Deep In Bear Country – A Berenstain Bearcast: Recent Episodes
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We’re talking bout a BABY; we’re talking bout a BEAR; we’re talking bout a b-b-b-b-baby Berenstain Bear! It’s “The Baby Berenstain Bears SCHOOL TIME!”
I’m back with TWO EPISODES in ONE. That translates to FOUR EPISODES! because there’s two episodes per episode. So, it’s four.
Let’s learn how to BEHAVE and how to RESIST HYPNOTISM! It’s The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners and The Wicked Weasel Spell!
Let’s kick off Season 2 of The Berenstain Bears with the classic “Mama Gets Angry” episode “The Messy Room” and follow it up with the Raffish Ralph classic “The Terrible Termite!”
Are you ready to rip that binky out of that baby’s face?! It’s Baby Berenstain Bears Pacifier Time!
This week I couldn’t get my book, so I’ve decided to do an entire episode about BOARD BOOKS ABOUT PACIFIERS and WATCH MY LISTENERSHIP DROP LIKE A HOT POTATO.
Let’s take a trip with Mama, Papa, Sister, Brother, Honey and… Doctor Bear? Doctor Bear. To the ICE AGE as I GEEK OUT over prehistoric animals and BORE YOU TO TEARS with BUCKETS of FACTS. Also, standwithminnesota.com still needs donations to help families affected by the recent ICE invasion.
This week, we’re watching along with The Berenstain Bears In the Dark and Ring the Bell. The last two segments of Season One! WOO HOO! Also, standwithminnesota.com is still the best place to go for donations but there’s also https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-south-high-school-families to directly support the familes of South HIgh students primarily with rent support.
You ready to LEARN ABOUT STRANGERS? You ready to DISAPPEAR SOME HONEY?! Let’s go, then, bruh! Help out in Minnesota! standwithminnesota.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-south-high-school-families
Who’s got the SPOOKIEST Pumpkin?! Who’s got the DANCINGEST Bees?! Let’s find out TOGETHER! And, if you want to help out in the Twin Cities during this time of strife, visit linktr.ee/mplsmutualaid
Watch me watch Sister Bear getting insufferable and Snuff getting the bone! It’s The Berenstain Bears No Girls Allowed AND The Missing Dinosaur Bone from 1985! More importantly, if you want to help out in the Twin Cities during this time of strife, visit linktr.ee/mplsmutualaid
After a small break, I’m back! It’s The Berenstain Bears “Kong for a Day” which is barely a title and “Blaze a Trail” which is yet another Papa makes a fool of himself and everything works out okay anyways, plot. Won’t you watch?!
This week, we’re checking out The Not So Buried Treasure and The Condemned Backscratcher! Plus, I ramble about It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and the career of Linda Woolverton! Let’s go!
We BACK! And it’s episode… 7? Of The Berenstain Bears. Let’s get SPOOKED by a suit of armor and DUPED by Raffish Ralph! It’s “Knight to Remember” and “The Super-Duper Bowl!”
Mike Berenstain returns! We talk why some classic Bears books got updates, a rediscovered pre-Old Hat, New Hat concept (“Too Loose, Too Tight, Just Right”), and cosmology for kids. Plus: the first Bears Little Golden Book is in the works. Also, we talk about Tintin?
We’re back on the books, babez! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Reach For The Stars” from 2025 and we’re asking, “Hey. Is this scientifically accurate?” Let’s find out!
This week, it’s all birthdays and bull dodging with “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Birthday” and “To The Rescue!”
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 … Continue reading "Episode 495 – The Berenstain Bears And The Neighborly Skunk/The Missing Pumpkin"
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!
We’re back to talk the 1985 Berenstain Bears TV show with episode two! It’s “The Spooky Old House” and “The Fly-Away Pizza!” Woo hoo?
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!
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, … Continue reading "Episode 491 – The BABY Berenstain Bears’ Nap 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 … Continue reading "Episode 490 – The BABY Berenstain Bears: Potty Time"
This week I’m talking about The Berenstain Bears Get Outdoors (2025), a simple Level 1 reader where the Cubs camp in the backyard, Papa Bear makes a mess of things, and—out of nowhere—Mr. Raccoon shows up. Along the way, I share a few of my own disastrous camping stories, look back at the old Ghost … Continue reading "Episode 489 – The Berenstain Bears: Get Outdoors"
This week, it’s the brand-new 2025 release The Berenstain Bears: World’s Number One Teacher, a compact “teacher gift” book built from classic illustrations of Teacher Jane, Teacher Bob, and maybe Actual Factual? I share a dedication to my own #1 teacher who’s retiring after 40 years in the classroom. Plus: a detour into Alessi vs. … Continue reading "Episode 488 – The Berenstain Bears World’s #1 Teacher"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 487 – The Berenstain Bears: World’s Best Papa Bear"
This week, I head outside—despite my deep hatred of bugs, gnats, and all things “outdoors”—to talk about The Bears’ Picnic, the third “I Can Read It All By Myself” book by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s a classic tale of a well-meaning family picnic gone hilariously wrong, with Papa Bear dragging the family across bear … Continue reading "Episode 486 – Berenstain Bears: The Bears’ Picnic"
It’s the 10th anniversary of Deep in Bear Country, so let’s reunite with longtime friends Brad Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to mark a decade of Berenstain Bear-loving chaos! Brad and Jeremy reflect on the origins of the show, the evolution of their collecting journeys, and the joys and… other joys of the Berenstain Bears fandom. … Continue reading "Episode 485 – 10th Anniversary and “Parents Are Such A Lot Of Trouble!”"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 484 – The Berenstain Bears: World’s Wisest Mama Bear"
Riding a bike? Never learned. Feeling like an outsider? Always. In this episode of Deep in Bear Country, I get personal — and a little philosophical — about why bike riding has always baffled me, and how The Berenstain Bears’ Bike Lesson accidentally became a warning about life, failure, and stubborn optimism. Plus: a weird … Continue reading "Episode 483 – The Berenstain Bears’ The Bike Lesson!"
Gossip, Journalism, and Junior High Justice! This week on Deep In Bear Country, I am joined once again by the first-ever guest of the show, Mitzi — now a fully fledged junior high student with opinions and receipts. Together, we dive headfirst into one of the most wild Big Chapter Books in Berenstain history: “The … Continue reading "Episode 482 – REWIND The Berenstain Bears and the School Scandal Sheet (1994)"
Before they created the beloved Berenstain Bears, Stan and Jan Berenstain were drawing… THIS?! Tax-Wise: A Pictorial Romp Through the Tax Form (1952) is a bizarre, hyper-specific IRS humor book filled with visual gags, surreal scenarios, and more gendered 1950s weirdness than you can shake a W-2 at. In this episode, I (Phil Gonzales) walk … Continue reading "Episode 481 – Tax-Wise: A Pictorial Romp Through the Tax Form by Stan and Jan Berenstain"
In this egg-cellent Easter episode, we’re cracking open The Berenstain Bears Meet the Easter Bunny (2022), a delightful early reader book that reimagines the 1980s classic Easter Surprise — but with updated illustrations, a softer tone, and the return of everyone’s favorite grumpy hare! But that’s not all! We dive DEEP into the strange, fascinating, … Continue reading "Episode 480 – The Berenstain Bears Meet the Easter Bunny!"
The Berenstain Bears finally meet real bears—and everything we thought we knew about Bear Country changes. This week, I break down “The Berenstain Bears: Here Come the Bears!”, a brand-new Level 1 reader that seems simple… but hides big implications about evolution, cultural identity, and the Berenstain multiverse.
“We ate our honey. We ate a lot. Now we have no honey in our honey pot!” This week on Deep in Bear Country, we’re taking a nostalgic look back at The Big Honey Hunt (1963)—the very first Berenstain Bears book! Join me as I revisit this classic, explore its origins, and discuss how Stan … Continue reading "Episode 478 – The Big Honey Hunt (REVISITED!)"
This week we’re diving deep into The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day—and wow, do we have a lot to unpack. Apparently, Ireland doesn’t exist in Bear Country?! This book raises so many questions, like: How does St. Patrick’s Day fit into the world of the Berenstain Bears? Why does Brother Bear have zero clue what … Continue reading "Episode 477 – The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day"
Buckle up, Bear Country—this one’s a doozy. This week, we dive into The Berenstain Bears: God Made You Special, a book that on the surface has the best of intentions but stumbles hard into some serious pitfalls. What happens when a children’s book about faith and differences accidentally reinforces inspiration porn, infantilization, and outdated disability … Continue reading "Episode 476 – The Berenstain Bears: God Made You Special"
“Love thy neighbor” sounds great—until your neighbors are literally the local drug dealers. Join me as we dive into The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors, a book that asks us to embrace community… even if your neighbors were previously arrested for selling drugs to elementary school kids. This episode covers Bear Country’s ever-changing geography, the … Continue reading "Episode 475 – The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors!"
Did The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors really tackle racism? Or was it just another 90s attempt at a “message book” that missed the mark? In this episode of Deep in Bear Country, we take a deep dive into the 1994 classic that started it all—literally! This is the book that launched this podcast, but I’ve … Continue reading "Episode 474 – The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors!"
The Berenstain Bears’ Biggest Continuity Shake-Up?! A new school year means new teachers, and Brother Bear is in for a surprise! In “The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Teacher” (2024), we explore what makes a great teacher, the anxieties of moving up a grade, and—wait for it—some wild continuity-breaking moments in Bear Country history! Can … Continue reading "Episode 473 – The Berenstain Bears We Love Our Teacher!"
Mike Berenstain is BACK on the SHOW after having been away for TOO LONG. As always it’s a pleasure to catch up and check in and chat about Tintin. Enjoy!
This week, the Bear Family gets into a bit of trouble in a completely believable and scientifically accurate way! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Blast Off!” and it’s steeped in believability! I swear!
This week, I’m circling back to a book I skipped over for whatever reason and… wow, it’s a thoughtful piece of writing for kids. A surprisingly complex look at Culture of Violence Theory, it’s “The Berenstain Bears and No Guns Allowed!”
1 – 2 – 3 – 4- 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10! 1 – 2 – 3 – 4- 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10! Numbers numbers, WOO! This is probably it. This is probably my worst episode. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Numbers Book!”
Why do rotten eggs smell like rotten eggs? How many different kinds of volcanoes are there?! WHAT IS THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY?!!! I. Don’t. Know. BUT. This week, “The Berenstain Bears’ Big School Project” at least pretends to attempt to answer those questions. Also, papier mache volcanoes: better than robots?
New Year, Same Show. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Share and Share Alike!” and are you ready to start off 2025 with some ETHICAL QUESTIONS?! I hope so. I really hope so.
Oh, thank God we’re done. It’s the FINAL edition of “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook” and we MADE IT TO CHRISTMAS and ELANA IS HERE and we’re FINALLY DONE and that CAKE did NOT turn OUT.
NO CHRISTMAS EPISODE THIS WEEK! Instead, we’re focusing on TAKING TURNS. It’s The Berenstain Bears Take Turns and, hey! Give a little, won’t you? National and International Organizations Trans Lifeline Website: https://www.translifeline.org/ The Trevor Project Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Website: https://www.hrc.org/ Trans Youth Equality Foundation (TYEF) Website: https://www.transyouthequality.org/ Mermaids (UK-based) Website: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/ Montana-Based … Continue reading "Episode 465 – The Berenstain Bears Take Turns"
It’s “The Berenstain Bears Christmas Fun Sticker & Activity Book” and they’re really stretching the definition of “fun” here.
It’s a Christmas miracle as I take a look at a book I’ve already covered! That’s right, we’re going back and re-evaluating “The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear!” It’s a holiday treat!
GOBBLE GOBBLE! It’s AFTER Thanksgiving, but we don’t care! Because this chapter in “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook” is set after Thanksgiving anyways, y’all! Elana is BACK to talk about some eatible and not-so-eatible vittles! GOBBLE!
Let’s learn about Heaven! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Heaven” in which the Berenstain Bears learn about…. wait for it… wait for it… HEAVEN!
When the Bear Family finds themselves overbooked and running late, they turn to one of the Biblical Prophets(?) to solve(??) the lateness problem(???). It’s “The Berenstain Bears Bears On Time Solving The Lateness Problem!”
Happy FALLoWEEN everyone! I hope you have your costumes picked out for the big FALL FESTIVAL and that you get to go Trick or Treating for FALL candy! What a bunch of wonderful FALL TRADITIONS we have this time of year. Anywho, Elana is back as we discuss the FALL TREATS we made out of … Continue reading "Episode 457 – The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook FALLoween!"
Welcome to Episode 01? of Deep In Bear Country! I mean, it must be because we’re just now meeting the Berenstain Bears. Also, all of my episodes have disappeared so this might very well be the beginning. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Meet the Berenstain Bears!”
The Berenstain Bears have a LOOONG history with Halloween. Those bears LOOOVE to Trick and they love to treat and they love to combine the two and trick and treat. But, sometimes, it’s all about the party. This week, the Bear Family throws caution to the wind and hosts a BIG HALLOWEEN PARTY in “The … Continue reading "Episode 455 – The Berenstain Bears’ BIG HALLOWEEN PARTY!"
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!
Look, Grizzly Gramps could have just INVITED the kids over to look at the Big Family Album and not TRICKED them into looking at the Big Family Album. I’m just sayin’. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Big Family Album.”
What can I say? I’m a sucker for straightforward messaging. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Love Is Kind” and it KIND of works!
This week, an ACTUAL Track and Field expert walks me through the ins and outs of the Berenstain Bears’ own Track and Field book “The Berenstain Bears’ Big Track Meet!” It’s not that big. It’s not that regulated. It kinda makes Papa Bear look like a schmuck. Let’s go!
When is a bully not a bully? When he’s BEING BULLIED! And, who better to fill in as history’s greatest bully than… Joseph Dreamcoat? The Bible Guy? Or, something. Brian and Mark are here to help me try to make some sort of sense of “The Berenstain Bears Stand Up To Bullying!”
You ever wonder what’s on a FARM? You ever see all those closed doors and windows and gates and wish you could just RRRRIP ’em open?! Well, now you can with the Lift-the-Flap extravaganza “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Farm!”
Are you honest? Are you FAIR? Are you READY for BEARS? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Honesty Counts” and, does it? Does it really?
Are you ready to yodel your hearts out?! I hope you are! I also hope you’re ready to hear ME yodel MY heart out because I am GOING TO and I DO and I don’t even KNOW HOW TO. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ School Talent Show” and YO-DEL-OD-EL-ODLY-ODLY-OO!
Hey, it’s a trip to the Big Apple! The City That Never Sleeps! The Town That Never Frowns! The Metropolis That Never Nets Mop O’Lips? Whatever. What happens when the Bear Family goes to Bear Country’s version of New York?! Not much! They do go to the theater, though. So… that’s something. How does French … Continue reading "Episode 446 – The Berenstain Bears Visit Big Bear City"
Want some absolutely generic advice coupled with random pictures from Berenstain Bears books of recent years past? Well, have I got a book for you! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Just Grin And Bear It!”
My kid’s bat mitzvah is today so I literally randomly chose an old episode to rerun. HOPE IT’S A GOOD ONE! https://ia800703.us.archive.org/2/items/DIBCEP171/DIBC-EP171.mp3
Pop the fireworks and blow the… horns? Happy belated Fourth of July to you and yours and welcome Elana back to talk about the patriotic treats in “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook!”
When is a lesson not a lesson? When God steps in and gives you a pass anyway! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Patience, Please” and it really isn’t about patience! At all!
This week, Sister Bear faces a moral quandry and it’s up to the ol’ SHOULDER ANGEL to save the day. Will sister do the right thing? Find out in “The Berenstain Bears Do The Right Thing!”
The Bear Family is all set to honor their fathers and HONER THEIR FATHER by sending Gramps and Papa out on a boat for the day. But, what’s this?! SINGING? Who’d a thought?! Also, the origins of Father’s Day. Also, the INCREDIBLY SAD STORY of the guy who wrote the hymn about the music of … Continue reading "Episode 441 – The Berenstain Bears Father’s Day Blessings"
Brother and Sister get a real crash course in theodicy this week when some BAD THINGS happen and their friends tell them it’s a PUNISHMENT FROM GOD and boy oh boy. Hey. Why do good bears have bad days? Well, maybe “The Berenstain Bears Why Do Good Bears Have Bad Days?” will help us answer … Continue reading "Episode 440 – The Berenstain Bears Why Do Good Bears Have Bad Days"
When the cubs are assigned the chore of cleaning out their old playhouse, will the presence of creepy crawly spiders keep them from getting the job done? HINT: the book is called “The Berenstain Bears Get The Job Done.”
This week on Deep In Bear Country , we’re exploring rudeness. What is rude? What isn’t rude? Is there a definition for rude? And, most importantly, why is SISTER so rude?! It’s “The Berenstain Bears That’s So Rude!”
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!
It’s Mother’s Day! And you know what that means! A long history of said day. Also, some blessings. “The Berenstain Bears’ Mother’s Day Blessings” that is! https://ia904601.us.archive.org/25/items/dibc-ep-436/DIBC-EP436.mp3
This week, it’s a book that I find very hard to talk about because there’s no plot and it’s long and it’s a devotional. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Devotional” and I’m falling asleep just thinking about it!
This week, I’m joined by the delightful Avian Jangula, founder of the Glorious Purrpose Animal Rescue, to talk about, what else? Animal rescue! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Pet Rescue!”
Three three three three three BOOKS! This week, I’m getting THREE BOOKS oout of MY LIFE by talking about “The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible” “The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones” AND “The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find” and BOY OH BOY am I ever tired of typing “The Berenstain Bears Storybook … Continue reading "Episode 433 – The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible/For Little Ones/Search and Find!"
I’m all alone! And it’s a Lift-The-Flap Book! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Bed” and it’s a Lift-The-Flap Book!
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.
Come with me to the most magical place on Earth, or at least on Bear Earth. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Visit Grizzlyland!”
I never thought we’d revisit this book, but Jeremy Gloff had some huge news about it and Bradley Mariska tagged along and this episode became a Collector Boys ep!
Hey! Do you wanna go back in time? DO YOU WANNA GO AROUND THE WORLD?! Well, let’s go back in time and around the world and let’s bring a REAL HISTORIAN WITH US! Dan Everton is an anthropologist and historian and a whole bunch of fun and I’m so glad to finally have him on … Continue reading "Episode 428 – The Berenstain Bears Long, Long Ago"
Hey! Do you l❤️ve the library? Well, guess who else l❤️ves the library! My guest, Erin Gambrill, that’s who! Join me and Erin and we talk about “The Berenstain Bears We L❤️ve the Library!” They do! They do l❤️ve it!
Make way for ducklings… I might say if that was the book we were discussing this week. But, it isn’t, so I won’t. Still, make way for them in general. The Bear family sure does and that’s kinda the plot of this week’s book? “The Berenstain Bears and the Ducklings!”
Man oh man, is there anything worse than being forced to sit through a terrible music recital? How about having to be POLITE afterwards? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Politeness!”
Elana is back with me for the first part of our “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook” coverage! Woo hoo!
It’s Valentine’s Time, so you know what that means! Brian and Christy are back for their annual Valentine’s Day book coverage and we actually have a new book to talk about. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Extra Special Valentine” and it’s SHORT and WEIRD and SO ARE WE. Check it out! Check out Brian’s podcast Center … Continue reading "Episode 423 – The Berenstain Bears’ Extra Special Valentine"
This week I am joined by returning guest Becca Peter to discuss “The Berenstain Bears Stay Healthy!” It’s a brand new book and a very prescient book and a very strange book in so far as its setup is concerned. A musical about the topic? With no music? Because it’s a book? Sure! Why not?! … Continue reading "Episode 422 – The Berenstain Bears Stay Healthy"
This week, I am joined by the lovely Elana to discuss “The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook.” It’s a little bit country; a little bit cookbook. But, do the recipes… recipe? Find out now!
When is a ladder not a ladder? When it’s Jacob’s Ladder! Or… staircase. Or, ramp. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that Jacob is the focus of this week’s book “The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Blessings”! Because Jacob goes to bed, I guess? Zzzzzz.
You want big machines? We got big machines! Well, the Bears got big machines. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ BIG MACHINES!” They’re big! Really!
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!
Oof. Let’s talk about The Nativity. It’s “The Berenstain Bears The Very First Christmas!”
This week, we’re heading off to… Bear Country? Yeah, Cousin Tex is here so we’re giving him a… sorry, Mayor Honeypot(?) is giving his a tour of Bear Country! And, he hates it! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Welcome To Bear Country!” Whew!
This week, the Berenstain Bears play football in “The Berenstain Bears Play Football.” No kidding!
This week, the Bears go back into the attic to dig up some old treasures! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Show-and-Tell!”
We’re back in nature this week with… wait, have I done this before? It’s “God’s Wonderful World” y’all! Woo!
You ever hear of this Grandparents’ Day? And how does Nixon fit into all of this? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Gramps and Gran!”
Open it up… where are the people? It’s “The Berenstain Bears: Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple” and we’ve got a LOT to discuss.
It’s Halloween! And you know what that means! A book about our pets and the blessing of them thereof. That’s right! The Bears are GOING TO CHURCH and GETTING THEIR PETS BLESSED. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets!”
I was so happy to have a new Gifts of the Spirit book to talk about. Then, I opened it and read it and something felt familiar. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Helping” and… we’ve been here before. Right?
This week, Sister Bear takes canter stage with a rehash of a book we covered back in 2021. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Sister Bear and the Golden Rule!” That’s clunky. But, that’s the title!
Spoiler alert! We don’t. The Berenstain Bears have a long history with the game of base-based balls and we are NOT going to explore it. Instead, we’re going to take a look at some clues as to the history of Bear Country, some clues as to the identity of their most famous baseball player and … Continue reading "Episode 407 – The Berenstain Bears We ❤️ Baseball!"
Yar. Ahoy. Blah blah blah. We’re off on a Pirate Adventure and the Berenstain Bears are taking us there. Thus, the title. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Pirate Adventure!” Shiver. Timbers. Etc.
This week, our Bear Family creates a major imposition on their local fire constabulary. also, the history of firefighting! Also, Restaurant. Apartments? Maybe!
This week, let’s go down, down, down, with the Bear Family as they’re dragged to the bottom of the ocean to sleep with the fishes! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Under The Sea” and… there’s a lot of fish, I guess?
It’s back to school time, and you know what that means! GOD! It’s “The Berenstain Bears School Time Blessings!”
This week, I’m taking you on a trip around the world! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Around the World” and it’s PROBLEMATIC!
I can’t believe I’ve been doing this show for over 8 and a half years and I’ve only now had my parents on as guests. That’s right! For the first time ever, Gale and Ruben Gonzales are on the show to talk about “The Berenstain Bears We Love Our Mom!” and “We Love Our Dad!”
It’s my 400th official numbered episode! In celebration, I have Mike Berenstain back on the show to talk about the history of “The Berenstain Bears Hospital Friends!”
Finally a book I can relate to: another soccer book. But, hey! It’s actually a fairly insightful book! It’s “The Berenstain Bears We Love Soccer!”
Happy Borthday Bear Country! It’s the celebration of the Fourth of July; the day the bears signed a thing to declare independence from… a king? It’s all a little vague, but remember THIS AIN’T AMERICA! Also, God. It’s “The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country!”
The Gifts of the Spirit are back! And they’re the Gifts of the Spirit that keep on Gift of the Spiriting. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Goodness!”
And so we come to the end of the Worthy Kids/Hachette board book series with “The Berenstain Bears’ Book of Prayers.” But, this isn’t just a fond farewell to this series, oh no! I’ve got THE SCOOP on how it came to be and why it ended as well as some other JUICY TIDBITS from … Continue reading "Episode 393 – The Berenstain Bears’ Book of Prayers"
When is an Easter book not an Easter book? Well, when it’s June, for one thing. But also, when the author successfully avoids actually discussing Easter for the bulk of it. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Easter Blessings!”
It’s a Berenstain Bears book where the Bear Family goes on a walk and looks at animals. I mean… that’s pretty much it? “The Berenstain Bears All God’s Creatures!”
Sleep, man. Ya dig? It’s pretty heavy stuff. Like, what even is sleep, my dude? You ever think that, like, sleep is, like, dying every night? Pretty intense, right? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Sleepy Time Book.”
When is an apology not an apology? What does “sorry” even mean? Does it count if your parents make you say it? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Say ‘I’m Sorry!'”
I know we’ve covered this before. I know we have! But, this is different? I think. In any case, get ready to learn too much about PLEASE and THANK YOU! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You Book!”
This week, Willow joins me to talk about GRADUATION! Whose? Hers! And, the bears. But, they’re not REALLY graduating, are they? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Graduation Day!”
This week, we’re going to the Credit Union! Bet you thought it would NEVER happen! “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union” is a remarkably common, yet remarkably difficult to obtain, book in the Bears’ library. You have to join a credit union to get it! Or, watch it on YouTube. Like I did.
This week, God gave the growth, eh? Honey Bear is growing up and there’s nothing for Mama to do but take the bull by the horns and do something smart by doing something completely expected? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Growing Up!”
Brother Bear is turning an indeterminate age once again and none of his friends are coming to his party! And that’s a good thing? Also, who is Uncle Tex married to these days? What’s with the opening Bible quote? And, being in a family: kind of a mixed bag, right? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts … Continue reading "Episode 382 – The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Family"
We must, we must, we must increase our TRUST! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Trust!”
This week, “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Fair Is Fair” introduces us to a new character in Bear Country, we explore the Book of Zechariah, and we learn a little bit about what true justice may be.
This week, it’s all about LOVE, baby! Good ol’ First Epistle of John LOVE, BABEEEE! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Love!”
After last week’s extensive deconstruction of the concept of “Caring” it only makes sense that this week I’d completely ignore the concept of “Sharing” and instead ramble on about not-Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews. Makes sense! It’s “Deep In Bear Country – The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Sharing!”
It’s the first “The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit” book and we’re kicking it off with “Caring!” What is caring? Is it an attitude? And opinion? An action? What does it mean to care? Who are Fred’s parents? How many men has Aunt Min married? And what of THE TIMELINES? Let’s dive in, shall … Continue reading "Episode 377 – The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit ❤️ Caring"
I’ll show you love, I’ll show you everythingWith mouth wide openWith mouth wide openI’ll show you everything, oh yeahWith mouth wide openWide open
“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!”
I think we put too much pressure on kids to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. What about when they grow down? Why does no one ever talk about THAT? It’s “The Berenstain Bears When I Grow Up!”
How do you like your superheroes? Bear style? In “The Berenstain Bears are Superbears” that’s what you get! And, you know what? I kinda love it.
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!”
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!
It’s a rerun from 2020, but with BONUS content! Christy Admiraal and I talk about SOCCER BALLS!
Christmas is coming (slightly) early this year! It’s the Berenstain Bears’ first scratch-and-sniff book since “Papa’s Pizza” and it’s got TWELVE scents and they smell… sometimes. Sometimes they smell. It’s “The Berenstain Bears The Wonderful Scents of Christmas!”
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.
Whaddaya get when Brother and Sister won’t stop bragging? You get Grizzly Gramps throwing a lot of Bible quotes at them and then yelling that they’re fool! That’s right, the worst bear in Bear Country is back to learn these kids a thing or two in “The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag!”
My co-host from It’s Del Toro Time, my own Willow, is back to talk about the hottest bears in Bear Town. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Lemonade Stand!”
What’s more fun than talking about a Berenstain Bears book? TWELVE. Twelve books. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Phonics Fun” and… is it? Is it really?
The Bears care a lot for the environment, but in “The Berenstain Bears Go Green!” we’re not given an environmental tale so much as a treatise on the importance of having a decent municipal dump and a non-corrupt mayor. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Go Green!”
You know what stinks? THINGS! This week, Brian Skinner from Center of Weirdness is back to talk about how terrible it is to buy toys for your kids? Or King Solomon? Or something? It’s The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with THINGS! Just… just things.
The Bear Family is typically fairly healthy, and who do they thank for that? GOD. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Thank God for Good Health!” It’s a rewrite if that means anything to ya. No? https://ia601505.us.archive.org/6/items/dibc-ep-361/DIBC-EP361.mp3
No, not the famous English rock ‘n’ roll band The Animals, but the actual animals walking around on the Earth! This week, we look at TWO Berenstain Bears books, but really? They’re the same book. But also? They’re not. It’s “The Berenstain Bears God Bless/Loves the Animals!” https://ia601409.us.archive.org/0/items/dibc-ep-360/DIBC-EP360.mp3
There’s a flood in Bear Town! Oh no! And it’s up to the Bear Family, and the entire town, to help out! Elana joins me for a book that actually involves the Bears… getting involved. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Get Involved!” And, spoiler: THEY DO!
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!
This week, my voice is SHOT. Also, we learn a lot more about the Bear Family’s house, like the layout and structure and also how God fits into it, apparently? I like it! It’s “The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Home!”
The Berenstain Bears and dinosaurs go together like Rice Krispies and marshmallows… and butter(?) I think. So, I’m super glad to have the actual Dino Dad on my show to talk about “The Berenstain Bears’ Dinosaur Dig!”
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!
You can’t HANDLE the TOOTH! I can’t believe we didn’t make that joke. Anyway, Brian Skinner is back and we’re talking puffy stickers, disappointing transformers, beating up the ice cream bike kid and something else. Oh right! “The Berenstain Bears and the Tooth Fairy!” Check out Center of Weirdness, Brian and Josh Hollis’s podcast!
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!
Bright AND beautiful? In THIS economy? It’s “The Berenstain Bears: All Things Bright and Beautiful.”
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!
So, Becca Peter is on the show because we had a couple of things to talk about. That’s it. Just wanted to chat!
You say you love trucks, but DO YOU? The Berenstain Bears do. You know they do because they use the actual heart in their title! It’s “The Berenstain Bears We ❤️ Trucks!”
What happens when you try to turn a spoooooky haunted house book into a book about aiding the unhoused? I don’t know. But, Elana is back to help me figure it all out. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Help The Homeless!”
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 … Continue reading "Episode 347 – The Berenstain Bears’ Computer Trouble"
Mitzi is back to talk with me about honey and hunting and helping. But, who is hunting whom and who is helping what? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Honey Hunt Helpers!”
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!”
Okay, one final Berenstain BABY Bears book and this one has the delightfully long title of “The Berenstain BABY Bears Me First! Me First! Coping On The Playground!” So, join me as we discuss the pinnacle of BABY Bear books, the crossroads of Too-Tall’s psyche and “coping.” What does it even mean?
Okay, we’re back for real and I’ve brought Brad and Jeremy! They’re here to talk about something that’s been going in the Collector’s Group involving cups and puzzles and coloring books and Dollar Tree. It’s the Dollar Tree Saga, y’all!
I was having a bad day and decided to record a Patreon episode in 2020. Here it is. “The Berenstain Baby Bears My Every Day Book.”
Wanna learn a bit about CAR SEATS? I hope you do because this week is another old Patreon episode “The Berenstain BABY Bears My Trusty Car Seat!” Let’s gooooooo!
More Berenstain Baby Bear action from Patreon. This one is about a bed! A baby bed? Perhaps?
I’m releasing some old Patreon material! This is my first coverage of the Berenstain Baby Bears books. It’s about pacifiers! Hoorah!
Hoppy Easter, everyone! I wasn’t going to do an Easter episode this weekend, but things don’t always turn out the way we plan, do they? So, I’m releasing it EARLY to keep my word! Happily, Reverend Lauren is back to take us to Church and talk about Noah? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Easter Sunday!”
I wasn’t planning on talking about Easter Parades, but here we are! It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Easter Parade!”
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 … Continue reading "Episode 336 – The Berenstain Bears and The Easter Story/The Very First Easter"
This week, Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff take over my show again! Yep! I’m nowhere in sight, giving these two crumb bums free reign to talk about whatever they want! Is it Berenstain Bears-related? Yes, of course. They’re the BBBoys!
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 TexasTransgender Education Network of Texasallgo qpoc (allgo envisions a just and equitable society that celebrates and nurtures vibrant queer people … Continue reading "Episode 333 – The Berenstain Bears and Mama for Mayor!"
This week, we’re off to see the whales! The dolphins! The fish! It’s “The Berenstain Bears At The Aquarium!”
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 TexasTransgender Education Network of Texasallgo qpoc (allgo envisions a just and equitable society that celebrates and nurtures … Continue reading "Episode 331 – The Berenstain Bears’ Gossip Gang/Truth About Gossip"
“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!
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.
This week, we go back to Spooky Cave for a religious look at a Cub Club book I’d forgotten existed! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Faith Gets Us Through” but I mostly talk about musicals and The Descent.
Should you? I mean, should you really let the Bible be your guide? Specifically on a WHITE WATER CANOEING TRIP? Well, let’s find out. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Let The Bible Be Your Guide!”
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 … Continue reading "Episode 326 – The Berenstain Bears and the Secret Clubhouse/Deep Dark Secret!"
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.
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.
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!”
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!”
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!”
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.
I have a guest! Willow has rolled out of her bed and joined me for “The Berenstain Bears and the Little Lost Cub!” That awful little sailor suited boy is back, but he’s no longer naughty and he’s no longer Ned. He’s just some kid and he’s lost. So, the Good Deed Scouts are here … Continue reading "Episode 318 – The Berenstain Bears and the Little Lost Cub!"
It’s shaggy. It’s little. It’s a pony. It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Shaggy Little Pony.” Not much else to say!
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 … Continue reading "Episode 316 – “Meet The Berenstains” Uncommon Ephemera"
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!”
It’s a regular David and Goliath tale up in here, except David is Sister and Goliath is Too-Tall and Sister doesn’t so much defeat Too-Tall as “stand back and watch him get attacked by hornets.”
This week, does kindness count? Does it “count?” Well, Jan and Mike seem to think so! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Kindness Counts!”
Some people like their jobs RAW, but I like mine WELL DONE! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and A Job Well Done!
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!”
Chugga chugga CHOO CHOO! This week, we’re talkin’ about TRAINS! It’s “The Berenstain Bears ALL ABOARD!”
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.
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!
Who is Eleanor Farley, you ask? She’s only the person behind the throne of power at the Berenstain Bears studio! This week, I interview the woman who makes things tick with the Berenstain Bears and passes all my unhinged questions over to Mike. It’s Eleanor Farley!
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!
Let’s get religious on the playing field! This week, “The Berenstain Bears Play a GOOD GAME” and by “good game” I mean they play according to BIBLICAL LAW! Blessed are the ball players, ya’ll!
Okay, I’m back! And, I have my collectors, Brad and Jeremy, with me to answer some listener questions and talk about the Berenstain Bears! What more so you want?! Order Jeremy’s album here. Visit Brad’s Berenstain Bears list here. Maybe join the Facebook group?
It’s the big 3-0-0 and in celebration I have on the show the author of the new history of Beginner Books “I Can Read It All By Myself” Mr. Paul Allen!
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!”
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!”
Get up kids! It’s time for SUNDAY SCHOOL! In this episode, the Bear Family goes to Sunday School. But, where did Sunday School come from? Who invented it? What about the song Mama and Papa sing? And they went to Sunday School together? Also, Noah’s Ark… did it stink? It’s “The Berenstain Bears Go To … Continue reading "Episode 297 – The Berenstain Bears Go To Sunday School!"
Life is a mystery; everyone must stand alone. Or, so they say. It’s “The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers!”
I avoid making an Aladdin joke in this episode and that’s pretty good for me! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule!”
We are back with a look at an old favorite: The Pet Show! That’s right, we’re taking a look at “The Berenstain Bears’ Really Big Pet Show” a reworking of “The Berenstain Bears’ Pet Show” from waaaaaaay back in the day. It’s essentially the same story with a long preamble about the origins of the … Continue reading "Episode 294 – The Berenstain Bears and the Really Big Pet Show!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 293 – The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence!"
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!”
Let’s talk about sleepovers! They sure don’t involve a lot of sleeping, do they? Also, the social construct of “friendship” and the social contract in “inviting a friend over to sleep at your house.” Also, Barry Bruin. What’s his deal? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Sleepover!”
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?!
Are you ready to take a deep dive into the world of children’s religious publishing? Because, if so, I’ve got the interview for you! Mike Berenstain is back to talk about The Berenstain’s relationship with Zondervan, the balance of art and business and the importance of reading the fine print of every contract. It’s an … Continue reading "EASTER SPECIAL – Mike Berenstain on Zonderkidz!"
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!”
Tricycles are complicated. Who knew? Also, Cousin Fred rides a MOTORBIKE?! Get out of town! It’s “The Berenstain Bears Yike! Yike! Where’s My Trike?”
Brandi Brown is back on the show to take us through the frightening world of late ’90s internettery! That’s right, the cubs are on the Information Superhighway and are about to get “Lost In Cyberspace!”
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 … Continue reading "Episode 285 – The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Commercials!"
Surprise! It’s another Valentine’s episode even though it’s no longer Valentine’s Day! And I tricked Brian and Christy into being in it! Click here to see the video!
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 … Continue reading "Episode 283 – The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings!"
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!
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 … Continue reading "Episode 281 – The Berenstain Bears’ Comic Valentine TV Special!"
Oh hey, look, it’s “The Berenstain Bears Go In And Out.” Not much to it. How about a History of the Revolving Door?
I am joined, once again, by Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to talk about entries 10 – 1 of “The 20 Most Rare/Unusual Berenstain Bears Books … EVER!“
This week, I am joined by Bradley Mariska and Jeremy Gloff to talk about entries 20 – 11 of “The 20 Most Rare/Unusual Berenstain Bears Books … EVER!” Join us next week for PART 2!
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!”
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!
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.
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!
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?
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 … Continue reading "Episode 271 – The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks!"
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.”
It’s a roundtable! Elana, Mark and Gemma join me to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted House!” We lift the flaps and lift… your spirits? Your Halloween spirits?! I hope so! Let’s get flap-liftin’!
‘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! … Continue reading "Episode 268 – The Berenstain Bears and/in the Spooky Fun House!"
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!”
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!”
Let’s welcome back to the show the hosts of Kill By Kill, Gena and Patrick as we go exploring a spooky old house atop Spook Hill and maybe, just maybe, learn a little something new about Beartown.
Oh boy! Kacie Galyon is back, everyone and we’re discussing “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Really Big Disaster!” And, what is the disaster? Bigpaw? No. An earthquake? No. The town’s really patronizing intolerance of a vulnerable member of their community? Mmmmmmmmmmaybe?
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, … Continue reading "Episode 263 – The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Ripoff Queen!"
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!
How much car trip is too much? Let’s find out with “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Car Trip!”
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.
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.”
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! https://ia601909.us.archive.org/33/items/dibc-ep-257/DIBC-EP257.mp3
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. https://ia903208.us.archive.org/26/items/dibc-ep-256/DIBC-EP256.mp3
Look, I just won’t let this birthday thing go, okay? OKAY? It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Birthday Boy!” https://ia801903.us.archive.org/18/items/dibc-ep-255/DIBC-EP255.mp3
I recorded this on my birthday! And, as a way of saying “Happy birthday to me!” I decided to combine two things: my show and Family Game Night! What a terrible idea! I had to somehow salvage the mess I’d made and here’s what’s left. Sorry? https://ia601906.us.archive.org/19/items/dibc-ep-254/DIBC-EP254.mp3
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! https://ia903207.us.archive.org/33/items/dibc-ep-253/DIBC-EP253.mp3
When is mystery not a mystery? When it’s only a question that anyone can answer given a few seconds thought. Well, Willow – my co-host from It’s Del Toro Time – is back to help solve this not-a-mystery with “The Berenstain Bears and the Tic-Tac-Toe Mystery!” It’s really dumb!
Here’s a conversation Brian and Josh had with me about “The Epic Dog Show” the religious rewrite of this week’s book.
Brian asks an innocent question about yard sales and Josh dredges up some mysterious mysteries! https://ia803200.us.archive.org/14/items/dibc-ep-251-bonus-yard-sales/DIBC-EP251-Bonus-Yard%20Sales.mp3
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. https://ia803202.us.archive.org/19/items/dibc-ep-251/DIBC-EP251.mp3
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!” https://ia803204.us.archive.org/15/items/dibc-ep-250/DIBC-EP250.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 249 – The Berenstain Bears and the Soccer Tryouts/Too Small For The Team!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 247 – The Berenstain Bears Play Ball!"
It’s a special EARLY episode because this one couldn’t wait! https://ia801901.us.archive.org/15/items/dibc-ep-248/DIBC-EP248.mp3 Link to Twitter thread mentioned in the episode. Places to donate (as usual, use caution before giving to any organization you’re unfamiliar with).
An update for you! https://ia801407.us.archive.org/19/items/05-30-2020-184451/05-30-2020-184451.mp3
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. https://ia803209.us.archive.org/35/items/dibc-ep-246/DIBC-EP246.mp3
We’re back with the rest of my interview with Dave Bulmer! Want to know about DIZZY? Well, here you go! https://ia801901.us.archive.org/33/items/dibc-ep-245/DIBC-EP245.mp3
Welcome to the show, Dave Bulmer! He’s here to talk about (checks notes) Dizzy. However, before we get to Dizzy, we’ve got to talk about everything else. So much everything else that this is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Check out Dave’s other projects: his YouTube channel, Sonic the Comic the Podcast and Serious … Continue reading "Episode 244 – Dave Bulmer, pt. 1"
https://ia601508.us.archive.org/20/items/final-version-collectors-corner-1/FINAL%20VERSION%20-%20COLLECTORS%20CORNER.mp3
This week, I’m talking with writer, producer and performer Shannon Campe about “Little Women” and the role it’s played in her life from childhood to today! Shannon’s “Little Women” podcast can be found here. The link to the video Shannon mentions is here. https://ia902905.us.archive.org/17/items/dibc-ep-242/DIBC-EP242.mp3
At least there’s no dog poop in this one. https://ia801901.us.archive.org/16/items/dibcep241/DIBC-EP241.mp3
It’s Passover, y’all. https://ia601900.us.archive.org/31/items/dibcep240/DIBC-EP240.mp3
Boy oh boy. Let’s all go to the DOCTOR. https://ia902907.us.archive.org/5/items/dibcep239/DIBC-EP239.mp3
Let’s all go to the potty. https://ia902907.us.archive.org/19/items/dibcep238/DIBC-EP238.mp3
We’re in seclusion. Let’s talk about chores. https://ia802905.us.archive.org/19/items/dibcep237/DIBC-EP237.mp3
Let’s go to the fair! The BIG BEAR FAIR! How big are the bears? Who cares?! It’s the BIG BEAR FAIR!
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!”
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/BLClarkCharles M. Schulz Museum Twitter – twitter.com/SchulzMuseumCharles … Continue reading "Episode 234 – Benjamin Clark and the Charles M Schulz Museum"
This week, things get weird as a Step Into Reading Book takes a dark turn. We learn to count and the cops get involved in “The Berenstain Bears Go UP and DOWN!”
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! https://ia802806.us.archive.org/24/items/dibcep232/DIBC-EP232.mp3
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!
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 … Continue reading "Episode 230 – The Berenstain Bears On The Road"
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!”
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 … Continue reading "Episode 228 – The Berenstain Bears With Nothing to Do/The Berenstain Bears Visit Farmer Ben"
In a time when it is neither summer nor job I take a look at the story of the Cubs getting railroaded into working for a farmer, maybe for free(?!?). It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Summer Job!” https://ia902809.us.archive.org/35/items/dibcep227/DIBC-EP227.mp3
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!” https://ia902802.us.archive.org/4/items/dibcep225_201912/DIBC-EP225.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 225 – The Berenstain Bears In the Wax Museum!"
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! https://ia803107.us.archive.org/34/items/dibcep224/DIBC-EP224.mp3
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? … Continue reading "Episode 223 – The Berenstain Bears Go Hollywood!"
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! https://ia801304.us.archive.org/14/items/DIBCEP29/DIBC-EP29.mp3
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!” https://ia903103.us.archive.org/21/items/dibcep222/DIBC-EP222.mp3
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!” https://ia803101.us.archive.org/12/items/dibcep221/DIBC-EP221.mp3
“Bear Country exists in a state of temporal flux” is something I say in this episode about a children’s book about cheating. So, that’s something. It’s the final Merit Badge Mystery, the final Dr. Wise Old Owl, the final not-really-a-mystery mystery; it’s “The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the White Water Mystery!” https://ia903100.us.archive.org/35/items/dibcep220/DIBC-EP220.mp3
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. https://ia903104.us.archive.org/4/items/dibcep219/DIBC-EP219.mp3
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. https://ia803103.us.archive.org/15/items/dibcep218/DIBC-EP218.mp3
Hey, Y’ALL! It’s time once again for a CUB CLUB BOOK LOOK MA I’M READING! This week, it’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Talent Show!” But, this time, the real talent isn’t ON the stage it’s . . . well, actually, it’s still on the stage. But also, it’s off? I don’t know. FIGURE IT … Continue reading "Episode 217 – The Berenstain Bears and the Talent Show!"
It’s nice outside, so let’s talk about dating! https://ia803107.us.archive.org/8/items/dibcep216/DIBC-EP216.mp3
Join me for another INCREDIBLE MYSTERY that doesn’t introduce itself until the book is nearly finished and that is then solved by a non-character in one page. That’s right! It’s a Berenstain Bear Scouts Merit Badge Mystery! But, like past Merit Badge Mysteries, it’s not much of a mystery. But, it’s still weird and fun. … Continue reading "Episode 215 – The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Stinky Milk Mystery"
This week, we’re going back to basics with “Big Bear, Small Bear” a book that, once again, completely lacks any mention of our Bear Family. But, what does that say about us? About spaghetti? About eating spaghetti on the beach? Anything? Hello? https://ia903104.us.archive.org/32/items/dibcep214/DIBC-EP214.mp3
Okay, how’s this for a weird throwback in style? “The Berenstain Bears In The House Of Mirrors” doesn’t even have any members of the Bear Family! It has two fill-in characters and a WHOLE LOT of mirrors! https://ia801005.us.archive.org/12/items/dibcep213/DIBC-EP213.mp3
This week, we’re gearing up for HALLOWEEN SEASON with our first MYSTERIES! That’s right! The Bear Detectives are here to liven up your week with the “Escape of the Bogg Brothers” and the “Missing Watermelon Money!” https://ia601002.us.archive.org/11/items/dibcep212/DIBC-EP212.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 211 – The Berenstain Bears Visit Uncle Tex (1994)/The Berenstain Bears Out West (2006)"
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! https://ia803004.us.archive.org/15/items/dibcep210/DIBC-EP210.mp3
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!'” https://ia903003.us.archive.org/34/items/dibcep209/DIBC-EP209.mp3
Elana and sometimes Mitzi join me on vacation to talk about “The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Battle” a book with no real battles. https://ia801001.us.archive.org/12/items/dibcep208/DIBC-EP208.mp3
Hey everyone. Wanna get lost? Well, let’s go to a cave and get lost there. Which cave? A cave. Just . . . just a cave. https://ia803005.us.archive.org/13/items/dibcep207/DIBC-EP207.mp3
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. https://ia801001.us.archive.org/21/items/dibcep206/DIBC-EP206.mp3
Let’s go fishin’ now, everybody’s learnin’ how, come on and go fishin’ with meeeeeeeee . . . and Godddddddddd! https://ia801004.us.archive.org/3/items/dibcep205/DIBC-EP205.mp3
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!” https://ia601007.us.archive.org/33/items/dibcep204/DIBC-EP204.mp3
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! https://ia803006.us.archive.org/3/items/dibcep203/DIBC-EP203.mp3
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! https://ia801002.us.archive.org/33/items/dibcep202/DIBC-EP202.mp3
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! https://ia903007.us.archive.org/20/items/dibcep201/DIBC-EP201.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 200 – The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note!"
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. https://ia801005.us.archive.org/19/items/DIBCEP199/DIBC-EP199.mp3
Oops! This one is late! Sorry folks! https://ia801007.us.archive.org/22/items/DIBCEP198/DIBC-EP198.mp3
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! https://ia801007.us.archive.org/27/items/DIBCEP197/DIBC-EP197.mp3
This week, I’m taking a look at a shocking recent revelation in Bear Country – Mama and Papa Bear’s pre-parental names! https://ia601000.us.archive.org/21/items/DIBCEP196/DIBC-EP196.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 194 – Stefanie Eskander"
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.” https://ia800906.us.archive.org/10/items/DIBCEP192/DIBC-EP192.mp3
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. https://ia800907.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP191/DIBC-EP191.mp3
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!” https://ia803003.us.archive.org/7/items/DIBCEP190/DIBC-EP190.mp3
Man oh man. They sure play T-Ball. https://ia803002.us.archive.org/19/items/DIBCEP189/DIBC-EP189.mp3
Papa get angry. Papa get mad. It’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Report Card Trouble” and . . . it’s a retread of an older book really. https://ia800900.us.archive.org/17/items/DIBCEP188/DIBC-EP188.mp3
In which I have a big mope. https://ia803003.us.archive.org/34/items/DIBCEP187/DIBC-EP187.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 186 – The Berenstain Bears Think of Those In Need (redux)!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 185 – The Berenstain Bears Think of Those In Need"
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. https://ia600908.us.archive.org/15/items/DIBCEP184/DIBC-EP184.mp3
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! https://ia903009.us.archive.org/19/items/DIBCEP183/DIBC-EP183.mp3
This week, we’re talking babies. Where do they come from? How did they get there? How do they GET OUT OF THERE? I’ll tell you . . . I don’t know. But, I found someone who does know! Lindsey Hoskins is the Community Health Educator at Family Tree Clinic, a non-profit community clinic whose mission … Continue reading "Episode 182 – The Birds, The Bees and The Berenstain Bears!"
This week, I’m joined by Annette Gagliardi. Annette is an educator, poet and author who lives in the Twin Cities and was my teacher for several years in Early Childhood Family Education. I figured, heck, she knows her business when it comes to kids, so who better to walk us through “The Berenstain Bears and … Continue reading "Episode 181 – The Berenstain Bears and Baby Makes Five!"
A little bonus conversation about “The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas” and some other random stuff. https://ia600907.us.archive.org/25/items/DIBCEP180Bonus/DIBC-EP180-bonus.mp3
Brad and Jeremy are BACK to talk about . . . stuff? Things? It’s a bit all over the place and formless, but I’m just happy to have them back! https://ia600906.us.archive.org/12/items/DIBCEP180/DIBC-EP180.mp3
Here on “Deep In Bear Country” we know that I do like to blather on about topics I have no training in, especially religion! But, I’m breaking with tradition this week by inviting onto the show the Reverend Lauren McLeavey! Lauren and I talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Big Question” and . . … Continue reading "Episode 179 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Question!"
Do YOU have Beary Bubbies? Well, Brian Skinner, co-host of Predict-O-Cast, sure does. And he’s joined me to discuss Beanie Babies, Toy Crazes and anything else that passes through our old addled brains. https://ia800705.us.archive.org/23/items/DIBCEP178/DIBC-EP178.mp3
It’s pretty bold to start an episode by coughing directly into the mic, but that’s the kind of seat-of-your-pants entertainment you can expect from Deep In Bear Country in the New Year! This week, Elana joins me once again to talk about “The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand!” Brother and Sister must overcome their … Continue reading "Episode 177 – The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand!"
And with this, the fourth episode in our Holiday Extravaganza, we end our Holiday Extravaganza. And what an ending to go out on “The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving.” This book has it all: pageants, Jesus, presents, malls, Santa, Bearbie. It has everything you could possibly hope for in a Berenstain Bears Christmas … Continue reading "Episode 176 – The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving!"
Things are getting Christmas-y up in here! We’re back with more Christmas explorations as we tackle “The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel.” Now, this is a Zonderkidz book, but don’t let that scare you, man; let that free you! Take a look at how Mike addresses the existence of angels and their myriad heavenly … Continue reading "Episode 175 – The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel!"
Hey, you guys wanna hear some more INTERESTING CHRISTMAS FACTS?! Well, buckle up, buttercup, because here comes “The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas!” https://ia800706.us.archive.org/29/items/DIBCEP174/DIBC-EP174.mp3
It’s the Season of Giving, the Season of Cheer, the Season of Something, Christmas is Here! And with the Christmas comes the Christmas episodes! This week, I’m taking a hard look at a hard nut. Or, a hard nutCRACKER! It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker” and I get to the book at about the … Continue reading "Episode 173 – The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker!"
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! https://ia800707.us.archive.org/34/items/DIBCEP172/DIBC-EP172.mp3
As many of you know, I do not tend to follow the vagaries of the sporting life. And so, when it comes to Berenstain Bears books on sports, I’m usually at a loss. Thankfully, I have the ever eager David Kalan on speed-dial to talk about sports while I listen and absorb his knowledge. This … Continue reading "Episode 171 – Get Their Kicks!"
We’re back with an ACTUAL BOOK! It’s exciting! You know what else is exciting? Homework. Wrong! It’s Brian Skinner! Brian Skinner is exciting and he’s back on the show to talk about taxes, homework, radio shows, peanut butter and not doing your assignments! It’s a meandering conversation that sometimes comes back around to “The Berenstain … Continue reading "Episode 170 – The Homework Hassle!"
Like, seriously, what is this thing? https://ia600701.us.archive.org/33/items/DIBCEP168/DIBC-EP168.mp3
Nick Wood, from “Stranger Still” and “Limited Cel” returns to Bear Country to help me confront my fears and to talk about 1994’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Shadows!” Does this book teach a good lesson about fear? Did Sister learn to weaponize shadows? Do Bear Country bears grow an extra finger at puberty? … Continue reading "Episode 167 – The Spooky Shadows!"
What’s sadder than a baby chipmunk who’s been abandoned by his mother? Maybe a pocaster sitting in his car on a rainy day talking about a baby chipmunk who’s been abandoned by his mother? Maybe? What if he talks about THREE different incarnations of the story? How would that make you feel? https://ia803107.us.archive.org/5/items/DIBCEP166/DIBC-EP166.mp3
I have two more Jellybean Books to get through and my COLLECTORS have joined me in this bizarre and satisfying task! Brad and Jeremy phase in and out of reality as we talk about “Scardies!” and “Twitchies!” and “CROTCHIES” because CROTCHIES IS CANON! CROTCHIES IS CANON! CROTCHIES IS CANON! To see Brad’s full list of … Continue reading "Episode 165 – Jellybean Books (Part 2)!"
This week, I’m taking a look at three books in the Random House Jellybean Books series “The Berenstain Bears Get the Screamies” “The Berenstain Bears Get the Noisies” and “The Berenstain Bears Get the Don’t Haftas.” Why have you never heard of these books? Because they tend to not stand out. Why should you have … Continue reading "Episode 164 – Jellybean Books (Part 1)!"
⛥ Ǹ̷̘̝̞̰͍͆̀o̴͈̅̽̑̉̚t̷̬̹͖͕̃̿̃͂̈́ ̴̨͙̿ŕ̴̪͇̘ȩ̴̬͙̣͉͒ả̶̪̠͚̙͆͂l̴̥̔͑͆l̷̡͈͎̜̊̔y̵͚̤̒̌̇͠ ̸̙͎̲̄̆̋͊͝ś̶̚͜u̶̱͒̋͐̚͝r̸̰͘͠ͅe̵̙͓͒ ̴̧͈͉̼̯̅͋̏w̵̮̰̆́̏̚͝ͅh̴̩͖̯̆͘͠ả̶̮̈́̒̄̽t̶̡͓̾ ̷̛̟͉͇̹̌ͅt̴̮̺̩̀̂̓õ̶͓̖͚̳ ̵̤̍w̵̩̝̳̙̎̓̄͝r̴̝͆í̷̝̙͔́͛t̴̖͉͘͠e̶͙̿̀̀̏̕ ̶̨̡͙̹͚͛͛a̸̧̪̯̰͐͘b̶̭̱͖̰̌͌͒́̚ơ̶̫̳ǔ̶̡̥̺̉̆̒t̷͙̹̃̊̈́ ̵̢̟̇̓͛̉̚t̷̨͙̜͎̀͒̇ḧ̵̢̢̛͕͉͝í̷̧̛̟̠s̵̢͈͕͂ͅ ̴̘͉̟̪́̆͝o̷̝̯͇̾̌͜n̷̲͇̂e̶͖͇͈̥̽̃̏͌.̶͍͉̇͋̓̃͠ ̸͉̮̈́̕̕͜I̶̡͖̖̼̒́̚t̵̳̅͝’̷̩̝͊̊̃͝s̷̻̰̣̊̐͠ͅ ̵̲̪͋͆̅͒k̴̝̂i̵̠̯̱̺͋͗ͅǹ̸̼d̷̛̩̾̄͜ą̴̫͖͎̆͝ ̸̝̰͚͙̃̌̋m̶̡͎̩̼̣̂͛̎ẻ̸̦̥̲̒͌š̸͕̩̮̭͌ş̸͈̣̙̮͠e̶̙̊d̴̠́̓̽ ̷̡̲̪̒̽̊͂̕u̷̘̤͙̾̑̍͝p̷͚͓͝ ̷̢̃̈́̅͐̾a̵̬̻̍͜ṅ̴͈͇̼̯̔͘d̸̟̈́ ̸̭͉̟͊̾̇͜Ỉ̶͇́̃̍’̶̻͍͛̀̉̐m̵̫̟͓͔͔̅̚͠ ̵̡̜̊h̴͚͕͒̂̈́á̵̘͍v̶̜͚͂̀͋͊ì̴̮̺͊̇̉͜n̴̢͍͓̼̆̾̓́̃g̸̨͍̃̅͒͊̆ ̴͎̝̾̀̆t̴̰͓̣̦̀͂ŕ̶̳̖̙̱̲͆͊̂ȍ̸̖̲͂̈́̇͐ủ̸̯͝b̷̨͔̈l̵̢̨͔̟̗̆ê̷̱̲̼̝̕ ̴̫̖̌͗̉g̸͇̞͖̰̈͑͝ë̴͙͔́̌͘ţ̸̛̫̰̳̱͂̆͋́t̴͔̻̮̖̉̄͒į̶̟̠̺̐́͆̓̕n̸̡̩̽ͅg̸̖̞̬̓́̎ ̴̡̺͠m̴̟͚̭̗̘͆̆͂͝ỳ̵̳̪͔̰̹̔̾̀ ̸̧͇̪̀̉́̑́t̸̪̳͕̃́̇h̸̞̜͉͂̅̈́͜͝ō̴̥͆ữ̸͓̺̾̓ġ̵͎͒̑h̶̜̬̠͆̉t̸̢̑̉̽̀͝s̸̯̾͒͌ ̸͖̹͕́̐̓t̶̹͖̯̹͂̈́̄̎͠ò̴̟̜̠̋̒̆g̷͙̮̲͙̻̃̏͋̃͘e̷͇̯̼͆̋̍̕̚ṭ̴̜̮̋͐h̵̞̭̞̺́́̒͌̕͜e̸̡͇̥͆͘̚̕͜r̸̯̟̭͔̐̚ ̴̋͋̚͜ơ̶̢̯̣͕̭̄̀n̶͙̹̏̎̈́ ̷̛̮̖̯̻̀̅̇i̵̡͒͛̚͝t̷̨̲̦̐̍͊͜.̶̢̣̂̄̓͠ ☠ https://ia600700.us.archive.org/23/items/DIBCEP163/DIBC-EP163.mp3
When is a book not a book? When you can’t figure out what the heck point it’s even trying to make. This week, Christy Admiraal from Nerdist and The California Diarists Podcast joins me to talk about(?) “The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game!” It’s a book that almost ceases to be a book and … Continue reading "Episode 162 – The Blame Game!"
When is a story not a story? When it’s TWO stories! Elana joins me to discuss these two stories and how they don’t really add up or connect or ever speak to each other in “The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings.” Does the beginning of the book forget about itself? Does the thunderstorm make the … Continue reading "Episode 161 – Count Their Blessings!"
Psst! Hey everyone! You, uh . . . you wanna learn about vermiculite? Shh! Don’t let everyone hear, or they’ll all want in on this. Well, I got a book for you that not only mentions vermiculite about a dozen times, but doesn’t really explain what it is! Sound good? Hello? Oh, you left. THIS … Continue reading "Episode 160 – GROW-IT! Mother Nature Has Such A Green Thumb!"
My collectors are back! Brad Mariska and Jeremy Gloff have joined me to discuss a book that is the worst thing and that should not exist. “The Berenstein Bears and Too Much Tequila” is dumb, bad and dumb and bad and I hate it. I hate it. I hate that I’m even discussing it in … Continue reading "Episode 159 – The [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and Too Much [REDACTED]"
This week, I answer a question from Patreon Subscriber Michael, who asks, “What do you think the Bear Country police blotter looks like on a typical day (let’s say big chapter books continuity since that’s where we are)?” https://ia902809.us.archive.org/33/items/DIBCEP158_201808/DIBC-EP158.mp3
This week! My dear college friend, writer, director, performer, monologist, cartoonist Brad McEntire joins me to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster!” And, boy do we ever talk about it! And, a lot of other things! Check out Brad’s many projects at his website! He always has a dozen things going on. … Continue reading "Episode 157 – The Green-Eyed Monster!"
In this excised excerpt from the upcoming “The Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster” Phil and his guest Brad McEntire go off on a long tangent about Scouting and Camping. It has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with Phil’s neurotic aversion to the Great Outdoors. https://ia903109.us.archive.org/24/items/BONUSCamping/BONUS%20-%20Camping.mp3
Let’s go WAY back in time to EPISODE 15! That’s right! I remember thinking “Oh, man, I’ve done maybe a MILLION of these shows!” But, I hadn’t. Just the fifteen. My guest was Rachael Schlee who is currently appearing in Medusa at the Minnesota Fringe Festival! We talk all about Kindergarten and prepping for school. … Continue reading "SUMMER RERUN – Go To School!"
It’s a SUMMER RERUN from LAST SUMMER! 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! https://ia800808.us.archive.org/12/items/DIBCEP111/DIBC-EP111.mp3
It’s July and I’m BEAT. I had a birthday; now my girlfriend’s having a birthday; I gotta clean the stove; there’s summer camp, doctor’s appointments, school shopping, UGH! Time for a rerun. This week, let’s go back and enjoy a Deep In Bear Country CLASSIC! Brian Skinner joined me in my steamy backyard to talk … Continue reading "SUMMER RERUN! – The Bad Dream!"
This week, I am very excited to welcome Jason Bucklin onto the show. Jason is the LGBTQ Programming Director for Minneapolis Public Schools and he’s here to talk about “The Berenstain Bears and the Bully” a book I’ve been excited yet nervous about for three years. Jason walks us through what bullying is, how parents … Continue reading "Episode 156 – The Bully!"
This week, I’m joined by Erin Ayers – one half of the Over the Table Top podcast – to discuss a tale of fraud and dinosaurs. It’s “The Berenstain Bears and the G-Rex Bones!” How far will Ralph go to secure a million dollars? Pretty far! Will he sell out his own personal values and … Continue reading "Episode 155 – The G-Rex Bones!"
Ollie is back, my partner in crime from It’s Del Toro Time! and we’re talking about . . . something. What even are these? It’s the first two Merit Badge Mysteries “The Missing Merit Badges” and “The Search for Naughty Ned” and, well, animals talk? Dr. Mr. Wide Old Owl? Naughty Ned? It’s clear we’re … Continue reading "Episode 154 – The Missing Merit Badges & The Search for Naughty Ned"
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. … Continue reading "Episode 153 – The Evil Eye!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 152 – The Perfect Crime (Almost)!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 151 – “Too Much Teasing” and “The Love Match!”"
It’s been over a year and FIFTY EPISODES since I’ve had a proper Collectors Corner with Brad and Jeremy, so HERE WE ARE! And we are talking about EVERYTHING. So, kick back, relax and enjoy the ride! You can find Brad’s complete list of Berenstain Bears books here and Jeremy’s music here. https://ia903108.us.archive.org/10/items/DIBCEP150/DIBC-EP150.mp3
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? https://ia801001.us.archive.org/32/items/DIBC149/DIBC-149.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 148 – The Trouble with Grownups!"
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! https://ia803109.us.archive.org/21/items/DIBCEP147/DIBC-EP147.mp3
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! https://ia903106.us.archive.org/1/items/DIBCEP146/DIBC-EP146.mp3
sq 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 … Continue reading "Episode 145 – The Sinister Smoke Ring!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 144 – The Run-Amuck Robot!"
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. https://ia601007.us.archive.org/0/items/DIBCEP143/DIBC-EP143.mp3
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. https://ia600106.us.archive.org/33/items/DIBCEP142/DIBC-EP142.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 141 – The Berenstain Bear Scouts Giant Bat Cave!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 140 – The Berenstain Bears and Queenie’s Crazy Crush!"
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 . . … Continue reading "Episode 139 – The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted Hayride!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 138 – The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Auto Graveyard!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 137 – The Bermuda Triangle!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 136 – The Terrible Talking Termite!"
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. https://ia600106.us.archive.org/22/items/DIBCEP135/DIBC-EP135.mp3
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. https://ia800106.us.archive.org/13/items/DIBCEP134/DIBC-EP134.mp3
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, … Continue reading "Episode 133 – The Berenstain Bear SCOUTS Ghost VS Ghost!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 132 – The Berenstain Bears Don’t Pollute (Anymore)!"
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. https://ia800600.us.archive.org/24/items/DIBCEP131/DIBC-EP131.mp3
MRRRRRR CHZZZZZZMMZZZZZ! Mr. Mark Sweeney is BACK to talk about THE BEATLES and THE BARENAKED LADIES and . . . The Beatles? Also, we’ve got this COMMENTARY TRACK for you but it’s really just the middle part of a JAM PACKED episode of TWO GUYS HANGING OUT. Here’s the video we used! https://ia800102.us.archive.org/18/items/DIBCEP130/DIBC-EP130.mp3
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! https://ia800103.us.archive.org/14/items/DIBCEP129/DIBC-EP129.mp3
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. https://ia800104.us.archive.org/10/items/DIBC128/DIBC-128.mp3
In which I go LIVE on Facebook and ramble on a while about race(?) in Bear Country and embarrass myself and answer some questions. https://ia600600.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP127/DIBC-EP127.mp3
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?! https://ia600100.us.archive.org/1/items/DIBCEP126/DIBC-EP126.mp3
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? https://ia800102.us.archive.org/16/items/DIBCEP125/DIBC-EP125.mp3
In this episode, Bradley, Jeremy and I finally make it to the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Pictures taken by Brad. And here are some pics I took! https://ia600809.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP124/DIBC-EP124.mp3
So, no show this week. We’re regrouping. It’s been a busy start to fall. https://ia600100.us.archive.org/33/items/DIBCEP1235/DIBC-EP123-5.mp3
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. https://ia601303.us.archive.org/15/items/DIBCEP123/DIBC-EP123.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 122 – The Berenstain Bear Scots and the Humongous Pumpkin!"
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! https://ia800802.us.archive.org/13/items/DIBCEP121/DIBC-EP121.mp3
Mr. Mark Sweeney RETURNS! And this time he’s got OPINIONS about BIRDS and CHAINSAWS! https://ia800800.us.archive.org/33/items/DIBCEP120_201710/DIBC-EP120.mp3
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. https://ia800804.us.archive.org/32/items/DIBCEP119/DIBC-EP119.mp3
Sorry everyone. No show this week. https://ia800809.us.archive.org/28/items/Apology_201709/Apology.mp3
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. https://ia800600.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP118/DIBC-EP118.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 117 – The Freaky Funhouse!"
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! https://ia801002.us.archive.org/1/items/DIBCEP116/DIBC-EP116.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 115 – The Berenstain Bears and the School Scandal Sheet!"
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. https://ia800806.us.archive.org/14/items/DIBCEP114/DIBC-EP114.mp3
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! https://ia600804.us.archive.org/14/items/DIBCEP113/DIBC-EP113.mp3
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. https://ia803103.us.archive.org/17/items/DIBCEP112/DIBC-EP112.mp3
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! https://ia801006.us.archive.org/2/items/DIBCEP111/DIBC-EP111.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 110 – Meeting Mike (Part 1)"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 109 – Diner Talk"
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! https://ia601507.us.archive.org/16/items/DIBCSUMMERRERUN67/DIBC-SUMMER%20RERUN-67.mp3
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? https://ia800804.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP108/DIBC-EP108.mp3
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. https://ia600603.us.archive.org/31/items/DIBCEP107/DIBC-EP107.mp3
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. https://ia800606.us.archive.org/12/items/DIBCEP106/DIBC-EP106.mp3
Because I felt guilty – here’s a talk about The Big Chapter Books! https://ia600605.us.archive.org/13/items/DIBCBONUS/DIBC-BONUS.mp3
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. https://ia600609.us.archive.org/29/items/DIBCEP104/DIBC-EP104.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 103 – The Berenstain Bears and the Female Fullback!"
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!
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. https://ia601505.us.archive.org/16/items/DIBCEP101/DIBC-EP101.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 100 – Collector’s Corner 8!"
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. https://ia801505.us.archive.org/30/items/DIBCEP99/DIBC-EP99.mp3
My collectors are BACK and they’ve brought with them . . . nothing. Nothing at all. This episode is a special “free form” episode where anything brought to the table comes out of us and our IMAGINATIONS. Trust me, it works. You can find Bradley’s official list of books at his website, visit Jeremy’s site … Continue reading "Episode 98 – Collectors Corner 7!"
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. https://ia601608.us.archive.org/2/items/DIBCEP97/DIBC-EP97.mp3
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. https://ia801606.us.archive.org/23/items/DIBCEP96/DIBC-EP96.mp3
More Bears. More Jesus. https://ia601607.us.archive.org/19/items/DIBCEP93/DIBC-EP93.mp3
I don’t know what’s wrong with me. https://ia601606.us.archive.org/24/items/DIBCEP92/DIBC-EP92.mp3
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.
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. https://ia801600.us.archive.org/22/items/DIBCEP90/DIBC-EP90.mp3
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?” https://ia601603.us.archive.org/9/items/DIBCEP89/DIBC-EP89.mp3
Mitzi and I close out the FIRST First Time books with a gripping story of going to bed. https://ia801604.us.archive.org/12/items/DIBCEP88/DIBC-EP88.mp3
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. https://ia801901.us.archive.org/27/items/DIBCEP87/DIBC-EP87.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 86 – The Berenstain Bears’ Four Seasons!"
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. … Continue reading "Episode 84 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vaca(tion)!"
Bradley and Jeremy are BACK to talk QUESTRON! What is QUESTRON?! A fantastical robot from the future come to educate our children and make our technological dreams come true?! Or, a plastic barcode reader? Probably the barcode reader. You can find Bradley’s official list of books at his website, visit Jeremy’s site to discover his … Continue reading "Episode 83 – Collector’s Corner 6!"
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?
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! https://ia803203.us.archive.org/32/items/DIBCEP80/DIBC-EP80.mp3
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. … Continue reading "Episode 79 – The Berenstain Bears’ Substitute Teacher!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 78 – The Berenstain Bears’ Slumber Party!"
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!
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 . … Continue reading "Episode 76 – The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Pets!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 75 – Collector’s Corner 5!"
WoooOOOOoooo! Erin Sheppard is BACK for the second half of our Halloween two-parter. This time, we’re talking tricking and/or treating, witches, old ladies and Monopoly. Is the Top Hat really the best piece? Erin says yes! Erin also says to go see her in “Book of Shadows” her piece in the Twin Cities Horror Festival. … Continue reading "Episode 74 – The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 73 – The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest!"
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! https://ia601208.us.archive.org/34/items/DIBCEP72/DIBC-EP72.mp3
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, … Continue reading "Episode 71 – “Go To School” & “The Sitter” PBS adaptations"
Just a quick extra to chat briefly about the PBS episode based on “Get the Gimmies.” Is it better? Kinda yes? https://ia801204.us.archive.org/27/items/DIBCEP70.5/DIBC-EP70.5.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 70 – The Berenstain Bears Get The Gimmies!"
They’re not amazing books, but I gotta catch ’em all. https://ia801205.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP69/DIBC-EP69.mp3
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! https://ia601204.us.archive.org/12/items/DIBCEP68/DIBC-EP68.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 67 – Meet The Berenstain Bears!"
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. https://ia601203.us.archive.org/22/items/DIBCEP66/DIBC-EP66.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 65 – The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Friends!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 64 – Live Show!"
On the drive down to Austin, MN for the opening of Bradley Mariska’s Berenstain Bears Exhibit at Sweet Reads bookstore, I had plenty of time to chat with Mr. Mariska. Here . . . is some of that chat.
I spoke briefly with Lisa Deyo, the owner and proprietor of Sweet Reads, which currently houses the Berenstain Bear collection of Bradley Mariska! https://ia601200.us.archive.org/6/items/DIBCLisaInterview/DIBC-Lisa%20Interview.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 63 – The Bad Dream!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 62 – The Berenstain Bears and the Not So Buried Treasure!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 61 – The Berenstain Bears and the Coughing Catfish AND The Mansion Mystery"
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, … Continue reading "Episode 60 – The Berenstain Bears and the Big Road Race"
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! https://ia801206.us.archive.org/20/items/DIBCEP59/DIBC-EP59.mp3
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. https://ia601503.us.archive.org/31/items/DIBCEP58/DIBC-EP58.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 57 – The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma’s!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 56 – The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Habit!"
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. … Continue reading "Episode 55 – The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 54 – The Berenstain Bears Go Out For The Team!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 53 – The Berenstain Bears and the Knight to Remember!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 52 – Collector’s Corner 4!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 51 – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers Part 2"
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” … Continue reading "Episode 51 – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers Part 1"
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. https://ia800406.us.archive.org/30/items/BerensatinBearsStrangers/BerensatinBearsStrangers.mp3
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. https://ia600401.us.archive.org/6/items/DIBCEP50/DIBC-EP50.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 49 – The Berenstain Bears on Saturday Mornings!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 48 – Collector’s Corner 3!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 47 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Birthday!"
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 . . . … Continue reading "Episode 46 – The Berenstain Bears No Girls Allowed!"
We’re back in Bear County and Brother and Sister are up to some weird tricks as Brother assembles the idol and Sister begins demonstrating heretofore unknown skills in magic. Also, Cousin Frankie likes soccer? All this and more, in “The Berenstein Bears and the Doomspell Tournament!” https://ia600406.us.archive.org/28/items/DIBCEP445/DIBC-EP44-5.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 44 – The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 43 – The Berenstain Bears On the Moon!"
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, … Continue reading "Episode 42 – Berenstain Bear Country?"
Bradley and Jeremy are BACK! And, they’ve brought with them some truly wonderful finds. I’m talking coloring books! I’m talking an amazing activity book! I’m talking a rub . . . . thing. A rub-a-book thingy. It’s all awesome! Take a look! Here’s a link to Jeremy’s music – preorder that album! Here’s a link … Continue reading "Episode 41 – Collector’s Corner 2!"
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! https://ia600209.us.archive.org/13/items/DIBCEP40_201603/DIBC-EP40.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 39 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 38 – The Berenstain Bears and the Neighborly Skunk!"
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! https://ia600202.us.archive.org/32/items/DIBCEP37/DIBC-EP37.mp3 You can find our official Facebook page on Facebook. Or, you … Continue reading "Episode 37 – The Berenstain Bears and the Dinosaurs!"
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! https://ia600208.us.archive.org/8/items/DIBCEP36/DIBC-EP36.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 35 – The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV!"
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. https://ia800201.us.archive.org/4/items/DIBCEP34/DIBC-EP34.mp3
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. https://ia800206.us.archive.org/19/items/DIBCEP33/DIBC-EP33.mp3
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 … Continue reading "Episode 32 – Four Mini Storybooks!"
Hey, guys! In prepping for Episode 32 – the one where I unwisely tried to cover FOUR mini story books in one go – I had a few questions about the art in the books. So, I wrote to The Berenstains with the following question: I’ll be covering four books from 1983 – the mini-storybooks … Continue reading "Mike Berenstain Responds! – 1"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 31 – Welcome Back! & The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble With Money"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 30 – The Berenstain Bears and the Truth"
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 … Continue reading "Reading 1 – The Berenstain Bears and The Truth"
Here’s Mike Berenstain’s response to my inquiry about why The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree was the only one of the specials to receive a book adaptation immediately following the initial airing. When The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree first aired on NBC in December 1979, my parents were still doing their It’s All in the Family … Continue reading "The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw – Follow Up!"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 29 – The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 28 – The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 27 – The Berenstain Bears Go To Camp"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 26 – The Berenstain Bears Get In A Fight"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 25 – The Berenstain Bears In The Dark"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 24 – The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist"
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, … Continue reading "Episode 23 – The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 22 – Collector’s Corner 1"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 21 – The Berenstain Bears Go To the Doctor"
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! https://ia601306.us.archive.org/2/items/DIBCEP20/DIBC-EP20.mp3
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. https://ia801307.us.archive.org/2/items/DIBCEP19/DIBC-EP19.mp3
Bear Country has a prehistory! We don’t actually learn much about it, but here it is! Dinosaurs! And, here’s the Bear Country museum and its curator Actual Factu – wait. Is that Actual Factual? It . . . it looks like him, but – Okay, we need to take this thing apart. It’s “The Berenstain … Continue reading "Episode 18 – The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Dinosaur Bone"
This week, we explore the hidden depths of what may be the spoooookiest book we’ve covered so far! And, no, it’s NOT “The Spooky Old Tree!” Brother’s fractured subconscious wars within itself and drags its fragments deep below its own comfort zone in these two deceptively simple books. Enjoy! Make peace with your fractured psyche and rate … Continue reading "Episode 17 – The Berenstain Bears’ Counting Book/The Berenstain Bears and The Spooky Old Tree"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 16 – The Berenstain Bears’ Nature Guide/Science Fair"
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 … Continue reading "Episode 15 – The Berenstain Bears Go To School"
We’re back into the strange world of Small/Brother Bear’s psyche! Where will his concerns bout this new sister take him? And, are the Detectives real or all in our heads? Please Rate and review us on iTunes. Subscribe on Stitcher. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, join us next week! https://ia601300.us.archive.org/23/items/DIBCEP14/DIBC-EP14.mp3
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’ … Continue reading "Episode 13 – The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby"
Man, I just relistened to this episode and I sound reallllllly mellow. Like, really mellow. Anyway, give it a listen! We’re closing out the end of Deep In Bear Country Phase 1 and entering Phase 2! What does that even mean? Well, it means . . big things. Big things in store. For . . … Continue reading "Episode 12 – The Berenstain Bears in ‘The Bears’ Almanac’"
We are rapidly approaching Zero Hour, my friends. Small, Papa and to a lesser extent Mama have brought us so far on this journey and now they are preparing to expand their universe with . . . expand was a joke, see? Like, Mama Bear is expanding across the midsection because of having a baby … Continue reading "Episode 11 – The Berenstain Bears’ Nursery Tales"
We’re still in Dreamland. I know! It feels like we’ve been here forever. Well, trust me when I say this is all leading some place. And, this episode, I think we all get a good idea where that place is. “Bears in the Night” and “C is for Clown” may not seem to be tied … Continue reading "Episode 10 – Bears in the Night/C is for Clown/The Berenstain’s ‘C’ Book"
We’re back for another trip through Small Bear’s Dreamland! And, by “we” I mean “we!” That’s right! Deep In Bear Country welcomes its very first guest! And, she’s young! Very. And, this is dropping on my birthday, so . . . happy birthday to me! As always, thank you for listening! Rate and review us on … Continue reading "Episode 9 – Old Hat, New Hat/The Berenstain’s B Book"
Got ten seconds? Literally, ten seconds? If so, then listen to a sneak peek of what’s coming up . . . next episode! https://ia800508.us.archive.org/24/items/DIBCEP9Outtakes/DIBC-EP9%20Outtakes.mp3
It’s our first holiday book! And . . . the holiday isn’t really that important a part of it. Okay, it’s barely a part of it at all. Still, it’s a landmark so I’ll take it! As always rate and review us on iTunes, download us on Stitcher, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! … Continue reading "Episode 8 – The Bears’ Christmas"
It’s a double header! Is that the right term? Who knows?! We are covering the first two Bright and Early Books in the Berenstain’s oeuvre and also learning a little bit of publishing history along the way. PLUS things get weird. Really weird. How weird? How about parallel universe weird? How does that make you … Continue reading "Episode 7 – Inside Outside Upside Down/Bears On Wheels"
Stop everything! Bear Country has a beach?! Apparently so, and The Bear Family is set to have a great time beachin’ on vaca! At least, Papa and Small Bear are; Mama . . . she takes a backseat for this one. Still, this book has it all: sand, water, rocks, and a challenge to the … Continue reading "Episode 6 – The Bears’ Vacation"
What happens when Stan and Jan throw three new cubs into the Papa Bear/Small Bear mix? Turns out . . . they don’t end up playing a huge role in the story. Or, making much of a difference. Still, three new cubs! Do they get names? Do they speak lines? Do they evolve into Cousin … Continue reading "Episode 5 – The Bear Scouts"
If you don’t see this collection as a thing of beauty, you need to spend more time in Bear Country!
Do you like turning points? I do! And “The Bears’ Picnic” – darn that apostrophe; trips me up every time – is a major turning point for not only the Bear Family but for Stan and Jan Berenstain as artists, writers and collaborators. We’ll get into that in this episode as well as new locations … Continue reading "Episode 4 – The Bears’ Picnic"
It’s a bonus episode! Holy cats! What brought this on? I wanted to cover “Nothing Ever Happens at the South Pole” before I lost my enthusiasm for it. It’s a clunky, weird, kinda terrible book BUT it’s super important in the history of the development of Stan and Jan Berenstain as writers. Super important. So, … Continue reading "BONUS EPISODE 1 – Nothing Ever Happens at the South Pole"
Well, this is exciting! The first NAMED Berenstain Bears book! By which I mean, of course, that it’s the first book which identifies the Bear Family as “The Berensatin Bears.” Much like “The Addams Family” referred to “the family created by Charles Addams.” This all came as a surprise to Stan and Jan Berenstain. Which … Continue reading "Episode 3 – The Berenstain Bears and the Bike Lesson!"
Finally! An actual book! “The Big Honey Hunt” marks the introduction of the Bear Family – Papa, Mama and . . . Small. Notice how many ideas that would carry over into later books are already in place: the tree house, the outfits, the attitudes of the bears. This was due to Dr. Seuss’s very … Continue reading "Episode 2 – The Berenstain Bears and The Big Honey Hunt!"
Hello! And welcome to the first episode of “Deep In Bear Country: A Berenstain Bearcast.” In this episode, I take you through the whole reason this thing even exists. I give you a little rundown of the history of authors Stan and Jan Berenstain and hopefully prepare you for the long LONG journey to come. … Continue reading "Deep In Bear Country: Episode 1 – An Introduction!"