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Higgenbaum's Mitzvah

Scott Pinkmountain

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.

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  • 20 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 49 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S2 · E20
    August 5 · 1 hr 10 min

    S2 E20: The Jimmy Buffett Follow-Up Episode

    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 www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social

  • S2 · E19
    June 8 · 38 min

    S2 E19: Indiana's #1 Yoga Show!

    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 www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social

  • S2 · E18
    May 1 · 58 min

    S2 E18 Friend Indeed

    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 www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com Follow along on Instagram @higgenbaum On Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social

  • S2 · E17
    March 19 · 1 hr 37 min

    S2 E17 Odd Ducks Aud Docs Presents: Jimmy Buffett

    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

  • February 24 · 32 min

    Bonus Episode - A Conversation on Nonviolence with Blase Bonpane, III

    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

  • S2 · E16
    January 12 · 48 min

    S2 E16 TV Guide

    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

  • S2 · E15
    Nov 26, 2025 · 48 min

    S2 E15 1100

    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

  • S2 · E14
    Oct 20, 2025 · 56 min

    S2 E14 The Dark Highway

    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

  • S2 · E13
    Sep 15, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min

    S2 E13 Being Less Content, Part 3 - The Clear Sky Method

    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 www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social

  • S2 · E12
    Aug 13, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min

    S2 E12 Being Less Content, Part 2 - The Mojave Wellness Clinic

    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 www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com Follow along on Bluesky @higgenbaum.bsky.social

  • S2 · E11
    Jul 16, 2025 · 46 min

    S2 E11 Being Less Content, Part 1 - My Problem

    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 www.higgenbaumsmitzvah.com

  • Jun 16, 2025 · 4 min

    Season 2 Trailer!

    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

  • S1 · E10
    Apr 8, 2025 · 51 min

    Ep 10: Give, Hear, Now

    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

  • S1 · E9
    Feb 27, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min

    Ep 9: Peckham & Fleece, Part 2 – Snade Days

    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

  • S1 · E8
    Jan 21, 2025 · 39 min

    Ep 8: Peckham & Fleece Part 1 - The Letter

    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

  • S1 · E7
    Nov 28, 2024 · 45 min

    Ep 7: Quintilletech

    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

  • S1 · E6
    Oct 21, 2024 · 26 min

    Ep 6: Feldman & Squatch

    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

  • S1 · E5
    Sep 25, 2024 · 44 min

    Ep 5: This Is Your Captain Speaking

    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

  • S1 · E4
    Aug 21, 2024 · 50 min

    Ep 4: Frontierville

    Samuel "Uncle Sam" Turner's infamous Broken Rock Massacre was hardly the beginning of Frontierville's history, but it marked the start of its modern era and cast a crooked shadow over the future generations of outlaws, renegades, dropouts, freakers, seekers, and cranks who would be drawn to its once hallowed ground. This episode is dedicated to Hector Alvarez, Johnny Ray Martin and David Morgan Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain Intro Concert Band 1, CD 23 by Dan Plonsey Crane Zelhart Written and performed by Katie Schmid Music by the Frontierville Saloon House Band Sunshine Lightyear Cohen Co-written by David Henson and Scott Pinkmountain Performed by Claire Reardon Music by Scott Pinkmountain with: David Morgan - pedal steel guitar Tim DeNardo - guitar Nigel Grey - guitar Bo Written and performed by David Henson Crickets: bbc.co.uk – © copyright BBC Music: Scott Pinkmountain The Frontierville Saloon House Band: Tim Chinnock - drums Brian Crook - guitar Maryrose Crook - keyboards Lucio Menegon - bass Recorded and mixed by Scott Pinkmountain Follow us on Bluesky

  • S1 · E3
    Jul 17, 2024 · 37 min

    Ep 3: Guided Meditation

    We scuttled our scheduled episode and decided to share a guided meditation as a balm for these difficult times. Nothing cleanses the spirit like a deep dive into the interior, or as Whitman so elegantly put it, "A naked whistling stroll past the barnyard brothel of the cloaked boatman himself." Produced, written and performed by Scott Pinkmountain. Music: soft crusade – vexed method Scott Pinkmountain – Guided Meditation 1 John Shiurba – live (for Matthew) Martyn Cawthorne of Gong Spa – Full Length Gong Bath with Paiste Gongs Juna Serita – electric bass Theme from Deep Throat Follow us on Bluesky

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