Deep In Bear Country - A Berenstain Bearcast

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!"

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"

In which I pause to consider Bear Country.

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