Tis the Podcast

Keeping the Christmas spirit alive 365 days a year.

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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"!ย 

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!ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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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", weโ€™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, "Itโ€™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! ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ…

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!)ย 

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!ย 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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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 hasย 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.ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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 areย backย - 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!ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

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

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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!ย 

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 gatherย  to discuss Season 2 of the legacy sequel series, "The Santa Clauses"!ย 

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 -ย  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!ย 

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! Andย 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! We're looking forward to counting down to Christmas 2024 with all of you! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

359: Christmas Eve 2023 Story - Ivan Cohenโ€™s โ€Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eveโ€

Happy Christmas Eve, everybody! Can you believe tomorrowโ€™s the big day and that Santaโ€™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!ย 

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!ย 

As always, thanks for your love and support, yโ€™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"!ย 

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! ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

358: Lookโ€™s Like Someoneโ€™s Been Rubbing The Partridge. (Candy Cane Lane)

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!ย 

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"!ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

357: Santa Took Christmas From Us. Letโ€™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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

356: Youโ€™re Not Gonna Melt Their Faces. Youโ€™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"!ย 

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.ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes

355: Tis the Podcast Interviews Taniya Nayak of โ€The Great Christmas Light Fightโ€ and Steve Morgan of โ€Straight No Chasersโ€!

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! ย  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. ย  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! ย  Second, to promote his group's 2023 "Sleighin' It Tour", the personable and talented Steve Morgan of "Straight No Chaser"! ย  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! โค๏ธ ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ
Show notes

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

Happy Thursday, Christmas fanatics! And Happy Thanksgiving!ย 

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! โค๏ธ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ๐Ÿท๐Ÿˆ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

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"!ย 

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! โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ ๐ŸฆŒ๐Ÿฆ‰โ›„๏ธ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿš‚ ๐Ÿคถ๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ€ โ„๏ธ

Show notes