Dear viewers, listeners, fans new and old... This is just the beginning for the A Christmas Story Family! We're so glad to have you on this journey with us, which is why we wanted to create something really special for our last episode of the season ... a sneak peak into what's to come, and a retrospective on what we've accomplished so far. So grab your glass of Ovaltine, put on your pink bunny suit, and let's wrap up Season 1 of Talking A Christmas Story With the Cast!

A Christmas Story is one of those classic Christmas movies that, even if you've never seen it, you've probably quoted it. You've probably seen a leg lamp or an image of a bespectacled boy in a pink bunny suit. Over the years, this film has been woven into the fabric of our culture in so many ways that it has become a classic piece of Americana. A Christmas Story now inspires new generations of filmmakers who want to bring back the warmth, nostalgia, and family connection the movie captured perfectly. It goes to show that sometimes the most enduring stories aren’t the ones with the biggest explosions or the flashiest effects but the ones that remind us of the simple joys of life, the value of tradition, and the beauty of dreaming big—even if it’s just for a Red Ryder BB gun.

Check out Andy's book, Who Turned Up the Silence: https://a.co/d/5QqmKWM

Walk with us back through time to the hometown of the greatest American storyteller, Jean Shepherd. He is best known for writing the Christmas classic "A Christmas Story," and today, we're going to find out where his inspiration came from. Join me as I sit down with the President of the Hammond Historical Society to talk about the scenes we loved from the movie and the true stories behind them.

There is something totally unique about Christmas movies. They sparkle. They twinkle. They warm our hearts like a cup of hot cocoa. Why is that, and how does it feel to be a part of creating something like that? This week on Talking A Christmas Story With the Cast, host Yano Anaya (Grover Dill from A Christmas Story) interviews Hallmark movie star and real-life Prince Charming Jonathan Stoddard (A Royal Christmas On Ice, Prince and Pauper Christmas) , on the joy that comes from holiday traditions, and how it feels to be a part of that for families all over the world. 
Summary

The conversation revolves around the Christmas movie A Christmas Story and its impact on the cast and fans. The host interviews Jonathan Stoddard, an actor known for his roles in Christmas movies, about his experience with the film and his career. They discuss the nostalgia and traditions associated with watching A Christmas Story, the energy and vibe of Christmas movies, and the challenges and joys of being an actor. They also touch on the sequel to A Christmas Story and the emotional connection fans have with the original film. The conversation with Jonathan Stoddard, an actor from the movie A Christmas Story, explores his experience as a child actor and his journey in the industry. He shares the challenges of auditions and the excitement of landing the role of Grover Dill. He also discusses his other acting experiences and the importance of storytelling. The conversation then transitions into a game where Stoddard imagines how his character, Prince John, from another movie would react in various situations from A Christmas Story. The episode concludes with a discussion about the enduring popularity of A Christmas Story and the importance of traditions.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Discussion of A Christmas Story

10:10
The Energy and Vibe of Christmas Movies

18:30
The Challenges and Rewards of Being an Actor in Christmas Movies

25:10
The Anticipation and Emotional Connection of the A Christmas Story Sequel

29:23
The Challenges and Excitement of Being a Child Actor32:19
The Journey of Landing a Role

33:36
The Rewards and Emotional Drive of Acting

48:19
The Enduring Popularity of A Christmas Story

Imagine this: It's the holiday season, and you're piling your family into the car and driving through the night, from Minnesota to Indiana, with two young kids. What could possess you to do such a thing? In this episode, you're going to find out why Chelsea Hartmann took her family into the heart of Hammond to celebrate a movie that she and her family love so much. It's about so much more than the movie or being a fan - it's about making memories that will last a lifetime.

To learn more about Chelsea or about 8-Ball's Race to the Cure to End Alzheimer's, check out the following resources:

www.8ballsrace.com

Facebook.com/chelseahartmann

Facebook.com/chelseahartmannmusic

Facebook.com/xxlentertainment

Facebook.com/cheapentertainmnet

YouTube.com/chelseahartmannmusic

Summary
The conversation revolves around the experiences of a family who attended the 40th anniversary event of the movie 'A Christmas Story' in Hammond, Indiana. They discuss the magic and nostalgia of the movie, the importance of family and togetherness during the holiday season, and their visit to the iconic Christmas Story house. The family shares their favorite memories from the event and how the movie has impacted their lives. They also talk about the audition process and the behind-the-scenes details of filming certain scenes. The conversation with the A Christmas Story Family covered various topics related to the making of the movie and their personal experiences. They discussed the filming process, including the use of fake snow and sets, as well as the challenges of keeping the attention of child actors. They also talked about their favorite scenes and behind-the-scenes stories, such as the use of real tobacco in Ralphie's mouth and the frozen mittens used in the fight scene. Additionally, they shared their experiences in the entertainment industry, including singing and raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease. The conversation ended with a game and expressions of gratitude.
Takeaways
The movie 'A Christmas Story' captures the simplicity and heart of a traditional family Christmas.
Attending the 40th anniversary event and visiting the Christmas Story house created magical and unforgettable memories for the family.
The movie has a lasting impact on fans, creating traditions and bringing families together during the holiday season.
The audition process for the movie was challenging, but ultimately led to life-changing experiences for the cast members.
The movie's success and enduring popularity have allowed the cast to connect with fans and be part of something special. The movie A Christmas Story used various techniques, such as fake snow and sets, to create the desired winter atmosphere.
Behind-the-scenes stories revealed interesting details, such as the use of real tobacco in Ralphie's mouth and the accidental use of frozen mittens in the fight scene.
The A Christmas Story Family shared their experiences in the entertainment industry, including singing and raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease.
Chapters
00:00
The Magic and Nostalgia of 'A Christmas Story'
11:17
Creating Lasting Memories at the 40th Anniversary Event
17:23
The Importance of Family and Togetherness During the Holiday Season
23:28
Behind the Scenes: Auditioning and Filming 'A Christmas Story'
33:20
Creating the Winter Atmosphere: Fake Snow and Sets
34:44
Child Actors and the Importance of Time
38:55
Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Real Tobacco and Frozen Mittens
45:05
Filming the Movie: Cameras and Equipment
46:32
Experiences in the Entertainment Industry: Singing and Raising Awareness
48:24
Personal Story: Battling Alzheimer's
53:26
Fun Game: Rapid Fire Questions
57:41
Expressions of Gratitude and Invitation to Join the A Christmas Story Family

While Malia didn't grow up as a superfan of A Christmas Story, her husband’s family’s passion for the movie changed how she celebrates Christmas every year. In this episode, we follow her journey from casual fan to an integral part of A Christmas Story's continued legacy. As a member of our team, she is a part of the Christmas Story Family, and is a testament to this film's power to bring amazing people together.

A Christmas Story's appeal as a film goes way beyond nostalgia. 40 years after the movie's original release, it gained a brand new fan, someone who proved what the long-time fans already knew: the film is timeless. Our guest Leah didn't grow up with this movie or any Christmas movies, for that matter - she grew up in a devoutly religious household that did not celebrate Christmas. Through working as a nanny and caretaker and pursuing a love of vocal performance, her eyes were opened to a whole new world. Listen in to hear her open up about her past and share the incredible series of events that led her to be on the show today - including her performance for the VIPs of the 40th Anniversary Event!
Summary
Leah, a guest on the podcast, shares her unique journey of going from not celebrating Christmas to being connected with the movie A Christmas Story. Growing up in a Jewish Orthodox household, Leah didn't watch Christmas movies or celebrate the holiday. However, as an adult, she began incorporating Christmas traditions into her life while still maintaining her Jewish faith. She talks about her experience performing at a Christmas party for the cast of A Christmas Story and how it has impacted her. Leah also discusses her love for the movie and how she relates to the characters and themes. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care and encourages others to be open-minded and open-hearted. Leah's story highlights the universal appeal of A Christmas Story and how it can bring people together, regardless of their background or traditions.
Takeaways
Leah's journey of going from not celebrating Christmas to embracing the holiday and the movie A Christmas Story highlights the power of personal growth and the ability to incorporate new traditions while still honoring one's faith and background.
The universal themes and relatable characters in A Christmas Story make it a film that can resonate with people from all walks of life, transcending cultural boundaries.
Self-love and self-care are essential in finding inner peace and being able to navigate family dynamics and holiday celebrations with grace and understanding.
Being open-minded and open-hearted allows for greater connection and understanding between people of different backgrounds and traditions.
A Christmas Story serves as a reminder of the importance of family, childhood dreams, and the joy of celebration, bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
Sound Bites
"I never saw it, maybe because of A Christmas Story, the title, it maybe threw off my very religious dad."
"I'm still very much Jewish, always going to be because my mom is, I'm very respectful towards the holiday and my family and I observe Hanukkah and I still observe all of the Jewish holidays."
"It's hard because like everybody gets older, have their own families, they move. So it was like really nice to, it's really nice to have holidays together and I miss it."
Chapters
00:00
Leah's Journey: From Not Celebrating to Embracing
15:03
Balancing Jewish Faith and Embracing Christmas
19:28
Missing the Togetherness of Family Holidays
25:12
Finding Self-Love and Self-Care in Traditions
30:57
Being Open-Minded and Open-Hearted
37:26
A Message of Openness and Acceptance

Imagine the electricity in the air when thousands of A Christmas Story fans gathered for the 40th Anniversary event. Families, celebrities, and kids of all ages came together to celebrate this magical occasion, thanks in no small part to our incredible security team. We are joined today by David Rhode to hear the behind-the-scenes on running such a fun and safe event.

Pack up your bags, load 'em up in the Olds, and get ready to go on a journey with us! Our guest this week has devoted countless hours to his incredible collection of A Christmas Story memorabilia and stories of meeting many cast members and background people who worked on the movie. He also took a trip to Canada recently to visit the shooting locations for the movie! Listen in as John Demmer, a super collector of A Christmas Story memorabilia, shares his passion for the movie and his journey as a collector. 
Summary
He fell in love with the movie when it started replaying on TBS for the 24-hour marathon. His collection includes rare items like a Zeppelin and a 90-year-old box of baking soda. He enjoys the hunt for these items and the stories behind them. He also values sharing his collection and knowledge with other fans. He has met many of the extras from the movie and cherishes their stories as well. In this conversation, John Demmer, a dedicated fan and collector of A Christmas Story memorabilia, shares his experiences and insights. He discusses the interesting people he has met, including cast members and background performers, and the stories they have shared. John also talks about his recent trip to Canada to visit filming locations and his plans to co-author a book on the collectibles of A Christmas Story. The conversation highlights the enduring impact of the movie and the deep connections it creates among fans.
Takeaways
The love for A Christmas Story goes beyond just watching the movie; it extends to collecting memorabilia and meeting the people involved in the film.
Collectors like John Demmer enjoy the hunt for rare items and the stories behind them, making each piece special and meaningful.
Sharing the collection and knowledge with other fans is an important aspect of the collecting experience.
Meeting the extras from the movie and hearing their stories adds another layer of appreciation for the film. A Christmas Story continues to inspire and bring joy to fans, creating lasting connections and traditions.
Meeting and hearing the stories of cast members, background performers, and other fans adds depth and meaning to the movie experience.
Visiting filming locations, such as the bridge and the school, allows fans to immerse themselves in the world of A Christmas Story.
The collectibles of A Christmas Story hold a special place in fans' hearts, and a book on the subject would be highly anticipated.
The movie's impact goes beyond entertainment, with fans finding comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of community through their shared love for A Christmas Story.
Sound Bites
"This is incredibly rare. The Zeppelin is, this is one of 10 known."
"This movie is crisp and clean. The beauty of the movie is you don't know the parents' names because when you were 10 years old, you didn't call your parents by their names."
"I love the stories and I encourage the fans of the site to go back and find those stories of what it took to get that radio over and the bond, the friendship that Kurt and I have."
"These people are talking about have not spoken one word on camera but they all have interesting stories"
"That's the power of this movie right that's that's an amazing amazing thing"
"You're a big part of that, man, whether you believe it or not"
Chapters
00:00
Favorite Items and Stories
03:37
The Love for A Christmas Story
09:13
The Role of a Town Historian
20:55
The Thrill of Collecting
32:24
Meeting the Extras
36:39
Meeting the People Behind the Movie
39:06
The Power and Legacy of A Christmas Story
43:44
The Fascination with A Christmas Story Collectibles
01:05:47
Exploring Filming Locations in Canada
01:09:14
The A Christmas Story Immersion Experience

Thanks for tuning in to another 'Major Award' Episode of Talking A Christmas Story with the Cast! This week, our guest is a long-time fan of the movie and now a part of creating this very podcast each week! Donald Kelly grew up in Jamaica, where the Christmas traditions of his youth looked a little bit different from the ones we typically experience in North America. Upon moving to Florida with his family in his pre-teen years, Donald and his brother discovered the movie and thus began to create new traditions - from picking out the perfect tree to the presents that sparkle beneath it until Christmas Day. 
Summary
The conversation revolves around the impact of the movie 'A Christmas Story' on the lives of the participants and their families. It explores the formation of new traditions and the nostalgia associated with the holiday season. The conversation also delves into the experience of being a bully in the movie and the reactions of fans. The power of the movie to create connections and bonds is highlighted, along with the importance of family and the joy of sharing traditions across generations. The conversation explores the importance of the Christmas story and the podcast in keeping the movie's legacy alive. It discusses the creation of a community for fans to connect and share their love for the movie. The hosts emphasize the significance of continuing the legacy for the cast, the writers, and the director. They also introduce the A Christmas Story Immersion Experience, which allows fans to interact with the cast and create new family traditions.
Takeaways
The movie 'A Christmas Story' has the power to create new traditions and bring families together during the holiday season.
Being a bully in the movie allowed the participants to explore a different side of themselves and connect with fans who recognized them.
The movie has a nostalgic appeal that resonates with people and creates a sense of shared experiences.
Forming traditions and sharing experiences with family members can create lasting bonds and memories. The podcast and community help keep the legacy of the Christmas story alive
The movie has a significant impact on fans' lives and creates lasting memories and traditions
The cast and creators have a responsibility to continue the legacy
The A Christmas Story Immersion Experience offers fans the opportunity to interact with the cast and create new family traditions
Sound Bites
"That's the power of what this movie has the capability of doing"
"The Christmas story has been a part of your life for a long time."
"The podcast lets you continue the legacy with the real people."
"The A Christmas Story Immersion Experience creates new family traditions."
Chapters
00:00
The Power of 'A Christmas Story' in Creating Traditions
06:40
Forming New Traditions and Sharing Experiences
16:14
Exploring the Experience of Being a Bully in the Movie
18:03
Lessons Learned from Playing a Bully
21:45
The Changing Landscape of the Entertainment Industry
23:13
The Impact of Being a Bully on Fans
23:41
The Importance of the Christmas Story
26:23
The Podcast and Continuing the Legacy
33:43
A Christmas Story Immersion Experience
37:51
Responsibility of the Cast and Creators