Brother Bear – Page 4 – Deep In Bear Country

Episode 153 – The Evil Eye!

When is a book NOT a book? When it’s a sequel to a book YOU’VE NEVER READ! Yes, this week I discover the peril of not knowing which book comes after which as I delve into the second part of an apparent two-parter that isn’t actually that difficult to understand; it’s a book for children. It’s “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Evil Eye!”

Joining me to talk about this confounding book is the completely confounded founder of the celebrated Twitter account Best of NextDoor, Jenn Takahashi! Jenn is confused by everything going on, but that’s fine because she has been mentioned in an article in The Atlantic and have the Berenstains? Well, yes actually. They have on a number of occasions. Still, Jenn has been mentioned MOST RECENTLY!

Episode 152 – The Perfect Crime (Almost)!

This week, Jamie Tyler, author of the “Cowabloga” Ninja Turtles blog, is BACK to talk about the most convoluted, frustrating, fascinating and satisfyingly unsatisfying Big Chapter Book I’ve read in a while: “The Berenstain Bears and the Perfect Crime (Almost)!” Yes, get that parenthetical in there; it’s important. Jamie and I work ourselves up to a fever pitch as nothing makes sense, adds up or resolves in any way resembling logical or even dramatically resonant. It’s amazing. And I love it.

Episode 151 – “Too Much Teasing” and “The Love Match!”

Boy oh boy! Milton Chubb! Who is Milton Chubb, you ask? Only the strangest cub introduced in these here books. He’s introduced TWICE actually, in “Too Much Teasing” and in “The Love Match.” Two different formats that tell essentially the same story but in wildly different ways and for wildly different reasons.

To commemorate this event, I’ve brought John McCoy – host of the Sophomore Lit podcast and my co-host on Klickitcast: A Beverly Cleary Podcast – onto the show to try and suss out the point of these two books. Does the first one teach us anything about teasing? Why are Too-Tall and his gang so bad at it? Does Milton have parents, really? Do pigs have armpits? Who knows?! Not us!

Episode 149 – The Berenstains’ A Book

This week, I celebrate THREE YEARS of “Deep In Bear Country” by bringing back my first ever guest, Mitzi! And she’s . . . less than enthused by this week’s book. It’s the “Berenstains’ A Book” and it’s about the letter A! Hooray?

Episode 148 – The Trouble with Grownups!

This week I am joined by not one, not two, not three, but FOUR GUESTS! It’s a veritable ROUND TABLE as I welcome back Elana, Corinna, Andrew and Scott – from Episode 55(!!!) “The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright” – to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Grownups!” And, seeing as how we all have kids and we all do theater, I think we’re more than qualified to discuss a thing or two!

Episode 147 – Go Platinum!

This week, I’m joined by the delightful Drew Stewart to rock out to “The Berenstain Bears Go Platinum!” It’s the gripping tale of Stan and Jan Berenstain really wanting to stick it to the music of today!

Episode 146 – The Big Date

This week, I’m joined by Emily Bennett of Best Acquaintances to talk about the insidious nature of young jealousy! Like, seriously, it’s a pretty solid book that deals with a pretty serious topic for adolescent kids. I know!

Episode 145 – The Sinister Smoke Ring!

This week, I am joined by Justin Harrison of Birth. Movies. Death. to talk about the incredibly long and detailed “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Sinister Smoke Ring!” This is a huge one, folks, and we talk about the influences of the story, how it came to be written, the interwoven plot threads, the mean attitudes of the denizens of Bear Country and many many other things in between. It’s DENSE and LONG and amazing.

Here is the link to Justin’s page for the BP MS 150.

Episode 144 – The Run-Amuck Robot!

Oh boy oh boy oh jeez. This book, I swear . . .

I’m joined this week by Alexandra Bowser of Arthur, Mommy, Movie Time! to talk about the bizarre, sad, terrible, horrifying, rushed and ultimately satisfying “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Run-Amuck Robot!” What is Robow? Is he alive? Are any of us? Why was Ralph stripped naked and arrested? Why the lightning? Why is Gus? What is book?

Episode 143 – The Magic Crystal Caper

This week, we get mired in ATOMIC MAGIC. Seriously. There is ACTUAL MAGIC in this episode. Or, is it science? Doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I have Megan Sunday from In The Attic here to help me through it. And, man, once Grizzly Gramps starts yelling, things get a bit unhinged.

Episode 142 – The Ice Monster!

It’s ME! I’m all alone for this episode, so you know what that means: CONSPIRACY THEORIES! OLD RELIGION! FRACTURED REALITIES! ALTERNATE TIMELINES! OLD GODS! ANCIENT FAITHS! DOOMSDAY! THE END OF THE WORLD! RANTING! RAVING!

WELCOME.

Episode 141 – The Berenstain Bear Scouts Giant Bat Cave!

Elana and Mitzi are back! Or, are here because they’ve never been on together!And we’re talking “Giant Bat Cave!” It’s a Berenstain Bear Scouts book and may, in fact be the *first Berenstain Bear Scouts book but, then again, maybe it’s not? Also, Elana gets really excited to talk about local politics and then has to settle for talking about bats.

Episode 140 – The Berenstain Bears and Queenie’s Crazy Crush!

Helen LaStar, one of the hosts of Falling In Love Montage, joins me this week to peel back the layers of “The Berenstain Bears and Queenie’s Crazy Crush!” What happens when a young girl cub falls in love with a grown man and plots to trick him into coming over to her house when her parents are – you know what? I’m going to just leave that right where I found it. Just . . . just walk away from that one.

Episode 139 – The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted Hayride!

Gena Radcliffe – one half of the Kill By Kill Podcast duo – joins me to talk about the decidedly NON-SCARY “The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted Hayride!” There’s no haunting but there IS a hayride although it is very short and they don’t go into a lot of details about it. Still . . . there it is.

Also, you can find Gena’s writing on a ton of different subjects here and I strongly suggest that you do!

Episode 138 – The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Auto Graveyard!

This week, Meghan Griffin is BACK and this time we’re not talking dress codes or drama, we’re talking . . . classic cars. I mean, I guess Bear Country has cars. And, some of them are really old. So . . . classic cars.

You can find Meghan at any of her three podcasts: Judging Book Covers, Fabelulous Retellings and A Handbook for Handbook for Mortals.

Episode 137 – The Bermuda Triangle!

This week, I’m joined by Kacie Galyon to talk about one of the most surprisingly enjoyable books I’ve read so far in the Big Chapter Book series, ‘The Berenstain Bears and the Bermuda Triangle.” Kacie and I are taken somewhat aback by the mature handling of themes in this book, the twists in the plot and the revelation about Too-Tall’s age! Also, Bermuda . . . is that a good first name?

Episode 136 – The Terrible Talking Termite!

Let’s close out this chunk of Bear Scouts books with “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Terrible Talking Termite.” This one was based on an episode of the cartoon and it shows and shows and shows. It makes little sense and to help me figure it out, I have Christy Admiraal, from Nerdist and VICE and the California Diarists podcast here to pick over this . . . plot? Ralph is in it, so that’s cool. Also, the termite? Not so terrible. Plus, do the authors understand what “insurance fraud” really is?

Episode 135 – The Sci-Fi Pizza!

Wendy Mays from “Pet Cinematary” joins me to talk about the illogical happenings that occur when someone puts a remote control into helium-inflated pizza dough? Or, something? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but Wendy is here to help me try to puzzle at least SOME of it out.

Episode 134 – Save That Backscratcher!

Oh boy! Erin Gambrill from Ladies Who Library is here to talk about a book that COMPLETELY CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD! Like, seriously. There is so much going on in this one I needed to bring in a friend just to help me get through it.

Episode 133 – The Berenstain Bear SCOUTS Ghost VS Ghost!

This week, I’m joined by Patrick Hamilton, one half of Kill By Kill, to talk about “The Berenstain Bear Scouts Ghost Vs. Ghost!” What happens in this book? Would you believe crime and deforestation? Probably. Would you believe GHOSTS! Well, calm down. Patrick and I puzzle over the book’s incredibly detailed look at survival skills, card catalogs and hucksterism, and it’s surprisingly short focus on ghosts. Also, a BIG SWITCHEROO! This book has everything! And by that I mean it doesn’t have much.

Episode 132 – The Berenstain Bears Don’t Pollute (Anymore)!

I’m joined this week by Master of Pollution, Mark Sweeney! He gets it! He KNOWS. Mark Sweeney understands the complicated nature of pollution in bear country and the gentle grace with which the topic is handled in “The Berenstain Bears Don’t Pollute (Anymore)” parenthetical and all. Get to know us through the fine art of POLLUTION.

Episode 131 – Too Much Pressure!

My CHILDREN ARE HERE and we’re talking about “The Berenstain Bears and TOO MUCH PRESSURE!” No pressure here, though. We’re cool as cucumbers.

Episode 129 – The Berenstain Bear SCOUTS and the Coughing Catfish!

Here I go again. It’s yet another retelling of the age old classing “The Coughing Catfish.” Does he cough? Yep. Is he a catfish? Yep. Is there a pirate ship? Oh yes. It’s a short one, folks!

Episode 128 – At the Teen Rock Cafe!

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.

Episode 126 – Maniac Mansion!

This week, I’m joined by Sammi Campbell from Excessively Diverted to talk about this . . . weird . . . book. I mean, it’s great, but it’s weird. There’s ghosts but no ghosts! Bags under eyes and then no bags under eyes! Pajamas and no pajamas! What more do you want?!

Episode 125 – Blaze a Trail!

Brad Mariska sneaks on over to talk about “The Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail” from 1987 – a book I ACCIDENTALLY SKIPPED!

Oh, and, it looks like there IS an animated adaptation! Waddaya know?

Episode 123 – The Berenstain Bear SCOUTS Meet Bigpaw!

Those Bear Scouts are at it again! What is “it” exactly? Adapting cartoons into chapter books is what it is! That’s right, it’s the 1980 classic special “The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw” rejiggered into a Bear SCOUTS book. Does it work? Eh.

Episode 122 – The Berenstain Bear Scots and the Humongous Pumpkin!

Just when you thought they couldn’t create YET ANOTHER series for us to follow, we begin the next adventure in chaptered bookery “The Berenstain Bear Scouts!” And, man, are they plumbing the depths of the Saturday Morning TV series for this one. And, you know, that ain’t all bad.

I’m kicking things off with “The Berenstain Bear SCOUTS and the Humongous Pumpkin.” It’s got thrills, chills and PLOTS GALORE! Keep up, friends; things don’t get any easier to follow after this one.

Episode 121 – The Berenstain Bears’ Showdown at Birder’s Wood!

Hey, there was an episode sort of based on “Showdown at Chainsaw Gap!” Only, they fixed the title and changed the plot. Kept the bird, though. So, Mark came back to talk about it! Here he is!

Episode 120 – The Berenstain Bears and the Showdown at Chainsaw Gap!

Mr. Mark Sweeney RETURNS! And this time he’s got OPINIONS about BIRDS and CHAINSAWS!

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 117 – The Freaky Funhouse!

Brian and Josh – from Predict-O-Cast and . . . another show – actually come INSIDE MY HOUSE and INVADE MY SPACE to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Freaky Funhouse!”

Join us as we talk about MURDER! ATTEMPTED MURDER! And . . . Frankenbear’s Monster? Also, the funhouse doesn’t figure into the plot as much as we’d have liked. What’s that chainsaw noise? Just us.

Episode 116 – The Galloping Ghost!

I’m alone! I’m scared! I’m surrounded by ghosts! It’s a spooktacular book about TRAUMA. That’s right! The Berenstains wrote a secret book about dealing with trauma and I didn’t figure it out until near the end of the episode. Keep on surprising me, Big Chapter Books!

Episode 115 – The Berenstain Bears and the School Scandal Sheet!

Ollie, my teen and co-host of It’s Del Toro Time! – A Guillermo del Toro Podcast, joins me this week to talk “The Berenstain Bears and the School Scandal Sheet!” In which we discuss the terrible things the cubs accuse a teacher of and also divide the cubs into their Hogwarts Houses. IT’s kind of a discussion that goes all over the place. Also, we talk about the importance of owning up to your terrible terrible mistakes how if you’re a cub, you face no consequences for those terrible terrible mistakes.

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 112 – At Camp Crush!

This week, I am joined by Michael M. Rader of We’ll Get It Right Next Year to talk about “The Berenstain Bears at Camp Crush!” This book gets WAY OFF TRACK and doesn’t really involve crushes and barely involves camping. It does involve the most loathsome of Bear Country characters, however, Mervyn Grizzmeyer. Ish.

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!

2017-07-11 12.21.26 — Mike’s desk at Berenstain Studios

2017-07-11 12.21.47 — A look at the production schedule for upcoming books.

2017-07-11 15.25.22 — Jeremy and Brad sitting with Mike.

Photo Jul 11, 12 29 51 — Mike shows the cover of the upcoming bullying book featuring Skuzz! Pic by Bradley Mariska

Photo Jul 11, 12 28 14 — The two alternate covers for “Why Do Good Bears Have BAD Days?” Pic by Bradley Mariska

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 108 – The Red-Handed Thief!

What a weird book. Kerry Nelson from Random Sampling joins me to talk about the gross violation of trust that occurs at Bear Country School! Also, democracy in action? Maybe?

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 106 – The Berenstain Bears and the Wheelchair Commando!

Today, I am joined by writer, musician, educator and Ninja Turtles Blogger Jamie Tyler to talk about wheelchairs, ableism and the way we approach people living with disabilities. Also, should you call a person in a wheelchair “Wheels?” Come on, people.

Episode 104 – The Berenstain Bears Accept No Substitutes!

It’s a live recording of a Facebook Live show! I’m talking about “Accept No Substitutes” and people are listening. So, that’s what’s going on.

Episode 103 – The Berenstain Bears and the Female Fullback!

Shannon Campe of Stage of Fools: the Unofficial Royals Podcast joins me once again and this time we’re talking sexism! Things get downright creepy in Bear Country as the town erupts over the thought of a girl getting girl germs all over their precious football. Farmer Ben turns out to be a nightmare, Coach Grizzmeyer should be fired and Papa Bear . . . what a disappointment he turns out to be.

Episode 102 – The Berenstain Bears and the Nerdy Nephew!

What is a nerd? What makes a nerd a “good nerd?” What makes a nerd a “bad nerd?” What makes a nerd an “insufferable jerk?” Let’s explore!

Episode 101 – Gotta Dance!

Once again, I am joined by Jessie Cooper of Alphabet Flight, Turn to Page and Random Sampling. This time, we’re discussing the BIG CHAPTER BOOK “Gotta Dance!” Do they gotta? I think they gotta.

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 97 – The Berenstain Bears’ Pet Show!

The Bear Family had a skunk for a neighbor.
In “Pet Show” a skunk has been surgically altered and turned into a pet.
Bear Country is horrifying.

Episode 96 – The Berenstain Bears “The Good Deed”/”Hurry to Help!”

Oh, come on! This is the *bare minimum* you can rewrite a book and still call it a rewrite!

I apologize for getting so angry just now.

Episode 95 – READING! “The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Grownups”

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Enjoy!

Episode 94 – “The Big Picture” and “Discover God’s Creation!”

In which I take offense at God telling me to not watch television.

Episode 93 – The Berenstain Bears Learn to Share/Learn to Share!

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More Bears. More Jesus.

Episode 92 – The Berenstain Bears On Time!/Catch The Bus!

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I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

Episode 91 – The Berenstain Bears’ Home Sweet Tree!

It’s me again and this week I’m covering a book about which the less said the better! So, of course, I ramble on and on and on.

Episode 90 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Red Kite/Do Their Best!

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Kites? Who needs ’em?! Well, the Bears do! They also need God. Or, something. Join me as I try to piece together the Bear Family’s weird kite-based theology.

Episode 89 – The Berenstain Bears and the Broken Piggy Bank/Piggy Bank Blessings

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We’re all afraid of change. I know I am. But, sometimes, it’s valuable to look at things that have changed and ask, “Why?” And, “How?” And, “Did they put Proverbs in it?”

Episode 88 – The Berenstain Bears Say Good Night!

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Mitzi and I close out the FIRST First Time books with a gripping story of going to bed.

Episode 87 – The Berenstain Bears at the Super-Duper Market!

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Well, this was poorly thought out. Mitzi and I go to a large supermarket to test the theories put forward in this week’s book. Turns out . . . they were right. There are things in a supermarket.

Episode 86 – The Berenstain Bears’ Four Seasons!

No, I’m not interviewing Frankie Valli; I’m – wait . . . okay, he’s still alive – I’m not interviewing Frankie Valli; I’m reviewing the book “The Berenstain Bears and the Four Seasons.” Or . . . “The Berenstain Bears’ Four Seasons?” Something. I’m too tired to look it up. Oh, and Mitzi is here again.

Episode 85 – The Berenstain Bears Are A Family!

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Episode 84 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vaca(tion)!

Hey guess what I DON’T LIKE THIS BOOK. That’s unfair. That’s unfair to YOU. That’s unfair to ME. That’s. Un. Fair. So. I brought on a friend and VACATION EXPERT – Carrie Keuhl – to talk VACAs with me. We’re talking VACAs. We’re talking . . . I don’t go on VACAs. Can’t afford ’em.

You can find Carrie’s company Moucecierge online. Check it OUT!

Episode 82 – The Berenstain Bears and the Eager Beavers!

It all comes crashing to an end!

Episode 81 – The Berenstain Bears’ Life With Papa!

In which I spend way to long worrying about 80s movies. Also, I realize that this quartet of McDonald’s Happy Meal books, may form their own loose continuity?

Episode 80 – The Berenstain Bears’ Attic Treasure!

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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!

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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. letsnot

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 77 – The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

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 76 – The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Pets!

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?

Episode 73 – The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest!

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Things are getting spooky around here as Erin Sheppard joins me to talk about “The Ghost of the Forest!” Why do we like being scared? What’s the point of safeguarding yourself against danger only to then create your own terrors for fun? Also, things can go one of three ways – which way will they go . . . for you!

Check out Erin’s show “Book of Shadows” at the Twin Cities Horror Festival!

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 72 – The Berenstain Bears and the In-Crowd!

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Caroline Fulford of the Loose Canon Podcast joins me to talk about “In-Crowds.” What are they? Do they matter? Does anything?

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 71 – “Go To School” & “The Sitter” PBS adaptations

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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

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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!

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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!

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They’re not amazing books, but I gotta catch ’em all.

Episode 68 – The Berenstain Bears and the Double Dare!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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?

Pages from TheBerenstain_Bears_-_Trouble_with_Friends-4 — Sister begins to put two-and-two together regarding the existence of Lizzie Bruin.

14151826_10208868572244199_1824464698_o — A painting of Shannon and Ellie in younger days.

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!

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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!

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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

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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

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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 57 – The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma’s!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

FullSizeRender — The machine itself and one of the books. That device is about the size of a dinner plate.

FullSizeRender (1) — “The Berenstain Bears’ Olympics” becomes the more legally satisfying “Ready, Get Set, Go!”

FullSizeRender (2) — I don’t even know where to start on all the different versions of this book.

If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page!

Order Jeremy’s music, dudes!

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

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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

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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 49 – The Berenstain Bears on Saturday Mornings!

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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 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!

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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!

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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! 20160401140029782_Page_1

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!

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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.

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Episode 42 – Berenstain Bear Country?

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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 40 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food!

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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!