2016 Audio Advent Calendar, presented by Life Lab Notes

After a fun and successful run with the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar, Life Lab Notes goes year-round! In this inaugural episode, we listen in on a conversation between 2016 and 2017. It's sketch comedy with a little something important to say.  

Let's talk about Boxing Day, "Give Back Box," and our plans for next year. (It's right around the corner!)

“Peace” Written by Silvie Zamora, from interviews of children. 

Behind the scenes at NORAD on their busiest night of the year.

This is the personal story of a five-year-old Jewish girl who shares her Chanukah on Christmas. Written by Judy Goldstein; performed by Denny Siegel.

A very patient dad (Abel Arias) reads a bedtime story to his daughter (Silvie Zamora), who teaches him a thing or two. 

Denny Siegel and Robyn Roth bring you a hysterical look at the family origin of the Wiccan sisters, Rhonda and Frieda.

At the end of another successful year, an elf gets to thinking about rest and relaxation. Written by Robyn Roth; performed by Keith Ferguson.

This personal story is written in soft, glowing light, with the faint sounds of laughter, voices, and the quiet of Christmas Eve night. Written by Gale Brennan Jackson; performed by Jenny Flack.

A young volunteer discovers how to make a difference in the lives of some troubled teens, and in her own life, too. 

“Alan Wept” by Rikki Schwartz A memory of the first time she saw her own self-worth.

“The Story of St Pubbins" Written by Chris Warren Gilbert; performed by Keith Ferguson. This one has been brewing for a while. We hops you like it! 

Studies show that background music in retail settings affects shoppers. This personal story written by Gale Brennan Jackson shows us it works on employees, too. Performed by Silvie Zamora.

Out on the range, perfect dark sky conditions allow a couple of cowboys to ponder the heavens. 

Irving Berlin changed the lyrics to his song "Free" in the musical "Call Me Madam," to “Snow” for the movie “White Christmas,” so @YesAndyCrocker and @JenBascom changed the lyrics to “Sisters.” Irving would have been proud.

“Brought To You By,” by Silvie Zamora. Corporate sponsorship in one family's holiday world.

What do YOU eat for Christmas dinner? Goose, ham, turkey, fish, or KFC if you’re in Japan? (@jamieoliver offers a mouthwatering selection of vegetarian recipes.) #advent #adventcalendar #holiday #podcast #comedy #heartwarming #voiceover #voiceactors Written by @brendanweinhold, performed by Keith Ferguson.

This funny and touching personal story, written and performed by Jenny Flack, will have you nostalgic for Norway, even if you're not Norwegian.

There are so many cultural versions of the potato pancake, this could have been called “Kartoffelpuffer and Ham.” Written by Denny Siegel and performed by Denny Siegel and Brett Bayonne. Music by Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham. #advent #adventcalendar #holiday #podcast #comedy #music #voiceover #voiceactors

“On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner! On, Cockroach!” A slice-of-life true story written by Lauren Pritchard (Married By Christmas, MadTV, Stuck in the Middle) #advent #adventcalendar #holiday #podcast #comedy #heartwarming #voiceover #voiceactors @LaurenPComedy 

Although he never jokes about his work, the head of Q Branch would be pleased.  #JamesBond #007 #advent #adventcalendar #holiday #podcast #comedy #voiceover #voiceactors

Step by step, the tamales are made, with family stories as the backdrop. According to research by the #FamilyNarrativesLab, that's a very good thing. @EmoryUniversity @PsychToday #research #tamales #advent #adventcalendar #holiday #celebrate #podcast #comedy #heartwarming #stories #voiceactors @Abelg81

It's Krampusnacht, the eve of the Feast of St Nicholas, and if you're a half-demon, half-goat, you've got to get to work tonight! Unless, you're looking for other work... 

“Carol of Contention” was written by Lisa Bode Heard as a love letter for her church congregation. We hope they write a love letter back to her that we can record in next year’s Audio Advent Calendar! #carols #advent #adventcalendar #holiday #podcast #comedy #heartwarming #voiceover #voiceactors

The Kansas City Chiefs have held their training camp in St Joseph, Missouri since 2010. No one knows where “Elf Training Camp” is, except perhaps Denny Siegel, who wrote this comedy sketch. #trainingcamp 

He wrote more than 60 books, sold over 600 million copies, and has been translated into more than 20 languages. He did not write “December, December! The Days We Remember!” but it was written with him in mind.

This is it - the first day in our daily countdown of holiday merriment! Join the entire cast of the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar in “A Little Help From Our Friends.” (Not the Beatles song. It’s a sketch. It’s about - well, just download it and have a listen!) LifeLabNotes.com

For an actor on an audition, is your best bet to be natural, or supernatural?   Starting December 1st, Life Lab Notes presents the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar, a collection of 25 humorous and heartwarming glimpses of some famous December holidays. Sketch comedy, short stories, poems, and music. Join us, won't you?