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 T...
Jul 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 11
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” (Littl...
Jun 17, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 , ...
Jun 10, 2025•1 min
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•36 min•Season 2Ep. 9
…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 ...
Mar 13, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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•40 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 "K...
Feb 14, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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•28 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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: ...
Nov 28, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 (MEN...
Nov 14, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 ...
Oct 31, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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...
Oct 24, 2023•1 min
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 Asi...
Oct 17, 2023•45 min•Ep. 10
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 a...
Jun 20, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 hi...
May 23, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 p...
May 09, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 int...
Apr 25, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 – h...
Apr 11, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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•25 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 class...
Mar 14, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 corre...
Mar 14, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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, dank...
Feb 04, 2023•2 min