6 Degrees of Cats

Felis catus - the “domestic house cat”. What does that label mean for the hundreds of millions of domesticated yet house-less cats - and how does the answer to this connect to both human and cat welfare? In this special episode, released during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’ll be joined by Community Cats Podcast host Stacy LeBaron, who will share success stories of the “mosaic of support” that benefits both humans and their feline family members. We’re grateful to also have two special guests from the Urban Resource Institute who shed light on the #1 cause of homelessness in New York City, and why cats are a part of the solution. And we’ll have a cameo from returning guest Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet’s hit series, My Cat From Hell and founder of The Jackson Galaxy Project, a program of The Greater Good Charities. If you or someone you know is healing from ongoing or past power-based interpersonal violence (IPV; domestic violence) you are not alone, there is never an excuse and you have resources - for U.S. listeners, thehotline.org has a clearinghouse of free, trauma-informed service providers. For international listeners, the No More Global Directory has region-specific hotlines at nomoredirectory.org. And if you’d like to get involved, visit righttobe.org for bystander intervention resources and more. Special thanks to Kristin DeFur of The Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Kyle of the TASC group for facilitating the URI interview. Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: Community CATalysts: Kosovans Caring for Their Animal SurvivorsBeyond Taylor Swift: Who Are Cat People?Our Feline Fictive Kin: Are Cats Full Fledged Family? [Season 2 Finale] About the experts: Urban Resource Institute’s People and Animals Living Safely (PALS)Urban Resource Institute (URI)Her JusticeAnti-Violence ProjectCommunity Cats Podcast The United Spay Alliance Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and new associate Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025 Logo design: Research used: https://www.americanhumane.org/public-education/understanding-the-link-between-animal-abuse-and-family-violence/

What’s really going on with fearful cats - and why should we rethink the label “scaredy cat”? Behavioral biologist Dr. Lee Niel shares expert insights on how to read cats’ signals and understand what they’re trying to tell us. Returning guest expert Dr. Kristyn Vitale explores the environments and conditions that can create so-called scaredy cats. Finally, meet arborist and emergency responder Duane Hook, who rescues cats stuck in trees and offers a unique perspective on feline fear, trust and resilience. Check out Cat in a Tree Emergency Rescue at catinatreerescue.com. Special thanks to Georgia Mason, Ph.D. of the University of Guelph. Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: 5 Ways to Say ”I Love Mew”: Using the 5 Love Languages…With Your Cat?Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot] About the experts: tiktok.com/@getmeowtaheregetmeowtahere.comMaueyes Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and new associate Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025 Logo design: Research used: https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/behavior/understanding-cats/are-cats-scared-of-thunder-fireworks

Who loves cats and cinema? On this episode, the crew of your favorite cat-themed culture, history and science podcast make our first foray into feline film studies! Join us for a 40 minute discussion on the roles cats have played onscreen - from overlooked props and stereotypes to scene-stealing stars who shape stories and symbolize mystery, power and resilience. Host Amanda “Captain Kitty” B. is joined by film critic Angelica Jade Bastién, 25 Cats from Qatar and Cat Daddies filmmaker Mye Hoang (with cinematographer Rob Bennett), and Girls and Their Cats video series creator Brianne Wills to unpack how filmmakers use the “five Cs of cinematography” to portray cats, the cultural tropes tying felines to witches and “mad women” and the rise of cat-pawsitive storytelling in both film and digital media. From Hollywood classics to international documentaries and everyday cat videos, we explore how these furry icons are reshaping the zeitgeist - and how we can celebrate and sustain this New Wave. Note: There is a brief mention of gender-based violence. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or intimate partner violence or assault, please connect with 1-800-656-HOPE (US) or visit domesticshelters.org for international resources. You are not alone, nobody deserves it and you have options. Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: Witches, Whiskers and Whisky: Re-introducing the Original Cat Lady of Halloween! [Season 2 Premiere]Cats vs Cupid: Why Cats are the Better Valentine’s Day MascotDid You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse FolkloreFelines & Fatherhood: Exploring Masculinity, Father’s Day, and the Unique Bond Between Men and Cats About the experts: You can subscribe to her newsletter, Madwomen & Muses on SubstackphotographerSubscribe to the Girls and Their Cats YouTube channelhere25catsfromqatar.comcatdaddiesmovie.comrawbennett.com Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and new associate Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025 Logo design: Research used: https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/business/media/31paper.html

Cats - stealthy, sneaky - and spooky! Hidden in plain sight. All the makings of…the purr-fect spy! Or so we think. Listen in on a fun, feline fact-filled episode about how, if, when and why cats have ever been associated with - or agents of - covert operations, intelligence gathering and all things espionage. Feline anatomy expert Gabriela Canales, D.V.M. will spotlight the special skills and attributes that may or may not have inspired espionage professionals in 14th Century Japan and during the Cold War. Listen in as we run this theory by Japan folklore expert and historian Zack Davisson and espionage historian Andrew Hammond, Ph.D. - and then decide if your cat is in cahoots with your Google Home and Amazon Alexa devices! Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 1: Research and Righting ReflexesCat Eyes: Make-up, Magic and Myopia with writer Zahra Hankir, Animal Communicator Alicia Halloran and Cat Ophthalmologist Steve Hanes About the experts: Yurei: The Japanese GhostShowa 1926-1939: A History of Japan”Japan: Lost Souls of Okinawa Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and new associate Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive", “Giver” © 2025 Logo design: Research used: https://ii.umich.edu/cjs/podcast/season-2--episode-5---vyjayanthi-selinger.htmlhttps://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8574870

Welcome back to 6 Degrees of Cats, the world’s #1 (& only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast! In this 40-ish minute odyssey of the mind, we head back to the Fertile Crescent with the help of Zahra Hankir, author of New York Times Book Review Editors pick, Eyeliner: A Cultural History, to explore why the aesthetics of the “cat eye” belie the deep symbolic and protective properties this design invokes - and how eyeliner connects us to our ancestors and cultures across the world! We then travel to other realms to see what else those mesmerizing, chatoyant eyes may be picking up - carbon monoxide? Mice in the walls? GHOSTS? - with clairvoyant animal communicator Alicia Halloran of Healing Habitat. Then, with the help of Dr. Steve Hanes of the Veterinary Eye Center of NYC, we train our gaze directly into the physical eyeballs of our feline friends to observe the biomechanics and optical oddities that might help explain at least some of that infamous creepy cat stare phenomena. (Why is there no X-File on this yet?) By the end of this episode, you’ll feel especially reverent of the extra-sensory vigilance our house guardians possess! Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: The Golden Age of Cats: The Medieval Middle East, Muezza and the Mark of Muhammad (or Mary)Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 1: Research and Righting ReflexesCuriosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 2: Exploring Science Fairs, Schrodinger’s Cat, and the Fascinating Concept of Cats as Liquids About the experts: aliciahalloran.comwww.zahrahankir.comhttps://www.vecnyc.com/doctors/steve-hanes Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and new associate Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025Pixabay.com Logo design: Research used: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a32446159/evil-eye-jewelry-history/

The time has come to settle the score – are cats cuter than babies? Join us for an evidence-informed artistic analysis of the aesthetics of cats and how and why we love to depict them in illustration, animation and graphic art. (And why cats are, indeed, cuter than babies.) In this fun, feline and fact-filled episode, listen in on how and why cats became the muses for one illustrator of grumpy cats - Natalia Garcez - and a source of inspiration for hundreds of thousands of families across the world. Joining Natalia is digital artist and YouTube star Ergojosh who breaks down the “cat face theory” circulating on TikTok and why Disney and Pixar’s production teams may favor cat facial anatomy for cute inspiration. And join host Captain Kitty (a.k.a. Amanda B.) as she leverages her Cat Oracle Deck for artistic, intellectual and even spiritual guidance with the help of Catnip Magazine’s Anja Charbonneau. Special thanks to Broccoli Magazine for providing the team a Cat Oracle Deck. Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out this supplementary episode: Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot] About the experts: https://broccolimag.com illustrator of grumpy catshttps://www.nataliagarcez.comYouTubeergojosh.com Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky, Snuggles and Peanut Additional voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025Pixabay.com Logo design: Research used: https://theconversation.com/how-cute-things-hijack-our-brains-and-drive-behaviour-61942 Psychology Today.

In part two of this sleep and dream series in "6 Degrees of Cats," your favorite cat-themed history, culture, and science, let’s find out what your dreams (and your cat’s) mean…if anything! Returning to the podcast are Jungian analyst Mary Bowen, the senior most Pilates practitioner to have studied under Joseph Pilates who explains Jung’s deepest mission for us in the unconscious and relates it to her own journey. We’ll also excavate the profound collective consciousness of The Dreamspace with The Nap Ministry founder and Bishop Tricia Hersey, M.Div of NY Times bestseller “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto” (Little, Brown Spark) whose follow up, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape” (Hatchette), helps us navigate a path to true liberation and connection to self and others. And cats, of course. After this episode, take note of your dreams and discuss them with your cat. Or with your fellow 6 Degrees of Cats listeners on The Captain’s Log! Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: About the experts: Rest is Resistance: A ManifestoWe Will Rest! The Art of Escape Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and associate producer Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025 Logo design: Research used: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_your_brain_needs_to_dream

We are excited to kick off Season 3 of "6 Degrees of Cats," your favorite cat-themed history, culture, and science through part one of a two-part series on CATNAPS! Meet Mary Bowen, the senior Pilates practitioner to have studied under Joseph Pilates who explains how and why cats are the ultimate pilates instructors and learn about the history of this art of holistic movement. The Nap Ministry founder and Bishop Tricia Hersey, M.Div of NY Times bestseller “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto” (Little, Brown Spark) and “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape” (Hatchette), helps us further appreciate the deep divine teachings of cats and their nap genius. So cozy up next to your nearest snoozing furfriend to celebrate the launch of season three with part one of this restorative, revolutionary two-part series inspired by the expert nappers in our homes - our cats! Special thanks to Dianne Scotece of Muscle Inspires New Empowerment, a 401(c)3 program helping survivors of intimate partner violence heal through power lifting and more. Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats for as little as $1 / month for stickers, early access to new episodes and behind the scenes audio. View the show notes and more on The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And check out these supplementary episodes: Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot]Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 1: Research and Righting ReflexesCuriosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 2: Exploring Science Fairs, Schrodinger’s Cat, and the Fascinating Concept of Cats as Liquids About the experts: Rest is Resistance: A ManifestoWe Will Rest! The Art of Escape Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles and new associate Peanut Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2025 Logo design: Research used:

6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (& only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast is back! Subscribe NOW to listen to the season premiere on June 17th - kicking off another season of cat facts, expert commentary and surprising but profound explorations of ourselves, others and our feline friends! We'll be joined by a fresh multidisciplinary roster of experts including Egyptology professor Salima Ikram, Ph.D. of the American University in Cairo, Nap Ministry founder Tricia Hersey, International Spy Museum Curator and Historian Andrew Hammond, Ph.D., YouTube star and digital artist Ergo Josh, Community Cats podcast host Stacy LeBaron and Catnip Magazine founder and publisher Anja Charbonneau - among so many others. We can't wait! *Tell all your friends - this is appointment listening* And if you'd like to support the team, please visit https://ko-fi.com/6degreesofcats and follow 6 Degrees of Cats on all social platforms by visiting http://www.6degreesofcats.com. See you next week!

Did you know that we share a whopping 90% of our homogeneous genetic material with…cats? That’s actually more than man’s other best friend! And in the Season 2 finale for 6 Degrees of Cats - the world’s #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast - we make the case to promote our pets - especially our cats - as full-time family, full stop. Join us in conversation with a family sciences professor, a family therapist and a kids’ podcast host as we dive deep into what “family” is, and isn’t - and why. By the end of this episode, you’ll notice and appreciate the strength and length of your own family ties, including those with your cat! Tune in and share with your family, near and far! Special thanks to Bjorn and Trip at the National Council on Family Relations and Dr. Stephanie Coontz. The producers also thank Dr. Regina Morantz-Sanchez, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. This episode is dedicated to the memories of William O. and Stephanie M. Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced episodes: Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends5 Ways to Say ”I Love Mew”: Using the 5 Love Languages…With Your Cat?The Purr-fect Life: Cats, Kantian Ethics and Karma! About the experts: Korean Adoptee Adoptive Family Network (KAAN)Transitions Therapy, PLLCWest Michigan Asian American Association (WMAAA)Stoopkid Stories Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music Leathered: "Look Alive", “Break it Down” and “Nothing But Love” © 2022 Logo design: Research used: https://pearlsbuck.org/about/biography/Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community

…as in, stringed instruments! Brace yourselves for a high-strung episode connecting your favorite pet to three distinct stringed instruments in this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world’s #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, science and history podcast. What is "cat gut" – and is it truly derived from feline materials, as rumored? Join Amanda “Captain Kitty” B. in this culturally informed and historically resonant investigation into the history of the banjo with Hannah Mayree, co-founder of the Black Banjo Reclamation Project, and gain a sense of appreciation for the past, present, and future of this very American instrument. And learn about another instrument it often accompanies, the violin, from Canadian-Romanian musical polymath and documentarian Joenne Dumitrascu, a lifelong violinist who helps clarify what is, and isn’t, making those strings sing. Then, we revisit Japan to speak to an expert on the shamisen, a three-stringed lute-like instrument that carries with it over 600 years of Japanese history and an ongoing message from the past. By the end of the episode, which of these instruments, if any, is embodied by cats? Listen and find out! Please note: While vivid imagery of deceased animals is not - and will never - be included, listeners who are more sensitive to the topics of animal death may wish to check out other 6 Degrees of Cats episodes, as referenced below. Join us on this historical trip through time across three continents to gain a deeper sense of appreciation, nuance, and context for the banjo, the violin, and the shamisen – and their connection to cats! Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced episodes: Cool Cat: How Cats Are the Soul of Rock 'n' RollThe Purr-fect Life: Cats, Kantian Ethics and Karma! Referenced materials: 6 Degrees of Cats: Banjos, Violins and Shamisens YouTube playlist About the experts: http://hannahmayree.com Special thanks to the Willie Mae Rock Camp community, Mr. Tony Thomas and Camille Pajor and Rebecca Stein. Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used: Thomas, T. (2011, June). About the banjo by Tony Thomas. About the Banjo [reprinted via Black Banjo Gathering]. https://usslave.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-post.html Urban Native Collective. (n.d.). Turtle Island. https://urbannativecollective.org/turtle-island

Dive into the purr-fect harmony between cats and rock 'n' roll in this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. Explore the untold stories of how these enigmatic creatures have influenced the genre. From legendary rock icons like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie who found inspiration in their feline friends to the timeless melodies that echo the spirit of independence and liberation by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ma Rainey and - yes - Tracy Chapman, appreciate the hidden connections between cool cats and the soulful rhythms of rock 'n' roll. We’ll be joined by not one, not two, but THREE award-winning rock stars! ‘My Cat From Hell’ star, musician and international cat advocate Jackson Galaxy shares how cats purr-fectly fit into his rock ‘n’ roll persona - and still do! Leading R&B musician and guitarist Malina Moye explains how cats have informed and inspired her artistry, and acclaimed music journalist and former Das Fürlines guitarist Holly George-Warren provides historic and cultural insights as to how, and why, cats are the rock stars of the animal kingdom. We'll talk jive about blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and hepcat slang - as well as about American history - in this fact and fret-filled episode. Tune in for a fur-resh take on music history and cat appreciation! 🐾🎸 Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced episodes: Cats vs Cupid: Why Cats are the Better Valentine’s Day MascotDid You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse Folklore Referenced materials: Fast CarChili’s Babyback Ribs Commercial BTS videoCharles Mingus Cat Toilet Training Program (1954)Cab Calloway's Hepster's Dictionary (1939)6 Degrees of Cats: Cool Cat YouTube Playlist About the experts: https://www.hollygeorgewarren.com Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music Leathered: "Look Alive", “Break it Down” and “Nothing But Love” © 2022 Logo design: Research used:

Who is a cat person? What is the essence of feline fandom and who exactly are the literal and figurative cat people among us? Listen and find out on the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast! Celebrate the Lunar New Year (Happy Year of the Dragon) or Têt, with us in Vietnam, where we discover a unique breed of cat people with the help of Austin-based comic Ivy Le of the FOGO: Fear of Going Outside podcast. Ivy is joined by audio producer, artist and educator TK "Keisha" Dutes and Cat Person social media manager Tracy Michelle, as we debunk stereotypes, challenge cultural and racial assumptions and redefine what it means to be a cat person - while advocating for everyone's rightful place alongside Taylor Swift as an iconic figure of our tribe. Prepare to embrace your inner cat person of the 21st Century and join the revolution! Tune in now for a purr-fectly engaging discussion that will change the way you see feline companionship forever. Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced artifacts: Cats vs Dogs map Referenced episodes: Felines & Fatherhood: Exploring Masculinity, Father’s Day, and the Unique Bond Between Men and CatsCats vs Cupid: Why Cats are the Better Valentine’s Day MascotCats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot] About the experts: ivylewithonee.com ohheytracy.com Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used:

Discover the fascinating origins of internet culture in this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the worlds #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history, science and - in this instance - tech podcast. Did you know that pizza was the very first item ever bought and sold online? Or that approximately 1% of all internet activity revolves around adorable cat photos and videos? While some of these facts may not be independently verifiable, it's undeniable that cats and pizza have become iconic symbols of the worldwide web. Join us on an entertaining journey into the depths of host Captain Kitty (a.k.a. Amanda B.)'s psyche as she explores the intertwined relationship between felines and pizza. Alongside Roberta's Pizza alumni and renowned pizza consultant Anthony Falco, delve into the reasons behind this peculiar connection. Special guest Maria Bustillos, a prolific writer and expert on cat internet culture, sheds light on the unique charm of online communities and the pivotal role of cats within them. Prepare to immerse yourself in the quirky, captivating world of internet folklore, where pizza, cats, and eccentricity reign supreme. Together, let's celebrate the delightful weirdness that makes the internet such a vibrant and fascinating place. Tune in for a truly enjoyable and enlightening exploration of pizza, the internet, and our beloved feline companions in this wonderfully weird episode! Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced artifacts: Image of the original Geocities Hamsterdance pagePizzaNet original formThe (alleged) first cat video posted on YouTube Referenced episodes: Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot]Did You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse FolkloreCats vs Cupid: Why Cats are the Better Valentine’s Day Mascot About the experts: https://thebrick.househttps://mariabustillos.com/https://www.piz.za.com Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/26/technology/in-a-big-network-of-computers-evidence-of-machine-learning.htmlhttps://www.statista.com/chart/26884/languages-on-the-internet/

Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule and explore the intriguing tale of Iceland’s legendary Yulecat and revisit the captivating history of Viking settlements in Iceland on this episode of the world's #1 cat-themed culture, history and science podcast, 6 Degrees of Cats. In this illuminating discussion, led by renowned Iceland folklore expert Terry Gunnell, Ph.D., discover why the typically cat-loving Icelanders avoid encountering this colossal cat, and gain insights from journalist Haukur S Magnússon on strategies to evade its clutches. Musician Júlía Hermannsdóttir shares her childhood experiences immersed in these captivating folktales. By the end of this episode, uncover the deeper significance behind this seasonal folklore - it’s a revelation that goes beyond mere storytelling. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and traditions intertwined with the Winter Solstice and Christmas! Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced episodes: Did You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse FolkloreWitches, Whiskers and Whisky: Re-introducing the Original Cat Lady of Halloween! About the experts: Terry Gunnell, Ph.D.Júlía HermannsdóttirOyama Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/

Dive DEEP into the meaning of life...through cats...with the help of experts in Western and Eastern philosophy on this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. Dr. Abigail Levin, an animal ethics professor at Niagara University, returns to the podcast to explore our duty through deontological (say that five times fast!) ethics according to one Immanuel Kant, after a few false starts with the fathers of so-called Western philosophy: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Dr. Levin, a practicing Buddhist, is joined by fellow Buddhist and animal ethicist Janet Gyatso, Professor of Buddhist Studies at Harvard Divinity School, whose lifelong love of cats and compassion for animals provide a focused lens on cats and Buddhism. You will be as enlightened as host Captain Kitty (Amanda B.) by the end of this playful and profound episode in which we assess the life we have chosen for our pets - and the life they might have chosen if they had their say. Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced episodes: The Golden Age of Cats: The Medieval Middle East, Muezza and the Mark of Muhammad (or Mary)Community CATalysts: Kosovans Caring for Their Animal Survivors About the experts: Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used: https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/how-the-ancient-code-of-hammurabi-reveals-a-society-both-similar-and-alien

We all know cats were considered gods (well, god-adjacent) in ancient Egypt - but did you know that nearly 2 billion people in today's world still consider them in connection to their religion? Find out more here at 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. In this episode, we set sail across oceans of, um, water and time to Islam's Golden Age, a period marked by innovation and artistic brilliance in the Near East aka the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) aka Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Religious scholar Dr. Megan Goodwin sets us up for this historical journey by providing historical context for Europe's Dark Ages and their misguided anti-feline decrees. She is joined by Dr. Ali Olomi, our Islamic history expert, as he unpacks the significance of cats in the region during that era and sheds light on why they continue to hold a special place in the Islamic world. Discover the profound connection between caring for cats, all animals, and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, as demystified by Dr. Olomi. Season 1's guest, Catholicism researcher René Ostberg, shares a delightful anecdote affirming our podcast's theme that everything is interconnected. Come for the fascinating cat facts, and stay for the enlightening exploration of Islam's Golden Age (which was also a Golden Age for Cats, at least on that side of the world.) Complete our anonymous LISTENER SURVEY and sign up for a limited edition free 6 Degrees of Cats postcard! Go to https://tinyurl.com/6Doc-postcard23 Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Photo of Binky’s “M Referenced episodes: Witches, Whiskers and Whisky: Re-introducing the Original Cat Lady of Halloween!A Mother’s Tail: Introducing St. Gertrude, the Patron Saint of Cats (and Her Mom) About the experts: Head on HistoryMegan Goodwin, Ph.D.Keeping it 101: A Killjoy’s Introduction to ReligionAbusing Religion: Literary Persecution, Sex Scandals, and American Minority ReligionsRené Ostberg Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used: https://historycollection.com/thou-shalt-not-suffer-a-cat-to-live-why-pope-gregory-ixs-vox-in-rama-implicated-cats-in-devil-worship/https://www.history.com/news/cats-ancient-egypt

We are back for Season 2 of "6 Degrees of Cats," the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed history, culture, and science podcast just in time for Halloween! Learn about the original cat ladies and what they really were brewing in those cauldrons - as well as what the heck was up with those hats. Learn about weird trivia, women’s history and whisky brewing with Dr. Megan Goodwin, host of hit religion and history podcast “Keeping It 101” who gets to the heart of the witch trope; food historian and author of “Endangered Eating” Sarah Lohman who explains the origins of the witch costume; and Kings County Distillery founder and writer Colin Spoelman, who introduces us to distillery cats Carlos and Jeffy. Celebrate the launch of season two on this special haunted holiday for an alternative history of the original crazy cat lady - the witch. Witch podcast (BBC) Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. Referenced episodes: Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot]Did You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse Folklore About the experts: Kings County DistilleryDEAD DISTILLERS: A History of the Upstarts and Outlaws Who Made American SpiritsAbusing Religion: Literary Persecution, Sex Scandals, and American Minority ReligionsEndangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Music: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design: Research used: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/women-used-dominate-beer-industry-until-witch-accusations-started-pouring-180977171/ https://qz.com/1201502/japanese-internment-camps-during-world-war-ii-are-a-lesson-in-the-scary-economics-of-racial-resentmenthttps://distiller.com/articles/new-irish-whiskey-distilleries https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/about/about-whisky/historyhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2016/10/31/the-spooky-history-of-how-cats-bewitched-us/ https://www.sbdistillery.com/blog/2021/2/14/whiskey-or-whisky-the-water-of-life-etymology

6 Degrees of Cats, your new favorite cat-themed culture, history and science podcast hosted by lifelong cat custodian Captain Kitty, aka Amanda B. launches in one week on October 31 (Halloween!) Please follow @6DegreesofCats on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, sign up for the mailing list at linktr.ee/6degreesofcats and tell all your friends to subscribe now! Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and more here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. 謝謝, gracias, 감사합니다. धन्यवाद, merci beaucoup, ありがとう, dziękuję, asante, شكرا لكم, danke schön, thank you so much... _^..^_ Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything* * with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles Animal voices include: Featured voices: Malina MoyeSarah LohmanMegan Goodwin, Ph.D.Keeping It 101 PodcastJackson Galaxy Featured tracks: Leathered: "Look Alive" © 2022 Logo design:

GREAT NEWS EVERYONE! Save the date for Halloween, 6 Degrees of Cats Season 2 drops October 31! Turn on your notifications for 6 Degrees of Cats to be the first to listen when it drops. In the meantime, we are thrilled to share with you a fun, uplifting, and thought-provoking conversation that your favorite #1 cat-themed culture, history and science podcast host, Captain Kitty (“Amanda B.” when off-mic) had for the season finale of the Nuances Podcast. Featuring guest experts from across the Asian diaspora on topics like comedy, religion, feminism, media and history, Nuances is one of Amanda’s favorite knowledge- and nuance-packed longform podcasts. Listen in on this dynamic discussion with Nuances’ host Lazou Lee to get to know a little more of your favorite host's backstory - and learn about topics like power-based interpersonal violence prevention*, intersectionality and Amanda’s hot take on the limits of empathy for behavior change. Listen to Nuances wherever you get your podcasts, or follow @nuancespod on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Show notes and transcript for this episode can be found at https://nuancespod.com/2023/09/24/amanda-b/. Thank you, Lazou! And everyone - we can’t wait to see you in a few weeks! If you love 6 Degrees of Cats, please help keep us going! You can support the podcast by signing up for The Captain’s Log and pledging your support, and subscribing and following us at these links: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats. And for a limited time only, the team will send you a free limited edition postcard for listeners in the United States, Canada and Mexico who take five minutes to complete this survey: https://tinyurl.com/6Doc-postcard23. * If you, or someone you know, has been harmed by power-based interpersonal violence such as sexual, or intimate partner violence (also called "domestic violence"), please visit this link for English-language resources available to North Americans. There is never an excuse, and we can all prevent and interrupt violence in our spaces. And to consult with Amanda on pro-social bystander intervention and other ways to be an ally to survivors, please visit tinyurl.com/Ask4Amanda. Music: Leathered: "Break it Down" © 2010 Logo design: