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.
Tag: children’s books
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 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 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 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.