The Art of Being a Mutt

Philip Cottingham
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ARTS

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.

  1. JUN 3

    William Blake (vs. the World)

    I read through the first chapter of John Higgs’ book William Blake vs. the World and give personal commentary. I delve into Blake’s ideas of his four types of vision, and also touch on his fascinating personal mythology. I learned a lot along the way and I hope you will too. Get Higgs’ book, it’s a stellar nonfiction book.  Support the show

    50 min

  2. FEB 12

    We Give It All Away

    Why do we continue to give our power away? I ramble about Solar Energy, or more simply, responsibility. I think here in America we have fallen short on this.  Support the show

    23 min

  3. 07/22/2024

    Podcasket

    America’s up against the ropes. We’re still in the underworld fighting each other instead of fighting our way out. Grab a shovel and seeds, grab some books and a drumset, find a pen and paper, and, oh, who here is a plumber?  Support the show

    47 min

  4. 10/18/2023

    Good Intentions in "The Headstrong Historian"

    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

    11 min

  5. 10/18/2023

    The Magic in "The Shawl"

    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

    13 min

  6. 07/04/2023

    Star Stowe

    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

    26 min

  7. 05/10/2023

    Fredrick Douglass and Beyond

    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 Brown Support the show

    23 min

  8. 12/25/2022

    Trickster

    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

    23 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Philip Cottingham
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Art of Being a Mutt
  • Show Website
    The Art of Being a Mutt