Tis the Podcast

Keeping the Christmas spirit alive 365 days a year.

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442: A Goat And A Sheep - That Could Be Dangerous. They Could Spawn A Hybrid Creature With The Strength Of A Goat And The Cunning Of A Sheep. (Grounded for Life's Christmas Episode)

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

This week, the elves gather to discuss the one Christmas episode of the early aughts sitcom, "Grounded for Life": Season 2's Episode 7, "I Saw Daddy Hitting Santa Claus"!ย 

Also discussed: recent movies Anthony's seen, Thom's new job and upcoming priestly vows, Julia's recent mini-vacation, and first photos from the production of HBO's "Harry Potter" reboot!ย 

Trust us when we say that this is one fun, festive episode you don't want to miss! So settle back, relax, and enjoy! And make sure to keep an eye on your podcast feeds for a special Christmas in July bonus episode later this week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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441: Nothing In Jurassic World Is Natural. (Jurassic World)

Itโ€™s July, itโ€™s hot, and the elves are back together to keep the Christmas spirit aliveโ€”even if the only snow in sight is digital! This week, Anthony, Julia, and Thom wrangle some nostalgia and take on 2015's "Jurassic World" to answer the most important question: does a single Christmas song and a December setting make this dino-blockbuster a holiday film, or is it just a T-Rex-sized summer popcorn flick with a festive aftertaste?

Pour yourself a glass of eggnog (or a margarita, Jimmy Buffett-style) and join us as we:

  • Reminisce about our first "Jurassic Park"ย theater experiences and why that original movie still gives us chills (and maybe a few nightmares).

  • Break down the plot, the characters, and the sheer spectacle of "Jurassic World"โ€”from Chris Prattโ€™s raptor whispering to Bryce Dallas Howardโ€™s high-heeled heroics.

  • Debate the movieโ€™s โ€œChristmas credentialsโ€โ€”from the opening sceneโ€™s holiday music to the glaring lack of decorations in the park. (Seriously, where are the lights? Whereโ€™s the tree? Universal, call us!)

  • Laugh about the best cameos, the most over-the-top dino moments, and why theme parks never learn their lesson.

  • Share our signature ratings and decide if "Jurassic World" deserves a spot on your Christmas watchlist, or if itโ€™s best saved for a heatwave movie marathon.

As always, expect plenty of tangents, pop culture references, and a healthy dose of snark. Whether youโ€™re here for the dinosaurs, the nostalgia, or the ongoing โ€œis it a Christmas movie?โ€ debate, weโ€™ve got you covered.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, join our Facebook group to share your thoughts (and your favorite "Jurassic Park" moments), and keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram. And donโ€™t forgetโ€”Christmas is never more than a podcast episode away!

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440: Pompoms Are Jocular, Like A Corncob Pipe. (Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up)

This week on โ€œTis the Podcastโ€, Julia, Anthony, and Thom bravely (or foolishly) tackle Hallmark's "Hall Out the Holly: Lit Up." Was this sequel as cheery and charming as the original? Or was it, as some might say, a piece of "hot garbage?"

Before diving into the HOA drama and Christmas light competitions, the elves talk "Megan 2.0โ€, upcoming movie plans, and time spent in urgent care. Plus, they discuss the new โ€œWinnie the Poohโ€ Christmas movie coming to Amazon!

So grab some cocoa and tune in for a brutally honest (and hilarious) review of a Hallmark holiday misfire!ย  As always, thanks for your love and support, yโ€™all! โค๏ธ ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽย 

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439: Thanks For The Milk And Cookies, And Thanks For The Beautiful Polaroid Picture. (Christmas Commercials)

Happy Wednesday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Leon Day! That's right! As of today, we are *officially* halfway to Christmas 2025!ย 

To celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss fifteen of their favorite Christmas commercials from the eighties! Done "Round Robin" style, allowing each elf to discuss the five that they picked, this is one festive and warm conversation filled with holiday cheer - and tons of eighties throwbacks! - that's sure to put you in the Christmas mood on this hot June day!

So settle back, blast that air conditioning to simulate winter, and enjoy! And get excited because as of tomorrow, we are *officially* closer to this upcoming Christmas than we are last Christmas!ย 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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438: Ebenezer Scrooge Was A Frugal Realist Who Wasn't Taken In By Yuletide Nonsense. (Frasier Revival - Second Christmas Episode)

"Reunited and it feels so good!"ย 

That's right, all three elves are back this week after most of the month of June spent apart! To celebrate the occasion, they sit down, travel to Boston, and discuss the "Frasier" revival's second Christmas episode (and, as it turns out, series finale!): Season 2, Episode 10's: "Father Christmas"! We can guarantee this is one fun, laugh-filled discussion because even a lesser episode of "Frasier" is still better than a lot of content out there!ย 

So settle back, relax, enjoy, and get excited because this week marks the officially halfway point to Christmas 2025!ย 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

437: Can't Rob America If America's Broke! Merry Christmas, Everyone! (Second Five "Family Guy" Christmas Episodes)

Deck the halls with chaos, cutaways, and cranberry sauce! This week, Thom and Anthony dive deep into five more uproarious "Family Guy" Christmas episodes, from Dickensian parodies to Megโ€™s mall-Santa trauma, and Loisโ€™s Grinch-worthy meltdowns. With Julia taking a festive hiatus, the guys hold down the fort with unfiltered banter, personal holiday horror stories, and their signature spicy takes.

Inside this episode:

๐ŸŽ "Donโ€™t Be a Dickens at Christmas" (S16E9): Peterโ€™s Scrooge moment, Patrick Swayzeโ€™s ghostly pottery lessons, and why Dog Farts haunt the afterlife.

๐ŸŽ "Christmas is Coming" (S18E9): Megโ€™s very awkward Santa encounter (Anthonyโ€™s 7/10 vs. Thomโ€™s 4/10โ€”yikes!).

๐ŸŽ "The First No L" (S19E9): Lois rage-quits Christmas, the Griffins craft a tear-jerking gift, and a Muslim neighbor takes the blame.

๐ŸŽ "Christmas Crime" (S20E10): Brian cancels Christmas (and crashes a nativity), Mayor Westโ€™s villain era, and the dark truth about "Asking Panda."

๐ŸŽ "Return of the King of Queens" (S22E9): Kevin James crashes Quahog! A sitcom star fights irrelevance (and network TVโ€™s demise) in the least Christmassy ep yet.

Plus: ๐Ÿธ Thomโ€™s church bee-pocalypse vs. Anthonyโ€™s Disney meetup with Julia Gulia! ๐ŸŽค Their "Family Guy" musical hot takes (RIP, Carrie Fisherโ€™s Angela!). ๐Ÿ“บ A HUGE MILESTONE: After 8 years, theyโ€™ve covered every "Family Guy" Christmas episode! ๐Ÿ’Œ Feedback? tisthepodcast.com/Linktree (We read it on air!)

So settle back and enjoy! Next week, we'll be covering the "Frasier" revivalโ€™s Christmas finale!

ย 

Show notes

436: Merry Christmas To All, And To All, Shut The Hell Up! (Family Guy - First Six Christmas Episodes)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

While Julia enjoys Disney World with her family, Thom and Anthony soldier on by tackling something Julia has successfully avoided for years - โ€œFamily Guyโ€! In this episode, the guys review six of Seth MacFarlane's Christmas specials, from the classic "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas" to "How the Griffin Stole Christmas."

Which episodes capture genuine holiday spirit? Which ones rely too heavily on failed attempts at humor? And which ones earn a perfect ten on the โ€œFamily Guyโ€ scale? Thom and Anthony don't always agree in their ratings (what else is new?), but you can rest assured that they share plenty of memorable quotes and scenes along the way in this festive episode!

Additionally, they discuss the new โ€œHarry Potterโ€ HBO casting, complain about the cost of Disney World, and count down the days to Christmas!

Listen now and join us next week for Part Two of our โ€œFamily Guyโ€ Christmas marathon!

Don't forget to leave us a review - they're the best Christmas-in-June gift you could give us! As always, thanks for your love and support, yโ€™all! ๐ŸŽ

ย 
Show notes

435: It's Like Santa Ate The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree And Took A Big Dump On The Walls. (Last Man On Earth Christmas Episode)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! This episode was recorded pre-Memorial Day, but due to life, didn't get edited until this past weekend! Better late than never though, right?

Kick off your week the right way by joining Julia, Thom, and Anthony as they gather to discuss the one Christmas episode of the comedy, "Last Man on Earth"! For those following along at home, the episode in question is Season 2, Episode 10: "Secret Santa"!ย  Regardless of the elves' opinions on the episode, and the show in general, we guarantee this is one festive, fun episode that's sure to inject some holiday spirit into your Monday morning! So settle back, relax, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

434: Ryan Just admitted He Was Wrong. It's A Christmas Miracle! (Last Man Standing - Final 3 Christmas Episodes )

This week on "Tis the Podcast", the elves are back to keep the Christmas spirit alive all summer long! Thom, Julia, and Anthony dive into the final three festive episodes of "Last Man Standing", sharing laughs, hot takes, and a few heartfelt moments along the way.

First, the crew unpacks โ€œThe Gift of the Wise Man,โ€ where Mike Baxterโ€™s attempt to delegate Christmas duties goes hilariously off the rails.

Then, they tackle โ€œMy Name is Rob,โ€ an episode that brings Eve home from the Air Force Academy with her new boyfriend, Rob.ย 

And finally, the team reviews โ€œThe Gift of the Mike Guy,โ€ highlighting cast changes, the bittersweet humor of naming streets after the living, and the heartwarming tradition of decorating the family treeโ€”even if the new Mandyโ€™s energy just isnโ€™t quite the same.

Along the way, thereโ€™s talk of summer reading by the pool, the latest "Superman" trailer, and the eternal debate over the best hot cocoa recipe. We'd love to hear from you and have share your own holiday drink secrets! (But be warned: Swiss Miss fans need not apply).

Tune in for a blend of nostalgia, critique, and Christmas cheer - we guarantee you it's the perfect dose holiday magic to get you through the long, hot week! Enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!ย 

Show notes

433: Me In A Santa Suit - I Don't Think So. (Last Man Standing - First Four Christmas Episodes)

Happy Wednesday, Christmas Fanatics! We're a few days late with this one, but better late than never, right?

Join Thom, Julia, and Anthony as they gather to discuss the first four episodes of Tim Allen's comedy series, "Last Man Standing"! For those following along at home, the episodes in question are:

  • Season 1 - Episode 10 - Last Christmas Standing
  • Season 2 - Episode 7 - Putting a Hit on Christmas
  • Season 3 - Episode 11 - Elfie
  • Season 4 - Episode 11 - Wedding Planning

As they often are when we cover television shows, this is one hilarious and festive episode that's sure to brighten your week! So settle back, relax, and enjoy! And makes sure to tune in Monday for the episode in which we cover the remaining Christmas episodes of the show!

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

432: A Federal Offense Probably Puts You On The Naughty List This Year. (Holidays in Handfcuffs)

Happy Tuesday, Christmas Fanatics! What's this? A second episode drop this week? That's right! While we may have been slacking with editing lately, we haven't been slacking with recording! So since we missed releasing a new episode last week, you get to enjoy two this week! ๐ŸŽตWhat Can We Say Except "You're Welcome"?๐ŸŽต

Join Thom, Julia, and Anthony in an episode that will make you feel like you're traveling back in time, as this was supposed to release chronologically before our episode on "Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around"! Listen as they discuss the 2007, ABC Family Original Holiday Movie, "Holidays in Handcuffs"! Not to spoil the surprise, but Thom is actually the most well researched and prepared for this one! Shocking, we know!ย 

How does this fare against other ABC Family/Freeform, Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, and other "Made for TV" holiday content? You'll have to tune in to find out! One thing we can guarantee, however, is that this is one festive episode that's sure to help you start off your Tuesday on the right foot!

So, settle back, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

431: Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe it's already the last Monday of April? We sure can't!

This week, Julia and Anthony sit down to discuss NBC's 2021 Holiday variety special, "Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around", which was timed to coincide with the release of the pop star's alum of the same name! Featuring big names like Ariana Grande and Amy Poehler amongst others, how does this one compare to other Christmas variety specials for the elves? You'll just have to tune in to find out! Trust us when we say, though: this is one festive episode that'll definitely put you in the Christmas spirit! So settle back, relax, and enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

430: I Must Get Scrooged. (The Naughty List of Mr. Scrooge)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! Can you believe that we're already less than a week out from Easter? We sure can't! This year isย flying!ย 

This week, Julia and Anthony are sans Thom and - after catching up on recent movie releases - dive into the 2024 holiday-slasher film, "The Naughty List of Mr. Scrooge". Is this one of those B-movie schlockfests that's so bad it's good, ร  la "The Mean One"? Or is this merely a bad Lifetime movie of the week dressed up like a Christmas horror film? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

So settle back, relax, and enjoy this fun and festive episode, which is the perfect way to kickstart your week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

429: Ready To Make Some Christmas Magic? (The Merry Gentlemen)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! This week, the elves gather to discuss the 2024, Netflix original holiday film, "The Merry Gentlemen"! Does this slightly more risquรฉ version of a Hallmark movie have enough heart to give your hosts all of the Christmas feels? Is there a difference between a strip club and a male revue? And will this film enter anyone's holiday canon? You'll just have to tune in to find out! So sit back, relax, and enjoy this festive episode that we guarantee is the perfect way to kickstart your week! Enjoy! As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

428: The Hat is Not Just Superstition (Holiday Touchdown: A Chief's Love Story)

Get ready for a cozy catch-up! After some time apart, the "Tis the Podcast" crew is BACK and brimming with stories from the past few weeks โ€“ family visits, movie marathons, and everything in between.

But the real action starts when we dive headfirst into the surprisingly delightful world of Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story! Yes, you heard that right. Will the elves actually enjoy a Hallmark movie about a Kansas City Chiefs-obsessed family? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

Join us as we break down the plot, gush over Hunter King and Tyler Haynes, and dissect the importance of a very lucky Chiefs hat. Enjoy this festive treat and, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!ย 

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