Tis the Podcast

Keeping the Christmas spirit alive 365 days a year.

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373: Perfect! Christmas At The Sizzler! (Frasier [2023] - Season 1 - Episode 10 - Reindeer Games)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, to end TV month on a high note, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss the one Christmas episode (so far) of the 2023 Paramount Plus revival, "Frasier"! For those following along at home, that's Season 1 - Episode 10: "Reindeer Games"! 

How does the revival compare to the original show? And what do the elves think of this specific holiday episode? Well, let's just say, there's a lot of gushing and laughing in this episode, so that should give you a hint!

Also discussed: a whole bunch of movies Anthony's recently seen and plans on seeing, and a really interesting discussion on the complications of separating art from problematic artists, amongst many other things! 

This is one stacked, fun, and festive episode you want to make sure not to miss! We guarantee it's the perfect way to kick off your week! So settle back, enjoy, and - as always - thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

372: Nothing Says "Merry Christmas" Like A Hostage Situation! (Reba - Season 2 - Episode 10 - Cookies For Santa)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you all had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

This week, the elves continue their foray into television month by covering the Texas-set, early 2000's sitcom, "Reba"! For those who want to follow along, the episode they are discussing is Season 2, Episode 10, "Cookies For Santa"!

Also discussed this week? This year's Oscar's ceremony, Ellie's first concert, recent movie news - both Christmas and otherwise - and much, much more! This is one festive episode you want to be sure not to miss!

So, settle in and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

371: Try As They Will And Try As They Might, Who Steals Me Gold Won't Live Through The Night! (Leprechaun)

Happy Sunday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!

As a special treat for y'all, enjoy this once Patreon-exclusive episode in which Anthony and Thom are  joined by Ron Hogan - a.k.a. President Hotdog - of "Film Strip Podcast" to discuss the 1993 horror-comedy, "Leprechaun"!

Listen to them alternate between laughing at and express bemusement at this so-awful-its-actually-somewhat-enjoyable holiday film that continues to spawn ever-more ridiculous sequels to this day! Also discussed: leprechaun lore, why more long-running horror franchises don't pull a "Halloween" 2018, and much, much more!

Trust us when we say, this is one fun bonus episode you want to be sure not to miss! And if you want more full-length bonus episodes similar to this, especially if you want horror/Halloween content, please consider subscribing to our Patreon where for as little as $1.00 per month you can access all of our bonus shows! There's a lot there, and a lot coming this year, so believe us when we say it's worth it!

Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! And don't forget to tune in tomorrow for your regularly scheduled Christmas programming! ❤️ ☘️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀

Show notes

370: Okay Then, Don't Do It For Dad. Do It For Mom. Look, She's Really Bummed Out Right Now And It's All Just 'Cause Christmas Is Messed Up. (Ted - Season 1 - Episode 6 - Loud Night)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you had a great weekend and are enjoying your extra hour of sunlight!

This week, the elves are joined by Mr. Ron Hogan - a.k.a. PresidentHotdog - of "Film Strip Podcast" to discuss the one Christmas episode (so far) of Peacock's brand new original series, "Ted"! For those following along at home, that is Season 1 - Episode 6 - "Loud Night"! 

What did our hosts think of this one? Is it too raunchy for Julia and Thom, who continue to bathe in their virginity seven-years into the show? Are we facing a Christmas miracle in which that talking, foul-mouthed teddy bear, Ted, managed to melt their hearts? Well, you'll just have to tune in to find out!

So settle in, relax, and enjoy this festive episode that we guarantee is the perfect way to start your week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

369: Vampires Probably Not That Big On Christmas, Now That I Think About It. (Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season 3 - Episode 10 - Amends)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We are officially in March, if you can believe it! We are moving fast through 2024 to get to our favorite time of year!   This month on "Tis the Podcast" has officially been deemed "TV Month" and to kick things off, the elves are joined by good friend of the show Mr. Jay Skipworth of "Film Strip Podcast" to cover the one Christmas episode of the hit TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": Season 3 - Episode 10 - "Amends"! "Buffy" is Jay's favorite television show and he is an expert on everything related to it! As such, this is a fascinating, in-depth discussion not only about this specific holiday-themed episode, but the show overall!   This is one fun, festive, and geeky installment of the podcast that you want to be sure not to miss! So settle in, relax, and enjoy this episode that we promise you is the perfect way to kick off your week and the month of March! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️
Show notes

368: Christmas Is About People Spending Money They Don't Have On Gifts That People Don't Want. (With Love, Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe we're already in the final week of February? We sure can't! Two months down on the long journey to Christmas 2024!

To celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to cover another Hallmark Channel Original Christmas Movie: 2017's "With Love, Christmas"! How does this one compare to past Hallmark fare the elves have covered? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

So settle in, relax, and enjoy this festive episode that's sure to brighten your Monday! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

367: Well, Christmas Is Coming And I Think I Need Your Help. (12 Gifts of Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy President's Day to our American listeners! We hope you're all enjoying your long weekend!

This week, the elves travel back to the land of Hallmark Channel Original Christmas movies to cover the 2015 Romantic Comedy, "12 Gifts of Christmas"! 

The elves have covered quite a few Hallmark movies at this point and their reactions always span the spectrum. How does this one fare? You'll have to tune in to find out. But we can assure you this is a really fun episode, helped in part by Anthony's hilariously evident disdain and bewilderment as he guides the conversation through the plot! 

Also discussed: returning TV shows, Ellie's Christmas-themed birthday party, and much, much more!

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

Show notes

366: The Holidays Don't Have To Be Perfect. (Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie!)

Ho, ho, ho! In this festive edition of "Tis the Podcast", we’re bringing back the 90's to dive into the comedic chaos of the 2023 Christmas movie, "Urkel Saves Christmas: The Movie!", based on the classic TV show, "Family Matters"! Before analyzing the antics of Steve Urkel as he tries to make Christmas better (and fails on every level), the elves talk Disney World and Anthony introduces his new podcast "Change My Movie Mind," in collaboration with "Film Strip Podcast's" Jay Skipworth.

We then head back to the North Pole to dissect the awful musical cartoon version of Steve Urkel. Is it as all cringeworthy, or does it occasionally, and unexpectedly, hit the right notes? Find out in our in-depth discussion!

For all you ghostly fans, stick around until the end where we talk the upcoming "Beetlejuice" sequel, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"! To quote the ghost with the most, "It’s showtime"!

So, grab a mug of hot cocoa, put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, and join us for a trip down memory lane. Remember, Christmas isn't just a season, it's a feeling! 🎁🎄🎅

Until next time, stay frosty! And make sure to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year round. Happy listening!

Show notes

365: Patreon Sneak Peek - Tis the Ruined Podcast - Episode 1 - Terrifier

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy February! One month down on our journey to the 2024 Holiday Season!

This past week, life got in the way for all of the elves and they were unable to record! But never fear, for they've decided to drop this once Patreon-exclusive episode as a sneak peek at the extra bonus content you can get for as little as $1.00 per month if you subscribe to us there! This episode was last October's inaugural episode of a series of Patreon episodes that Julia and Anthony have been doing - a Patreon spinoff show, if you will - "Tis the Ruined Podcast"!

For those who don't know, "Ruined" is a podcast that Anthony and Julia could have done in another life; it features two friends - Halle Kiefer, who loves horror films, and Alison Lieby, who won't watch them - who sit down each week to discuss a different scary movie. After Alison watches the trailer for the film they will be covering, Halle walks her through the plot of the film in question, beat-by-beat, and Alison reacts to the movie she'll never watch as she guesses the twists, deaths, and plot along the way.

It's a fantastic podcast, and one that both Anthony and Julia are obsessed with! And because they were made for this concept, they decided to borrow it to cover a particularly gruesome horror movie that Anthony adores and Julia will never watch: Damien Leone's "Terrifier"!

Even if you've never seen the film, you've probably seen its main antagonist - Art the Clown! So listen as Anthony walks Julia through the horrifying plot and she tries to guess Art's every move, which characters will survive, and which will succumb to his various methods of torture! Even if you're not a horror film fan, this is a really fun episode you'll most definitely want to check out! (Though not with kids in the room! As this was originally recorded for Patreon, there is some coarse language!) 

So settle back and enjoy! And make sure to keep your eyes on Patreon all year long as we have tons of bonus episodes planned for the premium subscription! If you're not currently subscribed, you may want to consider doing so! If not though, never fear! For we'll be back in your main podcast feeds every Monday with your regular Christmas programming - including next week! Thanks for excusing our lack of a new episode this week, and for putting up with our brief foray into spookiness instead! As always, we appreciate all of the love and support! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

364: Behold, They Shall Call Him Immanuel - God With Us! (Journey to Bethlehem)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe it's already the final week of January? We sure can! This month has dragged!

This week, the elves gather to tackle the 2023 musical film, "Journey to Bethlehem"! All three of their opinions on this movie differ wildly: one loved it, one hated it, and one thought it was fine, but you'll just have to tune in to find out who thought what! Regardless it's a fun and festive episode filled with interesting debates and more than a few history lessons courtesy of Thom Crowe. 

So, settle back, relax, enjoy, and get excited about the fact that we're one month closer to the most wonderful time of the year! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

363: You See, History Is Not Simply The Study Of The Past. It Is An Explanation Of The Present. (The Holdovers)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We are back - or at least two of us are - to inject a bit of holiday cheer into the doldrums of this long, bitter January!

Join Julia and Anthony as they sit down to talk the critically acclaimed, 2023 film, "The Holdovers" - which has been getting a lot of awards buzz recently! Does it live up to all of the hype? You'll just have to tune in to find out what the elves think, but Spoiler Alert: this deep dive is very complimentary and full of gushing! 

So settle in, kick back, relax, and enjoy this fun, festive episode that's sure to brighten the start of your week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

362: You Make Wishes And I Make Them Come True. It’s How This Whole Thing Works. (Genie)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they cover the 2023 Peacock Original movie, "Genie", starring Melissa McCarthy. This was a weird one for the elves, and reactions are sort of all over the place. As always, however, it's a fun conversation which also encompasses talk of how your hosts spent New Year's Eve, which includes discussions about Green Day, LL Cool J, Jelly Roll, and Rob Schneider's daughter!

So, settle in, relax, and let us transport you back to Christmas as we make our way through January and the long months ahead that precede the 2024 holiday season! Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

361: Santa Farts Smell Like Cinnamon. (Dashing Through the Snow)

Wishing you a joyful New Year, cherished friends of Yuletide cheer! As we bid farewell to 2023 and look back one last time, our diligent elves are already casting their gaze toward the festivities of Christmas 2024!

To inaugurate the 8th annual countdown for "'Tis the Podcast", Anthony, Julia, and Thom delve into Disney Plus' new 2023 holiday offering, "Dashing Through the Snow"! After sharing stories from this year's Christmas celebrations, they dive headfirst into discussing this movie. As expected, Anthony doesn't hold back in expressing his disdain for the movie, while Thom rises to its defense, and Julia plays moderator as she watches the fireworks fly.

So, cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate, let the gentle light of your Christmas tree or the crackling warmth of your fireplace envelop you, and settle in for an episode filled with the Christmas spirit!

Remember, we are eager to hear your thoughts! To join the conversation, simply visit linktr.ee/tisthepodcast. We look forward to connecting with you! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

360: May The Name Mad Santa Cause Fear In People For Hundreds Of Years. (The Santa Clauses: Season 2)

Merry Christmas, holiday fanatics! Can you believe that after a tremendously long year of counting down to this day that we are finally here? We sure can't, but we're as excited to celebrate as everyone else!

We hope Santa was good to all of you, but he's not the only one with a present for you this year! In this special Christmas Day episode of the show, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they gather  to discuss Season 2 of the legacy sequel series, "The Santa Clauses"! 

As you might remember, all three elves have a special place in their heart for the original "The Santa Clause", soft spots for its two theatrical sequels, and enjoy Season One of the show! So what do they think of this controversial, and seemingly divisive, Second Season? Well, it turns out they like it more than a lot of people do! Is that purely due to nostalgia or do they think the story - which they speculate may be the last in the franchise -  has a lot going on its own merits? You'll just have to tune in to find out! And who knows? Maybe their discussion may change some of your minds and have you looking at it in a different way! 

So after you unwrap your gifts and have enjoyed your Christmas feasts, settle into your favorite chair beside the glow of your Christmas tree, put your feet up, relax, and enjoy this very festive episode! And 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! We're looking forward to counting down to Christmas 2024 with all of you! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

359: Christmas Eve 2023 Story - Ivan Cohen’s ”Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve”

Happy Christmas Eve, everybody! Can you believe tomorrow’s the big day and that Santa’s already set out on his annual trip!?

To celebrate the occasion, please enjoy our annual Christmas Eve story, in which the elves read Ivan Cohen's "Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve", the children's adaptation of the Tim Burton holiday classic, "Batman Returns", illustrated by J.J. Harrison! While this storybook is written to be read to the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", have no fear - the elves have no intention of making your ears bleed today and thus don't sing the tale as it's meant to be delivered! 

So take a break from the wrapping, settle back with your favorite holiday drink beside your Christmas tree in order to bask in its glow, and enjoy! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! Make sure to check your feeds tomorrow - Monday, December 25th, Christmas Day itself - for our episode on season two of the legacy sequel series, "The Santa Clauses"! 

Have a very Merry Christmas! We hope you have an amazing one, filled with food, drinks, laughter, and loved ones, and we hope that the big man in red brings you everything you asked for! We're looking forward to counting down to Christmas 2024 with all of y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

358: Look’s Like Someone’s Been Rubbing The Partridge. (Candy Cane Lane)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

This week, the elves welcome back to the show their good friend - and OG listener - Charlyn Lewis to discuss the brand new, Amazon Prime Original Holiday movie, "Candy Cane Lane"! 

Also discussed this episode: Christmas band season; Harry Potter; movie plots explained badly; movies with children that Anthony actually likes; and much, much more!

So whether you're in the throes of gift-wrapping, or peacefully relaxing by the fireside, we hope you enjoy this fun, festive episode! As always, thanks for your love and support y'all! We're thrilled to be part of your holiday season, especially with Christmas two weeks away from today! Get excited! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

357: Santa Took Christmas From Us. Let’s Take It Back. (The Naughty Nine)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy First Monday in December! We're in the home stretch now, if you can believe that!

To mark the occasion, Santa Claus himself - Matt Spaulding of "North Pole Radio" - joins the "Tis the Podcast" elves this week to discuss the brand new, Disney Plus original holiday film, "The Naughty Nine"!

Anthony is on warpath in this episode, raging against modern-Disney movies and the ability of the child actors they continue to cast, pitting him against Julia, Thom, and Matt - who all really enjoyed the movie - in an absolute Battle Royale of a discussion!

What worked in this movie? What didn't? And do all four hosts find any points of agreement during the discussion? You'll just have to tune in to find out! Needless to say, this is one festive and fun episode you want to be sure not to miss!

So, settle in with your favorite holiday drink, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

356: You’re Not Gonna Melt Their Faces. You’re Just Gonna Melt Their Heats. (Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And happy last week of November!! Can you believe how fast the holiday season is flying? We sure can't!

With Thom away visiting family for Thanksgiving, it's just Julia and Anthony this week, and they gather to talk the brand-new, extraordinarily festive Apple TV holiday special, "Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas"! 

We won't play coy - both Julia and Anthony adored this incredible special, which gave them all of the Christmas feels, and they spend an hour gushing over the amazing Hannah Waddingham, the cast of "Ted Lasso", all of the other featured celebrity guests, and the song arrangements sung over the course of this quick forty-five-minute variety special. 

Also discussed: both Julia's and Anthony's Thanksgivings' thoughts on all of the "Scream 7" controversy; Anthony's thoughts on his 2023 Thanksgiving watchlist as well as his thoughts on new movies he's seen this past week, including: "Thanksgiving", "The Holdovers", "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", and "Napoleon"; and much, much more!

This is one cheerful, festive, and fun episode you want to be sure not to miss! It's the perfect antidote to those Monday blues and will inject a healthy dose of Christmas feels into your week! So, settle in with your favorite holiday drink and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

355: Tis the Podcast Interviews Taniya Nayak of ”The Great Christmas Light Fight” and Steve Morgan of ”Straight No Chasers”!

Happy Friday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Black Friday to all of our American listeners! We hope you're enjoying your long holiday weekend and getting a jump start on all of your holiday shopping with all of the Christmas sales in effect!   As a special treat - an extra Thanksgiving treat to show all of you how grateful we are for your listenership - please enjoy this special bonus episode in which Julia and Anthony interview not one, but TWO very special guests.   First up, the incredible Taniya Nayak, host of ABC's hit show, "The Great Christmas Light Fight", which returns for its Season 11 premiere this upcoming Sunday, November 26th!   Second, to promote his group's 2023 "Sleighin' It Tour", the personable and talented Steve Morgan of "Straight No Chaser"!   Listen as Julia and Anthony question them about their careers, their inspirations, their love for the holidays, and much, much more! This is a fun, different, and informative episode you want to be sure not to miss! So once you're done with your Black Friday shopping, sit back, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️
Show notes

354: Just Look All Around And You’ll Realize, There Is So Much To Be Thankful For. (A Thanksgiving Tale)

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Thanksgiving! 

As a special Turkey Day treat for y'all, Julia, Thom, and Anthony have gathered to discuss the 1983, Jim Henson production, "A Thanksgiving Tale"!

What do the elves think of this holiday special, that is definitely a product of its time? Truth be told, they're split on it - which is quite unusual for them when it comes to anything even tangentially Muppet related! Where do they each fall? Does a lack of nostalgia do this special a disservice? And regardless of quality, does it feel sufficiently Autumn-y and Thanksgiving-y to our hosts? Well - you'll just have to tune in and listen to find out!

So in your post Thanksgiving feast haze this evening, put your feet up, relax, and enjoy this holiday gift from us to you! We hope you have the most wonderful day filled with turkey trots, parades, football, food, drinks, family, friends, and an abundance of love. We are so thankful for each and every one of you, your love, and your support. We're so excited to countdown the remaining weeks until Christmas with all of y'all! ❤️🍂🦃🍽️🍷🏈🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

353: Might Be A Bird, But I Sneak Just Like A Mouse. (Robin Robin)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics!

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they journey into the realm of Netflix Original Holiday Movies to cover the 2021, stop-motion musical animated short, "Robin Robin"! 

In a turn of events that doesn't often happen, Anthony and Thom find themselves on the same side of the divide in this episode against Julia, who adores this special! Why do the boys hate it? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out! Though Anthony has a theory the British element might have something to do with it if History is any indicator!

Despite their differences of opinion, this is one cheery and festive episode you want to be sure not to miss! So, settle in with your favorite holiday-flavored-drink, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🍂🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

352: Who Do You Think Gave Me The Nickname ”Scary Poppins”? (The Royal Nanny)

Sprinkle some tinsel onto your Tuesday folks as you join us for another festive episode of "'Tis the Podcast"! As we journey deeper into the heart of November, the magic of Christmas is growing stronger every day!

Join our merry band of elves as we dive headfirst into another Christmas-filled adventure! Listen as they discuss Art the Clown’s Christmas-themed poster for the upcoming, holiday set "Terrifier 3"; reminisce about the 20th anniversaries of "Elf" and "Love Actually"; geek out over the release of "Iron Flame"; and discuss  the merits of real versus artificial Christmas trees! And for the main event? We unwrap our thoughts on the charming 2022 Hallmark movie, "The Royal Nanny"!

Despite being a tad late this week, remember, it's always Christmas here and we're determined to spread that holiday cheer 365 days per year! So hop on the sleigh and let's spread some of that cheer together!

Enjoy, y'all! Thanks for your love and support, as always! ❤️ 🍂🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

351: Christmas Didn’t Quite Turn Out Like I Thought It Would. It Was Better. (Haul Out the Holly)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy November! We are officially in the most wonderful time of the year!

To kick off the official start of the holiday season, the elves decide to delve into the large and ever-growing world of Hallmark Christmas movies by covering the 2022 original, "Haul Out the Holly" - starring the channel's new indisputable queen, Lacey Chabert!

How does this film fare to the plethora of royal-themed content that the channel puts out and the elves tend to prefer? And does it do anything to wet the hosts' whistle for 2023's upcoming sequel? You'll just have to tune in to find out, but one thing's for certain - this is one merry episode you want to be sure not to miss!

So settle in with your favorite Starbucks holiday drink, sit back and relax in front of your Christmas tree, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🍂🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

350: But The Era Is Over - The Worlds Reunite! (Halloweentown High)

Hey there, festive spirits of Halloween and Christmas! 🎃 Our elfish gang is back this week and they're ready to chat about Halloween costumes, new holiday tunes 🎶, and the sneak-peek Disney released of the second season of "The Santa Clauses"! And that's all before they delve into the main topic of discussion this week: thrice-removed sequel of "Halloweentown", "Halloweentown High"! 🧙‍♀️

So, ready your cauldrons, brew up a merry potion, and tag along with your beloved hosts as they gear up to wrap up this bewitchingly spooky month! 🎅🌙👻🎃

Show notes

349: Freddy Died By Fire, Jason By Water. How Can We Use That? (Freddy vs. Jason)

Happy Tuesday Christmas fanatics!

Apologies again that this episode is dropping a day late, but as you know - life gets in the way at times! Which is also the reason why Thom is absent from this episode and we had to reshuffle our schedule a bit! So while we were originally planning our return to Halloweentown this week, instead, Julia and Anthony continue the show's sojourn through Spooky Season by traveling to Elm Street and Camp Crystal Lake to cover the 2003 Slash of the Titans, "Freddy vs. Jason"! 

Not only has Julia never seen this movie before, but she's never seen any movie featuring Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees before! Which, of course, makes her the perfect elf to host tonight's show! What does she think of it? Well, you can probably guess - but that doesn't make this episode any less entertaining! Especially since she finds herself at odds with Anthony who unabashedly loves this film! 

Listen as your two hosts walk you through the plot beat-by-nonsensical-beat, critique the horrific acting, and fill in key pieces of context and history from the two iconic slashers individual franchises as needed! Also discussed: Mike Flanagan's various horror shows; Amazon Prime's new film, "Totally Killer"; the teased "Seinfeld" revival; the Halloween plans of Julia's children; and the end of Anthony's hunt for Hallmark's popular Betty White/Rose Nylund "The Golden Girls" ornament! 

This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss! (As is the bonus episode we dropped in your feeds this past Sunday, so make sure you give that one a download and listen as well!) So settle back with your Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, put your feet up, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support y'all!  ❤️ 🍂 🎃👻🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

348: ”What’s Your Favorite Scary Movie?” - The 2023 ”Tis the Podcast” Ultimate Horror Movie Bracket

Happy Sunday, Christmas fanatics! 

To celebrate the fact that as of today we're officially halfway through October, we thought we'd drop this bonus Spooky Season episode in your main feeds as a little surprise for you!

You've heard us refer to it a few times already in other episode, but it's finally here: The 2023 "Tis the Podcast" Ultimate Horror Movie Bracket!

In this special episode, Anthony is joined by a whole slew of special guests and self-labeled horror aficionados to determine the best horror movie ever, March Madness style! The guests include:

Listen as they debate and argue in real time to determine which horror movies advance through this NCAA-esque scary movie bracket as iconic films are pitted against one another in four different "divisions" for a chance to be named the best horror movie!

  • Are Christmas-themed scares frightening enough to go far?
  • Will Freddy or Jason best the other?
  • Does Ghostface stand a chance against Michael Myers?
  • Can The Warrens successfully exorcise Pazuzu?
  • Can "Jaws" take a bite out of "Alien"?
  • Is a psychopathic adult posing as a child scarier than a child who is literally the Antichrist?
  • Will Art, Pennywise, or "The Klowns" reign supreme as the scariest movie clown(s) and can any of them win it all?
  • Are Hitchcock or the Universal Monsters timeless enough to overcome more modern horrors?
  • Can Jigsaw outmaneuver participants of the Purge?
  • Despite its undeniable style, does A24 offer enough substantive scares in its movies to go the distance?

All of these questions and much, much more are answered in this extraordinarily fun episode full of quotes, impressions, trivia, nostalgia, and laughs. This is one you definitely do not want to miss - even if it'll take you a few sittings to finish it given its length. (That's What She Said.) But that's what happens when you get a bunch of scary movie buffs onto a recording together - there's a lot of passionate gushing and vigorous debate going on here in an episode that took three recordings and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to finish, which is why we've decided to drop this in your main feed instead of on Patreon.

So settle in with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, relax, and enjoy! And make sure to let us known on social media what your hosts got right, what they got wrong, and which horror movie you think should have come out on top!

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

*Note: As this episode was originally intended for Patreon, there may be some adult language and content in this episode that hasn't been edited out. So keep that in mind before listening with truly young ears!*

 

Show notes

347: True Trilogies Are All About Going Back To The Beginning And Discovering Something That Wasn’t True From The Get-Go. (Scream 3)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Canadian friends and family! We are so thankful for all of you and hope that you have an amazing one!   This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony continue their Spooky Season journey by returning to Woodsboro - or at least the set of Woodsboro at Sunrise Studios - to cover the film, "Scream 3", which, in the year 2000, was meant to serve as the definitive ending of the "Scream" trilogy/franchise! And joining them on this journey are two huge "Scream" fans - Kendall Farrae of "Two Girls, One Crypt" and (for the first time on the main show!) Lindsey Grelis of "Film Strip Podcast"!   "Scream 3" is the most divisive in this beloved horror franchise with both general audiences and critics alike. What do your five hosts think of it? Is it underrated? Is it secretly good? Is it so bad it's actually fun? Or is it just plain bad? Needless to say, opinions differ dramatically, and yet - somehow - they all end up on the same page for the most part!   This is one sprawling, fun, interesting conversation full of behind the scenes anecdotes; a discussion about the movie in the context of the "Me Too" movement and what it says about the pressures faced by young actresses in Hollywood; Courtney Cox's bangs; whether it lives up to the promises of Jamie Kennedy's Randy regarding what the final chapter of a trilogy entails; a debate on whether the finale's twist and series retcon works and makes sense; whether the series has jumped the shark and become a parody of itself with this installment; and laughs and quotes galore amongst so much else! Trust us when we say you don't want to miss this one!   So settle in with your Pumpkin Spiced Latte, put your feet up, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!   *NOTE: There are some issues with Thom's audio this episode. He sounds muffled for large portions of it. We apologize for the quality of his mic and are working to ensure it's fixed for next week's episode.*
Show notes

346: Can I Keep You? (Casper)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy October! We are that much closer to Christmas, as well as the other 'Ber Month holidays that we love - Thanksgiving and Halloween!   To officially kick-off Spooky Season, the elves welcome back the amazing Natalie Bickel to discuss the first live-action theatrical outing of the friendliest ghost you know, "Casper"! What do they think of this '90's classic that isn't afraid to go quite dark and depressing at times? (Much to the uncomfortable amusement of one particular elf.) Especially given the fact that only two of them have seen the movie in full before? You'll just have to tune in to find out!   Also discussed: Natalie's published works; Julia's continuing Adventures in Vudu-land; and much, much more! This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss!   So, settle in with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!
Show notes

345: Christmas Is More About Warding Off Evil Spirits Than Halloween. (Black Christmas [2006])

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And happy last episode of September! Can you believe how quick this month went by? We sure can't!

This week, Julia and Anthony begin to transition the show into Spooky Season by discussing the 2006 remake, "Black Christmas" - the last of the "Black Christmas" movies they've yet to cover! 

What's that you say? They're covering schlocky, slasher horror? Yes indeed, and you know what that means! To join the conversation, they welcome the always awesome horror fanatics, Jay Skipworth and Ron Hogan of "Film Strip Podcast",  onto the show to discuss it with them!

How does this iteration of "Black Christmas" compare to the original 1974 version and the abysmal 2019 version? You'll just have to tune in to find out in an episode full of pop culture trivia and an episode that introduces "Tis the Podcast"'s newest segment: "Julia's Adventures in Vudu-Land"! 

So settle in with your pumpkin spice lattes, grab an Apple Cider donut, relax, and enjoy this fun-filled episode! And get excited - because we kick off Spooky Season "proper" next week as we enter October, and you know what that means! That's right - we're barreling even closer to Christmas! It is truly the most wonderful time of the year! ❤️ 🍂 🎃🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

344: I Want To Wish You Both A Merry Christmas In Hell. (The King of Queens - Last Four Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, Matt Eurich of "TGI Podcast" joins the elves yet again to discuss the final four Christmas episodes of the hit CBS sitcom, "The King of Queens"! For those who want to follow along at home, the episodes we discuss are: Season 5 - Episode 11 - Mentalo Case Season 6 - Episode 11 - Santa Claustrophobia Season 7 - Episode 7 - Silent Mite Season 8 - Episode 11 - Baker's Doesn't How do these specific episodes stack up when it comes to the holiday feels compared to the first batch of episodes covered a few weeks ago? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out! So, settle in with your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink, relax, and enjoy this super fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

343: But Baby, What About Our Magical, Romantic Night? (How I Met Your Mother - Last Two Christmas Episodes)

Welcome back to another festive episode of "'Tis the Podcast"!

This week, the jolly trio - Anthony, Julia, and Thom - gather around the yuletide fire to catch up on their weeks, discuss Christmas movie news updates, and talk about everything and anything else before they try to deck the halls as they cover the last two holiday episodes of "How I Met Your Mother".

For those following along at home, the episodes they discuss are:

  • Season 7, Episode 12: "Symphony of Illumination"
  • Season 8, Episode 12: "The Final Page - Part Two" 

So whether you're an avid "HIMYM" fan or you're simply here for your weekly dose of holiday cheer, grab your favorite blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and relax as we dive in! Join us, won't you, as we bring you one step closer to the most wonderful time of the year! Ho, ho, ho! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁🦌⛄️🚂🔔❄️🤶🏻🎀

Show notes

342: I Can’t Stand The Way That Alvin Comes In Late! It’s Disrespectful To The Other Chipmunks! (The King of Queens - First Four Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Labor Day to all of our American listeners! We are *officially* in the 'Ber Months! Finally! It is indeed "the most wonderful time of the year"! 

This week, Matt Eurich of "TGI Podcast" joins the elves once again to discuss the first four Christmas episodes of the hit CBS sitcom, "The King of Queens"! For those who want to follow along at home, the episodes we discuss are:

  • Season 1 - Episode 1 - Noel Cowards
  • Season 2 - Episode 12 - Net Prophets
  • Season 3 - Episode 11 - Better Camera
  • Season 4 - Episode 12 - Ovary Action

While all four hosts enjoy the show immensely, how do these specific episodes stack up when it comes to the holiday feels? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out!

So, settle in with your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink, relax, and enjoy this super fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

341: Like, What If The Grinch Had Succeeded In Conquering Whoville And Cindy Lou Who Grew Up, Got Boobs, And Was Leading A Resistance? (Superstore Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And happy last episode of August! Next week we are officially in the 'Ber Months! That's right! The most wonderful time of year is finally upon us; our time of year! How exciting is that?

This week, with Thom away for business in Amsterdam - hopefully not doing anything that our brash New Yorker wouldn't do - Julia and Anthony are joined by the always awesome Matt Eurich of "TGI Podcast" to discuss the Christmas episodes of the hit NBC Comedy, "Superstore"! For those following along at home, the episodes discussed are:

  • Season 2 - Episode 9 - Seasonal Help
  • Season 3 - Episode 7 - Christmas Eve
  • Season 4 - Episode 2 - Baby Shower
  • Season 5 - Episode 10 - Negotiations 
  • Season 6 - Episode 11 - Deep Cleaning

While Anthony and Matt are huge fans of the show, what does Julia think? Well, the answer might just shock you! Regardless of their feelings, however, this is one laugh-a-minute deep dive, full of hilarious quotes, into the holiday escapades of our favorite Cloud 9 employees! 

Also discussed: the upcoming Halloween season; 2023's Advent Calendars; and much, much more! This is one extremely fun episode you want to be sure not to miss!

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

 

Show notes

340: When You Walk Through The Door, Does It Feel Like You Are Being Slapped In The Face By Christmas? (How I Met Your Mother - First Three Christmas Episodes)

Join the jolliest Tis the Podcast Elves - Anthony, Julia, and Thom - as they sprinkle a festive mix of holiday cheer into your Monday! 🎅

Buckle up to hear tales of travel from Anthon, including his meeting the TtP baby, in addition to an update on Julia's puppo. 🍼✨

Afterwards, join us as we dive into the heart of the episode and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the elves as they share their personal histories and hilarious anecdotes about the iconic TV show, "How I Met Your Mother." 📺❄️

In the spirit of Christmas and classic sitcoms, they deck the halls with their reviews of and insights on the first three Christmas episodes from "HIMYM":

  • Season 2, Episode 11: "How Lily Stole Christmas" 🎁
  • Season 4, Episode 11: "Little Minnesota" ⛄
  • Season 6, Episode 12: "False Positive" 🌟

So, grab a cup of cocoa, settle in by the fireplace, and let the Tis the Podcast Elves take you on a magical holiday journey filled with laughter, heartwarming stories, and festive discussions. Happy Listening and Merry Christmas! 🎧🎄🔔

Show notes

339: Everybody’s Asking What This - What Is The Seven Fishes Or Why Do We Do It? And I Think I Know What My Definition Is. (The Bear - Season 2 - Episode 6 - Fishes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, the always fabulous Kendall Farrae, of the upcoming "Two Girls, One Crypt" podcast, joins Julia, Thom, and Anthony in Chicago as they travel back in time half-a-decade to celebrate a big 'ol Italian Christmas Eve by discussing the lone holiday episode (thus far) of Hulu's/FX's critically acclaimed show, "The Bear"! The episode in question? Episode 6 of Season 2, "Fishes"! 

Listen as they discuss the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which is a focal point of this episode, and gush over "The Bear" in general, including the fantastic roster of guest stars the show manages to bring together for this holiday extravaganza - including the always incredible Jamie Lee Curtis and Bob Odenkirk! Though a hectic, anxiety-inducing episode of television, "Fishes" feels real and familiar to all four hosts for many different reasons, and is a hell of an entertaining and incredible episode of stand-alone television! So settle in as the elves and their guest walk you through the plot chaotic-beat by chaotic-beat until they reveal just how Christmassy this episode is and whether or not it will enter their holiday canon!

Also discussed: what Kendall's been up to since her last appearance on the show; a scary incident that recently occurred with Julia's dog, Lucy; Thom's recent trip to New York where he, Anthony, and Sarah got to hang out; and the fact that we are now officially in the home stretch and counting down the remaining days until the fast-approaching 'Ber Months!

This is one jam-packed 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

338: Merry Christmas, Mr.Bean.

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Christmas Eve in July!

This week, journey with Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they hop across the pond to cover an indisputable British holiday classic, "Mr. Bean"! While eventually released on home media, and exported overseas, as its own holiday special entitled, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean", this special technically aired for the first time as the seventh episode of "Mr. Bean"'s first season! 

What do the elves think of this holiday special featuring the famous, physically comedic and mostly silent man-child? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out! Spoiler Alert though: all three have history with this particular special and will be adding it to their Christmas canon going forward! 

So, settle in and enjoy listening to your hosts gush about this laugh-a-minute - and laugh-out-loud - special in an episode of the podcast that's not only sure to bring you Christmas cheer, but also brighten the start of your week considerably!

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

 

Show notes

337: No One Wants To Read About Small Town Fireplace, Hot Cocoa Crap Anymore.” (The Housewives of the North Pole)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

Today, journey with the elves to the fictional town of North Pole, Vermont, as they cover the 2021, Peacock original movie, "The Housewives of the North Pole"! 

While Anthony is adamant that this streaming holiday film is standard Hallmark fare, Julia and Thom aren't so sure. Listen as they debate the acting ability of Kylie Richards, the most absurd profession for a "hot guy" in any movie of this genre, whether young love is enough to make you immune to the northern lights, and much, much more!

Also discussed: Thom's upcoming visit to New York; possible costumes this Halloween season; and the upcoming Fall season in general!

This is one really fun episode about one really mid-to-bad movie that you want to be sure not to miss! So settle back and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

336: Nobody Can Live Just For Christmas. (Christmas Story [2007])

Happy Monday, everyone!

In this week's episode of our podcast, join our elf crew as they recount their 4th of July festivities before discussing the classic film, "Independence Day", Jeff Goldblum, home renovation pranks, new nephews, and Threads.

After which, it's time for an exploration of the podcast's first-ever Finnish movie - the enchanting "Christmas Story" from 2007! Embark on a captivating journey with them as they delve into this unique Santa origin story, compare it to other Santa origin tales, and express their appreciation for the rich folklore surrounding the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus.

This is one fun and festive episode that will help cool you off in this hot, hot summer! So, settle back and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅 🤶 🎄❄️

Show notes

335: Oh The Entertainment Was Spectacular! Twelve Drummers Drumming! Eleven Pipers Piping! Ten Lords A Leaping! Do You Have Any Aspirin? (Who’s the Boss? Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope all of our Canadian and American friends are having a great long weekend! To our listeners in Canada - we hope you had a wonderful Canada Day! And to our listeners in America - we hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July tomorrow!

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony travel back to the eighties to cover the two Christmas episodes of the beloved sitcom, "Who's the Boss?"! For those who want to watch along at home, the episodes covered are:

  • Season 3 - Episode 11 - The Christmas Card
  • Season 5 - Episode 8 - A Spirited Christmas

While both episodes invoked a sense of cozy nostalgia for our hosts, one definitely holds up and resonates with them more than the other! Which one? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out!

Also discussed this episode? Anthony's thoughts on "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"; the opinions of all three hosts on the DCU's newly cast Superman and Lois Lane - David Corenswet and Rachel Broshnahan - in addition to their fan-casts for the other main roles of Lex Luthor, Ma and Pa Kent, Jor-El, Perry White, and Jimmy Olsen; Fourth of July plans; and much, much more! 

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

Show notes

334: I’m Not A Stick! Why Can’t You See? I’m Stick Man, I’m Stick Man, I’m Stick Man, That’s Me! (Stick Man)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! As of today, we are officially closer to Christmas 2023 than we are to Christmas 2022! How exciting is that?

To kick off your day, and make the start of your week just a little bit brighter, Julia and Anthony (sans Thom, who was dealing with a power outage) hop across the pond in this episode to cover the animated, 2016 British TV special, "Stick Man" -  based on Julia Donaldson's 2008 children's story of the same name!

Animated British Holiday Specials have been hit-or-miss for the elves - especially for Anthony and Thom - so how does this one compare to "The Snowman" and "Father Christmas" for our hosts? You'll just have to tune in to find out! 

Also discussed this episode: Julia's recent trip to Disney World, movies that Anthony's seen recently, all of the upcoming content coming up on the show, and all of the "Countdown to the Ber Months" milestones that we'll be hitting over the coming weeks - amongst much, much more!

This is one festive episode you want to be sure not to miss! So settle back and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for all of your love and support! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

333: It’s Never Too Late When Love Is Involved. (A Royal Christmas)

Happy Sunday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Leon Day! We are officially halfway to Christmas 2023! Can you believe it? The ride will pick up steam from here and the Ber Months will be upon us before we know it!

To mark the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather for a very special bonus episode in which they discuss the 2014, Hallmark Channel Original Movie, "A Royal Christmas"! How does it stack up amongst the other Hallmark films the elves have covered over the years? And where does it rank amongst the abundance of other royal holiday films out there? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

Also discussed: Individual summer plans and summer milestones we can all celebrate and count down with to the Ber Months this year!

So settle in beside the air condition to simulate a cool winter breeze and enjoy because this is one fun episode full of holiday cheer you want to be sure not to miss!

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

Show notes

332: Happy Human Holiday, Dad! (Rick and Morty Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope all the dads out there had a wonderful father's day, and we hope all of our American listeners are taking some time this long weekend to reflect on the real meaning and history of Juneteenth as you enjoy your extra day off!

While Julia may still be enjoying a fabulous Disney World vacation with her family, Anthony and Thom decided to record solo to ensure that y'all didn't go another week without a new episode! 

What do Pirates of the Pancreas, Terminator-esque alien snakes, lightsabers dropped perfectly vertically, and uncut versions of "Miracle on 34th Street" all have in common? Christmas celebrations at the Smith-Sanchez house! That's right! This week, Thom and Anthony are delving into the holiday episodes of the extremely popular - and extremely adult - cartoon, "Rick and Morty"! 

For those who want to follow along at home, the episodes covered this week are:

  • Season 1 - Episode 3 - Anatomy Park
  • Season 4 - Episode 5 - Rattlestar Ricklactica 
  • Season 6 - Episode 10 - Ricktional Mortpoon's Rickmas Mortcation

This is an episode that's full of laughs, quotes, and definite adult content, so you most-definitely want to listen to this one without any young children present! As for what Anthony and Thom think of "Rick and Morty" in general? You'll just have to tune in to find out - though the answer may surprise you!

Also discussed this episode: "Harry Potter" camp, A.I., Disney's live action remake of "The Little Mermaid", and much, much more! So, settle in beside the air conditioning to simulate those cool Ber-Month evenings, relax, and enjoy this fun installment of "Tis the Podcast"! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! Wubalubadubdub! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

331: Oy To The World! (”The Nanny” Chrismukkah Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy June! The year is flying by as fast as Santa and his reindeer do on Christmas Eve!

And speaking of Santa...

In this episode, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Santa Claus himself, Mr. Matt Spaulding of "North Pole Radio"! After catching up on their weeks and laughing about a specific targeted ad that appeared in front of the "Dennis the Menace" episode last week that none of the elves would have willingly put in front of it, the four hosts travel back in time to the nineties to discuss the Chrismukkah episodes of, "The Nanny"! 

If you'd like to follow along, the entire series is available to stream on "Max" and the episodes covered are:

  • Season 1, Episode 7: "Christmas Episodes"
  • Season 3, Episode 14: "Oy to the World"
  • Season 6, Episode 10: "The Hanukkah Story"

Listen as the hosts break down their histories, the cast, and laugh about the exploits that Nanny Fine, Niles the Butler, the dastardly C.C. Babcock, and the entire Sheffield brood get up to in these high-quality holiday episodes! All of this and much, much more are discussed in this extremely fun installment of the show - filled with quotes galore - that you want to make sure not to miss! 

So settle back, blast that air conditioner so you can close your eyes and pretend we're smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Side-Note: While the elves say in this episode we'll be on hiatus the next two weeks, due to Julia's Disney Vacation, Anthony and Thom may get together to record alone so we don't miss the next few weeks! So make sure to keep your eyes on your main feeds the next two Mondays! 

Show notes

330: Oh, Mr. Wilson! (A Dennis the Menace Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Memorial Day to all of our American listeners! We hope you're enjoying your long weekend and the unofficial kick-off to Summer! Just think, the next season will be Fall and we'll be in our beloved Ber Months! Who says time doesn't fly?

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the 2007, straight-to-home-video film, "A Dennis the Menace Christmas"! Very similar in many ways to "Richie Rich's Christmas Wish", does this one hold up better as a holiday movie for the elves, or is it of the same abysmal quality? Well, you'll just have to tune in to find out!

Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support! 

Show notes

329: I’ve Ruined Christmas For Everyone In Two Lifetimes. (Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe that as of today we are officially halfway through May? Leon Day is next month! Time is flying!

After a brief hiatus, the elves are back (before we take another brief hiatus!) and excited to talk all things Christmas! Join them as they cover the 1998, made-for-TV film, "Richie Rich's Christmas Wish" - a movie they are completely baffled by given some of the talent involved, and a movie that made Thom jokingly bring up ending the show!

Also covered this week - new Christmas movies expected later this year; "Beetlejuice 2"; "Ruined!"; the plethora of 'Ber Months Patreon that is already being recorded and scheduled; TV talk; and life in general! So while this week's film may have been tedious to get through, it nevertheless spawned a fun episode you don't want to miss! 

So, settle back and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

Side Note - Like with yesterday's bonus Mother's Day episode (which you need to make sure to check out if you haven't yet!), Anthony's audio is a little wonky once again. We're working on getting that fixed so it doesn't happen going forward! Thanks for understanding! 

 

Show notes

328: I Do Have A Mom! She’s Right Here In The Flowers, And In The Clouds, And In The Grass Too! (Rugrats ”Mother’s Day”)

Happy Sunday, everybody! And Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers and mother-like figures out there! We hope you have a wonderful day where you are shown the appreciation and love you deserve!

As we've been on a hiatus the past few weeks, we wanted to drop a special mother's day episode for y'all in your feeds to make it up to all of you! So, join us as we discuss an animated Mother's Day special that's famous to everyone who grew up in the '90's: Season 4, Episode 2 of "Rugrats" simply titled, "Mother's Day"! 

Listen as the elves gather to gush over this groundbreaking children's special, and the "Rugrats" in general, in this fun, heartfelt episode, in which they also touch on their own personal plans for this Mother's Day, recent "Beetlejuice 2" casting, and ask listeners to weigh in on who is the Angelica of the "Tis the Podcast" trio and which Rugrats would correspond to the other two hosts! 

So settle back and enjoy! And - of course - make sure to check your main feeds tomorrow for your regularly scheduled, Christmas-movie programming! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

Show notes

327: Here’s To The Lives That We’ve Shared. To Our Beautiful Children, Our Beautiful Friends, May We Rest In Peace. (Silent Night [2021])

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are traveling across the pond to discuss the 2021, apocalyptic, dark-comedy Christmas film, "Silent Night"! It's a fascinating discussion full of philosophical questions because this is the type of movie that raises them. Our usual question remains, however: Is this a Christmas movie or merely a movie set at Christmas? You'll just have to tune in to find out! Also discussed: [HBO] Max's "Harry Potter" reboot; "True Detective" Season 2; Season 3 of "The Mandalorian"; the upcoming "The Penguin" and "The Conjuring" television series; next year's theatrical adaptation of the beloved Broadway show, "Wicked"; the horror movie podcast, "Ruined!"; and much, much more!

This is one fun, jam-packed episode you want to be sure not to miss! So settle back and enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for the love and support! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

 

Show notes

326: Recasting the ”Harry Potter” Movies in a [HBO] Max’s Television Remake!

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

Due to the elves' busy work schedules, we couldn't get a new episode recorded this week! But never fear! We have a timely, once patreon-exclusive episode dropping for you! 

This past week, [HBO] Max confirmed they are moving forward with a television adaptation of the "Harry Potter" books, adapting one book per season and producing all seven seasons over the course of a decade! Naturally, this elicited a lot of excitement online, and fan-casting has been running rampant!

Well, back in February, when rumors of a potential "Harry Potter" remake began swirling around, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gathered to recast the main adult characters in the series for the then hypothetical series! 

We know what you're thinking! Could anyone ever possibly top Alan Rickman as Snape, Dame Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, or any of the other incredible, British alumni that were part of the original cast? Probably not. But, we do our best to cast excellent actors and actresses in their own right to follow in those iconic footsteps, adhering slightly closer to the descriptions, personalities, and age ranges as established in J.K. Rowling's beloved book series. The only limitations we set for ourselves were: we couldn't choose the same actor for a role they played previously; and we wouldn't limit ourselves to British thespians. The result? Three very different, but equally as fun, fan-cast lists that we think you'll all enjoy!

So, settle back and enjoy this super fun blast from the recent past you want to be sure not to miss! As always, thanks for your love and support! We love y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

325: Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime. (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie [1998])

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! We hope you all had a wonderful Easter and hope that the Easter Bunny was good to you all!

This week, Julia, Anthony, and the effervescent Natalie Bickel (that's right, Thom is M.I.A. this week due to dad duties) travel to the north pole to visit the most famous reindeer of all and discuss his 1998, theatrically released film, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie"! 

Does the '90's animation style inject enough nostalgia into the three hosts to make up for the fact that this film has all but disappeared in recent years? How does it fare against the iconic 1964, Rankin/Bass special in their minds, and how does it differ in terms of story? And what exactly has that Busy Bee, Natalie Bickel, been up to since the last time she appeared on the show? All of these answers, and much more, are divulged in this week's episode!

So, settle in and relax because "the mood is right, the spirit's up, we're here tonight, and that's enough" to inject this Mid-April Monday with some much needed Christmas cheer! Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

324: I Wouldn’t Mind Getting A Peek At That Magic Ding-A-Ling. (Christmas with the Campbells)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, the elves gather to discuss the Hallmark-esque satire film, "Christmas with the Campbells" - which is essentially a Hallmark movie if written with Anthony's sensibilities. What did the hosts think of it? Well, that description should give it away! Nevertheless, tune in for the in-depth discussion because it's a fun conversation, as always!

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

Show notes

323: Merry Christmas. Pops, Word On The Street Is You Got Dumped. (Final Three ”Black-ish” Christmas Episodes)

Greetings, festive pals!

In this week's episode, our merry elves gather to discuss their spring break experiences, delve into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and catch up on Anthony's Yuletide news! And, of course, they also review the final trio of "Black-ish" Christmas episodes! For those who want to watch and follow along at home, they are:

  • Season 5 - Episode 8 - Christmas in Theater Eight
  • Season 6 - Episode 10 - Father Christmas
  • Season 7 - Episode 8 - Compton Around the Christmas Tree

Enjoy, y'all! And don't miss out on the conversation – let us know what you think of these episodes, and "Black-ish" overall, by joining Anthony, Julia, Thom, and the rest of "Tis the Podcast's" fantastic Christmas-loving community at linktree.com/tisthepodcast.

As always, thanks for your love and support! 

Show notes

322: I Love Jacob. He’s A Lot Like Paint Fumes. Small Doses? Fine. But Too Much Just Gives You A Headache. (Abbott Elementary)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! 

This week, travel with Julia, Thom, and Anthony to Philadelphia to discuss the one - and, so far, only - Christmas episode of ABC's hit comedy, "Abbott Elementary"! If you want to follow along at home, the episode they dive deep on is Season 2's Episode 10: "Holiday Hookah"! Not only do they rave about this holiday episode, and the show overall in general, but they also read off Matt Eurich's casting suggestions regarding which teacher on the show corresponds to which elf, and play a bit of audio submitted by the totally rad Gerry D. and his wife, Tiffany, about "Abbott Elementary" and their own teaching experiences!

Also discussed: this year's Oscar's ceremony; Julia's kids' Ireland trip; the local Tulsa production of "Hamilton" that Thom saw; Anthony's mini-reviews of "Scream VI", "Creed III", and "65"; Thom's experience with hookah; and much, much more! 

This is one fun, laugh-a-minute episode you want to be sure not to miss! And make sure to listen through the credits for one last surprise/laugh!

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

Show notes

321: Please Don’t Make Christmas Dirty, Trevor. It’s Pure, And Beautiful, And Everyone Loves It. (CBS’ ”Ghosts”)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! We hope you all had an excellent weekend!

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony continue TV month by gathering to discuss the two-part Christmas episode of CBS' "Ghosts"! For all of those following along at home, that would be Season 2's Episodes 9 and 10: "The Christmas  Spirit"! Listen to them fawn about this American remake, which they adore, gush over the plethora of characters, laugh as they read-off quotes galore, and praise the warm, optimistic tone that this found-family series constantly strikes! As for this specific Christmas-themed episode? Spoiler-Alert: all three elves love it. What makes it so great though? And will they be adding it to their holiday canon? Well, you'll just have to tune in to find out!

Also discussed in this episode: Julia's kids' upcoming trip to Ireland; Ellie's birthday; Anthony's new podcast; and much, much more!

So, kick off your Monday the right way by settling back and diving into this fun-filled, laugh-a-minute, festive episode you'll be sure to love! And make sure to let us know what you think of this Christmas episode of "Ghosts", the show general, and which characters the elves would be cast as on all of our social media feeds! 

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

 

Show notes

320: I’m Putting My Stank On Christmas! (First Three ”Black-ish” Christmas Episodes)

Happy March, Christmas friends!

This week, we've got a great show for you, in which we cover the first three seasons worth of Christmas episodes from the hit comedy, "Black-ish"!  If you want to follow along at home, they are:

- Season 1 - Episode 10 - Black Christmas/White Santa

- Season 2 - Episode 10 - Stuff

- Season 3 - Episode 10 - Just Christmas, Baby

Per usual, the elves chase multiple tangents during the episode! So, listen as they delve into the world of "Cocaine Bear" and enjoy Anthony's proposed new segment called "Christmas News", where - in this week's edition - we give you updates on Season 2 of "The Santa Clauses" and the sequel book to our beloved "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" 

So, pull up a chair and join us for another week of "Tis the Podcast"! Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

319: Imagine You’re In New York And It’s Christmas. (Netflix’s Dash & Lily)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe we're already at the end of February? Time is flying - which means we are well on our way to the most wonderful time of the year! In April, Hallmark releases their 2023 Dream Book; then Leon Day is two months later, which is quickly followed by the Fourth of July; at which point, we're on the downward slope! So hang in there, because we'll be there before you know it!

In the meantime, as always, your favorite elves are here to tide you over and inject a little Christmas Cheer into your week! This week, gather with Julia, Thom, and Anthony to discuss Netflix's "Dash & Lily", the adaptation of Rachel Cohn's and David Levithan's Young Adult book of the same name! While none of the hosts liked Netflix's "Merry Happy Whatever", all three really enjoy this series with two of them absolutely adoring it! What worked so much for them this time around? You'll just have to listen to find out!

Also discussed in this episode: what the elves have given up for Lent; Ellie's birthday; Julia and Marty's date night; "Ant-Man" and "Cocaine Bear"; Anthony's attempts to track down exclusive "Scream VI" merchandise; and much, much more!

So, settle in, relax, and enjoy with this episode that's as fun and as filled with holiday cheer as the Netflix series that's being discussed within it! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

318: The Quinn Way (Netflix’s Merry Happy Whatever)

Happy President's Day to our American listeners, Family Day to our Canadian listeners, and Monday to the rest of the world!

The elves spent a very romantic Valentine's Day evening together recording this episode in which they discuss the Netflix original 2019 series "Merry Happy Whatever"! In addition, the elves talk about the Super Bowl, upcoming Comic Book movies, and much, much more to avoid diving into this series that none of them truly liked.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy another week of "Tis the Podcast"!

Show notes

317: You Just Messed Up Big Time, Fat Man! (Fatman)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you all had a great Super Bowl Sunday!

This week, Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" joins Julia, Thom, and Anthony to discuss the 2020 film, "Fatman" starring Mel Gibson.There are comparisons to 2022's "Violent Night" galore in this one, but as to which the elves and their guest preferred - and which film they believe executed the holiday violence better - you'll just have to listen to find out!

Also discussed this episode: Julia's anniversary trip; Anthony's Hawaiian vacation; Thom's house flooding; Gerry's 2022 holiday season; and much, much more!

So settle in and enjoy, y'all! And, as always, thanks for your love and support! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

316: In Another Life, I Would Have Really Liked Just Doing Laundry And Taxes With You. (Everything Everywhere All At Once)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics!

Since we've been on hiatus recently, due to vacations, we wanted to drop a once Patreon-exclusive episode for y'all to keep you satiated until we return to our regular programming next week!

So, to brighten your Monday commute, enjoy this special blast from the past bonus episode in which Anthony and Julia sit down to talk A24's excellent, action-packed, hilarious, and emotional,  "Everything Everywhere All At Once" - just in time for the 2023 Academy Awards airing this upcoming Sunday, February 12th! We figured, with all the buzz and awards chatter surrounding this film, you'd like to listen to our deep dive on it! So settle back and enjoy this fun episode in which they verse-jump every possible reality!

Meanwhile, make sure to keep your eyes out on your feeds next Monday as we return to our weekly Christmas content! To kick things off, Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas" will be joining us to finally talk the 2020 film, "Fatman"! 

As for our Patrons - what bonus content would you like to see on Patreon? Any ideas for other holiday content? Any random films or television shows you'd like us to talk about? Anything goes! So let us know what you'd like to see in the comments below.

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

 

Show notes

315: Not Sure Whether To Stuff The Goose With The Stuffing Or The Stuffing With The Goose. (Netflix’s ”Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” - 2022)

Happy Monday, Christmassy friends!

As hard as it is to believe, we are now less than 11 months until Christmas 2023, and the elves are so excited! This week, the elves talk about vacations, how long they keep up their Christmas trees, trashy tv, and the entertainment recommendations we have for y'all while we're on a short hiatus before we dive into Netflix's 2022 original, "Scrooge: A Christmas Carol".

So settle back, relax, and join us as we dive back into the world of Dickens and count down to the most wonderful time of the year! Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

Show notes

314: Every Time I See A Christmas Tree, Something Lights Up Inside Of Me, My Heart Is Filled With Electricity, There’s Reason To Cheer, Christmas Is Nearly Here! (Mickey Saves Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day to all of our American listeners! To all of you lucky enough to be off today, we hope you're enjoying your long weekend!

This week, take trip to the Wonderful World of Disney with Julia, Thom, and Anthony to cover the brand new, stop motion animation special, "Mickey Saves Christmas"! With all three elves being fans of Disney, you'd think this one would be right up their alley! But, surprisingly, opinions fall all across the spectrum when it comes to this holiday adventure starring Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy! Who liked it? Who hated it? What could have been done better? Well, you'll just have to tune in to find out!

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

Show notes

313: Time For Some Season’s Beatings. (Violent Night)

Happy 2023, Christmas Fanatics! We are back after a much needed week off! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

To kick of this year right, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss the 2022 action-comedy Christmas film, "Violent Night"! What do they think of David Harbour's turn as Jolly Old St. Nicholas and how his powers are portrayed? Does the idea of meeting this Santa's Mrs. Claus and elves, and seeing his North Pole, in a potential sequel excite the hosts? And how did the elves themselves celebrate the 2022 holiday season? Find out the answers to all of these questions, and much, much more, in this fun-filled episode! 

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

Show notes

311: For The Good Of Christmas - For The Good Of My Family - I, Santa Claus, Have Decided To Retire. (The Santa Clauses: Season 1)

Happy Boxing Day, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day yesterday with your loved ones and hope that Santa Claus brought you everything that you wanted!  This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony journey back to a North Pole they haven't visited on this show in quite some time, to spend time with a specific Santa Claus they haven't seen in just as long a time. That's right! This week, they are discussing the 2022, Disney Plus original series, "The Santa Clauses"! 

Given the love and nostalgia they have for the original trilogy, especially the first one, how does this legacy sequel series stack up for the hosts? And how do they feel about the fact Disney Plus has already announced plans for a Season Two? You'll just have to tune in to this deep dive to find out! Spoiler Alert though: they're all pretty much on the same page!

So, settle in and bask in the glow of your Christmas trees to listen to this fun, quote-filled episode that's sure to keep you full of Christmas cheer - even as we begin the long countdown to Christmas 2023. Enjoy, y'all! As always, thanks for your love and support! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

 
Show notes

312: Christmas Eve 2022 Story - Tim Burton’s ”The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Happy Christmas Eve, everybody! Can you believe tomorrow’s the big day and that Santa’s already set out on his annual trip!?

To celebrate the occasion, please enjoy our annual Christmas Eve story, in which the elves read Tim Burton's famous poem "The Nightmare Before Christmas", which went on to inspire the film of the same name! So take a break from the wrapping, settle back with your favorite holiday beside your Christmas tree in order to bask in its glow, and enjoy! We have a feeling this one will become a listener favorite, ranking up there with the years we read "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! Make sure to check your feeds this upcoming Monday, December 26th, for our episode on the Disney Plus, 2022 legacy sequel series, "The Santa Clauses"! Spoiler Alert: it's a fun one! 

Have a very Merry Christmas! We hope you have an amazing one, filled with food, drinks, laughter, and loved ones, and we hope that the big man in red brings you everything you asked for! We're looking forward to counting down to Christmas 2023 with all of y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

310: So Gather ’Round, A Glow Surrounds, Each Warm Embrace, On The Night Of The Lights! (Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock - Night of the Lights)

Happy Tuesday, Christmas Fanatics! Sorry we're a day later with this final Pre-Christmas episode of 2022, but better late than never, right?

This week, journey "back to the rock" with Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they cover the brand new Apple TV holiday special, "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock - Night of the Lights"! We know the elves are enormous fans of The Muppets proper, in addition to Sesame Street, but what do they think of Henson's Fraggles? You'll have to tune into this episode to find out! Side note: we'd like to apologize to our good friend Mike Westfall, of "Advent Calendar House Podcast", for our severe lack of knowledge on this corner of Jim Henson's universe! We swear, this episode was not designed just to piss you off, even if you may be screaming as you listen to this episode!

Also discussed: Christmas plans, forecasted holiday weather, breakfast foods, and much more! So, don't miss this fun episode! And make sure to check your feeds on Christmas Eve for your annual night before Christmas story, as read by the elves! Trust us when we say, you won't want to miss this year's!

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

309: We Might Be Dead, But We’re Livin’ That Yuletide Dream! (Spirited)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe we're under two weeks away from the big day itself? We sure can't!

To mark the occasion, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they cover yet another version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", this time in the form of the 2022 Apple TV Original, "Spirited", starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds! 

We're not going to beat around the bush here: all three elves loved this original take on a timeless classic. And, dare we say, it might be one of the best adaptations of that iconic story that's ever been told? If you don't believe us, just tune in to hear us gush about it for an hour in gloriously spoiler-filled detail and complete with musical interludes! 

So, after watching the film first (we can't stress this part enough!), settle in with your favorite holiday beverage, bask in the glow of your Christmas tree, and enjoy this fun-filled episode! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

308: ”The Christmas Clue” with Natalie Bickel!

What's this? A bonus episode on a Sunday? What's going on?

Well, as you can tell from the fact that the only elf present on this episode is Anthony (sorry, y'all!) and the intro to the episode itself, this was originally meant as a bonus, Patreon-exclusive! However, we wanted our good friend Natalie Bickel to be able to spread the word about her amazing children's book, "The Christmas Clue", as far and wide as possible, so we decided to put this on the main feed instead!

Listen as Natalie not only reads an excerpt from "The Christmas Clue", but also talks about her amazing childhood holidays, the family tradition that inspired her book, what motivated her when writing this and her yet-to-be-published novel, and much, much more!

Also discussed - Natalie and Anthony's Top Ten Christmas movies of all time! A list which, for Anthony, is already obsolete! (For his up-to-date list, keep your eyes open for a special Patreon episode featuring all of the elves coming soon!)

So, order your copy of "The Christmas Clue" (available where all books are sold!), settle in with your favorite holiday drink, and enjoy this special bonus episode! And keep your eyes on your main feed tomorrow, because - as usual - our regular weekly episode will be dropping then!

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

307: It’s Kevin Bacon! He’s Not A Loser! He’s Great! We Don’t Hate Him At All! (The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can y'all believe Christmas is so close? We sure can't!

This week, we were lucky to get Gerry D. from "Totally Rad Christmas" and CM Chuck from "Just Another Friday Night" to join us to cover Disney Plus' brand new "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special". Spoiler alert, *EVERYONE* was a fan.

This episode is not only an excellent one, but a heck of a lot of fun as well! So grab a warm beverage and that cozy blanket and tune in to a joyous world of holiday goodness! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

Show notes

306: I Have Just Survived A Death-Defying Fall And I’m Currently Stranded In A Remote Glacial Forest. (Falling for Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And welcome to our last episode of November 2022! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Can you believe that we only have three more new episodes left in the lead-up to Christmas this year? We sure can't!

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the 2022 Netflix original film, "Falling for Christmas", which serves as a starring vehicle for Lindsey Lohan and Chord Overstreet! How does it compare to Hallmark's original holiday movies? And is this the long awaited comeback of Lindsey Lohan that we've been waiting for for years? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

So, settle in with your favorite holiday beverage beside your Christmas trees and enjoy this fun episode! 

Show notes

305: Turkeyologists All Over The World Know It As... Thankskilling! (Thankskilling)

Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe it's Turkey day already? We certainly can't! This year is flying by! But, we didn't want to let this oft-overlooked holiday pass without expressing our gratitude to each and every one of you for all of the love and support you show our little show all year 'round!

As such, we present to you this special bonus episode in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss the cult-classic, "Thankskilling"! Listen as the elves break down one of the worst, the cheapest, and most baffling movies they've covered since "Tis the Podcast" began! Is this a case of a film being "so bad it's good"? Or is there nothing redeemable about this story of teenage stereotypes being hunted down by a bad muppet of a Turkey named Turkie? You'll just have to tune in to find out! Because despite the subject matter, this is one hysterical episode you want to make sure not to miss!

So, tonight, after you've eaten more than your fair share of Thanksgiving dinner, put your feet up, unbutton those trousers, and enjoy this fun episode! And, once again, Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! We hope your holiday was filled with love, happiness, gratitude, family, friends, food, drinks, parades, football, "Friends" episodes, and "Peanuts" holiday specials!

Show notes

304: Ralphie, Promise Me We’re Gonna Make This A Wonderful Christmas. That Would Make Your Father So Happy. (A Christmas Story Christmas)

Happy Thanksgiving week, Christmas fanatics! We can't believe November is always over! Now is the time of year we wish time would slow down a bit! Nevertheless, we are in the midst of the holiday season and we couldn't be happier about that! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Jay Skipworth, of "Film Strip Podcast", and April Ryley to discuss the highly anticipated legacy sequel to the universally beloved classic, "A Christmas Story" - HBO Max's, "A Christmas Story Christmas"! 

Is Ralphie Parker's long awaited journey home worth it to fans of the original, Anthony, April, and Jay? Can adult Ralphie throw a more entertaining Christmas for his family than his father did in the eyes of Julia and Thom, who loathe the original film? And is this movie able to stand on its own while serving as a fitting tribute to Darren McGavin and his iconic "Old Man" character and while managing to avoid the pitfalls that entrap so many legacy sequels? All of this, and much more, is debated and answered by your hosts in this entertaining episode full of holiday cheer! Also discussed this episode: Mastodon; Thanksgiving plans; what we're all thankful for this year; Star vs. Angel tree toppers; and much, much more! So, settle in with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy this extraordinarily fun episode! And keep your eyes out, because this upcoming Thursday - Thanksgiving day itself! - you will find a full-length bonus episode waiting in your main feeds as a gift from us, to you, to express just how thankful we are for your love and support each and every day! 

Show notes

303: One Thing New York Is Known For Is Niceness. (A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics!

While Spooky month was tons of fun, the elves are so excited - and more than ready - to return to Christmas movies this week, especially since it means kicking off 2022's official holiday season! So, join your hosts as they talk the Muppets and Christmas in New York as they discuss this made-for-TV movies for the early aughts, "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa"! Also discussed in this episode: the upcoming series "The Santa Clauses", "A Christmas Story Christmas", "The Addams Family", and much, much more.

So, settle in, bask in the glow of your Christmas tree that is no doubt shining brightly in your home already, and enjoy this week's episode. As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!  

Show notes

302: In This Town, Michael Myers Is A Myth. He’s The Boogeyman. A Ghost Story To Scare Kids. But This Boogeyman Is Real. (Halloween 2018)

Happy Halloween, Christmas Fanatics! And welcome to the final Spooky Month edition of "Tis the Podcast" for 2022!

To mark the occasion, "Den of Geek"'s and "Film Strip Podcast"'s Ron Hogan - a.k.a. President Hotdog himself - joins Julia and Anthony to discuss one of the direct sequels to the 1978 classic, "Halloween" - "Halloween 2018"! 

Listen as the three break down the plot of this requel, explain the multitude of "Halloween" timelines, and gush over Jamie Lee Curtis and the many references to the iconic original that director David Gordon Green managed to stuff into this lovingly crafted follow-up! Also discussed: James Gunn's new role as the head of the rebranded "DCU" - and the time Ron took screenwriting lessons from him; "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" and other brand new, upcoming Christmas movies; our Halloween plans; and much, much more!

This is one fun episode you want to make sure not to miss! So, settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes and enjoy, because it's the perfect way to celebrate All Hallow's Eve! 

And get excited - because not only are we officially less than two months from Christmas 2022, but we are also  venturing back into the realm of Christmas movies next week and all three elves will be back together again! Our November and December lineup of movies, old and new, is pretty stacked this year so make sure you don't miss an episode these coming weeks as we prepare for the most wonderful time of the year!

As always, thanks for the love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

301: Welcome Foolish Muppets! (Muppets Haunted Mansion)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

Our journey into Spooky Season continues this week! And while Anthony is missing, Julia and Thom are joined by the incredible Mike Westfall of the always amazing and informative "Advent Calendar House" to discuss the 2021, Disney + original, "Muppets Haunted Mansion"! Is there anyone better than Mike to have on an episode dealing with not only Jim Henson's iconic creations, but also an iconic Disney Attraction? We think not!

So settle in for a fun, well-researched episode in which all things Muppets and Disney are discussed! And stay tuned next week for our final Spooky episode of 2022!

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

300: The Entire Horror Genre Was Destroyed By Sequels! (Scream 2)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And welcome to another Spooky Season edition of "Tis the Podcast"! 

This week, the elves are joined by Jay Skipworth of "Film Strip Podcast" to discuss "Scream 2"! He and Anthony, both of whom have seen this movie many times, are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to determining its quality - and both have #Thoughts - but where do Julia and Thom fall after watching it for the first time? (Especially after "Scream" pleasantly surprised both of them?) You'll just have to tune in to find out!

As always when Jay joins us, this episode contains a plethora of movie trivia, film knowledge, and cinematic recommendations! As such, this is one deep dive into Sidney Prescott's ongoing, tragic saga you want to be sure not to miss! 

So, settle in with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, relax, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

 
Show notes

299: But Times Are Changing, Now We’re On The Attack, Yeah The Spell Is Gonna Hit ’Cha ’Cause The Witches Are Back! (Hocus Pocus 2)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And welcome to the second Monday of Spooky Month!

To mark the occasion - and mark the fact that all three hosts are back together for the first time in weeks! - Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss the number one Disney Plus debut ever, and long awaited sequel to the beloved 1993 classic, "Hocus Pocus 2"! That's right! Not only are the elves finally back together, but so are the witches!  As will have been obvious to anybody listening to this show since it first started back in 2017, all three hosts are enormous fans of the original and have been extremely excited about this sequel since it was officially announced a few years ago! Did it live up to expectations? Well, is water wet? Listen as they gush about the long-awaited return of the Sanderson Sisters and their new, modern hijinks, and rave about the new cast and the direction that Anne Fletcher took the follow-up! Really, the only question is, does it rank as high as the first one for them? And does the movie stray too far into the territory of callbacks and fan service? You'll just have to tune in to find out in this extremely fun episode filled with quotes, impressions, trivia, laughs, and much, much more! Also discussed: Julia's recent business trip; Ellie's adventures in private school; and the wedding of Anthony's sister!

And if, like the elves, you can't get enough talk about this "Hocus Pocus" sequel, consider subscribing to Patreon where two more episodes diving deep into the film with fans and guest hosts are already in the can to drop in the coming weeks, amongst a host of other Halloween-related bonus content! 

So, settle in with your favorite Autumn-themed beverage, kick back, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🖤 🧡 💛 🍂 🎃 👻💚❤️💜🕯️🐈‍⬛🪦🧟‍♂️🧪🧹 

Show notes

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!

Show notes

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!*
Show notes

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! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

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

283: Deck The Slopes With Babes In Tight Pants, Fa La La La La La La La La. Carlton’s Gonna Get Some Romance, Fa La La La La La La La La. (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

To all of the Father's out there, we hope you had a wonderful Father's Day! And to all of our American listeners, we hope you took a moment to reflect on Juneteenth yesterday and are enjoying your long weekend.

Today, listen in to the story, all about how, Our three elves' lives got turned upside down, When they invite Matt of TGIPod to share the air, And join them to discuss "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air"! That's right, this week - with their good friend Matt Eurich, your favorite podcasts hosts gather to discuss the following Christmas episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air":  - Season 1, Episode 5: Deck the Halls - Season 2, Episode 12: Christmas Show - Season 4, Episode 14: 'Twas the Night Before Christening

Make sure to let us know what you though of the episode, these specific episodes of "The Fresh Prince", and the iconic '90s show in general on all of our social media pages! In our humble opinion, this is a fun one you want to be sure not to miss! So, settle in, enjoy, and get excited - we are nearly halfway to Christmas! 

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

 

 

Show notes

282: This Is The City Of the Angels, And You Haven’t Got Any Wings. (L.A. Confidential)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

This week, the elves are joined by Brother Christmas himself, Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter", to discuss the questionably Christmassy movie, "L.A. Confidential" - starring Kim Basinger, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kevin Spacey! Listen in to the joyful debate as to whether or not this movie should be classified as a holiday one, discuss our individual takes on film noir, fail at multiple attempts to end the episode, and much, much more! This is one episode you want to be sure not to miss!

So make sure to grab a chilled Christmas drink, sit by the pool, and enjoy!

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

Show notes

281: An Old Friend Kissed The Bride. (Jack Frost [1979])

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy June! We are *less than twenty days away* from the halfway point to Christmas 2022! How insane is that?

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they metaphorically drop some acid to travel back to the world of Rankin/Bass and cover the 1979 holiday (?) special, "Jack Frost"! Even by Rankin/Bass standards this one is...*trippy*. But, as the past has shown, those make for some of the funnest episodes! Per usual, Anthony is the only one of three elves that has history with this particular special. What do Thom and Julia think of it after watching it for the first time? Well, we're sure you can guess.

Also discussed this episode: "Stranger Things 4", "Top Gun: Maverick", the answers to two questions of the week, and much, much more.

So settle in, get kinky by allowing Jack Frost to nip at your nose to simulate winter in this summer heat, and enjoy this fun, laugh-a-minute episode that's sure to start off your week right!

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

Show notes

280: Sometimes Angels Rush In Where Fools Fear To Tread. (The Bishop’s Wife)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Memorial Day! We hope that as you're all enjoying your barbecues this long weekend you take a moment to reflect on all of those who died during active military service. 

To celebrate the end of May (if you can believe we're there already!), Julia, Thom, and Anthony journey back to 1947 to discuss the holiday classic, "The Bishop's Wife"! How does it compare to the 1996 remake, "The Preacher's Wife"? And which film do the elves not only prefer, but feel is more Christmassy? You'll have to tune in to find out! 

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode which will serve as the perfect way to bring your long weekend, and the long month of May, to a close! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! And get excited - because we are nearly HALFWAY TO CHRISTMAS! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

279: Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus. (Yes, Virginia)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, the elves start off by talking graduations, Marvel's "Moon Knight", and recently announced release dates for films that get them even more excited for 2022 to begin speeding up (hello, "Hocus Pocus 2"!) before jumping into the 2009 Macy’s staple, CBS' animated special: "Yes, Virginia". Listen in as they look at the true story behind the legend and discuss Francis B. Church's iconic letter in "The Sun", talk through the animation style, and ultimately disagree on how to rank this short. Who likes it and who doesn’t? Tune in to find out! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

278: Hi! My Name Is Noël, And I Have A Happiness! (Noël)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe that we're already over halfway through May?! Where is time going?! 

Journey back 30 years through time with the elves, all the way to the year of 1992, to discuss the Romeo Muller Christmas special, "Noël", which was marketed as "a Christmas story for all generations"! Does the little red Christmas ornament, who has a happiness, live up to the tagline that describes his short film? Can he spread holiday cheer and share his happiness with all of the elves, or is this special just too surreal? How does having a history and nostalgia with this cartoon affect Anthony's rankings, and how does it play for Thom and Julia who had no idea this cartoon existed and are seeing it for the first time? All of these questions, and more, will be answered in this fun filled, "Mystery Science Theater 3000"-esque episode that's sure to bring a smile to your face! 

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode which will serve as the perfect way to kick off the week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀     

Show notes

277: Hey, He’s Not Talking About Our Shark, Is He? (Jaws: The Revenge)

Happy Monday, friends!

This week, the elves dive into the Underunderstood podcast, label May 6th as both "Revenge of the Sixth" and "Festivus in May", and the "Jaws" franchise as they dive into the fourth movie of the franchise, 1987's "Jaws: The Revenge - This Time it's Personal". Also, get ready for a hot take from one of the elves on Quentin Tarantino! 

Let us know what you think about this movie, the "Jaws" franchise overall, and how you celebrated both "Star Wars" day and "Revenge of the Sixth", and tell us what movie franchise series you'd like to make a Christmas sequel! 

 

Show notes

276: If You Like Pastry And You’re In Europe, You Should Try The Galwickian Yule Cake. (One Royal Holiday)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy May! Can you believe we're in month five of the year already? We are officially over Halfway to Halloween, which means we're over Halfway to our beloved 'Ber Months! On top of which, we're just under two months from the Halfway point to Christmas - Leon Day! This year is flying, so make sure to enjoy every second of it because we'll be on that official downward slope before you know it! 

 

This week, the elves travel back to the land of Hallmark Christmas movies to cover the 2020 original, "One Royal Holiday" - one of many that feature a fictional European kingdom that, for some reason or another, features a royal family that sounds British! As longtime listeners of the show will know, Julia, Thom, and Anthony all have a love/hate relationship with Hallmark films. How does this one fare with our hosts? Is it a massive win or a swing and a miss? You'll just have to tune in to find out! Just make sure to let us know what you think of this film as well, and whether or not you agree or disagree with our takes, on any of our social media pages, all of which you can access at https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com !

 

In addition, we'd like your help with preparing for our upcoming 5 year (!!!!!) anniversary episode/Christmas in July Spectacular! How, you may ask? Well, much has been said about our list and our rankings over the years - and how low or high some movies are rated, or how harsh or lenient we were with certain specials. Well, now is your chance to weigh in! Because to celebrate our 5 years, we will be hosting "The Oscars" of Christmas movies, dishing out awards such as "Best Movie", "Best Score", "Best Lead Actor", etc. And guess who wants to choose the winners? All of you!

 

So, if you have a few minutes during your day today, please allow your voice to be heard and cast your votes for your perceived winners of each category at the following link:    

https://forms.gle/4mPRDHSfERhRHTEP9

 

You'll notice that there are a lot of nominees in each category, so there will be two rounds of voting. This initial round will be open until Mid May. After which, you'll get a chance to vote again on all the same categories that have less nominees, which will be narrowed down and chosen based on this round of voting. Then, on July 25th, you'll find out who's won in our joint Christmas in July/Anniversary episode!     In addition, if you have any favorite memories of Tis the Podcast from over the five years, or want to share your thoughts on the show, we'd love you to share those with us via a voice memo/recording so we can play it in the anniversary episode as well! Just make sure to include your name in the recording (Which you can do using the voice memo app on your phone!) and email it to us at elves@tisthepodcast.com.

In the meantime, settle in and enjoy this fun episode that's full of Christmas warmth and feels! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

275: It’s Going To Be The Best Barton Christmas Ever! (Marvel’s Hawkeye)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! We are BACK after a long two week hiatus! Welcome to our final episode of April 2022! Can you believe it's already May next week?! We can't! But we're not complaining! We're officially more than halfway until Halloween, which means Christmas is coming up fast! This week, the elves are joined by Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" to discuss the 2021, Disney+ Original: Marvel's "Hawkeye"! Journey to New York City at Christmastime with your hosts in this extraordinarily festive - and geeky - episode! Not only do they talk Clinton Barton's and Kate Bishop's chaotic Christmas, but they also discuss: the first trailer for "Thor: Love and Thunder", "Moon Knight", "The Secrets of Dumbledore", "Sonic the Hedgehog 2", "Uncharted", and much, much, much more! 

 

This is one fun episode full of so much holiday cheer, you want to be sure not to miss it! It's the perfect way to jumpstart your week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

274: Oh I Could Write A Sonnet About Your Easter Bonnet, And Of The Girl I’m Taking To The Easter Parade. (The First Easter Rabbit)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope y'all had a fantastic Easter and hope the Easter Bunny was good to every single one of you! 

Once again, life got in the way for the elves this past week. But, not wanting let two weeks go by without an episode dropping in your feeds, they pulled this once Patreon exclusive, Easter-themed episode from 2021 to share with you all! 

Journey back into the past in this episode with the elves as they cover the 1976, Rankin/Bass, traditionally animated special, "The First Easter Rabbit"!  How does it fare amongst the other Rankin/Bass specials the hosts have covered over the course of the show? Does it fall amongst the worst, or does it rank high like the also traditionally animated "Frosty the Snowman"? Also, why do the elves think that Rankin/Bass had more success with their Christmas specials than the other holiday fare they put out over the years? 

Tune in to find out the answers to the above questions, and more, and enjoy this once-a-year foray into the realm of Springtime and Easter! And never fear, because next Monday we will be back in your feeds with a brand new Christmas episode, per usual!

Show notes

273: Toyland, Toyland, We’re On Our Way To Toyland! (Babes in Toyland [1961])

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy April! Our first big holiday milestone on the road to Christmas hits this month on the 14th, when Hallmark officially releases their 2022 Keepsake Dream Book! How exciting is that?

This week, travel with Julia, Thom, and Anthony as their hop back over to their movie list and make their way to Toyland as they discuss the 1961, Disney classic, "Babes in Toyland"! While Julia has a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this film, both Thom and Anthony do not. And as the three elves make their way through the plot of this trippy Oz ripoff, one question keeps coming back to haunt them: Is this film, which so many consider a holiday classic, actually a Christmas movie? 

Make sure to let us know what you think on any of our social media pages which you can easily access from our new Linktr.ee at the following link: https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com.

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! And get excited - because we're one quarter of the way through the year already! The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀

Show notes

272: It’s Just Not Christmas Without A Visit From Jolly Old St. Nicotine! (”Sabrina the Teenage Witch” - Second 3 Christmas Episodes)

The elves are back this week with April Riley to talk "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" again. They discuss the college years, figgy pudding, Anthony's new podcast, and Julia's real feelings about "The Golden Girls". 

For those of you who want to follow along at home, the episodes covered are:

- Season 4, Episode 12: Sabrina Nipping at Your Nose

- Season 5, Episode 10: Sabrina's Perfect Christmas

- Season 7, Episode 9: It's a Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Christmas

So travel with us and the Spellman family to the Other Realm once again to celebrate the holidays in this magical episode! And make sure to let us know what you think of this episode, these episodes of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch“, and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” in general on any of our social media pages, all of which you can access at https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com 

In the meantime, settle in and enjoy this fun episode that’s sure to fill your Monday with a healthy dose of Christmas Cheer! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all!

Show notes

271: I’m So Happy That Christmas Didn’t Suffer The Fate of Bobunk. (”Sabrina the Teenage Witch” - First 3 Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! The elves continue women's month with a very special guest, Kendall Farrae from "For Fork's Sake" Podcast  to discuss the first 3 Chrsitmas episodes of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch"! After kicking off the episode in a mildly uncomfortable way, catching up, and chatting Disney's "Turning Red" and "The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window", the four hosts dive headfirst into the first three Christmas episodes of "Sabrina"! 

For those of you who want to follow along at home, the episodes covered are:

- Season 1, Episode 11: A Girl and Her Cat - Season 2, Episode 12: Sabrina Claus - Season 3, Episode 11: Christmas Amnesia

So travel with us and the Spellman family to the Other Realm to celebrate the holidays in this magical episode! And make sure to let us know what you think of this episode, these episodes of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch“, and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” in general on any of our social media pages, all of which you can access at https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com !

In the meantime, settle in and enjoy this fun episode that’s sure to fill your Monday with a healthy dose of Christmas Cheer! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 

Show notes

270: It’s A Nightmare! We’ve Been Visited By The Yutz Of Christmas Past! (”The Golden Girls” Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, we continue our journey through Women's Month with an egregious sin - by doing so sans everyone's favorite elf, Julia! Unfortunately, she and one of her children were sick this week, and to make sure we got this episode out on time, she told us to go on without her especially because - *GASP* - she's not a fan of "The Golden Girls"! Never fear though! She'll be back next week! And to keep Anthony and Thom in check this week, the amazing Charlyn Lewis of "Fashion Speaks" joins the boys to discuss the four iconic older women and their Christmas celebrations! 

For those of you who want to follow along at home, the installments we discuss in this episode are:

- Season 2, Episode 11: 'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas

- Season 5, Episode 12: Have Yourself a Very Little Christmas

So take a journey with us to the Miami of the '80s as we fondly reminisce about this influential comedy in the same way Rose wistfully talks about St. Olaf and Sophia constantly pictures Sicily! And make sure to let us know what you think of this episode, these episodes of "The Golden Girls", and "The Golden Girls" in general on any of our social media pages, all of which you can access at https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com

In the meantime, settle in and enjoy this fun episode that's full of Christmas cheer and quotes galore! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! Or, perhaps more fittingly for this episode, "Thank You for Being a Friend"! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

269: Remember, Michael: The Real Happiness Of Christmas Is Not Found In What We Get, But What We Give. (”Bewitched” Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Happy March! And Happy start of Women's Month, officially!

To celebrate the occasion, this week, the elves are joined by Michele Kidwell to talk three of the four Christmas episodes of "Bewitched"! If you want to follow along at home, the episodes in question are:

 

  • Season 1, Episode Episode 15 - A Vision of Sugarplums 
  • Season 4, Episode 16 - Humbug Not to be Spoken Here
  • Season 6, Episode 14 - Santa Comes to Visit and Stays and Stays

Make sure to let us know what you think of this episode, and these episodes of "Bewitched" in addition to "Bewitched" in general, on any of our social media pages which you can easily access from our new Linktr.ee at the following link: https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com. And make sure to drop a video clip of yourself on any of our social media pages of you doing the Samantha nose wiggle!

In the meantime, settle in and enjoy this fun episode that’s full of Christmas Cheer. As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

268: You Have A Gift. You Have Power. And With Great Power, There Must Also Come Great Responsibility. (Spider-Man: No Way Home)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! More importantly, Happy "The Batman" week for all those that celebrate! And, *most* importantly,  Happy Final Day of February! Can you believe that, as of tomorrow, we're already in March? The year is flying! Were that much closer to the Ber Months!

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by two very special guests - Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas" and Chuck Mireles of "Just Another Friday Night" - to discuss the *very* festive and *very* Christmassy 2021 holiday film, "Spider-Man: No Way Home"! As Thom expresses incredulity that this movie somehow even made it onto the schedule in the first place, Julia, Anthony, Gerry, and Chuck gush over Marvel's latest - and arguably, *greatest* - installment in their long-running franchise. As always with films like this, however, the questions hanging over the episode are: is there enough Christmas within the movie to qualify it as a holiday film? And if not, how will it impact its final rating? To get the answers to those questions, you'll just have to tune in to find out! Side-Note: Julia is absent for the first 40 minutes of this nearly two hour episode. This is because she had nothing at all to contribute to the conversation for the first half of this. Once her commentary began to add to the discussion, we decided to put her back in. *Checks notes* Wait a minute...it wasn't supposed to be Julia's audio we cut! It was supposed to be Thom's! We're so sorry, everybody!

We kid, of course! It was merely due to issues with our recording software that we didn't realize until after the fact that Julia's audio wasn't being captured. But, she's still in over half of the episode! We just wanted to give you all a heads up as to why you don't hear her for the first 40 minutes or so! 

Anyway, make sure to let us know what you think of this episode, and this movie, on any of our social media pages which you can easily access from our new Linktr.ee at the following link: https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com.

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode that’s full of geeky discourse and Christmas Cheer, despite the content that's being covered. As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

267: You’re The Worst Fake Boyfriend! (Single All The Way)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

This week, the elves talk their favorite Super Bowl LVI commercials, trailers for upcoming movies, and the 2021 Netflix movie "Single All The Way" which was not to everyone's liking. What were the issues they had with it? And what did they think worked about the film? You'll have to tune in to find out!

And make sure to get excited, because next week starts 5 weeks worth of guest stars! Kicking it off? Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" and Chuck Mireles of "Just Another Friday Night" to discuss the extraordinarily festive Christmas movie (at least by Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter" standards), "Spider-Man: No Way Home"! After that? Well, March is International Women's Month! So, in addition to celebrating everybody's favorite elf - Julia - all month long, we've also lined up four weeks worth of Christmas content that's led by strong women which we will discuss with four strong women who listeners know and love that will be joining us! So, plenty to look forward to coming up! (Including the return of Patreon content! Just like last year, we took the beginning of the year off to recoup from the holidays, but the bonus episodes are roaring back beginning in March so stay tuned for more details on that!)

In the meantime, enjoy this fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🚂 🔔 🦉 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

266: How About You Forget About ”Perfect” And Instead Embrace Each Day That This Life Grants You? (Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Valentine's Day! 

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony dive deep into the 2021, Made-For-TV film, "Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas" - which served as the series finale for the short-lived television show, "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist"! This one took all three elves by surprise - not only by being so quirky and witty, but also by the surprisingly powerful way it dealt with the topic of grief against the backdrop of the holidays!

Having never seen the show, however, all three hosts had some questions regarding character history and how exactly Zoey's powers work! So if you're a fan of the TV show, fill us in with some context and let us know what you thought of this film, on any of our social media pages, which you can easily access from our new Linktr.ee at the following link: https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com.

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode! Thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

265: What’s Christmas But A Time For Finding Yourself A Day Older And Not A Day Richer? (Scrooge 1970)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy February! We are that much closer to the Ber Months! 

It's been a minute, but this week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony once again cover an adaptation of Charles Dickens' iconic tale, "A Christmas Carol", this time in the form of the 1970 film "Scrooge", starring Albert Finney and Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Sir Alec Guinness. Unfortunately, there's something about this particular telling that doesn't quite connect with any of the elves. Listen as they dive deep into the choices made in this version of the tale and discuss what worked for them and what didn't. 

In addition, they answer another Question of the Week, this time posed by Mr. Ron Hogan (a.k.a. President Hotdog) of the always incredible "Film Strip Podcast"! He wrote to us asking: 

"I associate the movie "Elf" with "Tis The Podcast". If you could pick a movie for people to associate with the podcast, what would it be besides "Elf" and "Christmas Vacation"?

Let us know your answer to this question on any of our social media pages, which you can easily access from our new Linktr.ee at the following link: https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com.

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode that's full of passionate opinions and Christmas cheer, and – as always – thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

     
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Show notes

264: Over The River And Through The Woods, To Grandmother’s House We Go! (To Grandmother’s House We Go)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! 

This week is a milestone episode for "Tis the Podcast" as it's taken us nearly five years to cover anything with the Olsen twins in it! So journey with Julia, Thom, Anthony, Mary-Kate, and Ashley to Edgemont in order to visit Great-Grandma Mimi as they cover the 1992, made-for-TV classic(?), "To Grandmother's House We Go"! 

Also touched upon and discussed in this jam-packed episode: our anticipation for "The Batman"; HBO Max's/James Gunn's "Peacemaker" being the most streamed show *in the world* right now; Elizabeth Mitchell reprising her role as Mrs. Claus alongside Tim Allen's Santa in the upcoming Disney+ Limited Series; losing the original voice of Charlie Brown, Peter Robbins, to depression; Cancel Culture; the efforts of both Thom and Anthony to train their dogs; and much, much more - including two questions of the week!

1. With the announcements of "The Santa Clause" miniseries and the return of both Tim Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell to the project, the *official* sequel to "A Christmas Story" with Peter Billingsley reprising his role of Ralphie Parker also coming down the pike, and Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles of The Sanderson Sisters in "Hocus Pocus 2" this upcoming October, do we think Hollywood will try to get the original casts of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Elf" back for official sequels to those movies soon? And, if so, what are the odds the casts agree to them?

2. Courtesy of Mr. Steven Beech - a.k.a. Disco54 - "We've just gone through a couple of the worst Christmases in most people's living memory, really the worst since World War II. Has it made you reevaluate what Christmas is and should be, and if so, will you spend less or will you go harder on Christmas going forward?"

Let us know on any of our social media pages, which you can easily access from our new Linktr.ee at the following link: https://linktr.ee/TisThePodcast.com

Needless to say, this is one fun, jam-packed episode you want to be sure not to miss! So settle in and enjoy, and - as always - thanks for your love and support, y'all! We're looking forward to counting down 2022 to the next holiday season every week with all of you! (And make sure to take joy in the fact that we're already one month down already!) 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

 

Show notes

263: John, Darling, When You’re Kissing Me, Don’t Talk About Plumbing. (Christmas in Connecticut)

This week, the elves take a trip back in time to the Golden Age of Cinema to cover the 1945, post-WWII classic, "Christmas in Connecticut." They also veer off track a bit and talk about some icons we recently lost, what new shows they're hooked on, and some exciting announcements in the world of Christmas entertainment recently. All-in-all, this is quite a fun, uplifting episode you want to be sure not to miss!

Show notes

262: Just Because You Can’t See The Air Doesn’t Keep You From Breathing. And Just Because You Can’t See God Doesn’t Keep You From Believing. (The Preacher’s Wife)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! 

After a week off, the elves are back to brighten your new year by discussion the Denzel Washington/Whitney Houston holiday vehicle, "The Preacher's Wife"! What do you they think of it? Is it actually a Christmas movie or a movie set at Christmas? And how does it stack up compared to other films when it comes to "angel metaphysics"? To find out the answers to all of these questions, and much more, you'll have to tune in!

So, settle back with your favorite beverage, open those windows to let the cold air in, and pretend it's still the Christmas season, and enjoy this fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

261: Christmas Mornings Will Come Again. (A Boy Called Christmas)

2022 is in full swing, and the elves were excited to come together to discuss Netflix's 2021 original film, "A Boy Called Christmas". In this episode, they also dive into the film "Don't Look Up", television adaptation of Emily St. John Mandel's critically acclaimed novel, "Station Eleven", discuss the book of the same name that "A Boy Called Christmas" adapts, and debate whether the film is even a proper Christmas/holiday movie. 

Be sure to visit our social media to share your thoughts on this jam-packed, fun episode! You can find links to all of our social media pages at https://linktr.ee/tisthepodcast!

Show notes

259: Nintendo - A Maze Of Rubber Wiring And Electronic Intelligence So Advanced, It Was Deemed Not A Video Game But An 8-Bit Entertainment System. (8-Bit Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe this is the final episode of 2021 already? We can't! We hope you all had an amazing Christmas! And while those post-holiday blues are sure to be setting in soon as we begin our countdown to Christmas 2022, rest assured that we here at "Tis the Podcast" will be here to help you get through it! 

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" and listener/friend of the show, April Ryley, to discuss the HBO Max original holiday film, "8-Bit Christmas" based on the novel of the same name. As this movie essentially serves as a remake of the classic and beloved 1983 film, "A Christmas Story", lots of comparisons between the two films ensue - pitting the elves against one another. With Thom and Julia on one side of the divide, joined by Gerry D. in their dislike of "A Christmas Story", that leaves Anthony and April on the other side of the divide, sticking up for "A Christmas Story" and insisting this modern day retelling will never come close to touching its greatness. The differing opinions make for a fun and interesting discussion, which you'll just have to listen to in order to find out just how high or low this '80s nostalgia fest ranks on our list! So settle in with your favorite holiday drink and bask in the glow of your Christmas decorations, before they go away into storage for another year, and enjoy! 

Dropping in your feeds next Monday will be our episode in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss the Netflix original holiday movie, "A Boy Called Christmas" - based on the novel of the same name - and later that night, will be recording their episode on "The Preacher's Wife". So keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up! 

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

Show notes

260: Christmas Eve 2021 Story - John Updike’s ”The Twelve Terrors of Christmas”

Happy Christmas Eve, everybody! Can you believe tomorrow’s the big day and that Santa’s already set out on his annual trip!?

To celebrate the occasion, our newest episode, “Christmas Eve 2021 Story - John Updike’s ‘The Twelve Terrors of Christmas'” - in which the elves read Updike's playful tales as first published in "The New Yorker" back in December 1992 as their annual Christmas Eve gift to y’all - is now live! So settle back with your favorite drink beside your Christmas tree and enjoy! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! And make sure to check your feeds this upcoming Monday, December 27th, for our episode on HBO Max's original holiday film, "8-Bit Christmas", based on the book of the same name, in which Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" and April Ryley join us for our discussion! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Epilogue - Christmas All Over Again - As Read By Julia Colburn

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Christmas Eve Eve! Happy the Day Before the Night Before Christmas! Happy Christmas Adam! Happy Tibb's Eve! Happy Festivus! Happy December 23rd - whatever you want to call it! We are officially two days away from Christmas 2021! Can you believe that? Where has the time gone?  

This week’s final installment of "Another Christmas Story", the Epilogue entitled “Christmas All Over Again", will be read to you by the elf with the best voice - our very own Julia Colburn! We hope you like it! And we hope you enjoyed the entirety of "Another Christmas Story"! In honor of this final bonus Thursday episode, which rounds out his book, there are a few people Anthony wanted to thank for participating in this beautifully collaborative, year long effort:

  • His two cohosts, Thom and Julia, for not only letting him hijack the show once a week to release his story piecemeal, but also for contributing their voices and talents to helping him bring it to life.
  • His beloved wife, Sarah Houston, whom he loves dearly and who puts up with him and his crazy geeky, Batman, writing, Christmas, and political obsessions; she epitomizes that "Great Woman" that is behind every man. 
  • Rebecca Boll
  • Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas" 
  • April Ryley 
  • Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter"
  • Craig Brewer of "Weird Christmas"
  • Ron Hogan of "Film Strip Podcast"
  • Claude Bélanger of "Christmas Conversations"
  • Scarlett Alexandra of "NetfliXmas"  
  • Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House"
  • Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake"
  • Michele Kidwell of "Michelle's Cozy Mystery Book Club"
  • Nicole Little
  • Mclean Sloughter 
  • Charlyn Lewis of "Fashion Speaks"
  • Tim Babb of "Can't Wait for Christmas"
  • Steven Beech of "Uplifting House Sessions"
  • Jay Skipworth of "Film Strip Podcast"
  • Matt Eurich of "TGI Podcast"
  • Glen Warren of "Seasons Eatings"
  • Lauren Simone
  • Adam Parker Sibun of "Merry Britsmas"
  • Sean Sotka of "The Christmas Podcasts Podcast"
  • Robert Nickerson of "Behind the Bells"
  • Manny Torres of "Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad"
  • Kim Cooper of "Planning for Christmas"
  • Danielle and Jackie of "No More Late Fees"
  • Danielle Essary

And, of course, all of you listeners who turned in each and every Thursday from January to December to listen to this story and find out how it played out. We hope you enjoyed it! If you did, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to share this installment for a chance to win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark “Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament”!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, December 27th, we will be covering the brand new HBO Max Original Christmas Movie,  “8-Bit Christmas", on which we will be joined by Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" and April Ryley, who is making her long overdue return to the podcast! And, recording that same evening, the elves will be discussing the brand new Netflix original holiday movie, "A Boy Called Christmas" - based on the book of the same name! That episode will drop in your feeds on Monday, January 3rd! Before that, however, on Friday, December 24th - Christmas Eve 2021 - we'll be dropping our annual Christmas Eve bonus episode! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there’s lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

258: ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, And All Through The House, Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even A Mouse. (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe this is already our final official episode before Christmas day 2021 itself? How crazy is that? 

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony travel back to the world of Rankin/Bass to discuss the 1974, traditionally animated television special, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"! How does it stack up to all of the past Rankin/Bass specials they've covered? Is Santa as big a jerk in this one as he is in many of the previous ones? All of this, and much more, will be revealed in this episode so you'll just have to listen to find out! So settle back with your favorite drink beside your Christmas tree and enjoy! And please accept our apologies in advance regarding the audio in this specific episode - there were microphone problems and echo problems throughout the recording. We tried to fix as much of it as we could during the editing process, but it's not anywhere near the sound quality we'd like it to be. 

And if you want even more “Tis the Podcast“ content this week, make sure to check your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday, December 23rd - Christmas Eve Eve; Tibb's Eve; Festivus; The Day Before the Night Before Christmas; Christmas Adam; pick your poison! -  for the final installment of "Another Christmas Story": the Epilogue, entitled "Christmas All Over Again", which our very own, Julia Colburn, will be reading to y'all!  As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

257: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty-Six - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - As Read By Nicole Little

Happy Friday, Christmas fanatics! Sorry we're a day late with this forty-seventh official installment of "Another Christmas Story", but hey - we are one week from Christmas, so time has a habit of running away from us!   

This week’s second chapter, Chapter Forty-Six, entitled “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", will be read to you by published author, and listener of the show, Nicole Little! We hope you like it! If you do enjoy it, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to share this installment for a chance to win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark “Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament”!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, December 20th, we will be covering the 1974, animated Rankin/Bass special, “'Twas the Night Before Christmas”! And, that same night, we will be recording our episode on the brand new HBO Max Original Christmas Movie,  “8-Bit Christmas", on which we will be joined by Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" and April Ryley, who is making her long overdue return to the podcast! That episode will drop in your feeds on Monday, December 27th! Before that, however, on Thursday, December 23rd - Christmas Adam; Christmas Eve, Eve; Festivus; Tibb's Eve; the Day Before the Night Before Christmas; pick your poison - you'll get to hear the Epilogue of “Another Christmas Story”, which will be brought to y'all by our very own Julia Colburn! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there’s lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

256: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty-Five - The Christmas Song - As Read By Thom Crowe

Happy Tuesday, Christmas fanatics! Sorry we're a few days late with this forty-sixth official installment of "Another Christmas Story", but hey - we are less than two weeks from Christmas, so time has a habit of running away from us! And besides, it just means you get two installments this week, so silver linings, right?     

This week’s first chapter, Chapter Forty-Five, entitled “The Christmas Song”, will be read to you by our very own Thom Crowe! We hope you like it! If you do enjoy it, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to share this installment for a chance to win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark “Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament”!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, December 20th, we will be covering the 1974, animated Rankin/Bass special, “'Twas the Night Before Christmas”! And, that same night, we will be recording our episode on the brand new HBO Max Original Christmas Movie,  “8-Bit Christmas", on which we will be joined by Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" and April Ryley, who is making her long overdue return to the podcast! That episode will drop in your feeds on Monday, December 27th! Before that, however, on Thursday, December 16th, you’ll get to hear the final chapter of "Another Christmas Story", which will be read to you by professional author and listener of the show, Nicole Little, and on Thursday, December 23rd - Christmas Adam; Christmas Eve, Eve; Festivus; Tibb's Eve; the Day Before the Night Before Christmas; pick your poison - you'll get to hear the Epilogue of “Another Christmas Story”, which will be brought to y'all by our very own Julia Colburn! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there’s lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

255: I Tell My Cat Everything. What I Spend On Cat Food, I Save On Therapy. (The Nine Kittens of Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! There are just under two weeks to go until the big day! Can you believe that?

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the brand new, Hallmark original Christmas movie, "The Nine Kittens of Christmas" - the sequel to "The Nine Lives of Christmas", which they covered on the podcast a few years back! If you remember, they were all fond of that one, but lamented the lack of holiday atmosphere! Does its sequel make up for it? You'll have to listen to find out!

Also discussed in this episode: the various Advent activities the elves have been participating in this year in addition to personal stories about the various pets they've had over the years! This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss, so settle back with your favorite drink beside your Christmas tree and enjoy! 

And if you want even more “Tis the Podcast“ content this week, make sure to check your podcast feeds this upcoming Tuesday – December 14th - for Chapter Forty-Five of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “The Christmas Song”, which our very own Thom Crowe will be reading to you, in addition to this upcoming Thursday - December 16th - for Chapter Forty-Six of "Another Christmas Story" entitled "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", which professional author and listener of the show, Nicole Little, will be reading to you! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

254: Love Doesn‘t Have To Be Perfect. It Just Has To Be Honest. (Love Hard)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! 

This week, your favorite elves discuss the brand new, 2021, Netflix Original Holiday Film, "Love Hard"! And, in an astonishing twist of fate, this is the second week in a row where Julia, Thom, and Anthony all agree on the high quality of the film! How long can this streak last? You'll have to keep tuning in every Monday to find out!

Also discussed in this very fun episode: your hosts reveal how they spent Thanksgiving, and much, much more!

So, settle in with your favorite holiday beverage beside your Christmas tree, sit back, relax, and enjoy this fun episode! And if you want even more “Tis the Podcast“ content this week, make sure to check your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday – December 9th - make sure to check your feeds for Chapter Forty-Five of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “The Christmas Song”, which our very own Thom Crowe will be reading to you!

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

 

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty-Four - Away in a Manger - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy December officially! Welcome to the forty-fifth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”! Can you believe we're only a few short weeks away from the big day itself? Where has the time gone?

This week's incredibly long chapter, Chapter Forty-Four, entitled “Away in a Manger”, will be read to you by the author of this story himself, our very own Anthony Caruso! We hope you like it; it really does serve as the climax of the entire book. Everything prior has been leading up to this! So, if you do enjoy it, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to share this installment for a chance to win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark "Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament"!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, December 6th, we will be covering the brand new, Netflix original holiday film, "Love Hard"! And, that same night, we will be recording our episode on the brand new Hallmark Channel Original Christmas Movie,  "The Nine Kittens of Christmas", on which we will be joined by the always hysterical and amazing Tim Babb of "Can't Wait for Christmas"! That episode will drop in your feeds on Monday, December 13th! Before that, however, on Thursday, December 9th, you’ll get to hear one of the final three installments of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Forty-Five, which is entitled “The Christmas Song”, and which our very own Thom Crowe will be reading to y'all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty-Three - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - As Read By Mike Westfall Of ”Advent Calendar House”

Happy Friday, Christmas fanatics - Black Friday, to be exact! And welcome to the forty-forth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”! We hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving with your loved ones and are enjoying a lovely long weekend!

This week's chapter, Chapter Forty-Three, entitled “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, will be read to you by the always amazing and talented Mike Westfall, of "Advent Calendar House", who has instilled this installment with awesome voices and fun sound effects that really enhance the story!  We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! (And stay tuned through the end of the episode for some funny bloopers from Mike's recording!) In addition, make sure to share this installment for a chance to win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark "Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament"!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, November 29th, we will be covering the 2003, family holiday movie, "Eloise at Christmastime"! And, that same night, we will be recording our episode on the brand new, Netflix holiday film, "Love Hard", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, December 6th! Before that, however, on Thursday, December 2nd, you’ll get to hear Chapter Forty-Four of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Away in a Manger”, which the author of this story himself - our very own Anthony Caruso - will be reading to y'all! Trust us when we say it's one chapter you want to be sure not to miss, because it's really the climax of the entire book - everything's been leading up to it! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! And, once again, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the rest of your long weekend! We're thankful for all of you! 🍂🦃🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

252: Freeform‘s Original Thanksgiving Movie, ”Turkey Drop”! (2019)

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! We hope you're having an amazing day celebrating with your loved ones and, amongst the parades, the football, and the food, reflecting on what you're truly grateful for in your lives!

As a special Thanksgiving treat from us to you, our once Patreon-exclusive episode in which we cover the Freeform Original Thanksgiving movie, "Turkey Drop", is now live for you all to enjoy! Make sure to let us know what you think in the comments below! And please don’t forget to like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, share our pages (including our Facebook Group that you should join, in which listeners can interact, discuss, debate, and post about their favorite Christmas movies, television specials, music, traditions, and holiday content), and leave us a review on iTunes if you haven’t already. (You’ll get one of our brand new, Tis the Podcast stickers if you leave us a review!) All of this will help new listeners find us, and help us to spread the Christmas cheer 365 days per year! And if you want even more “Tis the Podcast“ this long holiday weekend, make sure to check your podcast feeds tomorrow, November 26th - Black Friday - to hear Chapter Forty-Three of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, which the amazing Mike Westfall of the always awesome "Advent Calendar House" will be reading to you! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! Again, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with all of your loved ones and remember that we here at "Tis the Podcast" are thankful for each and every one of you! 🍂🦃🥧🍽️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

 

Show notes

251: Ugh! This Is Garbage! I Don‘t Know Why They Are Always Trying To Remake The Classics! (Home Sweet Home Alone)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe it's already the week of Thanksgiving here in America? Time is flying!

As a special holiday treat for our listeners, please enjoy our hotly anticipated "Home Sweet Home Alone" episode! In a rare alliance, Anthony and Julia find themselves on the same side of the divide during this discussion, with both of them disliking this new original movie from Disney +, while Thom does his best to defend it as he self-medicates with a seasonal Rogue Ale called Santa's Private Reserve, which he highly recommends! What does everyone's favorite contrarian like about this film? What does everyones favorite Pollyanna not like? And why does everyone's favorite New York Christmas podcaster think this film is the embodiment of modern day Disney Studios' creative bankruptcy? You'll just have to listen to find out!

Also discussed in this very enjoyable episode: spy videos from the set of Disney +'s highlight anticipated, long-awaited sequel, "Hocus Pocus 2"; the new trailer for the MCU's latest installment, "Spider-Man: No Way Home"; each of the elves' Thanksgiving plans; and much, much more!

So, settle in with your favorite holiday beverage beside your Christmas tree, sit back, relax, and enjoy this fun episode!

And if you want even more “Tis the Podcast“, make sure to check your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday – November 26th – to hear a special Thanksgiving bonus episode: the once Patreon-exclusive discussion about Freeform's original holiday film, "Turkey Drop"! And, on Black Friday - November 27th - make sure to check your feeds for Chapter Forty-Three of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, which the amazing Mike Westfall of the always awesome "Advent Calendar House" will be reading to you!

As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! We hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones and remember that we are thankful for each and every one of you! 🍂🦃🥧🍽️🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

 

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty-Two - It‘s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Saturday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the forty-third official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

This week's chapter, Chapter Forty-Two, entitled “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, will be read to you by the author of our story himself, our very own Anthony Caruso! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to share this installment for a chance to win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark "Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament"!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, November 22nd, we will be covering the brand new Disney + original movie, "Home Sweet Home Alone"! And already recorded and in the bag is our episode on the 2003, family holiday movie, "Eloise at Christmastime", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, November 29th! Meanwhile, later that same night, we will be recording our episode on the brand new, Netflix holiday film, "Love Hard", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, December 6th!

Before that, however, on Friday, November 26th - Black Friday - you’ll get to hear Chapter Forty-Three of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, which Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House" will be reading to y'all! Why is it coming a day later than when new chapters normally drop? Because on Thursday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Day - we will be dropping a once Patreon exclusive in which we discuss the Freeform original film, "Turkey Drop"! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! And have a very Happy Thanksgiving! We're thankful for all of you! 🍂🦃🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

250: Sometimes What We Want Is Not What We Need. (Next Stop, Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Sorry this episode is dropping a few hours late - we had some technical difficulties with one of our audio tracks! But, we're hoping this is still early enough where we can make your Monday!

Can you believe we're already halfway through November as of today? To celebrate the occasion, we are covering the brand new, 2021 original Hallmark film, "Next Stop, Christmas" which features Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson! As we're all aware, Hallmark films are very hit or miss for our elves, and they all tend to like different ones. So how exactly does this one fare? You'll have to tune in to find out the answer to this question and hear much more interesting discussion related to things besides the movie itself!

So, settle in with your favorite holiday-themed beverage, kick back, and enjoy this fun episode! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty-One - Christmas in Hollis - As Read By Danielle Essary

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the forty-second official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

This week's chapter, Chapter Forty-One, entitled “Christmas in Hollis”, will be read to you by listener Danielle Essary! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to listen to the entire episode to hear us launch a new contest and find out how you can win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark "Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament"!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, November 15th, we will be covering the brand new Hallmark Original Christmas Movie, "Next Stop, Christmas"! And later that same night, we will be recording our episode on the 2003, family holiday movie, "Eloise at Christmastime" with Kim Cooper of "Planning For Christmas", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, November 29th! Meanwhile, on Tuesday, November 16th, we will be recording our episode on the brand new, Disney + sequel that nobody asked for, "Home Sweet Home Alone", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, November 22nd!

Before that, however, on Thursday, November 18th, you’ll get to hear Chapter Forty-Two of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, which Holli Cuomo of "NetfliXmas" will be reading to y'all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

249: To The Family We‘re Born With, And To The Family We Make Along The Way. And, Most Importantly, To Richmond! (Ted Lasso)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Now that we're officially in the most wonderful time of the year, we hope that you're knee deep in preparing for Christmas - planning your menus and wrapping your gifts in your fully decorated home while watch holiday films on TV!

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Claude Bélanger - formerly of "Christmas Conversations" - to discuss one of the most heartwarmingly perfect Christmas episodes of a television show that any of them have ever seen: Season 2, Episode 4 of Apple's hit television show, "Ted Lasso" entitled "Carol of the Bells"! In what is one of their favorite episodes of the podcast to date, listen as the four gush over this hilarious series, lavish praise on the talented cast and the entertaining characters they bring to life, commend its incredible writing, and throw around quotes galore! In addition, they talk about how they each individually spent Halloween, delve into a conversation about mental health, and reveal what movies and television specials they like to watch on Thanksgiving to celebrate Turkey Day!

So, settle down in front of the glow of your Christmas tree with your favorite, just-returned holiday drink from Starbucks in this year's Red Cup, and enjoy this extraordinarily festive episode we can guarantee you that you will not want to miss! 

And if you want even more “Tis the Podcast“, make sure to check your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday - November 11th - to hear Chapter Forty-One of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Christmas in Hollis", which listener Danielle Essary will be reading to you! 

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

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Forty - Silent Night - As Read By Sarah Houston

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the forty-first official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

This week's chapter, Chapter Forty, entitled “Silent Night”, will be read to you by Sarah Houston - the incredibly amazing wife of our very own Anthony Caruso! (Behind every strong man is a better and stronger woman, and this marriage is proof!) We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to listen to the entire episode to hear us launch a new contest and find out how you can win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark "Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament"!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, November 8th, we will be covering Season 2, Episode 4 of "Ted Lasso" entitled "Carol of the Bells" with guest, C.J. Bélanger! And later that same night, we will be recording our episode on the brand new, 2021 Hallmark Original Christmas Movie, "Next Stop, Christmas", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, November 15th!

Before that, however, on Thursday, November 11th, you’ll get to hear Chapter Forty-One of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Christmas in Hollis”, which listener Danielle Essary will be reading to y'all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

248: Santa, You Will Never Return To Earth, You Belong To Mars Now. (Santa Conquers the Martians)

Happy November, Christmas fanatics! With spooky month behind us, we are in full-on Christmas mode here at "Tis the Podcast" workshop! This week, the elves subjected themselves to the 1964 comedy(?) "Santa Conquers the Martians"! No spoilers here, but the length of the episode may allude to how they felt. 

Sit back with your favorite holiday beverage, turn on the sleeping spray, and drift off to paradise with the Ladies' Choice winners of the Christmas Podcast Awards! 

Show notes

247: I‘m The Ghost With The Most, Babe! (Beetlejuice)

Happy Halloween, Christmas Fanatics! We couldn't let Spooky Season 2021 come to an end without one final Halloween-themed episode for you! So, travel back in time with us and enjoy this once Patreon-exclusive episode in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss the iconic, 1988 film, "Beetlejuice"! 

How does this movie hold up over thirty years later? Is Michael Keaton's portrayal of the infamous bioexorcist a work of genius or just plain annoying? All of the questions, and more, are answered in this fun discussion! So settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes, enjoy, and get excited - because we are officially in the Christmas season as of midnight tonight! 

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-Nine - Santa Baby - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the fortieth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

This week's chapter, Chapter Thirty-Nine, entitled “Santa Baby”, will be read to you by the author of this holiday tale himself, our very own Anthony Caruso! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! In addition, make sure to listen to the entire episode to hear us launch a new contest and find out how you can win a brand new, 2021 Hallmark "Stocking Stuffers Special Edition Keepsake Ornament"! 

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, November 1st, we will be covering the infamous film, “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”! And later that same night, we will be recording our episode on Season 2, Episode 4 of the hit show, "Ted Lasso", entitled, "Carol of the Bells", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, November 8th! Before that, however, on Thursday, November 4th, you’ll get to hear Chapter Forty of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Silent Night”, which Anthony's wife, Sarah, will be reading to y'all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-Eight - Please Come Home For Christmas - As Read By Danielle And Jackie Of ”No More Late Fees”

Happy Wednesday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-ninth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”! 

In this installment, the amazing Danielle and Jackie of "No More Late Fees" will read to y'all Chapter Thirty-Eight of our tale entitled, "Please Come Home For Christmas"! Full disclosure, we fully meant to drop this one last week - Anthony had recorded the intro. and outro. for this episode prior to going on vacation, and Danielle and Jackie had gotten their recording to him in plenty of time to edit and put it all together, but while on vacation, time just got away from the Christmas Podcast Network's resident New Yorker and it never got posted last week. So, as such, there's no reference in the episode to this chapter dropping late or us actually being closer to Christmas than the countdown mentions at the end! But no matter, we hope you still enjoy it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, November 1st, we will be dropping our episode covering the infamous film, “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”! And dropping in your feeds on Monday, November 8th, we'll be dropping our episode in which we discuss Season 2, Episode 4 of "Ted Lasso" entitled "Carol of the Bells"!  Meanwhile, tomorrow - on Thursday, October 29th - you'll get this week's official installment of “Another Christmas Story”, Chapter Thirty-Nine entitled “Santa Baby”, which will be brought to life for you by the author of the book himself, our very own Anthony! (That's right - you're getting two chapters of the book this week! There are perks of missing a week!) So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

246: Look, There Is The Boogeyman Outside! (Halloween 1978)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe we've already reached the official final installment of 2021's Spooky Month? We sure as heck can't! Nevertheless, we planned all along on going out with a bang! So, to celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by the always awesome and insanely knowledgeable Jay Skipworth of the extraordinarily fun, "Film Strip Podcast" to discuss the iconic, 1978, John Carpenter film, "Halloween"! Join the four of us as we take a deep dive into the cult classic and explore the impact that Carpenter, the film franchise he spawned, and the boogeyman himself - Michael Myers - have had on the film industry today, and help us bid Halloween adieu as we creep ever closer to November and the official start of the Christmas season! This is one fun and fascinating episode you want to be sure not to miss - especially if you're a fan of horror films and slasher films! So don your sweaters, grab your pumpkin spice lattes, take a stroll down the leafy streets of Haddonfield with us, and enjoy this fun episode! 

Show notes

245: Halloween Is My Kind Of A Holiday! (Garfield‘s Halloween Adventure)

And we're back with another special "Spooky Month" edition of "Tis the Podcast"! Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they take a trip down memory lane to discuss an '80's classic that has a lot of nostalgia for people of their generation - "Garfield's Halloween Adventure"! Does this tale of our favorite lasagna-loving cat and his big-hearted dog brother stand the test of time? How does it compare to the iconic "A Garfield Christmas", which all of the elves adored? You'll have to tune in to find out! So settle back with your pumpkin spiced latte in front of an open window to let in that cool Autumn breeze and enjoy this episode which is fun for the whole family! And remember - keep it Spooky! 

 

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-Seven - Fairytale of New York - As Read By Kim Cooper Of ”Planning For Christmas” And Thom Crowe

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-eighth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

Due to some unforeseen scheduling confusion last week, this week's installment of our tale, Chapter Thirty-Seven, entitled, "Fairytale of New York", will be read to you by Kim Cooper of "Planning For Christmas" and "Tis the Podcast's" very own Thom Crowe! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, October 18th, we will be continuing our journey through Spooky Month by covering the beloved, 1985 cartoon, “Garfield's Halloween Adventure”! And dropping in your feeds on Monday, October 25th, will an episode we're recording on Wednesday, October 13th, in which we will be joined by Jay Skipworth of "Film Strip Podcast" to talk about the iconic, 1978 horror film, "Halloween"! Meanwhile, on Thursday, October 21st, you'll get to hear Chapter Thirty-Eight of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Please Come Home For Christmas”, which will be brought to life for you by the amazing duo, Jackie and Danielle, of "No More Late Fees"! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-Six - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - As Read By Matt Spaulding Of ”2 Broke Geeks”, ”The F.B.I.‘s Most Unwanted”, and ”Green Mountain Santa”

Happy Tuesday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-seventh official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

Due to some unforeseen scheduling confusion last week, this episode is a few days late - so apologies for that! In addition, this installment will not be read by our very own Thom Crowe. Instead, it will be read by Matt Spaulding of "2 Broke Geeks", "The F.B.I.'s Most Unwanted", and "Green Mountain Santa", who brings to life this installment of our tale: Chapter Thirty-Six, entitled, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, October 18th, we will be continuing our journey through Spooky Month by covering the beloved, 1985 cartoon, “Garfield's Halloween Adventure”! And dropping in your feeds on Monday, October 25th, will an episode we're recording on Wednesday, October 13th, in which we will be joined by Ron Hogan (a.k.a. PresidentHotdog) and Jay Skipworth of "Film Strip Podcast" to talk about the iconic, 1978 horror film, "Halloween"! Meanwhile, this upcoming Thursday, October 14th (which just so happens to be the birthday of Anthony's mom, so Happy Birthday to her!), you'll get to hear Chapter Thirty-Seven of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Fairytale of New York”, which - due to some confusion with the schedule - will be brought to life for you by both Kim Cooper of "Planning for Christmas" and our very own Thom Crowe! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

244: What‘s Your Favorite Scary Movie? (Scream)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day and, to our Canadian friends and family, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they continue their journey through Spooky Season by traveling back in time to the fictional town of Woodsboro, California - 1996 - to cover the satirical-horror film, "Scream"! While this is one of Anthony's favorite movies of all time, Thom hasn't seen it since it came out and Julia has never seen it in full despite it being such a cultural zeitgeist! What do our two Oklahomans think of it? Does it stand the test of time or is it outdated? And did the film set out to fulfill its mission of not only deconstructing the most iconic scary movies that everybody knows, but also becoming one of the greats itself? Tune in to find out the answers to all of these questions and much, much more in this fun episode full of well-researched (for once!) trivia and a wide-ranging discussion! Also in this episode, the elves read listener feedback regarding the following questions:

  • 1. Who would you cast in a "Sesame Street" version of "A Christmas Carol"?
  • 2. What is the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
  • 3. What are the "rules" to survive an episode of "Tis the Podcast"?

So, settle in with your favorite Autumn-flavored drink, open those windows to let in that Fall breeze, and enjoy! This is one spooky episode you want to be sure not to miss! And if you want even more "Tis the Podcast", check your podcast feeds this upcoming Tuesday (tomorrow!) to hear Chapter Thirty-Six of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, which Matt Spaulding of "2 Broke Geeks", "The F.B.I.'s Most Unwanted", and "Green Mountain Santa" will be reading to you! The delay comes after a bit of confusion in which both our very own Thom and Kim Cooper, of "Planning for Christmas" both ended up reading Chapter Thirty-Seven, so Chapter Thirty-Six wasn't ready to release next week as it wasn't recorded! Never fear though, in addition to Chapter Thirty-Six dropping tomorrow, check your feeds this upcoming Thursday to hear a mash-up of both Thom and Kim reading Chapter Thirty-Seven of our tale, entitled, "Fairytale of New York"! Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

243: Being Normal Is Vastly Overrated. (Halloweentown)

Happy October. Christmas Fanatics! This month is spooky month here at "Tis the Podcast" - a month where, due to popular demand, the elves are taking a break from Christmas films and diving into Halloween ones! To celebrate the occasion, we're kicking it all off with the beloved, 1998, Disney Channel Original movie, "Halloweentown."

Join Thom, Julia, and Anthony as they travel to the other realm and see if the famed Cromwell witches can save the citizens of Halloweentown from a growing darkness! So open those windows to let in that Autumn air, settle back with your favorite pumpkin flavored drink, and enjoy this fun-filled episode! And get excited, because next week, your hosts will be travelling back in time to the '90s to pay a visit to Woodsboro, California when they cover the iconic, ‘90s satirical horror film, "Scream"!

And if you want even more "Tis the Podcast", check your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday to hear Chapter Thirty-Six of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, which everyone’s favorite Christmas Podcast Network heel, Mr. Thom Crowe, will read to y’all! Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story‘ - Chapter Thirty-Five - Baby, It‘s Cold Outside - As Read By Kendall Farrae Of ”For Forks Sake”

Happy Friday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy October 1st! Welcome to the thirty-sixth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

In this week’s episode, the Queen of Spooky Season Patreon Content  – Ms. Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake" – will read to all of you Chapter Thirty-Five of our tale, entitled “Baby, It's Cold Outside”! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, October 4th, we will be kicking off Spooky Month with our first official Halloween episode of the year, in which we discuss the Disney Channel Original classic, “Halloweentown”! And later that same night, we will be recording our episode on the 1996, iconic ‘90s satirical horror film, "Scream", which will drop in your feeds on Monday, October 11th! Before that, however, on Thursday, September 7th, you’ll get to hear Chapter Thirty-Six of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, which everyone’s favorite Christmas Podcast Network heel, Mr. Thom Crowe, will read to y’all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

242: The World Is Bright And Gleaming, It‘s A Wondrous Time Of Year; When The Lights Of The Season, Shine On Us All, And Holiday Time Is Here. (Once Upon A Sesame Street Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics!

Travel with Julia, Thom, and Anthony to the Sesame Street of yesteryear to discover the origins of its sunny disposition and learn why we leave cookies out for Santa Claus in the 2016, HBO/PBS Special, "Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas"! As per usual when the muppets are discussed on this show, there's a lot of gushing from all three hosts over the wholesome, family-friendly content! Also discussed in this episode: The newest addition to this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; the band trip to Ireland that Julia's kids will be taking; casting the "Sesame Street" version of Charles' Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; the choosing of the hosts "Spirit Muppets"; and much, much, more! This is one fun, holiday-cheer-filled episode you want to be sure not to miss! So settle in with your Pumpkin Spiced Latte, enjoy, and get excited - for we are officially entering October, which means we'll be taking a break from Christmas content for a month and diving into Spooky fare. First up next week, Disney's made-for-TV classic, "Halloweentown"!  As always, thanks for your support, everybody! And keep your eye on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for Chapter Thirty-Five of "Another Christmas Story", which will be read to by the queen of Patreon, Ms. Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake"! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story‘ - Chapter Thirty-Four - The Little Drummer Boy - As Read By Gerry Davila Of ”Totally Rad Christmas”

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-fifth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

In this week’s episode, everybody’s favorite unofficial fourth elf  – Mr. Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas" – will read to all of you Chapter Thirty-Four of our tale, entitled “The Little Drummer Boy”! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, September 27th, we will be dropping our episode in which we discuss the 2016, HBO/PBS joint-production, "Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas" ! And this upcoming Tuesday, September 28th - due to overwhelming popular demand - we will be kicking off Spooky month, in which we will be taking a break from recording episodes covering Christmas movies to cover Halloween films, by recording our episode on the classic, Disney, made-for-TV movie, “Halloweentown” which will drop in your feeds on Monday, October 4th! Before that, however, on Thursday, September 30th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 35 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Baby, It's Cold Outside”, which Patreon Queen Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake" will be reading to you! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there’s lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

241: California Christmastime - It‘s Just A Golden State Of Mind! (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

This week, join Anthony, Thom, and Julia as they travel to West Covina, California to cover the one Christmas episode of the CW's musical-comedy show, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" - Season One, Episode Eight: My Mom, Greg's Mom and Josh's Sweet Dance Moves! 

Also discussed this episode: Thom's Birthday, the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the Broadway musical, "Come From Away", the first few episodes of FX's adaptation of "Y: The Last Man", and much, much more! Also, stay tuned through the end of the episode when another Christmas Podcast host interrupts the proceedings with an announcement!

This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss! So settle in with your favorite pumpkin flavored drink and enjoy! Also, if you want more "Tis the Podcast" goodness, make sure to keep your eye on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for Chapter Thirty-Four of "Another Christmas Story", which will be read to y'all by the unofficial fourth elf of the show, Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas"! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-Three - I‘ll Be Home For Christmas - As Read By Julia Colburn

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-fourth official installment of “Another Christmas Story”!

In this week’s episode, everybody’s favorite elf – our very own Julia Colburn – will read to all of you Chapter Thirty-Three of our tale, entitled “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming September 20th we will be dropping our episode in which we discuss the Christmas episode of the musical-comedy show, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” – Season 1, Episode 8, “My Mom, Greg’s Mom and Josh’s Sweet Dance Moves!” ! And this upcoming Tuesday, September 21st, we will be recording our episode on the 2016 film, “Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas” which will drop in your feeds on Monday, September 27th! Before that, however, on Thursday, September 23rd, you’ll get to hear Chapter 34 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “The Little Drummer Boy”, which the unofficial fourth elf of “Tis the Podcast” – Gerry Davila of “Totally Rad Christmas“– will be reading to you! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there’s lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y’all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

240: Happy Blooming Christmas! (Father Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! 

In this week's episode, Julia, Thom, and Anthony hop a plane across the pond to cover the 1991, British-animated holiday special, "Father Christmas" - based on the book by Raymond Briggs. Does this cartoon do more for Anthony and Thom than "The Snowman" did? Does Julia, who is normally the most kind to these foreign specials, find her heart warmed by the most curmudgeonly Santa covered since perhaps Ed Asner's in "Elf"? Tune in to find out the answers to these questions, in addition to much more random discussion, in this fun, festive episode that will give you all of the Ber Month feels!      

And if you want more "Tis the Podcast" goodness, make sure to check your feeds this upcoming Thursday, September 16th, to hear Chapter 33 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “I'll be Home for Christmas”, which everybody's favorite elf, Julia Colburn herself, will be reading to you! Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔 🚂🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-Two - No Place Like Home For The Holidays - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-second official installment of "Another Christmas Story"! In this week's official episode, our very own Anthony Caruso - the author of the story himself! -  will read to all of you Chapter Thirty-Two of our tale, entitled "No Place Like Home For The Holidays"! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! 

Coming up on the show this upcoming September 13th we will be dropping our episode in which we discuss the 1991, British Cartoon, “Father Christmas”! And this upcoming Tuesday, September 14th, we will be recording our episode on the eighth episode of the first season of the 2015 musical-comedy-show, “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” entitled “My Mom, Greg’s Mom, and Josh’s Sweet Dance Moves!” which will drop in your feeds on Monday, September 20th! Before that, however, on Thursday, September 16th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 33 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, which the elf with the best voice – everyone’s favorite, Julia – will be reading to you! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up! Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

239: Well For One, It Falls Under Naughty! (ABC Family‘s ”Snow”)

Happy Labor Day, Christmas freaks - and happy birthday to Anthony's wife, Sarah! We are officially in the Ber months! This week the elves visit San Ernesto, California for ABC Family's 2004 movie "Snow"! A new take on the Santa with its own origin story, this movie focuses on Santa tracking down his lost reindeer. The elves delve into the difference between ABC Family (now Freeform) and Hallmark, Santa origin stories, and the Christmas feels that this film elicits. Also, Anthony needs your help with his family Halloween costume ideas!

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty-One - Do You Hear What I Hear? - As Read By Art Kilmer Of ”A Cozy Christmas Podcast”

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-second official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

In this week's official episode,  Art Kilmer of "A Cozy Christmas Podcast" will read to all of you Chapter Thirty-One of our tale, entitled "Do You Hear What I Hear?" We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! And make sure to check your feeds today for last week's official installment of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Thirty, entitled "O Come, All Ye Faithful", as read by listener Rebecca Boll! (Hopefully you already saw it and listened to that one first, as it precedes this one!)

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, Labor Day, September 6th – which just so happens to be Anthony's wife Sarah’s Birthday, so happy birthday in advance to her! -  we will be dropping our episode in which we discuss the ABC Family original Movie, "Snow"! And this upcoming Tuesday, September 7th, we will be recording our episode on the 1991, British Cartoon, “Father Christmas”, which will drop in your feeds on Monday, September 13th! Before that, however, on Thursday, September 9th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 32 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “No Place Like Home For The Holidays”, which the author of the story himself will be reading to y’all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y'all!    

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Thirty - O Come, All Ye Faithful - As Read By Rebecca Boll

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirty-first official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

In what was supposed to be last week's episode,  listener Rebecca Boll will read to all of you Chapter Thirty of our tale, entitled "O Come, All Ye Faithful". We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! And make sure to check your feeds today for this week's official installment of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Thirty-One, entitled "Do You Hear What I Hear?", as read by Art Kilmer of "A Cozy Christmas Podcast"! (That's right - there are perks to missing a week! This week, you get two chapters!)

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, Labor Day, September 6th – which just so happens to be Anthony's wife Sarah’s Birthday, so happy birthday in advance to her! -  we will be dropping our episode in which we discuss the ABC Family original Movie, "Snow"! And this upcoming Tuesday, September 7th, we will be recording our episode on the 1991, British Cartoon, “Father Christmas”, which will drop in your feeds on Monday, September 13th! Before that, however, on Thursday, September 9th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 32 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “No Place Like Home For The Holidays”, which the author of the story himself will be reading to y’all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y'all!    

Show notes

238: She Made Them Come Together So They Would Be There For One Another. (The Best Man Holiday)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe we are already at the end of August? We are officially only one day away from the most wonderful time of the year - the Ber Months! How exciting is that? To celebrate the end of the month, join the elves and special guest host - and OG listener - Charlyn Lewis of Fashion Speaks as they discuss the 2013 film, The Best Man Holiday! It's a fun filled episode filled with plenty of backstory on the original film, courtesy of Charlyn, so settle in and enjoy!

Show notes

237: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Robin Laid An Egg; The Batmobile Lost A Wheel, And The Joker Got Away! (The Christmas Episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Justice League")

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you're enjoying the return of your favorite Fall flavored drinks at Dunkin' and are looking forward to the return of those Autumn-y treats at Starbucks later this week!

In this week's episode, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by not one, not two, but three special guests to discuss the (2) Christmas episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series", the (1) Christmas episode of "The New Adventures of Batman", and the (1) Christmas episode of "Justice League"! Joining them to geek out over the Caped Crusader are Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas", Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House Podcast", and Matt Spaulding of GreenMountainSanta.com and cohost of two podcasts, "Two Broke Geeks" and "The F.B.I.'s Most Unwanted"! If you want to follow along at home, the episodes discussed are:

  • "Batman: The Animated Series" - Season 1, Episode 2: "Christmas with the Joker"
  • "Batman: The Animated Series" - Season 2, Episode 2: "A Bullet for Bullock"
  • "The New Batman Adventures" - Season 1, Episode 1: "Holiday Knights"
  • "Justice League" - Season 2, Episode 23: "Comfort and Joy"

This is one fun, lighthearted, nerdy episodes full of musical interludes you do not want to miss! So, settle back with those Pumpkin Spice Lattes and enjoy! And if you want more "Tis the Podcast" goodness, make sure to check your feeds this upcoming Thursday, August 26th, to hear Chapter 30 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, which listener Rebecca Boll will be reading to you! Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

236: The Start Is Not Nearly As Important As The Finish. (Last Holiday)

In this week's episode, which is obviously coming to you a little late (thanks Thom, you're the worst!), the elves cover the 2006 romantic comedy, "Last Christmas", starring Queen Latifah. Though the topic is somewhat morose, the film and the elves discuss it with a lot of light-hearted humor. Tune in for a not-so-Christmassy, Christmas laugh!

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Nine - Run Rudolph Run - As Read By Manny Torres Of "Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-ninth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"! In this week's official episode, Manny Torres of "Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad" - which is celebrating its anniversary! - will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Nine of our tale, entitled "Run Rudolph Run". Within this chapter, we catch up with Hudson Jackson in addition to Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke. We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, August 23rd, we will be joined by not one, not two, but three special guests to discuss the (2) Christmas episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series", the (1) Christmas episode of "The New Adventures of Batman", and the (1) Christmas episode of "Justice League"! Joining them to geek out over the Caped Crusader are Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas", Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House Podcast", and Matt Spaulding of GreenMountainSanta.com and cohost of two podcasts, "Two Broke Geeks" and "The F.B.I.'s Most Unwanted"! If you want to follow along at home, the episodes we will be discussing are:

  • "Batman: The Animated Series" - Season 1, Episode 2: "Christmas with the Joker"
  • "Batman: The Animated Series" - Season 2, Episode 2: "A Bullet for Bullock"
  • "The New Batman Adventures" - Season 1, Episode 1: "Holiday Knights"
  • "Justice League" - Season 2, Episode 23: "Comfort and Joy"

And this upcoming Tuesday, August 24th, we will be joined by Charlyn Lewis of "Fashion Speaks" to discuss the film "The Best Man Holiday"! Before that drops in your feeds on Monday, August 30th, however, on Thursday, August 26th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 30 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Run Rudolph Run”, which listener Rebecca Boll will be reading to you! Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: ”Another Christmas Story” - Chapter Twenty-Eight - The First Noel - As Read By Robert Nickerson Of ”Behind the Bells”

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-ninth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

In this week's official episode, Robert Nickerson of "Behind the Bells" will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Eight of our tale, entitled "The First Noel". Within this chapter, we switch points-of-view between Aaron Rankin and his classmates rehearsing for their big show at Radio City Music Hall, and Megan, Jake, and Amy, who are hopeful that the stranger named Gabe can get them through Elsa's storm and to the Music Hall in time for Aaron's performance. We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, August 16th, we will be dropping our episode in which we discuss the 2006 film, "Last Holiday"! And on Tuesday, August 17th, the elves will be joined by not one, not two, but three special guests to discuss the (2) Christmas episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series", the (1) Christmas episode of "The New Adventures of Batman", and the (1) Christmas episode of "Justice League"! Joining them to geek out over the Caped Crusader are Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas", Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House Podcast", and Matt Spaulding of GreenMountainSanta.com and cohost of two podcasts, "Two Broke Geeks" and "The F.B.I.'s Most Wanted"! If you want to follow along and watch at home, the episodes they will be talking about are:

  • "Batman: The Animated Series" - Season 1, Episode 2: "Christmas with the Joker"
  • "Batman: The Animated Series" - Season 2, Episode 2: "A Bullet for Bullock"
  • "The New Batman Adventures" - Season 1, Episode 1: "Holiday Knights"
  • "Justice League" - Season 2, Episode 23: "Comfort and Joy"

Needless to say, it's sure to be an extremely fun, if crowded, episode full of holiday cheer and gushing over the Dark Knight. Before that drops in your feeds on Monday, August 23rd, however, on Thursday, August 19th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 29 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Run Rudolph Run”, which Manny Torres of “Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad” will be reading to you!

Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Seven - Joy to the World - As Read By Sean Sotka of "The Christmas Podcasts Podcast"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-eight official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

In this week's official episode,  Sean Sotka of "The Christmas Podcasts Podcast" will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Seven of our tale, entitled "Joy to the World". Within this chapter, we switch points-of-view between the President and her entourage and Emily and Noah, as the journalism students finally get the opportunity to land an interview with the leader of the free world! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! And make sure to check your feeds today for last week's official installment of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Six, entitled "Hark the Herald Angel Sing", as read by Adam Parker Sibun of "Merry Britmas"! (Hopefully you already saw it and listened to that one first, as it precedes this one!)

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, August 9th, we will be dropping a once Patreon-exclusive of the show as - once again - life got in the way for the elves, and they didn't have time to record an episode this week! And on Tuesday, August 10th, the elves will gather to discuss the 2006 film, "Last Holiday"! Before that drops in your feeds on Monday, August 16th, however, on Thursday, August 12th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 28 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “The First Noel”, which Robert Nickerson of “Behind the Bells” will be reading to y’all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y'all!    

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Six - Hark the Herald Angel Sing - As Read By Adam Parker Sibun of "Merry Britmas"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-seventh official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

In what was supposed to be last week's episode,  Adam Parker Sibun of "Merry Britmas" will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Six of our tale, entitled "Hark the Herald Angel Sing". Within this chapter, we continuously switch points-of-view between the President and her entourage, Aaron Rankin and his classmates, and Joey and Mary! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! And make sure to check your feeds today for this week's official installment of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Seven, entitled "Joy to the World", as read by Sean Sotka of "The Christmas Podcasts Podcast"! (That's right - there are perks to missing a week! This week, you get two chapters!)

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, August 9th, we will be dropping a once Patreon-exclusive of the show as - once again - life got in the way for the elves, and they didn't have time to record an episode this week! And on Tuesday, August 10th, the elves will gather to discuss the 2006 film, "Last Holiday"! Before that drops in your feeds on Monday, August 16th, however, on Thursday, August 12th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 28 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “The First Noel”, which Robert Nickerson of “Behind the Bells” will be reading to y’all! So, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds because there's lots of great stuff coming up!

Enjoy, y'all!    

Show notes

235: ‘You Ate The Baby Jesus And His Mother Mary! (The ”Curb Your Enthusiasm” and ”I‘m Sorry” Christmas Episodes)

Happy August, Christmas Fanatics! We're one month closer to our favorite time of year and the elves couldn't be more excited!

To kick off the last stretch of summer before the Ber Months (!!!), Anthony, Julia, and Thom are joined by Gerry D of "Totally Rad Christmas" for another double feature of an episode in which we cover the Christmas episodes of HBO's critically acclaimed comedy series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (Season 3, Episode 9, "Mary, Joseph, and Larry") and TruTV's hit-comedy "I'm Sorry" (Season 2, Episode 4, "Couple's Massage"). As you can imagine given the content of the shows discussed, this episode is definitely not  be the most appropriate one for tiny ears - no matter how much we attempt to tiptoe around certain subject matter - so do your best to keep yourself on the nice list and listen away from any children who might be around! Enjoy, y'all!.

Show notes

234: It Is Hard To Soar With Eagles When You Work With Turkeys. (It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We are officially under 5 months from Christmas day itself! It's all downhill from here!

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss the 2002, made-for-TV film, "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie"! How does it compare to other Muppet fare, which all three elves have been quite vocally fond of? Well, let's just say that opinions are all over the spectrum in this episode. 

So settle in and enjoy this fun episode! And if you want more "Tis the Podcast" content, check your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for Chapter Twenty-Six of "Another Christmas Story", which will be read to y'all by Adam Parker Sibun of "Merry Britmas"!  🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

233: It's American Idol And Casual Libel Night On "Tis The Podcast". (Christmas In July Bonus Episode - 2021)

Merry Christmas in July, everybody! (And on behalf of the entire "Christmas Podcast Network", Merry Gerry in July!) Can you believe we're officially five months away from Christmas? This year is flying!

As it tends to happen to the best of us around the holidays themselves, "Tis the Podcast's" Christmas in July plans were derailed this year! Originally, Anthony was writing an original radio drama with listener Rebecca Boll for the elves, their fellow Christmas podcast hosts, and other friends of the show to perform - but it didn't get finished in time. (Stay tuned for the actual Christmas season later this year!) And then, the elves wanted to put together a live-read of everyone's favorite Christmas film, "Elf", but due to miscommunication and scheduling conflicts, that plan fell through at the last minute. But, wanting to deliver something to all of y'all to mark the summer holiday today, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Gerry Davila of "Totally Rad Christmas", Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter", Ron Hogan of "Film Strip Podcast", and Claude Bélanger of "Christmas Conversations" to honor Christmas in July! 

The result is the most chaotic conversation that has ever occurred in "Tis the Podcast's" four year run! Just some of the topics that come up in today's off-the-walls, hilarious episode (which is naturally filled with lots of trolling) include:

  • True Crime (and Anthony's resulting paranoia)
  • Thom's plans to "Cosby" Ron
  • Claude's official "Tis the Podcast" initiation 
  • Christmas ornaments already bought by each of us this year
  • Todd's ascension to the biggest troll of the "Christmas Podcast Network" 
  • "American Idol" 
  • Musicians - dead and alive - we wish would record (or had recorded) Christmas albums, in addition to all of the random celebrities who have released holiday records in the past (looking at you Rosie and Regis!)
  • Gerry's theory that Donald Trump copied "Time Cop" to win the 2016 presidential election
  • Actors we'd like to see play Santa Claus in a film one day (and actors who are no longer with us we wish had played him in a film before they passed)
  • "The Winter Soldier" and "Zack Snyder's Justice League"
  • All of our individual Top 4 Christmas films 
  • Ideas for how the "Christmas Podcast Network" can celebrate Halloween and Christmas later this year
  • Julia's upcoming 39th birthday 

And all of that barely scratches the service, because there is much, much more discussed - and many quotes from "The Office" dropped - in this hilarious, beautiful mess of an episode that is nothing but banter! 

So settle in and relax by the pool with your favorite summer beverage, close your eyes, imagine the cold, winter days ahead that will be here before you know it as we fast approach the most wonderful time of the year, and enjoy this episode! And get excited, because there's plenty of fun stuff coming up on the show as well!

This upcoming Monday, July 26th, we will be dropping our episode on the 2002 made for TV movie, “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie”! And on Tuesday, July 27th, the elves will be joined by some very special, frequent and beloved guests (schedules permitting) to record another Double Feature of an episode, which will be dropping in your main feeds on Monday, August 2nd! We’ll be discussing the one Christmas episode of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (Anthony's favorite TV show of all time!) – Season 3, Episode 9: “Mary, Joseph and Larry” and the one Christmas episode of the TruTV comedy, “I’m Sorry” (One of Anthony's wife's, Sarah's, favorite shows of all time!) - Season 2, Episode 4: “Couple’s Massage”! Before that drops in your feeds though, on Thursday, July 29th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 26 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Hark the Herald Angel Sing”, which Adam Parker Sibun of “Merry Britmas” will be reading to y’all! 

Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Five - My Grown Up Christmas List - As Read By Lauren Simone

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-sixth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Lauren Simone will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Five of our tale, entitled "My Grown Up Christmas List". Within this chapter, we catch up with Megan, Jake, and Amy Rankin as they continue their attempts to get to Manhattan in time for Aaron's performance at Radio City Music Hall! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible!

Coming up on the show this upcoming Monday, July 26th, we will be dropping our episode on the 2002 made for TV movie, “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie”! And on Tuesday, July 27th, the elves will be joined by some very special, frequent and beloved guests to record another Double Feature of an episode, which will be dropping in your main feeds on Monday, August 2nd! We’ll be discussing the one Christmas episode of HBO’s critically acclaimed, hit television show, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” – Season 3, Episode 9: “Mary, Joseph and Larry” and the one Christmas episode of the far-too short-lived, hit TruTV comedy, “I’m Sorry” - Season 2, Episode 4: “Couple’s Massage”! Before that drops in your feeds though, on Thursday, July 29th, you’ll get to hear Chapter 26 of “Another Christmas Story” entitled “Hark the Herald Angel Sing”, which Adam Parker Sibun of “Merry Britmas” will be reading to y’all, and this upcoming Sunday – July 25th, which is Christmas in July already if you can believe it - you’ll find another bonus episode in your feeds to honor the occasion! So make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds for that as well.

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

232: The Way I See It, You Can Divide The World Up Into Two Kinds Of People: Those Who Like Fruitcake And The Rest Of Us. (Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the questionable holiday special from the year 2000, "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" - based on the Christmas song of the same name! Though there's some debate and trolling regarding who actually put this cartoon on the list, the elves are all in agreement over its quality, and it begs the question: has "Tis the Podcast" hit a new low? Also discussed in this episode - restaurants that the hosts only tend to visit during the holiday season! 

So settle in and enjoy this episode which is much more fun than the content discussed! In addition, keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of "Another Christmas Story", as read by Lauren Simone this week, in addition to Saturday for a special, Christmas in July episode! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Four - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - As Read By Glen Warren Of "Seasons Eatings"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-fifth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"! This week, Glen Warren of "Seasons Eatings" will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Four of our tale, entitled "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!". Within this chapter, we take a deep dive into the mindsets of Officers Dwyer and Lee and spend some time with Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke as well!! We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! Make sure to check your main feeds on Monday as well to hear all three elves discuss the animated holiday special from the year 2000, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", in addition to checking it next Thursday for the twenty-fifth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twenty-Five: My Grown Up Christmas List", which Lauren Simone will be reading to you! Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

231: I'm Afraid This Whim Of yours Is Going To Obliterate Our Precious Holiday Memories. (Schitt's Creek)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! This week, the elves are joined by Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake" podcast to journey to "Schitt's Creek" and cover the one holiday episode of the beloved Canadian comedy, Season 4, Episode 13, "Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose"! 

In this laugh-a-minute, quote-filled episode, listen as the elves discuss their histories with this brilliant show, what makes it so special, their favorite projects the cast have participated in in the past, and much more. And not only do they answer whether or not this episode of TV is actually a Christmas special and has a Linus moment, but Julia must also answer - as a newcomer who has never experienced this sitcom before, was it good enough to make her want to watch the entire series?

And in addition to all of the "Schitt's Creek" talk, there's discussion about the "Twilight Saga", the elves address listener Danielle Essary's suggestion that they dedicate every October to covering Halloween content instead of Christmas content, and they answer the question of the week posed in the prior two episodes: "Is there a non-Christmas movie that's not even set at Christmas that you watch every year around the holidays?" 

So blast that air-conditioning to simulate a winter environment, cozy up on the couch with your favorite warm beverage, and enjoy this very entertaining episode we can guarantee you do not want to miss! And if you want even more, free "Tis the Podcast" content, make sure to check your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Four: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, which Glen Warren of "Seasons Eatings" will read to y'all! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Three - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - As Read By Matt Eurich Of "TGI Podcast"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-fourth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Matt Eurich of "TGI Podcast" will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Three of our tale, entitled "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". Within this chapter, we switch back between the points of view of multiple characters, including Hudson Jackson, Officers Dwyer and Lee, and Joey and Mary!

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! Make sure to check your main feeds on Monday as well to hear all three elves discuss "Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose" - the one Christmas episode the beloved Canadian sitcom, "Schitt's Creek" made - with Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake" podcast, in addition to checking it next Thursday for the twenty-fourth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twenty-Four: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!", which Glenn Warren of "Season's Eatings Podcast" will be reading to you!

Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️ 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

230: Uncle Fester, Do You Believe In Santa Claus? (The "I Love Lucy" Christmas Show and Christmas with the Addams Family)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you're all having a great long weekend and that you all enjoyed your Canada Day and 4th of July! 

To kick off Christmas in July month, join the elves as they travel back in time to discuss two classic and beloved, black-and-white television shows, "I Love Lucy" and "The Addams Family" - specifically, their holiday episodes entitled, "The I Love Lucy Christmas Show" and "Christmas with the Addams Family"! Enjoy this nostalgic trip down memory lane as they discuss their histories with the show, this simpler time, and these two iconic families we all wished we could be a part of! Fair Warning though - there are a few adult jokes in this one that would earn this episode a PG-13 rating and may not be appropriate for the youngest of ears! 

So settle in beside the air conditioning, close your eyes picturing that most wonderful time of the year, and enjoy, y'all! And make sure to check your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the twenty-third official installment of "Another Christmas Story" - "Chapter Twenty-Three: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", which Adam of "Merry Britmas Podcast" will be reading to you!

 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-Two - Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - As Read By Jay Skipworth Of "Film Strip Podcast"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Happy first day of July to all of you, Happy Canada Day to all of our Canadian family and friends, and welcome to the twenty-third official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Jay Skipworth, the man who is as iconic as the podcast he's hosted for over a decade, "Film Strip Podcast", will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-Two of our tale, entitled "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer". Within this chapter, we catch up with Officers Seamus Dwyer and Andrew Lee in addition to the beleaguered animal control employee, Hudson Jackson! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many ears and eyes as possible! Make sure to check your main feeds on Monday as well to hear all three elves discuss "The I Love Lucy Christmas Show" and "Christmas With the Addams Family" in addition to next Thursday for the twenty-third official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twenty-Three: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", which Adam of "Merry Britmas Podcast" will be reading to you!

Enjoy, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️ 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

Show notes

229: Just Sing A Christmas Song, And Keep On Singing All Season Long. (Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas)

Happy Leon Day, Christmas Fanatics! We are officially halfway to the big day itself! As of tomorrow, we will be closer to Christmas 2021 than Christmas 2020, and if that's not something for us to celebrate and get excited about, we don't know what is!

As a special treat to celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather around their mics to discuss the 2014, American, stop-motion animated, Christmas musical television special, "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas"! How does this adaptation of the Broadway musical that adapted the beloved movie that remains number one on Tis the Podcast's Christmas canon list four-years in hold up to the original story? Is it filled with holiday cheer, or does this sap all joy from the proceedings? Are Jim Parsons and Mark Hamill able to hold a candle to the performances of Will Ferrell and James Caan? The answers to these questions, and much more, can be found in this extraordinarily fun episode! So blast that air-conditioning to simulate that 'Ber Month weather, sit back, and enjoy this festive treat! 

And if you can't get enough Christmas during the summer, be sure to check our Patreon (www.tisthepodcast.com/patreon) for more bonus content, plus the next installment of Anthony's audiobook, "Another Christmas Story" which will drop in your feeds on Thursday - this week, read by the awesome Jay Skipworth of "Film Strip Podcast"! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty-One - Sleigh Ride - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-second official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, the author of the book himself - our very own, Anthony - will read to all of you Chapter Twenty-One of our tale, entitled "Sleigh Ride". Within this chapter, Joey and Mary grow closed as they take a ride in a horse drawn carriage throughout a wintry Central Park! (We apologize in advance for the awful "British" accent(?) that Anthony uses when reading the part of Mary!) 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode tomorrow - Leon Day (!) - in which the elves will be covering the 2014, stop-motion-animated-musical, "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas" in order to honor the occasion! Make sure to check your main feeds on Monday as well for a once-exclusive Patreon episode (to be determined), in addition to next Thursday for the twenty-second official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twenty-Two: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", which Jay Skipworth of the always amazing, long-running, "Film Strip Podcast" will be reading to you! 

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

228: In The Spirit Of Christmas, I Think We Should Give Them A Nice, Wrapped Box Of Payback. (Christmas in Wonderland)

This week, Santa's brother himself, Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter Podcast" stops by to join the elves in a....lively discussion of the 2007 Patrick Swayze film, "Christmas in Wonderland". In what very well may possibly be our most contentious episode with a guest to date, poor Todd sustains a barrage of attacks from Anthony for his love of this movie  - will his love survive this episode? And where do you find yourself landing at the end of it - Team Anthony or Team Todd? Make sure to cozy up in front of the air conditioner, close your eyes to pretend it's fall, and enjoy! 

And if you can't get enough Christmas during the summer, be sure to check our Patreon (www.tisthepodcast.com/patreon) for more bonus content, plus the next installment of Anthony's audiobook, "Another Christmas Story" - this week, read by the author himself - which drops in your main feeds this upcoming Thursday!

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twenty - Silver Bells - As Read By Steven Beech Of "Uplifting House Sessions"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twenty-first official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, long time listener and good friend of the show, Steven Beech (a.k.a. Disco54 !) of "Uplifting House Sessions" will read to all of you Chapter Twenty of our tale, entitled "Silver Bells". Within this chapter, President Emily Williams plays tour guide to her foreign guests as they swing by snowy Central Park to visit Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves are joined by Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter" to cover the Canadian film, "Christmas in Wonderland" (We can't stress enough that he picked this movie), and next Thursday for the twenty-first official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twenty-One: Sleigh Ride", which the author of this tale - our very own Anthony Caruso - will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Joey and Mary!

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

227: Christmas Movie Commentaries Preview - Elf!

Due to life getting in the way prior to Julia departing for Florida on a family vacation, the elves came up one episode short to cover her absence! As such, there is obviously no new episode this week. However, we didn't want to leave y'all hanging, so we've decided to share one of our Patreon-Exclusive "Christmas Movie Commentaries" segments with y'all! In our "Christmas Movie Commentaries", the elves provide a commentary as they gather to watch one of the marquee Christmas films that everyone loves - in this instance, "Elf". The hosts will count you down and let you know when to press play on whatever device on which you're watching your movie, but if you just want to listen and not watch along, this is still a fun episode to brighten your week with a bit of holiday cheer! So settle in, queue up that Blu-Ray player, and enjoy a trip through the Candy Cane forest to New York City with your favorite elves! 

And don't worry, next Monday we'll be back with a brand new episode in which we're joined by Todd Killian of "Christmas Clatter" to discuss the 2007 film, "Christmas in Wonderland" (his choice of film) and this upcoming Thursday with the next chapter of "Another Christmas Story" which Steven Beech, a.k.a. Disco54, will be reading to y'all! 

 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Nineteen - Jingle Bell Rock - As Read By Tim Babb Of "Can't Wait For Christmas"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twentieth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week the always hilariously amazing Tim Babb of "Can't Wait For Christmas" will read to all of you Chapter Nineteen of our tale, entitled "Jingle Bell Rock". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of Joey Nazario and Mary Holiday as they explore one of Manhattan's most famous Christmas markets!

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves drop a once Patreon-exclusive episode in which they provide movie commentary for the beloved film, "Elf", and next Thursday for the twentieth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twenty: Silver Bells", which Steven Beech - a.k.a. Disco54 -  will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of President Williams and her foreign guests as they tour a snowy Central Park!

Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

226: My Mum Told Me That Jesus Was Born In Dunstable. (The Vicar of DIbley)

It's Monday, which means it's time for another episode of Tis the Podcast! This week, the elves are taking a trip across the pond (and back in time) to cover the Christmas episodes of one of Thom's favorite tv shows, "The Vicar of Dibley" - a show that follows the townspeople of Dibley who reluctantly grow to accept and love Geraldine Granger as their local vicar.  These episodes follow some tropes common to many holiday specials, but is the vicar able to add enough of a unique spin on them to win over the hearts of Julia and Anthony? How will a new Christmas carol from Dibley sit with the elves?

Cozy up next to the A/C vent or poolside with a nice mug of iced tea and enjoy!

And if you can't get enough Christmas during the summer, be sure to check our Patreon (tisthepodcast.com/patreon) for more bonus content, PLUS the next installment of Anthony's audiobook, "Another Christmas Story" - this week, read by Tim Babb of "Can't Wait for Christmas" - which drops in your main feeds this upcoming Thursday!

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Eighteen - You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - As Read By Charlyn Lewis Of "Fashion Speaks"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the nineteenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week listener, Charlyn Lewis of "Fashion Speaks" will read to all of you Chapter Eighteen of our tale, entitled "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves cover the Christmas episodes of  "The Vicar of Dibley", and next Thursday for the nineteenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Nineteen: Jingle Bell Rock", which Tim Babb of "Can't Wait for Christmas", will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Mary Holiday and Joey Nazario as they explore Bryant Park's Winter Village!  Enjoy! 

Show notes

225: Just Once, I'd Like A Regular, Normal Christmas. Eggnog, A F@!%#$n' Christmas Tree, A Little Turkey. But, No. I Gotta Crawl Around In This Motherf!@#$%n' Tin Can. (Die Hard 2)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Memorial Day to all of our American listeners! We hope you're having a great long weekend! Can you believe we're already at the end of May?

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they catch up with beleaguered, former NYPD officer, John McClane, as he takes on a bunch of terrorists at a snowy airport on Christmas Eve in 1990's "Die Hard 2"! While the original "Die Hard" is a constant subject of debate regarding whether or not it's a Christmas movie, the elves felt its immediate follow-up undeservedly gets lost in the conversation! How does this compare to the first in terms of holiday feelings? Should this be considered more of a Christmas staple than its predecessor? Our hosts discuss all of this and much, much, much more in this extremely fun, quote-filled episode that will immediately transport you back to the '80s. 

So blast that air-conditioning to simulate those 'Ber month temperatures, settle back with your favorite summer drink, and enjoy, y'all! And keep your eyes on your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of “Another Christmas Story” – Chapter Eighteen, which will be read to you by the amazing Charlyn Lewis of "Fashion Speaks"! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Seventeen - (It Must've Been 'Ol) Santa Claus - As Read By McLean Sloughter

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the eighteenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week listener, McLean Sloughter, will read to all of you Chapter Seventeen of our tale, entitled "(It Must've Been 'Ol) Santa Claus". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspective of Aaron Rankin as he meets the Santa Claus at Macy's Herald Square! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves cover the 1990 film, "Die Hard 2", and next Thursday for the eighteenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Eighteen: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch", which Charlyn Lewis of "Fashion Speaks", will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke!  Enjoy! 

Show notes

224: I Just Wish We Could Have A Perfect Christmas, Like In A Christmas Movie. (A Christmas Movie Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, the elves cover their first Christmas satire (?) film,  "A Christmas Movie Christmas". How will they like a completely self-aware movie that is made using the formulaic Hallmark equations? Tune in and find out! And keep an eye on your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the seventeenth official chapter of "Another Christmas Story" - "Chapter Seventeen: (It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus", which listener, Seamus McLean, will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Aaron Rankin as he meets Santa Claus at Macy's Herald Square! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Sixteen - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - As Read By Nicole Little

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the seventeenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, published author, Nicole Little, will read to all of you Chapter Sixteen of our tale, entitled "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of Joey and Mary as they slowly begin to get reacquainted with one another as they visit the winter wonderland that is Macy's Herald Square!

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves cover the 2019 parody (?) movie, "A Christmas Movie Christmas", and next Thursday for the seventeenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Seventeen: (It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus", which listener, Seamus McLean, will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Aaron Rankin as he meets Santa Claus at Macy's Herald Square! 

Show notes

223: Save A Little Christmas For Christmas Day. (The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow)

Happy Monday, Christmas aficionados! This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they journey back to the wonderful world of Rankin/Bass to discuss the 1975 holiday special, "The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow"! Can the incomparable Angela Lansbury not only save this special for the podcast's Rankin/Bass skeptics and - dare-we-say - actually make this production an enjoyable experience for them? Or, like so many of the stop-motion-animated specials before it, does this one not elicit any Christmas feels from our hosts? The only way to find out is by settling in and listening to this fun, episode!

Enjoy, y'all! And keep your eyes on your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of “Another Christmas Story” – Chapter Sixteen, which will be read to you by the incredible writer, Nicole Little! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Fifteen - O Christmas Tree - As Read By Michelle Kidwell Of "Horribly Genius"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the sixteenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Michelle Kidwell of the extremely hilarious "Horribly Genius" podcast will read to all of you Chapter Fifteen of our tale, entitled "O Christmas Tree". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of President Williams and her foreign guests and catch-up with them as they make an official visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves cover 1975, Rankin/Bass special, "The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow", and next Thursday for the sixteenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Sixteen: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", which the incredible published author, Nicole Little, will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Joey and Mary as they slowly begin to get reacquainted with one another! 

Show notes

222: As Long As There's Christmas, I Truly Believe, That Hope Is The Greatest Of The Gifts We Receive. (Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, the elves journey back to the wonderful world of Disney to cover the 1997, straight to VHS, animated midquel, "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas"! 

Does the midquel conceit work better than Disney's other straight to home video sequels they did in the '90s, or does it ruin the charm of the original 1991 masterpiece? And while Anthony has a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this one, Thom and Julia don't, so how does it play for them? Either way, one thing's for sure, there's a lot of love for this film amongst the listeners of "Tis the Podcast" - will the elves, once again, disappoint them with their ultimate rating? Find out in this fun episode where, regardless of where the elves fall on this movie, their love for Disney is evident! 

Enjoy, y’all! And keep your eyes on your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of “Another Christmas Story” – Chapter Fifteen, which will be read to you by listener Michelle Kidwell of the “Horribly Genius“ podcast!

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Fourteen - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - As Read By Kendall Farrae Of "For Forks Sake"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the fifteenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Kendall Farrae of the extremely fun "For Forks Sake" podcast will read to all of you Chapter Fourteen of our tale, entitled "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke as they brave Times Square to interview a Salvation Army Santa Claus for their school's streaming service.

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves cover the Disney, straight to VHS, 1997 midquel, "Beauty and the Beach: The Enchanted Christmas", and next Thursday for the fifteenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Fifteen: O Christmas Tree", which Michelle Kidwell of the hilarious "Horribly Genius" podcast will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of the President of the United States as she continues to entertain her foreign visitors! 

Show notes

221: Life Is A Lot Easier When You Let Someone Else Carry Your Load. Even If You Can Carry It Yourself. (Almost Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy May! We are officially one-third of the way done with 2021 already! Can you believe it? The most wonderful time of the year - the Ber months - will be here before you know it! We're already closer than halfway to Halloween, which means we're that much closer to Christmas! This year is flying!

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the 2016 comedy-drama film Almost Christmas - their long overdue, first truly diverse, black-led holiday film since covering Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey! While y'all know they're all fans of a cinematic dysfunctional family, they haven't loved or related to one as much as they do the Meyers family in a long, long time. There's nothing but love all around for this talent-infused, heartwarming film, full of multiple Linus moments, which all three elves agree will be entering their Christmas canons. The only question that truly remains: where does it rank upon their Christmas canon list? Find out in this fun, jolly episode that's sure to leave you with a big smile on your face! 

Enjoy, y’all! And keep your eyes on your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of “Another Christmas Story” – Chapter Fourteen, which will be read to you by listener Kendall Farrae of the “For Forks Sake“ podcast!

 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Thirteen - Christmas Time is Here - As Read By Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the fourteenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Mike Westfall of the always amazing, nostalgic, informative, and hilarious "Advent Calendar House" will read to all of you Chapter Thirteen of our tale, entitled "Christmas Time is Here". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of Aaron Rankin and his classmates on their Christmas Eve field trip to New York City! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves cover the 2016 holiday film, "Almost Christmas", and next Thursday for the fourteenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Fourteen: Santa Claus is Comin' to Town", which Kendall Farrae of "For Forks Sake" will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of college students Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke as they traverse Manhattan to find the perfect Christmas story for NYU's streaming website! 

Show notes

220: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart, For They Shall See God. (The Little Drummer Boy)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And welcome to the final official episode of April! Can you believe that? We are officially a third of the way through the year! Time is flying! 

This week, journey with the elves back to the wonderful world of Rankin/Bass to discuss the 1968 holiday special, "The Little Drummer Boy"! As is always the case when the hosts cover a Rankin/Bass special, opinions are all over the place with this one, with one elf defending the special, one elf enjoying it more than the other Rankin/Bass specials previously covered, and one absolutely hating it. Meanwhile, opinions voiced by our listeners are on opposite ends of the spectrum - people either really enjoy it, or really dislike it; there doesn't seem to be middle ground!

Discussed in this episode are the racist stereotypes perpetuated by character designs and historical (in)accuracy in this special; the origins of the traditional carol version of "The Little Drummer Boy"; Apple's recent unveiling event; Michael Keaton's officially announced return to the role of Batman in the upcoming "The Flash" movie; some fascinating Disney trivia that Anthony learned in a recent episodes of one of his favorite podcasts, "Dis-Order: Every Disney Film"; and much, much more! All of it together makes for a fun, fascinating episode you want to be sure you don't miss!

Enjoy, y'all! And keep your eyes on your feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next installment of "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Thirteen, which will be read to you by the awesome and always hilarious Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House"! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Twelve - Christmas Wrapping - As Read By Scarlett Alexandra Of "NetfliXmas Podcast"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the thirteenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Scarlett Alexandra of the always amazing and hilarious "NetfliXmas Podcast" will read to all of you Chapter Twelve of our tale, entitled "Christmas Wrapping". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspectives of Joey Nazario and Mary Holiday as they cross paths again for the first time in the decade since their Christmas Eve blowout. Trust us when we say, Scarlett truly raised the bar this episode with her incredible reading of this chapter. And make sure to stay through the end credits to hear some hilarious bloopers of her recording as well! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves journey back to the wonderful world of Rankin/Bass to discuss the 1968 special, "The Little Drummer Boy", based on the song of the same name, and next Thursday for the thirteenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Thirteen: Christmas Time Is Here", which Mike Westfall of "Advent Calendar House" will be reading to you! In it, we switch back to the points of view of Aaron Rankin and his classmates on their Christmas Eve field trip to New York City!

Show notes

219: That's Right, Bamm-Bamm. Everyone But Fred! (A Flintstones Christmas Carol)

This week the elves are joined by their good friend Sean Sotka from Christmas Podcasts Podcast, a podcast about all of your favorite Christmas podcasts. Together, have a good time talking Wisconsin, the classic Christmas-made-for-tv-movie A Flintstones Christmas Carol, and unpopular Christmas takes.

Also - make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter (Chapter Twelve!) of Another Christmas Story as read to you by Scarlett Alexandra of "NetfliXmas Podcast"! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Eleven - We Three Kings - As Read By Claude Bélanger

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the twelfth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, listener Claude Bélanger will read to all of you Chapter Eleven of our tale, entitled "We Three Kings". Within this chapter, we switch back to the perspective of President Emily Williams as she and her entourage arrive in New York City on Christmas Eve to greet her foreign visitors from Canada and England.

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves are joined by Sean Sotka of "Christmas Podcasts Podcast to talk "A Flintstones Christmas Carol", and next Thursday for the twelfth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Twelve: Christmas Wrapping", which Scarlett of NetfliXmas will be reading to you! In it, Joey and Mary are reunited in the present for the first time since their blowout we witnessed in the prologue, which occurred ten years prior!

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

218: What Is A Clown Doing Next To Baby Jesus? (Home Improvement)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, the elves gather at the North Pole to discuss the classic 90's television comedy, Home Improvement, for the last time! For those of you who want to join along and watch at home, the last batch of Christmas episodes we talk about are the following:

  • Season 5, Episode 12 - 'Twas the Flight Before Christmas 
  • Season 7, Episode 11 - Bright Christmas
  • Season 8, Episode 11 - Home for the Holidays

How do these Christmas episodes compare to the first two batches Home Improvement released? Are they as atmospheric and effective? Also discussed: the elves' Easter celebrations; the results of Round 2 of "Tis the Podcast's Ultimate Christmas Movie March Madness Bracket" and their predictions for Round 3; Anthony makes an embarrassing confession regarding his TV habits at this point during pandemic life and reveals how into a certain "reality" show he is; and much, much more! So, enjoy, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by listener, Claude Bélanger! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Ten - Carol of the Bells - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the eleventh official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, our very own Anthony Caruso will read to all of you Chapter Ten of our tale, entitled "Carol of the Bells". Within this chapter, we switch back to Aaron Rankin's point of view as he and his classmates arrive in New York City for their Christmastime class trip!

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will cover the last batch of "Home Improvement" Christmas episodes, and next Thursday for the twelfth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Eleven: We Three Kings", which listener, Claude Bélanger, will be reading to you!

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

217: In The Words Of The Immortal Saint, Frosty The Snowman, "God Bless Us, Everyone". (ALF)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! We hope you had an incredible Easter weekend and the Easter Bunny was good to you all! This week, the elves gather to discuss the two Christmas episodes of the hit 80's show, "ALF"! For those of you who want to watch along at home, the episodes discussed are:

  • Season 1, Episode 12 - Oh, Tannerbaum 
  • Season 2, Episodes 11 and 12 - ALF's Special Christmas

When it comes to the infamous Season 2 holiday special in particular, the elves take a pretty deep, extensive dive into the history of this baffling episode, which left all three quite depressed and confused, and allows Julia to go on a disappointed rant for the first time in a long time. While there's plenty of love and nostalgia for "ALF" the show and ALF the character - especially on the parts of Thom and Anthony - is it enough to rank both of these episodes high? Or does the true story that inspired the second episode, in addition to its overly saccharine and contrived nature, bog it down?

Also discussed in this episode: the elves talk about the results of the Round 1 voting for the Tis the Podcast March Madness bracket to determine the Ultimate Christmas movie; the trailer for James Gunn's The Suicide Squad; Anthony teases the newest tattoo he's getting; listener answers to the Question of the Week are read; and much, much, much more.

So settle in and relax with your leftover Easter Chocolate, open those windows and allow that cool Spring breeze inside, allow the elves to take you back in time to the 80's on a trip to Melmac, and enjoy this fun episode! And get excited because, now that we are post-Easter, we are one major holiday closer to Christmas! 

Also - make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter (Chapter Ten!) of Another Christmas Story as read to you by our very own Anthony Caruso! 

 

*Note: The deep dive article into "ALF's Special Christmas" that the elves repeatedly refer to in this episode can be found at the following link.* 

Show notes

216: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' To Town

Happy Easter, Christmas Fanatics! With the weather outside finally warming up, signaling the arrival of Spring, we here at "Tis the Podcast" wanted to show our appreciation for you by sharing a very special Easter episode of the show in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the 1977, Rankin/Bass stop-motion-animation special, "The Easter Bunny is Comin' to Town" - the quasi-sequel to 1970's Christmas classic, "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"!  This once Patreon-exclusive episode is a blast from the past, so travel back one year ago as the three hosts discuss this not-very-original holiday special, and listen as Thom does an impression of one of the characters that ranks up there as the best impression ever heard on "Tis the Podcast"! Enjoy! And Patrons - make sure to check your Patreon feeds today in which you'll find a new Patreon-exclusive Easter episode, in which the elves cover the 1976 traditionally animated Rankin/Bass special, "The First Easter Rabbit"! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Nine - A New York Christmas - As Read By Ron Hogan Of "Film Strip Podcast"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the tenth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Ron Hogan - a.k.a. President Hotdog - of the always hilarious "Film Strip Podcast", will read to all of you Chapter Nine of our tale, entitled "A New York Christmas". Within this chapter, we switch back to Joey's point of view as he arrives in New York City to spend the holiday. It's honestly the perfect episode to drop on April Fool's Day, just for the mere fact that Ron does one of the most offensively hilarious New York accents I've ever heard.

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will cover the two Christmas episodes of "ALF", and next Thursday for the eleventh official chapter of this story - "Chapter Ten: Carol of the Bells", which the writer of the story - Anthony Caruso, himself - will be reading to you!

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

215: Shaddap You Face!

Happy April 1st (and April Fool's Day!), y'all! This week, in this short, foolish episode, Gerry, Thom, and Julia's discussion gets cut short when an unwanted intruder joins their Zoom meeting unexpectedly. Enjoy! And don't forget to check your feeds for the other episode of Tis the Podcast that dropped today, in which Ron Hogan of Film Strip podcast - a.k.a. President Hotdog - reads to y'all Chapter 9 of Another Christmas Story! 

Show notes

214: I Remember My First Christmas Rebellion. I Was So Mad. My Parents Went Out And Bought An Artificial Tree. The Whole Christmas I Refused To Sing 'Oh, Tannenbaum'. (Home Improvement)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, the elves once again gather at the North Pole to discuss the second batch of Christmas episodes that the classic 90's television comedy, Home Improvement, produced! For those of you who want to join along and watch at home, the episodes we talk about are the following:

  • Season 3, Episode 12 - 'Twas the Blight Before Christmas 
  • Season 4, Episode 11 - Some Like it Hot Rod 
  • Season 4, Episode 12 - 'Twas the Night Before Chaos

How do these Christmas episodes compare to the first batch Home Improvement released? Are they as atmospheric and effective? Also discussed: Julia's upcoming Easter feast, progress Anthony's making with raising his new puppy, Larry, and Anthony gets on his soapbox to rant about toxic fandom and how geeks tend to be their own worst enemies nowadays. In addition, Thom officially announces "Tis the Podcast's Ultimate Christmas Movie March Madness Bracket" and explains how you can participate to win some cool new "Tis the Pod" merchandise! So, enjoy, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by the beloved Ron Hogan (a.k.a. President Hotdog) of Film Strip podcast! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Eight - It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - As Read By Craig Brewer Of "Weird Christmas"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the ninth official installment of "Another Christmas Story"!

This week, Craig Brewer, of the always fascinating "Weird Christmas", will read to all of you Chapter Eight of our tale, entitled "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". Within this chapter, you'll meet the character of Hudson Jackson, an employee of Animal Control Services of New York, and his beloved mother, Violet.

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible! Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will cover the second batch of "Home Improvement" Christmas episodes, and next Thursday for the tenth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Nine: A New York Christmas", which friend of the podcast, Ron Hogan - a.k.a. President Hotdog - of Film Strip Podcast will be reading to y'all!

Enjoy, y'all!

Show notes

213: Topanga's Going To Be Staying Here For Christmas. Overnight. Could We Please Not Run Naked Down The Halls Singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"? I'm Looking At You. (Boy Meets World)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Matt Eurich (A.K.A. Mr. GaryBlauman) to talk about the (4) Christmas episodes of the beloved 90's show, Boy Meets World! For those of you who want to watch along at home, the installments discussed are:

  • Season 1, Episode 10 - Santa's Little Helper
  • Season 4, Episode 12 - Easy Street
  • Season 5, Episode 11 - A Very Topanga Christmas
  • Season 6, Episode 11 - Santa's Little Helpers

Settle back, relax, and listen as they discuss their storied histories with this show, the universal love for Mr. Feeny, how warm, Christmassy, and full of Linus moments these episodes are, favorite moments from the show overall, how much the show holds up to this day, and favorite quotes galore amongst much, much more. Also featured in this episode - the return of the question of the week, courtesy of Mr. Eurich himself!

So, enjoy this laugh-a-minute, extraordinarily fun episode, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by Craig Brewer of Weird Christmas podcast! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Seven - Step Into Christmas - As Read By Todd Killian Of "Christmas Clatter"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the eighth official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, Todd Killian, of the always excellent Christmas Clatter, will read to all of you Chapter Seven of our tale, entitled "Step Into Christmas". Within this chapter, you'll meet two longtime partners in the NYPD, Seamus Dwyer and Andrew Lee, as well as their beleaguered boss, Lindsey Pendleton. 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will be joined by Matt Eurich of TGI Podcast to cover the four Christmas episodes of Boy Meets World, and next Thursday for the ninth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Eight: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", which friend of the podcast, Craig Brewer of Weird Christmas Podcast will be reading to y'all! 

Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

212: Ah, But Tim, The Spirit Of Santa Lives On! He Lives In All Of Us! (Home Improvement)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, the elves gather at the North Pole to discuss the first three Christmas episodes of the classic 90's television comedy, Home Improvement! For those of you who want to join along and watch at home, the episodes we talk about are the following:

  • Season 1, Episode 12 - Yule Better Watch Out
  • Season 2, Episode 12 - I'm Scheming of a White Christmas 
  • Season 3, Episode 10 - A Frozen Moment

Listen as the elves talk histories and reminisce fondly about the show that was a staple in all of their households growing up. Does it hold up to a critical lens, however? Find out in this fun, quote-filled, nostalgic episode that is sure to transport you directly into the Taylor's living room! And don't worry - the rest of the Christmas episodes of Home Improvement will be covered in the coming weeks! So, enjoy, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by the beloved Todd Killian of Christmas Clatter podcast! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Six - White Christmas - As Read By April Ryley

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the seventh official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, the always hilarious and effervescent April Ryley will read to all of you Chapter Six of our tale, entitled "White Christmas". Within this chapter, you'll meet NYU journalism students, Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will cover the first three Christmas episodes of Home Improvement, and next Thursday for the seventh official chapter of this story - "Chapter Seven: Step Into Christmas", which friend of the podcast and frequent guest, Todd Killian of Christmas Clatter will be reading to y'all! 

Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

211: The Delusion You're Trying To Cure Is Called "Christmas". (Community)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, the elves are joined by one of our favorite frequent guests - and friends of the pod - Gerry D. of Totally Rad Christmas to discuss the four episodes of the cult classic TV comedy, Community! For those of you who want to join along and watch at home, the episodes we talk about are the following:

  • Season 1, Episode 12 - Comparative Religion
  • Season 2, Episode 11 - Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas
  • Season 3, Episode 10 - Regional Holiday Music
  • Season 4, Episode 10 - Intro to Knots

Listen as the elves talk histories with the show, discuss how problematic Chevy Chase is (and rectify a mistake they made in the Arrested Development episode by also discussing how problematic Jeffrey Tambor and David Cross are), marvel over how much heart this show actually has and how the majority of the cast has gone on to be pretty huge stars in their own individual rights, and laugh over a plethora of quotes. Also featuring musical interludes between each episode discussion, this is one of elves' favorite episodes yet, ranking right up their with the likes of The Office and Friends ones. 

Also discussed this episode - the major difference about the way the DC and Marvel universes were set up in terms of the comics (though, Anthony mistakenly said the first issue of The Avengers was published before the first issue of Justice League) and, sadly and criminally overlooked in our discussion of the cast, any mention of Alison Brie! (Though, if you want to hear what the elves think of her as an actress, you can go back to last year's Happiest Season episode in which they discuss her at length!) Trust us when we say, this is one episode you definitely do not want to miss, and one that is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas mood! So enjoy, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by the always incredible listener, guest, and friend of the show, April Ryley! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Five - All I Want For Christmas Is You - As Read By Gerry Davila Of "Totally Rad Christmas"

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the sixth official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, Gerry Davila of Totally Rad Christmas will read to all of you Chapter Five of our tale, entitled "All I Want For Christmas Is You". Within this chapter, you'll catch up with Aaron Rankin and all of his classmates as they prepare for their big trip to New York City!

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves are joined by Gerry D. once again to discuss the Christmas episodes of the cult smash, Community, and next Thursday for the sixth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Six: White Christmas", which friend of the podcast and frequent guest, April Ryley, will be reading to y'all and which will introduce two new characters, Elizabeth Meyer and Noah Clarke! 

Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

210: Fireside Chat Preview - Featuring Charlyn Lewis!

This week, life got in the way for the elves - and between COVID vaccine side-effects and mental health issues, they couldn't find time to record in time for this week's episode. Not wanting to leave you hanging, however, we've decided to share one of our Patreon-Exclusive "Fireside Chat" segments with y'all! In our "Fireside Chats", one or more of the Tis the Podcast elves sit down by a crackling Christmas fire with one of our listeners to learn a little bit about them, talk about the holiday season, and discuss Christmas sensibilities amongst other things! In this episode, they chat with a listener oft-mentioned on the main feed of our show, Charlyn Lewis! So settle in with your favorite holiday drink and enjoy this fun, heartfelt episode that will make you want Charlyn Lewis to appear on the show again, and again, and again!

And don't worry - our episode in which we cover the first three Christmas episodes of Home Improvement is still coming, and will drop two Monday's from now! (Due to the fact that Gerry D. of Totally Rad Christmas agreed ages ago to join us in covering the Community holiday episodes, and having that recording scheduled for a while, that episode will be recording and dropping before our first Home Improvement one now!) In the meantime, for all of you non-patrons out there, if you liked this episode and want to hear more like this, consider subscribing to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/TisThePodcast where - for as little as a dollar per month - you can get whole bonus length episodes like this! 

Also, speaking of Gerry D., make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story which the totally rad host will be reading to y'all! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Four - Last Christmas - As Read By Rebecca Boll

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the fourth official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, listener Rebecca Boll will read to all of you Chapter Four of our tale, entitled "Last Christmas". Within this chapter, you'll catch up with Mary Holiday in the present day and discover what she's been up to since her Christmas Eve fight with Joey Nazario ten-years prior! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will be discussing the first three Christmas episodes of the television show Home Improvement, and next Thursday for the fifth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Five: All I Want For Christmas Is You", which friend of the podcast, Gerry Davila of Totally Rad Christmas, will be reading to y'all and which will switch back to the point of view of Aaron Rankin!

Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

209: Sky Rockets In Flight, Afternoon Delight! (Arrested Development)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony sit down to discuss the Christmas episodes about the one family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. That's right, we're talking Arrested Development! And for those who want to follow along at home, the two episodes we'll be talking about are:

  • Season 1, Episode 8 - In God We Trust
  • Season 2, Episode 6 - Afternoon Delight

While both Thom and Anthony have a history with the show, will Julia be as enamored with the unlikable Bluth family as her two cohosts? Or is there not enough charm or holiday feels in either of these episodes for her liking?

Also discussed this episode: the storm in Texas; birthdays and age; Adam Sandler; and which television shows we wish had done Christmas episodes before ending! In addition, Anthony reads an extraordinarily kind email the elves received regarding Another Christmas Story! 

This is one fun episode, filled with absurd laughs, you want to be sure not to miss! So enjoy, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by listener, Rebecca Boll! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Three - Do They Know It's Christmas? - As Read By Thom Crowe

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the fourth official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, our very own Thom Crowe will read to all of you Chapter Three of our tale, entitled "Do They Know It's Christmas?" Within this chapter, you'll meet the struggling Rankin family, including young, single mom Megan and her three children, Jake, Aaron, and Amy! Please be advised if you're listening with young kids, however, that not only are there a few instances of semi-questionable language in this chapter, but some hard truths about a certain beloved and iconic Christmas figure as well.

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will be discussing the Christmas episodes of the television show Arrested Development, and next Thursday for the fourth official chapter of this story - "Chapter Four: Last Christmas", which listener Rebecca Boll will be reading to y'all and in which you'll catch up with the character of Mary Holiday in the present day! Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

208: Life Is Not Merely A Series Of Meaningless Accidents Or Coincidences. (Serendipity)

This week, the elves travel back to 2001 to discuss the film Serendipity, starring John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Bridget Moynahan, and Jeremy Piven. As usual, they discuss their histories with the film and its actors, the Serendipity café in New York City, opinions about the storyline (and destiny in general), and what does or doesn't make this a Christmas movie as they debate whether or not this particular film is one. In addition, they talk about their weeks so far and welcome a brand new Patron! So, grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream, join us for our weekly discussion about all things Christmas, and get excited because next week, we kick off TV month (which - Spoiler Alert - is actually lasting a little over a month this year!) with the Bluth family and discuss the Christmas episodes of Arrested Development! So enjoy, and make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by our very own Thom!

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter Two - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - As Read By Julia Colburn

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the third official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, everyone's favorite elf - the one with the best voice - Julia Colburn will read to all of you Chapter Two of our tale, entitled "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"! [I know last week we said Thom would be reading this week's chapter, but there was a mixup with the schedule and he'll actually be reading next week's!] Within this chapter, you'll discover what Joseph Nazario is up to in the present day, ten-years after his Christmas Eve blowout with his next door neighbor, Mary Holiday! 

We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will be discussing Serendipity, and next Thursday for the third official chapter of this story - "Chapter Three: Do They Know It's Christmas?", which our very own Thom will be reading! Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

207: Oh No, Baby, No. You're Not Going To Die. They Are. (The Long Kiss Goodnight)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Get excited! Because this week, a true cinematic legend shows up in a film on the podcast for the very first time - Samuel L Jackson, who co-stars opposite Gina Davis in 1996's The Long Kiss Goodnight. The elves discuss the 90's action film from Shane Black, weigh in on whether it's a comedy or not, and debate its Christmassiness before bringing in some listener feedback! So settle in, relax, and enjoy this episode of Tis the Podcast that contains an extra dose of 1990's campiness this week! And make sure to keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday for the next chapter of Another Christmas Story as read to you by the host with the most - the one with the best voice, our very own Julia! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Chapter One - Good King Wenceslas - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the second official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, the author of this holiday rom-com himself, our very own Anthony, will read to all of you Chapter One of our tale, entitled "Good King Wenceslas"! Within this chapter, taking place ten-years after last week's prologue, you'll meet the characters of President Emily Williams, her Chief of Staff Anna Dreyfus, and her Press Secretary Gary Matthews, and get a hint about the problems they're dealing with this particular Christmas Eve. 

We hope you like it! (And don't worry - this is not a political book in the slightest, despite the nature of this chapter. We just had to set up these particular characters and the world they're inhabiting for their storyline!) If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will be discussing The Long Kiss Goodnight, and next Thursday for the second official chapter of this story - "Chapter Two: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", which our very own Thom will be reading! Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

206: Christmas Is A Time When You Look At Your life Through A Magnifying Glass, And Whatever You Don't Have Feels Overwhelming. Being Alone Is So Much Lonelier At Christmas. (Mixed Nuts)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe we're already in February? One month down in 2021 on the long journey to Christmas! Though, when you think about it, Leon Day is only Five Months away; the Fourth of July is only six months away, which is when the back to school stuff starts going back up in Target, which is a big milestone reached; and the Ber Months are only eight months away, at which point it's all down hill! It'll be here before you know it!

This week, after briefly touching on the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Anthony's new Batman tattoo, the elves settle in to discuss the 1994 dark comedy film, Mixed Nuts! The elves far all over the spectrum when it comes to this American remake of a classic french film, however, with Anthony absolutely fawning over it, Julia really liking it, and Thom finding himself not impressed. Regardless, the hosts have a fun time chatting about this hysterical movie, its incredibly talented cast, and reciting quotes-a-plenty for this film which is most definitely a Christmas movie! And, Anthony makes history with the score he bestows upon it given the fact that Adam Sandler is one of its stars!

So, settle in beside your fire, close your eyes to pretend your Christmas lights are still up, relax, and kick off February with this fun-filled episode you're sure to enjoy! And don't forget - keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this Thursday for "Chapter One" of Another Christmas Story! 

Show notes

Bonus: "Another Christmas Story" - Prologue - Wonderful Christmas Time - As Read By Anthony Caruso

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! Welcome to the first official installment of Another Christmas Story!

This week, the author of this holiday rom-com himself, our very own Anthony, will read to all of you, the Prologue of our tale, entitled "Wonderful Christmas Time"! In it, you'll meet the protagonists of this story - Joey and Mary - and get a hint of what their relationship is actually like. We hope you like it! If you do, make sure to share this episode and our website, upon which the text of this installment is posted, to get it in front of as many eyes as possible!

Make sure to check your podcast feeds for your regular weekly episode on Monday, in which the elves will be discussing Mixed Nuts, and next Thursday for the first official chapter of this story - "Chapter One: Good King Wenceslas"! Enjoy, y'all! 

Show notes

205: Forget Ever After, Just Live Happily. (Godmothered)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony travel to Motherland to cover the 2020 original, Disney Plus holiday film, Godmothered! There's a lot of love to go around this week for this heartwarming family comedy, and while there is some cynicism on Anthony's part as to whether or not this movie rips off (rather than pays homage) to a plethora of films that came before it, Thom counters such cynicism with hilarious quotes-a-plenty! Of course, the pivotal question is raised - is this actually a Christmas film or is it just a film set at Christmas? If it's the latter, how will that affect the score? And speaking of scores, how much longer are listeners of this show going to drive Julia crazy with not allowing us to change our ranking system?! 

This is a fun, pick-me-up episode that is just what our post-Christmas January's need! So settle in beside your fire, close your eyes to pretend your Christmas lights are still up, relax, and enjoy! And don't forget - keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this Thursday for the "Prologue" of Another Christmas Story! 

Show notes

Bonus: Introducing "Another Christmas Story"!

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! We've been teasing for a while now that we'd have an additional way of counting down to Christmas this year besides the countdown at the end of our regular Monday episodes, and we're finally ready to introduce it. Starting this week, and continuing all the way through December 23rd, you'll be getting two episodes per week in your podcast feeds - our regular episodes every Monday morning, and this new segment of the show! That's right - two very different, brand new episodes per week!

Starting next week, every Thursday we will be releasing an audio chapter of the holiday novel that our very own Anthony wrote, which is called Another Christmas Story and is a rom-com set in New York City, which takes place over the course of one Christmas Eve. In addition, we'll be releasing a text version of the same chapter on our website each week! It won't just be the elves of Tis the Podcast taking turns reading this story to you over the course of this year, however! We've arranged for a wide array of talent to help bring this book to life, including other Christmas podcast hosts you know and love and listeners of the show you frequently see interacting with everybody on our social media pages!

For more information on what to expect from our new Thursday installments going forward, and more information on the story itself, settle back, listen to, and enjoy this very special minisode! And keep your eyes peeled for a new installment of Another Christmas Story in your podcast feeds every Thursday in addition to your regular Monday episodes! 

Show notes

203: A Very Minion Christmas (Minions Holiday Special)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss Illumination's 2020, Minions Holiday Special! While the elves are in total agreement that the Minions are adorable, are they in love with this half-an-hour special as much as they are with the iconic yellow characters? Is it even a Christmas special? Find out these answers, and more, as the hosts discuss this Despicable Me offshoot! Also discussed, the Capitol riots last week on January 6th, Julia's now driving teenage daughter, and much, much more! So settle back and enjoy this cute, fun episode! And keep your eyes on your podcast feeds this upcoming Thursday to be introduced to a new segment of the podcast! 

Show notes

202: This Was The Story Of The Very First Alien Christmas. (Alien Xmas)

Happy New Year, Christmas fanatics! While the holiday season may be dying down around us, Tis the Podcast is here and rearing to go! This week, the elves cover the brand new, 2020, Jon Favreau produced, Netflix stop-motion-animation holiday special, Alien Xmas - based on the children's book of the same name, written by Stephen Chiodo and Jim Strain. While Anthony is adamant that this is a new Christmas classic that evokes all of the nostalgia of classic Christmas specials past and even admits it may include his favorite North Pole, will Thom and Julia feel the same way? Also discussed this episode - how the hosts spent New Year's Eve, ways to deal with post-Christmas blues, what's coming up on the podcast, and much, much, more. So settle back beside your Christmas tree before it comes down officially, relax, and enjoy this fun and festive episode! 

Show notes

201: You Sound Sweet, But You Don't Make Sense. (Holiday Inn)

New Year, more Tis the Podcast. We're kicking off 2021 with a Christmas classic to help ease those holiday blues - 1942's Holiday Inn, starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. The elves don't agree (shocker!), which means it's a fun episode. So settle in, enjoy, and hear all about our Christmas and New Year's celebrations!

Show notes

200: On Lawn Chair! On Badminton! Up, Up, And Away! (Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year)

We may officially be past Christmas 2020, however, we here at Tis the Podcast are determined to keep the Christmas Spirit alive as much as ever before! This week we start the official countdown to Christmas 2021 with the 2002, Disney straight-to-video movie, Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year! In it, hear Julia, Thom, and Anthony talk about their long histories with that silly old bear, talk about which character from the Hundred Acre Wood they're most like, and much more - including the original concept for how Santa was supposed to die at the beginning of The Santa Clause, how much they want Steve Carell to play Santa in a Christmas movie, and a review that Anthony can't even get through reading without laughing! So settle in beside your Christmas tree, enjoy those lights while you can before it comes down for the year, and enjoy this fun-filled episode. And have a very Happy New Year! Here's to an amazing 2021 and a return to normal as all of us around the world build back better! :) 

Show notes

199: A Time of Joy. Of Friendship. Of Family. All of this, Life Day is. And a Happy One, I Wish You. (The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special)

Merry Christmas, everybody! Can you believe it's here already? 2020, as strange and as unusual as it's been, felt both slow and long at the same time! We hope Santa was good for you and brought you everything that you wanted. While we here at Tis the Podcast can't physically leave gifts in your stockings, we did want to deliver a virtual gift for you in the form of this bonus episode in which we discuss the brand new, 2020, Disney + original holiday special, The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special! Laugh along with Julia, Thom, and Anthony in this quote-a-plenty episode as they gush over this amazing gift from the House that Mickey Mouse built and geek out over just how much of a love letter this original production is to George Lucas' beloved and iconic creation!  So, once you've opened all your gifts, drank all the eggnog you can consume, have had your Christmas dinner, and have zoomed with all of your relatives, settle in beside the glow of your Christmas tree and enjoy this fun episode you want to be sure not to miss! 

Show notes

198: Christmas Eve 2020 Story - Dr. Seuss' 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'

Merry Christmas Eve, everybody! We know that 2020 has been a tough year for everybody - though we hope you've all been good so Santa slides down your chimney later tonight with gifts! (Don't worry - Dr. Fauci has confirmed that he traveled up to the North Pole to vaccinate the big man himself, so no need to worry about Santa quarantining!) As such, we chose this year's annual Christmas Eve story because it serves as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about, which we believe we can all use this year given how different the holidays are going to be. That's right - we've chosen to read the beloved and iconic 1957, Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  Spoiler alert - this may just be our favorite Christmas Eve story we've recorded yet. We hope you like it and enjoy it as much as we do! :) 

Show notes

197: It's A Festivus For The Rest Of Us! (Seinfeld)

It's the Day Before the Night Before Christmas! Christmas Eve, Eve! Also known as Christmas Adam to some, and Tibb's Eve to our Newfoundland, Canadian friends and family! Thanks to Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, and Daniel O'Keefe, however, today is most known by the masses as a Festivus for the Rest of Us! To celebrate the occasion, and help Julia, Thom, and Anthony celebrate their grievances, frequent guest host and friend of the pod, Gerry Davila of Totally Rad Christmas joins the show today to talk the Christmas episodes of the iconic and famous show about nothing, Seinfeld! For those who want to follow along at home, that includes:

  • Season 3 - Episode 29 - The Red Dot
  • Season 4 - Episode 13 - The Pick
  • Season 6 - Episode 10 - The Race
  • Season 9 - Episode 10 - The Strike

While Julia and Thom have been open on the show in the past about not being the biggest fans of Seinfeld, Anthony and Gerry are. Is their enthusiasm, mingled with Frank Costanza's disdain for the commercialism of the holidays, enough to change their minds? And does the show that had the infamous motto behind-the-scenes of "no hugging, no learning" manage to have any Linus moments in these four episodes? Find out the answers to all of these questions, and much much more, in this hysterical, quote-filled episode in which Anthony, the resident New Yorker, also explains why - while he loves both Seinfeld and Friends - he believes Seinfeld is the quintessential New York set show for actual residents of New York, while Friends is more popular with out-of-towners. Also featured in this episode - the annual Airing of Grievances and a competition, run by Gerry, to determine who is the 2020 Feats of Strength Champion! 

So get your aluminum pole up, have your grievances at the ready, and enjoy this hilarious, extremely fun episode while having a very Happy Festivus! And keep your eyes on your podcast feed over the next few days for special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day episode drops! 

Show notes

196: This Child Is A Blessing To The Both Of Us! (Four Christmases)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe we're only days away from the holiday itself? Where has the time gone! To celebrate, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather this week to discuss the 2008 comedy, Four Christmases, starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn! Is this movie proof that Vince Vaughn just doesn't make good [Christmas] movies? Does the fact that TBS plays this movie ad nauseam alongside Fred Claus and Christmas with the Kranks all season long say everything you need to know about this movie? Are there any redeemable parts or funny parts in this film that make it worth leaving on when coming across it upon scrolling through the channels on TV? And is there a good nugget of an idea in this story's plot that could have made an amazing film if the cast had a better script to work with? Find out the answers to all of these questions and many more in this laugh-a-minute episode! So get roasting those chestnuts on your open fire, settle in with your favorite hot cocoa recipe, and enjoy before making last minute preparations for Santa's arrival in three days' time! Also, keep an eye on your feeds later this week - the elves may have some surprises for you dropping on December 23rd, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day! 

Show notes

195: Those Candles Aren't For Tommy's Birthday! They're For Chanukah! (A Rugrats Chanukah)

Happy last-day-of-Chanukah! In this very special episode, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they are joined by longtime listener - and frequent guest - April Ryley to cover the classic children's Chanukah special, A Rugrats Chanukah! Along with Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica, the elves learn all about this Jewish holiday not only from Grandpa Boris and Grandpa Shlomo, but also from April herself who discusses many of her family's personal traditions and just how historically accurate this cartoon episode is. As always when April guest hosts the pod, this is one fun, informative episode you do not want to miss! So light that menorah, bundle up with a blanket near the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy this episode and the final night of Chanukah, and get excited about the fact that we are only one week away from Christmas! 

 

*Special Note: This episode was originally intended for Patreon, when we were hoping to record another episode with April for our main feed to mark the first night of Hanukkah. As always happens during the most wonderful time of the year, however, time got away from us, and we were never able to record that episode. Wanting to celebrate the Jewish holiday with all of our listeners, however, we decided to share this on our main feed. But this is why you'll hear references in the recording to this being a Patreon episode and references to another Hanukkah episode that was supposed to drop before this. Thanks for understanding!*

Show notes

194: I Don't Have Any Secrets, But I Am An Ally! (Happiest Season)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe that next week is Christmas? Where did the time go?

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover Hulu's brand-new, 2020, Holiday original movie, Happiest Season! Join them as they take a deep dive into this beautiful, hilarious, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching love story focusing on a lesbian couple going home to spend the holidays with one of their conservative families. Listen as they celebrate the long overdo representation this movie provides for the LGBTQ+ community - something that should absolutely be normalized and happen far more often, both in and out of holiday movies - in addition to discussing the amazing cast that makes up this wonderfully dysfunctional family, talk about their favorite scenes and quotes, and defend Kristen Stewart as an actress while talking about a film they all really enjoyed which more than earns the place it ends up falling on their Christmas canon list.

This a jam-packed episode that covers a lot of ground outside of our movie of the week as well, including: 

  • Julia and her family landing themselves into quarantine just before Christmas
  • Warner Bros.' announcement that they will be releasing their entire slate of 2021 films simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters - and what this means for the future of the film industry
  • All of the recent casting confirmations and rumors about Marvel's Spider-Man 3 (Home Dimension?) and what it says about the possible plot and the MCU overall. 
  • Whether Julia and Anthony were Team Edward or Team Jacob fans during the heyday of the Twilight Saga
  • Keanu Reeves and Schitt's Creek 
  • GaryBlauman's/Matt Eurich's Question of the Week: "What is a non-Christmas song that you now associate with Christmas?"
  • Anthony's Question of the Week posed to discuss Next Week: "What classic Christmas movies do you think are most poised to have a remake happen in our lifetimes?"
  • And much, much, much more. 

So settle in beside your Christmas tree with your favorite holiday beverage, sit back, and enjoy this fun episode which is one of Anthony's personal favorites of the show so far! Also, if you want to hear the elves of Tis the Podcast elsewhere this week, check out the following places:

  • Today, Monday December 14th, you can hear Julia cover the Disney + Original Movie, Godmothered on NetfliXmas, with Holli and Scarlett!
  • Tomorrow, Tuesday December 15th, you can hear Anthony cover the Season 3 Christmas episode of Step by Step, "Christmas Story", with Matt Eurich over on TGI Podcast! In addition, you can also hear Julia, Thom, and Anthony on tomorrow's edition of Todd Killian's Christmas Clatter Podcast where Julia, along with Gerry Davila of Totally Rad Christmas and friend of the pod, Michael Christelman, serve as judges as Thom, Anthony, and frequent guest and friend of the pod, April Ryley, duke it out in the second installment of the Merry Melee series! And speaking of April...
  • ...Friday, December 18th, check your feeds of Tis the Podcast for a very special bonus episode of the show featuring April, who joins the host to discuss A Rugrats Chanukah in celebration of the final night of the Jewish Celebration! 

Enjoy, everyone!

*Note: This episode was recorded before Disney's Investor call on December 12th, in which they revealed tons of amazing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars news that would have definitely been touched on in this episode had we recorded after this call. Keep your eyes on your Patreon feeds, however, because we have an episode centered on all of this news dropping sometime this week as well!*

Show notes

193: "What's Your Name?" "Well, Angel Of Course!" (Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square)

This week, Thom gets a partner in his efforts to troll Anthony, while Julia gets another woman to balance out the gender dynamics on the podcast, when April Ryley returns to join the elves in covering Netflix's 2020, original holiday musical film, Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square! While all four are huge Dolly Parton fans, and three of the four really enjoyed Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, does this overly cheesy and overly stuffed riff on It's a Wonderful Life live up to the standards that they expect of Queen Dolly? Or are Dolly and Christine Baranski not even enough to save this musical full of questionable tunes? Also discussed this episode, the time Anthony and April met in New York, Julia's upcoming Disney vacation, and Thom's Thanksgiving! We also learn more about Jewish culture thanks to April! This is one fun, laugh-a-minute episode you want to be sure not to miss, so settle in beside the Christmas tree with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy!

Show notes

192: Without The Star, The North Pole, The Village, Christmas Itself Is Doomed. (The Christmas Chronicles 2)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe we've already reached our last episode of November 2020? Where has the time gone? To celebrate the occasion, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the brand new, 2020, Netflix Original Holiday film, The Christmas Chronicles 2! As you'll remember, when the elves covered the original Christmas Chronicles back in 2018, Julia and Thom loved the film, the world it created, and the characters it introduced us to, while Anthony thought it was overrated. How does the follow-up stack up? Will the elves be just as divided, or has Belsnickel made these three True Believers cynical? Find out in an episode that, while sure to be somewhat controversial, is full of lots of laughs and a very lively discussion as the hosts break down this movie beat-by-beat! So settle in with your favorite holiday drink beside your lit Christmas tree, relax, enjoy, and get excited! Because, as of tomorrow, we are in the official home stretch of Christmas 2020 and will be breaking open those Advent Calendars! 

Show notes

191: We Should Be Thankful For Being Together. I Think That's What They Mean By 'Thanksgiving', Charlie Brown. (A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving)

Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas fanatics! We hope you have as amazing and blessed a day as possible during these strange times. As a special holiday treat for y'all, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they travel back to the world of The Peanuts to cover the iconic 1973 holiday special, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving! Enjoy! 

Show notes

190: If You Believe, It's All Possible. (Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey)

We have a jam-packed, fun-filled episode for y'all this week! Kicking off the episode, the elves interview Columbia Jones and Mark Ricks from Burro Burracho Records who join this week's show to promote the Burro Burracho Records' Christmas EP "Is There Even Christmas This Year?" featuring Columbia Jones and Sean Ramos.

From there, Anthony talks a bit about his latest television show binges (FX on Hulu's A Teacher and Netflix's cute holiday rom-com series, Dash & Lily, in addition to Netflix's The Crown), Julia and Anthony compare notes on the Hallmark movies they've been watching every night (and realize they have very different tastes when it comes to the plots and actresses that star in them), and Thom talks about the slate of original, Hallmark-esque Netflix Christmas films that he and Christine have been indulging in.

Only then do the hosts get to the meat and potatoes of this episode - a long, in-depth discussion on Netflix's absolutely fantastic, brand-new, 2020 Holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. While Julia, Thom, and Anthony are all in agreement regarding how phenomenal the movie is on every level, how much joy it's filled with, and how nice it is to see such representation in a mainstream Hollywood production, there is some dissent and debate when it comes to the question of whether or not this film is actually a Christmas movie or just a movie set at Christmas. Regardless of where the elves fall on this question, after walking through the plot beat-by-beat, will they upend their own ranking system in order to give Jingle Jangle the score that they believe something so perfect and entertaining deserves?

This is one extra-festive episode that you want to be sure not to miss! So settle in with your favorite holiday-flavored beverage, bask in the lights of your Christmas tree, and enjoy! And also - from all of us to all of you, have a Happy Thanksgiving! As we are every day of the year, we are thankful for each and every one of you.

Show notes

189: A Snow-Dad Is Better Than No Dad. (Jack Frost [1998])

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the 1998-dark-family-drama-Comedy(?) film, Jack Frost, starring everyone's favorite Batman, Michael Keaton! While all three elves have extensive histories with this movie, does it hold up to critical scrutiny 22-years after its release? And - more importantly - is it even a Christmas movie? Settle in with your favorite holiday drink from Starbucks to find out, in addition to getting their hot-takes on the trailer for the brand new, LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, which drops this week on Disney Plus! And quick side-note, if you don't want to hear the hosts talk politics/the result of the 2020 election, make sure to skip the first five-and-a-half minutes of the episode!

Show notes

188: Human Beings Aren’t Meant To Be Alone On The Holidays. We Actually Need Warmth, Companionship, And Someone To Drunk-Mock Strangers With At Parties. (Holidate)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the 2020, Netflix original holiday film, Holidate! The opinions on this movie range all over the spectrum between the three elves with this one, as users speculated they would on social media in advance of this recording, and debate rages about whether the main relationship in this movie feels real, whether this qualifies as a Christmas movie, whether or not any film set in the present should be set at malls anymore, and whether or not this is merely a Hallmark Holiday movie dressed up with a dash of raunch and a plethora of vulgarity. Plus, Anthony once again finds himself on the opposite side of wide divide from Thom and Julia as it pertains to the the idea of infidelity in movies and television shows. In addition to all of this, the elves discuss how they spent their Halloweens, Thom teases a new podcast he's launching with another host within the Christmas Podcast Network, Anthony talks briefly about The Dresden Files short story "Christmas Eve", and Julia expresses her excitement for next week's scheduled film! All of this and much, much more takes place within this festive, laugh-a-plenty episode that you want to be sure not to miss. So settle in beside your Christmas tree with your favorite Starbucks Holiday-Flavored drink in this year's beautifully designed Red Cup, relax, and enjoy!  Also, as mentioned within the episode itself, the elves have a new, exciting, additional way planned to count down to Christmas 2021 next year, so if any of y'all would be interested in taking part in that, reach out to one of them via the Facebook Group and let them know! In addition, for those of you who are patrons of the show, keep your eye out for the debut minisode of "Tis the Podcast: After Dark", dropping this upcoming Wednesday - because some things shouldn't be heard by the entire world. Hint: In it, one of the elves tells an extraordinarily embarrassing story from a few years back that will have you rolling with disgusted laughter. 

Show notes

187: You'll Never Get Elected, Charlie Brown. You Have No Way Of Winning. No Way. (You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown!)

Surprise! We know Election Day can be stressful for many people, both in America and abroad - especially when the president himself/herself is being chosen - so we decided to record this very non-political, fun episode to drop today for those of y'all who want to tune out the news, distract themselves from real world events, and relax for an hour. Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they are joined by Todd Killian of Christmas Clatter Podcast to discuss the 1972 television special, You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown! This one's a special one because, despite the fact that they all have history with the Peanuts, Anthony is the only one who's ever seen this election day special in the past, so the other two hosts and their special guest are going in blind. Will they enjoy it? How does it hold up against other Peanuts holiday' fare? And is it a nice introduction to the cynical world of politics for young children while still entertaining them with the cartoonish hijinks of Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown? Spoiler Alert - this is a very fun episode, filled with laughs and quotes, that you do not want to miss. And don't worry - no real life politics are discussed within, so if you're looking for full escapism today, you'll find it here in an episode that is also full of the pre-requisite amount of Christmas cheer! So grab your favorite holiday drink from Starbucks, get in line to Vote if you haven't already, put those earbuds in, and enjoy this special bonus episode. 

Show notes

186: Shrek The Halls With Puss And Donkey, Fa La La La La, La La La La! (Shrek the Halls)

Happy November, y'all! Another milestone in the Ber Month calendar has been hit, which means we are all that much closer to Christmas! To celebrate, Julia, Thom, and Anthony journey to the land of Far, Far, Away to spend the holidays with Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and all of their fairytale friends as they ring in Christmas in this 2007, made-for-TV special, Shrek the Halls! What do the elves think of the Shrek franchise in general, and all of the actors involved with it? Does this television special give them all of the holiday feels? Find out in this fun, laugh-a-minute, and very quotable episode! So settle back in your favorite armchair beside your Christmas tree with your favorite holiday drink, relax, and enjoy! 

Show notes

185: On Halloween Night, The Great Pumpkin Rises Out Of His Pumpkin Patch And Flies Through The Air With His Bag Of Toys For All The Children! (It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!)

Happy Halloween, Christmas Fanatics! With the weather outside finally cool and Fall in full swing, we here at Tis the Podcast wanted to show our appreciation for you by sharing a very special Halloween episode of the show in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the 1966 classic, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" This episode is a blast from the past, so travel back one year ago as the three hosts discuss this timeless special, debate whether it's as good as "A Charlie Brown Christmas", share their favorite quotes, and welcome a special appearance from baby Jude amongst many other things in this extraordinarily fun episode! Enjoy! And keep your eye on this space for more bonus content coming soon! 

 
Show notes

184: Sometimes We Have To Take A Leap Of Faith; To Believe When No One Else Will. (The Conjuring 2: Enfield Poltergeist)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We are officially in the last week of October! Can you believe it? To celebrate it being Halloween week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the 2016, non-Christmas-Christmas movie, The Conjuring 2: Enfield Poltergeist. In addition to this creepy film, they talk about the trailer for The Christmas Chronicles 2, Anthony raves about Season 2 of The Boys, Thom expresses some of his theories about The Haunting of Bly Manor - which he is currently halfway through, Julia tells us about her amazing Fall vacation, all three elves express their dismay about It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas not being shown on broadcast TV this year, and much, much, more. This is a fun, spooky episode that you don't want to miss! So turn out the lights, settle in with your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink, enjoy, and get excited - because the Christmas lights will be up by the time next week's episode drops! 

Show notes

183: All Eddie Needs Is An Old-Fashioned, Transylvanian, White Christmas. (The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony settle in to discuss the 1996, made-for-television holiday film, The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas! Though this un-inspired movie leaves a lot to be desired, the elves enjoy reminiscing about the original 1960's sitcom that inspired it, along with other old TV shows from that era that they grew up watching in re-runs thanks to Nick at Nite. Besides tuning in to discuss the merits and flaws of this movie, which is unquestionably a Christmas film, join the hosts as they reveal whether they were bigger fans of The Munsters or The Addams Family - in addition to I Dream of Jeannie or Bewitched; listen to Julia and Anthony discuss The Haunting of Bly Manor in non-spoilery terms; laugh at multiple failed attempts to hum/sing various TV show themes out of tune; agree or disagree with their suggestions for who should be re-cast in a Munsters remake; and ponder the hardest question of the week yet, courtesy of Reddit user GaryBlauman - "If you had to rank your top 3 Christmas movie musical scores, how would you rank them?" In addition, get excited as the elves reveal a slew of exciting movies coming up on their schedule, and stay tuned through the end credits to not only get a preview of the Goo Goo Dolls' brand-new cover of Let it Snow (from their first-ever, upcoming Christmas album, It's Christmas All Over, which drops on October 30th!) but to also hear four bloopers from this fun, nostalgia-filled episode! So settle in with your favorite holiday drink, open those windows to let that Autumn air blow in, enjoy the show, and get excited that we're nearly out of October already and that much closer to Christmas! 

Show notes

182: The Coca-Cola Santa Is Just A Hoax. (Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are so excited to be joined by our friends Ron (a.k.a. President Hotdog) and Jay from Flimstrip Podcast! What could bring these two great shows together? The 2003 Finnish film,  Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. Now, we do have a few disclaimers:

1). The content in this movie is not suitable for young ones and neither is this episode - the humor gets to be somewhat sophomoric.

2). In an abundance of excitement over guests joining us, the elves may digress a bit more than usual.

We love this episode, and you will too, but please, don't listen with little ones near! So plug those earphones in while they're virtually schooling, grab your favorite holiday-themed beverage, sit back, and enjoy this fun episode! Have a great week!

Show notes

181: Fireside Chat Preview - Featuring Ron Hogan! (A.K.A.President Hotdog!)

This week, life got in the way for the elves - and between work and health issues, they couldn't record on their usual night and before they knew it, the week had gotten away from them. Not wanting to leave you hanging, however, we've decided to share one of our Patreon-Exclusive "Fireside Chat" segments with y'all! In our "Fireside Chats", one or more of the Tis the Podcast elves sit down by a crackling Christmas fire with one of our listeners to learn a little bit about them, talk about the holiday season, and discuss Christmas sensibilities amongst other things! In this episode, they chat with a listener oft-mentioned on the main feed of our show, Mr. President Hotdog - who goes by Ron Hogan in real life! In this episode, Ron shares a heartfelt and emotional story about how he discovered the show, a funny and sweet story about his history with Rankin/Bass, amazing Christmas memories and traditions, aspects of Christmas he'd remove from the holiday season if he could, and much, much more! So settle in with your favorite holiday drink and enjoy this fun, heartfelt episode that will make you want President Hotdog to appear on the show again, and again, and again! And don't worry - we'll be back with a new original episode next week! In the meantime, for all of you non-patrons out there, if you liked this episode and want to hear more like this, consider subscribing to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/TisThePodcast where - for as little as a dollar per month - you can get whole bonus length episodes like this! 

Show notes

180: Welcome Home, Son. (Surviving Christmas)

This week, the elves are joined by longtime listener Manny Torres, of the brand new Christmas podcast Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad, to discuss the 2004 holiday, romantic-comedy, Surviving Christmas! Where do the hosts and their guest fall when it comes to this infamous movie? Well, one elf may end up surprising you! In addition to discussing what three-of-the-four hosts call a "travesty", they reveal their personal wishlist of directors they'd like to see direct a holiday movie and pose a question to the listeners to answer before recording next week's episode, courtesy of "GaryBlauman" on Reddit: "Why do you think blockbuster Christmas movies have not really been the norm as of late?" So settle in with your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink, open those windows and allow that Autumn breeze to wash over you, take joy in the fact that we are officially heading into October, and enjoy this episode which is far more entertaining than the movie discussed within it! 

Show notes

179: What If We Lose The Things That Make Christmas In Denver So Special? (Good Luck Charlie: It's Christmas!)

This week, the elves travel to the universe of Disney Channel Original Movies in order to cover the 2011 film, Good Luck Charlie: It's Christmas! Join them as they discuss their history with Disney TV shows, family Christmas movies and television specials, and - with the spooky season just around the corner - their ideas for Christmas horror movies. So kick back with your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink, let that Autumn breeze wash all over you, and enjoy this fun-filled episode! 

Show notes

178: I Am One With The Yuletide, Know What I Mean? (Ernest Saves Christmas)

This week - at long last - the elves discuss the beloved, 1988 Christmas-family film, Ernest Saves Christmas! Anthony, once again finding himself on an island alone, sets the tone for this conversation early on in the "History" portion of the episode in which he goes on his most passionate (some might say - unhinged?) rant since the hosts covered Arthur Christmas - one that clocks in at just under 5 1/2 minutes! Julia and Thom, meanwhile, have much more good feelings of comfort and joy regarding this film, fueled in large part by nostalgia. While there is an enormous divide between the New Yorker and the two Oklahomans, this is still a fun, laugh-a-plenty episode that culminates with the elves discussing their different Advent traditions and Julia pulling a fast-one on Thom and nailing a joke that he's been trying to land for weeks now. So open those windows, let in those Autumn breezes, settle back with your favorite pumpkin drink, and enjoy! 

Show notes

177: My Name's Harry Lockhart. I'll Be Your Narrator. (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang)

Welcome to the 'Ber months, all of you friends of the elves out there! As the days get shorter and cooler, we dip our toes into a controversial "Is It or Isn't It a Christmas Movie" movie: 2005's Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. Regardless of where the hosts fall on the Christmas question, there's no denying the discussion about this cult classic is a lively one! So, breathe in that crisp, nearly autumnal air as we talk this shoot 'em up whodunit, honor the passing of the incredible Chadwick Boseman, and create some pretty darn amazing Christmas movie night double-features!

Show notes

176: You May Not Ask For Anything To Do With Interpersonal Relationships! Got It? This Is Santa Claus, Not Dear Abby! (All I Want For Christmas [1991])

Happy Monday, everybody! Can you believe that it's already the last day of August? We are officially in the Ber Months as of tomorrow! To celebrate the occasion, the elves are joined by Gerry D. of Totally Rad Christmas to discuss the 1991 family-film, All I Want for Christmas. While Gerry, Julia, and Thom all have a history - and therefore, some form of nostalgia - with this movie, Anthony is going in completely blind; will this New York Fairy Tale win him over? Does this movie in general hold up to anyone who wasn't raised in the nineties? What do all of them think of this pre-Hocus Pocus performance of Thora Birch? And how does Leslie Nielsen stack up against the other actors who have portrayed Santa Claus on this show so far? All of this and much, much more are discussed in this episode - including how homeschooling during the time of COVID is going for Julia's kids; how Thom and Gerry are dealing with life in quarantine due to being exposed to Coronavirus; and what all of the elves, plus their special guest, think of the first trailer for Matt Reeves' The Batman. So settle back with your favorite pumpkin drink, blast that air-conditioning, enjoy this fun episode, and take solace in the fact that we have officially arrived at the Ber Months! 

 

*Note - Please excuse Thom's bad audio quality this episode. Due to living in Quarantine while recording, and the unstable internet that comes along with it, it's not always clear. This will be resolved by next week's episode!* 

Show notes

175: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. (2001)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony journey into the realm of made-for-TV movies to discuss the 2001, family, holiday film, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, based on the famous song of the same name! Once again, as so often happens, Anthony finds himself a man alone on an island on one side of the debate - his opinion fueled by nostalgia - while Thom and Julia find themselves together across the divide. Also revealed this episode - what each of the elves feel about the Christmas song in question in general, as well as what their favorite covers are; their feelings on Dylan and Cole Sprouse and their acting abilities; and - in response to a question of the week posed by GaryBlauman - what television shows that are no longer producing new episodes they'd like to see come back for a one-off Christmas reunion special. All of this, and much, much more - including fierce debates and laughs a plenty - make this one episode you do not want to miss! So settle back with those Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Dunkin, blast that air-conditioning, and enjoy! 

Show notes

173: The Tis The Podcast 3-Year Anniversary Special! A.K.A. They Call It Tis The Podcast

Welcome to a very special bonus episode of Tis the Podcast in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony celebrate 3-years(!!!) of friendship, family, laughs, everlasting Christmas spirit, and tons, and tons, and tons of holiday movies and television specials!

Join the elves as they travel back through time with the Ghost of Christmas Past to reflect on how far they've come, recount their biggest mistakes, and reveal their personal Top-10 lists of movies they've covered and Top-5 lists of television specials they've covered; while their movie lists differ substantially more this year than in past years, there are still a few staples across all three! Also - learn whether they're happier with the current state of their Christmas movie canon list or their Christmas television canon list!

Then, journey with the hosts and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be as they look ahead to what Year 4 might bring - including the unveiling of their official bucketized headings for their Christmas movie canon list, a tease about future podcast mascots, and hints about content that will be coming your way! And as if all of that wasn't enough, listen through to the end to hear the debut of the new, official, and totally rad Tis the Podcast Christmas Carol, written and performed by Gerry Davila of Totally Rad Christmas!

So blast that air conditioning, settle back with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes (which - along with other delicious pumpkin-flavored drinks - are officially back at Dunkin!), and enjoy this celebration of the podcast which has spawned the most amazing community of listeners anywhere on the internet; a community that has spanned lifelong friendships and is really more like a family. Thanks for 3-years, y'all! Here's to year 4! 

Show notes

174: I Think I Just Lost My Job. (Santa and Pete)

The elves take a trip through an alternate history this week, which includes an imagined history of St. Nicholas and his sidekick Peter, as they discuss the 1999, made-for-TV movie, “Santa and Pete”. Spoiler Alert: their discussion is way more interesting the movie. So cuddle up by the fire (or the air conditioning) and enjoy an episode that serves as a good reminder that Christmas is on the way!

Show notes

171: This Year, To Make The Best Nativity Play That Has Ever, Ever, Been, is Mr. Maddens! (Nativity!)

After a much needed (though unwanted!) week off, the elves are back, and they're once again journeying across the pond to cover the 2009, Holiday-Comedy film, Nativity! There's plenty of love for this movie to go around this week - how could there not be when it stars Martin Freeman? - and there are laughs-a-plenty as the hosts talk about their favorite parts and scenes! Also discussed: plenty of listener feedback and their ideas for what they would do if they were put in charge of making the 2020 John Lewis commercial! So settle in, blast that air-conditioning, enjoy this festive episode, and celebrate the fact that we are officially only nineteen-weeks from Christmas!

Show notes

170: I'd Rather Have A Holiday Like Normal Grouches Do - Instead Of Getting Presents, They Take Presents Back From You! (Christmas Eve on Sesame Street)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! This week, travel back to 1978 with the elves as they journey to New York to spend Christmas Eve on Sesame Street! While they've talked about The Muppets proper many times before, this is the first full episode in which they discuss the Muppets of Sesame Street! Do the hosts appreciate them as much as their brethren in the parent IP? What do they think of the beloved children's show in general, in addition to how do they feel about this classic holiday special? Which resident of Sesame Street is their favorite? Find out the answer to all of this, and much more, in this fun, festive episode that also reveals to you exactly "how to get, how to get to Sesame Street"! So settle in and enjoy! 

Show notes

169: A Tis The Podcast Family Christmas In July!

Happy Christmas in July, y'all! We are officially 5-months away from Christmas day! This year is flying by, even in quarantine! 

 

As a special treat to celebrate this festive summer holiday, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they break format to discuss foreign Christmas traditions instead of Christmas films! But it's not just the hosts sharing information about how the holidays are celebrated abroad - we also have a record nineteen listener submissions as well, in which some familiar voices, some new voices, and the voices of some fellow Christmas podcasters share details, not only about Christmas celebrations that happen overseas, but also in their local cities and in their families as well. 

 

While this is our longest episode to date at exactly 2-Hours, 17-Minutes, and 55-Seconds, it flies by and is filled with so many stories of amazing traditions and contains such festive music, that it's one of our personal favorites that we've ever done! And we have to give a special shoutout to all of our amazing listeners who took the time to participate in this episode:

 

  • Ron Hogan a.k.a. President Hotdog
  • Alex
  • Lauren Simone
  • Matt Eurich a.k.a. Gary Blauman 
  • Manny Torres
  • April Ryley
  • Nicole Little 
  • Glen Warren of Seasons Eatings Podcast
  • Claude Bélanger
  • Charlyn Lewis
  • Rachel Poole
  • Ross Taylor
  • Michele Kidwell
  • Rebecca Boll
  • Steven Beech a.k.a. Disco54
  • Adam Parker of Merry Britmas Podcast
  • Duane Bailey of Tinsel Tunes Podcast 
  • Todd Killian of Christmas Clatter Podcast
  • Gerry Davila of Totally Rad Christmas Podcast

Y'all are seriously the best. We've said it before, and we'll continue to say it - we have the best listeners in the world! 

 

So, blast that air-conditioning to simulate a cold winter's night, brew your favorite holiday beverage, kick back, and enjoy this very special, extremely fun, and extraordinarily festive episode brimming with holiday cheer that takes you on a cross country road trip across America and an educational tour around the globe! And make sure to listen through the end music to hear (2) Bloopers from the recording of this episode! 

 

In addition, if you want more Christmas in July content, Patrons of our show can check out our newest Patreon episode which dropped yesterday, on July 24th, in which Anthony welcomes back April Ryley to discuss Christmas in New York! And for those of you who aren’t patrons yet, but want to look into getting this bonus episode, other bonus episodes, Christmas cards, stickers, and other goodies, head on over to https://www.Patreon.com/TisThePodcast and consider subscribing!  As always, thanks for all of your support, everybody - we love you all! And remember - "Soon It Will Be Christmas Day"! 

Show notes

168: You're A Trophy Wife? What Contest In Hell Did I Win? (Everybody Loves Raymond)

This week, the elves cover the Christmas episodes of the family-comedy, Everybody Loves Raymond! While Anthony is a huge fan, and believes that it's an accurate description of family life in a New York Italian family, Thom and Julia haven't really seen it before and this is a first time seeing multiple episodes for both of them. Do they think there's a good amount of holiday cheer in here to make these episodes worthwhile, or do they feel the show is outdated and a bit cold to the point where even Christmas can't salvage it? In addition, a ton of listener feedback is discussed and a new question of the week is posed! This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss, so settle back and enjoy! Also, remember that between now and next Monday's episode, our Christmas in July episode will be dropping on Saturday, July 25th, and for Patrons of the show, a conversation between Anthony and April Ryley about Christmas in New York will be dropping the day before on Friday, July 24th, so make sure to keep an eye out! 

Show notes

167: Henri Was There Too. (A Christmas Tale)

This week, the Christmas elves trudge through the first completely foreign film covered on this podcast - the 2008 French Film, A Christmas Tale - and boy do they regret it. Much of this episode is spent avoiding the film and talking about things much more interesting and enjoyable. Cuddle up and plan to get taken away to some place much more Christmassy than record-breaking July days!

Show notes

166: This Christmas Isn't Just Gonna Be Great, It's Gonna Be Legendary. (A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! We hope y'all enjoyed your long Fourth of July weekend! This week, for the second week in a row, the elves cover a Christmas Variety special - this time, 2018's NBC-produced, A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy, starring - you guessed it! - John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. While all three hosts are a fan of the musician and his model wife, they once again find themselves disliking this holiday variety special, causing them to wonder - why don't they work anymore in the modern day? In addition, they discuss the casting of Jason Momoa in the live-action remake of the Rankin/Bass classic, Frosty the Snowman; Anthony explains the concept of the British television show, Naked Attraction, to Thom and Julia and explains his disdain for Matt Damon; Thom and Julia discuss the Sarahan dust clouds covering the U.S.; and the three hosts answer a question posed by President Hotdog on Reddit - if they could pick any celebrity to host a variety-type special for any holiday, which celebrity would they pick and which holiday would they do it for? They talk about all of this, and much, much, more. So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage, blast that air-conditioning, and enjoy this fun-filled episode!  

Show notes

165: Merry Christmas To Those Who Have Who Have Seen Us At Our Best And At Our Worst, And Can't Tell The Difference. (Crown for Christmas)

Happy July First, Christmas Fanatics! (And Happy Canada Day to our Canadian Listeners!) Bet you weren't expecting to see us in your feed again so soon after the last episode, but we wanted to officially kick off Christmas in July with a bang! As Hallmark Christmas movie month begins, we wanted to make sure to cover a true Hallmark classic in honor of the occasion - the 2015 original film, Crown for Christmas! While all of the elves are in agreement that Danica McKellar is the true Hallmark Christmas movie queen, and a far better and more endearing actress than Candace Cameron Bure, do they all align in their opinions of this movie? How does it stack up against other holiday films of the royal genre, in particular Netflix's A Christmas Prince franchise? And can Anthony (whose mic is working a lot better this episode!) stop gushing over his childhood crush? All of this and more are answered in this cheery episode filled with Christmas cheer! In addition, the elves are surprised by a special surprise cameo during the show that you'll be able to view for yourselves on social media later today! So blast that air-conditioning, settle in with your favorite holiday drink, enjoy this special bonus episode, and rejoice that we are on the download slope to Christmas 2020!

Show notes

164: A Very Murray Christmas (2015)

This week, Thom, Julia, and Anthony are joined by the famous Gary Blauman of the Tis the Podcast community - a.k.a. Matt - to cover the 2015, Netflix Original Holiday Special, A Very Murray Christmas! Join the elves and their special guest as they discuss this very Bill Murray-esque, surprisingly morose holiday special in which much of the famous and talented cast appears to be taking part in against their will, and all of the music within! Also discussed - the origins of Matt's username, Julia's family vacation, and an epic amount of trolling between Thom and Anthony. So settle in and enjoy this episode, and buckle-up because we are officially heading into Christmas in July!

 

*Note - Anthony's mic is extraordinarily low this episode, so you're going to want to turn the volume all the way up whenever it's his turn to speak. We're sorry for the quality of it. Ever since the elves got their new mics, its been a learning curve trying to figure out the best settings, and they're working on improving it for the next episode.* 

Show notes

163: No One Should Be Alone At Christmas. (The Muppets: Single All the Way)

Happy Leon Day, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe it? We are officially halfway to Christmas! It's all downhill from here! So, in honor of the occasion, we wanted to give y'all a little present of a bonus episode, in which the elves discuss the one Christmas episode of the 2015 television show, The Muppets - "Single All the Way"! While Anthony was an enormous fan of this criminally underrated, and short-lived, show as it aired live, this is both Julia's and Thom's first time seeing it, and both fully intend to go back and watch the entire series. It's laughs - and quotes! - a plenty in this Muppet love-fest, and it sets a new high bar for our "Miscellaneous Christmas Television Episodes" list! Also discussed - the new Apple original series, Central Park, and Julia's recent family mini-vacation! So though the weather outside may not be frightful, take solace in the fact that we are now officially closer to Christmas 2020 than we are to last Christmas! So settle in and enjoy this episode full of holiday cheer that will be sure to put you into the Christmas mood!

Show notes

162: If It Was Good Enough For Baby Jesus, It’s Good Enough For Mr. Robert Lee Parton! (Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love)

Happy Monday fellow Christmas fans! The elves are joined by longtime listener April Riley to discuss Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. In this episode, the elves discuss all things Dolly Parton, one of the elves breaks a cardinal rule by manipulating the ranking system, and April 2020s the podcast. This is a long one, so sit back, relax, and enjoy a dysfunctional family Christmas!

Show notes

161: I Have Never Heard of Such a Christmas! Sex! And Drugs! And Women Being Set on Fire! (The Ref)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, Julia introduces Thom and Anthony to the 1994, Christmas-Comedy, The Ref! Not only is this a quintessential Julia movie, due to the dysfunctional family element, but it is also a quintessential Anthony movie, for reasons that are discussed in this episode. With all three elves in agreement that this hilarious story about a robber whose heart grows three-sizes after spending time with the Chausser family - and a family that is helped by this dangerous intruder in their lives - is a good Christmas film (think a more adult version of Christmas Vacation), the question becomes where does it fall on their Christmas canon list? Find out in this fun, quote-filled episode, during which Thom tries to turn the podcast positively bougie and Julia is swayed into thinking Lethal Weapon is a Christmas movie when reading a comment from Reddit listener, PresidentHotdog! So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage, blast that air conditioning, and enjoy - and take solace in the fact that we are nearly halfway to Christmas! 

Show notes

160: There's No More Heroes Left In The World. (Lethal Weapon)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by Todd Killian of Christmas Clatter Podcast to discuss the 1987, non-Christmas-Christmas movie, Lethal Weapon- which was, in many ways, the spiritual older sibling of the following year's Die Hard! Does this movie have enough Christmas feels and enough of a Linus moment to be considered a yuletide classic like Die Hard for the elves and their guest, or is this merely a movie that's set at Christmas? Tune in to find out, and to listen to Thom troll Anthony in a way that not only throws the New Yorker off his game, but also unnerves Julia! So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy this fun-filled episode! 

Show notes

159: One Time A Year There's A Marvelous Night, When Enchantment And Wonder Spark And Take Flight. (Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas)

*Listener Advisory: Please note that, due to one of the segments in this film, some hard Christmas truths about Santa Claus are discussed in this episode, so you may want to make sure no young children are around when you listen to this one.* Happy June, y'all! We are officially that much closer to the most wonderful time of the year! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by a special guest host - Mike Westfall, of Advent Calendar House Podcast! Together, the four of them sit down to discuss the 1999, straight-to-VHS film, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas and geek out over all things Disney! Tune in to find out just how talented the voice-cast of this movie is, whether the hosts prefer "the Ducks" or "the Mice", cute ways that both Thom and Julia's children remember this film, hear stories about Anthony's Disney honeymoon (including a tale of his wife fulfilling her lifelong goal of meeting Goofy, discovering which Disney character proposed to Sarah at the them park, and an anecdote about what Aladdin said to him when he found out where he was from), and learn tons and tons of Disney movie, television, and theme park trivia courtesy of Mike. Also discussed - the answer to reddit user GaryBlauman's question of the week: "In Home Alone, Old Man Marley tells Kevin in the church that there are a lot of rumors floating around about him. Outside of the rumor Buzz tells Kevin of him murdering people, what rumors do you think adults were saying about him?" This is one fun, festive episode you want to be sure not to miss - especially since this film's ranking might cause some controversy as to how it shakes up our Christmas canon list! So blast that air-conditioning to simulate that Ber-Month weather, settle in with your favorite holiday beverage, and enjoy!  *We apologize for some of the audio issues that are evident throughout this episode - specifically with Anthony's mic - that kick in around twenty-minutes in. New Microphones were ordered, and there should be no more issues going forward.* 

Show notes

158: That's What Christmas Memories Are Made From. They're Not Planned, They're Not Scheduled, Nobody Puts Them In Their Blackberry - They Just Happen. (Deck the Halls)

Happy Memorial Day, y'all! This week, the elves cover the infamous Matthew Broderick/Danny DeVito holiday film from 2006, Deck the Halls. Are there enough Christmas lights, atmosphere, and classic carols in this movie to make up for the lack of laughs, or is this a complete dud all around? You'll have to listen to find out the answer, but Spoiler Alert: all three hosts are on the same page this week, even when it comes to whether or not there is a genuine Linus Moment in this film! Also discussed, a question of the week that has been provided to us once again by Reddit listener, GaryBlauman: "Have you found yourself searching for Christmas feels more than usual now while in self isolation? If so, how have you accomplished that?" So enjoy this fun, feisty episode while preparing your long weekend barbecues, and listen closely to hear which Christmas podcast host will be joining us next week on the show! 

Show notes

157: Snow Em Gee! (Northpole: Open for Christmas)

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they travel back to a horrific-looking, CGI-North Pole as they discuss the 2015, Hallmark Original Christmas movie sequel, Northpole: Open for Christmas! As expected, Anthony goes scorched earth over this Bailee Madison film, but does Thom have enough holiday-spirit in his heart to love this one as much as he did the original? And does Cutey McCute-Face, Dylan McDermott, provide enough substance to this movie for Julia to give it a good ranking? You'll have to listen to find out! Also talked about this episode, answers to a Question of the Week as provided by WoahWatchItBuddy on Reddit: "If you could combine 3 Christmas movie plots into one MEGA MOVIE, which 3 movies would you pick?" And stay tuned midway through the Outro. Music for another Tis the Podcast blooper! Blast that air-conditioning so it feels like you're smack-dab in the middle of the "-Ber Months", settle back with your favorite holiday drink, and enjoy this fun episode! 

Show notes

156: The Notion Of Picking One Time Of Year To Be Decent To Other People Is Obscene Because It's Actually Validating The Notion Of Being Miserable Wretches The Rest Of The Year. (House M.D.)

After a contentious episode last week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are all smiles and laughs this week, finding themselves in full and total agreement when it comes to discussing the Christmas episodes of the hit American television drama, House M.D. (Fun fact - while Anthony and Julia were fans of the show as it was airing, this is Thom's first time ever seeing an episode!) If you want to follow along at home, the three episodes discussed are:

  • Season 3 - Episode 10 - Merry Little Christmas
  • Season 4 - Episode 10 - It's a Wonderful Lie
  • Season 5 - Episode 11 - Joy to the World

Even the curmudgeonly and grinchy Dr. House can't bring down the Christmas spirit this week! Join the elves as they discuss how the staff of Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital celebrates the holidays in an episode full of quotes and laughs, and listen to them talk about which celebrities they'd like to see cohost an episode of Tis the Podcast, what three Disney films (post The Little Mermaid) are the best in their opinions, and much, much, more! This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss, so settle in and enjoy! 

 

Show notes

155: Merry Christmas! (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight!) (Better Watch Out)

War! What is it good for? That's something the elves have to find out for themselves this week as Anthony, Thom, and Julia head into battle and discuss the 2016 horror film, Better Watch Out. Not since the debate over Jim Carrey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas has Anthony been forced to suffer such a brutal attack, as Thom and Julia double-team him and do their best to squash out that spark of enjoyment he receives from a movie that he actually liked. It's not all a fight though - in fact, there are hilarious laughs a plenty in this episode, which sees Thom and Anthony becoming oddly reminiscent of Dwight and Andy when they first met on The Office (or, if y'all prefer a Christmas reference, Anthony and Thom revert back to their Snow Miser and Heat Miser roles, while Julia tries to placate them as Mother Nature). In addition to the film, this week sees Thom give advice to our listeners about working remote; the hosts discuss which wild animals they would like to own as pets; binge-worthy television is talked about; and a game involving Christmas movie "teams", which was brought to the show's attention by listener GaryBlauman, is played. Also - dueling banjos! A line has been drawn in the snow - so choose your side, settle in, and enjoy this amusing episode! 

Show notes

154: Next Year All Our Troubles Will Be Miles Away. (Meet Me in St. Louis)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe it's already the last week of April! We are less than eight-months away from Christmas, officially! This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they journey into the past to review the 1944 classic film, Meet Me in St. Louis. In what is sure to be an episode that is as controversial as their A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life ones, listen as the elves debate whether or not this is actually a holiday film, discuss which character from a film they've already reviewed they would be, and much, much more! So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy this episode, which is appropriately named for the hard times that we're all going through at the moment, and remember - by Christmas, this will all be part of the story! 

Show notes

153: That Naughty-Nice List That You Got? There's No Naughty Kids, Nick. They're All Good Kids. (Fred Claus)

This week, the elves travel to the North Pole with Vince Vaughn to cover the 2007 holiday film, Fred Claus - which features one of the worst Santa's on film ever! Does this tale about St. Nick's family warm the hearts of Julia, Thom, and Anthony, or does it leave them feeling as cold as the Conglomerate that's trying to shut down the North Pole in this movie? Also featured this episode: the return of the question of the week, in addition to tons of listener feedback, and the beginning of a brand new Tis the Podcast giveaway! So settle in and enjoy because this episode is sure to be one that y'all don't want to miss! 

Show notes

152: There's No Way I'm Doing Christmas Without My Michael's Turkey.(Gavin & Stacey)

Happy Easter Monday, all! We hope you enjoyed our bonus Easter episodes! If you haven't had a chance to listen, one should be in your regular feed and one is now live on Patreon, for those of you who are patrons. This week, the elves take a quick hop across the pond to cover the Gavin & Stacey Christmas Specials! Reddit listener Disco54 suggested this show, and Anthony introduced it to Julia and Thom. Join us as we talk about the episodes, our Easter festivities, quarantine life, and more. Also, reach out to us to give us your suggestions for our Question of the Week segment!

Show notes

148: But That Was Different. That Was Halloween. This Is Easter. (It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!)

Happy Passover to those who celebrate it! With Spring in full swing, and quarantine-life driving everybody stir-crazy, we here at Tis the Podcast wanted to show our appreciation for you by sharing a very special Easter episode of the show, in which Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the 1974 classic, It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! Enjoy as the three hosts discuss this not-as-well remembered holiday-themed, Peanuts special (with one host in particular acting quite Grinch-y and claiming it's merely a rehash of A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown), share their favorite quotes, and refute Todd Killian's (of "Christmas Clatter Podcast") re-casting of the iconic 1994 film, The Santa Clause by recasting it themselves! This is one fun episode you definitely do not want to miss, so settle in with your chocolate bunnies after you hide those Easter eggs, enjoy, and have a very Happy Easter! And for those of you who are Patrons of the show, keep an eye out for another Patreon-exclusive bonus episode dropping on Easter Sunday itself, in which the elves cover the 1977, Rankin/Bass special, The Easter Bunny is Comin' to Town!

Show notes

151: Ears, Nestor. (Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony travel all the way back to Bethlehem, courtesy of Rankin/Bass' 1977 classic, Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey! This Christmas special also marks the elves' second foray into the niche genre of films that cover the Nativity Story from the point of view of an animal who was there. So is this another typical Rankin/Bass episode with Anthony on one side of the fence, and Thom and Julia on the other side? Or can little Nestor, with his long ears and gentle eyes, convince one of the Tulsans to enjoy a Rankin/Bass classic? Settle in with your favorite holiday drink, relax, and find out!

Show notes

146: A Very Meta, And Very Christmassy, Tis The Podcast April Fool's Day!

Happy April 1st (and April Fool's Day!), Y'all! In the most meta episode of Tis the Podcast yet, Julia, Thom, and Anthony - in more biting moods than they've ever been before - cover the 2017, six-and-a-half-minute short-film, Christmas Spirit. (Which can be found on YouTube here.) What do the elves think of this student project, created by second year students of Canterbury Christ Church University? And why are they so feisty this week? Settle in with your favorite holiday beverages, relax, and find out! And a very special "Thank you!" to listeners April Ryley, Gerry Davila, and Todd Killian for all the help they gave us during the production of this very unique episode! 

Show notes

150: I Hope To Give Everyone A Little Light This Christmas. (The Christmas Candle)

This is an exciting week (and an extra-long episode - our longest to date!) as we're joined by Patron, Joshua Bruce, who picked The Christmas Candle, the 2013 movie based on the book of the same name, written by Max Lucado. Joshua joins the elves in hopes of seeing "Angry Anthony" - is he holding the right candle for that wish to come true? Tune in to see and get an update from the elves about living in quarantine, listen to them speak about their favorite musicians, and hear the elves reveal their wedding songs. It's a fun episode so settle in, relax, and share the warmth of the Christmas candle with us.

Show notes

149: You Messed With The Wrong Sisters. (Black Christmas [2019])

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss the 2019 (2nd) remake of the 1974 cult-classic, Black Christmas. Is this modern reimagining a more feminist take on the source material, or does it somehow manage to make the original film look like a masterpiece? Spoiler Alert - all of the elves are united in their hatred of this film, but that doesn't stop them from having fun and a lot of laughs tearing it to shreds. Also discussed this episode - Coronavirus and an update on the hosts' Quarantined lives; the show's ranking system; and much, much more. So settle back with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy an episode that is far superior than the movie it covers! 

*Please Note - This episode touches on some serious topics that could be triggering to some, and that may be inappropriate for younger listeners. (Including the Outro Music.) Please be advised in advanced. (There was no avoiding this, as they were plot points in the movie.* 

Show notes

147: Ferb, I Know What Else We're Gonna Do Today. (Phineas and Ferb)

Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony bring all of the holiday cheer and Christmas feels to discuss the two Christmas episodes of Disney's hit animated show, Phineas and Ferb! For those who want to follow along at home, they are:

  • Season 2 - Episode 21 - Christmas Vacation!
  • Season 3 - Episode 14 - A Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas

Not only is this one of the most fun, laugh out loud, and quotable episodes of 2020, but it may be one of the most enjoyable episodes to date of "Tis the Podcast". Trust us when we say that this is definitely one you do not want to miss! (Complete with 3 whole songs throughout, in addition to our Intro. music!) So settle back with your favorite holiday-themed beverage and enjoy!

Show notes

145: A True Selfless Act Always Sparks Another. (Klaus)

Happy Monday! Join the elves this week as they cover the 2019 Netflix original movie Klaus. Join our little podcast family as we delve into what makes (or doesn't make) a good origin story for the big man in red, share a few rants, and embrace a few awkward moments. We also talk briefly about the new Artemis Fowl movie coming out. So relax, and welcome in those wonderful Christmas feelings.

Show notes

144: Last Christmas, I Gave You My Heart (Last Christmas)

This week, the elves cover the 2019, theatrical film, Last Christmas - based on the Wham! song of the same name. If you've yet to see this film but plan to at some point, we urge you to pause this episode, go watch, and come back to finish the episode, because this is one movie you want to go into blind if at all possible! In a rare occurrence, Thom and Anthony find their opinions in sync when it comes to this very literal film adaptation of a song they love, while Julia stands on an island alone. As for how they feel about it, however? You'll have to listen to find out! Also discussed this episode: Coronavirus, Disney's upcoming Honey I Shrunk the Kids sequel, the soon-to-be-released Hocus Pocus board game, a possible new ranking system for the movies we cover, and the hosts' favorite Christmas things - from smells, to tastes. So settle in, relax, and enjoy! 

Show notes

143: I Like To Say That It's The Joy Of Christmas That Reminds Us Of The Faith We Need To Sustain Us Throughout The Year, You Know? (The Knight Before Christmas)

This week, the elves cover the 2019, Netflix Original Movie, The Knight Before Christmas! How does this fare against the streaming service's other original holiday fare, specifically A Christmas Prince 3: The Royal Baby? Well, the elves don't exactly agree on that matter, and leave it up to the listeners to decide. Also discussed this week are the hosts preferences for Time Travel films, amongst other things! So settle back and enjoy this fun episode! 

Show notes

142: The White House Officially Celebrates Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, And Mawlid al-Nabi, The Alleged Birth Date Of The Prophet Muhammad. (Veep)

This week, in honor of the long President's Day weekend in the United States, the elves journey back to TV Land in order to cover the two Christmas (or are they merely set at Christmas?) episodes of HBO's critically-acclaimed, award-winning, hit comedy, Veep - starring Julia Louis Dreyfus and based on the British show, The Thick of It. Not since the original Grinch episode have the elves been this divided over how they feel, and Anthony, Thom, and Julia stake out their hills to die on when it comes to whether or not this show is worth anybody's time in general. Despite a feeling of all out war, the elves do have their very own Linus moment this week, which is good, because - Spoiler Alert - neither of the two episodes covered do!

There's plenty of other things discussed this episode as well, including:

  • Thom and Julia's recent snow day
  • The Oscars
  • The fast-approaching April Fool's Day
  • The "Five Shows to Get to Know" each of us
  • The moment Julia's husband, Marty, knew it was true love between the two of them
  • And much, much more...

This is one fun episode you definitely do not want to miss, so settle back and enjoy!

Also, don't forget that Tis the Podcast is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, along with these other excellent holiday-themed shows:

  • Christmas Past
  • Can't Wait For Christmas
  • Christmas Clatter Podcast
  • Tinsel Tunes
  • And More!! 

So make sure you check out all of the above if you have yet to do so already!

Show notes

139: Yippie Kayak Other Buckets! (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Happy Monday, friends! This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony take on all of the Christmas episodes of a comedy we all love, Brooklyn Nine-Nine! If you want to follow along at home, the episodes talked about are:

Season 1 - Episode 11: Christmas Season 2 - Episode 10: The Pontiac Bandit Returns Season 3 - Episode 10: Yippie Kayak Season 4 - Episode 10: Captain Latvia

Grab your favorite Latvian dessert and enjoy!

Also, don't forget that Tis the Podcast is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, along with these other excellent holiday-themed shows:

Christmas Past Can't Wait For Christmas Christmas Clatter Podcast Tinsel Tunes Christmas Creeps Weird Christmas Advent Calendar House Podcast Hallmark & Jess Deck the Hallmark Podcast It's a 90's Christmas Podcast And More!! 

So make sure you check out all of the above if you have yet to do so already!

Show notes

138: This Is The Night We Celebrate Peace And Togetherness! I Will Not Have That Ruined! (Frasier)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Martin Luther King Day! This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the Christmas episodes of the hit-comedy, Frasier, in what is Tis the Podcast's longest episode yet! (And one of their most quote-filled to boot!) If you want to follow along at home, the episodes talked about are:

Season 1 - Episode 12: Miracle on 3rd or 4th Street Season 3 - Episode 9: Frasier Grinch Season 5 - Episode 9: Perspectives on Christmas Season 6 - Episode 10: Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz  Season 7 - Episode 11: The Fight Before Christmas Season 8 - Episode 8: Mary Christmas Season 10 - Episode 10: We Two Kings Season 11 - Episode 11: High Holidays So settle in, relax, and enjoy, because the blues are a-callin' tossed salad and scrambled eggs.  Also, don't forget that Tis the Podcast is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, along with these other excellent holiday-themed shows: Christmas Past Can't Wait For Christmas Christmas Clatter Podcast Tinsel Tunes Christmas Creeps Weird Christmas Advent Calendar House Podcast Hallmark & Jess Deck the Hallmark Podcast It's a 90's Christmas Podcast And More!!  So make sure you check out all of the above if you have yet to do so already!

Show notes

137: My Business Now Is The Future. I Will Just Be The Best I Can Be. For The Spirits, And The Bright Light, And The Mirror, I Thank You. (BBC's/FX's A Christmas Carol [2019])

Join the elves as they once again take a trip back to Victorian London to cover yet another adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story, 2019's BBC/FX co-production, A Christmas Carol, starring Guy Pearce as Scrooge. What will Julia, Thom, and Anthony think of this unconventional, darker than usual take on a classic? Will there actually be some debate as to whether or not this is a Christmas movie? Tune in to find out! 

Show notes

136: Every Time A Bell Rings, An Angel Gets His Wings. (It's a Wonderful Life)

Happy 2020, Christmas Fanatics! Though we may be past the Christmas season and at the start of a New Year - a Leap Year, at that - we are as determined to keep the holiday spirit alive and well the entire time! As such, perhaps it's a blessing in disguise this episode was delayed a week because really, what better way is there to kick off a New Year than with a Christmas classic? This week, Thom, Julia, and Anthony discuss the 1946 film, It's a Wonderful Life! Once again, Anthony finds himself on the opposite side of the fence as Julia and Thom regarding the quality of this movie, Julia finds she may have more in common with him than she does Thom when it comes to deciding whether or not this is a Christmas film. The hosts also discuss how their holiday seasons went and resolutions for the show as it barrels toward its third year amongst many other things! So settle back with your favorite holiday-flavored drink from Starbucks before they go away again for the next eight months and enjoy!

Show notes

135: Christmas Eve 2019 Story - Katharine Lee Bates' 'Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride'

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! We hope that you've all been good this year, and that Santa is good to you tonight! We also hope that you have a wonderful day celebrating the holiday with your family and friends tomorrow! Our little gift to you this year is a special, mini, bonus episode in which the elves read one of their favorite Christmas poems: Katharine Lee Bates' Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride. We hope you like it, and enjoy it as much as we do.

Show notes

134: I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas. (White Christmas)

Merry Christmas Eve Eve, everyone! Or, if you're from Newfoundland, Happy Tibb's Eve, B'y! Or, if you'd prefer, Happy Festivus! Get ready to air your grievances with Anthony after this episode if you're a fan of the 1954 classic, White Christmas, because the show's resident Scrooge (though, as implied in this episode, he's more like Bob Cratchit lately!) is pitted against Thom and Julia this time around in a debate over the musical's merits and status as a Christmas film! Also discussed this episode, Anthony's trip to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and Bronx Zoo Holiday lights, Ellie's shopping excursion with Thom to find gifts for Christine, and Julia's theory as to why Christmas snuck up so fast this year, amongst many other things. This is one fun, festive episode you want to be sure not to miss! So snuggle up under a blanket beside the Christmas tree with your favorite holiday drink, and enjoy! And from all of us here at Tis the Podcast to all of you, have a very Merry Christmas!

Show notes

133: That's The One Good Thing About Regret: It's Never Too Late. You Can Always Change Tomorrow If You Want To. (Scrooged)

This week, the elves tackle the beloved, 1988 Christmas comedy film, Scrooged! Does Anthony love this movie as much as Thom and Julia though, or does he need his own ghostly visitors to put a little love in his heart after this episode? Also discussed this episode: Star Wars and Baby Yoda, FX's A Christmas Carol, the awesome Christmas cards the hosts have received from listeners of the show, and - amongst many other things - the excitement that everyone is feeling about the fact that Christmas is just over a week away! Settle in with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy this trip through time with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future - just watch out for toasters along the way! 

Show notes

131: I'm Part Of Prep And Landing, An Elite Unit Of Elves Getting Houses Ready, Around The World, For The Big Guy's Arrival. (Prep and Landing/Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice)

Happy December, Christmas fanatics! We hope you all had an excellent Thanksgiving! This week, the hosts cover Disney's elf-centric animated holiday special, Prep and Landing, and its follow-up, Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. Where Julia, Thom, and Anthony fall on these specials comes down to their own personal Santa and elf sensibilities, in addition to what they feel about technology infiltrating the magic of the north pole; a good place to start if you want to guess what the elves may think of these specials would be to go all the way back and listen to our Arthur Christmas episode. And speaking of Arthur Christmas, the hosts touch briefly on something they forgot to discuss during their episode on Noelle last week - how Disney's newest holiday film is basically Elf meets Arthur Christmas. Also discussed this episode: Julia's trip to San Francisco, Frozen 2/Disney +, our new Tis the Podcast jackets, a few Christmas commercials, and where you could hear more of your beloved hosts outside of our show and our Patreon feed! This is one fun episode you want to be sure not to miss! Enjoy! 

Show notes

129: What Really Makes A Santa? All Santas Inspire Us With The Christmas Spirit. (Noelle)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the brand new, Disney + original movie, Noelle. After spending a few minutes gushing over Disney's new streaming service, the elves are joined by singer/songwriter Reyha Stevens, who has two of her original holiday songs featured in the film! After a lively, informative, 18 minute conversation with her (00:05:00 - 00:23:00), the hosts dive in to a fun, boisterous, conversation about Anna Kendrick's and Bill Hader's new female-empowered, holiday classic. There's a lot of disagreement here, but will the the elves land close to one another when it comes time to ranking the film? Also discussed this week is how to make the actual holiday season extra special, especially when we all do our best to keep the spirit alive all year long. This is one lively, enjoyable episode you want to be sure not to miss! 

Show notes

130: Friendsgiving (Friends)

As a special holiday treat for all of our listeners, allow us to show you all just how grateful we are to each and every one of you by joining us as we discuss every iconic Thanksgiving episode of one of our favorite television shows, Friends. Not only is this a fun, in-depth conversation about the Central Perk gang, but it's also an entertaining blast from the Tis the Podcast past as this is a formerly exclusive-to-Patreon episode that Julia, Thom, and Anthony released back in November of 2018! So once you're stuffed with Turkey, and relaxing by your Christmas tree after your family dinner, allow your three lovable hosts to celebrate the holiday with you by enjoying this special bonus episode! And for those of you who are Patreon subscribers, keep your eyes peeled for this year's patron-only episode, in which the hosts discuss A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, which will be dropping in a few days! 

Show notes

128: Go And Redeem Some Younger, More Promising Creature, And Leave Me To Keep Christmas In My Own Way! (Scrooge [1951])

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the 1951 holiday film, Scrooge - arguably the most iconic and beloved adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to date! But do all three of the elves feel the love for Alastair Sim's version of Scrooge, and are they all moved by his trip through the past, present, and future, or will they need a scare of their own from three ghostly visitors this upcoming Christmas Eve to set them straight? Settle back with your favorite holiday drink in front of your Christmas tree to find out! 

Show notes

127: Christmas: It's Not The Giving, It's Not The Getting, It's The Loving. (A Garfield Christmas)

This week, the elves cover a beloved Christmas special that, criminally, hasn't been aired in many years on television - 1987's A Garfield Christmas. Our three hosts have a blast talking about the famous lasagna-loving cat, his goofy dog brother, and their dorky owner, but can this special hold a candle to the likes of the Grinch and Charlie Brown? Also in this episode: Anthony gives an update not only on last week's Halloween costume search, the but also the Starbucks employee he believes has been flirting with him; Thom briefly discusses his new job; and the elves discuss the latest Batman casting news and FX's upcoming A Christmas Carol miniseries. In addition, in response to listener Gary Blauman's question about which elf the listeners most relate to, Anthony, Julia, and Thom share the amazing Harry Potter, Sorting Hat inspired poem written by listener Disco54. This is one episode, overflowing with Christmas cheer, that you definitely do not want to miss! 

Show notes

126: It's Prancer! (Prancer)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony kickoff November - and their two month "Countdown to Christmas" by covering the 1989 film, Prancer! Is this movie as magical as its lead reindeer, or is it slower and more depressing than nostalgia would have you believe? Also featured in this episode: a discussion on Halloween costumes, a comparison between the father in this film and the Old Man in A Christmas Story, a debate about whether or not the world needs a more "woke" version of Baby, It's Cold Outside from John Legend and Kelly Clarkson, some baseball rivalry, and a huge announcement - the Tis the Podcast ornament swap! So settle back, enjoy the cold weather with your holiday beverage, and enjoy this fun episode!

Show notes

125: What's Happened? Did The Grinch Get To You? Or The Dark Lord, Perhaps? (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter's Tale)

Happy Halloween, Christmas Fanatics! This week, the elves bring Spooky Month to a close by covering episode 11 of the Netflix Original Series, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, entitled: A Midwinter's Tale! There's a lot of fun and laughs in this episode centered around the darker take on the infamous teenage witch, including much discussion about Icelandic Christmas Folklore, but one question looms large over the three hosts - can a piece of pop culture that includes Black Magic and Satan worship constitute a Christmas Special or pass the Linus Test? Let's just say there's no consensus between Julia, Thom, and Anthony come episode's end, and the three elves are looking forward to hearing your take! So dim the lights, light a candle (just not a black flame one!), make sure your pumpkin patch is as sincere as it can be, brew your favorite holiday-themed drink in your cauldron, and enjoy this witchy episode! 

Show notes

124: You Have A Freak Flag, You Just Don't Fly It. (The Family Stone)

This week, the elves tackle one of Julia's favorite (holiday-)film tropes - the dysfunctional family - while tackling 2005's The Family Stone. Julia, Thom, and Anthony fall all over the spectrum with their opinions in this episode full of disagreements, but nevertheless, they find much to laugh about along the way and come to a consensus when deciding whether or not this movie is a Christmas movie, and whether or not it passes the Linus Test. Also announced this episode is the creation of our new "Tis the Podcast" Facebook Group (which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tisthepodcastgroup/), which will allow listeners to post, discuss, debate, and interact with the hosts and one another about their favorite holiday movies, television specials, music, traditions, and other content. So settle in, relax, and enjoy! 

*Note: We apologize for the quality of Anthony's audio in this episode. We don't know what was wrong with his mic, and promise whatever issues plagued it this past week will be corrected by next Monday*

Show notes

123: It's Just A Bunch Of Hocus Pocus! (Hocus Pocus)

As a special Halloween treat for all of our listeners, join the elves as they light the black flame candle and discuss what is arguably the greatest Halloween movie of all time - the 1993 Disney film, Hocus Pocus. Not only is this a fun, in-depth conversation about the Sanderson sisters, but it's also a fun blast from the Tis the Podcast past as this is the first Patreon episode that Julia, Thom, and Anthony released back in October of 2017 when the show was still in its infancy! So allow your three lovable hosts to put a spell on you and make sure to enjoy this special spooky treat before your millionth re-watch of this movie on Freeform in the coming days! And for those of you who are Patreon subscribers, keep your eyes peeled for this year's patron-only episode, in which the hosts discuss It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which will be dropping early next week! 

Show notes

122: But If You Had Regular Hands, You'd Be Like Everyone Else. (Edward Scissorhands)

Spooky month continues as the elves take on the 1990, Tim Burton film, Edward Scissorhands. Fair warning though, this episode is fairly contentious - the elves definitely don't come to a consensus on this movie. And with Christmas getting closer, the elves also discuss what you can expect from them this upcoming holiday season, including an ominous warning that one elf has a few unpopular opinions regarding some beloved Christmas classics.

Show notes

121: It's Been Said The World's A Stage, And Everyone Must Play Their Part, Well If That's True, I'll Act With All My Heart. (Anna and the Apocalypse)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony kick off Spooky Month with the 2017, zombie, musical, Christmas, comedy-horror film, Anna and the Apocalypse. For a movie that takes place during the onset of the collapse of civilization, there's a lot of cheer this episode as the hosts gush over this story that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking, in addition to its incredible musical numbers. Also discussed are this year's Halloween costumes, the cooler Fall evenings, our soon-to-be released Halloween Patreon episode, and the exciting few weeks Tis the Podcast has ahead amongst many other things. This is an extremely fun, positive episode full of cheer you definitely do not want to miss, so settle in with your favorite holiday beverage, relax, and enjoy! 

Show notes

119: I'm Thankful Thanksgiving Comes Around In The Fall, But I've Always Loved Christmas The Best Of Them All. (Olive the Other Reindeer)

Can you believe it's the last Monday of September, already? This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the beloved 1999 television special, Olive, the Other Reindeer - based on Vivian Walsh's children's book of the same name! Will this sweet story about the earnest Jack Russell Terrier determined to save Christmas melt Thom's heart? Will nostalgia play a role in Anthony's opinion of it this time around? And how will it compare to the book upon which it's based in Julia's mind?

Also discussed this episode are Jon Favreau's desire to make an updated Star Wars Holiday Special, NBC's plans to reboot The Office (again), and the question of whether A Muppet Family Christmas belongs on our Christmas Canon movie list or television special list, amongst any other topics. So throw those windows open to let that cool Autumn breeze inside, settle back with your pumpkin spice lattes, and enjoy this fun episode - the last one before we officially enter Spooky month! 

Show notes

117: Such A Fuss, When Everything We Want Is Right In Front Of Us The Whole Time. (Love the Coopers)

This week, the elves tackle the 2015 dramedy film, Love the Coopers. Does this all-star cast portray the dysfunctional family of Julia's dreams, or this holiday film movie flat? Also discussed this episode are our playlists comprising of Christmas film scores, and an important milestone that is hit - we are officially only 100 days until Christmas! So settle back with your favorite holiday drink and enjoy this fun discussion about the Cooper Family's Christmas celebration! 

Show notes

118: It Ain't Cool Being No Jive Turkey So Close To Thanksgiving. (Trading Places)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover the beloved - and critically acclaimed - 1983 comedy film, Trading Places. Is this film a Christmas movie (like Italy claims it is), or is it merely a film set during the holidays? And does it stand the test of time or feel dated to the elves, none of whom have ever seen it before? Also discussed in this sure-to-be controversial episode are Thom and Anthony's first Pumpkin Spice purchases of the season, some Friends trivia, 10 pivotal historical moments that happened in the lives of Julia and her husband, our quintessential Fall meals, and the upcoming Disney + film, Noelle. This is one wide-ranging conversation you don't want to miss, so settle back with your favorite Autumn drink, pray that cooler weather gets here soon, and enjoy! 

 

*Content Warning - For those of you who listen to the show with young kids, please be advised that due to the nature of this film, some adult themes - such as hookers, sex, and nudity - are discussed this episode, so you may want to listen to this particular one alone.*

Show notes

116: Tis The Podcast’s Two Year Retrospective Extravaganza!

Happy Two Years, everybody! Can you believe Tis the Podcast is already two years old? Julia, Thom, and Anthony sure can’t! Once again, the elves take a break from talking one specific movie this week in order to reflect on the year gone by, discussing what movies and television specials they were too hard and easy on, revealing their own personal Top 10 lists, and debating some changes they're contemplating making to the list! On top of this, they share some wonderful comments and touching well-wishes they received on this very special occasion from the best fans on the planet! So settle in with a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte, blast that air conditioning (and be grateful September is here and Fall is coming up quick so you won’t have to for much longer!), and allow this healthy dose of Tis the Podcast nostalgia to grow your hearts three sizes and fill you up with some Christmas cheer! Enjoy!

Show notes

115: If A Superhero Can't Save His Family, He's Not Much Of A Hero. (Shazam!)

To round out the month of August, the elves delve back into the realm of superheroes by covering 2019's Shazam! Does this lighthearted, DC Films, action-comedy constitute a Christmas movie? Or does it fall into the same genre as Batman Returns and Iron Man 3 - superhero films set during the holidays? This is one fun, upbeat, quote-filled, informative episode you definitely do not want to miss, and one that is sure to stir up some controversy when it's revealed where Shazam! falls on our Christmas Canon List! So sit back with your first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season, relax, and enjoy while basking in the fact that the cooler weather is nearly upon us, and you'll be turning off those air conditioners sooner rather than later! 

 

*Update - There was an issue with the end music playing both at the end of this episode, and - for some reason - during the segment where we rank the film. The file's been re-uploaded to fix the music.* 

Show notes

113: Sometimes It Takes Dyin' To Teach A Fella How To Live. (Batman Noël)

Due to a pesky thing called "life", the elves were unable to get together this past week and record their scheduled episode on Joyeux Noël. We didn't want to leave y'all without some kind of content showing up in your feed this Monday, however, so we've decided to release an up-to-now Patreon exclusive episode in which we cover the graphic novel, Batman Noël - DC's take on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol! Joyeux Noël and Shazam both will be recorded this week, however, and both will be released next week, so keep an eye out for those! In the meantime, enjoy this trip to Gotham City throughout the years with Catwoman, Superman, and the Joker! (And bear in mind, this was recorded almost a year ago! Before Robert Pattinson signing on to play Batman was even a thought in anybody's head!) 

Show notes

112: I Didn't Realize That Becoming Part Of The Royal Family Meant Having To Give Up Who I Am. (A Christmas Prince 2: The Royal Wedding)

The elves are journeying back to the Kingdom of Aldova to check up on Amber, Prince Richard, Princess Emily, and the whole Aldovian royal family in A Christmas Prince 2: The Royal Wedding. What has happened over the past year? Join the elves as we discuss the Aldovian royal couple, the beauty of a wedding, and witness Amber become a princess. Plus, we have a couple of winners from our new contest!

Show notes

111: Nobody's Walking Out On This Fun, Old-Fashioned, Family Christmas! (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Revisited)

Julia, Thom, and Anthony take one last trip back into the episodes of yesteryear with the Ghost of Christmas Past to once again cover the Hap-Hap-Happiest Griswold Family Christmas there's ever been in 1989's National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! The hosts have got a lot of stuff to celebrate in this quote-filled episode, other than just discussing one of the greatest holiday movies of all time, of course, including the Ber Months being right around the corner, Christmas getting closer, Marvel's upcoming Phase 4 slate, and the show's 2-year anniversary fast approaching! This is one fun, hilarious episode you'll want to be sure not to miss! So blast that air-conditioning, settle in with a cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy! 

Show notes

110: Now That's What I Call A Tis The Podcast Christmas: Volume 1

In this old school, radio show/variety hour inspired bonus episode, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are preparing for their annual Christmas in July party up at Tis the Podcast Headquarters when a massive snow storm hits. Determined to keep busy while waiting for their guests to show up, and doing their best not to worry about the fact that the snow may impede their arrival, the elves decide to pass the time by singing some of their favorite Christmas Carols in order to keep the holiday cheer alive.

*Please note, we are well aware that we are not professional singers, but we decided to channel Buddy the Elf and spread "Christmas Cheer by Singing Loud for All to Hear" this episode and try something different. A lot of blood, sweat, tears, laughs, and late nights went into this episode, so please be gentle with us! Having said that, if you liked our singing so much that you want mp3s of the songs featured in this episode - or hated it so much you want to annoy your family or friends by playing them - visit our Patreon page at https://patreon.com/tisthepodcast to download them, in addition to an unedited video recording of this episode and lots of other goodies!* 

*Special Thanks to our Guest Stars (and Singers!) who volunteered their time to take part in this episode:

Rebecca Boll

Marty Colburn

Ellie Crowe

Gerry Davilla

Sarah Houston 

Todd Killian (of Christmas Clatter Podcast)

Charlyn Lewis

Lauren Simone

 

Show notes

109: If Something Should Happen To Me, Put On My Suit; The Reindeer Will Know What To Do. (The Santa Clause Revisited)

The elves continue their stroll down memory lane as they revisit 1994's Christmas classic, The Santa Clause, staring Tim Allen. After nearly two years, do the three hosts still have the same love for the film they once did, or has time jaded their views? Find out as you listen and learn about a new contest to win some holiday goodies!

 

*Warning to parents who listen to this show with their young children: please be advised that some Christmas truths that might spoil the magic of the holidays are discussed in this episode, so you may want to have your kids skip this one!*

Show notes

108: Would You Please Tell Him That Instead Of Presents This Year, I Just Want My Family Back. (Home Alone Revisited)

This week, the elves travel back in time with the Ghost of Christmas Past to revisit Chris Columbus' Home Alone. How does this beloved Christmas classic fare the second time around? Do the elves wish they gave it more love the first time they reviewed it, or has it inched closer to the naughty list? Crank that A/C, settle in with a cup of hot chocolate, and find out! 

Show notes

106: Nothing Is Forever. (Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July)

This week, patron and friend of the show, Gerry Davilla joins Julia, Thom, and Anthony to discuss The Avengers-esque, Crisis-on-Infinite-Earths type, 1979, grand finale crossover event, Rankin/Bass' 1979 theatrical film, Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July. Together, the four hosts try their hardest to make sense of the completely out there plot, which retcons Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town while introducing a complex mythology for the North Pole that introduces the evil wizard, Winterbolt, the queen of the northern lights, Lady Boreal, and a neglected, drugged-up looking reindeer called Scratcher. Filled with tons background information on Rankin/Bass, A+ impressions, terrible singing, and plenty of bafflement to go around, this is one hilarious episode that you definitely do not want to miss! So blast that air conditioning, make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and enjoy while reveling in the fact that we're now officially closer to this Christmas than we are to last Christmas. 

Show notes

105: Trixie, The Battlesaurs Are Not Playing! (Toy Story That Time Forgot)

Happy Leon Day! We're officially halfway to Christmas, and the elves couldn't be more excited. To celebrate, they've come together for a very special episode just in time for the release of Toy Story 4 - one in which they discuss the made-for-TV special, Toy Story That Time Forgot. In Trixie, The Battlesaurs Are Not Playing!, the elves share their love of all things Toy Story as they discuss the holiday special Toy Story That Time Forgot.

Show notes

103: You Can Change Everything Except The Most Important Thing - Fate. (12 Dates of Christmas)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony are joined by fellow Christmas podcaster, and loyal listener and patron of the show, Todd Killian of Christmas Clatter Podcast to cover a movie of his choice: the 2011, ABC Family original film, 12 Dates of Christmas! How does this movie stack up against the other two holiday Groundhog Day films - Pete's Christmas and Christmas Every Day - the elves have covered so far? Does the presence of Amy Smart ruin this Christmas comedy for our hosts? Do ABC Family holiday movies even hold a candle to Hallmark ones? Tune in to find out the answer to these questions, along with how you can pick a movie and cohost an episode with the elves! This is an all around fun episode that's sure to shake you from those summertime blues - you don't want to miss it! 

Show notes

102: It's A Major Award! (A Christmas Story Live!)

This week, join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they cover the musical adaption of a beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Story Live!, as originally broadcast by Fox in December 2017. Will it fare better with Thom and Julia than the original version did? Did the elves actually enjoy the musical numbers? Settle in, relax, and enjoy this hilarious episode that is sure to stir some controversy amongst fans of the original movie! 

Show notes

101: Switched For Christmas (2017)

To kick off the month of June, and the countdown to Leon Day, Julia, Thom, and Anthony dive back into the realm of Hallmark Christmas movies and cover the 2017 film, Switched for Christmas, starring the Queen of Hallmark, Candace Cameron Bure. It's a battle of the sexes this episode, with Thom and Anthony (in rare form and agreement!) on one side sharing a dislike for this movie, and Julia on the other trying to give it a fair shake. But can the elves at least agree that there's an abundance of holiday atmosphere and a Linus moment? Also discussed this episode are the elves' opinions on when it starts feeling like Christmas to them! Enjoy! 

Show notes

99: We Talk A Lot About Tradition This Time Of Year, But As Much As We Love Our Traditions, Sometimes Our Best Memories Come From The Times That Are The Most Untraditional. (Modern Family)

This week, all three elves are back together again to cover the five Christmas episodes of ABC's hit comedy, Modern Family! A lot of ground is covered this week, as we talk about America's favorite blended family, in addition to discussing America's sexiest accents, Douglas Fir vs. Fraser Fir Christmas trees, Mel Gibson's upcoming holiday comedy Fat Man, and FX's A Christmas Carol miniseries amongst many other things! Pour yourself a hot cocoa, relax, enjoy, and revel in the fact that we are 40% of the way through the year, and all that much closer to Christmas! 

Show notes

98: Giving Christmas Gifts Is Like A Sport To Me. Finding Or Making That Perfect Something. It’s Also Like A Sport To Me Because I Always Win. (Parks and Recreation/Avengers: Endgame)

Due to some scheduling issues this week, not only was our original plan to cover the Christmas episodes of Modern Family pushed back a week, but Thom was sadly unable to make the recording of this episode due to travel for work! As such, Julia and Anthony right a wrong that listeners pointed out after our previous episode dropped, and cover "Citizen Knope", Parks and Recreation's fourth-season Christmas episode that we somehow missed when covering the other holiday episodes of the comedy last week! What we thought was only going to be a short mini-episode, however, turns into a supersized one, when the two elves turn their attention to Avengers: Endgame and delve into the movie in great, spoilerly, loving detail! Don't worry though - for those of you who haven't seen the film yet, the Parks and Rec half of the episode is completely spoiler free, and afterward, fair warning (and a musical cue!) is given before talk switches to grand-finale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. While a break from the show's normal format, this is one episode you definitely do not want to miss, so settle in with your favorite Christmassy beverage, relax, and enjoy! 

Show notes

97: Jingle Bells, Jingle Yay, Jingle Good For You! (Parks and Recreation)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony tackle the two Christmas episodes of Parks and Recreation! Join the elves as they discuss 2009's Christmas Scandal and 2012's Ron and Diane, reveal which Pawnee residents they're most like, and quote both episodes to death in this fun-filled discussion full of holiday cheer! Settle back with your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy! 

Show notes

95: You Can Take Away My House, All My Tricks And Toys, But One Thing You Can't Take Away - I Am Iron Man. (Iron Man 3)

We're back, covering another superhero film that's set during the holidays and debating whether or not it's a Christmas movie, or merely a film set at Christmas. But this time, we're far from the streets of Gotham, and take to the skies with Tony Stark in this 2013, Shane Black directed vehicle, Iron Man 3. Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the Marvel Cinematic Universe overall, share their histories and preferences when it comes to Marvel and DC comics, examine the similarities between Batman and Iron Man, talk about Shane Black's proclivities for using the holiday season as a backdrop in his movies, debate about that twist, and discuss their theories for the just-released Avengers: Endgame! (Don't worry - no spoilers for the film in this episode, as it was recorded before the grand-finale of the MCU up until this point hit theaters!) This is one super fun episode you do not want to miss! 

Show notes

96: Ain't No Hole In The Washtub! (Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you all had a wonderful Easter (and/or Passover!)! Though it doesn't include the Easter Bunny, this week Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss a beloved holiday classic starring a bunch of cute, furry animals - 1977's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas! Does this Muppet Christmas film elicit all of the comfort and joy for our three elves, or do we have a Grinch in our midst this week? Tune in to this fun episode to find out!

Show notes

94: Christmas Comes Whether We Like It Or Not. We Must Do Our Best To Enjoy It. (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms)

Happy Tax Day to our American listeners! To help you over that hurdle, the elves are back this week to discuss Disney's 2018 The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, a modern take on the classic ballet, The Nutcracker. Does Disney have a new classic on it's hands, or does this film join the long list of attempts to bring The Nutcracker to the big screen over the years that can't quite capture the magic? Find out for yourself as you settle in for a fun-filled episode!

Show notes

93: Here We Come A-Wassailing. (A Claymation Christmas Celebration)

This week, at long last, the elves cover the [in(?)]famous and much beloved 1987 claymation classic, A Claymation Christmas Celebration! How does Will Vinton's clay version of London's Christmas Square compare to the stop-animation settings of Rankin/Bass? Can Rex, Herb, and the California Raisons even compare to Rudolph, Frosty, and the Miser Brothers? And, perhaps most importantly, is this another case where nostalgia plays a huge role when it comes to this special's final rankings? The amount of Christmas music discussed this is almost reason enough to tune into this rollicking, joyful, fun-filled episode! So settle in with your holiday beverage, and enjoy! 

A Claymation Christmas Celebration website that we discuss in the episode, which features music and behind-the-scenes images and stories and was brought to our attention by listener Gerry Davilla. Thanks, Gerry! 

Show notes

91: Life Isn't About Endings, Is It? It's A Series Of Moments. (The Office: U.K.)

This week, take a sleigh ride with Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they fly across the pond to Slough, England in order to discuss how the employees of Wernham Hogg Paper Company celebrate the holidays in The Office Christmas Specials. As enormous fans of the American version of The Office, which spawned from this original British version, this series finale has a lot to live up to in the minds of the three hosts. There's plenty to talk about here, from the famous (baby!) faces of the main cast, to comparisons with its US counterpart, in addition to plenty of debate over whether or not this two-part episode is actually a Christmas special, amongst many other things. This is one international field trip you most definitely do not want to miss! Also in this episode, the elves take a detour into the realm of Halloween, and geek out over the new Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark movie trailer in addition to the three anthology books which inspired it.

Show notes

92: Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Happy first day of April, Christmas fanatics! This week, pull up a comfy chair and have your holiday beverage of choice ready, because Julia, Thom, and Anthony are warming themselves up in front of Douglas Chick's Crackling Fireplace! It might be warming up outside, but inside Tis the Podcast's Headquarters, our the three elves can't stop gushing about this particular Yule Log - or roasting chestnuts over it either, for that matter! 

Show notes

90: A Flintstone Christmas (1977)

This week, journey back in time to the town of Bedrock with Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the 1977 holiday special, A Flintstone Christmas. So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage and tune in, because you're sure to have a yabba-dabba-doo time with the elves as they debate the holiday traditions of the Flintstones and the Rubbles. 

Show notes

89: I'm Following In The Path Of My Christmas Heroes: The Grinch, The Sticky Bandits, Hans Gruber From Die Hard. (The Night Before)

And after an unintentional week off, we're back and covering the 2015 comedy-film, The Night Before!  Will Julia and Thom make like Miley Cyrus and come in like a wrecking ball when talking about this movie, or is there enough underlying heart to it where Anthony can make a convincing case in its favor? Did Thom's trip to New York make Anthony change his mind about whether or not his co-host is "the worst"? Will the elves agree about the use of Christmas in Hollis in this movie?  And will Thom's new derivation of the word "Rudolph" become a thing, or is it never going to happen? All of this and much more are discussed in this fun episode dissecting a movie about three childhood friends who become three wise men over the course of one Christmas Eve night in New York! So settle back with a cup of hot cocoa, enjoy, and get excited - because as of next week, we are officially under 40 weeks until Christmas! (And Tis the Podcast has a lot of fun stuff coming up on the horizon very soon, besides our normal weekly episodes, so stay tuned!) 

Show notes

88: "He Does Exist!" "They Do Exist!" (Christmas Commercials)

Due to some things that came up in the personal lives of the elves this week, they were unable to record a new episode as planned. So, to make up for that fact - and not wanting to miss a week - we're releasing our last Patreon episode of 2018 for all to hear! Join the elves as they dive into the realm of Christmas commercials, both foreign and domestic, and discuss all of their personal favorites – from iconic classics, to ones that transport them back to childhood, and modern day fare that gives them all of the feels. This is one of our favorite episodes we've done, and definitely one you do not want to miss - so settle back with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy!    *Note: As this was originally a Patreon episode, there are two instances in it where some questionable language is used. Nothing ridiculously bad that you wouldn't hear on Network television during Primetime, but we just wanted to give you fair warning in case you normally listen with children.* 
Show notes

87: Put On Your Yarmulke, It's Time For Chanukah. (Eight Crazy Nights)

For the first time ever, the hosts of Tis the Podcast delve into the realm of Chanukah with 2002's musical-comedy, Eight Crazy Nights.  Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss this awful, animated Adam Sandler film, the discussion of which yields some personal revelations from the elves and the biggest rant that Anthony's gone on in a while. There's lots of fun in this episode, despite the movie that's being covered, so settle in, put on your yarmulke, and get ready for this Christmas podcast to celebrate Chanukah!

Show notes

86: A Merry Friggin' Christmas (2014)

*Important Note - Due to the nature of this movie, we discuss certain hard truths about Santa Claus throughout this episode, so you may want to listen to this one when your children aren't present!*

This week, the Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather around the fireside to discuss the 2014, black-comedy film, A Merry Friggin' Christmas. The fact that this episode title is merely the name of the movie should tell you all that you need to know in advance about what the hosts thing about this movie, which features the incomparable, late, great, Robin Williams. Nevertheless, it's fun discussion that you'll want to settle down with your favorite Christmas drink to listen to. In addition to the film, the elves also discuss which holiday movie family they'd like to sit down and have a meal with.

Show notes

84: You're Supposed To Be The Leading Lady In Your Own Life, For God's Sake! (The Holiday)

The elves gear up for Valentine's Day week with the 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. Throughout the conversation, they discuss favorite movies with the leading actors and actresses, rom-coms as a film genre, sentimentality, and what can keep a movie from being a Christmas movie. Snuggle up with that special someone and join us for this romantic episode!

Show notes

83: The World's Most Pissed Off Snow Cone! (Jack Frost [1997])

This week, the elves tackle the 1997 horror-comedy film, Jack Frost - not to be confused with the still yet-to-be-covered 1998 comedy, Jack Frost, starring Michael Keaton. Does this low-budget, campy movie fall into the same "so bad it could be fun to mock" category as Santa's Slay, or will it even come up short of that standard? Given the length of this episode, and keeping in mind Disco54's "Laws of Tis The Podcast", I'm sure you can guess what Julia, Thom, and Anthony think of this film before listening to it!  It's not a complete waste this week, however, for the hosts get surprisingly sentimental when discussing a question posed to them by listener, Martin Achatz ("What would you put in your Christmas time capsule?") and a classic Christmas carol is used as the show's outro music! In addition, sunnier and more romantic times lie ahead, which Julia makes clear when announcing the movies that will be covered in the next two weeks!

Show notes

82: And The Grinch Raised His Glass, And Led The Whos In A Toast, "To Kindness And Love, The Things We Need Most!" (Dr. Seuss' The Grinch [2018])

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony return to Whoville for the first time in over a year in order to talk about the 2018 animated film, Dr. Seuss' The Grinch." All Out War" broke out amongst the hosts the last time they talked about the Grinch and his dog, Max - will they be more in sync while discussing this remake of one of their favorite Christmas tales? (A remake that all three were wary about upon it being announced!) The less you know about where they stand on this film going in, the better, but we can promise you that this is an extremely fun episode that will not only make you want to whip up a cup of your favorite holiday drink, but which will also put you right back into the Christmas spirit! 

Show notes

This week, the elves tackle their eighth iteration of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol - the 2004, made-for-TV musical, A Christmas Carol: The Musical! This specific version stars an all star cast of some of the most popular television actors from the late '90s and early 2000s, and what can go wrong when you combine Dr. Frasier Crane, George Costanza, Jenna Maroney, The Flash's inevitable father-in-law, and the Ghost Whisperer into a flashy musical version of a perennial holiday classic? In addition to a fun discussion about Scrooge and his otherworldly friends, this episode also includes a lesson about how to properly pronounce the name "Anastasia" from the "worst" host, as well as Julia's quick thoughts about the 2018, Supernatural-horror film, Hereditary.This is one episode you don't want to miss, especially if you're still suffering from those post Christmas blues! 

Show notes

80: You'll Always Be Fat To Me, Chris. (Just Friends)

This week the elves tackle the 2005 questionably holiday movie Just Friends. Tune in as we discuss the film, the acting prowess of both Ryan Reynolds and Anna Faris, which co-host is the worst, our early memories of R-rated movies, and more.

Show notes

79: Six Bucks And My Right Nut Says We're Not Landing In Chicago. (Planes, Trains and Automobiles)

Julia, Thom, and Anthony kick off 2019 this week by covering John Hughes' beloved 1987 comedy, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. While definitely a holiday film, is it actually a Christmas film? Also discussed this episode, which of the elves would be Steve Martin's Neal Page in real life to John Candy's Del, whom the other two embody? (Spoiler Alert: Neither of these questions are hard to answer!) Enjoy - and don't despair, because while Christmas is still 50 Fridays away, we'll be here throughout the year helping to keep the spirit alive for all of you! 

Show notes

77: Christmas Eve 2018 Story - O. Henry's 'The Gift of the Magi'

Merry Christmas, everyone! We hope that Santa was good to you, and hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your family and friends. Our little gift to you this year is a special, mini, bonus episode in which the elves read one of their favorite holiday short stories: O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi. We hope you like it, and enjoy the story as much as we do.  *Note* - Sorry for the bad audio during Thom's portion. We tried to clean it up the best we could, but that's the best we could get it to sound!

Show notes

76: You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid! (A Christmas Story)

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! This week, just in time for TBS' annual 24-hour-marathon, the elves discuss the much beloved, 1983, quintessentially American holiday Classic, A Christmas Story. But while many people have fond memories of this film, there is no unanimous praise for little Ralphie Parker or his quest for a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun on this episode, as a battle so fierce that it rivals that of the Old Man and his wife over his infamous Leg Lamp breaks out over the movie's merits amongst the three hosts - with Julia and Thom on one side, and Anthony on the other. Not since 2017's infamous Grinch episode have the three been so divided over such a well-known and oft-played movie, but it makes for a fun (and nowhere near as contentious!) discussion, in which the elves' giddiness over Santa's impending visit tonight is palpable the entire time. Also discussed this episode are the gifts from childhood, which were never received, that Scott Calvin's Santa Claus would drop down from his sleigh to Julia, Thom, and Anthony if he flew by on Christmas Eve. So as you're doing last minute prep work for your Christmas Eve and Day celebrations, wrapping the last of your gifts, taking a break from the yearly TBS marathon of this film, or simply spending a relaxing day as you wait for Santa to come down your chimney tonight, make sure to tune in to this fun episode full of holiday cheer! 

Show notes

75: Now, All Those Within The Sound Of My Voice, And All Those On This Earth Everywhere, Know That Henceforth You Will Be Called 'Santa Claus'. (Santa Claus: The Movie)

This week, one week out from Christmas(! Can you believe it?!), the elves discuss the cult classic, criminally underrated, 1985 holiday film, Santa Claus: The Movie. While a formative film in the childhoods of both Julia and Anthony, Thom is going in completely fresh, and the discussion yields some interesting differences in how he views certain aspects of the story compared to how his two cohosts do. One thing becomes evident though the longer the in-depth conversation goes on: David Huddleston is Santa Claus, and the superhero-like mythology built around the Christmas figure in this movie has shaped countless personal and pop-culture perceptions as to who exactly Santa is, and what his world should look like. Also discussed in this episode is new Christmas music that have made our playlists this holiday season! So settle back with a cup of hot cocoa, put those carols on the radio, and enjoy, because not only is this a fun episode you don't want to miss, but Christmas is nearly upon us - make sure to savor every last second of this upcoming week. 

Show notes

74: He Is For All Mankind. (The Nativity Story)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! This week, the elves are changing pace ever-so-slightly by diving headfirst into their first religious Christmas film in a while, 2006's "The Nativity Story", an adaptation of The Christmas Story - a.k.a., the greatest story ever told. How does it rank on list that also includes films such as Daddy's Home 2? You'll have to tune in and listen into the episode to find out! Also of note, this episode features a surprise debate about the Linus Test, and what exactly Linus moments should consist of! So settle in with your favorite holiday drink, enjoy the show, and bask in the exciting fact that we are now only two weeks away from Christmas! 

Show notes

72: Frosty The Snowman Is A Fairy Tale They Say, He Was Made Of Snow, But The Children Know How He Came To Life One Day. (Frosty the Snowman/Frosty's Winter Wonderland)

Happy December, Christmas Fanatics! This week, to kick off Christmas month - and our second month of undisputed holiday classics (whether you love them or not) - the elves discuss a beloved animated fairy tale, Rankin/Bass' Frosty the Snowman and its lesser-known sequel, Frosty's Winter Wonderland. In addition to talking about the lovable, endearing snowman, Roald Dahl, Artemis Fowl, Disney, Hallmark Christmas movies, the Rockettes, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are also discussed, and the winner of our Christmas ornament giveaway is finally announced! This is a lively, fun episode you definitely don't want to miss! So make a cup of your favorite holiday beverage, grab today's piece of chocolate from the Advent Calendar, settle in, and enjoy! 

Show notes

73: The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Happy Sunday afternoon, Christmas fanatics! While we'll be in your feed once again tomorrow morning with our regular episode, today - as an end of the weekend treat - we decided to drop a very special bonus episode on Netflix's brand new original holiday movie, The Christmas Chronicles. While critics think it's a mess, albeit a fun one, people on the internet seem to be going crazy for it. As for where the elves fall? Well, while all three enjoyed it and would recommend watching it, two absolutely loved it while one thinks a lot of the praise going around is hyperbolic. Settle back with a cup of hot chocolate and settle back to listen to this enjoyable episode and find out their reasons why!

Show notes

71: Santa Claus Does Exist, And He Exists In The Person Of Kris Kringle. (Miracle on 34th Street [1994])

Happy last week of November, Christmas fanatics! We hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekends! This week, to help ease you back into a full week of work, the elves discuss the beloved 1994 Christmas Classic, Miracle on 34th Street. Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they make a return trip to New York at Christmas and gush over Richard Attenborough's portrayal of Kris Kringle, who definitely has one of the best Santa scenes in cinematic history. So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage to listen to this fun, wide-ranging discussion, which also includes the debut of "The Laws of Tis the Podcast", as written by Reddit User Disco54. For those of you who normally listen with small kids, though, be warned! Some harsh truths about jolly old Saint Nicholas are brought up in this conversation, so you may want to wait until you're alone to tune in! 

Show notes

69: It's Turbo Time! (Jingle All the Way)

We're sticking with our "Christmas Classics" this week as the elves discuss the 1996 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, Jingle All the Way. Julia, Anthony, and Thom discuss this movie, Sinbad the Entertainer, Black Friday mayhem, what they miss from bygone Christmases, and much more. Cozy in up in that favorite chair, next to your tree, which is now doubt lit already, and enjoy!

Show notes

68: Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal! (Home Alone 2: Lost in New York)

Our two months of "Christmas Classics" continues this week, as the elves revisit the Home Alone franchise (for the first time since the podcast's third episode!) and cover Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Julia, Thom, and Anthony join Kevin McCallister as he takes a holiday journey into the New York City of Christmases past - back when airline travel was still lax, the World Trade Center was still standing, Manhattan was much scarier in the dead of night, and before Donald Trump moved into the White House and owned The Plaza instead. The hosts are absolutely giddy in this episode as they discuss this quintessential holiday romp and it shows in their wide-ranging conversation, which includes some hilarious impressions and a plethora of favorite quotes and scenes (more than we've had in a long time!) amongst many other things. In addition, quirky, odd, and weird things that remind us of the holiday season are discussed! With the weather outside getting frightful, and the fire inside being so delightful, settle down in front of it with your favorite Christmas beverage, relax, and enjoy - trust us when we say, this is an episode you do not want to miss! 

Show notes

67: It Was A Year Without A Santa Claus, The Worst We've Ever Had! (The Year Without a Santa Claus)

Happy November, Christmas Fanatics! We are officially in the Christmas season (Finally!), so if you haven't decorated yet or started your shopping, you better get on it! To celebrate the holiday season finally being upon us, Julia, Thom, and Anthony kick off two straight months of "Christmas Classics" with a return to the world of Rankin/Bass by covering 1974's The Year Without a Santa Claus! Will the hosts hold this annual staple in a higher regard than they have other Rankin/Bass productions, or will even the memorable and iconic Miser Brothers be unable to save this special? In addition, this episode also features two big announcements: the launch of The Christmas Podcast Network and the start of another giveaway contest! So grab a cup of hot chocolate, settle into a cozy armchair beside your Christmas tree, and enjoy, because this is definitely a show you do not want to miss! 

Show notes

66: The Great Halloween Crossover: Tis the Podcast Meets Christmas Past

This very special episode is 1/2 of a Christmas crossover partnership with our friends at Christmas Past. In this episode, the elves are visited by Dr. Tara Aveilhe to discuss the history of Christmas ghost stories and the inspiration behind Charles Dickens' iconic novella, A Christmas Carol. Be sure to check out the very special episode of Christmas Past and hear Julia and Anthony talk about the Geroge C Scott film adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

 

Happy Halloween!

Show notes

65: You Fudging Touch Me Again, I'll Fudging Kill Ya! (Supernatural: A Very Supernatural Christmas)

Happy Halloween, Christmas fanatics! Spooky month draws to a close this week, as the elves discuss Season 3, Episode 8 of the television show, Supernatural, entitled "A Very Supernatural Christmas"! Joining their conversation is special guest Joanna Wilson, of ChristmasTVHistory.com amongst many other things. Much like the Winchesters' classic 1967 Chevy Impala takes them to many unexpected places, talking about the brothers' hunt for an "Anti-Claus" this week steers the discussion to down many different, lively avenues as well - from The X-Files to Fruitcake to The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy to Rankin/Bass' different versions of Santa Claus. Also revealed this week are the foreign Christmas traditions that the elves would like to see make their way over to America. So settle in with your favorite holiday beverage, relax, and enjoy this episode; it's definitely one you do not want to miss! Also, get excited, because next week we kick off two straight months of Christmas Classics! 

Show notes

64: Look Mister, There Are Some Rules That You've Got To Follow. (Gremlins)

This week, the elves are back talking about the 1984 cult classic, Gremlins. Set at Christmas time, is this movie a Christmas movie or does it fall short? Get some intense Gremlins history, learn about it's connection to other 80's films, and find a hidden Christmas movie alum hidden in the film.

In additon,we continue our countdown to Christmas, discuss where the ghosts of Christmas past and future would take us, and start chatting about Christmas music. Light up the fireplace, put on some cozy socks, and let us take you to happy holiday place.

Show notes

63: The Snowman (1982)

This week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss the iconic, 1982 cartoon "The Snowman", based on Raymond Briggs' children's book of the same name. While beloved by many, especially in the UK where it is to Christmas what classic holiday specials like Charlie Brown and Rankin/Bass are to those Stateside, how will it hold up when it comes under scrutiny from the elves? Is it even a Christmas movie? In additon, this episode featues a discussion about the trailer for Kurt Russell's new, Netflix original movie, "The Christmas Chronicles", and the return of the "Question of the Week"! So make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, relax, and enjoy! 

Show notes

62: Black Christmas (1974)

It's October which means it's time for our annual Spooky Month here at Tis the Podcast. This week, the elves cover 1974's cult classic "Black Christmas". During the episode, they discuss the horror genre, movies they loved, ones they didn't, tropes found in horror films, and the impact of this film on the future of cinema. Turn out the lights, set the alarm, and sit back for another dose of Christmas cheer.

Show notes

61: I Wish It Was Christmas Every Day. (Christmas Every Day)

Happy October, Christmas Fanatics! And welcome to the start of "Spooky Season"! To kick things off this week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony cover ABC Family's 1996 original movie, "Christmas Every Day" which has one foot in spooky month, and one foot in literary month, as it is loosely based on William Dean Howells' 1892 short story of the same name. So settle in, let that cool autumn breeze wash over you, and enjoy as you listen to our discussion about this holiday-themed groundhog day that would be a dream come true to most of us!

Show notes

60: Listen, Scrooge! If Men Were Measured By Kindness, You'd Be No Bigger Than A Speck Of Dust! (Mickey's Christmas Carol)

This week, Tim Babb of "Can't Wait For Christmas" podcast joins Julia, Thom, and Anthony to discuss the 1983 Disney classic, Mickey's Christmas Carol! Amid all of the laughs and behind-the-scenes trivia in this episode, there's a lot of love for this film to go around amongst all of the hosts, but is it enough to shake up the top of our Christmas Canon List? Throw open the windows and let in that Fall breeze (we're officially there!), settle in with a cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy! 

Show notes

59: Nobody's Elving Mom! (The Christmas Project)

Literary Month continues this week as Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss the 2016 movie, The Christmas Project, based on Matthew Buckley's books Chickens in the Headlights and Bullies in the Headlights. Is this movie anything more than a weak attempt at trying to replicate what A Christmas Story did in 1983 in a much more juvenile fashion, or is there actually merit to this 80's set story about "elving"? Settle in with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and find out, and get excited because we are officially less than 100 days until Christmas!

Show notes

58: There's Something About A Train. (The Christmas Train)

Literary month continues this episode, as the elves board another train - though sadly, this one isn't taking them to the North Pole or to Hogwarts; this week, Julia, Thom, and Anthony discuss the 2017 film The Christmas Train, based on the David Baldacci book of the same name. How does the movie compare to the novel? Where does it rank next to other Hallmark movies we've covered thus far, and against Christmas with the Kranks/Skipping Christmas? Sit back and relax with a cup of hot cocoa and find out! You're sure to enjoy this episode because, after all, "there's just something about a train"! 

Show notes

57: Skipping Christmas With The Kranks (Christmas with the Kranks)

This week, the elves kick off Tis the Podcast's inaugural Literary Month with 2004's Christmas with the Kranks, based on the 2001 John Grisham best-seller, Skipping Christmas. We discuss several Christmas themes, including the idea of skipping Christmas altogether (spoiler alert: all the elves think this is a terrible idea). Grab your favorite Yuletide drink, turn the A/C way up, and ring in the Ber months with your favorite elves.

Show notes

56: Tis the Podcast's One Year Retrospective Extravaganza!

Happy One Year, everybody! Can you believe Tis the Podcast is already a year old? Julia, Thom, and Anthony sure can't! Instead of talking one specific movie this week, the elves take time to reflect on the year gone by, discussing what movies they were too hard and easy on, talking Rankin/Bass and the Grinch, and briefly reviving the Christmas in Hollis debate; they also reveal their own personal Top 10 and Bottom 5 lists! On top of this, they reveal some of their favorite memories and episodes, and share some favroite listener moments as well. So settle in with a cup of hot cocoa, blast that air conditioning (and be grateful we're quickly approaching Fall so you won't have to for much longer!), and allow a dose of Tis the Podcast nostalgia to grow your hearts three sizes and fill you up with some Christmas cheer! Enjoy!  

Show notes

55: A Christmas Prince (2017)

Join Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they discuss the very Hallmark-esque, infamous, Netflix Original Christmas movie, "A Christmas Prince". Also in this episode, in honor of Tis the Podcast's upcoming one-year anniversary, Anthony bestows his co-hosts with an anniversary gift (which you can view on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit pages) courtesy of Rosie Baker. So settle back with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy!  (And if you like Rosie Baker's artwork, you can view more/commission her to do a piece for yourself by searching DownrightBiscuit on Etsy, Rosie Josie Bee Art on Facebook, and Rosiejosiebiscuit on Instagram!) 

 

Show notes

54: All I Want For Christmas Is You (2017)

We're back this week with the 2017 cartoon, All I Want for Christmas is You. The elves discuss their thoughts on Mariah Carey, her wildly successful Christmas song, the book based on it, and her movie based on the book. Sit back, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy!

Show notes

53: Christmas At Hogwarts (Harry Potter)

It's been a long time coming, but Julia, Thom, and Anthony are finally catching the train from Platform 9 3/4 and heading to Hogwarts to celebrate Christmas and discuss the holiday moments from the "Harry Potter" movies and books! After a month of underwhelming Hallmark films, the three hosts are enthusiastic and excited to geek out together about what is, unanimously, their favorite book series of all time.  The elves talked for hours while recording this show, and though they managed to cut it down to a manageable 1:18:21 in length, the full, unedited episode – which runs 1:48 (a full half-an-hour longer!) – is even better. So if you're a Potterhead, and want more discussion about the Harry Potter films and books that aren't necessarily focused on the Christmas aspects, we highly recommend checking out the extended episode. It includes more general discussion and behind the scenes information about the franchise, more gushing over J.K. Rowling, many more quotes and favorite scenes, and, typical Tis the Podcast banter amongst our cohosts, who also reveal which Hogwarts house they and their spouses would be in. Because the elves love the unedited version so much – in addition to their fans, who’ve shown a lot of excited interest in this episode – we’ve put the full show up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/tisthepodcast) for you to download for just $1.00 if you’re interested. Trust us when we say, it’s worth it! 

Show notes

52: Believe! May You Never Be Too Old To Search The Skies On Christmas Eve!

Coming in just under the wire is our first annual Christmas in July bonus episode! In it, the elves discuss the “worst” Christmas that every child eventually has to go through, and that every parent dreads. Excitingly, not only do Julia, Thom, and Anthony share their stories, but so do our listeners – including two elf spouses, and one elf sibling – via audio and text! Given the topic of discussion, it’s not nearly as much of a downer of an episode as one may suspect. In fact, it’s actually really fun! So make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, kick back, relax, and enjoy our special Christmas in July gift to you! (For those parents out there who normally listen with their young children, be warned! You may want to listen to this one alone, as this whole episode is dedicated to discussing belief in Santa Claus.)

Show notes

51: The Hot Ghost Of Christmas (The Spirit of Christmas)

Our first annual Christmas in July, Hallmark movie month comes to a close this episode in which the elves discuss the 2015, not-quite-Hallmark (but definitely one of those channels, most likely Lifetime) film "The Spirit of Christmas"! While atmosphere is in heavy supply this week, can holiday decorations, snow, and an extremely attractive man help this movie overcome a perplexing plot? While opinions about this movie range the entire spectrum, there is no daylight between our hosts who are all equally excited to dedicate an entire episode next week to the Harry Potter - book and movie - Christmas scenes! Also discussed this episode are the differences between Hallmark Christmas movies, and Christmas movies that air on channels similar to Hallmark. So settle in with a cup of hot chocolate, kick back, and crank that A.C. while you listen - and get excited that summer is quickly drawing to an end, and it will be *our* time soon! 

Show notes

50: Meow-y Christmas! (The Nine Lives of Christmas)

And we're back! We continue our Hallmark movie month this week by covering the 2014 film "The Nine Lives of Christmas"! Though a sweet story with cute cats, how will the movie hold up when ranking it on our Christmas canon list? And how will it fare against the three previous Hallmark films we've covered thus far - Mrs. Santa Claus, Pete's Christmas, and Northpole? Settle in with a cup of hot chocolate to find out, and enjoy the return of our "Question of the Week" segment! This week's question - "What are your unpopular Christmas opinions?" 

Show notes

49: Where Is It Written A Small Elf Can't Make A Big Difference? (Northpole)

This week the elves kick off Christmas in July with their first Hallmark Christmas movie of the inaugural Hallmark Christmas movie month with the 2014 film, Northpole. As Christmas spirit is failing across the globe, can one elf and her newfound friend work their magic to bring Christmas spirit back to the world and save the Northpole? Can Anthony, Julia, and Thom find the holiday spirit in Hallmark Christmas movies? 

Show notes

48: Peace On Earth! Give Me Presents! (A Muppet Family Christmas)

This week, the elves invite you to accompany them on a trip with Fozzie Bear and the rest of his Muppet pals in the 1987, made-for-TV classic, "A Muppet Family Christmas"! Long before Nick Fury began to assemble the Avengers on the big screen, but after Rankin/Bass ended up bringing together Rudolph and Frosty, this epic crossover event for the ages brought together the Muppets (and the Muppet babies!), the Sesame Street gang, and the inhabitants of Fraggle Rock for the holidays! As huge fans of the brand, will Julia, Thom, and Anthony deem this movie worthy of the Muppet name? And more importantly, will they think the movie succeeded on delivering the feelings they expect from a Christmas film? Turn the air conditioning down low to simulate that holiday weather because we need a little Christmas right now! And as if none of that is exciting enough for you, the hosts announce that in honor of Christmas in July, we're deeming July "Hallmark Movie Month"!  So get ready for us to cover a string of films that are sure to be heavy on the holiday atmosphere, if nothing else.  Enjoy everybody! 

Show notes

47: This Is The Polar Express! (The Polar Express)

Happy Leon Day, everyone! Come celebrate the fact that we are officially halfway to Christmas by joining Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they journey to the north pole aboard "The Polar Express", the 2004, animated-film directed by Robert Zemeckis and adapted from the book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. Will it fare better with the elves than Zemeckis' "A Christmas Carol" did, or will the same problems that plagued that Disney movie bring down the score of this film as well? Settle down and relax with a cup of hot cocoa to find out, and stick around for Julia's real-time reaction to the newest trailer for Illumination's, 2018 adaptation of "The Grinch". Enjoy! 

Show notes

46: God Bless Us, Everyone! (Disney's A Christmas Carol [2009])

This week, the elves tackle the controversial, 2009, Disney-animated film, A Christmas Carol - the first true adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens' novella they've covered on the show so far! (Devoid of any Muppets, that is!) Though Julia, Thom, and Anthony all have differing opinions about this notoriously divisive movie, they're all in agreement that it's not a total write-off and about the fact that there is definitely good to be found within it. Join us as we discuss how good (or bad) of a job Jim Carrey did at bringing this iteration of Ebenezer Scrooge to life, debate what the film got right and got wrong, and examine just how closely this version of the famous holiday classic adheres to its iconic source material, amongst many other things. Also, toward the end of the episode, we announce a new giveaway in conjunction with next week's movie, 2004's The Polar Express! Enjoy! 

Show notes

45: A Together Christmas! (Daddy's Home 2)

After an unintentional week off, we're back! In this episode, the elves discuss the spiritual sibling to A Bad Mom's Christmas - the 2017 holiday-comedy film, Daddy's Home 2! There are surprises aplenty in this episode, including right-off-the-bat when the hosts reveal where they stand on this movie. (Spoiler Alert: It's not necessarily where you think!) So sit back and enjoy this funny, wide-ranging, and personally revealing conversation about a pair of opposite fathers and grandfathers who are no doubt destined to meet a trio of bad mothers and grandmothers in an inevitable crossover film one day. 

Show notes

44: It's The Holiday Armadillo! (Friends)

Our annual television month concludes this week, and the elves could think of no better show to cover as a "last hoorah" than Friends! In this episode they discuss the four most Christmassy episodes of the hit-comedy ("The One Where Rachel Quits", "The One With The Routine", "The One With The Holiday Armadillo", and "The One With Christmas In Tulsa"), but do these yuletide stories reach the heights of the iconic Thanksgiving episodes that the show is famous for? For that matter, does this sampling of episodes represent the very best that Friends in general had to offer? Whether or not they do, the hosts have a blast talking about and quoting one of their favorite shows, and they reach a peak that hasn't been reached since they discussed Elf! So grab a cup of hot chocolate, sit back, and relax, because this is one episode you definitely don't want to miss!  

Show notes

42: Christmastime Will Always Be, Just As Long As We Have Glee. (Glee)

Television month continues this week, and we're discussing the four Christmas episodes of the musical, comedy-drama Glee! Between "A Very Glee Christmas", "Extraordinary Merry Christmas", "Glee, Actually", and "Previously Unaired Christmas", there's plenty to like, plenty to dislike, and - of course - plenty of music! (Which, let's face it, is the real reason most of us watched Glee in the first place!) So kick-back with your favorite holiday-related beverage, blast that air-conditining to make this hot summer month feel like winter, and get ready for some lively, sometimes gleeful (yet always funny) discussion and plenty of Christmas music!  

Show notes

43: We Need To Show Them Just How Lonely Christmas Can Be. (The X-Files: How The Ghosts Stole Christmas)

Television month continues with this week's installment in which the elves discuss The X-Files episode "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas". (Season 6, Episode 6.) Not since A Charlie Brown Christmas has anything we covered demonostrated as well as this one  just how lonely and depressing the holiday season can be for certain people. As huge fans of Mulder and Scully's early adventures, Julia, Thom, and Anthony have a lot of fun dissecting this story and talking about their histories with the show overall, in addition to debating just how successful the episode was at bringing out those Christmas feelings. Enjoy, everyone! And remember: "The Truth Is Out There"! 

Show notes

41: Merry Christmas from the Simpsons! (The Simpsons)

It's May which means it's time for our inaugural Month of TV Christmas specials, and we're kicking it off with a look at The Simpsons' first five Christmas specials. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit down for some conversation irreverent enough for America's favorite yellow family!

Show notes

40: Why Do I Always Think Gettin' You Home For Life Day Is Gonna Be Easy? (Star Wars Holiday Special)

Happy Life Day! This is our last episode to drop before the fourth of May, so to celebrate "May the Fourth" - a.k.a. "Star Wars Day" - the elves decide to tackle the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special"! Besides asking themselves the usual question - "Does this movie pass the Linus Test?" - the hosts also debate two other questions with regards to this holiday adventure in a galaxy far, far away: is it a Christmas movie, and who exactly is the audience for this film? This episode isn't completely devoid of holiday joy, however, for it features the return of the "Christmas questions" segment of the show, and Anthony comes prepared with three to ask Julia, Thom, and the audience. 

Show notes

39: Moms Don't Enjoy, They Give Joy. That's How Being A Mom Works. (A Bad Moms Christmas)

This week, the elves cover another Christmas comedy film filled with sophomoric humor, sexual innuendo, and implied nudity in the form of A Bad Moms Christmas, written by the same people who came up with the story for Office Christmas Party - the first film we covered that was filled with sophomoric humor, sexual innuendo, and nudity. Does this one contain more heart and Christmas feelings than that one, or will it flounder and place below it on the list? Longtime listeners can probably guess in advance where Julia, Thom, and Anthony all fall on this movie, but that makes the episode no less fun to listen to! So enjoy this wide-ranging discussion about the star-studded 2017 film, and buckle-up in preparation for next week's foray to spend the holidays in a Galaxy, Far, Far Away. 

Show notes

38: Where There's Goodness, And Kindness, And Love, That's Where You'll Find Him. (TLC's The Secret Santa)

Christmas Cheer is in high supply this week as the elves tackle TLC's 2014, made-for-television mockumentary "The Secret Santa." Julia, Thom, and Anthony are all on the same page with this film, and absolutely gush over its emotional sentimentality as they discuss reporter Nancy Cameron's quest tracking down all of the Christmas miracles that Lucas A. Nast - a.k.a. Santa Claus - has brought to people throughout the years. In addition, the hosts talk about the various ways that our listeners keep the Holiday Season alive during the long, hot summer months. So if you're feeling your supply of Christmas Spirit beginning to dwindle as we continue hurtling through Spring, this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss! 

Show notes

37: He's Better Than A Doctor, He's Santa Claus! (The Brady Bunch: The Voice of Christmas/A Very Brady Christmas)

In this episode, the elves discuss the one and only Christmas episode that The Brady Bunch ever made – 1969’s The Voice of Christmas – in addition to the 1988, CBS, made-for-TV reunion movie A Very Brady Christmas. Similar to the last time the elves discussed two pieces of Christmas entertainment in one episode (in the contentious Grinch episode), Anthony is once again pitted against Julia and Thom who don’t share the nostalgia, which imbues him with a strong love of the grown-up Brady Christmas story. The three of them are much more aligned when it comes to the original series’ holiday episode, however, and despite plenty of disagreements – and plenty of riffing on the absurdity of the plots featured in both Christmas specials – the hosts keep this conversation light and fun, regardless of their own personal opinions on the material. So pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and relax because “here’s the story” of one very famous family who Anthony, Julia, and Thom track from the late ‘60s as they figure out its “time to change” on their way back to one another to celebrate Christmas in the late ‘80s.

Show notes

36: Merry Christmas! Happy Easter! And Don't Forget To Floss! (Rise of the Guardians)

Happy Easter everybody! In an effort to inject a little bit of Christmas into the Bunny’s time of year, this week the elves decided to discuss Dreamworks Animation’s 2012 feature-film, Rise of the Guardians, which brings together Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost in order to take on the evil Boogeyman, Pitch. There is a lot of love to go around between Julia, Thom, and Anthony in an episode that is infinitely more cheerful than last week’s, as the hosts gush over these new interpretations of the icons of childhood and the lore that surrounds them. There is one big question mark that looms over the episode this week, however: is this movie actually a Christmas film? And if not, how will that factor into where this holiday mashup fits into the official Christmas Canon Ranking?

Show notes

35: Saving Christmas(?) (Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas)

This week, the elves discuss “what may well be the single most self-indulgent tripe ever written, produced by and starring a self-righteous narcissist: Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas.” There is no love for this film at all as Julia, Thom, and Anthony stand united in their anger and frustration against what is easily the worst film we’ve reviewed yet. It’s so bad, in fact, that none of us can recommend in good conscious watching this offensive film and wasting 79 minutes of your lives. Nonetheless, despite Christmas Cheer being in low supply this episode (Spoiler Alert: there is unanimous agreement that this film is not a Christmas movie!) the conversation is fun and wide-ranging as the hosts express their disbelief in how something so bad could ever have been made, dub a new term (The Anti-Linus Test), and make a pact to end the show if a movie worse than this ever comes up for us to review.

Show notes

34: Angel Metaphysics - Top of My Class. (Three Days)

This week, the elves venture into completely new territory while covering their first made-for-T.V. Christmas movie! Surprisingly, it’s not a Hallmark Original, but an ABC Family (before it was Freeform) Original that debuted during it’s 25 Days of Christmas programming block back in 2001: Three Days. While Julia, Thom, and Anthony are all over the map in what they think about the overall quality of this movie starring Kristin Davis, Reed Diamond, and Tim Meadows, they’re in agreement about the fact that it’s quite depressing for a Holiday story, and have fun picking apart script flaws and directorial choices. In addition, the hosts discuss the brand new poster, trailer, and plot synopsis released for Illumination Entertainment’s upcoming 2018 film Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

Show notes

33: It's Christmas In Killarney. (The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold)

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the elves dive back into the world of Rankin/Bass at the request of two listeners who suggested they review 1981’s The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold. Though discussion of the made-for-television movie is short, and lacking in holiday cheer – Julia, Thom, and Anthony are all in agreement that it’s not a Christmas movie – it is nevertheless a fun discussion, as they bond over their shared confusion over Leprechaun lore and fright for Old Mag the Hag amongst many other topics; Thom even gets a moment to educate Julia and Anthony that Christmas in Killarney is actually a real song – and a good one at that!  In addition, the hosts briefly discuss Illumination Entertainment’s upcoming film Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, Walt Disney’s upcoming movie The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, unanimously agree about which host would be which Christmas ghost in A Christmas Carol, and gush over their personal favorite Christmas tree ornaments.

 

If you want additional content, you’re in luck, because the elves’ conversation on the 1985, cult-classic movie Clue is now available on Patreon – check it out! https://www.patreon.com/tisthepodcast

Show notes

32: I Will Honor Christmas In My Heart, And Try To Keep It All The Year. (The Man Who Invented Christmas)

The elves follow up last week’s horrendous take on Charles Dickens’ iconic A Christmas Carol with a film that details the author’s conception and writing of the holiday classic: 2017’s The Man Who Invented Christmas. (Based on the novel of the same name.) After last week’s downer of an episode, there’s a lot of genuine joy and good spirits amongst our hosts as they discuss this movie in their continuing quest to honor Christmas in their hearts and keep it all the year.

Show notes

31: Dang Ghosts Are Screwin' Up My Life! (All American Christmas Carol)

There’s a lot of false positivity in this episode as the elves attempt to summon every bit of Christmas cheer they have just to make it through discussing this awful reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Truly a new low (the rating is abysmal), they find much to dislike about this movie (read: everything). They manage to end on a high, however, when discussing their most memorable Christmas gift-opening experiences from childhood, and are all in agreement about how excited they are to talk about next week’s movie. In the meantime, enjoy our blissfully short conversation about 2013’s All American Christmas Carol – we’re truly sorry for making you go out of your way to watch it.

 

Show notes

30: Follow That Star! (The Star [2017])

Tackling our first religious-themed movie, strong opinions and high expectations prove to be a heavy lift for this 2017 animated nativity story. Can the all-star voice cast push this movie into the upper rankings of our Christmas Canon list? Will angry Julia make an appearance? Stay tuned for a religious good time with the elves in this week’s episode!

Show notes

29: Christmas Is All Around. (Love Actually)

This week, the elves take a little hop across the pond for Love Actually. They delve into all 8 storylines, discussing the characters, their stories, and the movie in general. Get ready for an all-around love fest just in time for Valentine's Day!

Show notes

28: A Glimpse, By Definition, Is An Impermanent Thing, Jack. (The Family Man)

It’s hard to believe, but Tis the Podcast is now over six months old! Happy half-birthday to us.

To celebrate this milestone, the elves dive into the 2000 film The Family Man starring Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni. Anthony has been taunting Thom, who really likes this movie, for weeks now. How will this play out on the episode? Do we get to see an angry Anthony or will everyone hug it out and come to a consensus?

Show notes

This week, the elves discuss “the final chapter in the greatest Santa story ever told” – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. Julia, Thom, and Anthony are unified in their overall opinions regarding this Disney threequel, as they answer two important questions: 1. Is this movie as good as its predecessors, or is it a film full of missed opportunities? And if it is the latter… 2. Is it as bad as some of the worst that we’ve covered, like One Magic Christmas and Santa’s Slay?  

 

Also discussed in this episode are the hosts’ favorite film and television versions of the North Pole!

Show notes

26: It's...The Mrs. Clause (The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause)

This week, the elves are excited to discuss their first direct sequel to a film they’ve already covered: Disney’s 2002 film, The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause. A lot has changed in-story, and behind-the-scenes out-of-story, in the eight years since Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin first donned the red suit and became Santa Claus in 1994, and Julia, Thom, and Anthony delve into all of it in great detail. Does the film serve as a worthy follow-up to the Christmas classic that still rests comfortably at number 2 on their Christmas canon list, or is it a needless sequel? One things for certain, it’s a movie that elicited a lot of opinions from our listeners when they found out we were covering it, and the hosts express their excitement that their social media interactions are picking up again! Tune in to this episode to find out what everyone thinks of Scott Calvin’s continuing journey as Santa Claus as he sets out to find his Mrs. Claus!

Show notes

25: Happy Birthday, Jesus. Sorry Your Party's So Lame. (The Office - U.S.)

“Back to Work” month continues this week with a discussion about all seven Christmas episodes of the American version of “The Office”! The elves are super excited to discuss the beloved comedy, which they all love, and laugh their way through the entire episode, which has an abundance of “That’s What She Said” jokes, a lot of quotes, and a few interesting tidbits about NBC’s iconic comedy outside of their holiday shows.

The elves talked for hours while recording this show, and though they managed to cut it down to a manageable 1:18:02 in length, the full, unedited episode – which runs 2:09:38 (a full 51 minutes longer!) – is even better. It includes a lot more discussion about “The Office” as a whole, more behind the scenes information, many more quotes, and, typical Tis the Podcast banter amongst our cohosts, including lots of trolling one another. Because the elves love the unedited version so much – in addition to their fans, who’ve shown a lot of excited interest in this episode – we’ve put the full, two plus hour show up on Patreon for you to download for just $1.00 if you’re interested. Trust us when we say, it’s worth it! (patreon.com/tisthepodcast)

Show notes

24: It’s A Non-Denominational Holiday Mixer. (Office Christmas Party)

How will the sophomoric humor, sexual innuendos, and nudity in a Christmas movie work for the elves? Will Office Christmas Party make it to the top of the nice list or fizzle out? As if this prospect isn't fun enough, the elves announce what is going to be their favorite episode to record for next week.

Show notes

23: And May It Be Shiny, Too! (Rudolph's Shiny New Year)

Happy New Year! The elves kick off 2018 with Rudolph's Shiny New Year, the 1976 Rankin Bass continuation of Rudolph. There wasn't much love for the movie throughout this episode, but the elves took time to reflect on 2017, look at the list as it stands right now, and discuss dealing with post-Christmas blues. We loved 2017 and are excited to journey towards Christmas 2018 with you, starting right now!

Show notes

22: Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)

Merry Christmas. Since we all received a visit from the man in the red suit last night, what better movie could we pick for this episode than Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Rankin-Bass brought us another claymation Christmas classic, this time giving us the origin of Santa Claus. Enjoy the show as you prepare for Christmas dinner or after you unwind from a fun, family-filled day!

Show notes

20: I Want the World to Know There's a Mrs. Santa Claus! (Mrs. Santa Claus)

After some much needed family therapy after last week’s civil war over the Grinch, which nearly tore apart the podcast for good, the elves are back in much better, happier, and more agreeable places to discuss 1996’s Hallmark/CBS movie Mrs. Santa Claus. They are joined briefly by the screenwriter of the film, Mark Saltzman, to discuss some behind-the-scene information before delving into what turns into a gush fest of an episode over Angela Lansbury’s iconic portrayal of Mrs. Claus.

Show notes

19: You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! [1966]/Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas [2000])

Our first battle royale! The elves square off to discuss the 1966 animated classic and the 2000 Ron Howard version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The discussion gets heated as the elves are torn on how one of these stack up. How will each of these rank? How do they fare next to Dr. Seuss’ classic book? Tune in and see.

Show notes

18: We Are Santa's Elves! (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)

This week the elves are joined by a very special guest, Brian Earl from Christmas Past, a podcast that tells the stories behind your favorite holiday traditions, to talk about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Each person brings a unique perspective to this 1964 Rankin-Bass classic that makes for some extra lively discussion. Can Rudolph keep up with the likes of Charlie Brown?  During the episode, the elves discuss New York Christmas traditions, their Christmas bucket lists, and candy you can only get during the Christmas season (sorta). 

Grab a warm cup of cocoa, snuggle up next to the fire, and join us as we explore Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 

Show notes

17: A Christmas Podcast Network Collaboration: John Kendrick Bangs' 'The House Of Seven Santas' (Part 3)

In our first annual, very special, bonus Christmas episode, the elves team up with our friends at Christmas Past, Christmas Creep, Can't Wait for Christmas, My Merry Christmas, Holiday Special Podcast, and Weird Christmas podcasts to bring you a seven-part Christmas story, The House of Seven Santas. So visit Christmas Past for part 1, then Can't Wait For Christmas before tuning in for Part 3 right here at Tis the Podcast.

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16: You Serious, Clark? (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)

With Christmas quickly approaching, the elves thought it was time to delve into the realm of dysfunctional family Christmas movies to remind us that we're not alone. And what better dysfunctional family holiday movie is there than National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Aside from sharing their favorite Griswold family scenes and quotes, the elves discuss that special time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Grab some eggnog or Wassail, a comfy blanket, and sit down next to the tree for this festive episode.

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14: My Brother's Never Gonna Believe This! (One Magic Christmas)

We're one week closer to Christmas and adding another movie to our list. The elves watch and discuss Disney's One Magic Christmas in this episode. Does Disney bring the magic or go light on the holiday feels? The elves also chime in on Christmas commercials and prepare for a week of DC goodness.

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13: Seeing Isn't Believing, Believing Is Seeing. (The Santa Clause)

This week, the elves tackle a truly modern Christmas classic, Disney's The Santa Clause. They discuss the terms in which Scott Calvin gets roped into becoming Santa, the North Pole, Christmas music, and so much more. Also, we answer the question of what each elf leaves out for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve and delve into quite a bit of listener feedback.

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12: This Is Halloween! (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

Journey with the elves to a world of wonder and enchantment where the line between Christmas and Halloween becomes blurred in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Casey Maute of Parkbound Buttons joins our discussion this week to talk the film, Disney World during the holidays, and our family Christmas tree traditions. Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Christmas or Halloween movie? Does it pass the Linus test? Find out in this episode!

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7: Gruss Vom Krampus (Krampus [2015])

This week, the elves prepare for Halloween by delving into their first Christmas horror (sorta) film, the 2015 Adam Scott and Toni Colette vehicle, Krampus. The elves have a lot of fun with the horror genre, talk Krampus folklore, and discuss Advent Calendar traditions. We don't want to brag, but this is our best episode yet and you don't want to miss it!

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6: Santa Just Yammied In Your Handbag. (I'll Be Home For Christmas)

This week, Thom, Julia, and Anthony delve into the Christmas "classic" I'll be Home for Christmas. The elves have some difficulty with the former teeny-bopper star Jonathan Taylor Thomas' 1998 comedy and spend some time looking into what makes a good Christmas movie. Also, they delve into what holiday decoration goes out first in their own homes.

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5: Now I Have a Machine Gun. Ho Ho Ho. (Die Hard)

In this fifth episode, Anthony, Thom and Julia discuss Die Hard. The first in the exclusive “Non-Christmas-Christmas-Movie” category, the elves delve into what makes a Christmas movie, including a hard look at the Linus Test. Also discussed are favorite Christmas foods, and the reading of listener emails and comments.

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4: There's Always Time For A Bow! (Arthur Christmas)

Back in 2011, Sony Animation dipped its toes into the Christmas waters with Arthur Christmas. Can Arthur's Christmas spirit be enough to break into the top spot on our list? Listen as the elves dissect this film, discuss Christmas traditions, and have their first on air disagreement. 

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2: Buddy The Elf, What's Your Favorite Color? (Elf)

In our second episode, the elves discuss their favorite movie - Elf, the story of Buddy the elf, who leaves the North Pole to find his roots. Seriously, this is one of the funniest Christmas movies ever made! Tell us about your favorite scenes, quotes, or memories over at tisthepodcast.com!

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1: Meet The Elves (Introducing "Tis the Podcast"!)

We’re kicking off Tis the Podcast, a shiny new podcast determined to keep the Christmas Spirit alive 365 days a year! The elves behind the mic - Anthony, Julia, and Thom - come together to get to know one another and introduce themselves to you so you know a little more about the people that will be making the magic. So sit back with a hot cup of cocoa and join us as we start this journey together.

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