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It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown

As a kid, it was a good Saturday afternoon if I had a bowl of Cheetos and a collection of Peanuts comic strips in front of me. Charlie Brown and the gang were friends to me. (I especially identified with Linus.) I really liked the week-long story arcs and the brilliant mix of humor, frustration and perseverance of these lil' folks. And, honestly, I'm a little sad Shermie never took off as a main character. Animated Peanuts was great too. The airing of a Peanuts TV special was a big event in my house. I was pretty young, but I remember seeing RACE FOR YOUR LIFE, CHARLIE BROWN in 1977 in a movie theater. I know I watched A BOY NAMED CHARLIE BROWN over and over on cable. BON VOYAGE, CHARLIE BROWN (And Don't Come Back!) is a wonderful movie, animated or otherwise. And I don't think a year has gone by that I haven't watched the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials. I pretty much have the dialogue memorized, much to the chagrin of my wife and kids. To date, Charlie Brown and the gang have appeared in five feature films and dozens of TV specials, including the series "This is America, Charlie Brown" and "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show". And on this podcast, we're going to watch them all. We'll discover what we liked and what we didn't. What worked and what didn't. There are many layers to a Peanuts special. Even in two dimensions, these characters are fully fleshed-out humans - and one beagle - with all the fears, anxieties, joys and laughs we all experience. Let's explore those together.
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Now displaying: 2019
Dec 15, 2019

Christmastime is here! Happiness and cheer! Fun for all that children call... IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN ep. 44!

This month, Samantha Claus (you'll have to listen to understand) brings "Sparky" playwright Jack McManus back to the show. We'll be discussing the 2002 TV episode "Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales".

Also, unlike poor Sally's dollhouse bicycle, you'll also find under your podcast tree a Random Strip of the Month and a review of the "Peanuts by Schulz" short "Doing it Right".

Happy holidays!

Support graphic artist and friend of the show Jason Yungbluth, author of "Weapon Brown" and many other things by going to his Death Ray 2020 kickstarter here.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker".

Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of "25% Off".

Thanks to Saul Solano Jr. for the "A Christmas Story"/podcast mashup bumper thingy.

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Find that and more of his music on Soundcloud here.

Find episodes, social media and info about IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here  and about the weekly ATARI BYTES podcast featuring an original short story by me every week here at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com.

Consider supporting the show by becoming a subscriber on the IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN page on Patreon.com. Get episodes early! Get bonus episodes! Good grief!

Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" shirts at mugs at the AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com. New stuff coming...someday!

 

Nov 15, 2019

Phew! After many technical glitches, episode 43 is here. Sorry about the lost five minutes in the second half of the show. Try to enjoy!

The TV episodes featured in episode 43 find Charlie Brown first trying to get rid of one of the Peanuts gang - Lucy - and then trying to bring one into the fold - Snoopy. In the end, of course, the Peanuts universe rights itself and Peanuts Town is harmonious once again.

We're watching "Lucy Must be Traded, Charlie Brown", which originally aired August 29, 2003 and "Snoopy's Reunion" from May 1, 1991. Plus! A "Peanuts by Schulz" short called "Good Sports". 

Send in your RANDOM STRIPS OF THE MONTH!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker".

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy Remix". Check out his music on Soundcloud here.

Consider becoming a Patreon subscriber here. Early access! Bonus episodes! All sorts of madness!

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for social media, episodes and show info for ATARI BYTES and the monthly Peanuts podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The website also has info and links to just some of the places you can order the novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

"It's the Great Impeachment Charlie Brown"

Everything Wrong with "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

Snoopy in Space season 1 recap

Peter Robbins update

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live

Snoopy's Town Tale Relaunching

The 13 Highest Paid Dead Celebrities

Dollywood sued by Peanuts

Snoopy Themed Hotel

Oct 15, 2019

This month, much like the Pied Piper himself, episode 42 of the podcast will lure you away from all those other shows with a mesmerizing spell of Peanuts goodness. Wait, in that metaphor, that makes you all a bunch of rats. Never mind. *ahem*

Anyway, we're watching IT'S THE PIED PIPER, CHARLIE BROWN, a year 2000 (!) direct-to-video release; the first after Schulz died. We also say goodbye to THE CHARLIE BROWN & SNOOPY SHOW by reviewing episode 18, the final one, from 1985! This month's "Peanuts by Schulz" review is "Show Dog".

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker".

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Find that and his other music on Soundcloud here.

Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off"

You can find show info, social media, and links to show notes and episdes for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and my other weekly, short story podcast ATARI BYTES on the website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

I'm a writer too. Find out about my books MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME on the website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. You'll also find links to just some of the places you can order the books!

Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" mugs and shirts in the Zazzle.com store AB_Pos_Store here.

Please consider becoming a Patreon subscriber at the IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN page on patreon.com here.

Charlie Brown themed pumpkin patch at Dallas Arboretum.

Snoopy in Space on Apple TV+: Everything to Know About Apple's Peanuts TV Show - decider.com

The "Snoopy in Space" trailer

"The Far Side" coming to the Internet

The Peanuts 70th Anniverary Holiday Collection Limited Edition

The Debt that all Cartoonists owe to Peanuts

 

 

Sep 15, 2019

Good grief! This month in episode 41 of the podcast, actor Brad Kesten learns the danger of reaching out to podcasters and saying things like (a) I really like your show and (b) I was the voice of Charlie Brown on TV. When you do that, you end up getting drafted to be on the show.

Brad was the voice of Charlie Brown for most of the run of "The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show", in "It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown" and other Peanuts specials. He also worked in front of the camera and did voice work on a lot of other things many of us watched in the '80s.  And now he's on the podcast!

Check out Brad's official website here.

Nick Jones provides this month's "Random Strip of the Month" and we've also got another "Peanuts by Schulz" episode.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker". 

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Check out this and more of his music on Soundcloud here.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has links to social media, show notes, episodes of IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. There you can also find out about my weekly show ATARI BYTES, which features an original short story by me every week.

Check out my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, which you can order here, among other places. Also check out my short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. Ebook or print, wherever you want to get 'em!

Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" mugs and shirts at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Support the Podcast financially on Patreon.com here. Early access! Bonus episodes! 

"Peanuts, McDonald's Launch Apollo 11 Partnership"

"A Tale of Sand" - "Jim Henson's 'singularly biggest project' that daughter Lisa says "never saw the light of day'"

"The Reasons Adults are Never Visible in Charles Schulz's Peanuts Comic Strips"

"The Paradox of Peanuts" from theatlantic.com

"You Can Do Anything: Must Every Kids' Movie Reinforce the Cult of Self-Esteem?" - theatlantic.com

The 20th New Yorker Festival - Good Grief, Charlie Brown

Aug 16, 2019

This month in episode 40, the Peanuts kids are headed off to camp!

RACE FOR YOUR LIFE, CHARLIE BROWN from 1977 is the third big screen outing for the Peanuts and they set sail on troubled waters. Raft races! Bullies! Dangerous waterfalls! Sweet motorcycles! Bears that knock first! You're gonna need Velcro (brand fastener) on your popcorn bag, otherwise the tension is gonna make you drop your snack all over the place.

We've also got another Random Strip of the Month and a "Peanuts by Schulz" short episode called "Snoopy the Superstar".

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker".

Find links to episodes, show notes and social media for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and my other show, ATARI BYTES at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Check out the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com for "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" shirts and mugs.

Please consider supporting the podcast financially on our Patreon Page here.

Check out in print or ebook my short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS wherever you like to order books. Here's one of those places.

Jul 15, 2019

In the 1980s, Charles Schulz and his son Monte Schulz set out to create the "Citizen Kane" of Peanuts specials. The result was 1988's IT'S THE GIRL IN THE RED TRUCK, CHARLIE BROWN. 

In this special, scripted by the two Schulzes, we find animated cartoon Spike wandering around live-action Needles, California - ala "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" - where he meets up with Jenny, played by Schulz daughter Jill Schulz. There's lots of driving around in the titular red truck, falling aluminum cans and...gunfire? 

"Citizen Kane"? Well, you can decide for yourself. 

We've also got Peanuts news, another "Random Strip of the Month" and a "Peanuts by Schulz" short called "No Strings Attached".

So finish your popcorn, strap on your roller skates (you'll understand after the episode) and boogie on over to episode 39!

Thanks to Henry Pope for his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Check out that and other Pope music on Soundcloud here.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker".

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown show notes and what not.

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show.

Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Support the show financially on our Patreon page here.

You can read a collection of my short stories - MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED by OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS - in e-book or print wherever you like to order books. Here's  one of those places.

Jun 15, 2019

Playwright Jack McManus returns to the podcast this month to discuss one of his favorite Peanuts specials: "Why, Charlie Brown, Why?" from 1990. This first TV special of the 90's arose out of Schulz's desire to honestly talk to kids about cancer. One of the Peanuts kids is diagnosed with leukemia and we follow the others as they process this information. It's a heavy episode. Does it manage to both entertain and inform? 

Unfortunately, there were some audio issues that makes Jack hard to hear for a lot of the discussion. Don't give up, though, it's good stuff if you just bump up the volume a little. My apologies.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Base Walker".

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Check out his music on Soundcloud here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes, episodes, social media, etc.

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up It's Podcast, Charlie Brown mugs and shirts and what not at our AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

You can support the show financially on the Patreon page here. 

You can pick up my short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS in ebook and print many places. Here's one of them.

May 16, 2019

It's time to start the music! It's time to light the lights! It's time to get things started on the....oh, wait. That's the Muppet Show.

Anyway, we're talking about the 1988 animated version of SNOOPY THE MUSICAL on the podcast this month. So, to be clear: there was a comic strip called "Peanuts" (you may have heard of it) that became a stage show called SNOOPY THE MUSICAL, which, in turn, was turned into an animated TV special. Got it? 

All right, the usher will now show you to your seats as the show is about to start. Please make sure your phones are turned off...NO! Wait! Don't do that! You won't be able to hear the show!

Also this month: Random Strip of the Month and a "Peanuts by Schulz" short called "Feeling Insecure".

"It's Tennis, Charlie Brown" article from Longreads

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Bass Walker" and "Mining by Moonlight". 

Kickstarter for the "The History of Peanuts on Parade" book

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Check out that and his other music on Soundcloud.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes, etc.

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show!

Check out "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" mugs and shirts in the Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

Please consider supporting the show financially on the It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown page on Patreon.com

Like the way I put words together, but need a break from my voice? Check out my short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS featuring an eclectic mix of stories in a variety of genres. Thanks!

Apr 15, 2019

On episode 36, it's the return of author/illustrator Jason Yungbluth! Several months ago, Jason appeared on the show and offhandedly commented that his "favorite" Peanuts special is the 1976 "IT'S ARBOR DAY, CHARLIE BROWN". So...I invited him back to the show to defend that dubious position. That'll teach him to express an opinion!

We also have a Random Strip of the Month and a review of a "Peanuts by Schulz" short episode called "Fly". Plus, the usual mixed bag of Peanuts news and musings.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Bass walker" and "Mining by Moonlight". 

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Find that and more of his music on Soundcloud here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes and what not

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show!

Zazzle.com - get shirts and mugs here

Patreon.com - support the show financially here

Pick up your copy of my new collection of short stories MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS - here's one of the places you can do that. 

Mar 16, 2019

Greetings, fellow blockheads! IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN Episode 35 is here!

Just so you're not confused, I messed with the schedule this month and not just because this episode is dropping a day late. We've still got a random strip of the month. We've still got a "Peanuts by Schulz" short (this one is called "Reach for the Stars"). We even still have episode 17 (the penultimate one!) of "The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show".

BUT, we're shelving the planned "A Good Man, Charlie Brown" discussion until a later date. I had the unexpected good fortune of booking an interview with playwright Jack McManus about his new musical "Sparky", which debuted earlier this year in New York. The play presents significant points in Schulz's life and sounds very cool. I think you'll agree the scheduling change was well worth it. 

Even we blockheads get it right once in a while.

Go here to donate to William Johnson's "Peanuts on Parade: A Tribute to Charles Schulz" book Kickstarter. Listeners who kick in $50 or more get an extra photo!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker". 

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Hear that and more of his music on Soundcloud here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Show notes, episodes, social media

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show! Go there for an original short story every single week.

You can still pick up items in our merchandise store on Zazzle.com AB_Pod_Store. If you have ideas for what to put in the store, let me know.

Please consider supporting the show financially on the IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN page on Patreon.com here. Thanks in advance.

Feb 15, 2019

This month, episode 34 is booting one through the ol' uprights with not one but TWO football themed episodes. 

First up is IT'S YOUR FIRST KISS, CHARLIE BROWN from 1977. Charlie Brown's kicking prowess is all that stands between victory and defeat in the big Homecoming game. (Never mind that this is usually a high school thing. Peppermint Patty has a game to win!) Will the Little-Red-Haired-Girl-turned-Homecoming-Queen have Chuck banished from the royal realm? How much power do Homecoming queens actually have?

Next, we check out YOU'RE IN THE SUPERBOWL, CHARLIE BROWN. Except he's not. This 1994 tie-in with that year's Superbowl finds World Famous Coach Snoopy trying to lead his team of birds to Animal Football League glory while Linus and Charlie Brown vie for the affections of New Girl in Town Melodie Melodie even as they get ready for the "punt pass kick" contest where they could win a new bike..also, a Superbowl ticket. Just one though. 

Does that Superbowl one sound fun? Want to buy a copy to watch? You can! If you time travel to 1994! And get your gas at Shell Stations! And still have a functioning VHS player! Listen to the episode to have this explained. But if you time travel BEFORE you listen, you'll spoil the ending. 

We've also got a "Peanuts by Schulz" short called "Company" and another "Random Strip of the Month". Send us your Random Strip submissions right now … after you listen, of course. 

Here's the 1999 Hartford Current article expressing the belief that Schulz overstayed his welcome.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker".

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Check out his music on Soundcloud here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes, social media and more

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN financially on our Patreon page here. Please consider doing so. 

Jan 15, 2019

This month on the podcast, all of the Peanuts secrets are revealed...

Okay, not really. But we do have a conversation with Benjamin Clark, curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California. Benjamin gives us some insight into the daily life of a curator, how exhibits are put together, and a LOT of exciting things coming up in coming years. I even asked him, as the keeper of all things Peanuts, what is REALLY inside Snoopy's doghouse.

Want to know the answer? Tune in to this episode!

We've also got one of the few remaining "Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show" episodes (#16 to be specific). In this one, the Peanuts gang boldly goes where no Peanut has gone before. At least it felt that way.

We've also got a "Peanuts by Schulz" episode called "Nice Doggy" and another "Random Strip of the Month".

Chew your cookies loud as you want (It'll make sense after you listen) and tune in! Thanks!

Here's a link to Luke Epplin's article, "Selling Out the Newspaper Comic Strip".

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Mining by Moonlight" and "Bass Walker". 

Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Find that and more of his music on Soundcloud here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown show notes, episodes, social media and more.

Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show!

Please consider supporting the shown financially. Snoopy's dog bones aren't cheap. You can do that on Patreon here.

 

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