Tag: Berenstain Bears

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 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 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!

The Berenstain Bears' Big Bedtime Book (Berenstain Bears Series) by Jan Berenstain, Stan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

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!

Amazon.com: The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story): Mike Berenstain, Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain: Books

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!

The Berenstain Bears' Really Big Pet Show: Berenstain, Jan, Berenstain, Mike, Berenstain, Jan & Mike: 9780060573904: Amazon.com: Books

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!

Amazon.com: The Berenstain Bears' Sleepover (I Can Read Level 1) (9780060574154): Berenstain, Jan, Berenstain, Mike, Berenstain, Jan, Berenstain, Mike: Books

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!

The Berenstain Bears Phenom in the Family: Berenstain, Stan, Berenstain, Jan: 9780679889526: Amazon.com: Books

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!

Berenstain Bears Ser.: The Berenstain Bears in Big Bear City by Jan Berenstain and Stan Berenstain (1996, Trade Paperback) for sale online | eBay

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!

Amazon.com: The Berenstain Bears and the Great Ant Attack (9780679889502): Berenstain, Stan, Berenstain, Jan: Books

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!

Image result for 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!

Click here to see the video!

Episode 283 – The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings!

Image result for 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!

The Berenstain Bears' Comic Valentine: Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain: 9780590947299: Amazon.com: Books

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 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!

The Berenstain Bears' Winter Wonderland: Berenstain, Jan, Berenstain, Mike, Berenstain, Jan, Berenstain, Mike: 9780060574277: Amazon.com: Books

Sleigh bells ring. ARE YOU LISTENING? It’s the “Berenstain Bears’ Winter Wonderland!”

Episode 273 – The Berenstain Bears Trim The Tree!

The Berenstain Bears Trim the Tree (The Berenstain Bears) ADLE Interna

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!

Amazon.com: The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings: Stickers Included! (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story) (0025986734879): Berenstain, Mike: Books

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!

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights): Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain: 0025986712518: Amazon.com: Books

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 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!

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Fun House Original Golden Book Cover, in Michael J.'s The Berenstain Bears (1982-1991) Comic Art Gallery Room
The Berenstain Bears in the Spooky Fun House: A Pop-up Book: Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain: 9781577192565: Amazon.com: Books

‘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!

The Berenstain Bears and the Big Spelling Bee: Berenstain, Jan, Berenstain, Stan, Berenstain, Mike, Berenstain, Jan: 9780060573867: Amazon.com: Books

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

The Berenstain Bears Go on a Ghost Walk: Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain: 9780060573836: Amazon.com: Books

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!

Los osos scouts Berenstain gritan de terror / The Berenstain Bear Scouts Scream Their Heads Off (Spanish Edition): Berenstain, Stan, Berenstain, Mike: 9780590944861: Amazon.com: Books

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!

Berenstain Bear Scouts And The Ripoff Queen by Stan Berenstain

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!

The Berenstain Bears Go Back to School: Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain: 9780060526757: Amazon.com: Books

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!

Episode 261 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Car Trip!

How much car trip is too much? Let’s find out with “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Car Trip!”

Episode 259 – The Berenstain Bears’ New Pup and New Kitten!

This week, I’m peekin’ at TWO books about introducing pets into the Bear Family. “The Berenstain Bears’ New Pup” and “The Berenstain Bears’ New Kitten!” Are they useful books as far as educating children about the ins and outs of acquiring a new pet? Lulz.

Episode 258 – The Berenstain Bears Ride Like The Wind!

This week, I am joined by a guest who couldn’t be better suited to the material. Remy Maisel is a lifelong horse girl in addition to being a published author, copywriter and blogger. She fills me in on the facts behind “The Berenstain Bears Ride Like The Wind.”

Episode 252 – The Berenstain Bears and the Tic-Tac-Toe Mystery!?

When is mystery *not* a mystery? When it’s only a question that anyone can answer given a few seconds thought. Well, Willow – my co-host from It’s Del Toro Time – is back to help solve this not-a-mystery with “The Berenstain Bears and the Tic-Tac-Toe Mystery!” It’s really dumb!

 

 

Episode 224 – The Berenstain Bears and the Hiccup Cure!

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*Hic* Kill me *Hic* Kill me *Hic* Kill me

This week, Ollie – my child and co-host of It’s Del Toro Time – joins me to talk about the Cub Club book “The Berenstain Bears and the Hiccup Cure!” Papa gets hiccups and… that’s about it. It’s a short one!

SUMMER RERUN – Meet the Berenstain Bears!

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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 79 – The Berenstain Bears’ Substitute Teacher!

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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.

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Episode 77 – The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin!

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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

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Episode 76 – The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Pets!

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Do you own a pet? I know I don’t! So, I’m in no way qualified to talk about them. Fortunately, Abby Hartman of “It’s Training Cats and Dogs” is here to fill me in on pet ownership, pet responsibility and whether or not the Bear Family is ready to take the plunge! I’m guessing . . . not?