Deep In Bear Country - A Berenstain Bearcast

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!"

Happy Halloween! https://ia801207.us.archive.org/31/items/DIBCEP742/DIBC-EP74-2.mp3

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

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