Little Podcast on the Prairie

Welcome to a podcast all about the animated classic Anastasia with a bit of Little House on the Prairie sprinkled throughout! This week, the town of Walnut Grove is hit hard by some major tax increases leaving everyone despondent and unwilling to participate in the centennial celebration for the United States. An optimistic immigrant from Russia rouses everyone back to patriotism with his moving speeches and everything is fine by the end. Yay taxes! Yay America! In addition to broaching some heavy subjects surrounding current events, Amy, Julie, and Marissa gush about all the recent things we are fangirling over like Glow, Sharp Objects, Lonesome Dove, sci-fi novels, Tim Gunn, Tim Curry, and doll repainting. Julie makes us listen to a song that Amy later butchered in editing to save on time. We had a lot to catch up on. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, Ma (and everyone else) is concerned that Pa’s side hustle has resulted in a sidechick with a lovely, young widow. It turns out that he’s just telling a bunch of (white) lies to get Carolyn a set of historically inaccurate dishes. Julie is obsessed with murdering everyone this week and eating pickled foods, Marissa tells us about the FLOTUS china pattern exhibit at the Smithsonian (Reagan had some ugly ones) and gripes about historically inaccurate currency, and Amy gushes about her other favorite television shows Poldark and LOST.  4 8 15 16 23 42. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This year Pa finally has a good crop… but so did everyone else so everyone sells their crops at a loss. To make a little extra, Pa and Mr. Edwards accept a dangerous side-hustle freighting blasting oil through mountainous terrain to the railroad. Joining them on their journey is Henry Hill, a black man who has successfully completed this dangerous venture many times before; and Murphy, a racist fool. We also go off into some deep rabbit holes as we discuss important topics like black representation on prime time network TV today – and less important topics like Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Branson, Missouri. Julie also forces us to reveal some embarrassing moments. It’s a good one. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Pa’s righteous rage is back this week when Miss Beadle is fired for being unable to control the behaviors of some older boys in class, and the school board hires a tyrannical psychopath named Mr. Applewood in her place. Poor Laura takes the brunt of his wrath until the savior of Walnut Grove (Charles Ingalls) eloquently Matlocks (it’s a verb now) the fuming Mr. Applewood right outta town. We discuss the crazy things teachers are expected to put up with, our frustration with some continuity issues in Little House (where’d Miss Beadle’s fancy house go?), and how inappropriate it would have been for Charles to be in Miss Beadle’s apartment alone with her. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, we have a train to catch! Mr. Edwards adopted son Carl is a real idiot and endangers the life of his family’s farm animals, Laura, Mary and himself (twice) because he is the absolute WORST. Laura is kind of a liar, and Mary is… well… a pushover. Mr. Edwards and Charles are on a race against time to save the lives of their children and several other train passengers, and we get several action-packed scenes worthy of a low-budget Indiana Jones film.Julie explains to us why Independence Day is her least favorite holiday. We spend the last 10 minutes talking about food. Amy reveals some of her biggest life regrets. That’s about it. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Ingalls clan gives Ma a weekend to herself so she can bake pies and nearly die of an infection. If not for the brave antics of the family cow and Ma’s feverish (mis)interpretation of the scriptures, she just might have. Amy and Julie get into it again about what is really happening in this episode, and Marissa questions faith in general. We find a few historical inaccuracies and talk in depth about our own disgusting wound stories (so you might want to skip the last 10-15 minutes if you are squeamish.) Special Thanks to our nurse researchers Courtney Schuman and Nicole Ellsworth for answering our many questions. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Walnut Grove’s star student Mary Ingalls qualifies to represent her town at a math competition in the big, swanky city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Laura struggles with feelings of resentment towards her sister who seems to do everything perfectly while Mary suffers under the immense burden of maintaining her “perfect” status in the eyes of her hometown. Amy, Julie, and Marissa discuss the psychology behind coming in second place, test anxiety, and the importance of white noise machines. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week Laura gets struck by lightning and love for another actor that has played Lucille Ball’s son at some point. Nellie also has her sights set on the same boy and will stop at nothing to take him away from Laura.In addition, Amy and Julie reveal that they spent much of their early teens "catfishing" people in chat rooms. Marissa makes us question life by explaining that Ben Franklin’s kite experiment might not have gone exactly as history lets us believe. Finally, we all agree that the world needs Julia Stiles to make a comeback. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Spoiler Alert: Amy might give an important plot point away from the film Annihilation. She has no idea though because she hasn't seen it. We’re sorry. Mr. Edwards deeply desires to form a strong bond with his eldest adoptive son, John Jr. John, Jr. wishes for the same thing; however, Mr. Edwards likes hunting and John cannot BEAR to shoot another living thing. John, Jr. loves reading and writing poetry, but Mr. Edwards cannot read and is very embarrassed about it. Mr. Edwards decides to force the issue and make John accompany him on a weekend hunting trip, and things escalate really quickly. Amy, Julie, and Marissa discuss how society should broaden its definitions on what it means to be “manly.” We all unpack a lot of complicated issues and go off into a million tangents about movies with scary predators. Julie challenges us to write our versions of “Old Dan Tucker.” Also, do bears like bread? For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, Mary is tasked with ordering in a new Bible as a gift for Reverend Alden’s birthday, but is underwhelmed by the selection available within the Sunday school kids’ budget. Laura is immediately impressed with an ad in a catalog promising to double your money by selling homeopathic remedies. She works on convincing Mary that this is a smart move. Unfortunately, they can’t move any of the products on their hands despite Laura slowly morphing into a tiny con woman. Laura is annoying us right now, and Amy is real salty about life in general. Julie challenges everyone to go as low as you can go with our voices to some mildly comical effect. We all discuss our various schemes for faking sickness to stay home from church or school. Most importantly, Julie and Marissa admit that Reverend Alden can be pretty cool sometimes. And that, to Amy, is the greatest gift of all. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

“I think gold is made for kings and pharaohs―that's what I am.” ― Big Sean Welcome back to a half hour spent in Walnut Grove where all of life’s problems are neatly solved in less time than it takes to bake a potato in an oven. Today, Laura and her buddy Jonah make a discovery that will make them very wealthy. Laura’s imagination takes a wild and gloriously glittery turn, and we love every ridiculous second of it. In addition, Marissa teaches Amy and Julie a few facts about the California gold rush, and together we learn more about the various types of wetlands than one could ever wish to know. We all discuss what we would buy if we suddenly came into some money as well as the times we thought we were about to get rich before reality rudely set in. Finally, we discover that there is a companion Bob’s Burgers episode to every episode of Little House on the Prairie. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Have you ever wondered how the Olesons and Ingalls families would behave with each other if they were stuck in the wilderness together with a merderous dog? Join us this week and find out! Hint: It’s as crazy as it sounds. Amy, Julie, and Marissa discuss out past camping adventures (none of them are positive.) Marissa links this episode to an episode of Bob’s Burgers which is suspiciously similar, Julie airs out some past grievances about her social struggles growing up, and Amy announces her idea for a low-fi Little House video game. (We are collecting resumes from all interested game developers.) Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

We’re back with the bittersweet conclusion to “Remember Me” where Pa struggles to find a home for all three Sanderson children, Laura struggles to find a home for the third puppy, and Mr. Edwards struggles to find the courage to open his heart to love again. Viewers are also delightfully treated with an introduction to another of Harriet’s wealthy and impeccably dressed family members, Miss Minerva Farnsworth. In addition, Marissa poses an ethical quandary to Amy, and Julie asks an interesting question to our male listener (listners?) about facial hair. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week we meet Julia Sanderson, widowed mother of three, who learns she hasn’t much time left in life. With admirable courage and a smoky-smooth voice, she makes preparations for her children with Charles Ingalls help. Mary and Laura also rescue three puppies that look suspiciously like Jack. In the first several minutes of this episode, we learn the Jeff Scale origin story as well as meet who is arguably one of the worst residents of Walnut Grove. Amy and Marissa discuss whom they would leave their children with in the event of their death. (Hint: Julie might end up with a lot of children.) We also learn a lot about the early developments of cancer treatment and discuss how rainy funeral scenes are extremely cliché. (Trigger Warning: This episode deals with losing a parent to a terminal illness.) Special Thanks to our nurse researcher Courtney Schuman for answering our questions. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Aaaaand we’re back! Thank you to everyone for sticking with us on our two-week hiatus while Amy and Julie were in Aruba. Love is in the air this week when Laura (and Grace Snyder) attempt to get the men in their lives to ask them to the annual Spring Dance. After taking some of Ma’s shoddy advice, both Laura and Grace end up getting themselves into more than they signed up for. We introduce two exciting, new segments: Marissa’s Outrage Corner and Doc Baker’s Book Reviews. In addition, we get some fantastic gift ideas for our meat-loving loved ones in our life. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week everything gets a little creepy when Laura is taunted into approaching the run-down mansion of the town hermit and possible murderous maniac Amos Pike. The two quickly develop an odd relationship, and Laura spends every afternoon in his house cleaning – AND HER PARENTS DO NOT CARE. After Laura learns the truth about Amos’ absent wife, she shoulders the very-adult responsibility of breaking the tragic news to him and becoming his therapist even the he clearly needs some professional help to sort through his complicated grief. In addition to discussing this signature Victor French episode, we argue about the color of a dress in a painting, Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, and how much we love short stories. What you won’t hear is the 3 minutes of Julie yelping and shrieking at every little noise while we were recording this episode… For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Grab a bowl of applesauce and sit down to this crackerjack of an episode! Walnut Grove is gearing up to play in the annual baseball game against the town of Sleepy Eye. The problem: they have a lousy pitcher (ahem, Nels.) The solution: They find one in mild-mannered Jebidiah Mumfort. A new character also saunters into town by the name of Slick McBernie, and he, along with his truly remarkable moustache, are immediately inducted into out Hottie Hall o’ Fame. Listen to find out how the game ends… I bet you can’t guess. We talk hot-heads, hotties, and a hot-tempered Jesus in this episode about “America’s Favorite Pastime.” We also spend almost the entire last half of this podcast episode talking about the upcoming Winter Olympics BECAUSE WE CAN! For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week Walnut Grove gets a shiny new bank with a less-than-friendly banker (whom we all immediately like.) Pa makes some more poor financial decisions, Ma attempts to raise more money for the school’s textbook fund without using her womanly wiles, and Laura makes fishing buddies with a middle-aged man without knowing his name which makes us question Ma and Pa’s parenting methods. We also discuss Gilmore Girls (again), Mr. Worldwide (Pitbull), how embarrassing our pets can be, and what qualities make a good banker. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, the entire Ingalls family is concerned about Mary. Her grades are suddenly failing, and Pa is the only one smart enough to figure out that she needs glasses. That entire mystery takes most of the episode to solve. After her eyes are opened to a whole new world via glasses, she is immediately terrorized by the Oleson kids who tell her she will never get married now that glasses have turned her into a hideous monster. Mary decides she'd rather fail at school than be a spinster so she hides her glasses. Thankfully, a dopey version of Ryan Gosling swings by to make out with Miss Beadle (who also wears glasses) proving to Mary that maybe the Oleson kids are just mean and have no idea what they are talking about. Amy, Julie, and Marissa delve into subjects like body image, what personal "flaws" plagued us when we were teenagers, and how we learned we finally needed glasses. We also talk about how depressing Planet Earth can be and how washing your face with oil can possibly solve acne issues. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Welcome to Season 2! This week, Hansen’s Mill is forced to close due to some unforeseen circumstances leaving the Ingalls family in debt to the Mercantile and on Harriet’s bad side. The whole family manages to rally together to earn enough money while keeping the family farm up and running so that they can clear their debt and purchase caffeine and sugar until the mill reopens. In addition, we talk about various lighthearted subjects like murdering spouses, poverty, what we ate when we were broke, and the kindness of strangers/friends during our lean times. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Happy New Year and Happy We’ve Made It Through Season 1! And boy was it a journey! Together we have weathered fires, ensorcellment, plagues, murders of hungry crows, rabies, blizzards, hailstorms, explosions, and Johnny Johnson. In addition to reflecting on some of the highlights of Season 1, we discuss how Pa meets the future version of himself in a struggle that on the surface seems like a case of fragile masculinity, but ends up being something much deeper. Amy, Julie, and Marissa discuss getting older, what events we’d enter in the Walnut Grove Founder’s Day, and why the pie baking contest is deeply flawed. But most importantly, we learn that sometimes it is more important to be kind that right. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

As a late Christmas present, we present you with a lighthearted episode featuring fan-favorite Mr. Edwards and Walnut Grove’s resident scarecrow Johnny Johnson. This week, we learn that Johnny has allowed just-enough book learning to seep into his misguided head to cause trouble. Combine that with his father’s ultimatums on focusing on his chores and schoolwork and Mr. Edwards’ tall tales, and we have a lanky, ginger tornado of cringey-ness.Johnny decides he is through with school and is determined to strike out on his own and see the world and a guilt-ridden Mr. Edwards reluctantly tries to set him on the right path back home. In Mankato, both fellows are outwitted and outplayed by a local saloon girl forcing Mr. Edwards and to learn when it is time to fold ‘em.This week, we also discuss Reverend Alden’s alter ego, the dark and fascinating history of #PutABirdOnIt, and Julie’s love of architecture. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Happy Holidays from Walnut Grove! We go back in time (in season 1) to just after Laura goes on her spiritual journey to the mountains to get her baby brother back. Since then, Pa and Ma have apparently bribed her to stay home with a beautiful pony named Bunny. The pony is so nice that Nellie Oleson keeps pressuring her father to buy the pony off of the Ingalls for Christmas, but Laura isn’t selling. With low funds, every member of the Ingalls family must get creative with their gift-giving this Christmas. Mary earns money by helping the town seamstress, Ma hoards extra eggs to sell, Pa becomes a wheelwright overnight, Carrie has gold hidden throughout the forest, but Laura has no marketable skills (aside from speechwriting.) In this nod to O’Henry, we reflect on our own gift-giving snafus, favorite Christmas traditions, and laugh way too long about inside jokes from an episode of America’s Next Top Model. Marissa gives a brief history of Christmas in the United States, Amy embarrasses herself by attempting to become a Biblical history scholar, and Julie regales us with tales of her Starbucks Barista days. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Bundle up, because this week we weave a tale of the Ingalls family stranded on the road in an abandoned cabin while they wait out a torrential blizzard. During this time, they must keep their spirits up, fend off starvation, deal with a “renegade” Sioux lurking in the forest nearby, and above all… survive the overwhelming hatred that consumes the US Marshall stranded with them.This week we also discuss the commonly used TV trope of bottle episodes, commercials in the 1970s, US Government and Native American relations, the Donner Party, and how Germans were duped into immigrating to the state of Missouri. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week Pa holds the equivalent of a Tupperware party for corn all thanks to a bushy-chested ginger named Joe Coulter with a college degree and big ideas. When a tragedy strikes on Joe’s journey home, Pa must venture out on a one-man search party while the rest of the Walnut Grove farmers stew in a growing rage fest of sweat and bitterness. Amy, Julie, and Marissa talk all things 127 Hours, Titanic, Castaway, things that spook horses, and why corn is one of the largest and most problematic crops in the United States today. Amy also gives a lot of unwanted advice about how to act around pregnant women, leaving notes about where you are going, and sugar consumption. Enjoy! For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Trigger Warning: This episode involves alcoholism and child abuse. This week we explore another dark episode that portrays some troubling social issues: alcoholism and child abuse.  When John Stewart (not that Jon Stewart of Daily Show fame) beats his son into unconsciousness in a drunken rage, the town of Walnut Grove (and especially the Ingalls family) cannot choose to ignore what is happening any longer. Thanks to Miss Beadle, Ma, Pa, and Doc Baker, appropriate measures are taken in order to provide healing to both the father and son. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, a tenderhearted yet garishly dressed conman comes to Walnut Grove and nearly kills Mrs. Oleson with some placebo drugs, and Jack (the dog) narrowly escapes death once again. In addition, we discuss nightgowns for men, Edgar Allen Poe, shower plants, and Amy educates everyone on her new favorite term “enscorcellment”. We do have a few echo-y sound snafus in this episode. We promise that this will be fixed by next week and greatly appreciate your patience with us as well as your listens. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Welcome back for a Halloween episode about one of the scariest things in the world… infectious diseases. Walnut Grove is rocked to its core by a plague that thankfully only kills people we aren’t invested in. Pa and Mr. Edwards bromance reaches a new level, we learn how to properly dispose of bodies ravaged by the plague, and we get our first ice bath out of 25,000 in this series. It will give you chills.In addition to this dark, skin-crawling tale, we discuss the worst sicknesses we’ve ever experienced, our favorite Halloween candies, and what we are going to dress up as this year. Special Thanks to our nurse researchers Courtney Schuman and Nicole Ellsworth for answering our many questions. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, Amy and Julie introduce Marissa to the world of Christian romance novels, we all talk about Downton Abbey way too much, and (most importantly) a stylish young woman catches the eye of Doc Baker.  She’s got amazing outfits, recognizes a woke bae when she sees one, and is a genuinely lovely person. We are just as taken with Kate Thorvald as the doc.  The only problem is, Doc Baker is at least 20 years her senior and has extensive sun damage. Will Hiram Baker’s bachelor lifestyle come to an end? Will Mr. Hansen get over his jealousy now that his best buddy suddenly has less time for him? Will Harriet Oleson (Kate’s aunt) allow the two lovebirds to get married? Find out all of this and much more on this week’s episode. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Have you ever wished for a podcast about Harriet Olseon AND Harry Potter? Look no further! This week there is trouble in paradise for Nels and Harriet. When their marriage and the town’s economy seem to be on the brink of destruction, Charles Ingalls is the only one capable of saving the day! Julie shares a shocking story from her waitressing days, we assign determine what animals represent various characters in Little House, and then we all gush over the details of the Oleson’s home and lifestyle. This episode is full of physical comedy, the townies we all love, the famous Michael Landon laugh, and pure perfection of Katherine McGregor’s (Harriet) craft. It has quickly risen to the top as our favorite episode so far. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Welcome back for Part 2! This week Laura somehow manages to travel to the Black Hills of South Dakota in 24 hours on foot where she presents a pretty flawless trade deal with God. While waiting on the Lord to answer her, she makes friends with an elderly mountain man and a dove. Meanwhile, Pa and Mr. Edwards frantically search for her and come across some very fortunate clues along the way. In this episode we also go off into tangents on Hollywood’s fascination with angels, pigeons with Munchausen syndrome, Shakira, and Jemaine Clement. If you don’t think those things could possibly be connected, then you obviously haven’t spent much time with us before. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week we venture into one of the darkest episodes of Little House where the Ingalls family endures a tragic loss. Laura feels that she is the catalyst of her family’s suffering and is determined to take drastic measures in order to make things right.To lighten the subject matter, Amy, Julie, and Marissa delve deep into several tangents involving labor, breastfeeding, Pixar’s Inside Out, and literally anything else to avoid talking about this episode. Join us next week as we pick up where we left off for Part 2. Trigger Warning:  This episode involves the death of an infant.Special Thanks to our nurse researcher Courtney Schuman for answering our many questions. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This first episode sans Pa (Michael Landon) quickly turns into an episode of Gilmore Girls – if the Gilmore Girls lived on the prairie in the 1870s and involved fire, horses, and poverty. Will Mary ever manage to untangle herself from her web of lies and repair her relationship with Ma? Will Laura ever get some sleep? Will Julie finally come around to Rev. Alden? (She won’t.) Join Julie, Marissa, and Amy as we discuss this new dynamic in the Little House and delve deep into tangents on candy and the cost of vanilla beans. What more could you possibly want? For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week we witness how Walnut Grove nearly self-destructs over a church bell but is saved by the town's children and a mute tinker. Amy unsuccessfully tries to draw parallels between Walnut Grove and South Park, Julie uncovers a secret romance, and Marissa… well, you’ll just have to wait and find out. It’s a big deal. We apologize for the background noise. Marissa's dog was really into her treat, and Amy couldn't figure out how to edit it out without compromising the rest of the audio quality. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week, Mary attempts to cheer Laura up by bringing home a fully-grown baby trash panda. Carrie is running around somewhere. We don’t see much of her. Willy and Jack try to warn everyone that a raccoon is a horrible pet. Tragedy plagues the second half of the episode. Chickens are needlessly massacred. A rabid raccoon attacks Pa in the barn. Pa nearly shoots Jack in the face. Laura and Jack are potential zombies. And Jasper the raccoon DESTROYS a homemade pie. This episode is harrowing.​Special thanks as always to our medical expert Courtney Schuman. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.  

After the future Walnut Grove serial killer causes Miss Beadle to get severely injured in an accident involving some dramatic stunts, the town begs Ma to be the school’s substitute teacher while Miss Beadle recovers. After reluctantly accepting the gig, Ma struggles to win over the students with her athletic prowess and build up the confidence of a giant, balding man-kid so he can read. Meanwhile, Carrie is babysat by the “Nelsons.”  (We all know “Nelsons” is a codename for a family of wolves in the forest. Seriously, no one watches this kid.) This episode is sure to delight with plenty of Mrs. Oleson and Ma battles, average looking clay figurines, and Carolyn’s swiftly changing moods. Marissa and Amy get into a very long tangent on the little we know about the history of public education, Julie delights us with her dramatic gasps throughout, and we see evidence of a town ghost who haunts the church/school. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Pa surprises Ma with a second honeymoon to Mankato. Mr. Edwards babysits (Yes, it’s as hilarious as it sounds.) and gets a very traumatic crash course in parenting. A rattlesnake nearly devours Carrie, Pa gets shut down for romance and every turn, but Jack the dog has the best week of his life. Join Marissa, Julie, and Amy as we talk like we know everything about chickens, the germ theory, and reveal Julie’s greatest fear to the world. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

This week on Little Podcast on the Prairie, we explore the contributions of immigrants to the United States, a common disability, and Michael Landon's infamous temper on set. We are introduced to Laura’s friend Olga Nordstrom (future heiress to the Nordstrom Empire… we like to think) who suffers from a condition known as leg length discrepancy. As a special bonus, we get to see the inside of the Oleson’s house during Nellie’s birthday party (the “Town Party”), and it’s as dope as she says. Just before Laura and Mary hold their own “Country Party” at the Little House, pa “invents” shoe lifts thus changing Olga’s life (and the lives of every other person suffering from that condition) forever. There’s nothing Pa cannot do. Will Olga’s intense and sweaty father finally take a much needed chill pill? Are apple fritters an appropriate main course for dinner? Who will come out on top in the Laura v. Crab sub-plot? (Hint: It isn’t Nellie.) Find out all of this and more on this week’s episode. Special thanks to our RN source Courtney Schuman. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

We’re back this week with the weirdest episode of Little House on the Prairie yet.  (We're on to you, Victor French.) We are introduced elderly neighbor lady Miss Amy Hearn who is notable because 1. she's the token Catholic of Walnut Grove and 2. the most long-winded lady this side of the Mississip'. After literally talking her roommate and dear friend Miss Maddie to death, Miss Amy concocts a wild plan to fake her own death so she can see her children, whom she hasn’t seen for a while, at her funeral. She somehow manages to manipulate Doc Baker and the Ingalls family into going along with her crazy shenanigans and hilarity/just plain weirdness ensues. We're not sure what happens during the rest of the episode because we fell asleep while Miss Amy was on one of her long winded rants. Join us as Marissa attempts to teach Amy and Julie about Catholicism, Julie unloads a TON of juicy details about the cast on the set of Little House, and then we all discuss how we want our remains disposed of after death. (It's less macabre than it sounds.) For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

We're back with a half-pint sized story of love and heartache. This week, Laura sets her heart-eyes on the new boy in school―Johnny Johnson who resembles a 23-year-old ginger scarecrow or a poor-man's Mark Hamill. Johnny, however, only has eyes for Mary Ingalls and considers Laura to just be a lovable little kid that's really great at fishing, rock throwing, and all the skills one always looks for in a potential mate. Mary, on the other hand, “doesn’t give a hoot for that dumb old Johnny Johnson.”Will Johnny notice Laura for more than his crush's adorable little sister? Will Laura's plan to make him fall in love with her succeed? Will Amy share way too much insight into her own emotionally fraught love story? Find out all of this and more with Julie, Marissa, and Amy as your guides. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Get out the way for Mr. Edwards because he's back! Pa runs into our favorite Wildcat from Tennessee while on a business trip to Mankato. After defying science by sobering him up in a river, Pa brings him back to the little house, and Mr. Edwards begins putting down roots into the town of Walnut Grove. Will Mr. Edwards be able to accept his past, start healing, and begin looking forward to a new future? Will Ma be successful in her new role as the town matchmaker? Will we finally learn how to say the Reverend's last name? (Spoiler alert: We don't.) Join Amy, Julie, and Marissa as we learn how NOT to sober someone up, what constitutes a hot date back in pioneer days, and how the song "Old Dan Tucker" is the most versatile song known to mankind. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

The Ingalls family's wheat crop is destroyed by a thunderous hailstorm, and Pa is forced to hit the road to find work so they can survive the winter. On his adventures he meets an Irishman with an explosive personality and a gentle giant of a Swede. Together, these 3-best-friends-that-anyone-could-have form the "Fellowship of the Wheat" and become experts at quarry work in record time. Meanwhile, Ma saves the day by gathering the women folk together to salvage what they can of the destroyed wheat. Join Amy, Julie, and Marissa as they learn all about double-jacking and the importance of the safe search option on Google. Witness as they break open a century-old true crime mystery featuring one of the characters on the show. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Mary and Laura start school in Walnut Grove where they meet their arch-nemesis Nellie Oleson. Ma has a run in with Harriet Oleson, and she and Laura must strive to rise above. Laura struggles to write an essay for Visitors' Day that encompasses everything on her heart, and she ends up bringing the (one room school) house down with a performance that will tug at your heart strings. Amy and Julie cry a lot, and Marissa makes fun of us. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.

Our favorite pioneer family has settled on the shores of Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota (HARRIET OLESON!!) to start their lives over once again. Will economic hardships destroy their spirit of hope? Will Pa's hubris be their undoing? Is it a good idea to make a deal with a leprechaun you've just met? Will we ever learn how many miles it is from Plum Creek to Walnut Grove? Find out all this and much more in this week's episode. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.  

Join Amy, Julie, and Marissa as we leave the little house in the big woods of Wisconsin to the untamed Kansas plains where we must weather wolves, possible skirmishes with native tribes, wildfire, and Pa's many mood swings. Airing in March 1974, the pilot made-for-tv-film is the perfect introduction to our favorite pioneer family and their adventures to come. For more articles, photos, and other resources on each episode, visit our weekly companion blog here. (Special Thanks to David Rose Publishing for allowing us use of his iconic theme for the Little House on the Prairie show. (Composition Credit) © 1974 David Rose Publishing Co. | (Master Recording Credit) ℗ 2010 David Rose Publishing Co.)