Shows
A Cozy Christmas PodcastAll About Mrs. ClausToday I talk to Pamela McColl about her two new books on Mrs. Claus! In our discussion we talk about the history and development of the character of Mrs. Claus, and how she is often portrayed. We also speak about lessons we can learn from her, and how celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus helps enrich the imagination of children... and a few of us adults! I hope you enjoy our cozy Christmas conversation! Books: Wondrous Mrs. Claus: A Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character What Would Mrs. Claus Do? ...
2025-09-3058 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastAngela's Christmas: A Classic Christmas Story by Julia SchayerWelcome to the ber months! Today I'll be reading a short story called Angela's Christmas by Julia Schayer. It tells the story of a young lady who wants to help those in need. Will her small act of kindness be enough to help a poor, desperate, and lonely woman on Christmas Eve? I also give a quick update on the book club. We'd love to have you join us as we read Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jaqueline Frost, a cozy mystery set on a Maine Christmas Tree Farm! Ways to support the sho...
2025-09-2039 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas at the Moon - Christmas 1968🚀 In today's out-of-this-world Christmas episode, I take you back to 1968 and the historic Apollo 8 mission—the very first journey around the moon, celebrated on Christmas Eve. 🌙✨ Then I'm joined by my daughter Grace for a cozy chat about decorating for Christmas in our new home, sharing holiday hopes, life updates, and plenty of laughs along the way. 🎄 Finally, I wrap things up with a special reading of "A Letter from Santa Claus" by Mark Twain. 🎅📜 Some parts of the episode came from this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_8# Books Mentioned: The 12 Slays of Christmas...
2025-09-0350 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastCreative Christmas Cheer: Using creativity to spread the joy of Christmas!Welcome back to A Cozy Christmas Podcast! Summer's heat can make it hard to feel the Christmas spirit, but it's still there—waiting to be found and shared! In this episode, I talk about how creativity can spread joy—especially Christmas joy—and I take a moment to reflect on Currier & Ives and their timeless winter scenes. For our story today, I read the first two Christmas chapters of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. The March sisters' creativity, generosity, and joy shine through—whether in giving to a family in need, receiving an unexpected gift from a kind nei...
2025-08-191h 07A Cozy Christmas PodcastWhat Was in that Mince Pie?I'm finally behind the microphone again, bringing you all the cozy Christmas vibes as we countdown to Christmas 2025. Today, I read an Irish Christmas Story called "Frank Forrest's Mince-Pie" by Fr. Patrick Augustine Sheehan. It tells the story of a young man named Frank who has some strange Christmas dreams about Mince pies, an act of kindness - and of course, what Victorian Christmas story would be complete without some ghostly visitors! I also recommend a book of Christmas stories and share some Irish Christmas traditions! Timestamps: 00:00 Life Update! 05:00 Cozy Book Corner: Book...
2025-06-1935 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas Day in the Bush by Samuel Sydney | A Cozy Christmas Story for Valentine's DayHappy Valentine's Day... (checks calendar)... belatedly! In today's episode I share some thrilling updates about the weather in Iowa, give some great ideas on how to make your Valentine's Day Christmas themed, and then read the Australian set Christmas story titled: Christmas Day in the Bush, by Samuel Sydney. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Declaring Open Season on Groundhogs (aka a weather report) 02:36 Belated Christmas Themed Valentine's Day Celebrations 06:59 Story Introduction - Christmas in Australia once again 11:23 Christmas Story: "Christmas Day in the Bush by Samuel Sydney 22:43 Concluding Thoughts
2025-02-2625 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastSelections from Kilvert's Diary - Happy New Year 2025!Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to a brand-new season of A Cozy Christmas Podcast! In today's episode, I'll be sharing some Christmas and winter-themed selections from Kilvert's Diary. Francis Kilvert was an English clergyman in the Victorian era who kept beautifully detailed journals of rural life and ministry from 1870 to 1879. His descriptions of nature and the people around him are an absolute delight to read. However, I do want to give a quick heads-up—some of the entries I'll be reading touch on themes of loss and grief. I debated whether to include them, but ultimately, I felt they pro...
2025-01-3043 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastA Cozy Christmas Eve 2024Merry Christmas! In today's special Christmas Eve episode, I have several little readings and stories to share with you, along with another fun discussion about Christmas with my daughter Gracie. Today we talk about her favorite Christmas cookies, movies, and she shares some tips on how to show kindness to the people you love during Christmas time. You won't want to miss this one! And get ready, because Gracie comes in with some hot takes on Jim Carrey's Grinch movie. Please no hate mail. We like what we like... (Note: sorry for the continued bad audio from...
2024-12-2445 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastOld Christmas, Part 3 of 3Happy Christmas week! Today I finish reading Old Christmas by Washington Irving. In the story our narrator enjoys a fun Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall and participates in a lot of the older traditions. Christmas is just a few days away! I hope you're ready for it! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast
2024-12-231h 09A Cozy Christmas PodcastGracie's Favorite Christmas Memories, and "Old Christmas" Part 2 of 3In today's episode, my daughter Grace comes back to talk about her favorite Christmas traditions and memories. We also talk about some recent romantic Christmas movies I've seen lately. Then, for our cozy story, I read Chapter 3 of "Old Christmas" by Washington Irving. In the chapter today, our narrator arrives at Bracebridge Hall on Christmas Eve, and continues to observe the old traditions. If you have a questions for Gracie, let me know and it might appear on an upcoming episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:22 Ask Gracie Anything: Favorite Christmas Traditions and Memories
2024-12-2040 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastCelebrating 150 Episodes: chatting with Gracie, a Matchstick Mouse, and an... A.I. Christmas?There is a bit of a festive spirit around the Cozy Christmas Lodge today... we are celebrating 150 episodes! I want to thank you all for your support and participation in what has become one of the most creatively satisfying experiences of my life. So today we start off by looking to the future of Christmas Celebrations, and see what kind of Christmas songs and stories A.I. can make up. While it doesn't go horribly wrong, it does feel kind of... soulless. Then I read a charming children's story called "Matchstick Mouse: Merry Little Christmas" which is...
2024-12-1650 minA Cozy Christmas Podcast"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving, Part 1 of 3 Today I have the first part of a longer story called Old Christmas by Washington Irving. Published in 1815, it explores some of the roots of our Christmas traditions as the main character visits a friend at Bracebridge Hall during Christmas to experience an old fashioned Christmas! It's a story that explores nostalgia and tradition, and is a lot of fun to read! So settle in by the fire, grab some egg nog or Christmas tea, and enjoy today's story! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the story
2024-12-1334 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas Cookies with a Dash of Arsenic... An Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Jessica ThompsonDo these cookies taste funny to you? It must mean we are talking about cozy mysteries on The Cozy Christmas Podcast! Today cozy mystery writer Jessica Thompson returns to the show to talk with me about a new Christmas-themed short story collection coming out called "A Cookie of a Scoundrel". We talk a bit about her series, The Caterer's Guide to Crime, along with some of our favorite Christmas foods. We talk about some our favorite Christmas reads, our mutual love of A Christmas Carol, and more! Find Jessica Online and order her books at: h...
2024-12-1034 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas at Sugar Plum Manor: Interview with Author Roseanna M. WhiteForget Downton Abbey - We're heading to Sugar Plum Manor! In today's episode I talk to author Roseanna M. White. She has a new Christmas romance set in the Edwardian-Era England! "Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor" draws inspiration from the Nutcracker and weaves a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime. This is also the book we're reading in our Cozy Christmas bookclub. In my fun and cozy conversation with Roseanna, we talk about her book and writing journey, and how The Nutcracker inspired her story. We also dig into all the fun to...
2024-12-0249 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Gift of the Present: Thanksgiving with Ken Smith from the North Pole News DispatchHappy Thanksgiving! In today's episode my guest is Ken Smith from the North Pole News Dispatch - one of my favorite Christmas podcasts! Fans of good food, good friends, and good music will enjoy the first part of our discussion where we chat about everything from Thanksgiving recipes and traditions and then talk about Burl Ives and his classic song "Holly Jolly Christmas". Then we turn to a more serious discussion on how to find joy when times are hard. We end the episode reflecting on what we are thankful for - and Ken reminds me that the happy...
2024-11-281h 07A Cozy Christmas PodcastSpreading Christmas Joy (and Nutella): It's Another Double Trouble Holiday! with guest Tyler G. MitchellIt's time for another Double-Trouble Holiday, one guaranteed to leave you hungry... In this episode of the Cozy Christmas Podcast, I begin with a few reflections on this past year and share some personal thanksgiving thoughts. Then Author Tyler Mitchell returns to chat about his heartwarming Christmas children's book, Double Trouble and the Upside Christmas Tree, and some of the new adventures the book has brought this year for him and his family. Next, we talk about Christmas parades and some of the important rules you'll want to remember if you're ever in one (Hint: don't get...
2024-11-2648 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastIt's a Wonderful Life, Santa Claus, & St. Nicholas: an interview with author John TheoToday I interview author John Theo, author of the short story "Christmas in Bedford Falls" which was read in our last episode! Now, John stops by to chat about his story and the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", his article about the history of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, his books, and more! Find John and his books online at: https://www.johntheo.com/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:20 It's a Wonderful Life Discussion 13:20 Santa Claus & St. Nicholas 25:49 Favorite Christmas Films 28:08 Favorite Christmas music 31:34 Christmas Memories...
2024-11-2341 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas in Bedford Falls - Read by the Author, John TheoHave you ever wondered what happened to some of the characters in Bedford Falls after the events of "It's a Wonderful Life"? My guest today is author John Theo, and he wondered the same thing and has written a piece of fan fiction exploring that very thing. Get ready for a wonderful new cozy story, and then stay tuned for Friday, as I have John Theo back on the podcast as a guest and we talk about this story and more. Find out more about John Theo at https://www.johntheo.com/ Ways to support th...
2024-11-1943 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers by Kevin Moore - An Original Christmas Story!In today's episode, author Kevin Moore returns to read us a story from his recent collection entitled "Christmas Stories, Vol. 2". The story is called "The Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers", and it's a heartwarming story set at the North Pole. Henry the Elf is in trouble. It's almost Christmas and Santa's reindeer are not able to fly! What could the problem be, and will they figure out a solution before Christmas is canceled? I am so grateful for Kevin sharing his beautiful story with us! You can find his Christmas books and other books he's written at https://k...
2024-11-1545 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas: a Holiday like No Other - an Interview with Author Kevin Moore Today I sit down with author Kevin Moore who has published two volumes of Christmas stories. First we talk about the joy that Christmas can bring, even during difficult times (which has been the unofficial theme of my podcast this year!). Then we dig into his book and talk about some of the short stories in it. Then we dive deep into the joy of Christmas and talk about our favorite Christmas things, the surprising differences between an LA and New York City Christmas (hint - it involves graveyards), and ways to spread Christmas kindness to our neighbors!
2024-11-1254 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastLittle Roger's Night in the Church by Susan Coolidge | Cozy Christmas Story TimeHello everyone! Today's episode was intended for Halloween, then it was intended for Christmas Podcast Day, then it was intended for yesterday... But it's here now, so better late than never, right?! In today's episode I talk about another delicious recipe I tried - Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. I highly recommend! Then for our story I read the odd but charming story "Little Roger's Night in the Church" by Susan Coolidge. What happens when a young boy gets accidently locked in a church on Christmas Eve? Some very strange things like talking owls, fairies, and more! Here's a...
2024-11-0539 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas in the Frozen RegionsIn today's episode, I share another fun recipe suitable for fall, talk a little bit about the Cozy Christmas Book Club, then I read Robert McCormick's article that was written for Charles Dickens' magazine Household Words in December of 1850. Dickens himself probably wrote the introduction and conclusion of the article, but McCormick reflects on his experiences of celebrating Christmas in Anarctica during a naval exploration he was involved with. It's a fascinating look at how people can find Christmas cheer no matter where they may find themselves! Christmas Podcast Network Ornament Order Form: https://docs.google.com/f...
2024-10-2128 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastPrepping for Fall - Cool weather, Apple Crisp, and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. HenryHappy October everyone! In today's episode I share how I am getting ready for the fall weather - it mostly involves apple crisp! I'd love to hear from you and some of your favorite recipes to make during the fall and Christmas season! I hope your plans for fall come together better than the main character in today's story by O. Henry. In "The Cop and the Anthem", we follow Soapy, a homeless man living in New York City, who has an interesting plan on how to hunker down for the winter... There's also a s...
2024-10-1430 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastWhen Christmas is Hard: Reclaiming the Joy of Christmas with Alexandra WalkerLet's face it - sometimes, Christmas can be hard. But does that mean we have to lose the joy of Christmas forever? My guest today is Alexandra Walker - and she has just written a fantastic book called "Reclaiming Christmas" in which she explores her story of how Christmas was a difficult time for her, and the steps she took to reclaim the joy of Christmas. Healing is possible, and I think that her book can be a help to many who might find the season of Christmas difficult. I admit that abuse recovery is not a "...
2024-09-2048 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastHolmes for the Holidays: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleHappy September! Now that the Ber months are upon, the holiday games are afoot... Join me today as I read Sherlock Holmes' one and only Christmas story, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. I'll also share some thoughts about Holmes and the story, give some podcast updates, and more! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast
2024-09-0450 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas in the Alley: A Christmas Story by Olive Thorne MillerHappy Leon Day! (A day late - sorry about that...) Today I share a couple of Christmas book recommendations, and read you a cozy Christmas story called Christmas in the Alley by Olive Thorne Miller. Ann is a poor old washer woman with a heart of gold. Her husband is curmudgeon who just wants his tea and pipe. Like many people during the early 1900s they are living in extreme poverty. In spite of that, Ann often helps those in need. On Christmas Eve, she realizes that she has no money to help her and her family...
2024-06-2635 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastCoffee, Cookies, and a Norwegian Christmas Story Happy June everyone! In today's episode I share a few quick life updates on why I've been gone so long, and then we get right into the Christmas goodness. In today's episode I explore a little bit of my Norwegian heritage by talking about some of my favorite Christmas coffee, some treats and cookies you might get at a Norwegian Christmas Party, and then we settle down by the Christmas fire and I read a Christmas Story called "Round the Yule-Log: Christmas in Norway" by Peter Christen Asbjornsen. So make sure to grab some Julekaker and coffee, and settle...
2024-06-1040 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas Afternoon by Robert BenchleyIn today's episode I read a shorter short story by humorist Robert Benchley entitled "Christmas Afternoon (Done in the Manner, if not the Spirit, of Dickens)". It's a funny little vignette describing a chaotic Christmas Afternoon in the style of Charles Dickens. I hope you enjoy the story today! Cozy Christmas Bookclub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1035399187415872 What kind of traditions do you have for Christmas Afternoons? Let me know! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 Buy me a...
2024-04-0214 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Christmas Down UnderWelcome to the start of Season 5! Today I kick off the new season by reading Christmas traditions and memories from one of my listeners who lives in Australia. I really enjoyed what Shelly sent me, so I thought this would be a great thing to share with all of you. She talks about her families traditions, Christmas foods, how they maintain the spirit of Christmas even though the sun is scorching the themometer, and more. There's also a few updates I share, including the news that our Cozy Christmas Book Club is currently voting on our first r...
2024-02-2832 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChoosing Love Over Fear: Wrapping Up Christmas 2023 with guest Robert PeterpaulMerry Christmas! This is my Christmas episode, out a few days late I know - but Christmas is a season, not just a day, right? Today I wrap up season 4 and Christmas 2023 with the kindness guru himself - Robert Peterpaul, host of the Art of Kindness Podcast, returns to talk about Christmas, the importance of showing kindness (love over fear for the win!) - and we digress into one of the most interesting conversations I've ever had about A Christmas Carol. And if that wasn't enough for you, it's a good thing this episode is supersized! We...
2023-12-271h 23
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas at Thompson Hall, Part 3: A Christmas Story by Anthony TrollopeIt's Christmas Eve! The best day of the year. To help you celebrate, here is the final parts to our story this month, "Christmas at Thompson Hall" by Anthony Trollope. I rearranged my publication schedule a little bit and decided to combine the last two parts into one episode. I've had a lot of episodes come out this week, and didn't want to clog up your podcast feed TOO much. If you're interested in listening to the whole story, here are the links: Part 1: https://cozychristmas.libsyn.com/christmas-at-thompson-hall-a-christmas-story-by-anthony-trollope-part-1-of-4 Part 2: https://cozychristmas.libsyn.com/c...
2023-12-2447 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastIt Must Have Been the Mistletoe: Romantic Comedies for Christmas with Katie WilbertIn today's episode I interview Katie Wilbert. She is the screenwriter of the new Christmas movie "A Vineyard Christmas". According to imdb: "Heather, host of 'Read Between the Vines', is determined to create the perfect Christmas episode by featuring a unique winery from her hometown. The only thing standing in her way? Rudy, the attractive, stubborn owner of the winery." In our interview, we talk about her journey to becoming a screenwriter, how her movie was made, and then Katie shares some of her picks of movies if you'd like to snuggle down with your significant other...
2023-12-2153 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas at Thompson Hall: A Christmas Story by Anthony Trollope, Part 2 of 4Christmas is practically here! To help you get in the mood, we're going to continue out story today, Christmas at Thompson Hall, by Anthony Trollope. Will Mrs. Brown be able to get out of the mess she finds herself in? Will Mr. Brown ever stop complaining about being sick? Will they get to Thompson Hall in time for Christmas? Take a listen today and see what happens next! Part 3 will be out on December 22nd, and Part 4 will be out December 24th! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://p...
2023-12-2030 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Sherlock Carol 2023 - Interview with Mark ShanahanI have so much content coming out this week, try to keep up... Welcome back! Today I have returning guest Mark Shanahan - he's the playwright and director of "A Sherlock Carol".Today Mark returns to talk about the play, where you can see it performed, the importance of live theater - and more! "A Sherlock Carol follows a grown-up Tiny Tim asking Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge and now the great detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime." Tickets ava...
2023-12-1943 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastSpread a Little Love For Christmas: with special guest Rehya StevensToday my guest is singer-songwriter Rehya Stevens. And in case you haven't noticed, Christmas is Near! So please Don't Be Late to listen to this episode, because Santa will be taking over the town in just a week. In today's episode, Rehya and I have a great time getting philosophical about Christmas, talking music, and our favorite Christmas treats! So get ready to get your jingle jangle on - because Rehya and I Welcome One & All! Find out more about her new album at www.rehyastevens.com Find my youtube book channel here: ht...
2023-12-1856 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas at Thompson Hall: A Christmas Story by Anthony Trollope, Part 1 of 4Can you believe Christmas will be here in only two weeks!!?? To help you celebrate the season, this month I will be reading the story "Christmas at Thompson Hall" by Anthony Trollope. It was first published in the magazine 'The Graphic' in their Christmas issue in 1876. In the first part of the story, Mrs. Brown and a reluctant Mr. Brown are traveling to see Mrs. Brown's family at Thompson Hall for Christmas. On their journey, Mr. Brown decides to break up their trip and stay in a hotel because he's not feeling well... (definitely was the man...
2023-12-1240 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastFrom Nicholas to Christmas: a heartwarming story of kindness - an interview with author Kyle PoehlsMy guest today is Kyle Poehls. He is a Marine Corps veteran whose life took a dramatic turn after surviving two comas during his military service. Born in 1985, he found his passion for writing in the final years of his service, and despite facing numerous seizures and another coma just before his planned exit, he persevered. In March of 2017, he began crafting "From Nicholas to Christmas", a tale about the early life of Santa Claus. Today, with a reinvigorated outlook on life, he embodies the belief that every day should be lived as if it were the last.
2023-12-0745 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastWhy is Our Christmas Tree Upside Down? An interview with author Tyler G. MitchellHello everyone! Happy December - we made it to the Christmas month! Today, I have a special guest on the show. His name is Tyler Mitchell, and he wrote a new children's book called "Double Trouble and the Upside Down Christmas Tree". The book is based on a true story: "This is a Christmas story about a young family with three children, two of whom are twin toddlers who are experts at getting into trouble. This is especially true when it comes to their Christmas tree, prompting their dad to get creative and hang it from the ceiling to...
2023-12-0249 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastNeedles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree: author Rich Wagner and the Timeless Message of ChristmasCan a scraggly, forgotten tree named Needles ever realize his dream of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree? Find out in Richard Wagner's new children's story - "Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree"! Today I interview author Richard Wagner about his new children's book, the timeless message of Christmas, and how this story helps kids learn about the power of their "dreams, desires, hope, determination, and never giving up". The story is beautifully illustrated by Sydni Kruger, and the story has won the 2022 Mom's Choice Awards, 2022 Readers' Favorite Review, and the 2022 Literary Titan Book Award! Fin...
2023-11-2938 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastTalkin' Turkey Trouble, Mrs. Claus Mysteries, and Reading Recomendations with author Liz IrelandHappy Thanksgiving! In today's episode, we have a super-sized Thanksgiving episode for you today. My guest today is cozy mystery writer Liz Ireland, author of the Mrs. Claus Mystery Series. We talk about her new Thanksgiving-set mystery, "Mrs. Claus and Trouble with Turkeys" and what's coming up for the series. We then talk about Thanksgiving traditions, foods, and share what we are thankful for. Then we talk about reading and offer our own Christmas TBR lists! In addition to this, my dog Pumpkin and I share some vet-recommended advice about what foods your four-legged friends...
2023-11-231h 09
A Cozy Christmas PodcastEggnog: A Christmas Tradition! with special guest Trisha Barton from A&E DairyI've got a fun one today - I'm talking about my favorite holiday drink, eggnog! My guest today is Trisha Barton, the A&E Dairy Marketing Manager and Egg Nog enthusiast. In my opinion, they make the absolute best eggnog, so I reached out to see if I could find out all about their product, history, and magic of NOG. We talk about A&E's history, how the nog is made (spoiler: Christmas magic!), some healthier alternatives to straight nog, and of course recipes! See the link below for more information. And then I end the podcast...
2023-11-2127 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA British Christmas Murder: with special guest, author Clara McKennaMy guest today is mystery author Clara McKenna. She's just published "Murder on Mistletoe Lane", book 5 in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery Series. We talk about her latest Christmas mystery, and how a life-long love of England led her to write her mystery series; our mutual (possibly obsessive) love of eggnog; some of our favorite Christmas foods, cherished Christmas memories, and more! Check out Clara's website, sign up for her newsletter, order books, and more: www.claramckenna.com Find her book and help support local bookstores and this podcast: Murder on Mistletoe Lane: htt...
2023-11-1648 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastTold After Supper: Ghost Stories For Christmas Eve by Jerome K. JeromeIn today's episode, I read Jerome K. Jerome's hilarious collection of ghost stories called "Told After Supper". Find out what happens when the narrator and his family and friends stay up late on Christmas Eve enjoying the "spirits" of the holiday... 00:00 Introduction to the Story 04:00 Told After Supper 04:01 Introductory 15:26 How The Stories Came To Be Told 23:56 Teddy Biffle's Story - Johnson & Emily, or, The Faithful Ghost 30:59 Interlude - The Doctor's Story 32:12 Mr. Coombe's Story - The Haunted Mill, or, The Ruined Home 39:07 Interlude
2023-11-081h 11
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Christmas Carol - On The StageHello! Happy Christmas Podcast Day everyone! As all of us at the Christmas Podcast Network are talking about some of our favorite versions of A Christmas Carol, today I am going to look at a stage version - specifically I want to talk about how Charles Dickens performed a one man version of the novel, and how that carries on today through his Great Great Grandson, Gerald Dickens. I replay some clips from my interview with Gerald back in December 2020 where he talked about how he began to perform the Carol 30 years ago. I recommend you go and take...
2023-11-0152 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas is Ever-Changing: an interview with Ken Smith from the North Pole News DispatchIn today's episode, my guest is Ken Smith from the North Pole News Dispatch! He's made his way down from Santa's village to talk to us about his Christmas memories and stories, his podcast, Christmas PJs (No pictures available, sorry! LOL!), and of course - the weather! While Ken was reflecting on how Christmas has changed for him over the years, I realized that was a good title for the episode. We both talked about things that have changed, and things that remain the same. But even though how we celebrate might change over the years, one t...
2023-10-2552 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas Storms and Sunshine: A Victorian Holiday Story by Elizabeth GaskellIn this heartwarming episode of "The Cozy Christmas Podcast," we invite you to gather 'round and experience the magic of a classic Victorian Christmas tale. Join us as we delve into Elizabeth Gaskell's enchanting story, "Christmas Storms and Sunshine," where we explore the true spirit of the season. Set in a quaint English village, we follow the journey of a young family who, for too long, harbored grudges against their neighbors. Will a near-disaster during the holiday season prompt a transformation in their hearts? Mrs. Gaskell's classic tale offers us a lesson of reconciliation, community, and the...
2023-10-1243 min
A Cozy Christmas Podcast"We Don't Sing to Impress, We Sing to Inspire" A Christmas Conversation with Grace!Hello everyone, Happy October! In today's episode I sit down with my daughter Grace and we catch up on life. Find out what she's been up to this past year and how school is going for her now that she is in 9th grade. But of course, we do talk about Christmas - I find out she has some hot takes on gingerbread and which Grinch movie she prefers; we talk about who is the hardest and easiest person in our family to Christmas shop for; and then she shares some thoughts on how to show kindness during the...
2023-10-0241 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastMrs. Claus: A Christmas LegendOn today's episode I talk about Mrs. Claus, share some of my favorite portrayals, and I read the first Christmas story that she's mentioned in: "A Christmas Legend" by James Rees. Also, you can totally hear my pet parakeet Pickwick in the background of my recording. It's not too distracting I hope! He was in the holiday spirit and wanted to join me on the podcast. Happy Septmeber everyone! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and some news, upcoming things, bookclub, etc 03:40 Book Recommendation 06:00 Who is Mrs. Claus? 11:53 Story: A...
2023-09-0535 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastMr Kris Kringle: A Christmas Tale by Silas Weir MitchellHello and Happy Christmas in July! In today's episode I read you a charming Christmas story called "Mr. Kris Kringle". In this classic story, it's Christmas Eve, and two children and their single mother are facing having to leave their home soon and move to the city. They are also poor so Kris Kringle - aka Santa Claus - won't be able to visit them this year. After the kids go to bed for the night, they hear a noise outside. What - or who? - could it be? Kris Kringle? A Robber? What happens next is a beautiful...
2023-07-2439 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas Foods, Memories... and Murder? with cozy mystery writers Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, & Maddie Day!Happy Christmas in July! Today, it's the Cozy Christmas Mystery Extravaganza - My guests today are three best-selling and talented cozy mystery authors, Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, and Maddie Day. They are here to talk about their new collection coming out this fall entitled "Christmas Mittens Murder". We talk about how they all became writers, their new book and the series they write. We also talk a lot about Christmas too - favorite movies, memories, and food! So much good food is mentioned... I know it will make you hungry! I also give some Christmas book recommendations based on...
2023-07-171h 07A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Final Chime: part 4 of The Chimes by Charles DickensHappy Christmas in July Eve every one! In today's episode I share some fun news about a Christmas Carol play at the Old Vic, get distracted by Doctor Who, and then read you the final chapter of The Chimes by Charles Dickens. Articles quoted: https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/christopher-eccleston-a-christmas-carol-newsupdate/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chimes Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and Note...
2023-06-3058 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas Can Be Murder: The Cozy Christmas Book Club Group DiscussionIn today's episode, I'm joined by listener Anni Huch, and Glen Warren from The Seasons Eatings Podcast, to talk about one of our books for the Cozy Christmas Book Club: Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings by friend of the show Liz Ireland. Of course we'd encourage you to read the book and take a listen to our thoughts about it, but we mostly avoid spoilers if you haven't read the book yet. (Spoiler discussions are from 48-57 minutes.) Take a listen and join us for the coziest, Christmasiest bookclub around! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction...
2023-06-131h 07
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Chimes, Chapter 3, by Charles DickensIn today's episode, I read chapter 3 of The Chimes! Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c Contact Me:
2023-05-2354 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastDogs, Cats, and Cozy Mysteries: with special guest, author M. R. Dimond.In today's episode, Christmas is going to the dogs... and a few cats! My guest is cozy mystery author and professional cat rescuer M. R. Dimond. She writes the Black Orchids Enterprises mystery series, and the first two books take place at Christmas time. We chat about her writing process, her time as a cat rescuer, and the joy of writing Christmas books. Then in the second half of the episode, we also talk about her favorite Christmas things! You won't believe what Christmas movie she talks about here. I also share some dog-related cozy ne...
2023-05-041h 00
A Cozy Christmas PodcastAlastair Sim's A Christmas Carol, with special guest Scott LeopoldHello everyone, in today's episode we take a break from The Chimes, and I invited Scott Leopold from the Holly Jolly X'masu podcast to help me talk about one of the greatest adaptations of A Christmas Carol - the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim! Find out about our favorite characters, quotes, and the powerful message that the film has that compliments the original book so perfectly. Check out Scott's podcast: https://hollyjollyxmasu.libsyn.com/ Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast
2023-04-0651 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastA New Heart for a New Year, Always! The Chimes, Chapter 2In today's episode I share just a little bit of book club news, then we get into chapter 2 of The Chimes by Charles Dickens. Things get a little spooky in this chapter, as Trotty helps a stranger and his young neice. Then while reading the news one evening he comes across a tragic story... and begins to hear the ghostly call of The Chimes. Find out what happens in today's chapter! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 Buy me a coffee? ww...
2023-03-2349 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastMore Book Club News, and The Chimes, part 2 of 8Hello! Today's episode is pretty straightforward - we finally have the Cozy Christmas Book Club up and running, so I share all the book club news. If you're interested in joining please head over the Cozy Christmas Book Club Page on facebook! Then I finish reading chapter 1 of the Christmas novella The Chimes by Charles Dickens. In the story today, Trotty hears his daughters news, and deals with 3 very unpleasant people who could really use a visit from a Ghost of Christmas... but since this is actually a New Years story, we'll have to wait and see.
2023-02-2139 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Chimes by Charles Dickens: An Introduction and Some Book Club News!Hello and welcome to the start of season 4! In today's episode I give a few updates and share some news about our new Cozy Christmas Book Club. You can find details on my social media accounts. The main portion of the episode today, I begin reading Charles Dickens' novella The Chimes. It was released at Christmas time the year after A Christmas Carol was published. It tells the story of Toby Veck and a mysterious encounter he has with some goblins that haunt the church bells... This novella will be read in parts over the...
2023-02-0743 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastSpinning Holiday Yarns: The Knit and Nibble Mystery Series - a conversation with author Peggy EhrhartIn today's episode, we wrap up the 2022 Christmas Season with a cozy Christmas conversation with mystery author Peggy Ehrhart. She is the author of the Knit and Nibble mysteries, and has written several Christmas books for the series. In this episode we talk about her journey to becoming a published author, which includes being a former English professor with a doctorate in Medieval Literature! Then we talk about all the delicious foods one can find in cozy Christmas mysteries, and she walks us through her writing process. Then in the second half of the interview, she takes the Cozy...
2022-12-2949 minA Cozy Christmas Podcast"Where Love Is, God Is" by Leo Tolstoy: A Message for ChristmasIt's almost Christmas, and today I want to give you a story and a message for Christmas. I've had a few listeners wondering if I could address some of my thoughts about the religious significance of Christmas. So in today's episode I want to talk about what Christmas means to me, what my faith means to me, and how the two are connected. I also read you a very sweet and inspiring story written by Leo Tolstoy. It's also known as "Simon the Cobbler" and it tells the story of an elderly shoe maker. One day he hears a...
2022-12-2347 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe 100th Episode with special guest Rehya StevensToday, we're celebrating the 100th episode of A Cozy Christmas podcast. I have a Q&A section where I answer questions and share Christmas memories from the audience. Then singer/songwriter Rehya Stevens and I sit down and catch up on life, and we talk about our favorite Christmas albums and the memories we have of them. Rehya then gives us some great tips on how to show kindness towards others during this time of year. (some of the organizations she mentioned are posted below if you're interested.) I've been really excited to get this episode out, and I...
2022-12-201h 21A Cozy Christmas PodcastWe Should All Aspire to be Scrooge: A Conversation with "A Sherlock Carol" creators Mark Shanahan and Drew McVetyThe worlds of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens collide! In today's episode I talk to writer/director Mark Shanahan - who's back on the show to talk more about his play A Sherlock Carol. Along for the ride is his partner in this endeavor, Drew McVety - he stars as Sherlock Holmes and is also one of the producers. After we catch up with Mark and find out all about how Drew portrays Sherlock Holmes, I subject them to another round of the Cozy Christmas Questionnaire - and it turns out these two are full of...
2022-12-1652 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThere's Murder, But We Don't Use Chainsaws: Christmas in Florida and Other Cozy Stories with guest Carol J. PerryHello! My guest today is cozy mystery writer Carol J. Perry. She is the author of the Haunted Haven series and the Witch City Mystery series. We have a fun conversation talking about her books. I'd especially recommend her most recent one called "High Spirits", as it takes place at Christmas. Later on, the conversation turns to Christmas and we talk about some of her favorite memories and traditions, what Christmas is like in Florida vs New England, and during the Cozy Christmas Questionnaire, we get side tracked talking about mince meat pie. Carol is living a full and...
2022-12-1345 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastA Cozy Crime Story: "Stuffing" by Edgar WallaceHello! Since I've been talking to a lot of mystery writers lately, I thought I should read a classic crime story to you today - "Stuffing" by Edgar Wallace. It's basically a story of a heist gone wrong, and Wallace skillfully weaves together the stories of a poor newly married couple about to leave for Canada to start a new job, a couple of crooks, and a rich man with a safe full of money. The story is both funny and charming! A perfect read for this time of year. If you'd like to submit a question...
2022-12-1122 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastMusicals, Military Life, and The Cozy Christmas Questionnaire with guest Sarah Joy KaneHello friends, today's episode brings much joy... Sarah Joy Kane is our guest! I catch up with her and find out about the musical she's in, Scrooge No More, currently showing at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. If you're able to see her in the performance, tell her I said hello! Then we talk about her life as a military wife and what we can do to help support our troops and their families. And then we get down to the really important questions - which is better Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Colored Lights or White lights? SNOW OR SUN...
2022-12-071h 02A Cozy Christmas PodcastMrs. Claus and the Evil Elves: an interview with Liz IrelandDead bodies keep turning up at the North Pole. Good thing that Mrs. Claus is on the case! That's right, I have Liz Ireland, author of the Mrs. Claus Cozy Mystery Series. She's here to talk about her new book "Mrs. Claus and the Evil Elves" and we have a wonderful chat about her book, Christmas, and of course Charles Dickens and a Christmas Carol. Can you guess which of us has more copies of Christmas Carol audiobooks? And just how many are too many? There's a lot to laugh over in this episode, but we also...
2022-12-0354 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Cozy Conversation with the Beachbum Bookworm!For my youtube viewers, today's episode is going to look a little bit different... it's a video version!If you'd like to watch this episode instead of listening, you can head over to the youtube channel at A Cozy Christmas Podcast! In today's episode, I had a lot of fun talking to Tiffany, the host of the youtube channel The Beachbum Bookworm. We talk about cozy mysteries that are set at Christmas time - and if you thought I read a lot of them, just wait until you meet her! There's enough recommendations in this episode to f...
2022-11-3039 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastFantastic Turkeys and Where to Find ThemHappy Thanksgiving Everyone! Today, we're talking turkey... In today's episode I take a brief look at where the tradition of eating turkey comes from, and discover a few traditional Christmas meals from around the world. Then I read Louisa May Alcott's short story, "A Christmas Turkey, and How It Came". Does this old story still have a relevant message for us today? Indeed it does. But it's also a wonderfully sweet story to listen to while you slowly digest your Thanksgiving Dinner. Also, our 100th episode is fast approaching! If you have a...
2022-11-2440 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastA Caterer's Guide to Holidays & Homicide: Interview with Author Jessica ThompsonHappy Thanksgiving Week! Since Thanksgiving is coming, I know a lot of us are thinking about one thing: food. So on today's episode, I'll be talking to Author Jessica Thompson about her culinary cozy mystery series, A Caterer's Guide to Crime. Book 2 in the series is set at Christmas and is on sale now. Jessica and I talk about her books, and discuss our favorite Christmas music, treats, books, memories and traditions, and a whole lot more. Make sure you have some snacks handy, because this episode will make you hungry! Annoucement: My 100th episode is coming...
2022-11-2250 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThe North Pole Poet, with Amy MarschakHello everyone - today we are talking poetry. I have the amazing North Pole Poet Laureate with me today, Amy Marschak. She was named by Santa himself to spread Christmas cheer throughout the world by her improv poetry. That's right - improv! So in today's episode I talk to her about life as Santa's poet, and then she kindly demonstrates her talent and comes up with several poems for me with just a few prompts. You will be captivated by her Christmas cheer! There is a video version of this interview on my youtube channel if you'd like to...
2022-11-1654 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThe History of Twas The Night Before Christmas, with Pamela McCollIn today's episode I interview the author of "Twas The Night - The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem". This book by Pamela McColl is what I consider to be the definitive work on the poem. I also talk with my daughter Gracie about what she's been up to at school, and we learn about the school musical she will be in this year that has a very strong Christmas connection! Happy Christmas Podcast day everyone, and we've made it to November! It's time to bust out the Christmas music. Get the book...
2022-11-011h 06
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Nightmare Before Christmas with Kristin SeeringWelcome to the Cozy Christmas Podcast Halloween Spooktacular! In today's episode I am in the Halloween and Christmas spirit as I have Kristin Seering, the host of the Holidays After Dark podcast, on to talk about one of our favorite films, "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas"! Kristin and I talk about the film and the fantastic music, our memories of the movie, favorite songs and lines, and of course we discuss Christmas too. Enjoy your Halloween weekend as we transition to the best time of the year! Holidays After Dark: https://holidaysafterdark.com/ Ways...
2022-10-281h 01A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Signal Man by Charles Dickens: A Christmas Story for HalloweenIn this episode, I hope to help you get in the Halloween mood, as I have a delightful Christmas story for you today... one that is perfect for Halloween! Today I read for you The Signal Man by Charles Dickens. It was a story published in the collection called "Mugby Junction" that was published for Christmas 1866. Charles Dickens edited the collection and added a couple of other stories by other authors all centered around the rail line. The Signal Man tells the story of a railway signal man who thinks he's seen a ghost that...
2022-10-2036 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastIs Santa Claus Real? An Unscientific Search...Happy October! Today's episode is pretty special - it was mostly written by you, my listeners! A few days ago I posted a question on my social medias, "Is Santa real?" and you all responded en masse... in today's episode I read many of your responses and talk about them, and then end the episode with an original true story that inspired this entire episode. One of my listeners named Daniel Morgan sent me this wonderful story that shows the power of belief, imagination... and Santa Claus! I know you'll enjoy it. If you have an original...
2022-10-0433 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThis Episode is Underrated!? Underrated Christmas films with special guest Derick McDuffDerick McDuff from the Underrated movie podcast joins me today to talk about 5 Christmas movies he thinks are underrated. Do you agree with him? Take a listen and find out. #1 will surprise you... We also take a few moments to talk about our favorite Christmas memories and gifts, as well as discuss the best on screen portrayal of Santa! Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments on my socials, and we'll keep the conversation going. The Underrated Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underrated/id1460393092 Ways...
2022-09-1945 min
A Cozy Christmas Podcast"Christmas Jenny" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman... and some fun news!Hello Cozies, in today's episode I'll be reading the short story "Christmas Jenny" by Mary E Wilkins Freeman. It's a charming little Christmas story that celebrates kindness and has some really fun characters in it. I hope you'll enjoy it! But before I get to the story, I talk about this month's reading prompt and a couple of fun news items that I'll be doing in September! Enjoy! Mentioned in the show: The Village Collector: http://thevillagecollector.com/ Christmas Clatter: https://www.christmasclatter.com/ The Christmas Alphabet Podcast: http...
2022-09-1246 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastBlack Santa: a Little Film with a Big HeartHello everyone! I'm back from an unplanned hiatus, and I'm reading to dive into the 'Ber months with my Christmas cheer. Today's episode is a fun one - I start things off talking about my crazy August and a misadventure with a bat. Then I open the mail bag and share some emails that have come my way. The majority of the episode is then given over to a discussion with the filmmakers from the recent short film "Black Santa". Writer-Director Travis Wood and writer Weston Auburn talk to me about how the film came about, the...
2022-09-0546 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastEmma's Christmas Disaster - Selections from "Emma" by Jane AustenIn today's episode I read a selection from Jane Austen's novel "Emma". Emma Woodhouse is attending a Christmas Eve party and she has big plans to play matchmaker for her friend Harriet Smith and the eligable bachelor Mr. Elton. But you know what they say about the best laid plans... I also share a story about one of my Christmases gone wrong! So settle in for another cozy story as we bring Christmas in July 2022 to a conclusion! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and story intro 06:00 Emma Chapter 13 22:37 Emma Chapter 14 - selections
2022-07-3148 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Sound of Music, Bronners, and a Christmas DwarfHappy Christmas in July! Buckle up, because this episode has a little bit of everything in it - I finally catch up with Gracie and she talks about her role in our community theater's production of The Sound of Music. We then talk about our trip to Bronner's Christmas Store, and of course had to taste test some cookies I picked up from there. After that we get very silly and attempt to talk in British accents (with horrible results) and I do my worst impression of Kermit the Frog - (with apologies to Tim Babb and...
2022-07-201h 06
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Christmas DreamHappy Christmas in July! I'm back from vacation and ready to count down the next 6 months to Christmas. We're going to get things started by talking about a couple of book related things. I also recommend a new Christmas novel I came across recently that I really enjoyed. Our story today is called "The Christmas Dream and How It Came True" by Louisa May Alcott. It's a really sweet story about a young girl named Effie who learns a valuable lesson about giving. Is it more blessed to give than to recieve? Effie is about to find...
2022-07-0646 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas can be Murder, but at Least There's Cookies with Darci HannahToday I am interviewing cozy mystery author Darci Hannah. She is the author of the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series, and has written a wonderful Christmas mystery called Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off. Join us as we chat about her mystery series, our favorite Christmas cookies, movies, music and traditions. Then we play another fun game of Christmas Would You Rather! There's a lot of laughs and a whole lot of Christmas in this episode. Darci Hannah Website: www.darcihannah.com Bookshelf Odyssey Interview with Darci: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/1819188/10514946-this-episode-will-make-you-hungry-with-special-guest-author-darci-hannah Podcast Recommendation: S...
2022-05-3152 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Not So Silent Night - The Burglar and The Blizzard, Part 3Our Christmas story wraps up this week with part 3 of The Burglar and The Blizzard by Alice Miller. Things get tense as the story's characters enjoy a somewhat tense Christmas dinner. Will Geoffrey be able to get McVey to confess, or will McVey out smart him? Will McVey's sister discover the truth about him? Will true love (for a woman he just met mere hours ago) triumph? Find out how the story all ends in today's episode! Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and N...
2022-05-1159 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastBaby It's Cold Outside: The Burglar and the Blizzard, Part 2Happy Monday - this episode should have been out sooner but life got too hectic last week and there were some technical dragons to slay. But we're back with part 2 of Alice Duer Miller's The Burglar and the Blizzard. This book is actually for April's reading prompt - stay tuned for next week's episode for part 3, and I will be announcing our next reading prompt! I'm calling this episode Baby, It's Cold Outside - as you'll find out, these two chapters some time following our main characters up and down a mountain trail during a blizzard.
2022-05-0232 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Burglar and the Blizzard Part 1Hello! In today's episode it's all about the Home Alone reading prompt, and I found the perfect story for it - in fact, I'm going to be able to read it to you over the next three episodes. It's called The Burglar and The Blizzard by Alice Duer Miller. It's a charming, funny story set at Christmas about a bachelor named Jeffry Holland who arrives home one Christmas Eve and finds his house being burgled. Find out what happens next in today's episode! Join me for a story that is as cozy as a Hallmark movie. Timestamps:
2022-04-2047 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Polar Express with special guest Natalie BickelI'm talking with author Natalie Bickel about The Polar Express, as well as updating you all on the reading prompt for April, a listener memory, and I read and talk about a poem called "Under the Holly Bough" by Charles Mackay. Grab your hot cocoa and let's ride the Polar Express! Natalie and I still hear the bell ring on Christmas - do you? Nat Bickel: https://www.natmosfear.com The Christmas Clue (Amazon) The Christmas Clue (Bookshop.org affiliate link) Books about Travel: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks The Hazelw...
2022-04-0646 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas at WarIt's our 75th episode! It's amazing to think about number 100 is coming up this year. Thank you all so much for coming along on this incredible Christmas journey. In today's episode, things are a little more somber and reflective as I consider some of the events that are happening in the world today. I talk about The Christmas Truce in WWI and then I read the short story "Merry Christmas" that Canadian author Stephen Leacock wrote in 1914 as a response to the war that was happening around the globe at the time. It's a somewhat somber story...
2022-03-2241 minA Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Village Collector's Hall of FameHappy March! In today's episode, Bill from thevillagecollector.com is back on the show to talk about the Christmas Villages showcased on his website that were voted into his Hall of Fame this year. We talk about Christmas, Dickens, and of course Christmas Villages! Then Grace and I decide to match wits and try out a Christmas trivia game that I bought after Christmas. Who do you think will win this time? I also announce the reading challenge for the month of March, and talk about the book I'm planning on reading. Timestamps: 00:00...
2022-03-0757 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastThe Strange Adventures of a Wood SledIn today's episode I read The Strange Adventures of a Wood Sled by Washington Gladden, talk about my dream of being Santa one day, and give a review on the book The Miracle of Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle. There's nothing too strange about the adventure or the wood sled in Gladden's story, but it's a wonderfully cozy Christmas story that will give you all the Christmas feels. What better way to kick off a Monday? I'm looking for your Christmas memories - tell me about a time that you met Santa Claus - whether...
2022-02-2149 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastMarried to a Librarian (Try Not to be Jealous)...What happens when a book lover marries another book lover? Find out on today's episode! Hello! Welcome to season 3 of the Cozy Christmas Podcast. In today's episode I have a very special guest - my wife, Erin stops by the podcast to talk about our reading picks for this month's Cozy Christmas Reading Challenge. We talk about what it's like being a librarian; how can we support our local libraries; the books we've read for this challenge (along with a few others), and we talk just about everything we can think of. We even manage...
2022-01-311h 02A Cozy Christmas PodcastDoctor Marigold by Charles DickensHello and Merry Christmas... as of today, there are only 11 months until Christmas. I can't believe we're almost to the single digits... Ok, there's still a lot of time left until Christmas, and I'm excited to be starting season 3! In today's episode I share with you one of Charles Dickens' Christmas short stories, but it's not as well known as it should be. The story is called Doctor Marigold, and it tells the tale not of a physician, but of a "cheapjack". During the Victorian age, a cheapjack was someone who hawks wares from the...
2022-01-251h 00
A Cozy Christmas PodcastCharles Dickens' Christmas TreeWelcome to the season finale of A Cozy Christmas Podcast! Today, we're going to consider Charles Dickens' Christmas Tree, as well as a special announcement for a reading challenge. In 1850 Dickens published a reflection piece for Christmas entitled "A Christmas Tree". And in typical Dickens fashion, he has a lot of words to say about his tree and the memories from his past that it conjures up. Though at times the story is a bit strange, who hasn't occasionally gotten lost in nostalgia while enjoying the lights of their Christmas tree? I also am announcing...
2022-01-031h 03
A Cozy Christmas PodcastCelebrating Christmas with special guest Amy Boucher PyeMerry Christmas everyone! Or is it Happy Christmas? In any case, the day is finally here. For this special Christmas episode, I invited on author Amy Boucher Pye and we have a chat about her new Advent book called Celebrating Christmas, as well as talk about our faith in the context of Christmas, and share some stories about what Christmas is like in the UK. As always there is a lot of fun and joy in the episode today. Let me know how your Christmas is going! Find Amy online: Website: https://amyboucherpye...
2021-12-2539 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Christmas Carol, Stave 5 and a Special Christmas Greeting!Merry Christmas Eve! It's my favorite day of the year. And to help you celebrate today, here is part 5 from A Christmas Carol. Let's find out what happens to Scrooge after his ghostly visits. Is it too late for him to change? Also stick around after the story, as my friends at the Christmas Podcast Network have put together a special Christmas greeting for you. We all want to thank you for listening to our podcasts - for many of us, this is a work of love and we don't do it for the fame or fortune...
2021-12-2429 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastBigfoot, Little Women, and the Joyful Chaos of ChristmasMerry Christmas Eve Eve! Today's episode I sit down with fellow Christmas Podcaster Marty Achatz, from the Lit for Christmas Podcast, to talk about his new spoken word album "Christmas with Bigfoot". It's a wonderful album of Christmas essays that talk about love, loss, Christmas - and much more. Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode as we will finish up with A Christmas Carol stave 5, and then on Christmas day I will be interviewing author Amy Boucher Pye and talking about Advent. Buy Marty's Album: https://streakingintongues.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-with-bigfoot Lit for Christmas...
2021-12-2346 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastEggnog for BreakfastIt's Christmas week, and I have several episodes planned for the week. Today's episode begins with a listener's memory - Mika Jeane wrote a beautiful new Christmas song and I loved it so much I wanted to play it on the podcast for all of you. Thank you Mika for letting me share this with my other listeners! The song is called Light Up, and you can also hear it on Mika's youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q58XM5etc5k&ab_channel=MikaJeane Then guest and new friend of the show Sarah Joy...
2021-12-211h 12
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Christmas Carol, Stave 4Here's part 4 of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and is shown a cold, bleak future. Will he have a chance at redemption? This chapter has some of the most beautifully described scenes by Dickens. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas! Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c Contact Me:
2021-12-1737 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastChristmas is Coming Soon! with special guest Rehya StevensChristmas is Coming Soon - and yes that's true, but it's also my favorite new Christmas song from singer/songwriter Rehya Stevens on her brand new album, 'Tis the Season. In today's episode I talk with Rehya about our Christmases last year and this year's expectations, her new album and some of my favorite songs from it, what makes Christmas music sound Christmasy, and the challenges of writing new Christmas music, among other things. Forget about all the "Spiderman No Way Home" reviews being released today, Gracie is here to bring you the review...
2021-12-1455 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Christmas Carol, Stave 3Hi everyone, sorry this is late, but we've been sick (again) so it's made me get off schedule a little bit. But I finally got Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Stave 3 edited and ready to go for you! In this section Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Present - and we'll see the classic scenes of the Cratchit Family as well as Scrooge's nephew's Christmas party. This was really fun to read! After I read the story, I get on a ramble about how much I love this chapter in the book, and...
2021-12-111h 02
A Cozy Christmas PodcastElves 2.0: Cast Interview with the Birmingham Children's TheaterThe Birmingham Children's Theater is back with a new Zoom play called Elves 2.0! This year the Elves at the North Pole are ready for anything - and they want to invite your kids along on a virtual tour of the NP! They've learned from all the mistakes and malfunctions that happened last year are ready for anything. What could possibly go wrong? We have a full crew in the interview booth today: friend of the show Sina Skates, writer of Elves 2.0. We're also joined by actors Davey Morrison, who plays Stevie the Green Elf, and LaShondra Hood...
2021-12-0654 min
A Cozy Christmas PodcastA Christmas Carol: Stave 2Today's story I read is Stave 2 of A Christmas Carol, in which we meet The Ghost of Christmas Past! Find out what happens when Scrooge is faced with painful events from his past. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 A Christmas Carol, part 2 40:45 Final Thoughts For more stories and author interviews check out The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtBookshelfOdyssey Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375 B...
2021-12-0244 min