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.