Mike Berenstain returns! We talk why some classic Bears books got updates, a rediscovered pre-Old Hat, New Hat concept (“Too Loose, Too Tight, Just Right”), and cosmology for kids. Plus: the first Bears Little Golden Book is in the works. Also, we talk about Tintin?
Tag: Berenstain Bears
Episode 495 – The Berenstain Bears And The Neighborly Skunk/The Missing Pumpkin
This week, we rewatch the 1985 Berenstain Bears episode pairing “The Neighborly Skunk” with “The Missing Pumpkin.” We talk Too-Tall’s first TV appearance (and why he looks nothing like the books), Frank Welker’s very Frank-Welkery skunk, and why “use animals to teach anti-prejudice” never quite works the way creators hope. Then it’s off to Farmer Ben’s for a pumpkin caper, Papa’s “slapstick” “detective work,” and Snuff stealing the show. Plus: a quick shout out to comedy writer Rowby Goren.
Episode 494 – The Berenstain Bears And The Giant Bat Cave/Wild Wild Honey!
This week, I’m checking out “The Giant Bat Cave” and “The Wild Wild Honey!” Get ready for political corruption, eco-terrorism, and a sexually aggressive bee queen! Sister Bear overthrows city planning, Papa Bear declares war on insects, and it gets sticky!
Episode 493 – The Berenstain Bears And The Spooky Old House/Fly-Away Pizza!
We’re back to talk the 1985 Berenstain Bears TV show with episode two! It’s “The Spooky Old House” and “The Fly-Away Pizza!” Woo hoo?
Episode 492 – The Berenstain Bears on CBS and the Premier Ep!
This nightmare of an episode is brough to you by my unfettered ADHD and a time crunch. Enjoy me rambling about Canadian child actors’ bit roles!
Episode 491 – The BABY Berenstain Bears’ Nap Time
It’s nap time, babies! This week on Deep in Bear Country, let’s wrestle with Mike Berenstain’s latest board book, The BABY Berenstain Bears’ Nap Time (2025). From Honey Bear’s refusal to rest, to pillow cuddles, to the eternal struggle of transitions, this one’s a full-on nap time confessional. Get ready to tune in, turn on, nod off.
Episode 490 – The BABY Berenstain Bears: Potty Time
Kids be poopin’. This week on Deep In Bear Country, we take our first look at Mike Berenstain’s newest series, The Berenstain BABY Bears. A series of board books focusing on Honey, Teddi and… well, I’m certain there’s other little cubs around town.
In “It’s Potty Time” we dip back into the sewage filled well of potty training. Only, this time we’re looking at the WHYs of potty time as opposed to the whats. No stink lines or soggy puddles in THIS book; no, just drawing after drawing of toilets and the cubs who use them.
Episode 489 – The Berenstain Bears: Get Outdoors
This week I’m talking about The Berenstain Bears Get Outdoors (2025), a simple Level 1 reader where the Cubs camp in the backyard, Papa Bear makes a mess of things, and—out of nowhere—Mr. Raccoon shows up. Along the way, I share a few of my own disastrous camping stories, look back at the old Ghost of the Forest tale, and explain how this very podcast somehow landed me in a 3M commercial.
Episode 488 – The Berenstain Bears World’s #1 Teacher
This week, it’s the brand-new 2025 release The Berenstain Bears: World’s Number One Teacher, a compact “teacher gift” book built from classic illustrations of Teacher Jane, Teacher Bob, and maybe Actual Factual? I share a dedication to my own #1 teacher who’s retiring after 40 years in the classroom. Plus: a detour into Alessi vs. the Thompson Twins, candid talk on anxiety spending, and a reminder that the BusBoys’ “Cleanin’ Up the Town” deserves more love.
Episode 487 – The Berenstain Bears: World’s Best Papa Bear
After a break to work on my Fringe show, I’m back in Bear Country with a look at The Berenstain Bears: World’s Best Papa Bear, a gift book from 2024. On the surface, it’s a sweet, simple tribute to dads—but reading it got me thinking about my own father, what it means to protect your kids, and the invisible ways parents show up for us. This one’s personal. Thanks for sticking with me.
And, check out my upcoming Elgin Fringe show!
Episode 486 – Berenstain Bears: The Bears’ Picnic
This week, I head outside—despite my deep hatred of bugs, gnats, and all things “outdoors”—to talk about The Bears’ Picnic, the third “I Can Read It All By Myself” book by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s a classic tale of a well-meaning family picnic gone hilariously wrong, with Papa Bear dragging the family across bear country in search of the perfect lunch spot. Spoiler: they end up where they started.
Along the way, we’ll get into:
- The surprisingly non-racist origins of the word picnic
- Why Minnesotans will eat outside literally anywhere (including parking lots)
- How the Victorians ruined everything for all of us
- Papa Bear’s flawed but sincere planning
- My personal tolerance for nature (spoiler: it’s not high)
Also, my upcoming one-man show at the Minnesota Fringe Festival is this August! It’s not about the Berenstain Bears—it’s darker, more personal, and definitely not for kids. With a poster design by the amazing Mads Torres!
Episode 485 – 10th Anniversary and “Parents Are Such A Lot Of Trouble!”
It’s the 10th anniversary of Deep in Bear Country, so let’s reunite with longtime friends Brad Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to mark a decade of Berenstain Bear-loving chaos! Brad and Jeremy reflect on the origins of the show, the evolution of their collecting journeys, and the joys and… other joys of the Berenstain Bears fandom.
And, we’re super jazzed about the exciting release of a long-lost boutique book from Stan and Jan Berenstain—Parents Are Such a Lot of Trouble—recently discovered in the Berenstain archives and published via print-on-demand. We dive into the book’s significance, emotional resonance, and raw artistic charm, and explore what makes it such a powerful find for fans and collectors alike.
Episode 484 – The Berenstain Bears: World’s Wisest Mama Bear
In this week’s episode, I almost took a break again (thanks, cough!), but I’m here to bring you a quick Mother’s Day look at The Berenstain Bears: World’s Wisest Mama Bear — a 2024 gift book by Mike Berenstain.
PLUS — exciting news! Next episode is the 10-year anniversary of the podcast, and I’ll be joined by my collectors Brad and Jeremy!
So grab a cup of tea, wish your mom (or yourself?) a Happy Mother’s Day, and enjoy this short short short episode.
Episode 482 – REWIND The Berenstain Bears and the School Scandal Sheet (1994)
Gossip, Journalism, and Junior High Justice! This week on Deep In Bear Country, I am joined once again by the first-ever guest of the show, Mitzi — now a fully fledged junior high student with opinions and receipts. Together, we dive headfirst into one of the most wild Big Chapter Books in Berenstain history: “The Berenstain Bears and the School Scandal Sheet” (1994).
THRILL as we spiral into debates over gossip, freedom of the press, teacher-student dynamics, too-tall’s surprising Dally energy, and why you probably shouldn’t let children run a newspaper. Also: The Outsiders vs The Berenstain Bears, printers: who has them?, and a lot of editing around my stupid mic!
Available wherever you get your bear-based media.
Episode 481 – Tax-Wise: A Pictorial Romp Through the Tax Form by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Before they created the beloved Berenstain Bears, Stan and Jan Berenstain were drawing… THIS?! Tax-Wise: A Pictorial Romp Through the Tax Form (1952) is a bizarre, hyper-specific IRS humor book filled with visual gags, surreal scenarios, and more gendered 1950s weirdness than you can shake a W-2 at. In this episode, I (Phil Gonzales) walk you through the entire book — panel by panel — and try to make sense of its wild humor, historical context, and what it tells us about the Berenstains before they became family-friendly legends.
This was a personal request from Mike Berenstain himself, and honestly, it’s the perfect unhinged way to celebrate tax season.
Episode 480 – The Berenstain Bears Meet the Easter Bunny!
In this egg-cellent Easter episode, we’re cracking open The Berenstain Bears Meet the Easter Bunny (2022), a delightful early reader book that reimagines the 1980s classic Easter Surprise — but with updated illustrations, a softer tone, and the return of everyone’s favorite grumpy hare!
But that’s not all! We dive DEEP into the strange, fascinating, and often completely made-up history of the Easter Bunny, from 16th-century German folklore to Victorian-era mythology to modern mall mascots. Is the Easter Bunny a magical hare? A burned-out holiday manager? A myth created by marketing? Let’s find out together. 🥚🐇🌸 🎨
PLUS: Why Mike Berenstain’s illustrations in this version might be the best Easter art we’ve ever seen in Bear Country.
Episode 479 – The Berenstain Bears: Here Come The Bears!
The Berenstain Bears finally meet real bears—and everything we thought we knew about Bear Country changes.
This week, I break down “The Berenstain Bears: Here Come the Bears!”, a brand-new Level 1 reader that seems simple… but hides big implications about evolution, cultural identity, and the Berenstain multiverse.
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 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!
Episode 468 – The Berenstain Bears’ Big School Project
Why do rotten eggs smell like rotten eggs? How many different kinds of volcanoes are there?! WHAT IS THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY?!!! I. Don’t. Know. BUT. This week, “The Berenstain Bears’ Big School Project” at least pretends to attempt to answer those questions. Also, papier mache volcanoes: better than robots?
Episode 467 – The Berenstain Bears Share & Share Alike!
New Year, Same Show. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Share and Share Alike!” and are you ready to start off 2025 with some ETHICAL QUESTIONS?! I hope so. I really hope so.
Episode 465 – The Berenstain Bears Take Turns
NO CHRISTMAS EPISODE THIS WEEK! Instead, we’re focusing on TAKING TURNS. It’s The Berenstain Bears Take Turns and, hey! Give a little, won’t you?
National and International Organizations
Trans Lifeline Website: https://www.translifeline.org/
The Trevor Project Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Website: https://www.hrc.org/
Trans Youth Equality Foundation (TYEF) Website: https://www.transyouthequality.org/
Mermaids (UK-based) Website: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/
Montana-Based Organizations
Queer Prom MT Website: https://www.thequeerprom.org/
Empower Montana Website: https://www.empowermt.org/
Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center Website:https://www.lgbtmontana.org/
Montana Family Center Website:https://www.mtfamilycenter.org/
Minnesota-Based Organizations
Reclaim Website: https://www.reclaim.care/
Minnesota Trans & Intersex Resource Network (MNTIRN) Website:https://mntirnetwork.org/
Transforming Families Website: https://tffmn.org/
TIGERRS (Transgender, Intersex, Gender-Expansive Revolutionary Services) Website: https://tigerrs.org/
MN Trans Resource Directory Link: Trans Resource Directory
Atlanta-Based Organization
Lost-n-Found Youth Website: https://www.lnfy.org/
Episode 464 – The Berenstain Bears Christmas Fun Sticker & Activity Book
It’s “The Berenstain Bears Christmas Fun Sticker & Activity Book” and they’re really stretching the definition of “fun” here.
Episode 459 – The Berenstain Bears Too Much Noise
Noise, Noise, NOISE, NOIIIISE! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Too Much Noise!”
Episode 457 – The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook FALLoween!
Happy FALLoWEEN everyone! I hope you have your costumes picked out for the big FALL FESTIVAL and that you get to go Trick or Treating for FALL candy! What a bunch of wonderful FALL TRADITIONS we have this time of year. Anywho, Elana is back as we discuss the FALL TREATS we made out of the FALL section of “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook!”
Episode 456 – The Berenstain Bears’ Meet the Berenstain Bears
Welcome to Episode 01? of Deep In Bear Country! I mean, it must be because we’re just now meeting the Berenstain Bears. Also, all of my episodes have disappeared so this might very well be the beginning. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Meet the Berenstain Bears!”
Episode 455 – The Berenstain Bears’ BIG HALLOWEEN PARTY!
The Berenstain Bears have a LOOONG history with Halloween. Those bears LOOOVE to Trick and they love to treat and they love to combine the two and trick and treat. But, sometimes, it’s all about the party. This week, the Bear Family throws caution to the wind and hosts a BIG HALLOWEEN PARTY in “The Berenstain Bears’ BIG HALLOWEEN PARTY!” And, that’s pretty much it.
Episode 453 – The Berenstain Bears’ Big Family Album
Look, Grizzly Gramps could have just INVITED the kids over to look at the Big Family Album and not TRICKED them into looking at the Big Family Album. I’m just sayin’. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Big Family Album.”
Episode 452 – The Berenstain Bears Love Is Kind
What can I say? I’m a sucker for straightforward messaging. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Love Is Kind” and it KIND of works!
Episode 451 – The Berenstain Bears’ Big Track Meet
This week, an ACTUAL Track and Field expert walks me through the ins and outs of the Berenstain Bears’ own Track and Field book “The Berenstain Bears’ Big Track Meet!” It’s not that big. It’s not that regulated. It kinda makes Papa Bear look like a schmuck. Let’s go!
Episode 450 – The Berenstain Bears Stand Up To Bullying
When is a bully not a bully? When he’s BEING BULLIED! And, who better to fill in as history’s greatest bully than… Joseph Dreamcoat? The Bible Guy? Or, something. Brian and Mark are here to help me try to make some sort of sense of “The Berenstain Bears Stand Up To Bullying!”
Episode 449 – The Berenstain Bears Visit the Farm!
You ever wonder what’s on a FARM? You ever see all those closed doors and windows and gates and wish you could just RRRRIP ’em open?! Well, now you can with the Lift-the-Flap extravaganza “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Farm!”
Episode 448 – The Berenstain Bears Honesty Counts
Are you honest? Are you FAIR? Are you READY for BEARS? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Honesty Counts” and, does it? Does it really?
Episode 447 – The Berenstain Bears’ School Talent Show
Are you ready to yodel your hearts out?! I hope you are! I also hope you’re ready to hear ME yodel MY heart out because I am GOING TO and I DO and I don’t even KNOW HOW TO. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ School Talent Show” and YO-DEL-OD-EL-ODLY-ODLY-OO!
Episode 446 – The Berenstain Bears Visit Big Bear City
Hey, it’s a trip to the Big Apple! The City That Never Sleeps! The Town That Never Frowns! The Metropolis That Never Nets Mop O’Lips? Whatever. What happens when the Bear Family goes to Bear Country’s version of New York?! Not much! They do go to the theater, though. So… that’s something. How *does* French work in Bear World, anyways? Find answers to this question and more when “The Berenstain Bears Visit Big Bear City!”
Episode 445 – The Berenstain Bears Just Grin and Bear It!
Want some absolutely generic advice coupled with random pictures from Berenstain Bears books of recent years past? Well, have I got a book for you! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Just Grin And Bear It!”
Episode 442 – The Berenstain Bears Do The Right Thing
This week, Sister Bear faces a moral quandry and it’s up to the ol’ SHOULDER ANGEL to save the day. Will sister do the right thing? Find out in “The Berenstain Bears Do The Right Thing!”
Episode 441 – The Berenstain Bears Father’s Day Blessings
The Bear Family is all set to honor their fathers and HONER THEIR FATHER by sending Gramps and Papa out on a boat for the day. But, what’s this?! SINGING? Who’d a thought?! Also, the origins of Father’s Day. Also, the INCREDIBLY SAD STORY of the guy who wrote the hymn about the music of the spheres. ALSO, it’s The Berenstain Bears Father’s Day Blessings!
Episode 440 – The Berenstain Bears Why Do Good Bears Have Bad Days
Brother and Sister get a real crash course in theodicy this week when some BAD THINGS happen and their friends tell them it’s a PUNISHMENT FROM GOD and boy oh boy. Hey. Why do good bears have bad days? Well, maybe “The Berenstain Bears Why Do Good Bears Have Bad Days?” will help us answer that question!
Episode 435 – The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Devotional
This week, it’s a book that I find very hard to talk about because there’s no plot and it’s long and it’s a devotional. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Devotional” and I’m falling asleep just thinking about it!
Episode 434 – The Berenstain Bears’ Pet Rescue
This week, I’m joined by the delightful Avian Jangula, founder of the Glorious Purrpose Animal Rescue, to talk about, what else? Animal rescue! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Pet Rescue!”
Episode 432 – The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Bed
I’m all alone! And it’s a Lift-The-Flap Book! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Bed” and it’s a Lift-The-Flap Book!
Episode 425 – The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Politeness
Man oh man, is there anything worse than being forced to sit through a terrible music recital? How about having to be POLITE afterwards? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Politeness!”
Episode 423 – The Berenstain Bears’ Extra Special Valentine
It’s Valentine’s Time, so you know what that means! Brian and Christy are back for their annual Valentine’s Day book coverage and we actually have a new book to talk about. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Extra Special Valentine” and it’s SHORT and WEIRD and SO ARE WE. Check it out!
Check out Brian’s podcast Center of Weirdness at predictocast.libsyn.com and check out Christy’s podcast Pizza Toast at withthewhatnow.wordpress.com!
Episode 422 – The Berenstain Bears Stay Healthy
This week I am joined by returning guest Becca Peter to discuss “The Berenstain Bears Stay Healthy!” It’s a brand new book and a very prescient book and a very strange book in so far as its setup is concerned. A musical about the topic? With no music? Because it’s a book? Sure! Why not?! Stay healthy! Give it a chance!
Episode 420 – The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Blessings
When is a ladder not a ladder? When it’s Jacob’s Ladder! Or… staircase. Or, ramp. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that Jacob is the focus of this week’s book “The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Blessings”! Because Jacob goes to bed, I guess? Zzzzzz.
Episode 416 – The Berenstain Bears Welcome To Bear Country!
This week, we’re heading off to… Bear Country? Yeah, Cousin Tex is here so we’re giving him a… sorry, Mayor Honeypot(?) is giving his a tour of Bear Country! And, he hates it! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Welcome To Bear Country!” Whew!
Episode 415 – The Berenstain Bears Play Football!
This week, the Berenstain Bears play football in “The Berenstain Bears Play Football.” No kidding!
Episode 414 – The Berenstain Bears’ Show-and-Tell
This week, the Bears go back into the attic to dig up some old treasures! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Show-and-Tell!”
Episode 413 – The Berenstain Bears God’s Wonderful World
We’re back in nature this week with… wait, have I done this before? It’s “God’s Wonderful World” y’all! Woo!
Episode 410 – The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets
It’s Halloween! And you know what that means! A book about our pets and the blessing of them thereof. That’s right! The Bears are GOING TO CHURCH and GETTING THEIR PETS BLESSED. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets!”
Episode 406 – The Berenstain Bears’ Pirate Adventure
Yar. Ahoy. Blah blah blah. We’re off on a Pirate Adventure and the Berenstain Bears are taking us there. Thus, the title. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Pirate Adventure!” Shiver. Timbers. Etc.
Episode 405 – The Berenstain Bears Visit the Firehouse
This week, our Bear Family creates a major imposition on their local fire constabulary. also, the history of firefighting! Also, Restaurant. Apartments? Maybe!
Episode 404 – The Berenstain Bears Under The Sea
This week, let’s go down, down, down, with the Bear Family as they’re dragged to the bottom of the ocean to sleep with the fishes! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Under The Sea” and… there’s a lot of fish, I guess?
Episode 402 – The Berenstain Bears Around the World
This week, I’m taking you on a trip around the world! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Around the World” and it’s PROBLEMATIC!
Episode 384 – The Berenstain Bears Visit The Credit Union
This week, we’re going to the Credit Union! Bet you thought it would NEVER happen! “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union” is a remarkably common, yet remarkably difficult to obtain, book in the Bears’ library. You have to join a credit union to get it! Or, watch it on YouTube. Like I did!
Episode 380 – The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Fair Is Fair
This week, “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Fair Is Fair” introduces us to a new character in Bear Country, we explore the Book of Zechariah, and we learn a little bit about what true justice may be.
Episode 344 – The Berenstain BABY Bears Me First! Me First! Coping On The Playground
Okay, one final Berenstain BABY Bears book and this one has the delightfully long title of “The Berenstain BABY Bears Me First! Me First! Coping On The Playground!” So, join me as we discuss the pinnacle of BABY Bear books, the crossroads of Too-Tall’s psyche and “coping.” What does it even mean?
Episode 310 – The Berenstain Bears ALL ABOARD!
Chugga chugga CHOO CHOO! This week, we’re talkin’ about TRAINS! It’s “The Berenstain Bears ALL ABOARD!”
Episode 309 – The Berenstain Bears’ Sick Days!
This week, let’s get SICK! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Sick Days” and Sister is ill, Mama is overworked, Papa is under the thumb of BIG CHAIR, and Honey Bear… exists. She’s definitely there.
Episode 308 – The Berenstain Bears Safe and Sound!
Is it safe? Is it sound? Is it The Berenstain Bears Safe and Sound!? It is this week! Let’s take a look at the freewheeling world of skate-a-ma-boarding in Bear Country! Let’s build a deck or a half-pipe or an olly? Let’s get SAFE and SOUND!
Episode 307 – The Berenstain Bears GO OUT TO EAT!
This week, the Bear Family goes OUT TO EAT and… that’s it. That’s all they do.
Episode 306 – The Berenstain Bears’ Eleanor Farley
Who is Eleanor Farley, you ask? She’s only the person *behind* the throne of power at the Berenstain Bears studio! This week, I interview the woman who makes things tick with the Berenstain Bears and passes all my unhinged questions over to Mike. It’s Eleanor Farley!
Episode 304 – The Berenstain Bears Play a FAIR Game!
It’s fair.
Episode 302 – Questions with Brad and Jeremy!
Okay, I’m back! And, I have my collectors, Brad and Jeremy, with me to answer some listener questions and talk about the Berenstain Bears! What more so you want?!
Order Jeremy’s album here. Visit Brad’s Berenstain Bears list here. Maybe join the Facebook group?
Episode 299 – The Berenstain Bears’ BIG Bedtime Book!
This week, we’re taking a look back at an older book and rushing as quickly as we can through FIVE bedtime stories! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ BIG Bedtime Book!”
Episode 297 – The Berenstain Bears Go To Sunday School!
Get up kids! It’s time for SUNDAY SCHOOL! In this episode, the Bear Family goes to Sunday School. But, where did Sunday School come from? Who invented it? What about the song Mama and Papa sing? And they went to Sunday School together? Also, Noah’s Ark… did it stink? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Go To Sunday School!”
Episode 296 – The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers!
Life is a mystery; everyone must stand alone. Or, so they say. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers!”
Episode 295 – The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule!
I avoid making an Aladdin joke in this episode and that’s pretty good for me! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule!”
Episode 294 – The Berenstain Bears and the Really Big Pet Show!
We are back with a look at an old favorite: The Pet Show! That’s right, we’re taking a look at “The Berenstain Bears’ Really Big Pet Show” a reworking of “The Berenstain Bears’ Pet Show” from waaaaaaay back in the day. It’s essentially the same story with a long preamble about the origins of the Bears’ parakeet. Yep. It’s riveting!
Episode 292 – The Berenstain Bears’ Class Trip!
Life isn’t all bees and poop, but if you listen to this week’s episode, you might think it is! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Class Trip!”
Episode 291 – The Berenstain Bears’ Sleepover!
Let’s talk about sleepovers! They sure don’t involve a lot of sleeping, do they? Also, the social construct of “friendship” and the social contract in “inviting a friend over to sleep at your house.” Also, Barry Bruin. What’s his deal? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Sleepover!”
Episode 290 – The Berenstain Bears Phenom in the Family!
Hey everyone! Mitzi is here to talk about “The Berenstain Bears Phenom in the Family!” What’s a phenom? You’re a phenom! I mean, are you? Why is Papa such a jerk? What about Brother Bear’s feelings? Who knows?!
Episode 289 – The Berenstain Bears in Big Bear City!
Wanna go to BIG BEAR CITY? Wanna see it from BEHIND FLAPS? Then let’s take a look at “The Berenstain Bears In Big Bear City!”
Episode 288 – The Berenstain Bears Yike! Yike! Where’s My Trike?
Tricycles are complicated. Who knew? Also, Cousin Fred rides a MOTORBIKE?! Get out of town! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Yike! Yike! Where’s My Trike?”
Episode 287 – The Berenstain Bears and the Great Ant Attack!
Here it is. The Berenstain Bears and the Great Ant Attack!
Episode 285 – The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Commercials!
Kids these days and their tv sets and their sugary cereals and their hugging dolls and their COMMERCIALS! If there’s one thing that remains a pain in the rear it COMMERCIAL TELEVISION am I right? Well, this week we’re getting to the bottom of all of that with “The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Commercials!”
Episode 284 – The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Party!
Surprise! It’s another Valentine’s episode even though it’s no longer Valentine’s Day! And I tricked Brian and Christy into being in it!
Episode 283 – The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings!
Are you ready to fall in love? Are you ready to fall in love WITH GOD? Well, sorry, this is just a retelling of “Comic Valentine” but with some Bible quotes. Also, Brian and Christy are back! Also, it’s actually a pretty good retelling of this oft-told tale? Also, it’s called “The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings!”
Episode 282 – The Berenstain Bears’ Comic Valentine THE BOOK!
Aaaaaaand, we’re back! Brian and Christy have returned (secret surprise THEY NEVER LEFT) and we’re taking a look at “The Berenstain Bear’s Comic Valentine” THE BOOK! Is it different? Is it the same? Yes! NO! It’s all about LOVE!
Episode 281 – The Berenstain Bears’ Comic Valentine TV Special!
Hey all! Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, so we’re celebrating with a Month of Sundays on Saturday! That’s right, it’s ALL VALENTINES, ALL THE TINES, er, TIMES! And, to see us through the Season are returning Valentines themselves, Christy Admiraal and Brian Skinner! We’re kicking things off with a too-close look at the befuddling 1982 special “The Berenstain Bears’ Comic Valentine” which is available on the official Berenstain Bears YouTube channel. Have a look and enjoy the … thing.
Episode 280 – The Berenstain Bears Go In And Out
Oh hey, look, it’s “The Berenstain Bears Go In And Out.” Not much to it. How about a History of the Revolving Door?
Episode 279 – The 20 Most Rare/Unusual Berenstain Bears Books … EVER! Part 2
I am joined, once again, by Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to talk about entries 10 – 1 of “The 20 Most Rare/Unusual Berenstain Bears Books … EVER!“
Episode 278 – The 20 Most Rare/Unusual Berenstain Bears Books … EVER! Part 1
This week, I am joined by Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to talk about entries 20 – 11 of “The 20 Most Rare/Unusual Berenstain Bears Books … EVER!” Join us next week for PART 2!
Episode 277 – The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation!
Are you ready to hit the beach, once again?! We’re taking off with the Bear Family to Gull Island and this time, we’re just going to kick back and enjoy the book. No history, no complaints, no nothin’! It’s just a solid book with great illustrations. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation!”
Episode 276 – The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas/Old-Fashioned Christmas!
Merrrrrry happy! It’s Christmas Day and I am coming at you with two two two books! First, I’m finishing off my looks at “The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas” and then we’re talking “The Berenstain Bears’ Old-Fashioned Christmas!” Two good books! It’s a Christmas miracle! See you next year!
Episode 274 – The Berenstain Bears’ Winter Wonderland!
Sleigh bells ring. ARE YOU LISTENING? It’s the “Berenstain Bears’ Winter Wonderland!”
Episode 273 – The Berenstain Bears Trim The Tree!
This week, we’re looking at another Lift-The-Flap book! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Trim the Tree” and … it’s good? It’s good!
Episode 272 – The Berenstain Bears’ Thanksgiving Blessings!
The Reverend Lauren McLeavey is back! This week, we’re taking a look at “The Berenstain Bears’ Thanksgiving Blessings” and hoping that it avoids the pitfalls of last week’s – oh, nope… nope. No, it’s just as bad. At least stickers are included?
Episode 271 – The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks!
Ooh, dang. Sometimes you get to a book that really, uh, well, that’s really something. And then you gotta have a guest on to help you with it. The Reverend Lauren McLeavey is back to help me panic my way through an ostensibly religious book about Pilgrims and Mayflowers and turkeys named… turkeys that have a certain name. It’s not good, y’all! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks!”
Episode 270 – The Berenstain Bears Lose A Friend
Look, it’s Election Week and I’m in a weird place. Let’s talk about death. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Lose A Friend.”
Episode 269 – The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted House!
It’s a roundtable! Elana, Mark and Gemma join me to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted House!” We lift the flaps and lift… your spirits? Your Halloween spirits?! I hope so! Let’s get flap-liftin’!
Episode 268 – The Berenstain Bears and/in the Spooky Fun House!
‘Allo, ‘allo, ‘allo! Look who’s back to talk about books! It’s Bradley and Jeremy from the ol’ Collectors Corner episodes saving my bacon by jumping in at the last minute to school me on “The Berenstain Bears and/in the Spooky Fun House!” One book talks, but one book POPS! Up. Which is which? You decide!
Check out Jeremy’s incredible work here.
Check out Bradley’s podcast here!
Episode 267 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Spelling Bee!
This week, I’m all by myself and thinkin’ of BEES! Spelling bees, that is! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Big Spelling Bee!”
Episode 266 – The Berenstain Bears Go On A Ghost Walk
This week, Brian Skinner from Predict-O-Cast joins me for a GHOST WALK! What’s a Ghost Walk? Apparently, it’s a haunted house? It’s not a hayride! It’s also WAY TOO SPOOKY FOR KIDS! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Go On A Ghost Walk!”
Episode 265 – The Berenstain Bear Scouts Scream Their Heads Off!
Let’s welcome back to the show the hosts of Kill By Kill, Gena and Patrick as we go exploring a spooky old house atop Spook Hill and maybe, just maybe, learn a little something new about Beartown.
Episode 263 – The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Ripoff Queen!
This week, we are back with the Bear Scouts; we are back with Raffish Ralph Ripoff; and we are back with a story that doesn’t make a heck of a lot of sense. It’s “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Ripoff Queen!” There’s no queens. There’s actually no ripoffs. There is a lot of crime, but it’s mostly committed by our heroes? This is a weird one. And to help me through it, we have a returning guest! Jamie Tyler, cutural critic for Cinapse! Welcome back Jamie!
Episode 262 – The Berenstain Bears Go Back To School!
It’s the first week of school here in Minneapolis and things are weird! So, I brought *my* school kid on the show to talk about “The Berenstain Bears Go Back To School” and marvel at a simpler time when everything wasn’t the worst. Enjoy it!