I’m not afraid! I’M NOT AFRAID! It’s “The Berenstain Bears, Do Not Fear, God Is Near!”
Tag: Mama Bear
Episode 333 – The Berenstain Bears and Mama for Mayor!
I’m Phil Gonzales and THIS… is POLITICS! Actually, it’s a rewrite, redo, gender-swap of “The Big Election” but it’s called “The Berenstain Bears and Mama For Mayor!”
Places to Donate:
Ukraine aid
Organizacion Latina de Trans en Texas
Transgender Education Network of Texas
allgo qpoc (allgo envisions a just and equitable society that celebrates and nurtures vibrant queer people of color communities.)
The Mahogany Project, Inc. (We aim to reduce social isolation, stigma, and acts of injustice in TQLGB+ Communities of Color)
Embrace Austin (Embrace Austin is a coalition of LGBTQIA2+ individuals, organizations, and businesses in Austin. We aim to build bridges between queer people and queer initiatives, boost Austin’s queer economy, and set a new standard for cultural competency in LGBTQIA2+ Austin*)
Out Youth (Out Youth serves Central Texas LGBTQIA+ (lesbian/gay/bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual) youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults)
Zebra Coalition (Zebra Coalition is a network of organizations, which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBTQ+) ages 13 – 24. The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, and physical, sexual and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.)
The Trevor Project (The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.)
ALSO Youth (ALSO Youth is a Non-Profit Charity that provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 24, their families and friends, and the community, thereby enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue, and increasing awareness of sexual minority youth issues.)
Episode 331 – The Berenstain Bears’ Gossip Gang/Truth About Gossip
Ready to dish that hot hot goss?! Well, Sister sure is. TWICE! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Gossip Gang” and the exact same book “The Berenstain Bears Truth About Gossip!”
Places to Donate:
Ukraine aid
Organizacion Latina de Trans en Texas
Transgender Education Network of Texas
allgo qpoc (allgo envisions a just and equitable society that celebrates and nurtures vibrant queer people of color communities.)
The Mahogany Project, Inc. (We aim to reduce social isolation, stigma, and acts of injustice in TQLGB+ Communities of Color)
Embrace Austin (Embrace Austin is a coalition of LGBTQIA2+ individuals, organizations, and businesses in Austin. We aim to build bridges between queer people and queer initiatives, boost Austin’s queer economy, and set a new standard for cultural competency in LGBTQIA2+ Austin*)
Out Youth (Out Youth serves Central Texas LGBTQIA+ (lesbian/gay/bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual) youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults)
Zebra Coalition (Zebra Coalition is a network of organizations, which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBTQ+) ages 13 – 24. The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, and physical, sexual and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.)
The Trevor Project (The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.)
ALSO Youth (ALSO Youth is a Non-Profit Charity that provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 24, their families and friends, and the community, thereby enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue, and increasing awareness of sexual minority youth issues.)
Episode 330 – The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect and…?
“Show some respect for Judge Reinhold! I mean… your parents.” It’s “The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect” and a SECRET BONUS! Tee hee. I respect you all!
Episode 329 – The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Love Bug
We’re unhinged this week as Brian Skinner from Center of Weirdness and Christy Admiraal from our very own Pizza Toast join me yet again to discuss Valentine’s Day! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Love Bug” but it’s really just madness. It’s madness.
Episode 324 – The Berenstain Bears Kitten Rescue!
Happy The New Year! Willow joins me to talk about what might very well be our final Good Deed Scouts book “The Berenstain Bears Kitten Rescue.” It’s ridiculous.
Episode 323 – The Berenstain Bears Go Christmas Caroling!
The Berenstain Bears are READY TO GO CAROLING! And John McCoy is here from Sophomore Lit to go caroling with me! We kinda talk about the book but mostly talk about the carols and then things get a bit off track. What are your thoughts on Lulu? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Go Christmas Caroling!”
Episode 322 – The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas
MERRY HAPPY! It’s our truncated Christmas Season and we’re celebrating by digging our nativity scenes out and talking about nativity scenes! Let’s talk The Nativity, Where’s Spot and the very nature of Lift-The-Flap Books as a concept! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Get Ready For Christmas!”
Episode 320 – The Berenstain Bears Mama’s Helpers!
More Good Deed Scouts = More Willow! What happens when the Good Deed Scouts help Mama Bear? Not much! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Mama’s Helpers!”
Episode 319 – The Berenstain Bears’ Neighbor in Need!
This week, the Good Deed Scouts are back and so is Willow! Do the GDSs do… anything worthwhile this week? Probably not? Is there a witch? Maybe? Do we have to make up our own plot just to stay awake? Definitely.
Episode 316 – “Meet The Berenstains” Uncommon Ephemera
This week, Deep In Bear Country goes deeper than usual into the wild world of Berenstain Bears ephemera with our guest, Mark O’Brien of the YouTube channel “Uncommon Ephemera!” He’s unearthed a Filmstrip interview/documentary about Stan and Jan Berenstain that is one of the most delightful things I’ve ever seen. I also have on, as a bonus, my collectors Brad Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to talk about the Filmstrip and just shoot the breeze. It’s fun!
Watch “Meet the Berenstains” here!
Episode 315 – The Berenstain Bears and the GHOST of the THEATER!
This Halloween, there is NO GHOST. But, there is a theater. So, it’s only half lying. It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Theater!”
Episode 313 – The Berenstain Bears Kindness Counts!
This week, does kindness count? Does it “count?” Well, Jan and Mike seem to think so! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Kindness Counts!”
Episode 312 – The Berenstain Bears and A Job Well Done!
Some people like their jobs RAW, but I like mine WELL DONE! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and A Job Well Done!
Episode 311 – The Berenstain Bears and the Forgiving Tree!
Hey, it’s time to talk about forgiving! And forgiveness! And stealing a bike and crashing it in to a mailbox! It’s “The Berenstain Bears The Forgiving Tree!”
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 305 – The Berenstain Bears’ Faithful Friends!
We’re back! Sorry I was gone so long, but we’re back with a sequel to (checks notes) The Golden Rule! Remember Suzy McGrizzie, well she’s BACK BABY, YEAH! And she’s cool now? Sort of? Anyway, this one has some Bible stuff and it actually works pretty well so let’s get going!
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 298 – The Berenstain Bears God Loves You!
Real talk: does God love you? Let’s find out! Let’s also learn a bit about Bear Country’s Musical Theater heritage; the gender division between theater and sports; and Ferdy Actual… he exists! Also, Mama won’t stop making the conversation all about God God GOD! God, Mama! It’s “The Berenstain Bears God Loves You!”
Episode 293 – The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence!
This week, I welcome back to the show producer, writer, actor and Sister Bear apologist Shannon Campe to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence!” Who is this new cub? Why does Farmer Ben get so angry about six apples? Don’t these bears know that tulips will grow back? And, most importantly, why did no one tell us there were TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE BOOK?!
Listen to Shannon’s “Little Women A Modern Audio Drama” here.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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!
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 257 – The Berenstain Bears Ride The Thunderbolt and We Like Kites!
This week it’s t-t-t-TWO BOOKS! I’m talking about “The Berenstain Bears Ride the Thunderbolt” and “The Berenstain Bears: We Like Kites!” Look, they’re Step-Into-Reading books for preschoolers. This is a fun one!
Episode 256 – The Berenstain Bears’ Back To School!
Join me for the final Family Time Book “The Berenstain Bears’ Back To School!” Not, “Back To School With The Berenstain Bears” and NOT “The Berenstain Bears GO Back To School.” Those are VERY DIFFERENT THINGS.
Episode 255 – The Berenstain Bears’ Birthday Boy!
Look, I just won’t let this birthday thing go, okay? OKAY? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Birthday Boy!”
Episode 253 – The Berenstain Bears’ Nature Rescue!
Two and a half years ago, Mark Sweeney and I talked about “The Showdown at Chainsaw Gap!” Well, we’re back to talk about it again! Only now it’s call “Nature Rescue” and it’s missing, like, one line. Still a good talk tho!
Episode 251 – The Berenstain Bears The Runamuck Dog Show!
Hot Diggity Dog! Look who’s back! It’s the hosts of Hot Diggity Dog, Brian and Josh, and they’re here talk about “The Runamuck Dog Show!” It’s a book about dogs and cats and poop and… poop, actually. There’s a lot of poop. Don’t know what else to tell you.
Episode 250 – The Berenstain Bears The Wrong Crowd!
Megan Sunday, co-host of the Dune-tastic “Let’s Get Wierding” podcast, joins me this week to talk about SMOKING IN THE WOODS and PLAYING BASKETBALL IN THE WOODS and DO THE BULLIES LIVE IN THE WOODS? It’s “The Berenstain Bears: The Wrong Crowd!”
Episode 249 – The Berenstain Bears and the Soccer Tryouts/Too Small For The Team!
Guess who can’t catch a break. SISTER! We’re back with another look at the unjust sporting world Sister inhabits with “The Soccer Tryouts” and it’s Stepping Stone rewrite “Too Small For The Team!” And, joining me on this journey is returning guest Christy Admiraal!
And here is a list of places to donate to in support of the ongoing BLM protests.
Episode 247 – The Berenstain Bears Play Ball!
This week, I’m joined once again by Helen LaStar of the Falling In Love Montage podcast to talk about a book that shouldn’t be as fraught as it is: “The Berenstain Bears Play Ball!” It should be an uplifting story of Sister bringing change to the male-dominated world of Little League, but instead it’s mostly about how awful Papa is… to everyone. Enjoy!
Special Bonus – The Berenstain Bears That Stump Must Go!
It’s a special EARLY episode because this one couldn’t wait!
Link to Twitter thread mentioned in the episode.
Places to donate (as usual, use caution before giving to any organization you’re unfamiliar with).
Episode 246 – The Berenstain Bears and the Goofy, Goony Guy
Hey! Mitzi’s back! And we’re talking about a guy who may be goofy and he may be goony but… but, he’s “The Goofy, Goony Guy.” That’s all.
Episode 241 – The Berenstain Bears Help Around the House!
At least there’s no dog poop in this one.
Episode 240 – Chag Sameach!
It’s Passover, y’all.
Episode 239 – The Berenstain Bears Get A Checkup!
Boy oh boy. Let’s all go to the DOCTOR.
Episode 237 – The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Chores
We’re in seclusion. Let’s talk about chores.
Episode 236 – The Berenstain Bears At Big Bear Fair!
Let’s go to the fair! The BIG BEAR FAIR! How big are the bears? Who cares?! It’s the BIG BEAR FAIR!
Episode 235 – The Berenstain Bear and the Jump Rope Contest!
This week, we’re taking a hard look at rope and the jumping over thereof! We’re also looking at Sister Bear and her bragging ways and how if you brag too much… nothing bad will happen. It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Jump Rope Contest!”
Episode 232 – The Berenstain Bears By The Sea!
Are you ready to get sandy?! No? Me neither. I hate the beach. But, the Bear Family loves(?) it! They can’t wait to get there! So, of course, Mama and Papa make the cubs wait. And wait. And wait. And then they get in the water. That’s the story! SEA ya!
Episode 231 – The Berenstain Bears Get the Grouchies!
GRRR! GRRR! I’ve got the GROUCHIES! And so do the BEARS! What are these Grouchies? What causes them? Does it matter? Does anything? Let’s find out!
Episode 230 – The Berenstain Bears On The Road
This week, I close out the “Big Mall” series(?) by taking a quick look at “The Berenstain Bears Hold Hands at the Big Mall” which, honestly I spend about five minutes on it. No, the big book this week is “The Berenstain Bears On The Road” which does not involve a seminal work of Beatnik-related literature, but does involve flat contradictions in Bear Country history as well as out first incident of vomiting children! It’s a blast!
Episode 229 – The Berenstain Bears Down On the Farm/The Berenstain Bears Reap the Harvest
Let’s go back to the farm, this week, with a couple of rewrites of a couple of the books we *just* looked at! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Down On The Farm” and the religious “The Berenstain Bears Reap The Harvest!”
Episode 228 – The Berenstain Bears With Nothing to Do/The Berenstain Bears Visit Farmer Ben
In this episode, I’m sick! And talking about Cub Club Books! This week, I’m taking a cold hard look at two books that may, in fact, form the beginnings of a trilogy that we discussed the ending of last week! That’s right, “Nothing to Do” and “Visit Farmer Ben” would seem to set up the events in “The Summer Job” by establishing that the Cubs are bored and… and… sorry I fell asleep typing this. Anyway, books.
Episode 226 – The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note (1993)
My own child, Mitzi, joins me for the final episode of the year: a look at the original Cub Club version of “The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note!”
Episode 225 – The Berenstain Bears In the Wax Museum!
When is a mystery *not* a mystery? When nothing mysterious happens! “The Berenstain Bears IN the Wax Museum” acts like a mystery, but it’s really a community drama about zoning ordinances. It makes a lot of promises it can’t keep and sets up plot points that melt like the wax in Madame Bearsaud’s statues, but I don’t care because KACIE GALYON is back to help me get through it! Welcome back to the show, Kacie!
Episode 224 – The Berenstain Bears and the Hiccup Cure!
*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!
Episode 223 – The Berenstain Bears Go Hollywood!
I’ve been alone so long! This week, I bring back two things that this show desperately needed: the Big Chapter Books and A GUEST! Yes, I am joined by author and screenwriter Mark Wheaton, the author of “Emily Eternal” and the Luis Chavez Mysteries. He’s here to help me pick apart a book about… filmmaking? The Hollywood machine? Cecil B. DeMille? It’s a mess; but a FUN mess!
THANKSGIVING RERUN! – BIGPAW!
FOUR YEARS AGO (!!!!!!!!) I had Bradley and Jeremy on the show to talk about “The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw – the Bears’ Thanksgiving special from 1980. Well, I’m BUSY so here’s this week’s show! It’s a RERUN!
Episode 221 – The Berenstain Bears and the Family Get Together/The Berenstain Bears Reunion! (1993/2009)
When is a get-together not a get-together? When it’s a reunion! Whether the Bear Family is getting together or reuniting, we’re meeting some new relatives in “The Berenstain Bears’ Family Get Together” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Family Reunion!”
Episode 219 – The Berenstain Bears Hug and Make Up!
This week, let’s all “Hug and Make Up!” It’s “The Berenstain Bears Hug and Make Up” from the 90s and the early 2000s and they are NOT the same books! They might LOOK similar, but they ain’t. Trust me.
Episode 218 – The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old House!
This week, we’re back of the HALLOWEEN track with “The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old House!” And, it IS spooky but not for the reasons you probably think. Let’s talk death and widows and homelessness and squatter’s rights and RAGGEDY TOM! Please. Please, let’s.
Episode 216 – Patreon Question: Ernie and Melissa
It’s nice outside, so let’s talk about dating!
Episode 211 – The Berenstain Bears Visit Uncle Tex (1994)/The Berenstain Bears Out West (2006)
Look who’s back! It’s Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff – my collectors! Only this time they’re not talking collectibles, but an actual book! Brad and Jeremy join me to talk about “The Berenstain Bears Visit Uncle Tex” and “The Berenstain Bears Out West” which are, in fact, the SAME BOOK ALMOST!
Check out Jeremy’s website to preorder his new album and order his old albums! Check out Bradley’s Berenstain Bears Bibliography and see what his band is up to!
Also, if you’re in town, check out my one-man show!
Episode 210 – The Berenstain Bears Say Please and Thank You (2011)!
This week, I’m taking a look at a book FILLED with BOOKS! It’s 2011’s “The Berenstain Bears Say Please and Thank You” and it’s NOT related to last week’s book at all! It’s a whole new thing entirely!
Episode 209 – The Berenstain Bears Say Please and Thank You (1997)!
This week, we talk about “Please” and “Thank you” – the words, the concepts, the social contract. We look at where these ideas came from; what the words mean; and how they hold society together. We also look at what happens when “The Berenstain Bears Say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You!'”
Episode 208 – The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Battle
Elana and sometimes Mitzi join me on vacation to talk about “The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Battle” a book with no real battles.
Episode 206 – The Berenstain Bears All Year ‘Round/God Made the Seasons!
It sure is time outside! What time? ALL THE TIME! This week, we take yet another look at the seasons and ask whether they matter more or less if God was involved.
Episode 205 – The Berenstain Bears and the Perfect Fishing Spot!
Let’s go fishin’ now, everybody’s learnin’ how, come on and go fishin’ with meeeeeeeee . . . and Godddddddddd!
Episode 204 – The Berenstain Bears Visit Fun Park!
This week, I’m taking you to a place from my childhood that I DREAD! The amusement park! Learn about why I hate amusement parks, a brief history of amusement parks and, oh right, what happens when the Bear Family visits an amusement park in “The Berenstain Bears Visit Fun Park!”
Episode 203 – The Berenstain Bears At The Giant Mall!
Boy, do I ever love to talk about going to the mall. I never even knew I loved it so much until I started doing this show. Anyways, here’s “The Berenstain Bears at the Giant Mall” featuring a couple of guest storytellers!
Episode 202 – The Berenstain Bears and the Wishing Star
This week, I’m all by myself and talking about Cub Clubs! Yes, it’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Wishing Star” and I don’t have a whole lot to say about it!
Episode 201 – The Berenstain Bears and the Funny Valentine!
This week, I am joined by two delightful souls, Christy Admiraal and Brian Skinner, as we traverse the completely off-season topic of Valentines Day! Who is an appropriate suitor for Sister? What’s a Thousand Legger? A Hop Toad? Whither fistball. We talk it all!
Episode 200 – The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note!
This week, I’m playing with a FULL HOUSE or FULL BACKYARD as I’m joined by not one, not two, not three but FOUR GUESTS! Yes, Elana is back and she’s brought her niece, Miriam, and her aunt and uncle Meryl and Evan for a backyard conversation about excuses and notes and “The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note!”
Episode 199 – The Berenstain Bears and the Papa’s Day Surprise!
This week, it’s Father’s Day and I brought on a father very near and dear to my heart: Mark Sweeney! He’s back, y’all and he’s ready to talk about Papa’s weird obsession with not celebrating Father’s Day. Enjoy it.
Episode 197 – Deep In Bear Country Live Show HOT WASH!
Boy oh boy, are you ever tired of hearing about the live show? I know! Well, this is it, folks. I’ve asked Elana and Mark back on the show to talk about how they felt the show went, to discuss the process and to play you a few clips! Courtesy of Mr. Bradley Mariska!
Episode 196 – Mama and Papa’s . . . Names?
This week, I’m taking a look at a shocking recent revelation in Bear Country – Mama and Papa Bear’s pre-parental names!
Episode 195 – The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise
Episode 194 – Stefanie Eskander
This week, I am joined by toy designer Stefanie Eskander. Stefanie has been a part of the development of so many different toy lines, you wouldn’t even believe it if I told you. That’s why I have her on the show! So you can get it straight from the source! Honestly, Stefanie is incredible and it was an honor to speak with her.
You can find Stefanie’s design work on Instagram and at her personal website!
Episode 192 – The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs!
Well, I thought I was going to get into the real meat of Easter – some real Easter Meat, if you will. Ham. I think ham is Easter meat. But, no. Sorry. It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs.”
Episode 191 – The Berenstain Bears’ Easter Surprise!
This week, I begin looking at Easter and its presence in Bear Country. Specifically, I finally get around to the 1981 special and the book it inspired.
Episode 190 – The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted Lighthouse!
This week, we’re going to the shore and exploring a haunted lighthouse! Haunted by ghosts? More like HAUNTED BY HISTORRRRYYYYYY! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted Lighthouse!”
Episode 188 – The Berenstain Bears’ Report Card Trouble!
Papa get angry. Papa get mad. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Report Card Trouble” and . . . it’s a retread of an older book really.
Episode 186 – The Berenstain Bears Think of Those In Need (redux)!
I’m back with a response to the reactions to last week’s episode “The Berenstain Bears Think of Those In Need.” The conversation I had with my guest pushed some buttons, and I thought I’d take a moment to address some of the comments I received. Also, I take a look at the Nelvana episode inspired by the book that seems to have heard our episode somehow in the future and taken all of our advice! It’s weird!
Episode 185 – The Berenstain Bears Think of Those In Need
Man, those bears just won’t stop cleaning house! In this, our THIRD book about the Bear Family either getting rid of junk or helping people out, we finally see the culmination of all these ideas. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Think of Those In Need!” and to walk us through the bears’ actions and attitudes, I have on the show my friend Community Health Organizer and Advocate JoAnna Lund! JoAnna has a lot of strong thoughts about what Mama considers “thinking” and “those” and “need” and we really hash it out. It’s a good one, people!
Episode 184 – The Berenstain Bears Clean House!
Hey it’s just me again! In this super short episode, I look at the LIES behind “The Berenstain Bears Clean House.” Also, I get a bit loopy because of pain medication.
Episode 183 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Blooper!
This week, we’re bleepin’ and bloopin’ and cursing up a storm! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Big Blooper!” where Sister Bear cusses a swear!