The Art of Being a Mutt

Oct 18 2023

The Art of Being a Mutt Podcast artwork

When your interests span from many to more, it seems natural to dive in head-first to whatever the moment calls for. I like interesting things, some of you like interesting things too. We'll try that: discussing interesting things. History, psychology, mythology, arts, science, music, mental and physical health, literature, and more. Hosted by Philip Cottingham, writer, musician, learner of unlearnt things.

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Good Intentions in "The Headstrong Historian"

Oct 18 2023 10 mins

This is the second (of two short episodes) I did for a project. This one covers Chimamanda Adichie's short story "The Headstrong Historian". It's a story that spans generations and covers the loss of tradition, culture, and family. It does, however, point us back to what it means to rediscover the power of our history and our roots. Support the show

The Magic in "The Shawl"

Oct 18 2023 13 mins

This is one (of two short episodes) that I did for a project covering Cynthia Ozick's ghostly novella "The Shawl". The first ten pages of the novella were written as a short story and I cover mainly that. If you're into literature this will interest you.Support the show

Star Stowe

Jul 03 2023 26 mins

In 1997 my friends stumbled upon a murdered woman. Her name was Star. Star was a Playboy model and was deemed Playmate of the Month in 1977. You can read about her online, I recommend Stella Rose Hendrix's videos which are partly uplifting and detailed---while what you'll listen to here exists mainly as a black star in my memory. Not to be melodramatic or anything... It&a

Fredrick Douglass and Beyond

May 10 2023 23 mins

In this episode, I read a short essay I did about Fredrick Douglass and his critique of "holidays" in the times of slavery. I attempt to draw a correlation between the use of these holidays then and now. Douglass saw them as release valves for acts of insurrection, and one could argue that this idea sustains still today. Music: "The Crave" by Jelly Roll Morton a

Trickster

Dec 25 2022 22 mins

It's been a while since my last episode due to being overly busy (in a good way). In this short episode, I delve into the Trickster character. Trickster is the boundary crosser, the creator of boundaries, and in many cultures, Trickster is the creator of the world. This subject is indeed interesting but its history is vast. I reference Joseph Campbell's work and Lewis Hyd

Anthony D'Onofrio (Founding Member of Ethereum)

Jul 12 2022 88 mins

I reached out to Anthony because I had heard about his successes in the tech world since leaving the town we both went to Highschool in. In our chat, he articulates how Bitcoin functions and explains how Ethereum, both a cryptocurrency and blockchain platform, functions differently. Naturally, we divert into a number of other worldly matters such as dealing free hugs (that Hug Life

The Death and Resurrection Show

Jun 03 2022 30 mins

A book you can't find in the library, at any store, or even buy online--and yet I was able to come across a copy so I'm translating some of it to you. The Death and Ressurection Show walks us through the history of how show business has direct correlations to old-time shamanism. Show business isn't quite the same but it still harnesses the same healing powers that ha

Robert Bly’s Sibling Society

Mar 08 2022 38 mins

In this episode I discuss some ideas that make up Robert Bly’s book The Sibling Society. What does he mean by the title? What does it mean to become an elder? What about responsibility and prolonged adolescence? How about our desires to be famous? I cover some of these topics while pointing to the person next me as if it wasn’t I who smelt it and dealt it. Thanks for listening.

To Fill Our Soul's Belly

Feb 06 2022 40 mins

Why is mythology so appealing? What does it do to us and for us? I'm still working with it and learning along the way. It can be difficult to navigate and articulate certain topics and ideas, let alone persuade people to see the utility in them if you can't give examples of their practicality. I attempt to in this episode, amongst the babble. When we move into the realm o

Wrapping Up Another Year

Dec 31 2021 19 mins

In this episode, I decided to read a short piece, mention significant experiences that unfolded this year, and share a new tune I made. I keep it short but heavy. I hope we all approach the new year with clarity and gratitude, with aims to make it soulful. I'll be reaching out to more guests soon, so don't fret. It's nice to balance the show between having interestin