It’s ME again! I’m back at my desk and I’m chatting about things like MALLS and STONE-WASHED JEANS and BEARY MANILOW and NOT MURDER THIS TIME.
Tag: Bear Country
Episode 127 – Facebook Live?
In which I go LIVE on Facebook and ramble on a while about race(?) in Bear Country and embarrass myself and answer some questions.
Episode 119 – Media Madness!
Jon Biegen and Nick Wood slide on over from Stranger Still to talk about children successfully managing a television station. That’s . . . that’s really all that happens in this book, so – so, lesson learned, I guess.
Episode 114 – Meeting Mike (Part 2)
We’re back with Part 2 of our big Mike Berenstain meetup! This episode, Brad and Jeremy and I get grilled as to our intentions; we talk about books whose success caught Mike off guard; what books didn’t do so hot; and dish the hot goss. Or, not. I can’t remember.
Episode 113 – The Berenstain Bears and the Giddy Grandma!
Welcome to the world of degraded audio! Please bear with this terrible sounding episode, as I flop around trying to talk about “The Giddy Grandma.” Things didn’t work out according to plan, but I think I get my point across.
Also, I have a Patreon page!
Episode 111 – The Berenstain Bears and the Dress Code!
Meghan Griffin of Judging Book Covers and Fableulous Retellings joins me to talk dress codes, law enforcement and a Berenstain Bears book that gets way more political than we were anticipating!
Episode 110 – Meeting Mike (Part 1)
Hoo boy! This is it! The first part of our massive trip to the Berenstain Bears studio! It’s so big, I’m not only splitting it up, but I’m sprinkling it throughout upcoming episodes, just so you don’t get burnt out on this one thing. So, I’ll be alternating traditional episodes with Mike episodes. I think that’s fair!
Episode 109 – Diner Talk
WHAT’S ALL THAT NOISE?! It’s ambiance. Brad, Jeremy and I sit in a diner in the Strong National Museum of Play and catch people up on just what we’d been up to. We give our impressions of the previous days and it all serves as a prelude to the major editing job I have in store for myself. Yeesh.
SUMMER RERUN – Meet the Berenstain Bears!
It’s summer and the week of the Fourth of July and I have no time to record a new episode. So, here’s a classic from the archives. Obviously, anything about upcoming anything is now hopelessly out of date. ENJOY!
Episode 107 – The Berenstain Bears and the Drug Free Zone!
Joel Torres of the Please Don’t Send Me Into Outer Space podcast joins me to talk about DRUGS! And DRUG ZONES! And BACKWOODS DRUG DISTRIBUTION? It’s a wild weird but pretty nicely done book.
Episode 99 – The New Girl In Town!
This week, I am joined by Jessie Cooper of Alphabet Flight, Turn to Page and Random Sampling as we discuss our first BIG CHAPTER BOOK “The New Girl In Town!” Listeners, this book has got everything. History, romance, racism, war, moaning. Everything.
Episode 82 – The Berenstain Bears and the Eager Beavers!
It all comes crashing to an end!
Episode 80 – The Berenstain Bears’ Attic Treasure!
What do the Hindu pantheon, Wham-O Inc. and a cancelled garbage sale have in common? Nothing. But I’m hammering them all into this episode!
Episode 79 – The Berenstain Bears’ Substitute Teacher!
In 1990, Berenstain Bears madness hit that most holy of American institutions: McDonald’s. Four books were made available to hungry children and I’m going to take a look at each one. Are they any good? Well, so far . . . yeah!
In this week’s book, we get a look at Cub Lyfe sans parents. Sans authority. It’s every cub for themselves and the japes and pranks fly. Also, Queenie’s motivations are questioned as well as Brother’s inability to see a pretty girl through a veil of Too-Tall.
What a strange sentence I just typed.
Episode 78 – The Berenstain Bears’ Slumber Party!
This week, Caroline Fulford of the Loose Canon Podcast and Shannon Campe of Stage of Fools: the Unofficial Royals Podcast join forces to talk with me about “The Slumber Party!” Is it the greatest party in the history of Bear Country? How old are Queenie and Too-Tall, anyway? And, what’s the point of this book at all? Also, telephones: nature’s menace?
Also, memes: we have them.
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please subscribe to the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 71 – “Go To School” & “The Sitter” PBS adaptations
Let’s go back in time, shall we? We’re taking a look at a couple of PBS episodes based on two of our earlier books. Are they better? Worse? By “we’re” do you mean “I’m?” Yes, yes and YES!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 70.5 – The Berenstain Bears Get The Gimmies on PBS
Just a quick extra to chat briefly about the PBS episode based on “Get the Gimmies.” Is it better? Kinda yes?
Episode 70 – The Berenstain Bears Get The Gimmies!
Elana is BACK! And we’re talking about The Gimmies – and do *we* know from Gimmies. Do The Berenstains offer up any good advice on how to deal with these Gimmies? Maybe? No? Maybe no?
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 69 – The Berenstain Bears On the Job and Ready, Get Set, Go!
They’re not amazing books, but I gotta catch ’em all.
Episode 68 – The Berenstain Bears and the Double Dare!
Mark had to come back to the studio so we could finish up our discussion on John Braden and I managed to keep him around to talk about “The Double Dare!”
See Mark in “Sweet Dreams, Alfie” at the Twin Cities Horror Festival this October!
Episode 67 – Meet The Berenstain Bears!
Wait. But, we’ve already met the OOOOHHHHHHH IT’S A RECORD!
Mr. Mark Sweeney joins me for a listening party as we dig into “Meet the Berenstain Bears,” a 1982 release from Kid Stuff Records. It’s . . . something all right.
Make sure and check out Mr. Sweeney in “Sweet Dreams, Alfie” at this fall’s Twin Cities Horror Festival!
And, check me out at . . . here. And, on iTunes and Twitter and Stitcher and Google and wherever fine podcasts are sold!
Episode 66 – The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble At School!
What sort of trouble? I don’t know! Mr. Wentworth just told me to come in here and say there was trouble at the school, that’s all! I didn’t expect a kind of –
Anyway, I’m talking about this book.
Episode 65 – The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Friends!
When is a friend not a friend? When she’s a little bossy — and a little braggy. Sister Bear meets her match and also meets a legacy character and they’re the same person and this book is a year late . . . sorry.
Also, Shannon Campe of the Stage of Fools podcast joins me to talk about friendships and the importance thereof as well as the weird face Sister makes. What is that?
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 64 – Live Show!
On Saturday, August 13, I had the honor of hosting a LIVE SHOW at the grand opening of Bradley Mariska‘s Berenstain Bears Exhibit at Sweet Reads in Austin, MN. It was a fantastic event, with a huge turnout and a wonderful audience. I couldn’t have asked for a better first live show! And, we hope to do more!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 63 – The Bad Dream!
Brian Skinner floats over from Can We Just Be Friends? to talk with me about . . . everything. Just . . . just every darn thing.
In fact, so many darn things had to be cut that I have included this handy playlist of outtakes for your enjoyment!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 62 – The Berenstain Bears and the Not So Buried Treasure!
There’s a bear and it’s NOT a Berenstain! It’s a horrible robot and it wants to talk during your favorite shows: TV Teddy! Also, I cover “The Berenstain Bears’ Not So Buried Treasure.” Both the book and show! And, a robot! I’m a triple threat! I’m a regular Tommy Tune!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 61 – The Berenstain Bears and the Coughing Catfish AND The Mansion Mystery
This week, I’m tackling TWO books and their respective television episodes! Not too many jokes to make about these; they’re solid product attached to a solid show. Give it a listen!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 60 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Road Race
I’m back and better than ever because I’ve got Mitzi with me! We keep it short and on point and isn’t that just the best thing ever?
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 59 – The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Honey
Nothing makes sense.
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please don’t rate and review this episode of the show on iTunes because that would be terrible for me and for everyone else. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 58 – Summer Encore!
It’s my birthday this week! I don’t have time to do a show! So, enjoy this flashback to exactly one year ago, when I had Mitzi on as a guest for the very first time.
Episode 57 – The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma’s!
What happens when cubs go to Grandma’s and spend the whole trip talking to Grandpa? What if they never actually call them “Grandma” and “Grandpa?” I don’t know! But, I do have Joy Riggs on my show to talk about family! And the importance of getting to know your extended family.
Visit Joy’s blog to learn more about her family and her projects. She’s a fantastic writer and well worth checking out. Also, check out her archive of writings at Minnesota Parent – there’s a lot of great stuff there.
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 56 – The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Habit!
Life’s a mess and so am I! Mark Sweeney joins me once again and tries to FIX ME which is IMPOSSIBLE! Also, the sound mixing in this ep is a nightmare. Also, “nubbins.”
Hey, you should check out Mark’s Fringe show if you live in Minnesota or thereabouts. Visit www.mnfringe.org after July 1 to find out more.
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 55 – The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright!
Today, I am joined by Elana, Andrew, Corinna and Scott to talk “Stage Fright!” Also, Cloud Spray. But, mostly “Stage Fright” and the Berenstain Bears getting it therof.
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 54 – The Berenstain Bears Go Out For The Team!
What don’t I know about?! SPORTS! When don’t I know about ’em?! NOW! It’s true, so in order to give this subject its due, I’ve brought along professional sports-knower David Kalan to fill me in on the finer points. We talk baseball rules, sportsmanship and . . . the Catbirds?
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts!
Episode 53 – The Berenstain Bears and the Knight to Remember!
Hey! There’s a kid in my podcast! Mitzi joins me – or, do I join Mitzi – for a talk about armor, archaeology and underground birds!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. Also, we’re on Google Podcasts now! Apparently, that’s a thing that exists!
Episode 52 – Collector’s Corner 4!
Oh, what fresh heck is this?! It’s a creepy robot voice that will control us all! KIDDING! It’s Brad and Jeremy returning to bring us the Magic Wand Speak & Learn and its dulcet tones!
Check out the pics Brad sent me!
If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page!
Read this wonderful article on our own Brad Mariska.
And, hey, if you dug this episode, let me know! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 51 – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers Part 2
In which I talk about the book “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers” and ponder its place on your bookshelf.
As always, it really helps the show to get a good rating on iTunes, so visit our page and do us a solid. You can also visit us on Facebook, Twitter or write us an email!
Episode 51 – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers Part 1
Here in Bear Country, I try to keep things light. But then along comes a book that requires a slightly more serious approach to the subject matter. “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers” is notorious among kids of the Eighties for inspiring the very fear it’s supposed to counteract. A confusing mishmash of messages, “Strangers” represents a moment in American pop-cultural history/hysteria that sits well beyond my own abilities to address.
So, I’ve brought in an expert. Alison Feigh, Program Manager of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, joins me to discuss the misconception perpetuated by books like “Learn About Strangers.” She addresses the very problem with the concept of “the stranger” and why we should actually teach children how to talk to strangers.
For more information on the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, you can visit their website and view a segment filmed for “Our Issues Twin Cities.”
Discussing these issues with your kids can be challenging, so the JWRC offers tips on how to have a Family Safety Night.
More JWRC resources:
Tips on Personal Safety
Online Safety
Recommended Reading (including books for young children, teens and adults)
If you have questions, please contact the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center at 800-325-HOPE.
As always, it really helps the show to get a good rating on iTunes, so visit our page and do us a solid. You can also visit us on Facebook, Twitter or write us an email!
Reading – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
In preparation for this week’s episode, I’m releasing a recording I did of “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers.” This was done purely for my kid’s amusement, but it might be helpful considering I don’t spend as much time on the actual “plot” this week.
Episode 50 – Mike Berenstain!
I am honored to be joined this week by Mike Berenstain.
As always, you can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can find me on Twitter. And, please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 49 – The Berenstain Bears on Saturday Mornings!
It’s no secret that I love Saturday Morning Cartoons. It’s not secret that I’m fairly uncritical of them. So, join me as I dip my toe into the waters of the Berenstain Bears’ first cartoon series!
And, hey, if you want to talk cartoons, you can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 48 – Collector’s Corner 3!
Come into the bath with us! It’s another Collector’s Corner and Bradley, Jeremy and I are talking BATH BOOKS! Is that a good topic of conversation? No! Are we going to do it anyway? Probably!
Take a look at these soft books you can get wet, courtesy of Brad!
If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page!
And, hey, if you dug this episode, let me know! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 47 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Birthday!
When is a birthday, TOO MUCH BIRTHDAY?! When it’s Sister’s birthday, of course! Join me and professional party princess Suzie Juul as we discuss sawing cubs in half, why Bear country has never seen a birthday party before and trick candle boyfriends! Also, should six-year-olds be playing spin-the-bottle?
If you want to book Suzie for your child’s next party, visit Once Upon a Star’s website and check out Suzie’s personal site for examples of the Professional Party Princess in action!
You can find this show on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 46 – The Berenstain Bears No Girls Allowed!
Mr. Stuart Wellington of The Flop House and Till Def Do Us Ppardy joins me to discuss “The Berenstain Bears – No Girls Allowed.” Is sister Bear in the wrong here? Can one actually barbecue honeycomb? Is The Bear Country Boys Club an antecessor of Gamergate? Also, if Stuart tells you to stop giggling . . . stop giggling.
You can find Mr. Wellington as the above-linked podcasts or behind the bar at Hinterlands Bar in Brooklyn!
You can find this show on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 44 – The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners!
This week, Marilyn Pentel, creator and CEO of Mannerly Manners, joins me to discuss something about which I carry no authority . . . MANNERS! Think manners are just rules to keep kids quiet? It’s a bit more complex than that. Marilyn and I discuss the importance of manners in maintaining a world in which true peace is an honest-to-goodness possibility.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Mannerly Manners, including upcoming summer programs, you can visit the website!
Also, if you’re interested in Marilyn’s list of recommended children’s books, here they are!
As always, our official Facebook page is on Facebook. You can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 43 – The Berenstain Bears On the Moon!
And, BOOM, we’re back in the Dreamlands! Thought we’d never go back? Oh, you thought wrong! In this breezy little tome, we journey to that most mysterious of heavenly bodies: the moon! What does the moon have in store for our intrepid explorers? Not much! But, what does it all meeeeeeeeeeean? Join me as I ramble about that very subject.
Episode 42 – Berenstain Bear Country?
This week, I’m joined by Mark Sweeney – local performer, writer and gad-about – who actually worked at Berenstain Bear Country HOLY MOLY! He spills the beans and fills the dirt on what it was like to be one of Papa Bear’s earthly avatars.
Take a look! I found these pictures on the internet!
And, here are the pictures provided by Bradley Mariska!
As always, our official Facebook page is on Facebook. You can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 41 – Collector’s Corner 2!
Bradley and Jeremy are BACK! And, they’ve brought with them some truly wonderful finds. I’m talking coloring books! I’m talking an amazing activity book! I’m talking a rub . . . . thing. A rub-a-book thingy. It’s all awesome!
Take a look!
Here’s a link to Jeremy’s music – preorder that album!
Here’s a link to Bradley’s issue of Austin Living!
If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page! And, hey, if you dug this episode, let me know! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 40 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food!
Hey, gang. Let’s stuff our faces! With knowledge! About the Berenstain Bears and their gross obsession with junk food! It’s gross! I’m joined this week by the amazing Elana!
Episode 39 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear!
I’m all alone and kind of lose it in this one? So, join me, dear listeners, as I delve into the horrors of greed. Also, I promise to never say “Giggly Goo” ever again.
As always, our official Facebook page is on Facebook. You can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 38 – The Berenstain Bears and the Neighborly Skunk!
When is a skunk not a skunk? When it’s a stand-in for PREJUDICE! This week, Brandi Brown of Brandi and Bill talk about Blaxploitation (among MANY OTHER THINGS) joins me to discuss a book that is short of pages but long on social commentary. Where did all the non-bear animals in Bear Country go? If different bears are different races, what are different species? Should Mama Bear change her clothes to go camping? All this . . . and more!
Don’t forget, Brandi will be at the Acme Comedy Co. in Minneapolis Tuesday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 27. And, she’ll be on the Gilmore Guys podcast live show March 5 at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis.
Here’s a link to Brandi’s coverage of “The Berenstain Bears Lost in Cyberspace.”
Brandi’s blog can be found here.
As always, our official Facebook page is on Facebook. You can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 37 – The Berenstain Bears and the Dinosaurs!
DINOSAURS! Who doesn’t love dinosaurs?! Well, parents, apparently? Joining me to discuss dinosaurs and the love thereof are Trish and Talcott, two artists and dinosaur lovers. We talk dinos, inaccurate dinos, weird dinos and “Baby, Secret of the Lost Legend.” It’s a doozy, folks!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 36 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Election!
POLITICS! That’s what we’re all about this week. POLITICS! How do they work? Why? Where? Tax! Papa don’t know. And Papa . . . don’t care.
All this and no more!
Episode 35 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV!
Boy am I lucky! Mr. Andrew Schwartz of the “Talkin’ ‘Bout Turtle: Your One Stop Shoppe for Entourage Schlopp” podcast has joined me to discuss the notion of perhaps watching too much television. Is this even possible? What was television like when I was a kid? What’s a “cube puzzle?” Paula Poundstone?
We discuss all these things and more!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 34 – The Berenstain Bears Shoot the Rapids!
Okay, I learned my lesson last time. I’m only going to try to tackle one mini storybook. this week. 1984’s “The Berenstain Bears Shoot the Rapids.” Sounds like a treat.
Episode 33 – The Berenstain Bears and Mama’s New Job
Episode 32 – Four Mini Storybooks!
WHAT is my problem?! Four books?! There’s no way this is going to be anything less than unwieldy, right? Wellllllllllllllll, you may be right.
Still, these are fun little books and, though it may not be readily apparent, very important books in the development of the Berenstain’s creative empire. It has to do with some observations I had about the art style and a query I posted to . . . well, I’ll direct you to my other blog post and you can read the whole thing!
Episode 31 – Welcome Back! & The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Money
Welcome back! Or, since I’m the one who’s been gone, I guess you should be saying that. So. Welcome back, me!
This week, we take a look at where we have been. We also take a look at The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money. I feel like it would be better served with the title “and The Trouble With Money” but, whatever.
Go to our Facebook page on Facebook and say something! Or, message me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 30 – The Berenstain Bears and the Truth
This episode, Mitzi and I explore the ethics of telling the truth. Also, the reasons we lie and the benefits of living a truthful life. Or, something. I don’t know. I haven’t listened to the show yet.
If you enjoyed last week’s reading, let me know and I’ll do more! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can message me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Reading 1 – The Berenstain Bears and The Truth
What’s all this then?! It’s a reading! This week we’re breaking format and listening to a book! So, kick back, relax and enjoy my melifluous tones!
We’ll be back next week with an episode as we barrel toward Christmas! There’s a lot coming up!
As usual, let me know what you think! Do you want more readings? You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 29 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw
Gobble Gobble! It’s Thanksgiving and we’ve got a JUMBO episode! Welcome back Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff – our B. Bear collectors – as we discuss “The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw.” We cover, not only the original special, but also the adaptations that followed.
Take a look at some of the Bigpaw collectibles from Bradley’s collection:
How old is Bigpaw? Where does he come from? Since when is Mama a witch? Is “One Tin Soldier” a good song?
We answer none of these questions! Enjoy!
As usual, let me know what you think! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 28 – The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room
This is the book where Mama LOSES. HER. Stuff. Her stuff. She straight up loses it and yells at the cubs and we couldn’t be happier. Oh, and Mitzi is joining me again. We’re getting ready for vacation, so this one is short!
You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 27 – The Berenstain Bears Go To Camp
Actually, only the cubs go to camp, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This week, I talk with an old college friend, Chris Nail, who knows a LOT about camp. What are those mysterious rules Brother is so interested in? Where are the other camp counselors? Also, Native American iconography and its prevalence in the history of American Summer Camps!
What was your camp experience like? Let me know! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 26 – The Berenstain Bears Get In A Fight
Who better to discuss a fight between two siblings than . . . two siblings! In this episode, BOTH of my kids join me to discuss arguments, waking up on the wrong side of the bed and yelling dads. Plus, conflict resolution: is it worth it?
Please let me know what you think! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 25 – The Berenstain Bears In The Dark
Happy Halloween, BOILS and GHOULS! Welcome to the Halloween episode of the Berenstain SCARES! Let’s go down a scummy . . . dirt . . . toad(?), creep in . . . scare country? I lost it.
Anyway, it’s not a Halloween book, but it *is* all about FEAR! And, as such, I’ve decided to tackle the subject my own self. Me. All by my lonesome. Let’s see how it turns out!
Good. It turns out good.
Thanks for listening! Be sure to let me know what you think! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 24 – The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
What does a real dentist think of Sister Bear’s first trip to the dentist? Not much! Turns out, Dr. Bearson’s practice leaves a LOT to be desired! Join me and a real live dentist as we discuss this questionable excursion into dentistry.
If you want a better book to help prepare your kids for the dentist, the University of Maryland has a pretty good list.
As usual, let me know what you think! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 23 – The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day
How did the Bear Family get their treehouse in the first place? Ever wonder that? No? Well, you’re getting a canon-defying explanation in “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day!” When is a cave not a cave? Where did the rabbits in clothes go? And, what of those sconces?! All this, my kid, and MORE!
As usual, let me know what you think! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 22 – Collector’s Corner 1
This is so cool. I have on the show this week Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff. Bradley and Jeremy have the two largest collections of Berenstain Bear merch IN THE WORLD. THE WORLD! Join me as these guys share three of their favorite B. Bear pieces. And, don’t fret that this is the last time these guys will be on, because this is not the last time these guys will be on.
Hey, do you want to see some images from the books?! Take a looks!
On bottom: the later full color version.
If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page! Internet magic! Also, Jeremy is a musician, so go like his Facebook page; he makes good music! Bradley is a musician as well, but I don’t see . . . I can’t find any kind of fan page for him or anything. I *did* find someone named “Mariska Bradley” though, so . . . so, that’s weird.
And, hey, if you dug this episode, let me know! You can find our official Facebook page on . . . on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. It super helps get the word out there! Mwah! Love you all!
Episode 21 – The Berenstain Bears Go To the Doctor
I have so many cool friends! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Lawler to talk about the time brother and sister had their privacy violated by Dr. Grizzly. Seriously, at least let them put on some pants, Gert. We also talk about what that thing on Dr. Grizzly’s head is all about, the lack on non-bears in Bear Country and I FINALLY get a real diagnosis on Papa Bear’s sneezes! It’s fun!
I prescribe you 100 cc’s of rating and reviewing us on iTunes. Subscribing on Stitcher. Liking us on Facebook. Following us on Twitter.
Episode 20 – The Berenstain Bears and the Sitter
Meet my friend, Linda! She basically made my four-year-old the awesome person she is and I am thrilled to discuss this book with her today!
Episode 19 – The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree
In which we discover the true meaning of Christmas. Or, at least I do. Enjoy!
Don’t be a Grinch! Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
Episode 18 – The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Dinosaur Bone
Bear Country has a prehistory! We don’t actually learn much about it, but here it is! Dinosaurs! And, here’s the Bear Country museum and its curator Actual Factu – wait. Is that Actual Factual? It . . . it looks like him, but – Okay, we need to take this thing apart. It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Dinosaur Bone” and it’s a MYSTERY! All of it. Cover to cover. And I get SO ANGRY! Join me, won’t you?
Help me recover the secrets of the past by rating and reviewing us on iTunes. Subscribing on Stitcher. Liking us on Facebook. And, following us on Twitter. I would love to hear from you!
Episode 17 – The Berenstain Bears’ Counting Book/The Berenstain Bears and The Spooky Old Tree
This week, we explore the hidden depths of what may be the spoooookiest book we’ve covered so far! And, no, it’s NOT “The Spooky Old Tree!” Brother’s fractured subconscious wars within itself and drags its fragments deep below its own comfort zone in these two deceptively simple books. Enjoy!
Make peace with your fractured psyche and rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. I love to hear from you!
Episode 16 – The Berenstain Bears’ Nature Guide/Science Fair
Bear Country LOVES science! And, so do I! Join me as I explore the final two books in the rough trilogy started in “The Bears’ Almanac.” These books . . . man, they’re just great. I love ’em. Love, love, love ’em.
As always and forever, please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. I love to hear from you!
Episode 15 – The Berenstain Bears Go To School
We’re skipping ahead a bit to bring you a BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! That’s right, it’s Sister Bear’s first year of school and to celebrate we have a real live school teacher in the studio with us! We’ll be talking about the verisimilitude of Sister’s Kindergarten classroom, Ms. Honeybear’s approach to meeting children, whether or not this book is a good primer for youngsters and, most importantly, that barrel of clay. Why would you store clay . . . in a barrel?
So, enjoy our ramblings! And, please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. You’re all the best!
Episode 14 – He Bear, She Bear/The Bear Detectives
We’re back into the strange world of Small/Brother Bear’s psyche! Where will his concerns bout this new sister take him? And, are the Detectives real or all in our heads?
Please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, join us next week!
Episode 13 – The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby
Please welcome into the Deep In Bear Country Studios (the living room) our first ADULT guest, Elana Gravitz! Elana and I have a great time discussing The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby and covering such topics as: drinking straight from the family honey pot, not telling your kid their new sibling is arriving that day, the Bears’ strange and sudden isolation from the rest of Bear Country and the New Sibling/New Bed exchange rate. Also, Sister is pretty strong for a newborn.
Thank you, once again, for listening! Please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, join us next week!
Episode 12 – The Berenstain Bears in ‘The Bears’ Almanac’
Man, I just relistened to this episode and I sound reallllllly mellow. Like, really mellow. Anyway, give it a listen! We’re closing out the end of Deep In Bear Country Phase 1 and entering Phase 2! What does that even mean? Well, it means . . big things. Big things in store. For . . . you. So, buckle up, sonny jim. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Except, not in this episode. This episode is mellow. And, so smooth.
Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
Episode 11 – The Berenstain Bears’ Nursery Tales
We are rapidly approaching Zero Hour, my friends. Small, Papa and to a lesser extent Mama have brought us so far on this journey and now they are preparing to *expand* their universe with . . . *expand* was a joke, see? Like, Mama Bear is expanding across the midsection because of having a baby in- forget it! Forget it! I’m bad at jokes!
Anyway, in this book, we get Papa prepping Small for an addition to the family by way of some artful storytelling of stories we all already know. But, man does Small look enthralled there on the cover. No shock, really. He’s having his little mind blown.
And, hey, if’n you’re feelin’ goofy: Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Seriously. It’s cool to do those things, man.
Episode 10 – Bears in the Night/C is for Clown/The Berenstain’s ‘C’ Book
We’re still in Dreamland. I know! It feels like we’ve been here forever. Well, trust me when I say this is all leading some place. And, this episode, I think we all get a good idea where that place is. “Bears in the Night” and “C is for Clown” may not seem to be tied into the main storyline, but they are. Oh, yes yes yes they most certainly are.
Be a pal, wontcha! Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. We all wanna be pals!
Episode 9 – Old Hat, New Hat/The Berenstain’s B Book
We’re back for another trip through Small Bear’s Dreamland! And, by “we” I mean “we!” That’s right! Deep In Bear Country welcomes its very first guest! And, she’s young! Very. And, this is dropping on my birthday, so . . . happy birthday to me!
As always, thank you for listening! Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. We love you all!
Episode 8 – The Bears’ Christmas
It’s our first holiday book! And . . . the holiday isn’t really that important a part of it. Okay, it’s barely a part of it at all. Still, it’s a landmark so I’ll take it!
As always rate and review us on iTunes, download us on Stitcher, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! You rock!
Episode 7 – Inside Outside Upside Down/Bears On Wheels
It’s a double header! Is that the right term? Who knows?! We are covering the first two Bright and Early Books in the Berenstain’s oeuvre and also learning a little bit of publishing history along the way. PLUS things get weird. Really weird. How weird? How about parallel universe weird? How does that make you feel?
As always rate and review us on iTunes, download us on Stitcher, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Whew! Oh, and enjoy!
Episode 6 – The Bears’ Vacation
Stop everything! Bear Country has a beach?! Apparently so, and The Bear Family is set to have a great time beachin’ on vaca! At least, Papa and Small Bear are; Mama . . . she takes a backseat for this one. Still, this book has it all: sand, water, rocks, and a challenge to the Old Gods. Don’t miss it!
Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. We’ve got all our bases covered!
Episode 5 – The Bear Scouts
What happens when Stan and Jan throw three new cubs into the Papa Bear/Small Bear mix? Turns out . . . they don’t end up playing a huge role in the story. Or, making much of a difference. Still, three new cubs! Do they get names? Do they speak lines? Do they evolve into Cousin Freddy? No. No. And, I don’t know. Haven’t gotten there yet. Still. Three new cubs!
Thanks to everyone for supporting the show! Remember to rate and review us on iTunes, download us with your Stitcher app, follow us on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Social Media! Like the kids do!
Episode 4 – The Bears’ Picnic
Do you like turning points? I do! And “The Bears’ Picnic” – darn that apostrophe; trips me up every time – is a major turning point for not only the Bear Family but for Stan and Jan Berenstain as artists, writers and collaborators. We’ll get into that in this episode as well as new locations in Bear Country!
I want to give a big shout out to berenstainbears.com who found us through Twitter and posted about our show on their Facebook page! Thank you so much, you guys! Also, thanks to everyone who has rated and reviewed us on iTunes – it really helps to get the show out there.
Also, don’t forget to join us on Twitter @BStainBearcast. We’d love to hear from you!
BONUS EPISODE 1 – Nothing Ever Happens at the South Pole
It’s a bonus episode! Holy cats! What brought this on? I wanted to cover “Nothing Ever Happens at the South Pole” before I lost my enthusiasm for it. It’s a clunky, weird, kinda terrible book BUT it’s super important in the history of the development of Stan and Jan Berenstain as writers. Super important. So, I’m not covering it just to knock it, but to examine it within the context of the Berenstains’ career.
Looking back, I think I got a couple of dates wrong in my retelling of the story of this book’s inception. If you can find it in your hearts to whistle past that . . . do so?
I’ll be back in a few days – fingers crossed – with “The Bear’s Picnic” which is AWESOME and I’m very excited about singing its praises!
Episode 3 – The Berenstain Bears and the Bike Lesson!
Well, this is exciting! The first NAMED Berenstain Bears book! By which I mean, of course, that it’s the first book which identifies the Bear Family as “The Berensatin Bears.” Much like “The Addams Family” referred to “the family created by Charles Addams.” This all came as a surprise to Stan and Jan Berenstain. Which reminds me! It’s also the first book that refers to them as “Stan and Jan Berenstain” rather than as “Stanley and Janice.” And, isn’t that nice?
So, woo-hoo for this. Be sure to stay tuned for more episodes coming soon. I’ve got a few treats up my sleeves. Also, pop by Twitter and follow us! And, rate and review us on iTunes! It’d be really cool of you to do! Thanks!
Episode 2 – The Berenstain Bears and The Big Honey Hunt!
Finally! An actual book!
“The Big Honey Hunt” marks the introduction of the Bear Family – Papa, Mama and . . . Small. Notice how many ideas that would carry over into later books are already in place: the tree house, the outfits, the attitudes of the bears. This was due to Dr. Seuss’s very exacting editorial hand. He insisted that Stan and Jan build these characters from the ground up; that the Bears exist as fully realized characters before the Berenstains begin writing about them. And, it shows. The Bears arrive fully realized as characters. Not, of course, as the characters they would eventually grow into, but as characters in their own right.
Now, there is a strong Seussian influence on these early books. Specifically, the ramping up of craziness and the physical comedy perpetrated by Papa Bear. This intentional “zaniness” will lighten over the course of the early books, but never fully leave until we get into books for younger children. For now, it’s all zaniness, all the time.
Deep In Bear Country: Episode 1 – An Introduction!
Hello! And welcome to the first episode of “Deep In Bear Country: A Berenstain Bearcast.” In this episode, I take you through the whole reason this thing even exists. I give you a little rundown of the history of authors Stan and Jan Berenstain and hopefully prepare you for the long LONG journey to come.
All of the biographical information in the episode comes from “Down A Sunny Dirt Road – An Autobiography” by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s an invaluable source of information and I’ll be covering it specifically in a later episode.