Mama Bear – Page 4 – Deep In Bear Country

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!

Episode 39 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear!

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I’m all alone and kind of lose it in this one? So, join me, dear listeners, as I delve into the horrors of greed. Also, I promise to never say “Giggly Goo” ever again.

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 38 – The Berenstain Bears and the Neighborly Skunk!

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When is a skunk not a skunk? When it’s a stand-in for PREJUDICE! This week, Brandi Brown of Brandi and Bill talk about Blaxploitation (among MANY OTHER THINGS) joins me to discuss a book that is short of pages but long on social commentary. Where did all the non-bear animals in Bear Country go? If different bears are different races, what are different species? Should Mama Bear change her clothes to go camping? All this . . . and more!

Don’t forget, Brandi will be at the Acme Comedy Co. in Minneapolis Tuesday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 27. And, she’ll be on the Gilmore Guys podcast live show March 5 at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis.

Here’s a link to Brandi’s coverage of “The Berenstain Bears Lost in Cyberspace.”

Brandi’s blog can be found here.

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 37 – The Berenstain Bears and the Dinosaurs!

DIBC-EP37 — Better get used to those faces, kid.

DINOSAURS! Who doesn’t love dinosaurs?! Well, parents, apparently? Joining me to discuss dinosaurs and the love thereof are Trish and Talcott, two artists and dinosaur lovers. We talk dinos, inaccurate dinos, weird dinos and “Baby, Secret of the Lost Legend.” It’s a doozy, folks!

tsintaosaurus_by_babbletrish-d6vql3v — A lovely tsintaosaurus art by @babbletrish

deyjejqG — @talcotts interprets the bones of the strange creature in the Bear Country Museum

You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.

Episode 36 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Election!

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POLITICS! That’s what we’re all about this week. POLITICS! How do they work? Why? Where? Tax! Papa don’t know. And Papa . . . don’t care.

All this and no more!

Episode 35 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV!

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Boy am I lucky! Mr. Andrew Schwartz of the “Talkin’ ‘Bout Turtle: Your One Stop Shoppe for Entourage Schlopp” podcast has joined me to discuss the notion of perhaps watching too much television. Is this even possible? What was television like when I was a kid? What’s a “cube puzzle?” Paula Poundstone?

We discuss all these things and more!

You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.

Episode 34 – The Berenstain Bears Shoot the Rapids!

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Okay, I learned my lesson last time. I’m only going to try to tackle one mini storybook. this week. 1984’s “The Berenstain Bears Shoot the Rapids.” Sounds like a treat.

Episode 33 – The Berenstain Bears and Mama’s New Job

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In which I try to figure out what a quilt is, Mama Bear makes what may be an unwise career choice, and everyone goes to bed unsatisfied.

Do it! Facebook, Twitter, iTunes.

Episode 32 – Four Mini Storybooks!

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WHAT is my problem?! Four books?! There’s no way this is going to be anything less than unwieldy, right? Wellllllllllllllll, you may be right.

Still, these are fun little books and, though it may not be readily apparent, very important books in the development of the Berenstain’s creative empire. It has to do with some observations I had about the art style and a query I posted to . . . well, I’ll direct you to my other blog post and you can read the whole thing!

You know the drill: Facebook, Twitter, iTunes. M’WAH!

Episode 31 – Welcome Back! & The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Money

The look of pure evil.

Welcome back! Or, since I’m the one who’s been gone, I guess you should be saying that. So. Welcome back, me!

This week, we take a look at where we have been. We also take a look at The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money. I feel like it would be better served with the title “and The Trouble With Money” but, whatever.

Go to our Facebook page on Facebook and say something! Or, message me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.

Episode 30 – The Berenstain Bears and the Truth

This episode, Mitzi and I explore the ethics of telling the truth. Also, the reasons we lie and the benefits of living a truthful life. Or, something. I don’t know. I haven’t listened to the show yet.

If you enjoyed last week’s reading, let me know and I’ll do more! You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can message me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.

Reading 1 – The Berenstain Bears and The Truth

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What’s all this then?! It’s a reading! This week we’re breaking format and listening to a book! So, kick back, relax and enjoy my melifluous tones!

We’ll be back next week with an episode as we barrel toward Christmas! There’s a lot coming up!

As usual, let me know what you think! Do you want more readings? 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 29 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw

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Gobble Gobble! It’s Thanksgiving and we’ve got a JUMBO episode! Welcome back Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff – our B. Bear collectors – as we discuss “The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw.” We cover, not only the original special, but also the adaptations that followed.

Take a look at some of the Bigpaw collectibles from Bradley’s collection:

How old is Bigpaw? Where does he come from? Since when is Mama a witch? Is “One Tin Soldier” a good song?

We answer none of these questions! Enjoy!

As usual, let me know what you think! 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 28 – The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room

DIBC-EP28 This is the book where Mama LOSES. HER. Stuff. Her stuff. She straight up loses it and yells at the cubs and we couldn’t be happier. Oh, and Mitzi is joining me again. We’re getting ready for vacation, so this one is short!

You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can holla at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes.

Episode 27 – The Berenstain Bears Go To Camp

Actually, only the cubs go to camp, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This week, I talk with an old college friend, Chris Nail, who knows a LOT about camp. What are those mysterious rules Brother is so interested in? Where are the other camp counselors? Also, Native American iconography and its prevalence in the history of American Summer Camps!

What was your camp experience like? 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 26 – The Berenstain Bears Get In A Fight

Who better to discuss a fight between two siblings than . . . two siblings! In this episode, BOTH of my kids join me to discuss arguments, waking up on the wrong side of the bed and yelling dads. Plus, conflict resolution: is it worth it?

Please let me know what you think! 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 25 – The Berenstain Bears In The Dark

Happy Halloween, BOILS and GHOULS! Welcome to the Halloween episode of the Berenstain SCARES! Let’s go down a scummy . . . dirt . . . toad(?), creep in . . . scare country? I lost it.

Anyway, it’s not a Halloween book, but it *is* all about FEAR! And, as such, I’ve decided to tackle the subject my own self. Me. All by my lonesome. Let’s see how it turns out!

Good. It turns out good.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to let me know what you think! 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 24 – The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist

What does a real dentist think of Sister Bear’s first trip to the dentist? Not much! Turns out, Dr. Bearson’s practice leaves a LOT to be desired! Join me and a real live dentist as we discuss this questionable excursion into dentistry.

If you want a better book to help prepare your kids for the dentist, the University of Maryland has a pretty good list.

As usual, let me know what you think! 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 23 – The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day

How did the Bear Family get their treehouse in the first place? Ever wonder that? No? Well, you’re getting a canon-defying explanation in “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day!” When is a cave not a cave? Where did the rabbits in clothes go? And, what of those sconces?! All this, my kid, and MORE!

As usual, let me know what you think! 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 22 – Collector’s Corner 1

This is so cool. I have on the show this week Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff. Bradley and Jeremy have the two largest collections of Berenstain Bear merch IN THE WORLD. THE WORLD! Join me as these guys share three of their favorite B. Bear pieces. And, don’t fret that this is the last time these guys will be on, because this is not the last time these guys will be on.

Hey, do you want to see some images from the books?! Take a looks!

Bet you never thought oregano had a scratch-n-sniff, eh? Trade you for your Root Beer sticker.

See that circle thing there? That's a tiny record! And you play it with a hand-held spinning record player! THE FUTURE! — See that circle thing there? That’s a tiny record! And you play it with a hand-held spinning record player! THE FUTURE!

On top: The original line edition that your kid brother probably tried to color. On bottom: the later full color version. — On top: The original line edition that your kid brother probably tried to color.
On bottom: the later full color version.

All the goodness. See that thing in the middle? HAND-HELD RECORD PLAYER! See that original edition Papa's Pizza that Bradley took out of the wrapping just for our show? Price - halved. — All the goodness. See that thing in the middle? HAND-HELD RECORD PLAYER! See that original edition Papa’s Pizza that Bradley took out of the wrapping just for our show? Price – halved.

If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page! Internet magic! Also, Jeremy is a musician, so go like his Facebook page; he makes good music! Bradley is a musician as well, but I don’t see . . . I can’t find any kind of fan page for him or anything. I *did* find someone named “Mariska Bradley” though, so . . . so, that’s weird.

And, hey, if you dug this episode, let me know! You can find our official Facebook page on . . . on Facebook. Or, you can yell at me on Twitter. And, please please please rate and review the show on iTunes. It super helps get the word out there! Mwah! Love you all!

Episode 21 – The Berenstain Bears Go To the Doctor

I have so many cool friends! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Lawler to talk about the time brother and sister had their privacy violated by Dr. Grizzly. Seriously, at least let them put on some pants, Gert. We also talk about what that thing on Dr. Grizzly’s head is all about, the lack on non-bears in Bear Country and I FINALLY get a real diagnosis on Papa Bear’s sneezes! It’s fun!

I prescribe you 100 cc’s of rating and reviewing us on iTunes. Subscribing on Stitcher. Liking us on Facebook. Following us on Twitter.

Episode 20 – The Berenstain Bears and the Sitter

Meet my friend, Linda! She basically made my four-year-old the awesome person she is and I am thrilled to discuss this book with her today!

Episode 19 – The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree

In which we discover the true meaning of Christmas. Or, at least I do. Enjoy!

Don’t be a Grinch! Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

Episode 16 – The Berenstain Bears’ Nature Guide/Science Fair

Bear Country LOVES science! And, so do I! Join me as I explore the final two books in the rough trilogy started in “The Bears’ Almanac.” These books . . . man, they’re just great. I love ’em. Love, love, love ’em.

As always and forever, please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. I love to hear from you!

Episode 15 – The Berenstain Bears Go To School

We’re skipping ahead a bit to bring you a BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! That’s right, it’s Sister Bear’s first year of school and to celebrate we have a real live school teacher in the studio with us! We’ll be talking about the verisimilitude of Sister’s Kindergarten classroom, Ms. Honeybear’s approach to meeting children, whether or not this book is a good primer for youngsters and, most importantly, that barrel of clay. Why would you store clay . . . in a barrel?

So, enjoy our ramblings! And, please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. You’re all the best!

Episode 13 – The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby

Please welcome into the Deep In Bear Country Studios (the living room) our first ADULT guest, Elana Gravitz! Elana and I have a great time discussing The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby and covering such topics as: drinking straight from the family honey pot, not telling your kid their new sibling is arriving that day, the Bears’ strange and sudden isolation from the rest of Bear Country and the New Sibling/New Bed exchange rate. Also, Sister is pretty strong for a newborn.

Thank you, once again, for listening! Please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, join us next week!