February 2025 – Deep In Bear Country

Episode 475 – The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors!

“Love thy neighbor” sounds great—until your neighbors are literally the local drug dealers. Join me as we dive into The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors, a book that asks us to embrace community… even if your neighbors were previously arrested for selling drugs to elementary school kids. This episode covers Bear Country’s ever-changing geography, the surprisingly shady past of the Bog Brothers, and what it really means to love your neighbor. Also, I may have a one-man show coming up. Let’s get into it!

Like, Subscribe, and Comment! Should I cover older Berenstain Bears books? React to the TV show? Let me know!

Episode 474 – The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors!

Did The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors really tackle racism? Or was it just another 90s attempt at a “message book” that missed the mark? In this episode of Deep in Bear Country, we take a deep dive into the 1994 classic that started it all—literally! This is the book that launched this podcast, but I’ve never properly covered it… until now.

What we’ll uncover:

Is Papa Bear actually racist?
What does this book say about prejudice and inclusion?
How does Bear Country’s “specism” reflect real-world biases?
The wild history of octagon houses (it’s relevant).
Why did this book disappear from my show for SO MANY YEARS?

PLUS: We’ll explore how The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors still holds up in today’s world, why it feels eerily relevant now, and what lessons we can take from it.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode 473 – The Berenstain Bears We Love Our Teacher!

The Berenstain Bears’ Biggest Continuity Shake-Up?!

A new school year means new teachers, and Brother Bear is in for a surprise! In “The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Teacher” (2024), we explore what makes a great teacher, the anxieties of moving up a grade, and—wait for it—some wild continuity-breaking moments in Bear Country history!

Can we pinpoint the date of this book down to the year? Why does Miz Bearly’s friend defy time itself? And do we finally learn Brother Bear’s real name?

We also dive into real-world history, from Rosie the Riveter to space exploration, and the importance of hands-on education. Plus, I share my own experiences with teachers who shaped my life (both the good and the terrifying).

What was your most memorable school year? Drop your best (or worst) teacher story in the comments!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into Bear Country!

Episode 472 – A Conversation with Mike Berenstain!

Mike Berenstain is BACK on the SHOW after having been away for TOO LONG. As always it’s a pleasure to catch up and check in and chat about Tintin. Enjoy!

Episode 471 – The Berenstain Bears Blast Off!

This week, the Bear Family gets into a bit of trouble in a completely believable and scientifically accurate way! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Blast Off!” and it’s steeped in believability! I swear!