Deep In Bear Country - A Berenstain Bearcast

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

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!"

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"

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"