Best Julie Strauss Podcasts (2024)

1
Portugal, Something for Everyone - July, 2024 29:24

5h ago29:24

29:24

Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores the northern half of Portugal, including Lisbon, the Douro Valley and the spectacular monasteries from days gone by.By photosNtravel

1
113: Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July (1979) 1:11:55

1h ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Kerry and Collin take a look at the feature-length Rankin/Bass movie (and TV special) "Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July" and are bewildered by how plot-heavy and overloaded it is with exposition and countless new characters. What is the proper way to react to Frosty dying (again)? Is Scratchy the Evil Reindeer sufficiently evil? And what does…

1
112: 4th of July Movies Actually: Independence Day (1996) 1:29:00

14d ago1:29:00

1:29:00

A detour into the 4th of July, Kerry and Collin talk about the biggest hit of 1996, Roland Emmerich's alien invasion epic "Independence Day," which gives America permission to make our holiday a worldwide holiday because of something WE did. Suck it up, world! How does this movie play today now that we all know a little more about computers? Is the…

1
Bears and Gold - June, 2024 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

Northern Canada is a massive area of pristine forests, wildlife, mountains and waterways. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the Yukon wilderness and then head east to Churchill Manitoba. Find out about the Klondike gold rush and meet some polar bears in their natural habitat.By photosNtravel

1
111: The Santa Clause 2 (2002) 1:12:26

1M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Kerry and Collin talk about "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" every chance they get in this episode because it's a far more interesting subject, but because it's not holiday-based, they stick to the format as best they can by talking about the 2002 sequel, "The Santa Clause 2." Why aren't the rules consistent in these movies? Why does a real-world woman ha…

1
Canals of Europe - May, 2024 29:42

2M ago29:42

29:42

Two of Europe's oldest cities have one thing in common. They both consist of a network of canals. In days gone by, these waterways were used for transportation but today they are primarily for tourism and enjoyment. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he visits Amsterdam and VeniceBy photosNtravel

1
110: Nobody's Fool (1994) 1:32:41

2M ago1:32:41

1:32:41

In honor of its 30th anniversary, Kerry and Collin look back at a forgotten little gem starring Paul Newman, Melanie Griffith, Jessica Tandy, an uncredited Bruce Willis and an early role for Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's a "hang-out movie" that spans Thanksgiving to New Years. Why did Willis not get credit for playing a major role? Could this be vie…

1
109: The Bishop's Wife (1947) (feat. John A. Zukowski) 1:30:59

3M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

Kerry and Collin are joined by author John A. Zukowski, author of the book "Christmas On the Screen: Reviewing the Evolution of American Spirituality," which provides a springboard into the discussion of the classic "The Bishop's Wife," starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Why did America need so many movies about celestial beings an…

1
Georgia, an Invitation to Explore - April, 2024 29:11

3M ago29:11

29:11

One of the most picturesque nations on earth is the Caucasus country of Georgia. Stunning landscapes, majestic mountains and very friendly people make this an incredible destination to add to your bucket list. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the entire country and climbs one of the highest mountains, discovers ancient monasteries and …

1
108: Little Miss Millions (1993) 1:24:24

3M ago1:24:24

1:24:24

Kerry and Collin take a listener request and talk about an obscure TV movie called "Little Miss Millions," starring Howard Hesseman and (Jennifer) Love Hewitt. The film is directed by Jim "Chopping Mall" Wynorski, whose entire filmography is covered in this one single episode. How many times does Collin drop "Midnight Run" into the conversation? Do…

1
107: Easter Movies Actually - Jesus Christ Superstar (feat. Brad Strauss) 1:21:48

4M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

The Easter holiday is when many people pull out the Biblical epics and none of them rock harder than Norman Jewison's adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice's immortal "Jesus Christ Superstar." Brad Strauss returns to chat with Collin and Kerry about the film's controversy, production problems and why this Biblical movie endures while others ha…

1
106: St. Patrick's Day Movies Actually: The Commitments (feat. Jim Peebles) 1:56:25

4M ago1:56:25

1:56:25

St. Patrick's Day calls for a celebration of all things Irish. Why not celebrate the "Blacks of Dublin" with the 1991 musical comedy "The Commitments"? Kerry and Collin are joined by their friend Jim Peebles to talk about what might be the greatest fictional band of all time. Who are/were the Commitments? Where are they now? How authentically Irish…

1
The Gulf from San Antonio to New Orleans - March, 2024 29:20

4M ago29:20

29:20

The Gulf of Mexico has always been a tourist haven. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores San Antonio, home of Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone and the Alamo, and then travels east to New Orleans to discover the excitement and bling of this amazing city.By photosNtravel

1
105: Little Women (1994) (feat. Laura McDougal and Allyson Dykhuizen) 1:37:04

5M ago1:37:04

1:37:04

Kerry and Collin are joined by Laura McDougal and Allyson Dykhuizen (founders of an online community geared towards knitting and garment making, among other things) to talk about the 1994 version of "Little Women." How does this version compare to others, most notably Greta Gerwig's version? Who is the "worst" little woman in the film? Do men alway…

1
104: Valentine's Day Movies Actually - Valentine's Day (2010) 1:30:08

5M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

The first detour from Christmas takes Kerry and Collin to the beloved and behated Valentine's Day. Conveniently, that also happens to be the name of the movie they talk about. Garry Marshall's last three films were holiday-based rom-com adventures. "Valentine's Day" might be the best of the three, but will likely be the only one covered on this sho…

1
Germany, Berlin to Bavaria - February, 2024 29:32

5M ago29:32

29:32

Germany has long been at the centre of European history. From the Prussian wars of the 1600s to the world wars of the 20th century to the main economic power of the European Union. In this episode Jonathan van Bilsen explores Berlin and Potsdam and then travels south to Dresden, ending his trek in Bavaria, visiting Heidelberg and Neuschwanstein Cas…

1
103: A Disturbance In The Force (feat. director Jeremy Coon) 1:18:57

6M ago1:18:57

1:18:57

The Star Wars Holiday Special remains a curiosity item for many, mainly for its sheer awfulness. In this episode, Kerry and Collin talk with director Jeremy Coon about his wonderful documentary on the notorious television special, "A Disturbance In the Force" (now available on VOD and blu-ray). Should this wretched television special be officially …

1
The Middle East - January, 2024 29:18

6M ago29:18

29:18

Since the beginning of time, the Middle East has witnessed turmoil, amid history and beauty. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the ancient wonders of Petra, the bustling old city of Jerusalem as well as the birthplace of Christianity, Bethlehem. visit https://www.photosntravel.com/ for more information…

1
102: The Nutcracker Prince (1990) 1:19:22

6M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

For this year's Nutcracker entry, Kerry and Collin fulfill a listener request with "The Nutcracker Prince," surprisingly not a direct-to-video animated film from this era, but sure feels like one. What is Blue (or Bleu) Cheese Cake? Is it acceptable to have a Nutcracker movie without the slightest hint of ballet? Is it worth the effort to travel to…

1
Episode 101: Elf - 20th Anniversary 1:38:47

7M ago1:38:47

1:38:47

Friend of the show, Jim Peebles, joins Collin and Kerry for a look at one of the most enduring and successful of all Christmas films, Jon Favreau's 2003 comedy "Elf," starring Will Farrell as the eternally childlike Buddy The Elf and James Caan as his long lost father. How does the film hold up after 20 years? Did the film breathe new life into the…

1
Episode 100: Trading Places - LIVE at Elk Grove Theater 1:19:59

7M ago1:19:59

1:19:59

Kerry and Collin take the show on the road for their 100th episode (or is it?). They are joined by frequent guests Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski for a discussion in front of an audience following the screening of the film. Does John Landis' film represent Eddie Murphy at his peak? How does this movie work as a time capsule of '80s greed and s…

1
Episode 99: Scrooged (feat. Ed Daly) 1:38:32

7M ago1:38:32

1:38:32

Ed Daly, author of "The Christmas Book," joins Kerry and Collin for a discussion on the 1988 classic comedy "Scrooged," starring Bill Murray. For Ed, it was a memorable childhood moviegoing experience. For Collin, it was a memorable teenage experience working at a movie theater at the time. For Kerry, it was a memorable cable TV staple. Does it hol…

1
Greece, Land of History and Culture - December, 2023 30:29

7M ago30:29

30:29

Greece is an amazing country, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by beautiful islands, beaches and weather. Its turbulent history dates back to the dawn of civilization and in this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the Pelepinesian Peninsula, including Athens.By photosNtravel

1
Episode 98: BONUS! TV Christmas episode round-up, Blu-rays and Books! 1:20:30

7M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Kerry and Collin talk about the Christmas episodes from Murder She Wrote, Moonlighting, Psych, The Office, Pee-Wee's Playhouse and The Bear. Collin also covers some holiday offerings new on blu-ray/4K and offers his choices for the best blu-ray/4K releases of the year. Finally, they each recommend a movie-related book ("Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel…

1
Episode 97: Best. Christmas. Ever! (feat. Marya E. Gates) 1:31:03

8M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

Film critic Marya E. Gates joins Collin and Kerry to talk about Netflix's latest holiday offering, "Best. Christmas. Ever!" This "fam-com" stars Heather Graham, Brandy and Jason Biggs and is directed by Mary Lambert of "Pet Sematary" fame. How does this film figure into the rest of her work? Do rich people really have multiple, full-size Christmas …

1
The Danube, Mozart to Strauss - November, 2023 Podcast 30:29

8M ago30:29

30:29

The Danube is Europe's second longest river, after the Volga. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen visits the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg and then makes his way along the Danube to explore Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Visit cathedrals, castles and the wonderful cities, home to Mozart, Strauss and countless other composers…

1
Episode 96: The Holdovers (feat. Steve Prokopy) 1:26:34

8M ago1:26:34

1:26:34

The first big Christmas film of the season, Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers," is actually pretty great (the first Christmas movie of the season is rarely ever good). Film critic Steve Prokopy joins Kerry and Collin for the discussion of this theatrical release that is worthy of your time at your local theater (SPOILERS WARNING FOR THIS EPISODE!). …

1
Episode 95: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (feat. Patrick Ripoll) 1:19:39

9M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

The tradition continues! Patrick Ripoll joins Kerry and Collin once again to look beneath the early-'90s, direct-to-video sheen and plunge into the most disturbing of depths to dissect "Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation," quite possibly the most disgusting movie ever covered on this show (and yes, we did cover that Kirk Cameron movie). Is it…

1
155 Canada-Palooza with Mark Lefebvre 31:00

9M ago31:00

31:00

My dear friend Mark Lefebvre is back this week to teach me all about Canadian Literature, eh? Host: Julie Strauss Website/Instagram Guest: Mark Lefebvre Website/Instagram Editor: Emily Zumchak Website/Email Join the Best Book Ever Newsletter HERE! Subscribe for FREE to receive weekly emails with complete show notes, photos of our guests, and update…

1
Episode 94: Anna and the Apocalypse (feat. Peter Sobszynski) 1:54:37

9M ago1:54:37

1:54:37

Who doesn't love a good musical-zombie-Christmas movie? Kerry and Collin are joined by frequent guest Peter Sobczynski to talk about the 2017 horror-musical "Anna and the Apocalypse" and break down how it manages to mix vastly different tones into a tight 93 minutes. How different is the film today when viewed after the height of the real pandemic?…

1
154 Mark Lefebvre on "The Best Laid Plans" by Terry Fallis 27:15

9M ago27:15

27:15

This week's guest is one of my favorite readers, writers and humans on the planet: Mark Lefebvre. Mark has been pushing Terry Fallis' books on me practically since we met, and I'm so glad I finally took his advice. We had a great time discussing political satire, reading slumps, and the differences between American and Canadian humor sensibilities.…

1
Rome, the City of Seven Hills - October, 2023 29:28

9M ago29:28

29:28

Rome offers a rich historical and cultural experience. From magnificent ancient ruins like the Colosseum to exquisite art and delicious cuisine, the Eternal City is a must-visit destination. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores the top 12 sites of Italy's capital city.By photosNtravel

1
Episode 93: Noel (2004) 1:12:53

10M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

11In between enthusiastic discussions of their recent wedding and the reissue of Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense," Kerry and Collin take a few minutes to discuss the 2004 tearjerker drama "Noel," starring Susan Sarandon, Alan Arkin, Paul Walker, Penelope Cruz and Robin Williams. Are ringbearers absolutely necessary in a wedding ceremony? What w…

1
153 Kate Reynolds on "A Day With No Words" by Tiffany Hammond 32:12

10M ago32:12

32:12

This week I'm so delighted for you to meet Kate Reynolds, also known as The Lavender Librarian. Kate is a passionate advocate of inclusive storytimes for children, and she has some innovative ideas for how to share reading time with kids. I was initially hesitant when Kate suggested we read a children's book for this episode - afraid that we wouldn…

1
152 Lisa Dayton Petersen on Judy Blume 31:31

10M ago31:31

31:31

Today I am joined by Lisa Petersen, my dear friend since college. We agreed to spend the summer revisiting our favorite childhood classics by Judy Blume, and now we’re back to discuss our feelings about the books as children vs. as adults. Along the way, we talked about banned books and parenting, and how our love for Judy Blume has carried us thro…

1
Episode 92: The Family Stone (2005) 1:46:33

10M ago1:46:33

1:46:33

Kerry and Collin take a look at "The Family Stone," staring Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson and an impressive assemblage of actors who make up a family (the Stone family! Get it?) that might be the most annoying family to have to marry into. Who is most worthy of the audience's sympathies in this film? Who is least deserving? Ho…

1
151 Yolanda Skeete and Vanessa Vicente on "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan 50:23

10M ago50:23

50:23

Yolanda Skeete, an avid reader and co-host of Thrillers by the Book Club SoCal, is back on the show with our book club pal Vanessa Vicente. Yolanda and Vanessa are both bookstagrammers living in Southern California who love to review thrillers, nonfiction, romance, and other genres. As mothers ourselves, we have a lot to say about the 2022 Science …

1
Turkiye, Bridging Two Continents - September, 2023 29:24

10M ago29:24

29:24

Turkey, now known as Turkiye, is a fascinating country to visit and explore. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he treks through Cappadocia, discovers the history at Ephesus and learns about the battle of Gallipoli.By photosNtravel

1
Episode 91: Trancers (1984) 1:06:07

11M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

If you got to the end of the "Die Hard" episode, you heard guests Erik Laws and Erik Childress name-drop this 1984 sci-fi concoction, "Trancers," starring Tim Thomerson (as Jack Deth!) and before-she-was-famous Helen Hunt. Kerry and Collin decided "may as well" and dove right in. Piecing together elements of "Blade Runner," "The Terminator," "Back …

1
Ireland, the Emerald Isle - August, 2023 29:34

11M ago29:34

29:34

In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen travels to Ireland. Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is a country steeped in rich history and natural beauty. From its stunning rugged coastline to ancient castles and vibrant cities, Ireland offers visitors a warm welcome, lively pub culture, traditional music, and a deep connection to its Celtic roots.…

1
Episode 90: The Barbie Christmas Movies 1:34:45

11M ago1:34:45

1:34:45

Kerry and Collin went back and explored three Christmas-themed Barbie movies that came out between 2001 and 2011 (all direct-to-DVD). They both watched "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas," which tells the story of Barbie and her sisters being stranded in a Christmas village while on their way to New York. What better way to deal with that situation than …

1
Episode 89: Die Hard - 35th Anniversary 1:59:08

12M ago1:59:08

1:59:08

Erik Childress and Erik Laws return to talk with Kerry and Collin about the classic action film that redefined the genre while also changing the conversation about what constitutes a Christmas movie: 1988's "Die Hard." Everything about the film today still feels perfect and their discussion covers a wide range of iconic scenes and characters. Who w…

1
Episode 88: Mrs. Santa Claus (feat. B.L. Panther) 1:41:03

1y ago1:41:03

1:41:03

Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic B.L. Panther to talk about the 1996 made-for-TV musical "Mrs. Santa Claus," starring Angela Lansbury, Charles Durning and Michael Jeter. How did this end up being the perfect film to talk about the week of Independence Day? How is Santa magic used (or not used) in 1910 America? Finally, is it so hard for c…

1
150 The ACOTAR Panel 44:34

1y ago44:34

44:34

If you have not yet experienced the joy of the "Court of Thorns and Roses" fandom, we are going to fix that today. Host: Julie Strauss Website/Instagram Guest Panel: Victoria Snow Instagram Fareya Instagram/TikTok/Goodreads Nicole Burton Instagram/Goodreads Join the Best Book Ever Newsletter HERE! Subscribe for FREE to receive weekly emails with co…

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