Podcast
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah
A gleaner's garland, abraxas bop.
With hallucinatory monologues, unreliable narratives, the laziest of journalistic inclinations, and occasional Artisanal Flarf™, host Scott Pinkmountain attempts to excavate the unconscious, tunneling through the superfund-grade dirt beneath the abandoned strip mall built upon the sacred burial ground, with nothing but his bare hands and a fading expectorant-green glowstick bracelet (stolen from his daughter's bedside) clutched between his teeth.
Each episode stands alone unless otherwise noted. (Episodes 1 and 7 are recommended starters)
Legal Disclaimer:
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is a eulogy for the hyacinth rainbow. The throttlebottom doo-dah at the flicker-flame's trial. Cattywampus yawp, ninnyhammer's neigh. Elegiac dirge of the Anthropocene's twilight, echoing through Shadow Gulch. Canceled event horizon. Extinction boogaloo, debacle bacchanal, hot mess hecatomb. The jitter-glitch shuffle fiasco at the last-gasp hosanna potluck. Warble.
- Comedy Fiction chart
- #47
- Episodes
- 24
- Releases
- Monthly
- Typical length
- 48 min
- On air since
- 2024
- Latest episode
- 3 weeks ago
Episodes
24 episodes, newest first
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27 min
Presenting: Fearful Symmetry
Show notes
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is currently on break between seasons. We will be back in a couple months, but in the meantime, we'll be sharing some of our favorite shows with you. This month, it's Fearful Symmetry by Bob Paris.
Fearful Symmetry is a very close cousin to Higgenbaum's Mitzvah. It's a safe bet that if you like what we do here, you're going to like Fearful Symmetry as well. Nick van der Kolk of Love and Radio – who's a big fan – calls it, "A mix of surreal monologues, conversations, and ephemera." Sound familiar?
The episode we're presenting is the first episode of season 2. The entire season is dedicated to exploring one story. It's an extremely rewarding listen. The less known about what you're about to hear, the better, but the episode is titled, "The Hatchet Man Cometh."
You can find out more about Fearful Symmetry at https://www.fearfulsymmetry.org
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at https://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum
On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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56 min
Presenting: The Truth
Show notes
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is currently on break between seasons. In the meantime, we'll be sharing some of our favorite shows with you. This month, it's The Truth, by Jonathan Mitchell. The Truth is an award-winning dramatic fiction podcast that makes "movies for your ears." The episode you'll be hearing is called, "The Completist."
I prefer to go into episodes of The Truth without knowing too much, and I'm going to encourage you to do the same. This one is a wild ride.
Stick around after the episode for an interview with Jonathan Mitchell where he shares some insight into his background and his process. I have learned so much from Jonathan over the years, and I trust you will too.
You can find out more about the The Truth at http://www.thetruthpodcast.com
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at https://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum
On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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1 hr 11 min
The Jimmy Buffett Follow-Up Episode
Season 2, Episode 20
Show notes
A few months back, I made a documentary about Jimmy Buffett (Ep 17). There was some stuff that happened in the wake of that episode that I wanted to tell you about. This is that.
You don't have to have listened to episode 17 before you listen to this. There might be a couple small spoilers, but this is effectively a stand-alone episode. Though if you're interested in learning the true story of the Trop-Rock bard, you'll definitely want to check out that show.
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at http://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum
On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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38 min
Indiana's #1 Yoga Show!
Season 2, Episode 19
Show notes
Thanks for joining us, here at Higgenbaum's Yoga Clearinghouse, for your premium yoga experience. Whether you've come for physical, mental, spiritual or congruent plasmatic dimensional health, we've got you covered. Just put your trust our army of rigorously trained yogis and we'll take care of the rest.
*Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is not responsible for any injuries (psychic, moral or otherwise) incurred during the consumption of their Yogatic(TM) products. Anything bad that happens to you is because you deserved it from actions perpetrated in a previous or future life. All responsibility belongs to other parties. Except for good stuff, which is solely the property of Higgenbaum's Mitzvah PLC, registered in Turduckistan.
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Music by:
Brian Eno – Music for Airports
Merzbow – Yellow Hyper Balls
Vinyasa Boombatz performed by Donnie Lightning
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at http://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum
On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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58 min
Friend Indeed
Season 2, Episode 18
Show notes
When the going gets tough, it's important to seek love and support from your greater community of sympathetic friends and family. If the going is going to get much tougher than this, shelter in place.
And yes, I call a simile a metaphor in this episode. I blame the writer.
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Special thanks to Levi Fuller of Passenger Pigeon
Music by:
Yo La Tengo – Everyday
Yo La Tengo – Sea Urchins
Can – Fizz (Live)
Can – Paris 73 Zwei
Yo La Tengo – The Sea Horse
Passenger Pigeon – Fucking Do Something
Passenger Pigeon – At the Funeral, Someone Handed Me a Box
Grateful Dead - New Speedway Boogie
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at http://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum
On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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1 hr 38 min
Odd Ducks Aud Docs Presents: Jimmy Buffett
Season 2, Episode 17
Show notes
Odd Ducks Aud Docs Presents the Official Unofficial Audio Biography of Jimmy Buffett. We are proud to bring you this explosive, documentary story of the shocking, untold secret life of one the 20th centuries most beloved songsters.
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Cast in order of Appearance:
Blart Hogglestench – Himself
Wilber Wilber – Emmanuel Atalaphe
Translator – Kelly Herbinson
Pingu Ballrash – Himself
Fezzle Freeley – Sam Amidon
Mama Buffett – Patrice Zappa Porter
Warren Buffett – Bob Marsh
Dr. Bran Elt – Lesna Smada
Countess Tippie Whippleworth – Katie Schmid
Lunch Albert – George Chen
Mervyn Worble – Gene Baker
Brett Dennen – Himself
Jordon Jardin – Himself
El Noche – Himself
Music by Gene Baker
Original Buffett Song:
Ben Lee – harmonica
Steve Hogan – keyboards
John Nuhn – bass
Scott Pinkmountain – drums, guitar, voice
Michael Zapruder – good guitar
Additional Music:
The Elephant Never Forgets – Jean-Jeaques Perrey
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Marcus Johnson
This Christmas – Don Diego
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum
On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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32 min
Bonus Episode - A Conversation on Nonviolence with Blase Bonpane, III Bonus
Season 2
Show notes
In this bonus episode, I have a conversation with nonviolence expert (and longtime friend), Blase Martin Bonpane, III, about his reaction to something from episode 16, TV Guide. I had a few anti-ICE spots in there, one of which raised concerns from Blase when he heard it. I thought I'd take the opportunity to give broader voice to Blase's thoughts and share them with you all here.
Please note, this is not a regular episode of the show – it's supplemental material. If you're looking for a dose of the "standard" material, please look elsewhere! If you are interested in hearing the conversation, but haven't listened to Episode 16, TV Guide yet, no fears. There's no real spoilers and I play the part we talk about, so you can dive in here without any preparation.
Here's a link to the video that Blase and I discuss.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CURm-PBBAzM
Video by Jacopo Andreini
Voiceover by Beth Lisick
#nonviolence, #politicalcomedy
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48 min
TV Guide
Season 2, Episode 16
Show notes
Remember back when we all used to be woken at the exact same moment by nuclear synchronized neural strobe, unbuckle from our rejuvenation pods, remove our driplines and strap on our unigoggles to succumb to CHANNEL ONLY? I don't recall anyone complaining about lack of choice, but then again, those memories were likely erased in the #whiteout. But I do remember the pleasure of universal collective zany escapade rehashing that would occur during untethered time at the rehydrating zone. Ah, those where the chronometric sub-units!
While the violent atomization of society has been exacerbated by the overwhelming proliferation of commercial manipulation falsely equivalated with free choice, at least it's diverting!
Today's episode is here to help guide you through a single hour of television viewing options. This episode is especially made for listeners who either like or don't like TV.
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Additional Voice – Beth Lisick
Additional Music:
Dramatic Epic Background – Dmitry Taras
Bright Inspiration and Calm Corporate – AleXZavesa
Be Child – Steve Kaldes
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.comFollow along on Instagram @higgenbaumOn Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
#television #tvguide #tv #channelsurfing #tvcritic #tvcritique #interdimensionalcable #tvchannels #tvhumor #fuckice #anitice #noice #meltice #mustseetv
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49 min
1100
Season 2, Episode 15
Show notes
Have you ever encountered a challenge so vast and convoluted that you had to take multiple runs at it over the span of many years? If so, you may relate to the cautionary tale contained herein. If not, well, bonnie for you! Perhaps there's some value here for if and when you do encounter your own personal Everest.
Today's episode is an audio journal of my attempt to read Thomas Pynchon's 1100-page metahistorical explosion of a novel, "Against the Day." Join me on this intimate journey of struggle, joy and self-discovery.
#ThomasPynchon #AgainstTheDay #Pynchon #ShadowTicket #OneBattleAfterAnother #ReadAlong #BigBooks #OleTommyPincher #EpicNovels #MetahistographicalNovels #Coattails #FameChasing #Drafting #TakingAdvantageOfAnothersNotoriety #DidIMentionThomasPynchon? #PaulThomasAnderson #Fiction #LiteraryFiction #LiterallyFiction #Higgenbaum #Reading #Paper #Words #Ink #PrintingPress #MartinLuther #HumanLanguage #1883WorldsFair #Dirigible #GravitysRainbow #1085Pages #DeepLiteraryAnalysis #StunningInsight #Juggling
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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57 min
The Dark Highway
Season 2, Episode 14
Show notes
We're doing something a little bit different this episode. I needed a break after completing that 3-part series, so we've arranged a feed swap with one of our all-time favorite shows and a major inspiration for Higgenbaum's Mitzvah – The Dark Highway. If you're unfamiliar with The Dark Highway, it's a late-night nationally syndicated AM radio broadcast that's been running since the late 1980s. It's got a kind of cult following among college students, long haul truckers, shut-ins and speed freaks. It's best experienced on a long, solo, cross-country night drive along a two-lane highway, but any sized highway will do.
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah is produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
The Groan Bag by Levi Fuller
Caller 2 – Kirra Rector
Caller 1 – Skylar Fordahl
Never Let Me Go – Bill Evans
Angel Face – Bill Evans and Jim Hall
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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1 hr 6 min
Being Less Content, Part 3 - The Clear Sky Method
Season 2, Episode 13
Show notes
This episode is the third and final part of a serialized story. If you start here, it won't make much sense.
Join me along with my cohort – Lex Looser, Lariat Oxnard, K-Slax, Snozz Shagwong and Louderman – in device addiction recovery at the Mojave Wellness Clinic under the watchful eye of Antonioni Blanderziltch and the caring support of Rutledge Smoothitem. Names have of course been changed to protect people's privacy.
Credits:
Produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at http://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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1 hr 7 min
Being Less Content, Part 2 - The Mojave Wellness Clinic
Season 2, Episode 12
Show notes
Welcome to the Mojave Wellness Clinic where you'll experience our patented Clear Sky method of treatment. You are in a safe environment under the guidance of trained, healthcare professionals. We fully believe in your ability to heal yourself with the resources and support we provide.
This is the second part of a serialized story. If you haven't heard part one, please go back and start there.
Credits:
Produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Roy Kettler – bass on Compound Tour
Barnum and Bailey's Favorite – The Circus World Gavioli
Candy Crush Saga
Applause – Berlin Atmospheres (start at "37")
Waves – Soaring Ideal Sound
Tense Movie Background – Music Sound Effect
Sandstorm – Darude
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Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social
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46 min
Being Less Content, Part 1 - My Problem
Season 2, Episode 11
Show notes
Are you having trouble sleeping lately? How would you rate your irritability? Does your phone's text notification sound trigger intermittent eye spasms? Does silence make you sweat?
Hi, my name is ______ and I have a problem. Several, actually.
Credits:
Produced, written, performed and scored by Scott Pinkmountain
Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at http://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com
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4 min
Season 2 Trailer! Trailer
Season 2
Show notes
Higgenbaum's Mitzvah will be back with Season 2 soon. In the meantime, here's a glimpse of things to come. Or, more accurately, things not coming.
Words and music produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
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52 min
Give, Hear, Now
Season 1, Episode 10
Show notes
I've finally broken down and accepted the fact that the only way forward with this project is to humbly ask you for your direct patronage. Kind of.
This episode is sponsored by Nikki Dinki's Pre-Crumpled Tissues, Classic and Danish Modern, sold in a stylish 3-pound sack in your choice of pigeon gray, end-of-days black and harrowing phlegm-yellow.
Credits:
Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Voices:
Tina Karisch – Deutschesprachedinge
Lindsay Beamish – just trying to help
Music:
Ellington, Mingus, Roach – Caravan
Myles Boisen Past - Present - Future – Everything I Have is Yours
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass – Spanish Flea
Hank Mobley – Dis Dis
Katherine Hoover – Winter Spirits for Solo Flute
J.J. Johnson – Minor Blues
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass – A Walk in the Black Forest
Chet Baker – Thank Heaven for Little Girls
Gino Robair – Cup #1 and Cup #2
Moon Boots – Hold Me Tight
John Coltrane – Crescent
David Bowie – Rock and Roll Suicide
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1 hr 7 min
Peckham & Fleece, Part 2 – Snade Days
Season 1, Episode 9
Show notes
Peckham & Fleece, Part 2 – Snade Days
I agreed to have lunch with the Vice President of Domestic Tele-visual from Peckham & Fleece after our somewhat asymmetrical exchange.
This is the second part of a two-part story. If you haven't heard the previous episode, I suggest starting there.
Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Original music by Themphthathee's Thweethearts
Gene V. Baker – keyboards
Scott Pinkmountain – bass, drums, guitar, saxophone
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40 min
Peckham & Fleece Part 1 - The Letter
Season 1, Episode 8
Show notes
Peckham & Fleece, Part 1 – The Letter
I recently received a letter from the Vice President of Domestic Tele-visual at one of the lead US ad firms, the contents of which I thought would make for an interesting episode.
Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Original music by Themphthathee's Thweethearts
Gene V. Baker – keyboards
Roy Kettler – bass
Scott Pinkmountain – drums, guitar
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45 min
Quintilletech
Season 1, Episode 7
Show notes
Hello, and thank you for calling Quintilletech, the industry leader in advanced product solutions. All of our agents are busy helping other customers, but one of our skilled service professionals will be with you in a moment. Please stay on the line and we'll be with as soon as humanly possible. Press "one," if you'd like to be helped sooner than humanly possible!
Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Introduction - Beth Lisick
"Music"
Various (with thanks to TooPeachy)
The Popcorn – MotownMan
Sound of Dolphin – Nature Sounds
Special thanks to Eli Crews
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26 min
Feldman & Squatch
Season 1, Episode 6
Show notes
48% experimental bedtime story, 39% wise, insightful mommy blog, 23% atonal manifesto, 16% accidental mouth sounds, 21% stalling while I try to think of synonyms for "Prussian," 100% subconscious advertisement for serotonin-flavored suppositories.
Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Dr. Baby
Gravlax Pepsico
Music by Cedric Poncé Quartet
Feldman & Squatch
Scott Pinkmountain
Music by Scott Rosenberg
"rerur"
Percussion: David Brandt, Garth Powell, Gino Robair, Moe Stiano
Trumpets: Liz Albee, David Bithell, Tom Dambly
Trombone: Toyoji Tomita, Ron Heglin, Tom Yoder
Woodwinds: Kyle Bruckmann, Sara Schoenbeck, Matt Ingalls, Brian Kane, John Ingle, Dan Plonsey, Randy McKean, Steve Adams, Dave Barrett, Alex Weiss, Justin Yang
Electronics: Tim Perkis
Guitar: John Shiurba
Conductor: Scott Rosenberg
Recorded by Dave Greenberg
Wellness Mama
Katie Schmid
Music by Jean-Jacques Perrey
"The Little Girl From Mars"
"Mood Indigo"
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45 min
This Is Your Captain Speaking
Season 1, Episode 5
Show notes
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Northeastern Airlines flight 671 from sunny Burbank to Boston's Logan airport – go Whalers. My name is Maxmillian Fist, and I'll be your voice in the sky for the duration of this journey.
Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain
Minna Abdel-Gawad - additional voice
Music
The Chill Zone, by Jeffrey Smith
Lament, by Movement in the City
Camel Walk, by Movement in the City
Black Teardrops, by Movement in the City
Cooley's/The Cup Of Tea/The Wise Maid, by The Tulla Céilí Band
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