Tis the Podcast

”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:
Ron Hogan and Lindsey Grelis of "Film Strip Podcast" 
Kendal Farrae of "Two Girls One Crypt" 
Matt Spaulding of "North Pole Radio"
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!*
 

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.*

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!

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! ❤️ 🍂 🎃🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

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 CaseSeason 6 - Episode 11 - Santa ClaustrophobiaSeason 7 - Episode 7 - Silent MiteSeason 8 - Episode 11 - Baker's Doesn'tHow 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! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

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! ❤️🎅🏻🎄🎁🦌⛄️🚂🔔❄️🤶🏻🎀

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! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

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! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️
 

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! 🎧🎄🔔

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! ❤️ 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🔔🚂 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️