The Art of Being a Mutt

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

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

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's a brief recollection.  Support the show

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 and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" by James BrownSupport the show

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 Hyde's book Trickster Makes This World, both of which I recommend to you if you enjoy this introduction. Git in and thanks for listening.Support the show

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.Tune: Just Dropped In, by Mickey Newbury https://youtu.be/qSJGnTWFGH4Support the show

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 of the personal or the subjective, articulation can leave us wanting more clarity, and when our words become exhausted, perhaps we can confront the idea of the "transcendent." Feel free to use that last sentence to exit unwanted conversations. (Side note, my website will be down for awhile.)tune: “going under” by Jonny Craig. Support the show

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), we talk about misspent taxes and trying to be a good person, and we end up on psychedelic therapy. I think you'll enjoy the chat.  leave a review and subscribeSupport the show

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 have been around for millennia. It's a fascinating history that Taylor takes us down and I keep it short and try to feed you the meat n potatoes of the ideas I take from it. I will undoubtedly re-read it. Tunes: When I Get Low I Get High by Chick Webb -&- I know  by Maiah Mansersubscribe and leave a reviewSupport the show

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 interesting discussions with people while maintaining the freedom to share creative endeavors with you. Cheers to what's to come.    Words-N-Stories (philipcottingham.com)Support the show

A Sumerian goddess named Inanna was likely the inspiration for the legion of goddesses that came after her. In this episode, I cover some history of Inanna and mention a few reasons why mythology fascinates me. Come on down to Nanna Town. The opening is an excerpt from Alan Moore and J.H. Williams III's story, Promethea.Tune: The Healer by Erykah BaduPodcast Playlistphilipcottingham.comSupport the show

In this episode, I discuss my last book, Michael's Mind. I've found myself returning to the ideas as of late with new perspectives, more appreciation, and overall some fresh takes on it. I spend a few short minutes discussing some of the ideas and hash out the main plot with aims to entice you to check it out. If anything, I had fun talking about it, and maybe you'll take something away from the episode.  Order Books – Words-N-Stories (philipcottingham.com)Tune: Mozez-So Still - YouTubeSupport the show

In this episode, Alissa shares with me information worth knowing. She received her BA in ecology and biodiversity and is currently pursuing her Master's Degree. She's tasted the fruits of her labor working on a farm in Pescadero, California,  and has spent time in the National Parks Conservancy educating the public and aiding in land restoration. We chat about her experiences, what she's learned, and how might we apply this knowledge to our lives. We also talk about fire and its benefits to the land, however difficult this might be to imagine right now due to its rampage in the western U.S.Words-N-Stories (philipcottingham.com)Tune: https://youtu.be/ajYtfQt4GqkSupport the show

You yell at me, I yell at you, and BAM. Nothing else happens and things don't get any better. Maybe we could communicate better with one another.http://philipcottingham.com/Philip M Cottingham (@philmcott) • Instagram photos and videosTune: Maggot Brain by FunkadelicSupport the show

I have the plague.  Or COVID. It's been a week and a day so I chat some, play some music, tell you all about books and movies I've been reading and watching, such as POOKA!, Sex, Drugs & Magick, Sand Talk, etc. I also recommend my favorite podcasts. Turn on, tune in, drop trow.http://philipcottingham.com/Philip M Cottingham (@philmcott) • Instagram photos and videosSupport the show

This episode is with my soon-to-be 84-year-old grandma. She talks about the old days (of course.)  From hoedowns to canning vegetables, our family musical roots, family genealogy, racial prejudices, interesting murder stories, and her religious experiences. Thanks for listening.               - Philbo Bagginshttp://philipcottingham.com/song: Keep it Between the Lines by Sturg SimpsonSupport the show

Justin Booth, The Outlaw Poet, is the author of multiple books and story collections. We chat about his life in prison to roaming the streets of Little Rock, and how his love of poetry saved him, subsequently transforming him into the Luckiest Man.  We also talk about literature,  how "great sex in a soft bed" can challenge art, and more. follow him: Justin Booth | FacebookJustin Booth (@outlawpoet1)Find his books online, anywhere.Words-N-Stories (philipcottingham.com)Philip M Cottingham (@philmcott) Support the show

In this episode I chat with Adam Hogg who is a man of many trades. He has an impeccable memory for counting cards, sleight of hand tricks, juggling, illusions,  and mathematics. People Person is the board game he created.  He's done standup comedy. He surprises us and drops the truth on the Clifford the Big Red Dog conspiracy you didn't know you didn't know. I play us in with a brand new tune from his band Adam VS. Collin. Enjoy our discussion. Follow Adam: Adam Hogg (@hoggao) • Instagram photos and videosTikTok: .adamhoggPeople Person Game Promo vid Words-N-Stories (philipcottingham.com)Philip M Cottingham (@philmcott)The Arkansas 'thing'Follow or subscribe somewhere to keep up with future content or check the archive.Support the show

Ever get those plane ticket "deals"? Imagine Buzz Aldrin getting his revenge on what's his name. This episode is short & sweet, perhaps the first of other episodes like it to come. #freethetitty #letbillrelax #satansdiapers  Support the show

My buddy Zach returns to chat about ingroup/outgroup with me. This wasn't a planned discussion but it floated to the top and we built something out of it. We navigate the topic with a lightheartedness--a reminder that in this complexity of our human experience we're all in it together, this thing called Life. Thanks to Zach for sharing the space to learn and hope you all enjoy the chat. Zach Williams (@rang0tang0) Philip M Cottingham (@philmcott) Words-N-Stories (philipcottingham.com)podcast playlisttunes: TOOL - Pneuma (Audio) - YouTubeSupport the show