Well here we are again with another ‘wonderful’ episode of The TCP.
First up your host reads an old Christmas story from Scotland about a shepherd boy who has lost a sheep on Christmas Eve.
Then we have a very short segment where I ask why Frank the Tank hasn’t sent me anything in a while.
Then we have a lovely interview with Wayne Clarke, the host of The Christmas Alphabet Podcast. He’s been a baptist minister for over 30 years and he shares some of his Christmas memories over the years.
Check out his podcast here:
This week’s What The Dickens? we look at the little boy down in the street and why he would shout the word ‘WALKER’. Sadly there’s no definitive answer, so you can make your own mind up.
If you want to get in touch we’d love to hear from you…
It’s episode 50 of The Total Christmas Podcast, that’s half a century, wow.
The Yule Log for this episode is from the TV show This Is Us. Watch the family house burning for a solid hour. It’s not great.
In this episode we have another deep look at some of the obscure phrases in A Christmas Carol. Why was Marley “as dead as doornail”? You’ll soon find out.
Then I share the story of how a friend of mine decided that instead of going round his girlfriend’s house for Christmas, he’d rather drive around the forest.
Then we look at Brer Rabbit’s Christmas Carol, an interesting take on the classic story that is generally pretty naff. Watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcrPdxVpC0M&t=2309s
This episode’s recommendation is Meet David Sedaris a BBC Radio 4 show where author David Sedaris reads out some of his short stories. It’s a great listen so check it out:
https://fourble.co.uk/podcast/sedaris
If you want to get in touch email me at:
totalchristmas@gmail.com
First up we have a follow on from last episode’s segment about the German smoker ornaments. This time we look at the Moosmann from Vogtland and we also have a couple of stories about them.
Then we have a great Story of Shame from L C Newman who tells the tale of how they nearly blew the whole Santa secret by staying up all night drinking and playing with a slot car track.
Then we play one more song from Adam Kennedy and his Creative Commonaires, This one is called Those High Notes and if you want to listen here’s a link:
https://adamkennedy.bandcamp.com/releases
Adam was on a recent episode of Jingle Jank and he talks about the creative process behind the album. Check out the episode here:
https://jinglejank.com/episodes.html
Then we have a brand new segment where we have a close look at some of phrases and aspects of A Christmas Carol that may not make sense. I think you’ll find it interesting, but then what do I know.
This episode’s recommendation is Christmas Alphabet Podcast with Wayne Clarke. Each episode he takes a new letter and studies all the Christmas related stuff beginning with that letter. At the time of recording, he’s up to letter F.
Here’s a link:
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5724367-episode-14-the-energy-carol-mp3-image.jpg600600e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-02-12 17:12:162022-02-14 06:12:42Episode 49 - What The Dickens?
It’s the first episode of the new year and it’s the usual stuff.
First up we have this episode’s version of A Christmas Carol. It’s called We Wish You A Mandy Christmas and it is an episode of the BBC TV series Mandy starring Diane Morgan.
I really enjoyed and maybe you will too, here’s a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQF_iwLKxwk&t=884s
Then we have another Yule Log. This one was the ‘Pool Log and it was part of the marketing for the first Deadpool movie.
Check it out:
We have a book review of one of the books my wife bought me for Christmas. It’s Christmas Jokes for Grumpy Blokes, and I even treat you to one of the jokes from the book.
Here’s a link:
Have you ever heard of the Räuchermann? Well thanks to Eleri Haney you will after listening to this. They’re little smoking ornaments made in Germany.
Want to see on in action? Have a look:
This week’s recommendation is the TV series Mandy which I mentioned earlier. It’s very funny and the episodes are only 15 minutes long.
You can watch the whole series on the BBC website, and most of the episodes appear to be on YouTube.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08gpftk
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5724367-episode-14-the-energy-carol-mp3-image.jpg600600e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-01-30 00:07:512022-01-31 06:10:14Episode 48 - We Wish You A Mandy Christmas
It’s Christmas you beautiful people.
Let’s celebrate by listening to some imbecile shouting into a microphone.
First up Julie Sibilla shares the worst Christmas present that her nan gave to her mum and brother.
This episode’s Yule Log is the Arendelle Castle Yule Log from Frozen, and it’s on Disney plus. If you haven’t got Disney plus, don’t worry, it’s a pretty naff yule log.
Then Ed Daley, author of The Christmas Book, tells us a bit of the background to the David Bowie and Bing Crosby classic, the Little Drummer Boy.
To find our more about other Christmas Classic Songs, check out his book:
Then we take another look at the Top Ten Christmas Movie Lists that listeners have sent in and my own personal opinion is out the window. Who will have the most popular list as calculate from all the other lists?
We have another fantastic song from Adam Kennedy and his Creative Commonaires, this one is called Bumbles Don’t Bounce, and if you’re a fan of the Rankin Bass Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I think you’ll get a kick out of this one.
https://adamkennedy.bandcamp.com
This episode’s version of a Christmas Carol is from 1949 and has Vincent Price narrating it. It’s pretty low budget and I have very little good to say about it.
Here’s a link:
Then it’s Robin Sings and the girls sing Jingle Bells. They’ve sung it before, but they’re older now and more refined.
Then Kevin Church shares a Christmas memory of going to listen to his family play in a brass band each Christmas.
This episode’s recommendation is Darley Dance Christmas Show. They’ve recorded an online version of their Christmas spectacular with songs, dancing and comedy all with a real festive feel. It’s a great way to help the arts and enjoy a Christmas show.
Here’s a trailer: https://youtu.be/xp8Qmb2H95k
And here’s a link for tickets:
http://www.darleydance.co.uk/
I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas.
You know I love ya.
First up is another great song from Adam Kennedy and his Creative Commonaires. This one is called The Plight Before Christmas and you can watch the video here:
Then Ed Daly, author of The Christmas Book, tells us about the origins of two of the most popular Christmas toys, the Teddy Bear and Barbie.
To read more about this stuff, check out his book:
This episode is the last of our Top Ten lists and they’ve been sent in by Sean Sotka, Benjamin Hall, Adam Kennedy, Paul Hudebine and Julia Sibilla.
The we have another chat with Aurelio O’Brien, this time he’s going to tell us about his collection of bizarre Christmas tree ornaments. I’ll be putting pictures up on Facebook, so check them out. Aurelio is the author of Family Trees which I reviewed in the last episode.
It’s a great book, check it out here:
This episode’s version of A Christmas Carol is called Karroll’s Christmas. It’s a modern day take on the classic and it could be worse… it could also be so much better.
If you want to watch it, here’s a link:
Then Kevin Church shares the story of his worst Christmas present ever.
Then we have a book review. This book is part of the Cozy Mysteries series from Kensington Publishing, they’re murder mysteries without the violence or gore.
This one is called Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R Innes and I really enjoyed it. If you like a good mystery it’s the perfect read for this time of year.
Here’s a link:
Then we chat to Shelli Arnold and Frank the Tank about their Christmas Village. It was a sight to behold and I’ll be putting the pictures up on Facebook.
While chatting to Shelli and Frank, Frank (our Curious Christmas Customs Correspondent) told me about Elfapalooza where the people of Mobile, Alabama try and fail to break the world record for the most elves in one place.
Then we have 2 world famous chefs teaching us how to cook the perfect roast Turkey and they also sing a rendition of Feliz Navidad.
This episode’s recommendation is I’m Not Complaining with Robin & Juno. A lovely podcast where 2 young girls talk about poo.
Here’s a link:
anchor.fm/notcomplaining
If you want to get in touch, here’s my email address:
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5724367-episode-14-the-energy-carol-mp3-image.jpg600600e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2021-12-09 17:01:382021-12-09 20:02:06Episode 45 - The Christmas Village
Hooray, it’s December and it really is Christmas and it’s another packed show.
First up Ed Daley reads another part from his book. This time he explains how a clerical error led to It’s A Wonderful Life becoming one of the most popular Christmas films of all time.
If you want to read more, check out his book:
Next up we have the story of the worst Christmas present that Kevin Church ever received, turns out, if he’d received it a year earlier it may have been one of the best.
Then we chat to Aurelio O’Brien author of Family Trees. It’s a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’d like to pick up a copy, here’s a link:
Then it’s the 2nd part of our chat with Scott & Jay from the Jingle Jank Podcast. We listen to 3 more songs, if you want a listen, here’s some links:
One More Sleep by Leona Lewis
The Power of Love by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea
And to have a listen to Jingle Jank, here’s a link:
jinglejank.com
Then the girls are back again for Robin Sings and they have another stab at Last Christmas.
It’s been a few episodes but once again we look at another version of A Christmas Carol. This one is the fantastic new Aldi Christmas advert. It’s only 1 minute 20 seconds but they pack a lot in.
Then we have a new segment, each week we’ll be playing a song from Adam Kennedy and his Creative Commonaires, Their songs are very funny and the album is called Literally Shrunk Down and Living in my Christmas Village. Have a listen to the whole album here:
https://adamkennedy.bandcamp.com
Our Top Ten Christmas Movie Lists come from Ed Daley and Adam Parker from the Merry Britsmas Podcast. Where will they feature on our leader board?
Then we have another Yule Log. Why not spend an hour watching Joe Pesci get his scalp burned off with a flamethrower while crackling sounds and Christmas music play in the background.
This episode’s recommendation is for you to share the podcast. It’s actually Christmas now, so you won’t seem like a weirdo when you tell your friends to listen to the show and it would mean a lot to me and the team (there is no team).
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5724367-episode-14-the-energy-carol-mp3-image.jpg600600e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2021-11-30 23:13:542021-12-01 06:14:28Episode 44 - Even More Classic British Christmas Songs
This show is packed to the gills. We have it all, bad editing, poor sound quality, boring content, you name it, we’ve got it.
First up is Santa Claus is NOT Coming to Town, and Katie Gibson shares the story of how she kept the magic alive for her younger sister.
Rich Chambers shares another Christmas memory and we listen to his take on The Snow Miser and The Heat Miser from The Year Without a Santa Claus. Check out Rich’s album here:
https://richchambers.com/santa-s-rockin-band
Then we’re joined by Scott and Jay from Jingle Jank podcast. We listen to 4 classic British Christmas songs and find out if the boys have ever heard of them. This is the first half and we listen to another 3 in the next episode.
Here’s the songs:
A Spaceman Came Travelling by Chris de Burgh
I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake
December Will Be Magic Again by Kate Bush
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl
Check out the Jingle Jank here:
jinglejank.com
This episode’s book review is Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories from Biblioasis. Very atmospheric short stories to revive the tradition of ghost stories at Christmas. Check them out here:
http://biblioasis.com/product-category/fiction/seths-christmas-ghost-stories/
If you’d like to win a couple of these books just email me and your name will go in the hat, with the winner to be announced in the next episde.
http://biblioasis.com/product-category/fiction/seths-christmas-ghost-stories/
Then we have an interview with Geoff Malcolmson the creator of Santa and Ruudy an online comic strip. If you follow it on Facebook you’ll get a daily strip each day of December. It’s just like a little advent calendar.
https://www.facebook.com/SantaandRuudy
This episode we have two Top Ten Christmas Movie Lists, they’re from Frank and Shelli Arnold and Mary Polte. Where will they stand on our chart, only one person can decide, Judge Jack.
Robin and Juno are BACK! They explain to us exactly why we put out a stocking at Christmas and then attempt to sing the wonderful classic Last Christmas by Wham.
Then we have a clip from Ed Daly explaining what inspired one of the all time greatest Christmas songs, Silent Night. This story is taken from his book The Christmas Book: The Ultimate Guide To Your Favourite Holiday.
If you want to get in touch, what’s stopping you?
Do it now.
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/totalchristmas-scaled.jpg25602560e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2021-11-20 17:19:112021-11-21 13:19:53Episode 43 - More Classic British Christmas Songs
In this episode we start with another story and song from Rich Chambers. The song this week is called Hold On Santa and you can hear the whole thing here:
https://richchambers.com/santa-s-rockin-band
Then we have an interview with Ed Daly about his fantastic new book, The Christmas Book: The Ultimate Guide to Your Favorite Holiday.
Here’s a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HS14DFM
He’s also on the Baller Lifestyle Podcast, check it out here: https://theballerlifestyle.com/
Next up it’s our Top Ten Christmas Movie’s lists and this week they’re from Stacey McKinsey, Jennifer Kay (and the TCP Mascot Elmer) and Eddie Honan. Where will they feature on our chart? Have a listen and you’ll find out, cause I’m not telling.
Then we have a fantastic Santa Claus Is NOT Coming To Town from Dan Carlson of Burly Boards, who is now our self-appointed Workshop Elf.
Dan makes incredible cutting boards, trays and coasters. Check out his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/burlyboards/about/?ref=page_internal
Then it’s more Aussie Christmas Songs. We look at a selection of 7 different festive tunes from the land downunder.
This episode’s Yule Log isn’t the worst ever. It’s Shrek’s Yule Log and it features 24 of the characters from the films.
Here’s a link:
Hooray for another episode of The Total Christmas Podcast.
First up we look at The Eye of Sauron Yule Log from The Lord of the Rings. A 2 second loop of a flaming eye playing for 5 hours. It’s riveting stuff.
You can watch it here:
This episode we have 4, count’em 4, Top Ten Christmas Movies Lists. Where will they land on our chart?
You’ll have to listen to find out.
Then we look at the Gavle Goat. It’s a Swedish tradition where the people of Gavle build a massive straw goat only for some cheeky sod to try and burn it down.
We have a great story of how Stacey McKinsey’s youngest child found out the truth about santa.
Then we have an interview with friend of the show Eddie Honan who has had the honor of playing Fezziwig for the last 5 years at the Music Mountain Theatre, Lambertville, New Jersey. If you live nearby you should get yourself along and tell them Jack sent you.
Here’s a link:
https://www.musicmountaintheatre.org/
This episode Rich Chambers shares the story of how he learned to love A Christmas Carol whilst being terrified of Jacob Marley. Then we play his song Peace and Harmony.
You can hear the whole song here:
https://richchambers.com/santa-s-rockin-band
OI YOU. YEAH YOU, I’M TALKING TO YOU.
COME AND LISTEN TO MY PODCAST.
DO IT NOW!
It’s another episode of the TCP and we have loads of crap for your lovely ears.
First off it’s our Top Ten Christmas Movies Lists. We’ve had a team of scientists develop a formula to calculate the best list in Jack’s opinion. This episode we have lists from Anthony Caruso and Mike Westfall. Where will their lists chart?
Then it’s time for the Yule Log. If you love Nick Offerman from Parks and Recreation then you might not mind this version. It’s Nick sitting by a fire drinking whisky for 45 minutes straight.
We have the return of Santa Claus is NOT Coming to Town and this one was sent in by Paul Hudebine. He can pinpoint to the exact day he found out the truth about Santa. Not only that, it’s also the day his mum told him wrestling is fake.
Frank the Tank has sent us another Curious Christmas Custom, this time it’s Bonfires on the Levee. Hundreds of bonfires are lit along the Mississippi on Christmas Eve to guide the way for Papa Noel.
We have another great song from Rich Chambers; It’s Christmastime (All Over The World). He also shares a great story of the time he actually saw Rudolph and the other reindeer flying over his house.
Have a listen:
https://richchambers.com/santa-s-rockin-band
Then it’s another Muppet Christmas Special. This time we look at The Bells of Fraggle Rock and it’s absolutely delightful. Have a watch here:
This episode’s recommendation is The Cabinet of Dr Calighoulie from friend of the show Tony Dixon. If you’re a fan of Halloween, you’ll love it.
Have a listen here:
https://anchor.fm/drcalighoulie
This show is loaded up to the eyeballs with the usual drivel.
Fist up we have a brand new segment where Rich Chambers, singer and songwriter, shares one of his Christmas memories and then we play a clip from one of the songs from his Christmas album, Santa’s Rockin Band.
To check out the full album, here’s a link:
https://richchambers.com/santa-s-rockin-band
Then we have the return of Robin Sings. This episode she sings another request from Eddie Honan’s mum Nancy. She asked to hear Dominic The Donkey.
Then it’s our Top Ten Christmas Movies lists and this week the lists are provided by the show’s No. 1 Fan Lee Maher and Crick Jimney.
Next up it’s 3 crappy yule logs. This episode they’re from Lego. If you really want to watch them, here’s some links:
https://www.lego.com/en-gb/kids/videos/life/legolife-video-dec20-celebrate-with-a-lego-yule-log-6f40717445d91ac7fdf4b4e75d95b920
This episode’s version of A Christmas Carol is crap. It’s by Sugar Tales and I really wouldn’t waste your time if I were you:
Then we have the return of my favourite segment, Christmas Stories of Shame. We share the sad affair of the year Adam Parker received a bunch of gifts he’d received the year before.
Adam hosts the Merry Bristmas Podcast and it’s great, check it out:
https://merrybritsmas.podbean.com/
This episodes recommendation is Santa & Ruudy, a great online comic strip featuring the big man himself and his ruby nosed reindeer. It’s written and drawn by Geoff Malcomson and is definitely worth following.
https://www.facebook.com/SantaandRuudy/
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5724367-episode-14-the-energy-carol-mp3-image.jpg600600Christmas Podmasterhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pngChristmas Podmaster2021-09-25 05:52:482021-09-26 19:53:35Episode 39 - Santa's Rockin Band
This episode we have Top Ten Christmas Movie Lists from Katie Gibson and Art Kilmer from The Cosy Christmas Podcast.
If you want to check out Art’s podcast, here’s a link:
https://cozychristmas.libsyn.com/
Then we talk about Scrooge The Musical starring Albert Finney. Not only was this the first movie length musical version, but also the first colour version as well.
It’s very good so have a watch, here’s a link:
We have another blinding segment from our Curious Christmas Traditions Correspondent, Frank the Tank. It’s a Christmas tree made of tumble weeds. Yes, tumble weeds.
This episode’s TV Yule Log isn’t a yule log, or even a fire, it’s the Krispy Kreme Happy Holliglazer, a conveyor belt of ring donuts being glazed.
Want to watch it?
Why, it’s boring.
Well, if you must, here’s a link:
First up we look at 2 of our listeners’ Top Ten Christmas Movie Lists. First up is Benji Pearson and then it’s Scott Newman, where will they appear on the chart?
Then we look at one of the worst versions of A Christmas Carol that has ever been conceived.
It is abysmal and a travesty and a blight on humanity.
Want to watch it?
Why? I’ve just told you how bad it is.
Well here’s a link then:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzpKepAqjgk
Then it’s our highly anticipated Christmas Movie Quiz, this time around we focus on remakes, sequels and reboots.
Robert Nicholas from the Behind The Bells Podcast gives us his answers. If you can beat his score I will be most impressed.
Check out Robert’s podcast here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-bells-podcast/id1543653907
Then it’s time for the Yule Log. Sick of watching some boring log burning on your TV? Well why not watch Darf Vader burn away for a solid 5 hours.
Here’s a link:
This episode was hastily scrambled together to get to you on time because I’m on holiday at the moment.
We start with a book review of Mr Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry.
Here’s a link:
Then we look at the Muppet special of Mr Willowby’s Christmas Tree, starring Robert Downey Jr, Leslie Nielsen and Stockard Channing. It’s not great, but you can watch it here:
Then I have an interview with Gerry Davila, the host of Totally Rad Christmas Podcast who also works in a Christmas store.
The store is The Decorator’s Warehouse, and here’s a link:
https://decoratorswarehouse.com/
And here’s a link to Gerry’s Podcast:
https://totallyradchristmas.buzzsprout.com/
Then it’s the second instalment of our most boring segment ever, the Christmas Yule Log.
This time we review 3 Dr Who themed Yule Logs. Spolier alert, they’re all naff.
Here’s a link to one of them:
Woo hoo! Here we are for another wonderful episode.
We have the harrowing tale of how Lee Maher, the shows number 1 fan, found out the truth about Santa, plus also how his brother found out.
Then we have an interview with Robert Nicholas from Behind The Bells Podast who lists his 10 favourite films of all time, and then I judge the list.
If you’re not listening to Behind The Bells check it out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-bells-podcast/id1543653907
Then we have the first of our brand new segments, Obscure Traditions with Frank the Tank.
Our new correspondent, Frank the Tank, sends me ideas for topics to discus. This episode we’re talking about the first ever TV Yule Log.
Then it’s our second new segment, Yule Logs. In an attempt to revive everyone’s favourite jingle I have my weakest segment yet where I review one of the dozens of TV Yule Logs. This episode I review the first ever one from WPIX-TV.
If you’re fed up of watching paint dry then check it out:
This week’s recommendation is to make sure you’ve planned out your whole podcast before recording it.
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/totalchristmas-scaled.jpg25602560Christmas Podmasterhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pngChristmas Podmaster2021-07-31 12:22:142021-08-01 12:22:53Episode 35 - The First TV Yule Log
We start with a very crappy version of A Christmas Carol. This was part of the ‘Tales from Dickens’ TV series and stars Basil Rathbone as an actor who’s career has fallen so far that he’s reduced to wearing a traffic cone on his head to play Ebenezer Scrooge.
I don’t recommend watching it, but if you really must, here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LdUtugLbK4&t=3s
We have another Joke from Benji Pearson.
Then it’s the return of Santa Claus is NOT Coming to Town. I had to scour the internet for stories and managed to find a half decent one. When will parents learn that when it comes to Santa, you can lie your way out of anything.
Next up we look at a lovely cover version of the Bowie and Crosby classic Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth. This one was recorded for Children in Need and sees two stalwarts of British broadcasting, Aled Jones and Terry Wogan.
If you want to have a look and a listen here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AWdrUUMsYU
Whilst researching the little drummer boy I found out about The Little Drummer Boy challenge, and also Whamageddon. Both are games where you try to avoid hearing the song during the festive season.
This episodes recommendation is Ooh Spooky, one of the funniest podcasts I’ve had the pleasure of listening to.
Definitely check this one out, they don’t have a website, so here’s the facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/OoohSpooky/
If you want to get in touch, email totalchristmas@gmail.com
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5724367-episode-14-the-energy-carol-mp3-image.jpg600600Christmas Podmasterhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pngChristmas Podmaster2021-07-17 17:49:122021-07-18 14:49:50Episode 34 - Little Drummer Boy
