Ghouls and Ghosts and Ghosts and Gob-o-lins! It’s Halloween time and this week, we’ve got a board book from 2020 that warms my dark little heart. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Halloween Is Sweet!” and… it is!
Tag: Stan Berenstain
Episode 437 – The Berenstain Bears My Bedtime Book of Poems and Prayers
This week, we’re taking a look at yet another book that’s just a plot-free collection of poetry and prayer… try. And guess what? I like it! It’s “The Berenstain Bears My Bedtime Book of Poems and Prayers” and it’s pretty darn good!
Episode 431 – The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook – Part 2
We missed Easter! But, never fear! Elana and I are here to report on the Easter treats we made from out “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook!” Yom.
Episode 418 – The Berenstain Bears Brother Bear and the Kind Cub
It’s a retelling! IT’S A RETELLING! This week, we’ve got a RETELLING of a book we covered only a couple years ago. Whoulda thought? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Brother Bear and the Kind Cub” and it’s SIMPLE. You can read it all by yourself!
Episode 399 – Opening Night!
Some thoughts as I head into opening night of “Lost In Bear Country.”
Episode 375 – The Berenstain Bears Talking Stories
I’ll show you love, I’ll show you everything
With mouth wide open
With mouth wide open
I’ll show you everything, oh yeah
With mouth wide open
Wide open
Episode 373 – The Berenstain Bears Blessed Are The Peacemakers
“Did he say ‘Blessed are the chee-‘” you know what? I’ll let the episode do the joke. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Blessed Are The Peacemakers!”
Episode 370 – The Wild, Wild Honey Saga
Decades ago, the Berenstain Bears’ Saturday Morning Cartoon secretly presented a multi-part saga that only reveals itself when you’re bored and watching a Berenstain Bears Saturday Morning Cartoon. It’s the “Wild Wild Honey Saga!”
JUMBO RERUN Episode 255 – The Berenstain Bears’ Birthday Boy
One last rerun! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Birthday Boy” with BONUS CONTENT!
JUMBO RERUN Episode 250 – The Berenstain Bears and the Wrong Crowd/Rowdy Crowd
Another JUMBO BONUS! In 2020, Megan Sunday joined me to discuss “The Berenstain Bears and the Wrong Crowd.” Well, I’ve added twenty minutes to the end of BONUS content about the religious rewrite. Enjoy!
JUMBO RERUN Episode 249 – The Berenstain Bears and the Soccer Tryouts/Too Small For The Team
It’s a rerun from 2020, but with BONUS content! Christy Admiraal and I talk about SOCCER BALLS!
Episode 368 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw (2022)
You might think you’ve heard this story before, but… well, you have. But you’ve never seen it like this! 2022 brings us a whole new edition of “The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw” featuring previously unpublished art by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s pretty cool.
Episode 358 – 60th Anniversary Interview w/Mike Berenstain!
Happy 60th Anniversary to the Berenstain Bears! In recognition of this incredible milestone, I’ve invited Mike Berenstain on the show to chat about those bears, his parents, his childhood and anything else we want to talk about. Happy Anniversary, Bears!
Episode 355 – Berenstain Bears Games from SolidRoots
This week, Jen Armstrong, CEO of gaming company SolidRoots, joins me to talk about her company and how they came to design three new Berenstain Bears games for kids!
Episode 352 – The Dollar Tree Saga – The Saga Continues!
Updates from Dollar Tree Land with Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff! Plus, Berenstain Bedsheets: appropriate bachelor bedding? And, a new Garbage Pail Kids card has Phil excited!
2022 Summer Rerun – 02
It’s the follow up episode to last week’s episode that is a rerun of the 2018 follow up to the first 2018 episode. It’s the Jellybean Books Part Two!
2022 Summer Rerun – 01
It’s a flashback to 2018! Enjoy!
Episode 350 – Becca Peter!
So, Becca Peter is on the show because we had a couple of things to talk about. That’s it. Just wanted to chat!
Episode 347 – The Berenstain Bears’ Computer Trouble
Well, we got trouble, my friends. Right here in Bear Country. With a capital T and that rhymes with C and that stands for COMPUTER. This week, we welcome to the show Kate Queram, writer for States Newsroom, who has a bone to pick with the Bears and some thoughts about just how Papa came to be the voice of reason in “The Berenstain Bears’ Computer Trouble!”
Episode 345 – The Berenstain Bears Jobs Around Town
This week, we’re taking a look, and a look back, at a book we’ve covered in one form or another several times over the years. Only now, there’s some GOD in it. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Jobs Around Town!”
Episode 337 – The Berenstain Bears’ Easter Parade
I wasn’t planning on talking about Easter Parades, but here we are! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Easter Parade!”
Episode 336 – The Berenstain Bears and The Easter Story/The Very First Easter
The Reverend Lauren is back! Yes, Reverend Lauren McLeavey has returned to Bear Country to talk about Easter and, more specifically, the First Easter. and, even more specifically, “The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story” as well as “The Berenstain Bears and The Very First Easter!” She gives us the skinny on how good a job those Bears do at telling us about the Resurrection (spoiler: a pretty good job!) And, we might go off on a few tangents!
You can find The Reverend Lauren here, here and here!
Episode 335 – The Berenstain Bears, Do Not Fear, God Is Near
I’m not afraid! I’M NOT AFRAID! It’s “The Berenstain Bears, Do Not Fear, God Is Near!”
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 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 326 – The Berenstain Bears and the Secret Clubhouse/Deep Dark Secret!
Brad and Jeremy are back to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Secret Clubhouse!” That’s right, they found a book that seemed, for a hot minute, to have been the source of last week’s mystery. However, an email from Mike Berenstain completely reframed everything for us. We’ll be talking about the origins of “The Trouble With Friends” this week!
Find Brad’s collector’s page here!
Episode 325 – The Berenstain Bears The Trouble With Secrets
This week, I take a look at a book that might be older than I think it is. It’s “The Berenstain Bears The Trouble With Secrets” and is it based on an older book?! Please HELP ME.
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 275 – Mike Berenstain!
Mike Berenstain joins me for the first time in way too long to discuss the saga of “The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas.” No, not the saga of the story; but the saga of its creation. It’s a big big tale. Big.
Episode 234 – Benjamin Clark and the Charles M Schulz Museum
This week, I have a very exciting guest on the show. Benjamin L. Clark is the curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Palo Alto, California. He’s joining me this week to talk Schulz, cartoonists, legacy and the delights of archives!
Benjamin’s Twitter – twitter.com/BLClark
Charles M. Schulz Museum Twitter – twitter.com/SchulzMuseum
Charles M. Schulz Museum Website – schulzmuseum.org
Episode 222 – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Colors/The Berenstain Bears God Made the Colors (1993/2003)
What is color? Is it real? Why do colors? What am God? Where God does meet color? Why? I answer ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE in “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Colors” and the religious rewrite “The Berenstain Bears God Made the Colors!”
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 195 – The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise
Episode 169 – Berenstain
Let’s talk for a few minutes about a name.
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 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 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 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 118 – Meeting Mike (Part 3)!
It’s Part 3 of our Mike Berenstain meetup and Brad, Jeremy and I finally hit the archives!
The above is pages from an unpublished finished book.
The above is examples of the evolution of “The B Book.”
Above is a slideshow of Stan and Jan’s early art school work and various studies.
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 114 – Meeting Mike (Part 2)
We’re back with Part 2 of our big Mike Berenstain meetup! This episode, Brad and Jeremy and I get grilled as to our intentions; we talk about books whose success caught Mike off guard; what books didn’t do so hot; and dish the hot goss. Or, not. I can’t remember.
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 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!
Episode 109 – Diner Talk
WHAT’S ALL THAT NOISE?! It’s ambiance. Brad, Jeremy and I sit in a diner in the Strong National Museum of Play and catch people up on just what we’d been up to. We give our impressions of the previous days and it all serves as a prelude to the major editing job I have in store for myself. Yeesh.
SUMMER RERUN – Meet the Berenstain Bears!
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 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 105 – The Trouble With Continuity!
Because I felt guilty – here’s a talk about The Big Chapter Books!
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 100 – Collector’s Corner 8!
It’s 100 Episodes! And, what better way to mark the occasion than by having my Collector Boys on to talk about upcoming books in Bear Country. Also, a surprise? A surprise.
You can find Bradley’s official list of books at his website, visit Jeremy’s site to discover his amazing music, or join the Collector’s Facebook Group!
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”
Enjoy!
Episode 92 – The Berenstain Bears On Time!/Catch The Bus!
I don’t know what’s wrong with me.
Episode 90 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Red Kite/Do Their Best!
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
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!
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!
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 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 75 – Collector’s Corner 5!
My joyful collector boys are BACK with a tale of amazement! Hold onto your seats as we discover how they found the most ELUSIVE BERENSTAIN BEARS BOOK of ALL!
You can find Bradley’s official list of books at his website, visit Jeremy’s site to discover his amazing music, or join the Collector’s Facebook Group!
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 73 – The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest!
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!
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
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
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!
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!
They’re not amazing books, but I gotta catch ’em all.
Episode 68 – The Berenstain Bears and the Double Dare!
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!
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!
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!
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?
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!
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!
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
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
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 58 – Summer Encore!
It’s my birthday this week! I don’t have time to do a show! So, enjoy this flashback to exactly one year ago, when I had Mitzi on as a guest for the very first time.
Episode 57 – The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma’s!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page!
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
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
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 50 – Mike Berenstain!
I am honored to be joined this week by Mike Berenstain.
As always, you can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you can find me on Twitter. And, please rate and review the show on iTunes.
Episode 49 – The Berenstain Bears on Saturday Mornings!
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 48 – Collector’s Corner 3!
Come into the bath with us! It’s another Collector’s Corner and Bradley, Jeremy and I are talking BATH BOOKS! Is that a good topic of conversation? No! Are we going to do it anyway? Probably!
Take a look at these soft books you can get wet, courtesy of Brad!
If you’re interested in joining the Berenstain Bears Collectors Facebook Group, just click through to the page!
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 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!
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.