The Gang goes to Camp Remote which causes Marcie to emote. Linus also makes another strong showing with a few classic appearances, and the guys marvel at the expressive art of the mature Charles Schulz. Plus: Tapioca Pudding. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchhol…

Schulz is having fun reintroducing Linus, and he creates a great foil for him in the enigmatic and maddening Lydia. Then, the gang gives the Unpacking Peanuts treatment to a Nancy strip. Plus: I’ll be a sellout! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced an…

In this wild episode, Unpacking Peanuts gets cyberbullied by a Who’s Who of Nancy Fans, including Bill (Zippy the Pinhead) Griffith, Tom (Seinfeld) Gammill, Raina (Smile) Telgemeir, John (King Cat) Porcellino, Todd (the Poet) Webb, and more! They explain why Bushmiller is the bees’ knees, and then we cover a batch of hilarious strips from 1986! Plu…

It’s been a year of Sally’s anxieties, worm attacks, and hanging out at the mall. Some old favorites make some cameo appearances, Woodstock is bad at football, and the Sousaphone makes it’s long awaited debut (look it’s not easy to write these things) Plus: fuzzy uniqueness. Jimmy's upcoming comic - https://substack.com/@gvillecomics Transcript ava…

In this episode, Sally introduces us to “The Glamorous World of Punctuation,” Snoopy and Woodstock go fishing, and Schulz goes deep “Into the Weird.” Also, the guys take a hard look at Schulz’s evolving line work and talk about Old Man Snoopy. Plus: Jimmy realizes that the eighties were a long time ago. Gville Comics on Substack - https://substack.…

We start our new format episodes by answering a listener question about art versus content… for half an hour! Then we get into the strips (27:46) where Peppermint Patty wins an essay contest, Snoopy is terrorized by an Ent, and Charlie Brown drops an easy fly ball but, like, learns a life lesson or something? Plus: Hopefully no one will notice you’…

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: …

Unpacking Peanuts has been blessed with a plethora (a plethora, I say!) of amazing guests. Hop into the Unpacking Peanuts Time Machine as we revisit our time with Jeannie Schulz, William Pepper, Joel Hodgson, Benjamin Clark, Alexis Fajardo, Ivan Brunetti, Will and Kevin Hines and more! Plus: Remember that one Family Ties when… Original Episodes rel…

Happy Mother’s Day, moms! This one's for you. The gang strolls through Mother’s Day strips from the 60s to the 80s. Spoiler alert… a lot of them are sad! But don’t worry, Peppermint Patty pulls out a win in the bottom of the ninth. Plus: That Thing You Do Unpacking Peanuts is taking a spring break. We'll have episodes every other week, then return …

We wrap up the early 80s and then take a look at some of the strips sharing space in the paper with Peanuts this decade including Calvin and Hobbes, Cathy, Doonesbury and others. Then, it’s a deep dive into the UP mailbag, and some more hot takes on forty year old comic strips. Plus: A Who’s Who of…Who? Unpacking Peanuts is taking a spring break. W…

Peppermint Patty flunks big time. What’s her punishment? A trip to Europe of course! Back home, Linus and Charlie Brown fail to notice a sea monster. Also, the Unpacking Peanuts crew declare which character they each most relate to. Can the internet withstand the excitement?! Plus: Clouds of Despair Harold's Robot Monster project on Kickstarter: ht…

It’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/047974d…

Charlie Brown finds himself in the midst of a love triangle. Of course he has no idea what to do about it, but maybe Sally can help him out. Elsewhere in the neighborhood… Rerun is branching out. Lucy is Crabby. And Woodstock does a little dance. Plus: The Palmer Method Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jim…

Is it a bonus mini episode or a cruel prank played on you by the heartless hosts of Unpacking Peanuts? Only by listening will you know for sure! Plus: There’s a spider on your shoulder! Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by…

In this episode, the guys ask what it is that sparks a burst of creativity? And how does the calendar affect a daily cartoonist. Linus kicks the blanket habit (briefly) and is trying to help others do the same. Peppermint Patty loves her dad and Spike is under attack by coyotes… but the Beagle Scouts are on the way. Plus: Did there used to be more …

Marcie makes her move and shows Charlie Brown how she feels. Charlie Brown blows it, leaving Peppermint Patty to pick up the pieces. Elsewhere… Marbles shows up, Rerun returns, and Woodstock enters his David Foster Wallace period. Plus: An MVP sweep. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael …

Happy any day, everybody! In this episode, Peppermint Patty is in a greeting card quandary. Woodstock is a knight in shining armor. And there are more unnecessary “quotation marks” than you can “shake” a “tennis racket” at. Plus: ginkgo biloba? Transcript available at unpackingpeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen,…

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 availabl…

Marcie accidentally tricks Peppermint Patty into thinking she experienced a miracle, sending Patty off on a quest to better the world. Elsewhere, Lucy’s prices are skyrocketing, but Violet is her same old self. In our world, Schulz faces a health crisis that will change his art forever. Plus: Tony’s Lunch. Girardville, PA. Transcript available at U…

Schulz is bringing back some classics and balancing them with wild new directions. Lucy is at her crabby best. Linus is toting the blanket again. And Snoopy learns a harsh truth about his owners! Plus: Where is Capistrano? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. …

It’s that time of year again and the guys are revisiting the best Valentine's Day strips from the late 60s through the 70s. From Snoopy’s avalanche of love notes to Lucy’s eternal quest for Schroeder’ attention, we cover it all. Plus: Schrödinger’s Mailbox During this episode we mention previous shows: -Happy Valentine's Day You Blockhead from Feb …

Gary Groth is here! The Fantagraphics founder, and editor and publisher of the Complete Peanuts, tells us of his evolving relationship with Schulz’s work, how he prepared to interview Sparky, and how the epic project of reprinting Peanuts in its entirety was accomplished. Plus: Love! And!! Rockets!!! Fantagraphics.com Transcript available at Unpack…

The whole gang goes to a new camp that’s predicting the end of days, and Michael, Harold, and Jimmy are there for it. Elsewhere, the Beagle Scouts rumble, and even Woodstock “gets into it!” Plus: If pigs are so smart, why are they pigs? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Har…

We get back into the strips and a new decade of Peanuts after considering the whole concept of decades and our strange practice of breaking down culture and pop culture into 10-year chunks. PLUS: Talking fairway bushes! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Pro…

The fabulous curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum returns for a fun conversation about what’s coming up at the museum, the success of Peanuts across the world, and the joy of sharing a Pig-Pen hot chocolate at The Warm Puppy Cafe. PLUS: Stuffed Faron Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Micha…

We are thrilled to have as our special guest, Jeannie Schulz! Joining her is Schulz Museum Curator Benjamin Clark. Mrs. Schulz shares with us memories of her husband including the origin of “Sweet Babboo,” and we read some strips that Jeannie says give insight into Schulz’s personal sense of humor. PLUS: I was “just” the co-pilot. Transcript availa…

We arrive at the end of another decade and give our final thoughts on a sweet, surreal, hilarious run of comics. Then we check the mailbox and have a long talk about art and whatnot. Plus: Iron-Man is put on blast. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced…

As 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 …

Cut the cake and fire up the hi-fi! The gang is talking music and reviewing some classic strips as we celebrate the birth of Schroeder’s hero, and Lucy’s bane, Good Ol’ Ludwig Van B.. Plus: Color Me Badd?! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edit…

The guys have a deep discussion about one of the most famous storylines in Peanuts history. Is it a peak or does the strip turn too dark? Either way, it's a fascinating run of comics as Schulz closes off the 70’s as powerful an artist as he’s ever been. Plus: Quiet. I’m thinking. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is cop…

Charles Schulz has his Band on the Run moment… and if you understand that, then you’ve listened to too many episodes of this podcast. The guys love this year of the strip and contemplate Schulz coming to terms with aging and competition from talented youngsters. Plus: They don’t make pen nibs like they used to. Transcript available at UnpackingPean…

The enduring friendship of Woodstock and Snoopy is warming hearts and sharing the spotlight with classics like Lucy and Schroeder at the piano. Elsewhere, the guys discuss Manga, imagination, and Michael Golden’s ‘Nam comic. Plus: Schrucy? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and …

Schulz is honing his knuckleball and settling in for the end of the seventies, while Snoopy the Scoutmaster is heading for the edges of civilization itself. Elsewhere, Sally is in need of a protector or at least a new ruler. Plus: D and D. Harold mentions MST3K.com Michael mentions the 99% Invisible podcast about Luddites https://99percentinvisible…

The gang ponders characters with weird foreheads, characters without mouths, and the unspeakable horror of “Henry.” Meanwhile, back in Peanuts: Linus mansplains, Woodstock can’t shave, and Spike is a player. Plus: No more logo in the top left corner! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael …

The seventies are skywalking and it’s a time of beginnings and endings, as our old pal Shermy comes to bat for the last time and the greatest term of endearment in pop culture ever is exclaimed by Sally for the first time. Plus: Woodstock was in ‘Nam? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael…

This episode was originally released on October 15, 2022. 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 t…

Marcie is the object of some unwanted affection, Woodstock gets a makeover, Jimmy explains Pennsylvania sales tax, and Peppermint Patty becomes an ace student…at obedience school. Plus: Joni James Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz…

Beagles, Bummers, and the Bicentennial It’s a year of surreal surprises, and sad sequences as we say goodbye to Sally’s sentient school. But there’s always pleasure to be pulled from Peanuts… and even more in perusing its panels with one's pals. Plus: Dark Nights with Charles Schulz Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is …

It’s a red letter day in the strip, as Snoopy’s brother Spike makes his first appearance. But it’s not all new stuff, as Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally, and Lucy all make strong appearances. Schulz is engaging with the culture, and the culture is pretty weird, which makes for some fun times in the funnies. Plus: The theology of St. Paul and Minneapoli…

Snoopy gets enlisted as Peppermint Patty’s watchdog but gets foiled by a waterbed. Linus falls in love with someone named Truffles but can’t find her house, and Lucy gets what she wants simply by being Lucy. Plus: Harold goes to the Reubens! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, an…

Everyone loves Snoopy. But which Snoopy is your favorite Snoopy? Does the Flying Ace send your heart soaring? Or is the vulture your fearsome fave? Well this week, we are hanging out with them and more as we do a special episode devoted to our beloved ex-head beagle’s many guises. Plus: the Skook. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpack…

The guys look at a selection of lonely heart strips that get to the lonely heart of the strip. Because, if there is one constant in the Peanuts strip, it’s unrequited love. From Sally and Linus to Lucy and Schroeder, all the way to Marcie and “Chuck.” Plus: Marnie Marquardt. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyrigh…

Our special focus season continues as the guys take a look at some of the best comedic duos in Peanuts. From Linus and Lucy, to Snoopy and Woodstock we read and discuss some of the greatest character comedy ever done in a comic strip. Plus: Simon and Garfunkel. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownle…

It’s the launch of a special season where we look at some of the themes that made Peanuts a success. And since fall is here, we are hitting the books! The guys look at a sampling of strips featuring Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally and more. And maybe tell a few horror stories of their own. Plus: Who cares about tomorrow? Transcript available at Unpacki…

This week, we chat with acclaimed cartoonist Ivan Brunetti. Ivan’s work has been seen in the New Yorker and he is currently writing children’s comics for TOON Books including the upcoming Shapes and Shapes. His brilliant nonfiction book Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice won a 2012 Eisner Award, and today he hops in the Time Machine with us to rev…

It’s a fond look back at the early 70’s, as the guys talk about the highlights of the decade so far. Then they take an in-depth look at PEANUTS JUBILEE, a fantastic book published at the halfway mark of Schulz’s run. Plus: Rubylith and the Zipatones. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael …

Sally is talking to buildings. Woodstock’s got a bike. Lucy has some pitching advice, and someone called Loretta is selling Girl Scout cookies. Plus: Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Micha…

Peppermint Patty drops out of society to beep ol’ Snoop on the nose. Can Marcie bring her back to reality? Also…what IS reality in Peanuts? Elsewhere, Sally really doesn’t want to watch someone throw up, and Snoopy lets it all hang out as he gives streaking a try. Plus: Wing It On Home! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts…

This week we take a long look at the famous “Mister Sack” storyline; a sequence of strips from 1973 that Schulz picked as his personal favorite. Charlie Brown wears a paper bag on his head to hide the weird baseball looking rash he has developed. The results of this turn his life upside down. Plus: What! Me Worry? Transcript available at UnpackingP…

Is Linus a genius, or… not? Thibault the bully is back, but Marcie is having none of it! Miss Othmar is back too, with no fanfare at all. Is it because Schulz is now reckoning with the success of the animation? Plus: Big Little Books Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold…