Welcome to IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, episode 53. Hurry up and listen, then clear your schedules, everybody! There's a new book coming out September 22 with the simple, but no less enticing, title THE PEANUTS BOOK. You are going to want to own and read this one!
And this month on the podcast, we've got the book's author Simon Beecroft! We talk about the book, Schulz and Peanuts. We also talk about Lego and Star Wars. A lot.
Also this month: A "Peanuts by Schulz" episode titled "A Bad Mood" and another "Random Strip of the Month". And other assorted, peanut-y goodness.
Sam Mason tells us about October's Peanuts Gang virtual reunion. Listen to that and then learn more on Facebook @peanutsreunion.
he Peanuts Strips That Were Luckily Never Published
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off".
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for episode links, social media info and more for this show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and for my other, weekly storytelling show ATARI BYTES here.
I really need a giant mug of root beer right now. Or maybe Schroeder's mom's slipper full of root beer. (You'll understand after you listen.)
So, here's the thing. The recording of episode 52 went just fine. The post-production? Not so much. BUT, we got the episode out, though you'll notice the audio is glitchy in some places. Sorry about that.
The good news is...SNOOPY'S GETTING MARRIED, CHARLIE BROWN! This 1985 special finds our favorite beagle all set to walk down the aisle. Will he go through with it?
We've also got a couple of "Motion Comics", a "Peanuts by Schulz" titled "Autumn is Here" and another Random Strip of the Month.
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off".
Check out www.carnivaofgleecreations.com for info, episodes and social media for this show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and my other show ATARI BYTES, which features an original short story by me every single week.
Episode 51 of IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN is one for the history books!
No, sorry, I meant, it's an episode about how "Peanuts" was shaped by the history happening around it and how "Peanuts" itself IS history. Our guest, historian BLAKE SCOTT BALL, has many thoughts. His forthcoming book is titled: "Charlie Brown's America".
We've also got a Random Strip of the Month and an episode of "Peanuts by Schulz" titled "Strike Out".
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.
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off".
Show notes, social media and episodes of IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN can be found here at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. While you're there, check out my other podcast, ATARI BYTES.
The website will also give you info about books I've written here!
EPISODE 50! We made it!
Because people think numbers ending in "5" and "0" are significant, and, let's say, in honor of the Peanuts secondary player "5" and because, as Peppermint Patty tells Franklin, "In answer to your question, Franklin, I think we know who the ZERO is..." we thought this month we'd talk to a man steeped in the 70 year (another number ending in zero) history of our favorite comic.
Author/publisher/blogger of the "Aaugh Blog", aboutcomics.com and so many other things, Nat Gertler returns to the show for the first time since episode 13. He has been exploring "Peanuts" filmstrips from 1979 like the ones many of us watched in school. So turn out the overhead fluorescent lights, roll the projector and give a listen. No sleeping or you'll get detention after school.
We've also got a "Peanuts by Schulz" episode called "The Great Outdoors" and another RANDOM STRIP OF THE MONTH.
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off".
Find more info, episodes, social media and more for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. There, you'll find the same for my other podcast, ATARI BYTES.
This month in episode 49, we're losing our marbles. No worries, though because we can still have our cake and eat it too.
From 2006, we're watching "He's a Bully, Charlie Brown" and from 1997, we've got "It Was My Best Birthday Ever, Charlie Brown". Will these provide the best viewing experience every or will we have to be bullied into finishing them?
We've also got a review of the "Peanuts by Schulz" episode "Black & White" and another RANDOM STRIP OF THE MONTH.
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off".
Find info, show notes, episodes and more for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here, and for my other show ATARI BYTES here on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com.
Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" shirts and mugs on www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store
Now that Easter is over and you've had a chance to clean up the mess from the Easter Bunny lobbing eggs over your fence in deference to social distancing, here's episode 48 of the podcast to relax with.
We've got an interview with Gini Holtzman who, back in the day, provided the voice for "Peppermint Patty" in a number of TV episodes, including "Snoopy's Reunion" and the iconic "It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown". What was it like to make these shows? What did Charles Schulz give her? What does she think Peppermint Patty would be like as a grown up? The answers to all of these questions and more are waiting for you inside this episode.
We've also got another installment of "Random Strip of the Month" and a review of another "Peanuts by Schulz" called "School is Out".
No chocolate bunnies though.
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off".
Get episode info, social media and more for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here and for the weekly ATARI BYTES, a podcast where we talk about old games and present an original short story more or less inspired by something related to that game. It's all on the website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com
Springtime. And the livin' is easy!
Okay, actually things are kind of brutal out there right now. But that makes this the perfect time to self-medicate with more PEANUTS! And episode 47 is just the tonic you need!
From 1992, we're watching IT'S SPRING TRAINING, CHARLIE BROWN where Mr. Hennessey from CHARLIE BROWN'S ALL-STARS (episode 1!) offers new uniforms to the baseball team. Yay! All Chuck and the gang need to do is win a game! AAUUGH!
Then we check out two installments of iTunes' 2008 experiment MOTION COMICS, a series of very short episodes produced with "limited animation" (don't let that scare you". We're checking out "The Sore Arm" and "Independence Day".
We've also got a "Peanuts by Schulz" short "It's Raining, It's Pouring". And, as always, a Random Strip of the Month. This is a good time to remind you to...*ahem*...SEND IN YOUR RANDOM STRIPS OF THE MONTH!
Thank you.
"How Snoopy Became the Mascot of Knott's Berry Farm"
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of "25% Off".
Find info, show notes, episodes, social media and more at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for this show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and for my other show ATARI BYTES, which features an original short story every week here.
Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads!" mugs and shirts at zazzle.com/ab_pod_store
February's episode 46 is sweet like the box of candy you and Sally Brown wish your valentine had gotten you. We're watching 1975's BE MY VALENTINE, CHARLIE BROWN and a short documentary extra called "Unlucky in Love: An Unrequited Love Story". Splash on some shaving lotion from your heart-shaped bottle and join us!
We also have a Random Strip of the Month and a Peanuts by Schulz short called "Tennis". Just think of these as the bonus truffles in the gorgeous candy display.
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of "25% Off".
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info, show notes and episodes of IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, as well as the weekly, short story podcast ATARI BYTES.
Pick up "Greetings, fellow blockheads" stuff at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com
Greetings, fellow blockheads! Welcome to episode 45! A new year, a new episode. What more could you ask for?
This month, we've got a special guest. William Johnson is the author of the forthcoming book "A History of Peanuts on Parade", a life-long Peanuts fan, and an occasional Chik-Fil-A cow. I had many questions about these things. Tune in to hear many answers.
We've also got a Random Strip of the Month and A "Peanuts by Schulz" short called "Like Skates on Ice".
Follow the show on Twitter @itsapodcb, like the show on Facebook and Instagram. Email us at charliebrownpodcast@gmail.com.
Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Find that and more here.
Find info, episodes, social media and more for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here and about my other podcast ATARI BYTES, a weekly review of old video games AND original short stories by me here at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com
Pick up shirts and mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store.
Become a subscriber to the show on Patreon.com and get access to episodes early and bonus content!
Your podcaster is also an author. Find out more about his books here!
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!
Thanks to Nick Jones for the use of "25% Off".
Thanks to Saul Solano Jr. for the "A Christmas Story"/podcast mashup bumper thingy.
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.
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!
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.
"It's the Great Impeachment Charlie Brown"
Everything Wrong with "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
Snoopy in Space season 1 recap
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
Snoopy's Town Tale Relaunching
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 Nick Jones for the use of his song "25% Off"
Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" mugs and shirts in the Zazzle.com store AB_Pos_Store 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 Far Side" coming to the Internet
The Peanuts 70th Anniverary Holiday Collection Limited Edition
The Debt that all Cartoonists owe to Peanuts
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.
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"
"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
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".
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.
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!
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown show notes and what not.
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Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com
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.
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes, episodes, social media, etc.
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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.
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
Kickstarter for the "The History of Peanuts on Parade" book
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
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.
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes and what not
Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show!
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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.
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Show notes, episodes, social media
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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.
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes, social media and more
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".
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Good grief, happy holidays, everybody!
Episode 32, IT'S CHRISTMASTIME AGAIN, CHARLIE BROWN, was just too darn big for one podcaster, so I called in a partner. Paul Johnson, host of "Total Stickcast" and a new show, "The Happy News Podcast" drops by. Together, we woof, meow, moo, whatever (you'll get that after this episode) through this story as Christmas commercialism gets revenge on Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty searches for the Christmas sheep within, and - hark! - Sally hears...well, you'll see.
We've also got a "Peanuts by Schulz" short called "Christmas is Coming" and another in our ongoing "Random Strip of the Month" segment. If YOU would like to share your favorite strip, or even just pick one at random, just record your thoughts and email them to me at charliebrownpodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Paul Johnson. Go listen to him on "The Total Stickcast" podcast!
Thanks to Henry Pope for the use of his "Linus & Lucy" remix. Find his music on Soundcloud here.
Consider supporting the show financially on our Patreon page here.
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - notes, episodes, social media.
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Here's a link to the Snopes article "Are you racist, Charlie Brown?"
This month, we've got author/illustrator Jason Yungbluth talking about his post-apocalyptic take on adult versions of the Peanuts gang in "Weapon Brown". We've also got September 1985 the fifteenth episode of "The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show", which isn't apocalyptic, but does feature Charlie Brown in a pelican costume. So there's that.
We've also got another "Random Strip of the Month" (make sure to send your submissions for this segment!)
And we review another "Peanuts by Schulz" episode titled "Security".
My thanks to Jason Yungbluth for giving us his time.
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Please consider supporting the show on our It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown Patreon page here.
The first one to catch that in the intro to this month's podcast I call this episode 29, when it is in fact episode 30, wins ONE MILLION DOLLARS. Oh, hey! I won! Oh, but I don't have a million dollars....
Anyway, we've got a pleasingly odd episode this month. From 1985, we dive into season two of "The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show" with episode 14. I don't know what sort of medication Schulz, Melendez and Medelson were on when they came up with this episode, but pass some over here, guys.
After that, we've got a second installment in what I guess now constitutes a recurring series of Peanuts character studies, wherein I ramble on for a few minutes about a particular character and that character's place in the neighborhood. This month's victim is: PIG-PEN.
We've also got a Random Strip of the Month and a review of another episode of "Peanuts by Schulz" called "Let it Snow".
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, episodes, social media and more
Atari Bytes - Hey! That's my other show. Old games and original short stories by me!
Support the show financially on the "It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown" page on Patreon here.
Put on your leg warmers and lay out your flattened cardboard, refrigerator box to show off your sweet breakdancing moves. The 1980s are back!
This month, we're watching "IT'S FLASHBEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN" from 1984 and a 1983 episode of "THE CHARLIE BROWN & SNOOPY SHOW". In the former, we soar like and an eagle. In the latter, when we do the Pig-Pen hoedown, we really kick up some dust.
In between, we have another "Random Strip of the Month" and a review of the short "Peanuts by Schulz" episode titled "Good for Nothing".
Thanks for Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Bass Walker" and "Mining by Moonlight".
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - show notes, episodes, social media, etc.