Podcast

Higgenbaum's Mitzvah

Comedy, Comedy Fiction, Fiction

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

  1. 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

    27 min
  2. 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

    56 min
  3. 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

    1 hr 11 min
  4. 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

    38 min
  5. 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

    58 min
  6. 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

    1 hr 38 min
  7. 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

    32 min
  8. 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

    48 min
  9. 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

    49 min
  10. 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

    57 min
  11. 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

    1 hr 6 min
  12. 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

    Join the Higgenbaum's Mitzvah mailing list at http://www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com

    Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social

    1 hr 7 min
  13. 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

    46 min
  14. 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

    4 min
  15. 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

    Follow us on Bluesky

    52 min
  16. 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

    Follow us on Bluesky

    1 hr 7 min
  17. 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

    Follow us on Bluesky

    40 min
  18. 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

    Follow us on Bluesky

    45 min
  19. 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"

    Follow us on Bluesky

    26 min
  20. 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

    Follow us on Bluesky

    45 min

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