6 Degrees of Cats

All Episodes (22)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. Our Feline Fictive Kin: Are Cats Full Fledged Family? [Season 2 Finale]

   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,

   Apr 16,2024 35:31
2. 

   2. Banjos, Violins and Shamisens: Untangling Cats and Strings

   …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 B

   Mar 13,2024 34:42
3. 

   3. Cool Cat: How Cats Are the Soul of Rock 'n' Roll

   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 - Tra

   Feb 27,2024 39:39
4. 

   4. Beyond Taylor Swift: Who Are Cat People?

   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 "Ke

   Feb 14,2024 35:13
5. 

   5. Pizza Paws: Decoding the Internet's Obsession with Cats and Pizza

   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

   Jan 30,2024 27:43
6. 

   6. How the Cat Stole Christmas: Introducing the Yule Cat of Iceland

   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 fr

   Dec 20,2023 23:29
7. 

   7. Stay tuned for our special holiday episode coming next week!

   The team at 6 Degrees of Cats is taking a tiny break but will be dropping a fun  Christmas-themed episode next week, so be sure to turn on your notifications for 6 Degrees of Cats to be the first to listen when it's out!In the meantime, we are thrilled to recommend our pals:Nuances Podcast: A podcast exploring the nuances of Asian American and Pacific Islander identity, culture, and how they affect everything from our career choices to our views on anti-racism, disability justice, LGBTQIA+ right

   Dec 12,2023 02:48
8. 

   8. The Purr-fect Life: Cats, Kantian Ethics and Karma!

   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: S

   Nov 28,2023 28:00
9. 

   9. The Golden Age of Cats: The Medieval Middle East, Muezza and the Mark of Muhammad (or Mary)

   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

   Nov 14,2023 33:52
10. 

    10. Witches, Whiskers and Whisky: Re-introducing the Original Cat Lady of Halloween! [Season 2 Premiere]

    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 autho

    Oct 31,2023 30:28
11. 

    11. [Trailer] 6 Degrees of Cats is back for Season 2 on October 31!

    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, 감사

    Oct 24,2023 01:11
12. 

    12. Captain Kitty on Nuances Podcast: Amanda B. on 6 degrees of cats, educating in the domestic violence space, and her experience as a trans-national & trans-racial adoptee

    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

    Oct 17,2023 45:26
13. 

    13. Felines & Fatherhood: Exploring Masculinity, Father’s Day, and the Unique Bond Between Men and Cats

    It's the season 1 finale of "6 Degrees of Cats," the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast! And just in time for Father's Day, the team explores the remarkable and often overlooked bond between men and cats.Join us as we uncover fascinating insights, starting with Niagara University professor of philosophy Abigail Levin’s commentary on the gender stereotypes applied to cats, and the remarkable hunting skills they exhibit. We're also joined by Gabe García, a DEI an

    Jun 20,2023 28:40
14. 

    14. Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 2: Exploring Science Fairs, Schrodinger’s Cat, and the Fascinating Concept of Cats as Liquids

    Welcome back to part two of a two-part series on cats and science on 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. We continue our fascinating journey with biophysicist Kareem Elsayad, Ph.D., based in Vienna, as he unveils the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and demystifies the significance of Schrodinger's cat - a thought experiment that has intrigued minds for decades. Joining Dr. Elsayad is materials scientist Titilayo Shodiya, Ph.D., an exper

    Jun 06,2023 29:12
15. 

    15. Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 1: Research and Righting Reflexes

    This episode of 6 Degress of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast is part one of a two-episode series on cats and science!In part 1, we take a cue from cats and let our curiosity lead us through an exploration of how science and cats go hand in hand - er, paw in paw.Join your host as she welcomes a stellar lineup of scientists - and comes to a slightly scientific conclusion of her own about cats! Materials scientist Titilayo Shodiya, Ph.D., host of hit

    May 23,2023 28:12
16. 

    16. A Mother’s Tail: Introducing St. Gertrude, the Patron Saint of Cats (and Her Mom)

    It's Mother's Day and we are here for it on 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. In this episode, get ready for the motherload - in which we delve into the topic of motherhood through the captivating story of St. Gertrude of Nivelles, the Belgian abbess and (alleged) patron saint of cats.Joining our host is Catholic culture researcher René Ostberg, M.A., who guides us through the life of St. Gertrude, her relationship with cats, and the pi

    May 09,2023 27:07
17. 

    17. Did You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse Folklore

    All aboard 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. In this episode, we'll be delving into the relationship between Vikings and cats, with insights from leading experts in archaeology, folklore, and historical research.The team welcome archaeologist Brenda Prehal, Ph.D., who shares her knowledge of Viking settlements and the discovery of cat remains in their homes. Norse folklore leading expert Terry Gunnell, Ph.D., also provides insights into

    Apr 25,2023 28:13
18. 

    18. Community CATalysts: Kosovans Caring for Their Animal Survivors

    In this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast, the team heads to Eastern Europe to understand ways young nations are building inclusive communities that value not only humans, but also felines, canines, and other animals.Listen in as Ares Shporta, a cultural leader in Prizren, describes the history of Kosovo and why efforts to restore the Lumbardhi Theatre to its post-war condition has fostered a community where all neighbors – hu

    Apr 11,2023 28:06
19. 

    19. 5 Ways to Say ”I Love Mew”: Using the 5 Love Languages…With Your Cat?

    Do our cats really love being held and loved and squeezed and kissed? Find out in this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast.  With the help of two certified cat behaviorists and a reproduction and sexuality educator, we apply a popular contemporary human psychology construct to investigate how cats experience, and express, affection and love.Feline training and behavior pro Jennifer van de Kieft offers insights into how cats comm

    Mar 28,2023 24:50
20. 

    20. Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot]

    Welcome to 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. From a playful yet rigorously researched angle, join host Amanda B. and her team as we explore the fascinating world of felines and their connections to history, culture, and more. Starting with the question: ARE CATS ACTUALLY DOMESTICATED?In our first episode, renowned anthro archaeologist Melinda Zeder, Ph.D., and Netflix star animal cognition expert Kristyn Vitale, Ph.D. educate and correc

    Mar 14,2023 24:33
21. 

    21. Cats vs Cupid: Why Cats are the Better Valentine’s Day Mascot

    Be our Valentine! In this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast - well - we’ve always known that cats are cuter than babies, wings or not. But! Did you know that cats are actually symbols of love for many ancient cultures? Well, some call it love. Listen on!In this episode, host Amanda B. interviews Sterling “Trapking” Davis of Trapking Humane Cat Solutions, Amy No of Brooklyn's The 5 Kittens Rescues, and Danielle Mackay, a classi

    Mar 14,2023 21:38
22. 

    22. [Trailer] Introducing 6 Degrees of Cats - a podcast about how cats have influenced humankind

    6 Degrees of Cats is a new podcast exploring the surprising intersections between feline and humankind across cultures and history hosted by lifelong cat custodian Captain Kitty, aka Amanda B.Please follow @6DegreesofCats on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, sign up for the mailing list at linktr.ee/6degreesofcats and encourage any folks in your communities who would be into this kind of podcast to do the same!謝謝, gracias, 감사합니다. धन्यवाद, merci beaucoup, ありがとう, dziękuję, asante, شكرا لكم, danke s

    Feb 04,2023 01:57