Podcasts about Dollywood

Debut novelist and 2023 Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow Allison King on blending history with magical realism, and what it takes to build a writing life while navigating the modern publishing landscape.We discuss:Allison's early relationship with stories and the role her grandmother played in shaping it.The path from fan fiction and short stories to publishing a debut novel.The dual timeline and braided structure of The Phoenix Pencil Company, moving between WWII-era Shanghai and contemporary Cambridge.Building a magic system at the heart of the novel, and why its consequences matter more than its mechanics.Pragmatic outlining and structural tools (including reverse outlining) for managing timeline-heavy drafts.Researching family history without turning the book into an autobiography.Writing about Alzheimer's with care, and what Allison learned in revision about emotional precision.Resources and Links:Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi ThorpeRedwall by Brian JacquesThe Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King Last Boat Out of Shanghai by Helen Zia LitUp FellowshipOnce Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan My Brilliant Friend by Elena FerranteA Tale For the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki About Allison KingAllison King is an Asian American writer and software engineer based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In technology, her work has ranged from semiconductors to platforms for community conversations to data privacy. Her short stories have appeared in Fantasy Magazine, Diabolical Plots, and LeVar Burton Reads, among others. She is also a 2023 Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow. The Phoenix Pencil Company is her first novel. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!

On today's MJ Morning Show:Blackhead brideNY jeweler goes after competitionMorons in the newsDrawing kid did was not what you think...AI slop - fake Walter White inspiration storyFester's mattressFraud and MJ... again... We took callsCoach Bowles... will he return to the Bucs?MJ InstagramSalt and pepper spray banditsMichelle's latest MJ sloganMichelle... the year of MichelleMJ - Mandarin orangesNew food pyramidNurse knew signs of O.D.Which movie had the most leftover novelty popcorn buckets?Matt Kalil suing ex over her description of his junk... We took calls from ladies onlyWalrus wang stolen from NJ barFire at Sonny's in BartowFoo Fighters' guitar player had a gardening accidentPatrick Swayze's brother Sean Swayze dead at 63Matt Damon's weight during 'The Odyssey'Characters entering public domainTips for longer lifeSt. Pete rooftop pee-erTaylor didn't attend Travis' last gameDid Bradley Cooper get plastic surgery?Dollywood drink fountains anger fansStar Search reboot on NetflixNikki Glaser afraid to roast this celebritySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are the best questions to ask on a first date? Also, who was the Pixar employee that saved Toy Story 2? We talk about the American Red Cross giving out Super Bowl tickets, Dollywood making fans upset, and lots more!

Joey got his kids Amazon Echos for their rooms, and they are excited about the new alarm clock possibilities on it. Johnston is waking up to a song from The Goofy Movie and Marvin is waking up to a Michael Jackson song. 130 sober drivers were arrested for DUIs in Tennessee last year. This is down from 400+ in 2024. We are confused about how that happens. Nancy has finally taken off her mega lashes (her eyelash extensions). She told her husband, and he said that the mega lashes had looked like Venus flytraps on her eyeballs. The kicker for the Baltimore Ravens is getting threats on social media because he missed a field goal. Hot Tea: Zach Brian got married and people are tired of hearing his ex talk about it. Kim K is being hated on by PETA for getting her kids puppies for Christmas. Mr. Bubble, the bath brand, is releasing a limited-edition bubble bath flavored soda. Thousands of people across East Tennessee may lose insured access to East TN Children’s Hospital. The insurance company Cigna is threatening to end coverage due to hospital costs being “too high.” Joey got his brother Jesse a Christmas gift, and Jesse basically told Joey it wasn’t a good gift. Lucky 7 for Dollywood tickets The Netflix show Stranger Things released the final episode on New Year’s Eve, but some fans have a conspiracy theory that there will actually be one more episode. They think it will come out tomorrow, based on clues they found on social media and on the show. Nancy went to a police officer pinning ceremony yesterday for her daughter’s boyfriend. It is supposed to be a serious event, but she kept laughing during it because of his funny uniform and shoes. What Makes You Special? I am Zeb Ross, the viral clog dancer! Karly’s brother has to say the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of meetings at his new job. Nancy is going to try leading the pledge in our staff meeting today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back from break! Joey’s family did several escape rooms, Nancy and her husband went to Vegas, and Karly met Hoda Kotb at Disneyland! Monday Morning Wakeup Call with 16-Year-Old, Gracie! Nancy is changing the meaning of Dry January – she's drying up her credit card! She wants to be smarter financially and not spend money on things she doesn’t actually need. Hot Tea: Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are officially back together again. Jelly Roll made the cover of Men’s Health magazine. Riley Green gave his parents an RV for Christmas. Joey finally let his kids watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. He really wanted them to like it and watched their reactions the whole time. He had to skip a few scenes and explain a few jokes to them, but he thinks they liked it. A monkey was loose in Morristown yesterday. After lots of Facebook drama, it was discovered that the lady in Morristown that “owned” the monkey, wasn’t the rightful owner. The monkey had been stolen from a farm in Alabama and then sold to her. It was caught and is being reunited with its original owners. Lucky 7 for Dollywood tickets Nancy's family took awkward family photos at JC Penney over the break. If you haven’t seen them, go to the Joey and Nancy social media pages! She said they had a blast taking them and that the photographer was awesome. Apparently, over half of the photoshoots JC Penney does around the holidays are the awkward ones. We thought making new year’s resolutions for ourselves was boring, so we each made a few for each other. We all agreed ahead of time that we would not get butthurt about what the others said. Nancy took her Christmas tree down on Christmas day, and Joey is baffled. One of her kid’s friends called her a Grinch. Words that should be banned in 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

watch the video below: listen to the podcast below: It's time to close out yet another year of the Dandy Fun House. While all those “other shows” are slacking off and giving you retrospectives of everything they've already done in the past year, it is instead our tradition here at the Dandy Fun House to leave the past exactly there… in the past and instead look ahead to the brand spankin' new year coming at us like Frehley's Comet and take a glimpse at the coolest stuff we've been able to find that's waiting for us in 2026! We're going to look at theme parks, movies, pinball and of course the TOTY AWARD NOMINATION picks for the upcoming 2026 Toy of the Year Awards! Are you ready to get your kicks in 26? Then LET'S step into the FUN HOUSE! Hello and welcome to the Dandy Fun House 2025 year-end extravaganza where we wear the hats and blow our hooters about the very best in retro pop culture, toys and games and all the fun stuff! I’m your host Neil Dandy and in this episode we're going to look ahead at WHAT’S HOT ON THE HORIZON FOR 2026 in the worlds of theme parks, movies, pinball and my personal picks for the 2026 TOTY AWARDS (Toy of the Year). BUT FIRST! I have to show you these amazing DANDY FUN HOUSE T-Shirts before time runs out! Perfect for swaddling the baby new year, They have a front and a back so you don’t get cold and we even cut 4 holes in them! One to crawl your body into, one to stick your head out of and two to poke your arms through! Find them in the Dandy Fun Shop at the Dandy Fun House website at dandyfunhouse.com before the Dandy Ball Drops! Alrighty, hold on tighty and let’s get right into what's hot on the horizon for 2026 starting with… THEME PARKS! And up first is going to be UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, HOLLYWOOD (which isn't actually in Hollywood, it's in Studio City kind of like the LA Angels baseball team is actually in Anaheim and how they call the Embassy Suites here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee “Nashville South” which we absolutely are not. But anyway that's a rabbit hole rant for another day.) Anyway, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS in the greater Los Angeles, California area is breaking ground on a new roller coaster where each individual car experiences its very own 360 degrees of rotation. The coaster is called FAST AND FURIOUS HOLLYWOOD DRIFT themed after the Fast and Furious movies obviously. This one is expected to peel out in 2026! And Legoland California is busy building the Lego Galaxy space-themed land including an indoor roller coaster. Over at Kings Island in Ohio they're opening what they are calling a new “dark ride” in 2026 called “PHANTOM THEATER: Opening Nightmare.” It's in the location that has most recently held an attraction called Boo Blasters but is apparently the site of a previous attraction also called PHANTOM THEATER and this is apparently the return of that attraction with some various upgrades. I went to the Kings Island website to get more information and there's just a teaser video showing two girls walking into Boo Blasters and ending up in the Phantom Theater which appears to be a very loose sendup on the Phantom of the Opera. The cartoon phantom character they show in the teaser graphic is obviously based on the classic Lon Chaney silent film character, and visitors ride inside cars that resemble opera boxes. So… yeah. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (my neck of the woods kinda sorta) will be undertaking a $50 million expansion and also opening the world's first ever hybrid indoor family coaster and whitewater river raft ride called the “Night Flight Expedition.” Then under at Sea World, Orlando Florida they're diving into a new dark ride called SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep. If you don't know what a dark ride is, it basically means it's indoors and you get moved from scene to scene. It doesn't necessarily mean it's actually dark. Anyway, this new dark ride at Sea World Orlando will be what they are calling a suspended dark ride. The only information about this ride currently is that the rider will “discover dazzling ecosystems, legendary sea life, and breathtaking stories of resilience and wonder.” NEW MOBILITY DEVICE POLICY AT SEA WORLD! And speaking of Sea World, they have a controversial new policy which has been making the news lately that has just rolled out regarding mobility devices for the disabled. It appears that rollator walkers with seats are no longer permitted. The official updated policy from the Sea World website is as follows: “For the safety of our guests and employees, rollator walkers with seats on them are not permitted at SeaWorld Orlando. Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted.” I'm guessing that more than a few guests were using their rollators like wheelchairs and it was causing some sort of safety concern in the parks. As someone who transports disabled people as my profession and handles mobility devices all day long, I can tell you from personal experience that a wheelchair itself is something you need to exercise caution with while pushing someone around. A rollator walker would be very, very easy to tip over if someone were attempting to use it as a wheelchair. So while I am disappointed at the inconvenience some disabled guests are going to face with this new policy, I want to be very careful not to demonize Sea World too quickly on this new policy. Guests can still borrow suitable mobility devices from guest services. Ok, time to work our flippers over to the world of PINBALL! Here are the rumored pinball releases expected in 2026 that caught my eye during the research for this episode. Please keep in mind these are only rumors… AMERICAN PINBALL is rumored to be releasing a CUPHEAD pinball machine in 2026 based on the wildly popular video game featuring some amazing vintage animation styles. I'll admit I'm not familiar with the character or the video game but I do love this vintage cartoon style! SPOOKY PINBALL is said to be working on a MOTORHEAD pinball machine for 2026. NO offense to guitarist Wurzel or drummer Mickey Dee (now playing with the Scorpions) who were crucial to keeping the band going in its later years, but I'm really hoping it honors the original lineup of Lemmy, Philthy Phil and Fast Eddie! BARRELS OF FUN PINBALL appears to be cooking up some GOONIES pinball for the new year! RAMPS PINBALL will be coming out with LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS! Oh please let the carnivorous plant eat the ball! And last but not least in our pinball 2026 rumours we have PINBALL ADVENTURES bringing us SUSHI MADNESS! Ni Ohashi Kudasai ! And if you're REALLY a pinball nut as we know you are, you'll want to put March 20th through the 22nd on your calendar because that's when Frisco, Texas braces itself for the annual TEXAS PINBALL FESTIVAL! Over 440 games. One incredible weekend! The website says tickets go on sale October 4th 2026. I have to imagine that's a typo and they really mean 2025 otherwise only those with the ability for reverse time travel will be able to attend. There will be tournaments and challenges, special guests and panels, exhibitors, parts, memorabilia, new games and there will be a special tech day for those trying to upgrade and/or fix their own machines. That's the TEXAS PINBALL FESTIVAL 2026! Rope you a ticket today! Yeehaw! Alright, I think we're ready to “steer” away from pinball and “drive” this herd into… MOVIES! First I'll start with letting you know a few of my favorite movies of 2025 before we get into what's ahead for 2026: JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH: Ok, it was pretty much par for the course but it had Scarlett Johansson carrying the entire movie on her shoulders alone and she pulled it off amazingly! MICKEY 17: This is a movie about a guy who signs on to do very dangerous grunt work in space for a corporation and every time he gets killed, the company just prints out a new copy of him with all his same memories. The crux is that the new copy never knows if he's actually the person being reborn every time or if he really dies and the new copy just has his memories and merely thinks he's the same person. Weird stuff. THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS – After many fantastic fails at trying to make this work on the big screen, they finally got the Fantastic Four right! The retro future vibe was spot on and all the actors were perfect! SUPERMAN: I was really upset about losing Henry Cavill as Superman, but James Gunn came back with a fresh new fun feel on this one starring David Corenswet, even bringing in Supe's dog Krypto! This movie was just a great time! More please! THE SMASHING MACHINE: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a dramatic role co-starring Emily Blunt. It's the story of Mixed Martial arts and UFC Champion Mark Kerr and how he conquered his biggest opponent: addiction. And finally in my roundup of my favorite movies of 2025 I bring you… BUGONIA! This movie was a crazy trip with some really wild twists and many moments of pure cringe and I loved it! Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons who seems to be showing up in everything lately! It's a story about two conspiracy nuts who kidnap a corporate CEO thinking she's a space alien trying to destroy the Earth. This was easily my biggest delightful surprise of 2025. But before we get to 2026, I'd like to give a special nod to TRON: ARES because I always expect anything starring Jared Leto to suck eggs and this did not! And SPINAL TAP II: The End Continues… Rest in peace Marty DiBergi. MOVIES I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026! THE ODYSSEY Expected Jul 17, 2026: After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way. starring Matt Damon, Mia Goth, and Anne Hathaway. This could be really good or it could be really stupid. I'm betting this is going to be good and double or nothing that Mia Goth will be a siren or maybe Medusa. I think she'd make a good Medusa! EVIL DEAD BURN Expected Jul 24, 2026 – I'm a sucker for the Evil Dead movies. This one is not likely to have any Bruce Campbell, but they're keeping the details under tight wraps for now so who knows? COYOTE VS. ACME Expected Aug 28, 2026 PG A story set in the ACME warehouse, the manufacturer of anything and everything used by the Looney Tunes characters. And apparently John Cena is voicing one of the characters! Oh please oh please oh please get this right! If 2025's “The Day The Earth Blew Up” starring Daffy Duck and Porky Pig is any indication, I think we can have high hopes here! Ooh, that’s another one of my favorites from 2025 I left off the list! INSPECTOR GADGET – No details are available but I think we're long overdue for some Go Go Gadget action! DUNE Part Three Expected Dec 18, 2026 It follows Muad’dib, heir to unimaginable power, as he brings to fruition the ancient scheme to create a superbeing ruler among men, not in the heavens. And according to imdb it’s starring Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Timothée Chalamet and Anya Taylor-Joy. Did you pick up what I just picked up? Zendaya is not listed as a cast member on IMDB! How can this IMD Be!? You tell me! PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN (untitled) – That's all we know folks. Hopefully they got things squared away with Johnny Depp. That is if they want to sell tickets. I AM LEGEND 2 – Military scientist Robert Neville seems the sole survivor in virus-ravaged New York. He’s waging a fight against “Darkseekers”, mutants resembling vampires trying to capture him as he searches for a cure. Starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan Alright! I could go for a sequel to I AM LEGEND! Especially when you add Michael B into the mix! I'd really like a sequel to iRobot but this'll do me for now! BLADE – That's right they are teasing a new Blade movie for 2026 with Mia Goth listed in the cast but of course the burning question is DO THEY HAVE WESLEY SNIPES??? They gave him a cameo as Blade in the Deadpool vs. Wolverine movie last year. But Snipes is NOT listed in the cast on IMDB as of yet! There is also an Untitled Denzel Washington Project Based on the historical figure of Hannibal, considered one of the greatest military commanders of all time. The film covers the crucial battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. You had me at Denzel, not to mention I love historical action movies. Bring it on! THE BRIDE Expected Mar 6, 2026 In 1930s Chicago, Dr. Frankenstein asks Dr. Euphronius to help create a companion. They give life to a murdered woman as the Bride, sparking romance, police interest, and radical social change. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Christian Bale THIS IS THE ONE I'M WAITING FOR! Love Christian Bale and love the concept of setting the story of The Bride of Frankenstein in 1930's Chicago! Let's go! SCANDALOUS! This will be the story behind the Hollywood romance of Sammy Davis Jr. and actress Kim Novak. I love anything related to Sammy Davis Jr. “It's gonna be fantastic baby!” CLAYFACE – Expected Sep 11, 2026 A shape-shifting creature made of magical clay haunts Gotham City, alternating between villain and ally of Batman. Ok, it's a Batman villain and not a super obvious one! Looks interesting! EVEL KNIEVEL ON TOUR – This one is going to be about Legendary motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel and apparently the drama that surrounded the run-up to his 1974 attempt at jumping the Snake River Canyon in Idaho.Starring Leonardo DiCaprio Ok, first of all, Evel was planning to jump the Grand Canyon but couldn't get the ok from the US Government so he made a deal with an Indian tribe to jump the Snake River Canyon seeing how it was located on sovereign tribal land. Anyway, a new movie about Evel Knievel? Heck yeah! THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING – Expected Nov 20, 2026 This new installment of the Hunger Games will explore Panem 24 years before Katniss’ saga, starting on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, where a young Haymitch Abernathy participates. Ok, this could be alright. I'm not super excited about it but I could be swayed since it won't have Jennifer Lawrence in it. And that's it for THE MOVIES I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026! Now for TOYS! What I like to do this time of year is see what toys from 2025 have been nominated in various categories for a coveted TOY OF THE YEAR award otherwise known as a TOTY and let you know my personal picks, not that anyone in the industry is giving me a vote. Maybe someday. BUT TODAY I bring you MY PERSONAL 2026 TOTY AWARD NOMINEE PICKS! ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEAR: I like Avatar Interactive Shoulder Banshee by Disney Consumer Products – This thing looks pretty cool. It's basically a small, colorful looking dragon that sits on your shoulder and attaches via a magnetic base you wear under your clothing. A handheld controller allows you to control head and wing movements as well as its voice. This thing is pretty darn awesome! In the COLLECTIBLES category: There are two different nominees that caught my eye. One is Sticki Rolls Series 2 by Sky Castle Toys which is basically charm bracelets marketed to girls with rolls of small stickers on them with different fun graphics. The other nominee I like is Wigglitz by ZB Designs. These are tiny toy figurines of almost every type of fun character you can imagine that have some sort of wiggly aspect to them, or better put: something that moves when you wiggle them. If I had to choose between these two, I'd probably go with Wigglitz because it's something you'll get continual enjoyment from whereas the Sticki Rolls are only fun until you run out of stickers. CONSTRUCTION PLAYSET OF THE YEAR: I have to give it to GeckoBot 2.0 by Thames & Kosmos, This is a kit where you build your very own robotic gecko that actually climbs up your windows. Thames & Kosmos just keeps knocking it out of the park! CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR: Crayola Marker Airbrush has got my vote (that is if I HAD A VOTE which I don't!). If you've ever dreamed of someday making awful-looking t-shirts and hats on the boardwalk, then THIS could be your starter kit! It's an actual working airbrush sprayer courtesy of everyone's favorite crayon company, Crayola! It even comes with various spray color cartridges so you start saying it by spraying it! DOLL OF THE YEAR: Admittedly, I as a 57 year old man should absolutely NOT be voicing my opinion on the Doll of the Year Award (DOTY award?) but if I had to choose from the list of 2026 nominees I would hands-down pick Woof & Co by Sunny Days Entertainment. It's a collection of fashionable dogs of various breeds who all dress FABULOUS! Yeah, this is the one I'd go for. EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR: In this category I am really liking the SNAP CIRCUITS SPY KIT by Elenco Electronics. This has a bunch of components that you just snap together to make all sorts of cool stuff like a vibration sensor, motion detector, trip wire, voice changer and a whole lot more. Oh the trouble I would have gotten myself into if I had something like this when I was a kid! GAME OF THE YEAR: I've gotta tell you, there's not a bad one in the bunch of nominees this year for Game of the Year! They've got an EXPLODING KITTENS BOARD GAME where you actually flip the entire board and all the pieces stay in place! There's a Simon game (you know, the memory game Simon?) where they took it and incorporated it into a dance mat called SIMON JUMP. So you stomp out your moves on the dance mat! Then there's COWS IN SPACE where magnetic flying saucers dangle from your forehead via a sproingy headstrap and the object is to abduct cows from a field with your flying saucer! But the game that caught my attention the most was TETRIS TUMBLE XL! It's sort of like Giant Jenga except there is a base that rocks side to side and you roll a die to see what tetris pieces you have to stack on top of it and of course whoever makes the stack fall to the ground is the LOSER! I like this. It's like a great big fun yard game you could also play in your living room. TETRIS TUMBLE XL for Game of the Year is my choice! INFANT / TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR: Ok, maybe another category I might not be the best judge for but I'm who you've got pal! And in this category I choose Pour ‘N’ Grow Pop-Up Garden by Yookidoo. This appears to be mainly a bath time toy kit but you could play with it really anywhere as long as you have some water onhand. It's pretty simple: you've got three different toys, The fill and water flower, Peek A Bee and Pop Up Worm. You pour water into them or onto them and the water turns some internal mechanisms to make the flower open, the worm come out and wiggle or gets the bee to play peek a bee with you! Very unique and inventive and in my opinion, the absolute best of this year's bunch! KIDULT TOY OF THE YEAR: Kidult? That means it's made for ages 14 and up. And I'm really torn down the middle between two nominees on this one. I like the Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 by MGA Entertainment which is an art kit for making your own food minis that you control the designs and colors of. Have you ever walked past a restaurant that had fake food on display showing examples of their most popular dishes? Well that's what you'll be making with this kit only really, really small. The name is way too long though. Or if you just want something cool to play with that doesn't really take any time and effort, I offer you the ZipString Aracna, which is a newer version of the ZipString string loop toy, but it attaches to your wrist so you can shoot it out like Spiderman! (although they obviously aren't allowed to actually invoke Spiderman but they sure are bending over backwards suggesting it as extremely as they legally can!) The really cool feature of this Kidult toy of the year nominee is the glow feature! Flip a switch on the ZipString wrist launcher, turn off the lights and do all sorts of awesome tricks and shapes in the dark with a glowing string loop. So… Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 or the the ZipString Aracna! The Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 triggers me relentlessly with that obnoxiously long name, so on that basis alone I am giving the nod to the ZipString Aracna! OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR: I think there should really be two sub categories here. One for younger kids and one for older. For the older kids, I was really blown away by the Crazy Cart Shuffle by Razor USA. This thing is like a Big Wheel or a Green Machine on steroids. Not only can you pedal around in this thing but you can spin and also drift. It's really neat. And speaking of neat, for the little ones I absolutely love the Outdoor Kitchen by Hape. It's not a real kitchen of course but it's a really cool miniature toy version of an outdoor kitchen setup! Come on TOTY Awards, let's break this one up by age groups! PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR: Ok, there were some good ones in here and maybe I'm judging on my own male bias from a bygone era but my favorite here was the Little Tikes Creative Construction Power Cuts Set by MGA Entertainment. It's a woodworking shop playset with an actual working , low-powered plastic chop saw which cuts through foam 2x4s and also comes with a play hammer, nails, measuring tape and carpenter pencil which is actually a marker. In the video demonstration I watched, the chop saw did struggle getting through the foam wood, but when you're talking about preschoolers, that's probably about the best you can hope for. We desperately need more encouragement and inspiring of our youth towards the skilled trades in my humble opinion and this is a refreshing step in that direction. Nicely done! SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR: I was truly taken by the Yes & Know Original Invisible Ink Trivia Game Books by Tree Town Toys. These are basically activity books where different things are revealed with the use of a special invisible ink pen. This looks fantastic for keeping the younguns busy on a road trip or maybe in a waiting room or anywhere you want to keep them distracted. That is until you run out of invisible ink and invisible ink activity books! And those are my picks for the 2026 TOTY AWARDS and THAT'S our look ahead at what's hot on the horizon for 2026! What are YOU looking forward to? Let me know! If you’re enjoying this episode on one of the socials, leave a comment. Otherwise you can email me at neil @ dandyfunhouse . com And even though I said I wasn't going to do a retrospective of this past year, I will tell you my favorite Dandy Fun House episode from this past year of 2025: Oh, who am I kidding? It's always the Halloween episode where the Dandy Fun House becomes the Dandy Spook Shack and I get to dress up like a ghoul. But my second favorite might have to be the deep dive into the iconic toy company WHAM-O! I learned so much doing that one! You might think I just come on here and already know all this stuff I talk about but on the contrary, I do a great deal of research in the weeks leading up to producing an episode and I'm constantly learning amazing new things which is why I really love doing this! DANDY FUN HOUSE Plans for 2026? More of the same of course! We're getting really close to monetization on YouTube. Technically we're already supposed to be there but YouTube gives conflicting information on this and is notorious for constantly moving the goalposts. So while we love publishing to YouTube, we certainly don't put all our Dandy Eggs in that basket. We also publish to Instagram, Facebook, X, Tik Tok and Rumble as well as our very own DANDY FUN HOUSE WEBSITE AT dandyfunhouse.com where you can watch the video, listen and subscribe to the podcast or read the entire episode in written form along with pictures! Who does that!? WE DO! THAT'S WHO! And we do it by hand. No AI stuff. Okay, full disclosure, we DO use AI to help transcribe the episodes into written form and also the captions for the short form videos, but it always gets things wrong so we always go over it personally and make the needed corrections. But while you're on our website checking out all the episodes and buying stuff from the Dandy Fun Shop, be sure to visit our PATRONAGE PAGE where you can support future productions with your modest financial gifts! SUPPORTERS gain access exclusive bonus content AND SUPER SUPPORTERS gain that same access plus I’ll personally send you something amazing from right here at the Dandy Fun House Studios if you include your mailing address! Podcast Listeners may often support through a donation link in your listening app of choice of the app offers it, I understand not all do. And your 5 star reviews wherever you can leave them are always highly appreciated! And THAT ladies and gentlemen sticks a fork in 2025. Please don't forget the reason for the season, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and come on back next year for some amazing new frivolities in 2026! You never know what kind of crazy trouble we could get into, right here at the Dandy Fun House where everything is always FUN AND DANDY! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody! Neil Dandy is the creator of The Dandy Fun House and the alter-ego of Neil Smith, the Big Cheese at Neil Smith Entertainment, follower of Jesus, musician, Emcee, Paratransit Driver and Author. Aren't you impressed?

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton, the indomitable queen of country at 79, just squashed death rumors with her signature sparkle and sass. On Wednesday, December 24, she posted a lively Instagram video from the Grand Ole Opry recording booth, decked out in full Christmas glam, declaring, "Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here. I ain't dead yet!" According to AOL reports, this came hours after her sister Frieda sparked panic on Facebook, praying for Dolly who "hasn't been feeling her best lately," though Frieda quickly clarified it was just a minor bug and no cause for alarm. Parton opened up about health hiccups since her husband Carl Dean's death in March—nothing major, she insisted, but enough to prompt treatments near home and the big postponement of her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years. Those six glittering shows at Caesars Palace, originally set for December 2025, are now bumped to September 2026, as confirmed by JamBase, AXS, and Ticketmaster listings.Park buzz hit Dollywood too: Inside the Magic revealed on December 20 that the iconic Dollywood Express steam train shut down indefinitely for unscheduled maintenance amid Smoky Mountain Christmas festivities, a historic ride predating Partons 1986 takeover thats no small biographical footnote for her empire. Meanwhile, her touring musical Dolly Partons Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is packing houses, with Ticketmaster noting a show today in Lexington, Kentucky, and fresh gigs lined up in Clearwater and Huntsville.Parton also got teary sharing a poignant Christmas memory on Movieguide, recalling giving her grab-bag gift to her self-sacrificing mama back in poor East Tennessee days, vowing to keep that big heart beating. Shes all about family traditions—cookie nights with nieces and nephews on the farm, golf cart joyrides, her lighting up like a sequined Santa. Fans adore her resilience amid these whispers; shell be back dazzling soon, because as she says, God aint through with her yet.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Celebrate Christmas Day as we unwrap two spectacular gifts from the world of entertainment. First, we take you inside Dollywood's big IAAPA announcement of NightFlight Expedition, the park's thrilling new attraction set to redefine immersive adventure in 2026. Then, we sit down with legendary actress Morgan Fairchild for an intimate and insightful conversation that sparkles with charm, wit, and holiday spirit. It's a festive blend of innovation, nostalgia, and star power—perfect for your Christmas Day listening tradition.

It's the final VacationCheers episode of the season and the last podcast of 2025, so naturally we went big.In Episode 252, Tasseled Tom is joined by Caroling Kris for a holiday-packed rundown featuring a Tennessee Christmas weekend, festive theme parks, concerts, and haunted holidays.We kick things off with a Christmas-filled trip to Pigeon Forge, including our stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge on the Parkway, dining mishaps (and wins) at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, and festive fun at Anakeesta during Enchanted Christmas.From there, it's all aboard for Dollywood and their iconic Smoky Mountain Christmas. We talk about rides, shows, lights everywhere and first-time reactions to Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier.We also touch on: • Wild Adventures Theme Park – Christmas Wild & Bright • Red Vein Haunted Christmas with Ian • Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday magic with JoannaAlong the way, there are injuries, veteran discounts, hot cocoa economics, percussion appreciation, and a few classic Vacationeers side quests.We close out the episode—and the year—by saying thank you for the support in 2025 and looking ahead to what's coming in 2026.

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton, the indomitable queen of country, has navigated a whirlwind of health hurdles and empire-building triumphs in recent days, proving once again why she's Tennessee's patron saint. Womens Weekly reports her Las Vegas residency, originally slated for this December at Caesars Palace, got pushed to September 2026 due to kidney stone woes that landed her in the hospital back in late September, with her sister Freida pleading for prayers on social media. She echoed that grit on Khloe Kardashians podcast, insisting God aint done with me yet amid grief over husband Carl Deans March passing, vowing to slow down but not quit.Nashville Public Radios WPLN News on December 19 hailed her as Saint Dolly in a year-end recap, spotlighting the Nashville Symphony premiere of her orchestral hits show and the August debut of Dolly the musical at Belmont University. Dollywood, her Smoky Mountain jewel, stunned fans with an unscheduled indefinite closure announced Saturday per Inside the Magic, though the park swiftly broke silence on future plans, teasing a roaring 2026 season with January hiring blitzes to fill hundreds of spots.Stage lights keep shining on her legacy: Ticketmaster lists her Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol packing Greensboro houses on December 17, with WMNF and iHeart confirming sold-out runs through December 22 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Country Music Hall of Fame spotlights her Journey of a Seeker exhibit running all day December 22, while Concerts50 eyes a cheeky Huntsville Levity Live gig December 28. Sunny 1063 buzzes about her Threads: My Songs in Symphony tour hitting 12 cities in 2026, including Naples.Business never sleeps for this billion-dollar boss. Womens Weekly notes her November Instagram apology video for skipping her own Dollywood Hall of Fame induction on doctors orders, and whispers of frozen Southern comfort foods from her Conagra deal linger from May. No fresh social media flares or public sightings in the last 48 hours, but her symphonic surge and park pivot scream long-term biographical gold, cementing Partons phoenix-like reign at 79.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Dollywood'un, Frankenstein'ı ele aldığımız, Dr. Burcu Alkan'ın konuk olduğu 20. bölümü yayında!Guillermo del Toro'nun yönettiği Netflix filmini masaya yatırdığımız bölümde, ilk olarak filmin uyarlandığı romanın yazarı Marry Shelley ve o dönemin statükosu üzerine sohbet ettik. Roman üzerinde derinlemesine bir okuma yaptıktan sonra kitapla film arasındaki farkları ve del Toro'nun izlediği uyarlama tekniği üzerinden Netflix filmini de ayrıntılı şekilde inceledik. Film hakkındaki yorumlarınızı bekliyoruz. Keyifli seyirler!#türkçepodcast #filminceleme #videocast #frankenstein #film #fantastik #bilimkurgufilmleri #sinema #edebiyat #guillermodeltoro #netflix #maryshelley

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton, the indomitable queen of country, has been making waves even amid whispers of health woes, as Nashville Public Radio recapped her whirlwind 2025 on December 19, calling it an especially active year capped by her husband Carl Deans passing in March, a health scare postponing her Las Vegas residency this month, and triumphs like the Nashville Symphony premiere of her orchestral hits show and the debut of Dolly the musical. MusicRow reports shes expanding her hit multimedia symphonic experience, Threads My Songs in Symphony, to 12 new US cities in 2026 with 27 performances, partnering with top orchestras like the Phoenix Symphony on March 28 and Naples Philharmonic in April, following sold-out runs with the Cleveland Orchestra and others. Despite AOL claiming bad news for fans over her beloved Dollywood amid a weakened state, shes reportedly back at the helm of her 650 million empire. Whiskey Riff quotes her reflecting on nearing 80, saying her only goal now is to lift people up and glorify God, while pausing Vegas prep because she didnt feel energetic enough but vowing a comeback. Google crowned her duet with Sabrina Carpenter on a cleaned-up Please Please Pleaseher refusing to cuss or mock faithas the top 2025 Breakout Search, Parade notes, blending her country twang with the pop stars espresso vibe in a Thelma and Louise inspired video that broke the internet and thrilled generations. No fresh public appearances or social media mentions popped in the last few days, though her Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol tours play on, like December 21 in The Villages, Florida per Concerts50, and tributes echo her November 18 Dollywood induction into the International Theme Park Hall of Fame. Partons legacy keeps building, health hurdles be damnedthats our Saint Dolly for you.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

It's that time of year, when we highlight some of our favorite new voices in romance! This week, we're talking about eight new writers who are making us excited about what's to come in historical, contemporary, cozy fantasy and more. Here's to reading them all for years to come! From horse girls to divorcees, hair stylists to magical tea shop owners, basketball coaches to jewel thieves, there's something in here for everyone. It's going to be great for you!Don't forget--you can buy the Fated Mates Best of 2025 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA, and get eight of the books on the list! Scoundrel Take Me Away and Lazarus, Home from War (independently published) are not in the box. As always, you can add additional romances, or one of Sarah's books to your box. If you want other people to discuss brand new romance authors with, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. You can also ask for it as a gift, or give it as one at fatedmates.net/gift.Our next read along will be Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet Barbarians (you're welcome). Get it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, from your local indie, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The BooksThe Best Worst Thing by Lauren OkieOnce Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley JordanCosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie MareHopelessly Teavoted by Audrey Goldberg RuoffSavannah Royals by Lindsay BarrettPlay You For It by Samantha SaldivarThe Trouble with Anna by Rachel GriffithsCelebrity Crush by Christy SwiftNotesCheck out our Debuts of 2024 episode here. It's not frod (Friend + rod), it's frotting. Here's the wikipedia page. Sarah apologizes for not knowing the proper spelling.Jenny Hamilton wrote a terrific piece about

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton, the indomitable country queen nearing her 80th birthday, shared a deeply personal reflection this weekend, telling Whiskey Riff her sole life goal now is to lift people up and glorify God, a heartfelt glimpse into her enduring spirit amid holiday buzz. Inside the Magic reports that her cherished Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge slashed operations on December 14, closing at 6 p.m. instead of the full day due to biting winter weather, disappointing fans eyeing the Smoky Mountain Christmas festivities and highlighting the parks seasonal vulnerabilities. No direct involvement from Dolly herself surfaced there, but it underscores her empires ongoing heartbeat. Meanwhile, her name sparkles across yuletide stages nationwide, with Concerts50 listing a tribute show Dolly Partons Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol set for December 21 at Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in The Villages, Florida, tickets fetching up to 187 dollars, alongside Ticketmaster noting a Greensboro, North Carolina, performance on December 17 and JCCC announcing one December 11 in Yardley Hall. The Carson Center and Iowa State Center echo similar tour stops through mid-December, proving her holiday musical legacy thrives via these polished productions. Business whispers from AOL hint at Dolly resuming oversight of her 650 million dollar empire, including Dollywood, despite recent health setbacks, though details stay vague and unconfirmed. House Beautiful revisited her festive flair, recalling from The Ellen Show how she decks multiple homes with themed treeslike water motifs at her lake houseand a 2024 People interview affirming she never skips family Christmas traditions. The Drinks Business recapped celebrity booze launches but slotted Dolly in last years roundup, with no fresh 2025 pours confirmed. Farther out, JamBase notes her Las Vegas residency kicks off September 2026 at Caesars Palace Colosseum, her first in 32 years, postponed from earlier health hiccups. Tributes like The Dolly Show at Hitchin Town Hall on December 16 keep her sparkle alive, but these past days paint a quieter Dolly, letting her brand and beliefs shine bright.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

On this last episode of the year, we are dishing on the best of 2025. We're gonna go over our best theme park eats of this year from Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Epic Universe and even Dollywood!Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support our show on Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Main St Dish on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theme Song By The Disneylanders:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disneylanders on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disneylanders on Instagram⁠

Host Amanda Bauner reunites with guests to recap their festive weekend at Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. They share stories about travel to Eastern Tennessee, their different accommodations, favorite Dollywood rides, top-notch holiday shows, shopping finds, local activities, and, of course, the famous cinnamon bread. The group also reflects on building friendships through travel in this heartwarming celebration of connection, adventure, and holiday magic. Join us for our Seine River Cruise in September 2026! Join Amanda Bauner and the Me and the Magic community on a 7-night Seine River cruise with AMA Waterways, round-trip from Paris, France, September 10-17, 2026! Find the itinerary, ship and stateroom details here.  Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop! 

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.According to Fox News and the trade publication NACS, the most significant Dolly Parton development in the past few days is business, not music or movies. The 79 year old icon has formally rolled out Dollys Tennessean Travel Stops, a reimagined chain of highway travel centers created in partnership with the longstanding Tennessean Travel Stop brand, with the flagship location in Cornersville Tennessee on Interstate 65. Both outlets report that additional Tennessee and out of state locations will be announced in 2026, signaling a long term expansion that could become as biographically important as Dollywood in defining Dolly as a business mogul as much as a singer.Parade magazine and AOL both frame this as Dolly turning her lifetime on tour buses and in truck stops into a new kind of branded roadside experience, complete with the promise of Southern hospitality and economic uplift for small communities. Her manager Danny Nozell is quoted describing the project as an extension of her love for her home state and its local businesses, underscoring that this is not a one off licensing deal but a strategic, legacy scale venture.Coverage from Entertainment Now and AOL also keeps looping back to her health. In September she publicly postponed her much hyped Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, moving it from December 2025 to September 2026, citing unspecified health challenges and the need for medical procedures. She also skipped her in person induction into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame, accepting instead via video. None of the outlets provide detail beyond her own statements, so any chatter about specific diagnoses remains pure speculation and should be treated as such. What is confirmed is that she has slowed public appearances but continues to work behind the scenes.On social media, Dolly herself tried to calm fans with a warm Thanksgiving message on Instagram, saying she was feeling better and sending blessings to families, a clip widely quoted by Parade and AOL. Separately, Wikipedia and trade press continue to highlight her October announcement of the SongTeller Hotel and Dollys Life of Many Colors Museum in downtown Nashville, with museum tickets already on sale for a June 2026 opening, reinforcing the picture of a star carefully shifting from touring to permanent, place based projects that will outlive the tours and the tabloids alike.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

On Fox Across America, Jimmy Failla is back! And he brought some extra weight with him. 4x4 Burgers will do that to you. Jimmy breaks down the tax fraud situation going on in Minnesota. Jimmy also weighs in on Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss for LSU. Back from Dollywood, Madison Alworth from Fox Business stops by to explain if Americans can afford all the holiday spending they are doing. FBN hunk Brian Brenberg is back on the show and is fascinated by Jimmy's burger binge.   [00:00:00] Jimmy is back! Did he really eat 12 In-N-Out Burgers? [00:20:35] Minnesota Tax Fraud [00:57:50] Madison Alworth [01:17:00] Lane Kiffin leaves Ole Miss [01:34:40] Brian Brenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We got into a forbidden topic today: not politics or religion...but parenting! Today's Chicago Confession deals with some unruly kids, somebody spent 100 drunken dollars at a work holiday party at Dave N' Busters, and we gear up for the holidays by hearing your toy-related injuries. Catch up on everything you missed from today's show on The Morning Mix Podcast!Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am – 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.Follow The Mix: The MixstagramGet the Free MIX App: Stream The MixSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton has once again proven why she remains a singular force in country music, business, and American culture, with a flurry of significant activities and developments in just the past few days. On November 21, Dolly launched a fresh national tour for her stage musical Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. This adaptation of Dickens' classic, set in Depression-era Appalachia and infused with original music and Appalachian melodies, is slated to visit more than 20 cities through the holiday season. Critics and cast members alike are praising the show's emotional warmth and Parton's unique songwriting, describing it as a new American classic destined to become a holiday tradition, according to DollyParton.com and regional theaters including the Carson Center and the Baker Center for the Arts.Parallel to the tour, Dolly unveiled her innovative Threads My Songs in Symphony experience, with performances in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 21 and 22. This multimedia orchestral event features Dolly onscreen, leading audiences through orchestrated versions of her most iconic hits plus previews from her upcoming Broadway musical. Dolly explains that Threads is about weaving the story of her life through her music, engaging fans in an immersive, biographical celebration through new sonic arrangements, as shared in details from the North Carolina Symphony and Visit Raleigh.In business news, excitement continues to swirl around the announcement that Dolly Parton's Tennessean Travel Stops will be rebranded, with a major flagship in Cornersville, Tennessee launching in Summer 2026. This collaboration seeks to redefine highway travel experiences across the South, creating new jobs and expanding the reach of Dolly's homegrown brand, as highlighted on her official website.On the music front, Dolly created holiday buzz with the release of a special limited-edition picture disc vinyl for A Holly Dolly Christmas, celebrating the album's 5th anniversary. Only 2,000 copies were pressed, making it a quick sell-out and a highly coveted item among collectors. Dolly promoted this release personally to her 8.2 million Instagram followers, sparking enthusiastic responses and holiday playlist debates, according to a November 21 feature from Parade.However, recent headlines have also focused on Dolly's health. Owing to what she called unspecified “health challenges,” Dolly has canceled several major appearances, including her in-person attendance at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame induction on November 17 and the 2025 Governors Awards where she was to receive an honorary Oscar. In a heartfelt message posted to Dollywood's official channels and covered by outlets such as Parade and The Today Show, Dolly reassured fans that her doctors advised rest and she remains grateful for the recognition and support, albeit from afar.Social media this week overflowed with fans sending well wishes and celebrating Dolly's continued resilience and creativity, even speculating about whether these recent health setbacks could signal a semi-retirement—a claim unconfirmed by any direct statement from Dolly or her team.Dolly Parton's presence this week underscores her lasting cultural significance, with creative, commercial, and personal headlines reflecting a woman still at the heart of music, storytelling, and Southern enterprise—even when she has to step back for her health.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment. NEWS A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth. Zamperla's full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher. The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint. Mack Rides' water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments. The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn't answer most questions yet. Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects. A vendor's dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead. The team's ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations. Len's impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal's transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response. Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won't be public for years. Full show notes available here: Show Notes Hosts Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.comJim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comJim Shull (Veteran Imagineer) — X/Twitter: @JimShull | YouTube: @jimhshull | Website: jimhshull.com Patreon Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agencyhttps://strongmindedagency.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment. NEWS A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth. Zamperla's full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher. The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint. Mack Rides' water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments. The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn't answer most questions yet. Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects. A vendor's dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead. The team's ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations. Len's impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal's transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response. Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won't be public for years. Full show notes available here: Show Notes Hosts Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.comJim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comJim Shull (Veteran Imagineer) — X/Twitter: @JimShull | YouTube: @jimhshull | Website: jimhshull.com Patreon Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agencyhttps://strongmindedagency.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton just can't be kept out of the headlines even when she's not physically able to attend events. On November 16, Dolly accepted her first Oscar—the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award—at the Academy's Governor Awards, delivered via a heartfelt video message filmed in Nashville. According to People and Cat Country, Parton beamed about being “blessed more than I ever dreamed possible,” with a touching nod to her charitable efforts, especially the Imagination Library project that's put 285 million books into kids' hands worldwide. Lily Tomlin, her legendary 9 to 5 co-star, presented the honor, solidifying a four-decade Hollywood friendship and giving a biographically critical moment of recognition for a lifetime of service.But Dolly's acceptance came under a health cloud. The Today Show and Global News both highlighted how Dolly has been open about experiencing recent health challenges, requiring her to postpone her much-hyped Las Vegas concert run at Caesars Palace. She addressed fans directly in multiple video appearances, explaining her absence not only from Vegas but also from a milestone Dollywood event, where the famed attraction was inducted into a Hall of Fame to mark its 40th year. While specifics about her condition remain private, her remarks radiate resilience, and nowhere on social media has she suggested these are anything but temporary setbacks.Despite these health issues, Dolly's work endures. The musical Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, featuring her original songs and that signature Dolly sparkle, kicked off a 2025 U.S. national tour this week with stops in over 20 cities. The production, as covered by DollyParton.com and the Carson Center's Broadway series materials, has been lauded by both cast and fans as a moving update of Dickens, reimagined through a distinctly Appalachian lens and aiming to become a new holiday tradition.Off the main stage, Dolly Parton's symphonic multimedia experience, Threads: My Songs in Symphony, brought orchestras and guest vocalists together in Raleigh for an immersive celebration of her songwriting legacy, complete with her on-screen narration. According to the North Carolina Symphony, the experience weaves performance, biography, and musical story in ways that continue to redefine country music's public profile.As for buzz, Dolly's social media has stayed focused on gratitude for her awards, boosting the tour's ticket sales, and reassuring fans that, as she herself put it, “the threads of my life are woven together through my songs.” There's plenty of tongue-wagging about her health, but not from Dolly herself; the legend is keeping it positive, visible, and, as always, deeply connected to the people. With an Oscar finally on her shelf, a Broadway-bound symphony, and a beloved Christmas tour underway, Dolly Parton remains as much a force of nature as Tennessee's own Smokies.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Joey needs Nancy to explain why it was so quiet in his backyard the other day We wake Producer Karly up in Nashville to discuss her CMA Awards experience and hear about her running into Tony Vitello Nancy has been "officially" asked to babysit her grandson Joey waited almost 40 minutes in the Whataburger drive-thru for a burger Hot Tea - Nancy talks about the winners and how Knoxville's Leanne Morgan had jokes with Lainey Wilson Group Therapy - "this guy at the gym won't stop groaning while lifting weights" We play Lucky 7 for Dollywood tickets! You need to make $108,000 in Tennessee to live comfortably...??? Ernest says Morgan Wallen doesn't give a **** about winning Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs What we learned on today's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey needs Nancy to explain why it was so quiet in his backyard the other day We wake Producer Karly up in Nashville to discuss her CMA Awards experience and hear about her running into Tony Vitello Nancy has been "officially" asked to babysit her grandson Joey waited almost 40 minutes in the Whataburger drive-thru for a burger Hot Tea - Nancy talks about the winners and how Knoxville's Leanne Morgan had jokes with Lainey Wilson Group Therapy - "this guy at the gym won't stop groaning while lifting weights" We play Lucky 7 for Dollywood tickets! You need to make $108,000 in Tennessee to live comfortably...??? Ernest says Morgan Wallen doesn't give a **** about winning Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs What we learned on today's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey's struggling to teach his 9-year old to tie his own shoes Man in Detroit screams on top of his car when a goat approaches Nate Bargatze announces his own "Nateland" theme park in Nashville! Somebody "stole" a woman's driveway in Chattanooga Mac from WIVK afternoons tells us about the guy who showed up at the station with his pet raccoon named "Tyrone" We play Lucky 7 for free Dollywood tickets Nancy's Dad, Papa Joe, ordered chicken livers at family lunch The story of how Knoxville got Southwest Airlines to come to East Tennessee is awesome Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley are presenters at tonight's CMA award -- so is Leanne Morgan! What We Learned on today's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey's struggling to teach his 9-year old to tie his own shoes Man in Detroit screams on top of his car when a goat approaches Nate Bargatze announces his own "Nateland" theme park in Nashville! Somebody "stole" a woman's driveway in Chattanooga Mac from WIVK afternoons tells us about the guy who showed up at the station with his pet raccoon named "Tyrone" We play Lucky 7 for free Dollywood tickets Nancy's Dad, Papa Joe, ordered chicken livers at family lunch The story of how Knoxville got Southwest Airlines to come to East Tennessee is awesome Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley are presenters at tonight's CMA award -- so is Leanne Morgan! What We Learned on today's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April and Scott are back from the Smoky Mountains and very well-rested… because they slept for 3 days. In this episode of The Naughty Gym Show, April & Scott share details about their upcoming gig as sexy Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Sapphire Starlington's Christmas party in Huntsville before diving into a day-by-day recap of their Naughty Holidaze retreat.You'll hear how 14 adventurous couples (plus host couples) turned a giant mountain cabin into a rotating celebration of Halloween, Friendsgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve—complete with connection circles, icebreaker bingo, a “lazy man's” gratitude drive through bear country, moonshine tastings in tacky Christmas sweaters, and a day of roller coasters at Dollywood. They talk about pop-up play spaces with massage tables and flogging demos, why consent and vibe made this group feel uniquely safe and non-predatory, and the unexpected intimacy of group massages and cuddle puddles.April and Scott also unpack their Relational Freedom workshop based on their Wild Love Theory book, why Telegram groups can totally mislead you about people, and how a dueling piano New Year's Sneaker Ball brought their entire origin story full circle. They wrap with a look at upcoming Naughty Gym trips and retreats—and why, whatever you do, you should never stop playing.www.NaughytGym.comwww.ExpansiveConnections.comwww.DeviousDragonfly.com

Morgan and Scuba Steve answer listener questions. Shoutouts to start, then we get into Scuba Steve pulling double duty with work lately, the dream job he is shooting for, and really… HOW OLD IS HE. Then, is Dollywood worth going to? And all the tips and tricks you may need for a Disney trip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zack Knudsen started his career in theatre after college. For 6 years he worked in HR in Dollywood. Yes, HR! Not your normal path to become a professional photographer. He found great mentors who showed him photography. He did photography for the HR department at Dollywood. That certainly fueled his fire to pursue a career in photography. Zack found himself in his HR manager office and quitting his job and going all-in as a photographer. His wife who is a rock star backed the move and they were off and snapping. Concert photography became his landed spot and he now finds himself working full time for Drake White. He's a in a happy place and loving every second of it. Check out his website https://zackknudsenphotography.comand his instagram https://www.instagram.com/zack_knudsen/

Joey really wants to go the new Whataburger in Turkey Creek. He has convinced himself they are doing a secret soft opening and has major FOMO. Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Jelly Roll has been having stomach issues since his tour overseas and posted about his new Squatty Potty for his toilet. Post Malone’s dad says that he listened to some really bad music that Post made in his earlier days, but he always supported him. A hotel is under fire because an employee was filmed washing sheets in the hotel’s hot tub. Joey was driving and felt something on the back of his neck... It was an Asian lady beetle! He thinks Nancy would have wrecked her car. We asked if others had ever almost wrecked over something in their car. Several people answered with spiders, snakes, and even a bat! Lucky 7 Nancy’s son Parker had an odd encounter with some of his customers. They were talking about country music and started complaining about Joey and Nancy. Parker had to awkwardly tell them that Nancy is his mom. Big Orange Breakdown for the UT vs New Mexico State game with Brian Rice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey really wants to go the new Whataburger in Turkey Creek. He has convinced himself they are doing a secret soft opening and has major FOMO. Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Jelly Roll has been having stomach issues since his tour overseas and posted about his new Squatty Potty for his toilet. Post Malone’s dad says that he listened to some really bad music that Post made in his earlier days, but he always supported him. A hotel is under fire because an employee was filmed washing sheets in the hotel’s hot tub. Joey was driving and felt something on the back of his neck... It was an Asian lady beetle! He thinks Nancy would have wrecked her car. We asked if others had ever almost wrecked over something in their car. Several people answered with spiders, snakes, and even a bat! Lucky 7 Nancy’s son Parker had an odd encounter with some of his customers. They were talking about country music and started complaining about Joey and Nancy. Parker had to awkwardly tell them that Nancy is his mom. Big Orange Breakdown for the UT vs New Mexico State game with Brian Rice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is back oepn! We wonder how back payment for federal employees works. Joey’s son referred to a world atlas as one of his “touching books.” He just meant that it touches him “on the inside” and means something to him. Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Chickfila is testing a chicken and waffle sandwich, but only in two cities. Dolly is finally starting to be in better health! You can now buy a $200+ knitted phone holder from Apple. Group Therapy: My daughter doesn’t want to go to my mom’s house for Thanksgiving because her house smells like cat litter. Lucky 7 We talked with Rebekah, the new Vol fan from Texas that went viral for choosing UT to be her college football team. She is coming to town this weekend for the game! The penny has now been discontinued at the US Mint. It will still be in circulation, but no new ones will be made. It’s World Kindness Day! We had our nice coworker Bob come try to be mean and roast us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is back oepn! We wonder how back payment for federal employees works. Joey’s son referred to a world atlas as one of his “touching books.” He just meant that it touches him “on the inside” and means something to him. Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Chickfila is testing a chicken and waffle sandwich, but only in two cities. Dolly is finally starting to be in better health! You can now buy a $200+ knitted phone holder from Apple. Group Therapy: My daughter doesn’t want to go to my mom’s house for Thanksgiving because her house smells like cat litter. Lucky 7 We talked with Rebekah, the new Vol fan from Texas that went viral for choosing UT to be her college football team. She is coming to town this weekend for the game! The penny has now been discontinued at the US Mint. It will still be in circulation, but no new ones will be made. It’s World Kindness Day! We had our nice coworker Bob come try to be mean and roast us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Lights were visible in East TN last night! Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Former MLB manager says it’s “insulting” that Tony Vitello got the job with the Giants. Brach’s candy is releasing a candy cane opener tool. A man was arrested for shooting at people over an argument about how many eggs chickens can lay. Joey vaccumed up all the Asian lady beetles in his house. As Seen on TikTok! How to handle a runaway car while driving Lucky 7 The internet believes that Aaron Rogers’ wife isn’t real and that she’s either made up or an AI chatbot. A woman has been scammed out of $8k from a woman online that claims to be married to Morgan Wallen. Hobbies that attract pretentious people – are we on the list? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Lights were visible in East TN last night! Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Former MLB manager says it’s “insulting” that Tony Vitello got the job with the Giants. Brach’s candy is releasing a candy cane opener tool. A man was arrested for shooting at people over an argument about how many eggs chickens can lay. Joey vaccumed up all the Asian lady beetles in his house. As Seen on TikTok! How to handle a runaway car while driving Lucky 7 The internet believes that Aaron Rogers’ wife isn’t real and that she’s either made up or an AI chatbot. A woman has been scammed out of $8k from a woman online that claims to be married to Morgan Wallen. Hobbies that attract pretentious people – are we on the list? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It snowed yesterday! The Starbucks by our station was surrounded by nine fire trucks this morning. Joey had a rough day yesterday – nothing was going in his favor! Things older people do on their phones that give Gen Z’ers the ick. Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Kim Kardashians is mad at psychics because she didn’t pass the bar exam. Sources say that Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are back together! A woman is suing a cereal company over a missing serving in her cereal box. We are going to be in the Veteran’s Day parade! Veteran’s Day shoutouts Lucky 7 A woman is charging couples thousands of dollars to help them name their babies. Joey and Nancy offer to name babies for free. The British Royals are concerned about getting 12 year old Prince George a phone. Joey wonders how long he can wait to get phones for his kids. What Makes You Special! I’m the Viral UTK Social Media Professor! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton has dominated headlines over the past several days, with news ranging from serious health updates to major cultural and business milestones. According to RadarOnline, Dolly recently canceled her six-show Las Vegas residency and pushed the dates back to September 2026 after doctors insisted she undergo medical procedures for a potentially dangerous health issue. She made a public statement to fans confirming the health challenges and her need for procedures, while friends and fellow stars like Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson have rallied to support her through these hard times. Behind the scenes, there is real concern among her inner circle, with insiders saying Dolly has never seemed this vulnerable, as she recuperates at her Nashville home and faces ongoing struggles with kidney stones.Despite these worries, Dolly remains very much present in the public sphere. She is in the midst of a multimedia celebration of her life and music, with her Threads My Songs in Symphony orchestral concert series selling out in cities like Oklahoma City and Raleigh, featuring Dolly onscreen sharing personal and musical stories. Dolly herself describes this project as a special way to share the story of her life through the “threads” of her songs, and these concerts have featured never-before-heard numbers from her upcoming Broadway musical, which she revealed continues to move her deeply during recent interviews with Entertainment Tonight. She spoke candidly about her late husband Carl Dean, whose passing earlier this year continues to be a source of emotional upheaval for her, especially as she watches him portrayed on stage in the new musical Dolly A True Original Musical, which has drawn critical attention for its honest storytelling and heartfelt performances.Meanwhile, Dolly's business empire continues to flourish. According to Happy Mag, her net worth stands at $650 million in 2025 thanks to smart business ventures, her Dollywood resort, her frozen foods line, philanthropy, and catalog ownership. Her upcoming memoir Star of the Show launches this week, filled with personal revelations about sacrifice, childlessness, and the demands of stardom—topics she has explored in depth on her latest media blitz. Simultaneously, her musical 9 to 5 and Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol are running in regional theaters, ensuring her music and narrative stay woven through American culture.In social media news, The New Daily and others have pointed out her viral resurgence as fans jump on her TikTok trends, especially with her older song “What's Up” gaining huge traction. Headlines highlight that while her health is fragile, her legacy and influence—both in the arts and business—show no sign of fading. Finally, on the philanthropic and public appearance front, Dolly is set to headline the Salvation Army's national Red Kettle Kickoff performance at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game, underscoring her enduring appeal and commitment to public service even amidst her personal trials.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

It snowed yesterday! The Starbucks by our station was surrounded by nine fire trucks this morning. Joey had a rough day yesterday – nothing was going in his favor! Things older people do on their phones that give Gen Z’ers the ick. Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Kim Kardashians is mad at psychics because she didn’t pass the bar exam. Sources say that Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are back together! A woman is suing a cereal company over a missing serving in her cereal box. We are going to be in the Veteran’s Day parade! Veteran’s Day shoutouts Lucky 7 A woman is charging couples thousands of dollars to help them name their babies. Joey and Nancy offer to name babies for free. The British Royals are concerned about getting 12 year old Prince George a phone. Joey wonders how long he can wait to get phones for his kids. What Makes You Special! I’m the Viral UTK Social Media Professor! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s cold and there are snow flurries! Joey went to the batting cage at Dick’s House of Sport and did terribly. The new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic starring his nephew, Jaafar, looks AMAZING! Monday Morning Wake Up Call with 6-year-old Joe Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Morgan Wallen came onstage for Ella Langley’s concert at The Ryman and threw shade at the CMA Awards. Kelsea Ballerini was spotted holding hands with ex-boyfriend, Chase Stokes. Are they back together? A driver tried to use a Monopoly “get out of jail free’ card to get out of a speeding ticket. A couple in Miami have been named the Guinness World Record holders for oldest married couple and longest married couple. We asked listeners who had the shortest marriage in east TN. Lucky 7 As Seen on TikTok! The “bird theory” is a trend where girls are testing their significant others’ reaction to them saying they saw a bird. Karly tested it on a few people. Nancy is very impressed by all the new gadgets you can get for babies that didn’t exist when she had kids. Ex: butt spatulas, the Owlet sock, and wearable breast pumps. Target has a new rule for their customer service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s cold and there are snow flurries! Joey went to the batting cage at Dick’s House of Sport and did terribly. The new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic starring his nephew, Jaafar, looks AMAZING! Monday Morning Wake Up Call with 6-year-old Joe Ho Ho Ho! If the person we call answers the phone with “ho ho ho,’ they get tickets to Dollywood! Hot Tea: Morgan Wallen came onstage for Ella Langley’s concert at The Ryman and threw shade at the CMA Awards. Kelsea Ballerini was spotted holding hands with ex-boyfriend, Chase Stokes. Are they back together? A driver tried to use a Monopoly “get out of jail free’ card to get out of a speeding ticket. A couple in Miami have been named the Guinness World Record holders for oldest married couple and longest married couple. We asked listeners who had the shortest marriage in east TN. Lucky 7 As Seen on TikTok! The “bird theory” is a trend where girls are testing their significant others’ reaction to them saying they saw a bird. Karly tested it on a few people. Nancy is very impressed by all the new gadgets you can get for babies that didn’t exist when she had kids. Ex: butt spatulas, the Owlet sock, and wearable breast pumps. Target has a new rule for their customer service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.The last few days in the world of Dolly Parton have been a masterclass in why her name still draws instant recognition and genuine affection. According to People and Cat Country, she's rolled out reservations for her much-anticipated SongTeller Hotel in downtown Nashville, a project brimming with her signature glitter and warmth. Slated to open to guests in June 2026, the hotel includes a full museum devoted to her life and legacy, immersive exhibits, and two live music venues, touted by Parton as her “love letter to Nashville,” displaying not just Nashville pride but also her business acumen. This is biographically significant—her expansion into hospitality and legacy-building continues decades after conquering music, film, and theme parks.Knox News highlights that Dollywood, her flagship theme park, is mapping out plans for explosive growth by 2050, including new rollercoasters, fresh resorts, and even a possible cruise ship, all under her guiding vision. The NightFlight Expedition ride, set for spring 2026, stands as the park's largest-ever investment, reflecting her intent to cement Dollywood as a multi-generational destination and anchor for the region's tourism. This long-term ambition assures her influence on Tennessee's economic and cultural landscape will only grow.On the public appearance front, it's been a busy week. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is currently hosting Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony, a multimedia orchestral concert blending new symphonic arrangements of her hits with video appearances from Parton herself, sharing personal stories about the dreams that shaped her music. According to OKC FOX and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the format is uniquely intimate: audiences experience the songs alongside Dolly's own reflections, amplifying both nostalgia and emotional resonance.Yahoo and AOL reported that, following last month's concerns about her health including a cancelled Las Vegas residency due to kidney stones, Parton surfaced on Instagram with trademark humor, telling fans she “ain't dead yet”—swiftly ending the rumor mill. Social media was further abuzz thanks to her viral TikTok entry into the “What's Up?” trend, where she playfully performed the 4 Non Blondes anthem, injecting her spirit into Gen Z feeds according to Holler Country.Billboard and Effingham Radio confirm she's being honored as part of the Grand Ole Opry's centennial “Opry 100: Country's Greatest Songs” album and commemorative events, including a spotlight on her 2007 rendition of “I Will Always Love You” for Porter Wagoner. This deepens her connection to country heritage at a moment the genre reflects on its pillars.Meanwhile, Broadway fans are anticipating the regional premiere of her musical “9 to 5” and the national tour of her Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, as reported by Interlochen and The Carson Center, ensuring her storytelling voice remains alive on stage this holiday season.Forbes reiterates Dolly's business empire is thriving, with Dollywood, royalties, cake mixes and pet products fueling her $450 million net worth, while her philanthropy and literacy efforts stay near the front of her public profile.Every note, new venture, and surprise social media cameo from Dolly this week adds to a tapestry that refuses to fray with time. Whether she's masterminding mountain amusements, opening a one-of-a-kind hotel, or setting TikTok aflame, Dolly Parton continues to write new headlines—never resting on old glory, and never out of sight of the public heart.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

On a Thursday Drive, live from Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, Josh poses the question of whether or not Roy Williams will attend the UNC-Kansas game on Friday night in Chapel Hill, tells whether or not it's too soon to start discussing the playoffs for the Carolina Panthers, makes a prediction for App State-Georgia State, tonight, App State head football coach, Dowell Loggains, joins the show to tell pre-draft Cam Newton stories, App State basketball coach, Dustin Kerns, joins the show to talk about his latest trip to Dollywood, and App State AD, Doug Gillin, joins the show to discuss his next moves after finding out that Shawn Clark had passed away.

Episode 199: The Best Family Thanksgiving Getaways in the U.S. Hosts: Rob & Traci Release Date: November 2025 When you think Thanksgiving, you probably picture turkey, football, and the Macy's Parade—but what if your family celebrated somewhere new? In Episode 199, Rob and Traci explore America's best Thanksgiving destinations—from mountain towns and colonial villages to rivers lined with glowing holiday lights. Whether you want cozy, coastal, or full-on festive, this episode is stuffed with ideas for a holiday you'll truly be thankful for (and yes, the dad jokes are fully baked).

Today's interview felt strange initially, because while Carl and I are used to chatting, we're not used to chatting about ourselves... or not to each other anyway. Fortunately, Carl's book, At Least it Looks Good From Space, is so excellent that we shook off the strangeness quickly to get into my questions about what it includes, including Carl's experience of OCD, the reality of intrusive thoughts, male friendship and Dollywood of course.To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the HowToBBQRight Podcast, Malcom's getting his butt kicked in the Pick'em League (00:14), and the competition is heating up fast. We kick things off by giving a big shoutout to everyone who competed at The Jack this past weekend (03:23). We're also announcing our brand-new Let's Get To Cookin' Community Giveaway — tune in to find out how you can enter to win some awesome prizes (05:00). Malcom just got back from a North Dakota waterfowl hunt, and he's got some stories about the incredible steakhouses and wild game eats he found up there (08:26). Got a leftover baked potato? We share some of our favorite ways to turn it into something next-level (19:41). Then we dive into why the Primo Grill might be your next favorite backyard cooker (23:19). Tyler cooked up a Lasagna Soup that blew everyone away (24:02), and he shares a few stories — and surprises — from his trip to Dollywood(28:55). Malcom sets the record straight — yes, he's still making plenty of new BBQ videos (37:27). We also get into a big debate: why beef cheeks might just be better than brisket for smoking (39:16). Plus, Malcom weighs in on whether it's a good idea to rest a Boston Butt on the grill after shutdown instead of using a cooler (43:54). Todd posted his Bananas Foster Old Fashioned, and it looked absolutely incredible (46:30). We also answer some listener questions: Can you use AP seasoning as a dry brine (48:12), what should you do if strong winds are messing with your grill temps (51:39), and is it normal for a pork loin to have a pink hue after cooking? (53:46)  

EB is back from from Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. He takes listeners through the RIP Haunt Tour, describing the haunted houses, including Poltergeist, Terrifier, and Jason Universe. The guys discuss the event's atmosphere, scare tactics, and animatronics. They also talk about Dollywood's new NightFlight Expedition, rising theme park prices, the 2026 version of Universal Fan Fest Nights and a proposed nostalgia-themed park in Las Vegas.

Alison and Amanda talk about their faithful face washing routines, the fun and fanfare of watching football, amazing accents, and the backstory on Dolly Parton's boobs. Sis & Tell, an award-winning weekly comedic podcast, is hosted by southern Jewish sisters the Emmy-nominated Alison Goldstein Lebovitz from PBS' The A List and Time Magazine's 2006 Person of the Year, Comedian Amanda Goldstein Marks.

Author Ashley Jordan joins Book Gang to share her LitUp Fellowship journey to launch her debut, Once Upon a Time in Dollywood, and how fanfiction paved her path.Ashley Jordan, a Reese's Book Club LitUp Fellow, joins us this week to share the story behind her sparkling debut Once Upon a Time in Dollywood—a romance that pairs laugh-out-loud humor with deeply emotional storytelling.In this light conversation, we discuss:

Hilaria's run on Dancing With The Stars comes to an end. Joe Flacco is 147 years old & has been on half the teams in the NFL. Josh's mother-in-law cannot fathom being anti-social. Dolly is fine & Dollywood is not permanently closed. Plus, how do we get off this A.I. rollercoaster. Some fun shows in Rochester. Plus so much more on a Wednesdee!