Tis the Podcast

🎃🧙‍♀️ This week on Tis the Podcast, Thom, Julia, and Anthony descend into the magical (and divisive) world of Return to Halloweentown! Was the franchise’s final entry a treat or a trick? The hosts break down everything from recasting controversy, missing “Halloweentown vibes,” awkward production choices, the infamous Dominion cult plotline, and why the iconic Cromwell magic just didn’t sparkle this time around. Plus: nostalgia debates, tales from Oklahoma, theme park Halloween makeovers, and the movies and shows on our radar for the 2027 slate.

It’s a full house of hot takes, “wait, what?” moments, and listener feedback—including that infamous recasting drama. Settle in as the crew reviews one of Disney Channel’s most controversial sequels and look ahead to next week, where they promise… something with a lot more magic. Don’t miss your weekly fix of festive fumbles and Christmas cheer—all year long!

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

Everyone knows Anthony is in the bag for this franchise, but where do our two horror guests stand? And does this one work better for Julia, who loved the original film but was disappointed by the previous three sequels? Well, you'll just have to tune in to find out! But one thing we can guarantee: this is one fun episode you don't want to miss, filled with plenty of movie recommendations and film trivia! 

So settle back with your pumpkin spice lattes, relax, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🍂🎃👻🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️

*Side Note: You may want to listen to this one without the young children around, as there's some questionable language used within when quoting the film!* 

Happy September, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Labor Day! We made it to the most wonderful time of the year! The Ber Months have arrived, and with it, the official start of Spooky Season!

Happy Monday, everyone! And Happy August! This is it! The final stretch before the Ber Months! We are officially on the cusp of the most wonderful time of the year! How exciting is that?

To mark the occasion, and kick off the week the right way, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss the five Disney shorts that make up 2023's "Mickey's Christmas Tales"! Spoiler alert: not much can top when Disney tackles Christmas, and we guarantee this is a fun, festive discussion that's sure to brighten your day!

So settle back, relax, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 

Happy Thursday, Christmas Fanatics! And Merry Christmas in July! Can you believe we're a mere month away from the Ber months? A mere five months away from the best day of the year? Where has the time gone?

To celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather for a very special bonus episode in which they travel to the Isle of New Berk at Christmastime - or should we say Snoggletog time? - to cover the 2019 animated Christmas special, "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming"!

Listen as they discuss their histories with this franchise, gush over the animation style, revel in how warm and cozy this special is, and fawn over Toothless! It's the perfect, festive stocking-stuffer to end your week with and celebrate this merry summer day!

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Christmas in July week!

This week, the elves gather to discuss the one Christmas episode of the early aughts sitcom, "Grounded for Life": Season 2's Episode 7, "I Saw Daddy Hitting Santa Claus"! 

Also discussed: recent movies Anthony's seen, Thom's new job and upcoming priestly vows, Julia's recent mini-vacation, and first photos from the production of HBO's "Harry Potter" reboot! 

Trust us when we say that this is one fun, festive episode you don't want to miss! So settle back, relax, and enjoy! And make sure to keep an eye on your podcast feeds for a special Christmas in July bonus episode later this week!

It’s July, it’s hot, and the elves are back together to keep the Christmas spirit alive—even if the only snow in sight is digital! This week, Anthony, Julia, and Thom wrangle some nostalgia and take on 2015's "Jurassic World" to answer the most important question: does a single Christmas song and a December setting make this dino-blockbuster a holiday film, or is it just a T-Rex-sized summer popcorn flick with a festive aftertaste?

Pour yourself a glass of eggnog (or a margarita, Jimmy Buffett-style) and join us as we:

Reminisce about our first "Jurassic Park" theater experiences and why that original movie still gives us chills (and maybe a few nightmares).

Break down the plot, the characters, and the sheer spectacle of "Jurassic World"—from Chris Pratt’s raptor whispering to Bryce Dallas Howard’s high-heeled heroics.

Debate the movie’s “Christmas credentials”—from the opening scene’s holiday music to the glaring lack of decorations in the park. (Seriously, where are the lights? Where’s the tree? Universal, call us!)

Laugh about the best cameos, the most over-the-top dino moments, and why theme parks never learn their lesson.

Share our signature ratings and decide if "Jurassic World" deserves a spot on your Christmas watchlist, or if it’s best saved for a heatwave movie marathon.

As always, expect plenty of tangents, pop culture references, and a healthy dose of snark. Whether you’re here for the dinosaurs, the nostalgia, or the ongoing “is it a Christmas movie?” debate, we’ve got you covered.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, join our Facebook group to share your thoughts (and your favorite "Jurassic Park" moments), and keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget—Christmas is never more than a podcast episode away!

This week on “Tis the Podcast”, Julia, Anthony, and Thom bravely (or foolishly) tackle Hallmark's "Hall Out the Holly: Lit Up." Was this sequel as cheery and charming as the original? Or was it, as some might say, a piece of "hot garbage?"

Before diving into the HOA drama and Christmas light competitions, the elves talk "Megan 2.0”, upcoming movie plans, and time spent in urgent care. Plus, they discuss the new “Winnie the Pooh” Christmas movie coming to Amazon!

So grab some cocoa and tune in for a brutally honest (and hilarious) review of a Hallmark holiday misfire! 

Happy Wednesday, Christmas Fanatics! And Happy Leon Day! That's right! As of today, we are *officially* halfway to Christmas 2025! 

To celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather to discuss fifteen of their favorite Christmas commercials from the eighties! Done "Round Robin" style, allowing each elf to discuss the five that they picked, this is one festive and warm conversation filled with holiday cheer - and tons of eighties throwbacks! - that's sure to put you in the Christmas mood on this hot June day!

So settle back, blast that air conditioning to simulate winter, and enjoy! And get excited because as of tomorrow, we are *officially* closer to this upcoming Christmas than we are last Christmas! 

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️