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Liz Sumner

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Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsUnderstanding Snoopy Episode 5 - When Woodstock Is Happy, I'm HappyEveryone’s favorite abstract bird doodle takes center stage for this episode-long look at Snoopy’s relationship with his “friend of friends” Woodstock.  Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   Thanks for listening.
2025-12-231h 21Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsUnderstanding Snoopy Episode 4 - As You See Him, You Will Draw HimThe gang takes on the epic task of discussing Snoopy’s many visual changes and go on a few cartooning-related side quests as well… discussing Leonard Starr, Stan Drake, Hal Foster, Harold Gray and more. Link to Snoopy image: https://peanuts.fandom.com/wiki/Snoopy?file=Image_2022-06-02_120907435.png Link to Scott McCloud's pyramid: https://www.scottmccloud.com/4-inventions/triangle/index.html Preorder 25th Anniversary Amelia Rules: https://bookshop.org/shop/Gville Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Mich...
2025-12-091h 20Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Mark Evanier - Co-Author of The Essential PeanutsComics legend Mark Evanier stops by to discuss his work on the amazing new book The Essential Peanuts. We discuss Mark’s life in comics including his relationships with icons like Jack Kirby, Jim Davis, and of course, Charles Schulz.  Mark's Blog https://www.newsfromme.com/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and...
2025-11-251h 28Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsUnderstanding Snoopy Episode 3 - It’s Kind of MagicalThe gang takes a closer look at Michael’s favorite era of Snoopy. Fourth wall breaks, funny punchlines, and a healthy dollop of Beagle violence are all discussed. Then we answer the question…. Who is the GOAT-- Linus or Snoopy? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and Y...
2025-11-1157 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Andrew Farago: Author of Snoopy: The Story of My LifeToday, the gang welcomes Andrew Farago: Curator of the Cartoon Art Museum, and author of several books on comics and two on Peanuts in particular. We discuss Andrew’s approach to crafting Snoopy’s “autobiography,” his love of comics in general, and his work on properties from Dune to the Ninja Turtles. Andrew's book and other museum events are available here: https://www.cartoonart.org/store/snoopy-the-story-of-my-life-the-myth-the-legend-the-beagle Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Micha...
2025-10-281h 10Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Paige Braddock, Creative Director Emeritus for the Schulz StudioWe are thrilled to welcome Paige Braddock, the Creative Director Emeritus for the Schulz Studio. Hired by Charles Schulz himself as Creative Director in 1999, Paige is also the talented cartoonist behind Jane’s World, Peanut, Butter, & Crackers, and more.  Paige recommends the book Love Letters to Jane's World as a place to start. https://janesworld.us/janes-world/ Her current work, Peanut Butter & Crackers, is available from Penguin Books and from Nosy Crow in the UK. https://peanutbutterandcrackers.com/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jim...
2025-10-141h 09Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsHappy Anniversary, Charlie Brown!To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, Michael, Harold, and Jimmy each pick their top ten Peanuts strips of all time! Who picks what? Will one character dominate? One Decade? Listen to find out what is the toppermost of the poppermost in Peanuts five decade run of brilliance. You Tube interview Jimmy mentions: https://youtu.be/s_vmm4JW61U?si=lNs3Cqh-aQTz9D6F Our original discussion of Be Of Good Cheer was in our 1955 Part 2 episode from May 24, 2022 at 0:54:42. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright...
2025-10-021h 25Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsUnderstanding Snoopy: Episode 2 - A Few Lines Expressing JoyOur season-long look at the world famous beagle continues. This week we discuss Snoopy’s metamorphosis from cute puppy to banana nose anarchist to doghouse philosopher. Along the way, we discuss evolving art styles, Ninja High School, and Jeff Smith’s Bone.  The Buzzfeed quiz we talk about: https://www.buzzfeed.com/appletv/this-quiz-will-determine-which-peanuts-character-you-are Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the sh...
2025-09-161h 11Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsUnpacking Peanuts - Fun SizeHere's a short teaser for Unpacking Peanuts, the show where 3 lifelong cartoonists take an in-depth look at the comic strip masterpiece, Peanuts. Jimmy Gownley, Harold Buchholz and Michael Cohen examine the complete run of the comic by Charles M. Schulz from 1950 all the way up to the year 2000. Plus special guests and bonuses. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts o...
2025-09-0201 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsUnderstanding Snoopy: Episode 1 - Super Minimalist SnoopyWe’re back! And we kick off our new era with a season-long examination of the greatest comics character ever, and everyone’s favorite flying ace/grocery store clerk, Snoopy! In this episode we examine Snoopy’s origins as an unassuming little puppy, in an unassuming little comic strip. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads...
2025-09-021h 31Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Nat Gertler, Eisner-Winning Author and Comics HistorianEisner-winning author and comics historian Nat Gertler is here to talk about his long association with Peanuts, preserving obscure Schulz art and comics, and why these characters still resonate within culture. Nat is the author of Charles M. Schulz: The Art and Life of the Peanuts Creator in 100 Objects as well as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel. Find out more about Nat at:   blog.aaugh.com and gertler.com   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz S...
2025-08-191h 02Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWrap-up Season 12 - No One Shook Hands and Said Good GameWe wrap up the Great Peanuts Re-Read and reflect back on the fun and challenges of reading all 17,897 Peanuts comic strips. Then we discuss the death of Charles Schulz, the continued impact of Peanuts, and what’s up next. Plus: Rory goes to college. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blu...
2025-08-051h 13Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts2000 - Charles Schulz… How Can We Ever Forget Him?We complete the Great Peanuts Re-read, and bid a tearful farewell to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and Lucy. But wait, there will be more! Listen to find out what’s next for Unpacking Peanuts. Plus: How could it ever get better than this? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky...
2025-07-2930 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1999 Part 4 - Rerun Would Never Pull the Ball AwayThe last full year of Peanuts comes to an end, and it’s a long series of goodbyes… to characters, settings, and famous routines; including the last ever football strip. And it’s a classic. Plus: What do you think of the coloring? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, an...
2025-07-2257 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1999 Part 3 - A Very Public FarewellSchulz announces his retirement from cartooning which gives the remaining strips an elegiac quality that’s hard to miss. Meanwhile, we say goodbye to Andy and Olaf, but Rerun continues with aplomb as he marches towards his destiny as an underground cartoonist. Plus: We should buy banjos. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unp...
2025-07-151h 08Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1999 Part 2 - Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Times That Try Men’s SoulsWe inch ever closer to the end of Peanuts, and so we savor each strip (and farewell) even more! Rerun continues to shine, Woodstock appears even smaller and more fragile, and Patriot Snoopy faces the frigid Valley Forge winter…in August. Plus: We agree to differ. (Michael's Red Hand story appears in 1988 Part 1 at 27:07). Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the...
2025-07-0859 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1999 Part 1 - I Am Not A Puppy Dog!Snoopy will not suffer fools. The gang visits an exhibit featuring Monet and McDonnell.  Even the Little Red Haired Girl’s mom shows up.  Meanwhile, the guys theorize with wild abandon about the coloring of Peanuts in the late 90’s. Plus: The Passive Voice is a pretty good band name. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Inst...
2025-07-011h 05Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1998 Part 3 - Tell Me What I'm Doing Here! That’s All I Ask!Rerun gets to the existential heart of Peanuts as he continues to shine in these late Peanuts strips. Meanwhile the guys talk about how audiences and critics relate to artists with decades long careers.  Plus: You try to warn them that the world has gone mad, but no one will listen. East Coast Collectors Weekend - https://eastcoastcollectors.com/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. ...
2025-06-241h 09Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1998 Part 2 - Foxtrotting With The Little Red-haired GirlSchulz comes as close as he ever will to depicting Charlie Brown’s one true love, and it goes great…for Snoopy anyway. Elsewhere, Woodstock does the Moses bit and parts a birdbath, and Rerun gets a compliment! Plus: Tango Tango, Charles! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and Y...
2025-06-171h 01Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1998 Part 1 - Are We Not Beagles? We Are Peanuts!The daily comics have turned full color, and so the guys get into the nitty gritty of comic strip coloring and wonder if the entire form has de-volved over time. Then they ponder mysteries like “What IS Rerun’s real name anyway?” And we hear from readers answering the question “What is Peanuts?” Plus: Dodging questions from curious outsiders. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more fr...
2025-06-1058 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1997 Part 3 - Just Out of Curiosity, What Did You Have For Breakfast?Rerun hides under the bed again. Lucy and Charlie Brown go on a date. Michael causes the gang to have an existential crisis and the very concept of the podcast is shaken to the core! Woodstock leads Olaf and Andy to the edge of the earth. And Zipatone ties the room together. Plus: Al Pacino! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the s...
2025-05-271h 13Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1997 Part 2 - Everyone Needs A Break Now and ThenCharles Schulz announces he will be taking his first five week sabbatical after Jeannie says he’s “getting jumpy.” Then he gets a big thrill from a call by one of his artistic heroes. In the strip, Rerun is in kindergarten and the stress is slowly destroying him! Plus: The Little Pig Haired Girl? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow...
2025-05-2059 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1997 Part 1 - Every Child Should Be Issued a Dog and a BanjoAfter years of hearing Sally’s philosophies, Charlie Brown comes up with one of his own. Rerun and Snoopy have a lot of fun together, even if they don’t know what they’re doing. And the gang takes on perhaps the weirdest Peanuts strip of them all… or maybe it’s just an ad. Plus: Crybaby Boobie, we hardly knew ye. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. 
2025-05-1356 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1996 Part 3 - Automatic for the BeaglesThe gang furthers their discussion about what Peanuts is and how it works, and then talks about the difference tools make in the life of an artist. In the strip, Rerun continues to show new aspects of his personality, Lucy isn’t slipping at all, and we bid a fond farewell to one of the oldest Peanuts cast members. Plus: Mutts Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Sh...
2025-05-061h 02Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1996 Part 2 - Angel Food Cake With 7-Minute Frosting and a Side of Attempted MurderHarold takes us on a deep dive into the back issues of Editor and Publisher to tell a dark tale of real life drama that touched the Schulz universe. But it’s not all gloom and doom. Harriet is back and she brought baked goods! Plus: The One Note Samba Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and...
2025-04-291h 04Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1996 Part 1- The Strange Death of Tapioca PuddingIn this episode, the guys have a long discussion about what makes Peanuts work, and how Schulz’s presence is felt in the strip. Can that be the key to understanding Peanuts? Or is it possible we’re overthinking this? Meanwhile, Rerun provides some of the strip’s best moments. Charlie Brown is still up all night. And Spike is still fighting in the trenches. Plus: Charlie Brown has a thing for redheads. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited...
2025-04-221h 02Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1995 Part 3 - The Outer Space Adventures of Woodstock and SpikeWoodstock goes to the moon and it makes Michael’s head hurt. Cheating is rampant at Peppermint Patty’s school, but no one seems to mind. And Schulz predicts the world of print on demand. Plus: An all time record on the anger/happiness index. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Faceb...
2025-04-1548 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1995 Part 2 - Woodstock is Emotionally Bankrupt!Woodstock is at his wit’s end, and all his pal Snoopy can do is muse on Fitzgerald. Rerun shows us more facets of his ever expanding personality. Meanwhile Linus’s struggle for security rages on. Plus: Some Enchanted Evening Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For m...
2025-04-0852 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1995 Part 1 - At Long Last, Charlie Brown is the HeroWhen a kid from another neighborhood takes advantage of the guileless Rerun, Charlie Brown steps up to defend him. Elsewhere, Sally is still Sally, Lucy still loves Schroeder, and Schulz fights through his tremor. Plus: Al Capp  Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Ji...
2025-04-011h 12Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode: Slide, Charlie Brown! Slide!Hey, batta batta! It’s baseball time again, and the gang discusses one of Michael’s favorite Peanuts sequences and Jimmy fails to find Harold a favorite team. Join us as we explore the story that inspired the rarely seen “Charlie Brown’s All Stars!” Plus: Here’s a question…Why? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and T...
2025-03-2550 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Lynn Johnston, Creator of For Better or For WorseThe world famous cartoonist of For Better or For Worse drops by to reminisce about her friendship with Charles Schulz, her career as a top syndicated cartoonist, and the time she walked a mile in Sparky’s shoes! It was an honor to have Ms. Johnston on the show, and we are thrilled to share this wide ranging conversation with you all! Plus: I’ll see you in the Louvre Read For Better of For Worse at https://www.fborfw.com/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohe...
2025-03-1850 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Judy "Snoopy" SladkyJudy Sladky, champion ice dancer and the person hand-picked by Charles Schulz to portray Snoopy, skates into the Unpacking Peanuts studio. Judy shares stories from her decades of performing as her canine alter ego, and gives us a glimpse into her friendship with Charles Schulz. Plus: Cute Strike Zones Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and T...
2025-03-1153 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Rheta Grimsley Johnson, Author of Good GriefWe welcome the author of the Charles Schulz biography Good Grief, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, to the show. Rheta discusses working on the book, discovering the real Little Red-Haired Girl, and watching Schulz create the strip. Then, the gang analyses Rheta’s favorite Peanuts strips. Plus: She tells the harrowing story of the attempted kidnapping of Jeannie Schulz! Rheta's books are available at the University of Georgia Press - ugapress.org Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz is available on Amazon Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Ji...
2025-03-0458 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWrap Up Season 10: Snoopy and Woodstock, and Calvin and HobbesIn the wrap up of our latest season, the guys talk about the many changes to Schulz’s work throughout this period, reflect on the reality of artists aging, and then take a good long look at the differences and similarities between the work of Charles Schulz and Bill Watterson. Plus: Dick Van Dyke Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the sho...
2025-02-251h 21Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1994 Part 4 - Good Ol’ Down in the Dirt Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em ComicsOlaf and Andy are becoming their own unique comedy team. The falling leaf makes its poetic return, and Charlie Brown is possibly hypnotized by Lucy’s trickery. Plus: A Half Inch Blanket of Outing Flannel Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and...
2025-02-1851 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1994 Part 3 - Far and Away One of the Great Tries of All TimeThe photocopier makes it’s exciting first appearance in Peanuts! The guys get deep into the discussion of how different readers perceive the art of comics. Michael has a great idea for a Peanuts spinoff strip, and Jimmy gives a complete listing of all the towns in Pennsylvania. Plus: Dick Ayers and Joe Kubert Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show fol...
2025-02-1156 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1994 Part 2 - Nude Beagle Descending a Staircase44 years into his career and Schulz is still breaking new creative ground as a cartoonist. The gang discusses some of the formal innovations Schulz has made, react to a bunch of great strips, and then answer a Sopwith camel’s worth of listener mail. Plus: Kato Kaelin Graphic Novels recommended: Michael: Finder by Carla Speed McNeil Harold: The Dumbest Idea Ever by Jimmy Gownley Liz: Fun Home - A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel Jimmy: Death of Speedy by Jaime Hernandez Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Pe...
2025-02-041h 03Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1994 Part 1 - The Smaller the King the More the TalkLucy diversifies her revenue streams. Lydia needs some love letters. Woodstock gets violent. Snoopy goes to the hospital. And Jimmy turns 22. Plus: Spike, and Andy, and Olaf, and Krypto. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   T...
2025-01-2853 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1993 Part 3 - I Never Knew Life Could Be So BeautifulSchulz is revisiting some old scenarios and branching out in new directions. Linus’s snowmen are back, Marcie is desperately attempting to understand football, and the guys touch up John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Plus: Sweet Smug Snoopy In this episode Michael praises The River at Night by Kevin Huizenga. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instag...
2025-01-211h 07Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1993 Part 2 - Who Reassures the Reassurer?A classic of the nineties is discussed, and we learn Schroeder is still the most highbrow catcher going. Roy Hobbs’ Great Granddaughter is revealed because…  sure, why not? But know this, Sally is not going to camp. Plus: Streaks of Glory Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTub...
2025-01-141h 11Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1993 Part 1 - Nobody Told Me Life Was Going To Be This HardSally has to butter her toast with chunky butter. Snoopy is attending school with Charlie Brown, and even the local mailbox is rejecting Chuck now. Also, Michael shares the story of the first ever comic book price guide. Plus: Cheesy teeth Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and Y...
2025-01-071h 01Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode: A Charlie Brown Christmas! - From the VaultAs much a part of the holidays as Rudolph and mistletoe, the legendary first Peanuts special has lived in the hearts of millions since its debut in 1965. In this special episode Jimmy, Harold, and Michael examine the strips that were adapted for the show, discuss the story behind the production, and relay their own experiences with viewing… or not viewing… the classic program. Plus: More graphics get blandished! This episode was originally released December 13, 2022 Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and...
2024-12-241h 46Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode: It's Christmastime Again Charlie BrownThe gang takes a look at the strips and sequences that inspired the second Peanuts Christmas Special. Strips from the 70’s to the early nineties are covered making this a great overview of the second half of the Peanuts comic. Plus: George quits the band. Many thanks to tarvinneeko mainitakaan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tarvinneekomainitakaan Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Cl...
2024-12-1735 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1950 Re-Mastered (Parts 1 and 2)As you know, Unpacking Peanuts began when podcasting was just in its infancy and people had yet to discover things like “microphones” and “earpieces.” But now, using only the latest in modern technology (and by that I mean the hard work of Producer Liz) we have upgraded our first two episode’s audio to a level that borders on the acceptable! Plus: We make some jokes up front. Originally released March 14, 2022 transcript available on UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Mu...
2024-06-041h 17Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1984 Part 1 - Big Brother is Watching You, Charlie BrownIt’s 1984. A time for rumpled expressions, tall grapes, and spotting black. It’s also another year highlighting sports, exercise, and corduroy pants. Plus: Michael disses Toth. Harold plays the oboe. Jimmy paints a cow. And Liz acts like a duck. We mention our previous interviews with Ivan Brunetti: https://pod.link/unpackingpeanuts/episode/047974d2b761266524932f6c9024e7e7 and with Mark Crilley: https://pod.link/unpackingpeanuts/episode/c46d97454305fe04273372c32335d115   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownl...
2024-04-091h 11Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts100th Episode “Spectacular”: The Wheel of Comic Strip Destiny!The gang has a lot of fun answering the mail, and celebrates by taking a look at a totally random selection of Peanuts strips from the early 50’s through the 70s. Plus: the Bechdel-WALLACE test. The organization we mention where Liz and Michael are volunteering to help Ukrainians practice English conversation is called ENGin.org Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com (and maybe now on Apple Podcasts) Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Az...
2024-03-051h 08Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsFinale Season 4: You’re a Good Man, Charlie BrownWe say so long to the Swinging 60’s, and set the stage for the Sunny 70’s as Jimmy, Michael and Harold look back on what is probably the greatest decade of work by any cartoonist ever.  Then, special guests Marcia Hepps and Gay Merwin join Liz and the guys to talk about one of the first-ever amateur productions of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, and tell of composer Clark Gesner’s rave review. Plus: Our mission going forward! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harol...
2023-04-111h 08Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsHappy Valentine’s Day, You Blockhead!Love is in the air… or is that despair? Sometimes it’s the same thing, especially for Good Ol’ Charlie Brown. In this episode, we read through all of the Valentine’s Day strips Schulz produced in the first decade and a half of Peanuts. Lots of classics here, from loverboy Snoopy to frustrated Lucy, and the ongoing comic tragedy of Charlie Brown and the Little Red Haired girl. Plus: Plus nothing… it’s just the Valentine’s strips. Whaddya want?   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Haro...
2023-02-141h 17Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsThe Football Strips - Special EpisodeIn honor of the “Big Game” we take a look at all of the annual Charlie Brown versus Lucy football gags from the first 16 years of Peanuts. Is Charlie Brown an innocent? An optimist? A dupe? We may never know. But one thing’s for sure, Lucy sure can play him like a fiddle. Plus: The death of Krazy Kat? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more fr...
2023-02-071h 16Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1966 Part 2 - The Name’s Patty… “Peppermint” PattyThere’s a new girl on the scene and she’s set to be a star, as Schulz turns the kid comic genre on its head with the debut of a startlingly modern new heroine; the immortal ‘‘Peppermint” Patty. Meanwhile, Snoopy is living an adventurous life, and Charlie Brown has no idea what’s going on. Plus: Engelbert Humperdinck. No, the other Engelbert Humperdinck. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  ...
2023-01-311h 04Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1966 Part 1 - I Only Dread One Day at a TimeSnoopy’s latest persona is a pop culture sensation, and he’s threatening to take over the entire strip! Unless the French Foreign Legion calls him away. Elsewhere, Sally still has her eye patch, Charlie Brown is still Charlie Brown, and Linus and Lucy are moving away! Plus: maze, M-A-Y-S, maze. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitt...
2023-01-241h 12Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Benjamin Clark, Curator of the Charles M. Schulz MuseumToday, the guys welcome Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center Curator Benjamin Clark. Benjamin leads a team of professionals dedicated to the preservation, display, and interpretation of the life and art of Peanuts comic strip creator, Charles M. Schulz. We talk about the excitement and challenges of working for the Peanuts brand, the care that goes into each exhibit at the museum, and the process of writing the new book Charles M. Schulz: A Life in 100 Objects. Plus: the origin of the Radio 914! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley...
2023-01-171h 28Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1965 Part 2 - The Flying Ace Takes Off!Peanuts is peaking and we are here for it! Charlie Brown goes to camp and makes a good temporary friend. Not content with becoming a mere pilot, Snoopy also launches both his writing and surfing careers. Lucy cures Charlie Brown with Psychiatry à Go Go, and Linus manifests the gift of prophecy.  Plus: Sydney or the Bush?! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show fol...
2023-01-101h 43Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1965 Part 1 - Young Beagles In LoveSnoopy’s late night rendezvous with a certain girl beagle leads to thoughts of marriage. But will Snoopy get left at the altar? Meanwhile, Patty and Violet get a late career star turn, Linus gets something called a “cinch notice,” and Annette Funicello grows up. Plus: Jimmy meets Gene Simmons, and it does not go well. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow...
2023-01-031h 22Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode - A Charlie Brown ChristmasAs much a part of the holidays as Rudolph and mistletoe, the legendary first Peanuts special has lived in the hearts of millions since its debut in 1965. In this special episode Jimmy, Harold, and Michael examine the strips that were adapted for the show, discuss the story behind the production, and relay their own experiences with viewing… or not viewing… the classic program. Plus: More graphics get blandished! Download super-listener Joshua Stauffer's PDF of the strips used in the animated special: https://bit.ly/3Cyt1vd Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is c...
2022-12-131h 43Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Stephen J. Lind, Author of A Charlie Brown ReligionIn this episode, we chat with Stephen Lind, author of the fascinating book A Charlie Brown Religion. We discuss the ever-evolving nature of Schulz’s faith, hear about the challenges of writing a book of this type, and marvel at Schulz’s ability to bring people together. Plus: we ask the most important theological question of all… Has it ever occurred to you that you might be wrong? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen...
2022-12-061h 04Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsWith Will & Kevin Hines, Hosts of Screw It We’re Just Gonna Talk About Comics podcastToday, the guys are joined by hilarious UCB comedians, and hosts of the popular “Screw It, We’re Just Gonna Talk About Comics” podcast, Will and Kevin Hines. We discuss the brothers' relationship with Peanuts through the years as well as the poignancy of Joe Shlabotnik, the progressiveness of Schulz, and the realism of Peppermint Patty. Then we delve into the lost comedy masterpiece… Garfooled!  Plus: Screw it… we talk about the Beatles. On Twitter and Instagram: @screwitcomics Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. P...
2022-11-291h 35Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsThe Unpacking Peanuts Charles M. Schulz 100th Birthday Spectacular!November 26th is Mr. Schulz’s 100th birthday, and we’re throwing a party! You won’t believe who shows up to celebrate the greatest cartoonist of all time! Grab a treat from the Snoopy Snow Cone Machine, watch your step around the Zamboni, and join us for the Peanuts bash of the century. Featuring guest appearances by: Terry Moore, Bill Morrison, Carolyn Belefski, Steve Conley, John Gallagher, Jamar Nicholas, Mark Mariano, Chris Mariano, Marty Baumann and more!  Plus: A Charles Schulz carol? Guests include: Terry Moore: https://abstractstudiocomics.com/  ...
2022-11-2256 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsFinale Season Three - 1960-1964We wrap up the first half of the sixties in style with a look back at Schulz’s best unseen characters, listener questions, and some Peanuts comic book stories penned by the man himself. Plus: DJ Jenna Clay on the Little Red Haired Girl! (If you want to follow our discussion of the comic book stories attributed to Schulz, and you have a library card, you can visit hoopla.com to check out the Peanuts Dell Archive). Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Pr...
2022-11-151h 24Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1964 Part 2 - Thrillsville!It’s Linus for President, and young Master Van Pelt proves to be an expert orator… but will his belief in the Great Pumpkin sink his candidacy? Elsewhere, the Little Red Haired Girl continues to make non-apparent appearances, Michael makes a triple play, and Linus figures out that Charlie Brown is depressed. Plus: That’s Tuesday Weld!   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the...
2022-11-081h 22Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1964 Part 1 - Good Ol’ Wishy-Washy Charlie BrownIn a true Peanuts epic, Lucy presents Charlie Brown with a slideshow of his faults, and Linus fanboys for Doctor Horwich (who used to be Miss Frances) in a deep-cut Peanuts callback. Meanwhile, Snoopy is getting aggressive, and we see more of newcomers 3, 4, and 5… but Shermy is becoming a straggler! Plus: Michael has a sliver in his finger.   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more...
2022-11-011h 05Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1963 Part 2 - Why Don’t You Ever Call Me Cutie?Lucy finds out she is an “uncutie.” Snoopy needs to take it on the lam. And we meet a boy named “5.” Also, the guys discuss perhaps the most controversial strip in the Schulz canon and how it has been understood and misunderstood in the years since. Plus: Lot’s of fun at Finnegan’s Wake! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts...
2022-10-251h 03Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1963 Part 1 - Oh No! We’re Aware of Our Tongues!Peanuts soars from strength to strength in another year of classics. Linus teaches us all a thing or two about empathy when his “Blanket Hating” Grandma comes to town, and later he develops a whole new philosophy. Elsewhere, Snoopy gets fat shamed, and Charles Schulz brings ever more depth to our hero Charlie Brown. Plus: Hooray for Aunt Marion! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from...
2022-10-181h 01Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsBonus Episode - It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!Spooky Season is upon us, and Harold, Michael, and Jimmy are taking a special episode long look at the Great Pumpkin, both in the strip and the animated special. They highlight the themes and origins of the idea and how it’s become a lasting part of pop culture. Then they go strip by strip through all the gags that made it into the classic TV special, and even take calls from listeners! Plus: What the heck is Graphic Blandishment? Sign up to download Joshua Stauffer's guide to all the Peanuts comic strips featured in the animated ho...
2022-10-151h 18Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1962 Part 2 - Charles Schulz Sees YouThe guys discuss the profound way in which Schulz engages and honors his readers on their own terms. Meanwhile, in the strip, Linus is patting birds on the head, Sally can’t deal with kindergarten, and Lucy sets an all time record for crabbiness! Plus: Snoopy will do anything to prove a point. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Ins...
2022-10-111h 40Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1962 Part 1 - Schroeder’s Big BreakSchulz continues to explore longer stories and more subtle emotions, as Linus (briefly) gets glasses, Lucy and Schroeder bicker, and Snoopy experiences a winter of loss. Luckily, it doesn’t affect his appetite. Plus: It’s time for an episode of Polka Pod! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit...
2022-10-041h 07Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode - Duncan Watson and Melanie Kohn - Voices of Charlie Brown and LucyIt’s a special day for Unpacking Peanuts. Charlie Brown and Lucy are here! We welcome voice actors Melanie Kohn and Duncan Watson to the show. They discuss their time spent as Peanuts’ star players, how they got the gigs, and what it’s been like reconnecting with Peanuts fans in recent years. We even get them to reprise their old roles as we discuss their favorite strips! Plus: Keene is nifty!   For information about Melanie and Duncan’s appearances follow @melaniejkohn on Facebook   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking...
2022-09-271h 06Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1961 Part 2 - Lunchtime With the Little Red Haired GirlThe most famous character never drawn (the movies don’t count, you blockhead!) makes her first non-appearance, and it’s a heartbreaker. Then Schulz writes a few anti-hallmark cards, and three goofballs openly ridicule certified genius Windsor McCay! Plus: Punchlines that punch you. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit...
2022-09-201h 57Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1961 Part 1 - It’s Run By a Big Eastern Syndicate, You KnowThe character of Charlie Brown is deepening as Schulz explores more subtle shades of emotion. Meanwhile, in the Van Pelt household tempers are wearing thin, and in Chicago It’s full on gang warfare as Harold gives us a detailed explanation of just how the syndicated comics game worked back in the wild early days. Plus: Harold and Jimmy try (and fail) to think of the word “avatar.”   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen...
2022-09-131h 32Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1960 Part 2 - Do You Believe in Charles Schulz?Jimmy expands on his theory of how Charles Schulz is a character in Peanuts. Michael talks to leaves, and Harold gets his first comic book! Plus: Liz Phair, and Alan Moore, and Mort Sahl, and Gertrude Stein Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   Thanks for...
2022-09-061h 30Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1960 Part 1 - Happiness is a Warm PuppyIt’s the Swinging Sixties, and Linus wants to be all love! But Lucy might have a nefarious plan to thwart him. Meanwhile, Snoopy endures the Icicle of Damocles, while in the real world Schulz meets Hallmark to deliver some warm feelings. Plus: Hate at a Different Angle and a shout out to Librarians.   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show foll...
2022-08-301h 12Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode - Todd WebbHarold, Jimmy and Michael welcome cartoonist and musician Todd Webb to the show! Todd is the creator of the critically acclaimed daily strip The Poet, and the creative force behind the music of Seamonster. The gang take a look at Todd’s favorite strips, and discuss influences, working methods, and why Peanuts is just the bee’s knees. Plus: Good Grief! Ernie Bushmiller??!! toddbot.com Read The Poet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddbotdotcom/   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harol...
2022-08-231h 12Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsFinale Season Two - 1956-1959We wrap up the fabulous 50’s with a look at how far we have come! Michael, Harold, and Jimmy pick their favorite year of strips so far, answer the mail, and take a peek at a great “lost” influence on Charles Schulz. Plus: Buy Jif! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Har...
2022-08-161h 20Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1959 Part 2 - If You Can’t Trust Dogs and Little BabiesWhile Charlie Brown is succeeding as a brother, Linus is ranting about someone called “The Great Pumpkin.” When he’s not fawning over his beloved teacher Miss Othmar that is. Plus: Sally smooches Linus. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   Thanks for listening.
2022-08-091h 09Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1959 Part 1 - Psychiatric Help 5¢Sally Brown is born! Will becoming a big brother change Charlie Brown for the better, or is it just going to derail his baseball career? Also, Lucy starts a new business…as the gang’s gruff therapist of course! But is five cents too much for her “advice?” Plus: Schulz provides others a shelter from the storm. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show foll...
2022-08-021h 23Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1958 Part 2 - Germs! Disease! Infection!Have you ever had to try to glue crayons together? Linus has. Jimmy tells more vaguely troubling childhood anecdotes, and Lucy thinks Charlie Brown is a spy. Meanwhile, back in 1958 it’s Liberals versus Conservatives as everything new is old again. Plus: Is Happiness Overrated? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and...
2022-07-261h 14Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1958 Part 1 - I Thought It Was The FalloutJimmy asks: What is art for? Linus becomes a fanatic. Lucy loves Schroeder. Violet admires her dad, and Snoopy starts a very weird trend. Be sure to tell your pencil pal that it’s another great year of comics from Charles M. Schulz. Plus: Hi-Fi’s and Hula Hoops.   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitte...
2022-07-191h 08Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode - William PepperWe welcome the host of the OG Peanuts podcast, It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown, William Pepper. William gives us the lowdown on his long running show and then picks his Fab Five Peanuts strips of all time! Plus: Does Lucy mean well? William Pepper's work available at Carnival of Glee Creations https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For mor...
2022-07-121h 06Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1957 Part 2 - Who Do You Like Better, Your Mother or Your Father?Harold, Michael and Jimmy discuss what makes Schulz’s art different from contemporaries like Mort Walker or Dik Brown. Michael unlocks one of the secret Peanuts joke formulas, and we check in on the Good ol’ Angerometer. Plus: What a Team! Good Grief! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit...
2022-07-051h 03Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1957 Part 1 - Frustrated and InhibitedCharles Schulz is loosening up and branching out. He even hires his friend, good ol’ Jim Sasseville and launches a second strip. Meanwhile, Lucy is torn between the desire to create and the desire to destroy. Plus: Do polar bears get cold? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unp...
2022-06-2853 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1956 Part 2 - If My Kite Was Caught In A Tree I’d Yell At ItCharlie Brown’s kite is stuck in a tree… for a week! We take a long look at this rarely seen series of strips that Schulz himself considered a high water mark. Plus: Bug watching with Lucy. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   Thanks for lis...
2022-06-211h 32Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1956 Part 1 - Will You Be My Friend, Charlie Brown?Lucy presents some little known facts and Linus figures some things out. There are a lot of kids in the Schulz household, and it’s fueling a whole bunch of hilarious comics. Plus: Charlie Brown gets what he wants… or does he? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpac...
2022-06-141h 06Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsFinale Season 1 - 1950-1955We are halfway through the first decade of Peanuts, and It’s been a thrill to watch Charles Schulz develop his strip from humble beginnings to the cusp of greatness. In this finale episode, we recap where we have been so far and hint at where we go next in the world of Peanuts. Plus: We answer the mail!   Unpacking Peanuts Season Two begins June 14th Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voi...
2022-05-311h 24Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1955- Part 2 - Be of Good Cheer, Snoopy!It’s a year filled with classic jokes and classical music, but Charlie Brown’s stomach hurts and it’s all Lucy’s fault. Yet while Charlie Brown steps back, the rest of the gang rise to the moment. Plus: Jimmy reveals his pick for the GOAT Peanuts strip. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Mi...
2022-05-241h 09Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1955 Part 1 - The World Develops Before Our EyesSchulz is living the posh life in Minnesota while willing Peanuts to ever greater heights. It’s the era of big laughs and big jaws, and Snoopy is busting out…and kinda ticked off! Plus: Snow comes UP, you blockhead. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   Thanks...
2022-05-171h 15Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1954 Part 1 - Look at Me! I’m Dancing!Slick and ever-tightening cartooning mixed with some beautiful detail and a touch of the surreal is the look of the year for Schulz, and his cast of characters are growing richer and more complex as they feel unrequited love, sibling rivalry and more. Plus: Violet is ahead of her time! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more a...
2022-05-031h 15Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking PeanutsSpecial Episode - Alexis FajardoJoin us as we chat with accomplished cartoonist, and Editorial Director of the Charles M. Schulz Studio, Alexis Fajardo! We discuss Lex’s two decades of work as the creator of the popular Kid Beowulf series as well as his work helping to produce Peanuts books for the world, and his top five Peanuts strips. Plus: A Peppermint Preview!   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from...
2022-04-121h 12Unpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1952 Part 2 - Mangle Terror War HateIt’s the first appearance of Snoopy the mimic!  And he may be the most complex character in the history of western literature, but he’ll always be Lucy’s baby brother to us… Linus is here!   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.  For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.   Thanks for listening
2022-04-0555 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1952 Part 1 - I’ll Be A HypocritePEANUTS EVERY SUNDAY! Peanuts gets a Sunday page, and Charles Schulz comes out swinging. Interesting developments on the Snoopy watch, and Jimmy and Michael get a joke decades later than they should have, and the introduction of one of the icons of Peanuts… Lucy Van Pelt. Plus: Snoopy goes to the Electric Chair!   Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com   Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.   For more from the s...
2022-03-2958 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1950 Part 1 - Good Ol’ Charlie BrownPeanuts is the greatest comic strip of all time, and three cartoonists, Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules! & 7 Good Reasons Not to Grow Up) Harold Buchholz (Mystery Science Theater, Sweetest Beasts) and Michael Cohen (Strange Attractors, Tangled River) are reading the whole thing! Join them as they discuss Charles Schulz’ comic strip masterpiece year by year starting with the very first strip on Oct 2. 1950 and continuing through all 50 years of the strip. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Co...
2022-03-1529 minUnpacking Peanuts
Unpacking Peanuts1950 Part 2 - How I Hate HimWe do a deep dive into the first few months of the Peanuts comic strip, as Charles Schulz and Charlie Brown begin their epic journey together. We meet our hero Good Ol’ Charlie Brown, his pals Patty and Shermy. Plus: A cute little pup named Snoopy. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com   Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.   For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Twitter. For more...
2022-03-1545 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToTake A BreakI want to let regular listeners know that I'm taking a break from creating new episodes of I Always Wanted To. I have plans to make additional "best of" compilations like the Learn To Sing and Travel episodes I released at the end of last year. I'm also going to share some other projects I've been working on that I think you'll enjoy. I will stay in touch now and then but not on a regular schedule.   I had no idea when I started how much I would come to love podcasting. I love listening t...
2022-02-2802 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToBe A Podcaster - Bonus Preview In late 2017, with no previous experience in audio-making or storytelling, Lori Mortimer simply decided it would be a good idea to start a podcast. Then she learned how hard it was. "Since then, I've studied the art and craft of podcasting, audio editing, interviewing, nonfiction storytelling, sound design, and podcast marketing. Through more classes and workshops than I can count, and the support found in online and in-person audio communities, I've stitched together the basic set of skills needed to get a show off the ground. It's taken a village to get me to the point...
2021-12-1308 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToHear Your FeedbackLiz wraps up Season 8 and talk about what's upcoming over the next few months.              I love hearing listener feedback. Here's a sample from the recent series. The underwater explorer? I loved her. I bought her book. The cave diver? Aaack - it makes me claustrophobic. I totally understand Dr. Leslie's love of self-contained solo riding. Oh come on, there's nothing wrong with e-bikes. You were not all in agreement and that's just fine. I want to hear...
2021-11-0802 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToFind My PurposeIn this, my 50th episode, I talk about the upcoming season which begins Monday, September 13th.  Coming up on I Always Wanted To: Know What I Want To Be When I Grow Up Be A Cave Diver Learn to Play Harmonica Be A Competitive Athlete Spot Disinformation Play A Theremin --and more-- ********************* I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dr...
2021-09-0603 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToGo Behind The ScenesLiz Sumner tells the story of how I Always Wanted To podcast came to be, where she finds her guests, and shares her favorite podcast mentors. Juleyka Lantigua Williams of Podcasting Seriously https://www.podcastingseriously.com/ Twila Dang of Matriarch Digital Media https://www.matriarchdm.com/welcome-1 Arielle Nissenblatt of Squadcast https://squadcast.fm/ ********************* I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon c...
2021-06-2107 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToRun For OfficeLiz Sumner, a candidate for the 23rd Wisconsin Assembly District in 2018, is a Fox Point resident, small business owner, wife and mother of two small children.  Liz was born and raised in Milwaukee, spending her first years in the Sherman Park neighborhood before moving to Shorewood, where she attended Shorewood public schools and graduated from Shorewood High School.  Liz was lucky enough to spend two years abroad, one with her family during her sophomore year of high school in Utrecht, The Netherlands, and the other in Paris for her junior year of college.  After graduating from Marquette Uni...
2021-03-0526 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToIntro Season 3Liz Sumner introduces the new series which begins November 4th. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lizsumner.substack.com
2021-03-0501 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToSeries Two IntroductionLiz Sumner introduces the next series of the podcast, a little wiser and even more determined. New episodes begin January 7th, 2019.   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lizsumner.substack.com
2018-12-2602 minI Always Wanted To
I Always Wanted ToSeries One in ConclusionLiz Sumner wraps up the first series of the podcast with some thoughts in conclusion. Now when I get an invitation and I feel that little gasp of "oh wow" I don't cut myself off before I even have a chance to think about it. I say yes and ride that wave like Gidget. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lizsumner.substack.com
2018-07-1503 min