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Tis the Podcast

Keeping the Christmas spirit alive 365 days a year.

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Christmas Movie Podcast — All Episodes

298: Grandma Says Being Normal Is Vastly Overrated. (Halloweentown 2)

It's the return of Spooky Month and, while we're short one elf this week, have no fear! The ever ebullient Charlyn Lewis joined Anthony and Thom to cover the 2001, Disney made-for-tv movie, "Halloweentown 2"! Gather 'round with your favorite goblins and ghouls for a fun-filled (albeit late) episode this week!

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297: The Rankin/Bass Extravaganza! Fixing The Existing Rankin/Bass Universe and Pitching the Live-Action Remake of the Rankin/Bass Universe! (Featuring Gerry Davila of ”Totally Rad Christmas”!)

Happy Wednesday, everybody!   Due to life getting in the way, we know you haven't had a new episode from us in a few weeks. Don't worry, though - that will be rectified next week in which a new episode will be in your podcast feeds Monday morning, per usual! Having said that, we wanted to make it up to you for missing the past few weeks! So, enjoy this special once-Patreon exclusive episode in which Gerry Davila, of "Totally Rad Christmas", joins Anthony and Thom to geek out over the Rankin/Bass universe!   Despite the fact that two of the three guys love the classic stop-animation specials, even they can admit the fact that a lot of continuity errors between them would need to be addressed in order to make it one, coherent, interconnecting story. As such, the first half of the episode addresses some of the more glaring continuity issues and how they could possibly be fixed. As for the second half of the episode, the three pitch a live-action film universe/miniseries worth of remakes for a modern audience, which connects all of the specials with a more overarching plot line. The most fun part? Gerry, Anthony, and Thom discuss their dream casting for these hypothetical remakes!   So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy this hilariously fun extravaganza, which is nothing less than a love letter to the iconic Rankin/Bass characters and stories! It's one episode you definitely do not want to miss! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀   *Note for Listeners - Some hard truths about Santa come up briefly in this episode, so you may want to listen without young children around!*
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296: This Is So Not The Christmas I Had In Mind. (Unaccompanied Minors)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, travel to the midwest with the elves as they gather at Hoover International Airport to discuss the infamous 2006 film, "Unaccompanied Minors"! While Julia, Thom, and Anthony all come in rather close when it comes time to ranking this film, their opinions and mileage vary and span the spectrum! Who liked it the most? Who loathed it with every fiber of their being? And who didn't like it but thought it stuck the ending which saved it somewhat? Tune in to find out!

Also in this episode: the hosts pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, talk (and rant) about Disney, and discuss much, much more!

So, settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, relax, and enjoy this fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

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295: Lock Up Your Children! Yes, Salem - I, Santa Claus, Have Decided To Retire. (Trailers for ”Hocus Pocus 2” and ”The Santa Clauses”)

Happy Sunday, Christmas Fanatics!

As a special end of the weekend treat, please enjoy this Emergency Episode in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss two trailers dropped by Disney + this weekend - those for "Hocus Pocus 2", a sequel 29 years in the making, and "The Santa Clauses", the miniseries that will serve as the end of Tim Allen's tenure as Santa Claus! 

The elves have been looking forward to both highly anticipated projects since they were announced and have been excited to get sneak peeks at these legacy sequels. How did they feel about them? Well, one trailer went through the greatest hits and played heavy on the nostalgia associated with the original, while still making them curious and thrilled over the direction of this new chapter, while the other trailer left them wanting and very nervous for the finished project. Which elicited which feelings? You'll just have to listen to find out!

So, settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, enjoy this special bonus episode, and let us know what you think of both trailers on our social media pages! And make sure to check your feeds tomorrow morning for your regularly scheduled weekly episode in which the elves cover the 2006 film, "Unaccompanied Minors"! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🍂 🎃🕯🧟‍♂️🐈‍⬛🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

294: In The Last Ten Minutes, Santa Claus Came To Town, Kissed Mommy, And Ran Grandma over With A Reindeer! (The Big Bang Theory - Final Three Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy September! We are finally in the 'Ber Months! We made it! We hope that all of our American listeners are enjoying their long, Labor Day weekend! This week, gather 'round to listen to the elves discuss the final three Christmas episodes of the beloved sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory"! If you want to follow along at home, the episodes in question are: - Season 7 - Episode 11 - The Cooper Extraction - Season 8 - Episode 11 - The Clean Room Infiltration - Season 10 - Episode 12 - The Holiday Summation This is another fun, laugh-out-loud, quote-filled episode you want to make sure not to miss! So settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, enjoy the show, and make sure to let us know what you think of the episode and these specific installments of "The Big Bang Theory" (in addition to the show in general)! And, of course, get hyped - because we've finally made it to the most wonderful time of the year! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

293: Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli. (The Godfather)

Happy Monday to all of the friends of "Tis the Podcast"!

We can hardly believe it, but we enter the 'Ber months THIS WEEK! Welcome Fall, one of the greatest times of the year! 

To get you in the Autumnal spirit, the elves tackle Francis Ford Copalla's timeless classic, "The Godfather"! "Is it a Christmas movie", you may ask - well, you'll have to listen to find out! 

In addition to this star-studded film, the elves talk mob culture, our excitement for Autumn, and we announce some new limited-edition swag!

If we haven't said it lately, we really do love and appreciate the great community of support around this podcast - y'all really are the best! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

292: Frosty Is Merely A Bit Of Frozen Supernatural Ephemera In A Stolen Hat. A Crime, By The Way, For Which He Is Never Brought To Account! (The Big Bang Theory - First 3 Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe that we only have one full week left of August before we are finally in the 'Ber Months? How exciting is that?!

This week, gather 'round to listen to the elves discuss the first three Christmas episodes of the beloved sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory"! If you want to follow along at home, the episodes in question are:  - Season 2, Episode 11: The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis - Season 3, Episode 11: The Maternal Congruence - Season 6, Episode 11: The Santa Simulation

Also discussed in this episode: Back-to-School, Spooky Season plans, "Hocus Pocus 2", and much, much, more! 

This is one fun, laugh-out-loud, quote-filled episode you want to make sure not to miss! So settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, enjoy the show, and make sure to let us know what you think of the episode, these specific installments of "The Big Bang Theory" (in addition to the show in general), and what you're most looking forward to about Spooky Season and Halloween this year on any of our social media pages! And, of course, get hyped - because the 'Ber months are just about upon us! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

291: Always Winter, Never Christmas. (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

Kick off your week the right way and journey with Julia, Thom, Anthony, and first time guest, the incredible Natalie Bickel - author of "The Christmas Clue" - to the magical land beyond the Wardrobe to discuss the 2005 adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"! 

While in the story the White Witch may have cursed Narnia to experience an eternal winter where it's never Christmas, the four hosts bring plenty of holiday cheer to this episode as they gush over this classic tale that all four of them are in love with. Filled with plenty of background information on the author, plenty of behind-the-scenes trivia regarding the movie, and quotes galore, this is a laugh-out-loud festive time you want to be sure not to miss- especially since they also discuss recent pop-culture news, including David Krumholtz's long awaited return to the North Pole as Santa's head elf, Bernard, in the upcoming Disney + series, "The Santa Clauses"! 

So blast that air conditioning to simulate those fast approaching Ber Months, relax with your favorite drink, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

290: You See Santa Claus Tonight, You Better Run, Boy! You Better Run For Ya Life! (Silent Night, Deadly Night)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy August! We're in the final stretch before we reach the Ber Months! How exciting is that?

Also exciting - this week, the elves are joined with Mr. Ron Hogan - a.k.a. President Hotdog - of "Film Strip Podcast" to discuss the 1984, B-Movie Classic, "Silent Night, Deadly Night"! Where does this fall amongst other Christmas horror fare for the four hosts? You'll have to tune in to find out!

Also discussed this episode: "Westworld", "The Walking Dead", the new "Lord of the Rings" and "Game of Thrones" prequel series, and much, much more!

This is one hilarious episode you want to be sure not to miss! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

289: Why Don’t You And I Just Roll On Back To The Playroom? (The Christmas Toy)

Happy Tuesday, Christmas Fanatics! This is a special week, as we're celebrating our 5th Anniversary here at "Tis the Podcast"! We hope you enjoyed the bonus "Spectacular" episode yesterday, which was full of music, movie clips, and lots of special guests! 

This week, we're joined by our dear friend (and biggest Muppet fan we know!), Mike Westfall, of "Advent Calendar House Podcast" to discuss the 1986, Jim Henson Christmas special, "The Christmas Toy"! Listen as we dive into the film and its similarities to Pixar's "Toy Story", cast Anthony in a Christmas movie, fawn over LEGOs, discuss the joys of VHS recorded specials, relive the trauma of getting rid of old toys, and much, much more! This is one fun, festive episode you want to make sure not to miss! So, settle back and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

288: Tis the Podcast’s 5 Year Anniversary, Christmas in July Oscars Spectacular!

Happy Christmas in July, fellow holiday fanatics! 

Can you believe how close we are getting to the most wonderful time of the year? The year is flying!

In fact, the past few years have flown by for us because, if you can believe it, "Tis the Podcast" is turning 5 years old! 

To mark the occasion, and celebrate Christmas in July, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they host this very special, Christmas edition of the Oscars! That's right - we gave y'all the chance to have your voices heard and the results are in!

This is one jam-packed, extraordinarily fun episode that's filled with guests - including fellow podcast hosts, listeners of the show, and the children and spouses of the elves; favorite "Tis the Podcast" memories; Christmas song interludes; movie and television special clips; and much, much, much more. It's truly a celebration of Christmas, holiday movies and television specials, "Tis the Podcast", and the special community that has sprouted up around this show! And it's definitely a festive time that's sure to kick off your week the proper way and the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in July!

So blast those air conditioners, draw those shades, settle in with your favorite holiday drink, and enjoy!

As always, thanks for your love and support. We never would have made it this far without each and every one of you. Y'all are truly the best. Here's to the next five years!  🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

287: We’re Helping Alvin Make Money! (A Chipmunk Christmas)

Happy Tuesday, Christmas fanatics! Apologies for the belated drop!

This week, the elves take a trip down memory lane to visit three of our favorite Christmas-loving rodents, Alvin, Simon, & Theodore as they cover the 1981 Christmas Special, "A Chipmunk Christmas".

So, find a cool spot to cozy up and join us as we talk "Harry Potter" (yet again), our histories with the Chipmunks, and this timeless classic.

Show notes

286: Goodness Makes The Badness Go Away! (The Smurfs Christmas Special)

Happy Monday, y'all! After a week off due to circumstances beyond our control, we are back!

Journey with Thom, Julia, and Anthony to Smurf Village to discuss the 1982 TV Show, "The Smurfs Christmas Special"! Listen as they discuss their histories with this race of blue people, three apples high, and pose a question to the listeners about what each of their Smurf names would be! This is a fun, festive, and nostalgic episode you want to be sure not to miss! So, settle back and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

285: White Anglo-Saxon Privilege Night (New Girl Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you had a fantastic weekend and a great Leon Day! Can you believe we're officially closer to Christmas 2022 than we are to Christmas 2021? How exciting is that! Time is flying! 

This week, join the elves of "Tis the Podcast" for a spirited holiday journey as they dive into the four Christmas episodes of the Fox sitcom "New Girl":

  • Season 1 - Episode 9 - The 23rd
  • Season 2 - Episode 11 - Santa
  • Season 4 - Episode 11 - LAXmas 
  • Season 6 - Episode 10 - Christmas Eve Eve

In this episode, you'll be delighted by Anthony's rant of the week, a chat about gardening, of - of course - plenty of talk about all things "New Girl"! So, grab your favorite beanie, sip a craft beer, indulge in some artisanal sourdough, and enjoy time with your friends at "Tis the Podcast"! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

Show notes

284: Celebrating Leon Day/Halfway to Christmas 2022!

Happy Leon Day, Christmas Fanatics! That's right - we are officially halfway to Christmas 2022! Can you believe it? Where has the time gone? It's all down hill from here! So, buckle in, because time is only going to speed up from this point out!

As a special treat to celebrate the occasion, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they break format a little bit and just talk in a free-for-all type of manner! What's discussed? Christmas content coming our way later this year - on the podcast schedule, and more broadly in terms of music and via services like Disney Plus! In addition, they discuss Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee, Christmas shopping, recent pop culture news, and Thom even shares an embarrassing - albeit heartwarming - story about Anthony!

If you like our weekly beginning-of-the-episode banter, this is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss! So, settle back and enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support, everyone! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes