! About Dr Jayce DowellDr. Dowell is a Research Assistant Professor in Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico and a core scientist behind the Long Wavelength Array (LWA). Specialized in low-frequency radio astronomy, Jayce focuses on understanding cosmic phenomena ranging from solar radio bursts and planetary ionospheres to cosmic rays and transient radio sources. Beyond observational research, he plays a key role in the software development, data processing pipelines, and operations that keep the LWA stations (LWA1 at the VLA and LWA-SV in Sevilleta) capturing the long-wavelength universe. Watch LWA TV and see the sky like you've never seen it! | |||
| How to See the Surface of a Star: New Mexico’s Secret Super-Telescope with Professor Michelle Creech-Eakman | 18 août 2026 | 01:42:20 | |
What does it take to see the surface features of distant stars or track satellites in deep space? In this episode we sit down with Professor Michelle Creech-Ekman, Professor of Physics and Project Scientist at New Mexico Tech. From her roots in North Dakota to her pivotal work at JPL on the Keck Interferometer, Dr. Creech-Ekman shares her journey and her current groundbreaking project: the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI). Perched 10,500 feet high in central New Mexico, the MROI is a engineering marvel. We dive deep into the tech behind this massive optical and infrared array, including:
Plus, Dr. Creech-Ekman reflects on her passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists, the importance of human spaceflight, and why maintaining a sense of wonder is vital. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on human ingenuity, big tech, and reaching for the stars! BONUS - find out what the shape of a wire suspended between two poles is called! | |||
| Transitioning from the VLA to the Rest of New Mexico | 04 août 2026 | 00:05:56 | |
As we pull up stakes on the Plains of San Augustin and wrap up our time with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, let's take a quick pit stop to reflect on our journey so far and set the stage for what's coming next on the Enchanted Frequencies Mission to New Mexico. In this interlude episode, I preview the next leg of the expedition:
Take a breath, catch up on any VLA episodes you've missed, refresh your glass, and get ready for the next bend in the river! Join the Community & Support Outreach:
Clear skies, and we'll see you in the dark! | |||
| Can a Star Make a Cookie? (And How We Search for Alien Tech) with Dr. Chenoa Tremblay | 28 juil. 2026 | 01:12:34 | |
Can a star make a cookie and searching for techno- and bio-signatures to find signs of extraterrestrial life. What do cosmic cookies, giant space spectrometers, and artificial intelligence in deep space have in common? They're all part of the daily work of Dr. Chenoa Tremblay, project scientist with the SETI Institute, Breakthrough Listen, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). In this episode of The Star River Podcast, host Eric Loyd sits down with Dr. Tremblay to explore the cutting edge of astrochemistry and the modern search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). From her unconventional journey starting out in laboratory chemistry testing dirt samples to hunting for complex molecules and technosignatures with world-class radio telescopes, Chenoa shares a mind-bending look at how we listen to the universe. In this episode, we explore:
With a quick detour to the Wow! signal, and a fast jaunt to Asteroid (514107) 2015 BZ509, grab your favorite drink, join us for the Ritual, and take a trip down Dr. Tremblay's tributary of the Star River! | |||
| Flecks of Matter on a Spinning Rock: Finding Joy in Smallness with Corrina Jaramillo-Feldman | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:41:58 | |
What happens when you leave the high-stakes, "level-10 emergencies" of political campaign management to find your center among the stars? In this episode, I sit down with Corrina Jaramillo-Feldman, Senior Public Information Officer for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) VLA, VLBA, and ngVLA. Together, we navigate her fascinating, meandering journey from running statewide campaigns to translating the invisible, silent data sets of radio astronomy for the global public. As I continue my Enchanted Frequencies series of episodes from New Mexico, I saved the best for last. Corrina opens up about occupying the liminal spaces of identity, the liberating power of "cheerful nihilism" under a pitch-black Santa Fe sky, and the exciting future of the Next Generation Learning Center at the VLA. It's a deep, soulful conversation about public policy, workforce development, and remembering the sacred magic of being small. "I love being reminded that we are just like flecks of matter on a spinning rock in an infinite universe, because it makes bad things feel less huge, and I think it makes good, special moments feel really sacred."
Whether you are looking to reconnect with your own sense of wonder or want a fascinating peek behind the curtain of the world's most advanced radio telescopes, this conversation is the perfect antidote to the noise of everyday life. From political campaigns to the hum of the cosmos, Corrina's journey reminds us just how beautiful and liberating it is to be small. So grab a glass of your favorite drink, settle in for our Ritual, and join us on the banks of the river for an unforgettable journey into the deep cosmic stream. You won't want to miss this splash! Remember that the Deep-Sky Hotline is always open at 855-DEEP-SKY (855-333-7759) if you want to leave a question or share your own stargazing rituals. If you want to join the crew, unlock our private Discord channels, and claim one of the few remaining limited-edition Enchanted Frequencies mission stickers, head over to astropotamus.com/support. Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark! | |||
| What's Dance Got to Do With It? Signe Mason, Part 2 | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:52:10 | |
Gather around the campfire, fellow Star River navigators! In this episode, we sit down with Signe Mason, an Operations Specialist at the world-renowned Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and an astrophysics researcher simulating black holes at Northwestern University for part 2 of her journey down the River. I continue my conversation with Signe, from the outdoor patio at the Capital Bar and Grill in Socorro, complete with interruptions, sirens, and train horns. Now with more people! The editing on this one got a little wonky because I actually ended part 1 prior to our break, but it was a better place to split the conversatios. So in this "end of part 1 plus part 2,", we look at what made young Signe tick, why astrophysics was the farthest thing from her mind, and how she thinks that overcoming adversiy is what makes us thrive. Don't forget to listen to part 1 of my conversation with Signe, where the River starts its journey, and the bar was quieter! Grab a drink, join the current, and see where the river continues takes us. Episode Highlights:
Remember that the Deep-Sky Hotline is always open at 855-DEEP-SKY (855-333-7759) if you want to leave a question or share your own stargazing rituals. If you want to join the crew, unlock our private Discord channels, and claim one of the few remaining limited-edition Enchanted Frequencies mission stickers, head over to astropotamus.com/support. Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark! | |||
| Not Today, Satan: Managing the VLA Telescope with Signe Mason, Part 1 | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:54:24 | |
Gather around the campfire, fellow Star River navigators! In this episode, we sit down with Signe Mason, an Operations Specialist at the world-renowned Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and an astrophysics researcher simulating black holes at Northwestern University. Recording live from the outdoor patio at the Capital Bar and Grill in Socorro, complete with interruptions, sirens, and train horns, we dive deep into the fascinating, behind-the-scenes reality of what it actually takes to manage 27 massive radio telescope dishes operating 24/7. From the daily gamble of scheduling multi-million dollar observations to navigating late-night "bumps in the night" in the control room, Signe pulls back the curtain on a life lived at the edge of human knowledge. Grab a drink, join the current, and see where the river takes us. Episode Highlights:
Remember that the Deep-Sky Hotline is always open at 855-DEEP-SKY (855-333-7759) if you want to leave a question or share your own stargazing rituals. If you want to join the crew, unlock our private Discord channels, and claim one of the few remaining limited-edition Enchanted Frequencies mission stickers, head over to astropotamus.com/support. Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I will see you in the dark! | |||
| The Parking Lot Conversation with Lorenzo and Richard | 23 juin 2026 | 00:30:04 | |
What happens when two VLA workers get interviewed without warning in the parking lot of the VLA? Let's find out. This was in the parking lot of the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array without notice. After the hubbub of the open house had faded for the day, but right as people were starting to arrive for the Star Party and set up their telescopes, one of the workers telling people where to park yelled out, "hey, podcast guy! Can I be on your podcast?" After figuring out that he was only half joking, I surprised him by saying "yes." It was recorded on my mobile phone. There was a lot of wind. It messed with the microphones on my phone and there are times when the conversation is hard to hear. I suggest headphones. Warning, this was a pretty raw conversation. I debated editing out some of the edgier parts, but decided that not to. The conversation we had was the one you'll hear, including the swearing. This is 27 minutes of real, raw conversation recorded in the parking lot of the VLA with Lorenzo Pina and Richard Harding. Two of the blue-collar workers who make it all happen. | |||
| Blue Collar Astronomy: Maintaining the VLA with Shane Baca | 09 juin 2026 | 00:42:17 | |
You heard about Shane Baca in the previous episode, and now it's time to hear from Shane himself. "When they cross the cattle guard out here on the way in, they gotta take their watch and they gotta turn it back forty years."Pull up a chair to the campfire, grab a drink for our Ritual, and let's do a deep dive into what it takes to keep 27 (plus a spare) 240-ton radio telescope receiver dishes running, while also dealing with the grounds, the parking lot, pest removal, making sure the lights are on (of off, as need be), and the toilets are clean. Shane is the facilities manager of the VLA, and his story is more than you might think it is. Shane's tributary of the Star River is one of pride and a deep belief that science doesn't happen without grease and railroad spikes. I think, after listening to him speak with me from the break room of the control building at the VLA in April, you'll agree. Whether you are an experienced radio astronomer or a casual backyard stargazer, this conversation bridges the gap between the science we all hear about and the mechanics, welders, electricians, and plumbers that make it all happen. Connect with the Current: Official Website: thestarriver.com Join the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus. Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus. Topics & Keywords: Blue Collar, Shane Baca, VLA, radio frequency interference, time travel, Astrophotography, Astronomy Education, Science Communication | |||
| Enchanted Frequencies: Shane Baca Trailer | 02 juin 2026 | 00:05:30 | |
Hello, fellow Navigators! Pull up a chair next to the campfire for a quick mid-stream check-in. My day job has been an absolute mountain of work this week, so I am letting our next full-length episode drift just a tiny bit further down the stream to get the proper editing and polish it deserves, launching next Tuesday morning instead. This quick teaser gives you a behind-the-scenes preview of my the next episode of my special series, Enchanted Frequencies, where we explore the universe through radio waves and invisible cosmic signals. And through my visit to the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico! We'll look at the blue-collar heart of astronomy with Shane Baca, the facilities manager at the Very Large Array. Shane manages a crew of 65 mechanics, rail workers, and fabricators who roll up their sleeves to move massive 240-ton telescope dishes across the desert. I've even included a brief clip of our conversation to whet you appetite. Remember that the Deep-Sky Hotline is always open at 855-DEEP-SKY (855-333-7759) if you want to leave a question or share your own stargazing rituals. If you want to join the crew, unlock our private Discord channels, and claim one of the few remaining limited-edition Enchanted Frequencies mission stickers, head over to astropotamus.com/support. Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I will see you in the dark! | |||
| VLBA Space Exploration: From Books to Black Holes with Dr. Justin Linford | 26 mai 2026 | 00:34:30 | |
You don't need an elite academic pedigree to have a meaningful relationship with the universe; you just have to be curious, dedicated, and a little bit crazy. Dr. Justin Linford shares his journey along the Star River with me, in person, at the Very Large Array in New Mexico. For the very first time on The Star River Podcast, I packed up my gear and traveled 2,000 miles to the high desert of New Mexico for a live, face-to-face interview. Sitting in the break room inside the iconic Very Large Array control building, I shared a cup of desert water and a deep conversation with NRAO scientist Dr. Justin Linford. Rather than getting bogged down in dry mathematics and complex equations, Justin opens up about the heart behind his science. "Anybody can do science. You just have to be curious and dedicated and a little bit crazy." -Dr. Linford
We trace his personal path to the stars. From discovering a simple constellation book as a third-grader under the pristine, dark skies of Gallup, all the way to his work tracking the ferocious currents of supermassive black holes. Ultimately, this episode is a moving, grounded reminder that the universe isn't just for academics; it proves that pure curiosity is the only credential you truly need to explore the cosmos. So pull up a camp chair, pour a drink for our Ritual, and join a conversation between friends that bridges the gap between the backyard stargazer and the frontiers of science. Connect with the Current:
Keywords: Radio Astronomy, VLBA, Very Large Array, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, NRAO, Supermassive Black Holes, Stargazing New Mexico, Space Exploration, Astrophotography, Astronomy Education, Science Communication | |||
| Introduction to Season Two: The Enchanted Frequency | 22 mai 2026 | 00:05:52 | |
Gather 'round the campfire, Navigators. Welcome back to the banks of the Star River! After a six-week winter thaw, the current is officially moving again. In this special Season 2 teaser, I detail my recent 2,000-mile expedition into the stark, whisper-quiet high desert of New Mexico in search of the Enchanted Frequency. From chasing the ghostly glow of the Zodiacal light under heavy, pristine dark skies to standing among the massive dishes of the world’s most iconic observatory, Season 2 is a deep dive into how we connect with the universe when the lights go out. Inside this episode:
The hotline is officially open! Share your backyard stargazing rituals, ask a burning cosmic question, or tell us what the sky looks like from your campsite. Call 855-DEEP-SKY (855-333-7759) to have your voice become part of the River. 🌌 Claim Your Limited-Edition Mission Sticker!To celebrate The Enchanted Frequency mini-series, the first 25 fellow Navigators to step up and support the show will receive a high-quality, weather-resistant Enchanted Frequency mission sticker mailed straight to their house with a handwritten note from me, the Astropotamus.
By joining the crew, you’ll also unlock access to our private Discord channels, where I will be dropping my raw New Mexico astrophotography files, audio, pictures, drone videos, and more over the coming weeks. So mark your calendars for Tuesday morning, Navigators. Check your gear, warm up the dew heaters, and get that drink ready for our Ritual, because we're headed into some of the darkest skies, and one of the most radio-quiet areas in America: New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment. Until the next bend in the River... clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark! | |||
| The New Mexico Mission: Returning Home | 25 avr. 2026 | 00:04:30 | |
In this final "transition" episode, Eric (The Astropotamus) packs his bags and heads home from the Land of Enchantment. Returning with dozens of hours of audio from the deep heart of the Southwest, he pauses to reflect on the voices recorded, the connections made, and the shared Rituals that anchored this mission. "I am a time traveler, and I'm leaving New Mexico not the same person who arrived." Coming soon to the Star River:
Whether you are a backyard imager, a professional radio astronomer, or a dreamer following the drums, join Eric as he re-joins his "normal" life after a transformational experience on the Star River. Episodes resume once this massive amount of audio has been edited into the stories they deserve. There are a few surprises along the way as well, some of which are simply *amazing*. Please join us in the River for these episodes; you won't want to miss them! Connect with the Current:
Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark! Topics & Keywords: Astronomy, VLA, Very Large Array, New Mexico, Astrophotography, Science Communication, Indigenous Astronomy, Gathering of Nations, Radio Astronomy, Finger Lakes Wine, Space Philosophy. | |||
| The New Mexico Mission: Standing in the Middle of Silence and the Darkness of the Skies | 18 avr. 2026 | 00:10:37 | |
In this special "transition" episode, Eric (The Astropotamus) packs his bags and heads for the Land of Enchantment. Before diving into interviews with the scientists of the Southwest, he pauses to bridge the gap between two worlds: the green, frost-nipped vineyards of Upstate New York and the red, silent dust of the Plains of San Agustin. "I am a time traveler. By the time you hear my voice, I’m already standing in the high desert of New Mexico."In this journey down the River, we explore:
Whether you are a backyard imager or a dreamer following the drums, join Eric as he re-introduces himself to the stars. Connect with the Current:
Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark! Topics & Keywords: Astronomy, VLA, Very Large Array, New Mexico, Astrophotography, Science Communication, Indigenous Astronomy, Gathering of Nations, Radio Astronomy, Finger Lakes Wine, Space Philosophy. | |||
| From Flashing the ISS to Building a Legacy: A Conversation with Robert Lozano | 14 avr. 2026 | 01:15:58 | |
Ever wondered how a karaoke machine can help you communicate with the International Space Station? Listen to this amazing story and find out! In this expansive interview, I wade into the Star River with prolific astrophotographer and observatory operator Robert Lozano. We navigate a journey that spans decades - from Robert's childhood in San Antonio to his current role as a pioneer of remote deep-sky imaging. The conversation begins with an "astronomical first": the 2012 ISS Flash Project. Robert shares the behind-the-scenes chaos and triumph of coordinating with astronaut Don Pettit to signal the International Space Station from Earth using searchlights, lasers, and a daughter's karaoke machine as a makeshift mission control. "I just think we've been given the opportunity... with podcasts and with the internet and everything that's going on now to be able to be ambassadors for the next generation of astronomers. And I think we have an obligation to do it too. I really do."As the current shifts, we move from the spectacle of the sky to the "Technician's" rigors of the ground. Robert provides a candid, "all the zeros" look at what it takes to build a remote observatory in the harsh West Texas environment. We discuss the engineering of the new SkyShed Pod-S, the heartbreak of early technical mistakes (like 15-foot piers on clay soil), and the leap of faith required to leave high-end gear at the mercy of the elements while controlling it from hundreds of miles away. Finally, we explore the heart of the hobby: The Legacy. Inspired by his meteorologist father, Robert views astrophotography not just as a technical pursuit, but as a form of art and a tool for outreach. This is a story for anyone who has ever felt the spark of seeing Saturn for the first time and wondered how to share that light with the rest of the world. In this episode, we navigate:
What was your "Super Bowl Eve" moment in astronomy? Call the DEEP-SKY Hotline (855-333-7759) to share your build stories or ask Robert a question. Connect with the Current:
Topics and Keywords: astrophotography, ISS Flash Project, remote observatory, SkyShed Pod-S, Total Solar Eclipse, deep-sky imaging, citizen science, and astronomy outreach. | |||
| The New Mexico Mission: Exploring the Silence of the Cosmos and the Darkness of the Skies | 11 avr. 2026 | 00:02:50 | |
The Astropotamus is heading to the Land of Enchantment. By the time you hear this, I'll already be in the current - traveling from the vineyards of New York to the high desert of New Mexico. This mission isn't just about dark skies; it’s about the Plains of San Agustin, where radio waves from the distant Cosmos hit sensitive receivers planted across the ancient lakebed like weird, steel sunflowers. This short briefing previews an expedition that spans the heavy-industry science of the Very Large Array (VLA), the delicate "skin" of the Long Wavelength Array (LWA), and the human connection to the stars at the University of New Mexico Observatory. Join the Mission
I have a series of deep-dive interviews and "Sound of the Void" field recordings planned for the coming weeks. Subscribe and follow the current - we're just getting started. Clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark. | |||
| The Dark Sky Defender: From Fighter Jets to the Space Shuttle Program with Mike Weasner | 07 avr. 2026 | 01:07:39 | |
What does it feel like to fly a jet fighter at Mach 1 and realize your wingman is silhouetted against the brilliant, unpolluted glow of the Milky Way? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Weasner, a man whose life has been a high-velocity voyage through the cosmos. From his early days as an astrophysicist to his time managing the Air Force Space Shuttle program, Mike has spent decades navigating what lies above. He shares the staggering perspective of looking down at the world from 35,000 feet—and the even more profound experience of looking up from the quiet dome of his own Cassiopeia Observatory. In this episode, we navigate:
Whether you are an experienced astrophotographer or a casual stargazer, this conversation bridges the gap between the adrenaline of flight and the serenity of the stars. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords: International Dark Sky Week 2026, Mike Weasner, Dark Sky Defender, Light Pollution, Space Shuttle Program, Air Force, Fighter Pilot, Cassiopeia Observatory, Arizona Dark Skies, Astrophotography, NASA History, Night Sky Preservation, Astronomy Education, Supersonic Flight. | |||
| The Human Firewall: Open Source Firmware and the Fight Against Digital Predators with Josh at WLTechBlog | 31 mars 2026 | 01:01:57 | |
Is our technology a bridge to the stars, or a back door into our private lives? On this journey down the Star River, the current has led me to Josh at WLTechBlog - a digital nomad, technologist, and security expert who navigates the invisible currents of our online world. We dive into the "code" of modern living, from the ethics of closed-source security cameras (and superior open-source firmware like Thingino) to the reality of life as a digital nomad. But the conversation turns deeply personal as Josh shares a cautionary tale about elder financial scams - a stark reminder that in our high-tech age, the most dangerous "bugs" are often found in human psychology. In this episode, we navigate:
Whether you're a firmware tinkerer or just someone trying to keep your loved ones safe in a connected world, Josh’s story is a vital map for the modern age. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords: Online Security, Thingino, IP Cameras, Digital Nomad, Open Source Software, Elder Fraud Prevention, Financial Scams, Cybersecurity, Tech Ethics, Remote Work, Privacy, IoT Security, Digital Sovereignty. | |||
| The Five Messengers: Black Holes, Gravitational Waves, and Multi-Messenger Astronomy with Dr. Saavik Ford | 24 mars 2026 | 01:16:48 | |
How do we listen to the five - and only five - messengers of the universe? Join astrophysicist Dr. Saavik Ford as we explore the high-energy heart of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and the shift into the Multi-Messenger era, all starting with a ritual glass of Nero di Troia. In this expansive conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Ford, a professor at CUNY and a researcher at the American Museum of Natural History, for a journey that meanders from the subways of New York to the edge of the observable universe. In this episode, we navigate:
Whether you're counting photons from a quasar 14 billion light-years away or mentoring a freshman in a NYC classroom, we are all part of the same current. Saavik's story proves that science is not just data - it is a creative, collaborative act of wonder. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords: Multi-Messenger Astronomy, Gravitational Waves, Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), Black Holes, Dr. Saavik Ford, AMNH, CUNY, Astrocom NYC, Science Communication, Python for Astronomy, Quasars, Nero di Troia, Wine and Science, STEM Diversity, Astrophysics, American Museum of Natural History. | |||
| Pro Astrophotography Results from Your Backyard: The Greg Yancey Method | 17 mars 2026 | 01:07:02 | |
Sometimes, the best way to travel through time is to sit still under the stars. In this episode, I wade into the current with fellow traveler Greg Yancey for a masterclass in the backyard workflow. An award-winning astrophotographer, Greg takes us through his transition from a permanent observatory dome to a high-performance mobile APO setup. We discuss how the act of capturing light - which has traveled for thousands of years only to be obscured by the glow of our modern world - serves as a way to clear the mind and truly connect with the night. In this episode, we navigate:
Whether you're just starting with a DSLR or you're managing a remote observatory, Greg’s perspective on balancing high-level tech with a sense of wonder is a must-listen. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords: Astrophotography, Mono Imaging, Narrowband Filters, ZWO, Askar Telescopes, Horsehead Nebula, Question Mark Nebula, Backyard Astronomy, Deep Sky Imaging, APO Refractor, Light Pollution, Astro Workflow, Image Processing, Space Photography, Greg Yancey. | |||
| The Sound of the Void: Synthesizers and Sonification of the Cosmos with Thomas Loupe | 10 mars 2026 | 01:12:19 | |
On this journey down the Star River, I’m joined by Thomas Loupe, a creator who navigates the precise intersection of engineering, filmmaking, and music. Known for his atmospheric electronic project First Sun and his sound design on Natural Selection II, Thomas has spent years "translating" the universe into frequencies we can actually feel. We dive deep into his Return Void project and the philosophy of making the vast, silent cosmos accessible to everyone. As fellow travelers and musicians, we explore the "code" of creativity; comparing the mathematical oscillators of a synthesizer to the complex data processing of an astrophoto. In this episode, we explore:
Whether you’re a gear-head, a gamer, or a stargazer, this conversation proves that the universe doesn't just look like something—it sounds like something, too. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords:Sonification, Space Music, Synthesizers, Thomas Loupe, Return Void, First Sun, Natural Selection II, Sound Design, Astronomy Art, Audio Engineering, Astrophotography Processing, Electronic Music, Space Sounds, Ambient Music. | |||
| The Astroholic: Invisible Rainbows & Queer Visibility in STEM with Dr. Alfredo Carpineti | 03 mars 2026 | 01:11:36 | |
Do our best ideas truly come from the pub? Dr. Alfredo Carpineti - astrophysicist, IFLScience writer, and chair of Pride in STEM - certainly thinks so. Alfredo bridges the lab and the lounge to find the "invisible rainbows" that connect us all to the cosmos. In this journey down the River, we explore the "Astroholic" spirit: the belief that if the universe can forge complex spirits in interstellar clouds, we can certainly uncover its secrets over a shared glass. In this episode, we navigate:
Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a wine lover, or a seeker of a more soulful connection to the infinite, this conversation will change the way you look at the night sky. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords: Spectroscopy, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Pride in STEM, LGBTQ+ in Science, IFLScience, Alfredo Carpineti, Science Communication, Astroholic, Astrophysics, Mixology, Queer Visibility, STEM Diversity, Space History, Invisible Light. | |||
| The Egg Hunter: Artemis Missions & Fighting Science Misinformation with Katja Lindblom | 24 févr. 2026 | 01:07:40 | |
In this first journey down the Star River, I’m joined by Swedish astronomer and artist Katja Lindblom. We aren't just here to talk about data; we’re here to map the currents of our own histories. We trace Katja's flow from her days as the "Angry Astronomer" - standing on the front lines against astronomical misinformation - to her true calling as an "Egg Hunter." Together, we look at how the River of Time is fed by the small tributaries of our past: how a father's books become a lifelong compass, and how even a "crappy" childhood telescope can serve as an anchor in the rushing current of the universe. 00:02:53 - The Ritual: Sharing a Drink 00:10:43 - Why Are You an Overworked, Angry Astronomer? 00:26:10 - The Egg Astronomer: Hunting the Cosmic Egg 00:37:00 - Connection to Father Through Astronomy 00:46:05 - Art and Science: Drawing Inspiration from Astronomy 00:52:02 - Impact of Location on Astronomy: Gothenburg, Sweden 01:00:10 - Connection Through Time: Ancient Observers and Modern Astronomers 01:04:13 - Final Words: Keep Looking Up In this episode, we dive into:
Whether you're fighting for scientific truth or looking for your own place in the flow, Katja’s story is a reminder that the River is wide enough for us all. Connect with the Current:
Topics & Keywords: Artemis Program, NASA Moon Missions, Katja Lindblom, The Egg Hunter, Science Misinformation, Women in STEM, Swedish Astronomy, Astro-Art, Space Philosophy, The Astropotamus, Lunar Exploration, Citizen Science. | |||
| The Star River - Trailer | 18 févr. 2026 | 00:01:03 | |
Welcome to the Star River. We are all travelers on a single current - a River of Space and Time flowing from the hearts of ancient suns into the distant future. The Star River is an exploration of that profound connection, bridging the gap between the technical and the transcendent experiences of the night sky. In this trailer, host Eric Loyd (the Astropotamus) introduces the mission of the show: to examine how we are inextricably linked to the cosmos through conversations with scientists, artists, explorers, stargazers, and average people who look up. Join the journey:
So raise a glass, and let’s see where the River takes us. | |||