Podcasts about hallmark christmas

Send us a textThe 2025 Hallmark Christmas season is officially a wrap! With a unique slate of just 24 movies, we are breaking down the good, the bad, and the surprisingly emotional moments of the season.In this episode, Andrea and I reveal our Top 5 Hallmark Christmas Movies of 2025. We debate the "middle of the road" fatigue that plagued this year, call out the biggest flops (sorry, Christmas on Duty), and share the hidden gems that surprised us both.We also dive into the controversy of our rankings—including why one of us picked a quirky "making a list" movie as their #2, and why we both fell in love with the emotional depth of The Christmas Baby.In this video, we discuss:The 2025 Slate: How a shorter season of 24 movies affected the quality.The Flops: Why Christmas on Duty and The Christmas Cup landed at the bottom of our lists.The Surprises: Why Three Wisest Men and a Boy defied the odds to become a favorite.The Top 5 Countdown: Our personal rankings from #5 to #1.The #1 Movies: A debate between the fun of Melt My Heart This Christmas and the heart of The Christmas Baby.Do you agree with our Top 5? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Today Kaycee and Rachel are here to talk about the best of Hallmark Christmas 2025 and to hear all about Kaycee's trip to the Hallmark Christmas Experience Follow Kaycee at https://www.instagram.com/hereforthefeels.xo/ Today save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code HALLMARKIES To get 15% off your next gift, go to https://www.uncommongoods.com/podcast/hallmarkies for 15% off! Uncommon Goods. We're all out of the ordinary. Our Christmas podcasts are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4f2KtBPzUE&list=PLXv4sBF3mPUDo41tHqhkjHCvedmZwLzHx Please support the podcast on patreon and be part of these ranking episodes at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram HallmarkiesPodcast.com Get some of our great podcast merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?ref_id=8581 Please support the podcast on patreon and be part of these ranking episodes at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Follow Rachel's blog at http://rachelsreviews.net Follow Rachel on twitter twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow Rachel's Reviews on youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/rachelsreviews Follow Rachel on facebook www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. The pandemic introduced many to living with uncertainty. But for some, uncertainty has always been their norm. In this episode, Kate speak to actress Nikki Deloach, who has starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies, but her life hasn’t matched the happily-ever-after plot-lines of her characters. Nikki’s dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia and her son was diagnosed with congenital heart defects in utero… all in the same week. In this conversation, Kate and Nikki discuss how to live with constant uncertainty, how to stay open to both the terror and the beauty of living close to the edge, and how to make Christmas meaningful when hope is hard to come by. CW: suicidal ideation, postpartum depression, a parent grappling with a child’s fragile diagnosis, dementia To hear more episodes of Everything Happens, follow wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I talk about my top 10 favorite Christmas movies from the Countdown to Christmas season.

It's Christmas Eve, and we've reached the final Hallmark Christmas movie of the year. We're closing out the season with The Christmas Baby.ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS BABYA couple receives a baby boy before Christmas with a note meant for them. While temporarily caring for him during the holiday rush, they navigate their relationship, careers, and the foster-to-adopt process.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR THE CHRISTMAS BABYDecember 21 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF THE CHRISTMAS BABYKatherine Barrell as KellyAli Liebert as ErinBRAN'S THE CHRISTMAS BABY SYNOPSISErin is awakened early by the sound of her wife, Kelly, working on Christmas decorations in the living room. Kelly is designing elaborate Christmas set pieces for the theater, and she's so consumed by the project that they haven't even decorated their own house yet.That night, Kelly is set to receive an award at a theater ceremony. Erin is running late because she's finishing up at work. While getting changed at home, she hears someone enter the house. When she goes to check, she doesn't find a person — just a baby.Erin tries to track down the baby's parent, but no one is around. In the stroller, she finds a note addressed to Erin and Kelly, asking them to take care of a baby named Nicolas. The note says they're sorry and that they tried.Unsure what to do, Erin brings Nicolas with her to the event, arriving just in time to see Kelly win her award. Afterward, Kelly insists they call the authorities, which they do. Betty from DSS arrives to take Nicolas into care, but Erin immediately feels uneasy. The note clearly suggests the birth mother wanted Nicolas to be with them. Erin and Kelly talk to Betty, and Nicolas ends up going home with them.The next day, their theater friends come over and help brainstorm who Nicolas's parent might be. Soon after, both of their mothers arrive — uninvited — to “help.” The moms raise concerns about how Erin and Kelly's lives aren't exactly set up for a baby.Erin and Kelly try to adjust, but it's overwhelming. Kelly starts to doubt they should keep Nicolas and calls Betty to ask about another placement, despite Erin's reluctance. They argue, then make up the next morning, but Erin is still struggling. Kelly points out that kids aren't practical — and reminds Erin that before they got married, Erin said she didn't want children. Erin admits that Nicolas has awakened something in her she didn't know was there.The next day at work, Kelly mistakenly believes she's being asked whether she wants to adopt Nicolas — and she says yes. In that moment, she realizes her fear has been keeping her from what she truly wants. The couple gets Nicolas back and begins preparing their home for the official home study.On Christmas Eve, they learn that the birth mother has contacted Betty and wants to meet them. When Erin and Kelly arrive, they're shocked to discover it's the barista from the coffee shop they visit every week. She shares her story and formally asks Erin and Kelly to be Nicolas's parents.They say yes.The movie ends with Erin and Kelly celebrating Christmas with their family — and their new baby boy. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen and his podcast producer Becca recall a certain glamorous tradition the staff all got into during 'A' Late Show's COVID days, then Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales-Sussex pops up at The Late Show to ask for Stephen Colbert's help in landing the role of a lifetime in a Hallmark Christmas movie. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So friends pull up and we talk Christmas movies, The Rock and that Hallmark Christmas movies are real.

Kerrie & Stephanie review the latest Lifetime holiday movies!Let us know what you thought by following us on Instagram: @loveandnonsensepodcastFollow Stephanie's author life:Website: www.thearrowedheart.comOnline Store: www.steamyromancereads.com Instagram/Facebook: @authorhalliebennett & @authorjemmafrostFollow Kerrie's photographer life:Website: www.kerriedawnphoto.comInstagram: @kerrie.dawn.photo

Nat, Drew & Erin are on Christmas holidays, so today we bring you another episode of Drew's holiday music series, Behind the Christmas Hits. Each episode tells the story of a different Christmas song or album and today, Pat Monahan from Train talks about their album that inspired a Hallmark Christmas movie, Christmas in Tahoe. A movie that was filmed here in Vancouver and Pat appeared in. Festive fun times!

Brian is back to help us officially wrap up the holiday season with the newest Hallmark Christmas movie, A Make or Break Holiday.ABOUT A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAYA couple hosting Christmas decides to fake their relationship for their families after choosing to separate. Working together for the perfect holiday helps them remember why they fell in love.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAYDecember 20 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAYHunter King as LivEvan Roderick as DanielBRAN'S A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAY SYNOPSISThe movie kicks off like a Nutella commercial. Liv is throwing a Christmas party when a guy named Daniel crashes into her, sending eggnog everywhere. Instead of being mad, they hit it off immediately and end the night kissing under a Christmas wreath.From there, they start dating, fall in love, and eventually buy a house together. Cut to the following Christmas: they're hosting both of their families in the new house. But it quickly becomes clear that things in Loveland are not as perfect as they seem. Liv is extremely stressed, while Daniel's solution is basically, “You should just put all that stress in a box somewhere.” Shockingly, this does not help.The tension boils over into an argument, and they decide to take a break. The problem? Neither of them can bring themselves to tell their parents. So they agree to pretend everything is fine for the holidays.Once the families arrive, chaos ensues. Liv's dad is aggressively committed to traditions she hates — including an absolutely unhinged candy game. Daniel's sister immediately clocks that something is wrong and confronts him. He comes clean to her, just as Liv confides in her brother. Both siblings agree to keep the secret… for now.As they stumble through Christmas together, there are moments where Liv and Daniel remember how much they still love each other — followed by moments that push them even further apart. Their families don't help. Everyone has opinions about everything, and it's exhausting.Things finally come to a head when Liv finds the engagement ring Daniel had planned to use.At last, they come clean to the entire family. Realizing they haven't been giving each other what they actually need, Liv and Daniel choose to recommit to one another. They make up, kiss, and Daniel officially proposes.And, in the true spirit of Christmas miracles, a Gobler Farms turkey is delivered on Christmas morning. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daniel reviews this year's Hallmark Christmas movies and takes a look back at the gifts he has given his guests.

A reflection on Hallmark Christmas movies, comfort stories, and how our longing for tidy endings shapes what we expect Christmas—and even the church—to deliver.

It's holiday season and we are talking Hallmark Christmas movies on the Second Act Success Podcast. We are officially fan-girling because film critic and host of the Hallmarkies Podcast Rachel Wagner joins us to talk about hosting this popular podcast with Hallmark and movies at its core. Rachel shares how a love of movie criticism led her to start creating online reviews, launch a podcast, and eventually build a thriving platform that's now deep into its 9th holiday season (with thousands of episodes!). Along the way, she's interviewed Hallmark writers, actors, and directors, yet she's also honest about what actually grows a show: consistency, relationships, and being ready when opportunity knocks.If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, rom-coms, podcasting, content creation, or you're dreaming about starting a creative second act in the new year, this one is pure holiday gold.Key takeaways from this episode:How Rachel's love of film criticism turned into a real podcasting career pathWhat it really takes to run a successful podcast Why you don't need celebrity interviews to build a profitable, loyal audienceHow to “be ready when luck finds you” (and why creative success can be unpredictable)The truth about consistency, repetition, and making content that people actually wantWhy Hallmark is keeping rom-coms alive—and how Rachel built a niche brand around itRachel's best advice for anyone starting a second act (or launching a podcast in 2026)*Get the full show notes here!Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here.******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

On the episode of The Rocklopedia Fakebandica, it's Christmas Time, and our gift to you is watching Hallmark movies until we pass out. It will be a Christmas miracle if we survive this show.

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Pat and co-host Mariana Gatto share a lighthearted and engaging conversation with actor and producer Antonio Cupo. A Canadian who spent ten years working in Rome, Cupo is best known for his roles in Hallmark Christmas films and is in the New York area for Christmas Con in New Jersey, where he is connecting with fans and celebrating the holiday film season. Cupo explains that while he began his career primarily as an actor, his work has increasingly shifted toward producing over the past decade. He attributes this change to Hallmark's high volume of productions, which naturally creates ongoing opportunities to develop and produce Christmas-themed romantic comedies. He describes Hallmark movies as intentionally simple, uplifting, and designed to provide comfort and escapism without heavy themes. The discussion expands to the broader appeal of predictable, feel-good entertainment, contrasting it with the frustrations of modern streaming platforms and expressing nostalgia for a simpler television era. The segment concludes with Cupo noting that acting was not his original goal and that he entered the industry gradually through classes and small early roles.    HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @antoniocupo X: antoniocupo   HOSTS: Patrick O'Boyle Marianna Gatto   SPECIAL GUEST: Antonio Cupo   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

Pedro is back to spread the Christmas cheer. Cool of the week includes IT: Welcome to Derry, Fallout, The Running Man, and Hallmark Christmas movies. Trailers are The Plague and Hokum. The podcast spotlight shines on Horror Movie Club. And we get feedback from Meghan Lapointe, Joseph Larsen, Rosh Sauragal Abbas, Air Shift, Pat Caruso, Don Lowery, Julieann Akred, and Jesse Dizon. Thanks for listening! The Horror Returns Website: https://thehorrorreturns.com THR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehorrorreturns/ Join THR Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1056143707851246 THR X: https://twitter.com/horror_returns?s=21&t=XKcrrOBZ7mzjwJY0ZJWrGA THR Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehorrorreturns?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= THR Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thehorrorreturns?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== THR YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@thehorrorreturnspodcast3277 THR Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thehorrorreturns THR TeePublic: https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-horror-returns SK8ER Nez Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-p3n57-c4166 E Society Spotify For Podcasters: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/esoc Music By: Steve Carleton Of The Geekz

Writer/director/actor Jonah Feingold joins the bagels this week to talk about his new indie film "31 Candles," which blends a Hallmark Christmas movie with Jewish culture. The movie follows a 30-something New Yorker who becomes a bar mitzvah...only to win over his former camp crush, who is now a b'nai mitzvah tutor. The three also remember the legendary Rob Reiner and talk about his influence on Feingold's movies.  "31 Candles" heads to an AMC near you on January 9th.     

Taylor’s Tiny Head Trauma Destiny came back from Texas with something shiny… Can Taylor figure out the plot to another Hallmark Christmas movie? How is “Thriftmas” going for Destiny & Taylor?

Francis and Nate talk about dumpster diving, household pests, caring for strays, and electrical work. Don't miss the special Hallmark Christmas episodes over on Patreon with Francis and his wife. Final episode will be available December 24th! - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie  And if you're looking for presents for the father figure in your life, check out the store - https://whatahellofawaytodad.com/ 

Join the team for a festive episode filled with holiday cheer! First, dive into a playful guessing game as Sara challenges Sal and Nicole to spot real Hallmark Christmas movie titles from fakes. Then, Nicole explores family-friendly ideas for the school holiday break, highlighting upcoming winter programs at the library.

From “Christmas on Cherry Lane” to “Oy! to the World”, Screenwriter Rick Garman has written more than 40 Christmas movies. We talk writing a Christmas movie, why people both love and love to hate Hallmark Christmas movies and the best Christmas movie of all time. Then, it's Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle vs. Macaroons and Gingerbread Men as we countdown the Top 5 Cookies. Rick Garman: 01:19 Pointless: 28:56 Top 5 Cookies: 47:33 Contact the Show Rick Garman Website Rick Garman Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, everyone! It’s that time of year when Stephanie and I get together to discuss our favorite Christmas movies! But this year, we are focusing on Netflix films rather than Hallmark. But never fear. We do have our Hallmark Christmas movie watch list ready to share with you, based solely on artwork, titles, and a brief blurb. Spoiler alert: We will both be tuning in to watch Oy to the World. With a name like that, we HAVE to see what happens! EPISODE NOTES: Champagne Problems trailer (Netflix) A Merry Little X-Mas trailer (Netflix) My Secret Santa trailer (Netflix) SHOW NOTES: Subscribe to Podcast: iTunes or Android Follow Me: Instagram and Twitter

The football season is nearing its climax, while others are glued to cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies. Either way, one is inundated with commercials featuring a white guy being awkward, stupid, corrupt, or downright evil. From food to sports betting to insurance companies, the white man is the main target virtually every time, and there's no end in sight. Tony Mazur covers many recent examples on this week's Check Your Brain podcast.   Be sure to subscribe to Tony's Patreon. $3 gets you just audio, $5 gets video AND audio, and $10 has all of the above, as well as bonus podcasts per week. Visit Patreon.com/TonyMazur. Tony is also on Rumble! Go find his video podcasts over there for free.   Cover art for the Check Your Brain podcast is by Eric C. Fischer. If you need terrific graphic design work done, contact Eric at illstr8r@gmail.com.

Kerrie & Stephanie review the latest Hallmark and Lifetime holiday movies!Let us know what you thought by following us on Instagram: @loveandnonsensepodcastFollow Stephanie's author life:Website: www.thearrowedheart.comOnline Store: www.steamyromancereads.comInstagram/Facebook: @authorhalliebennett & @authorjemmafrostFollow Kerrie's photographer life:Website: www.kerriedawnphoto.comInstagram: @kerrie.dawn.photo

Free Advent Guide: Are you looking to deepen your prayer life this season? Download our free guide to Carmelite spirituality to help you navigate Advent with purpose: https://midnightcarmelite.com/reset Do you feel pressure to create the perfect "Hallmark Christmas," only to be met with stress, difficult relatives, and a feeling of emptiness? We often think that a perfect holiday means abundance, comfort, and peace. However, Bishop Sheen famously remarked that the saddest moment in history was when there was "no room at the inn." In this episode of Midnight Carmelite, we explore the profound theology behind the Manger and the Inn. While the Inn represents a world full of itself with no room for God, the Manger represents the poverty, lack, and discomfort where Christ actually chooses to be born. We discuss how you can transform family tension, awkward conversations, and holiday chores into an offering of "straw" for the baby Jesus, turning your struggles into a path for deep spiritual growth. In this episode, you will learn: The Spiritual Value of Discomfort: Why Christ chose the cold, smelly manger over the comfort of the inn, and what that means for your holiday struggles.How to Navigate Family Conflict: Practical advice on practicing spiritual poverty when dealing with difficult situations or hurtful comments.From Possession to Freedom: Understanding St. John of the Cross's teaching that to possess God, we must desire to possess nothing—including our own will.

This week of Deck the Hallmark is presented by Aura Frames. Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DECK  // Promo Code:  DECK--The amazing Doug Jones is back! This year, he joins us to break down the newest Hallmark Christmas movie, A Suite Holiday Romance.ABOUT A SUITE HOLIDAY ROMANCEWriter Sabrina stays at a luxury hotel to ghostwrite a memoir. She meets Ian at the bar and lets him think she's wealthy. He's actually a secretary posing as nobility while managing a royal jewels exhibit.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR A SUITE HOLIDAY ROMANCEDecember 13 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF A SUITE HOLIDAY ROMANCEJessy Schram as SabrinaDominic Sherwood as IanBRAN'S A SUITE HOLIDAY ROMANCE SYNOPSISWe learn about the Cordelia books by Hazel Holly, a beloved series that has been read by many and adored by all. We meet Sabrina, a writer who penned a glowing piece about the books. As a result, she's chosen to ghostwrite a memoir and is put up at the Grand Fairbanks Hotel in the legendary Cordelia Suite — a very big deal.She meets Grayson Westcott, the man who hired her. She'll be interviewing him about his life as an art broker and writing his memoir, but she only has until Christmas Eve to gather everything she needs.One night, while working late, Sabrina craves a sandwich. She calls down to the bar, runs in, and starts eating the first sandwich she sees — which turns out to belong to Ian, who's sitting nearby. He doesn't mind at all and clearly wants to keep talking, but the bar is closing. Maybe another time.The next day, Sabrina continues interviewing Grayson and learns that he was once Hazel Holly's butler at this very hotel. He's hesitant to talk about that part of his life, but when he opens up, she's completely captivated.Later, she runs into Ian again and they grab coffee. He tells her he works for a charity and that it's his first time in the city. What Sabrina doesn't know is that he actually works for the royal family — something he's keeping very quiet. After overhearing a conversation at dinner, she mistakenly assumes he is royalty. Could he be Lord Braxton? She keeps her suspicions to herself as they continue spending time together and sparks fly.Ian suddenly has to leave town to make sure Lord Braxton doesn't marry a woman he just met. They reunite at the Christmas ball, where they dance and share a magical evening — until Ian notices Lord Braxton leaving early and has to follow him. He does return for a kiss first, though. Sabrina is both smitten and increasingly frustrated by how Ian disappears without warning.For various reasons, Sabrina never quite asks him outright if he's Lord Braxton, and Ian never tells her that he works for the royal family. When she joins him at a charity event, she's having a great time — until she spots a jewelry box in his bag. Lord Braxton is known for proposing quickly… is Ian about to propose to her?During a dinner date, Sabrina finally admits she thinks he's Lord Braxton — but before Ian can explain, he's called away again. After hearing more of Grayson's story, Sabrina decides to end things before Ian can break her heart. Grayson is baffled and basically says, “How on earth did you get that from my story?!”Sabrina attends a gala and finally learns the truth: Ian is not Lord Braxton. Overwhelmed, she storms out. After more conversations with Grayson, he encourages her to rethink everything.Speaking of Grayson, Sabrina reunites him with his long-lost love, Charlotte — who is Lady Braxton. Grayson insists he's too old for love, but Sabrina shuts that down immediately. They rush to see each other, and it's beautiful.Sabrina races to find Ian, but she's told he's already left for the airport — except he hasn't. He stayed because he's fallen for her. He gives her the jewelry box, revealing not an engagement ring, but a snowflake necklace. They talk things through, make up, and he tells her he's moving to the States to expand the charity. They kiss — big ones.The movie ends with Grayson and Lady Braxton getting married. At their wedding, we see that Ian and Sabrina are engaged.She talks with Grayson more and he encoruages her to think about things a bit more. Speaking of Grayson, she ends up finding Grayson his long lost love charlotte. she's lady braxton. he's like oh i know that, but i'm too old for this ish. She's like NO! You're never too old for love. They rush down to see each other and it's wonderful. And Sabrina rushes to find Ian. But she's too late. He's already left for the airport. Except, HE NEVER LEFT! He says he's fallen for her and then he gives her the jewlery box...it's not an engagement ring at all. It's a snowflake necklace. they talk and make up. he tells her he's moving there to bring the charity to the states. and they kiss big ones!The movie ends with Grayson and Lady Braxton getting married. And at said wedding, we see that ian and sabrina are engaged. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

'Tis the season, and you'll soon be seeing holiday films taking over screens (if they haven't already!). From classics like "It's a Wonderful Life," to 80s or 90s favorites like "A Christmas Story" or "Home Alone," to the love-them-or-hate-them Hallmark Christmas movies, there's so much to watch in the genre. What's your favorite holiday movie? What gives a seasonal film staying power? And what can you watch on the big screen locally if you want to get into the spirit this month? Our guests are film fans: Scott Pukos, communications director for The Little Theatre Jared Case, curator of film exhibitions for the Dryden Theatre at George Eastman Museum Cielo Ornelas MacFarlane, local cinephile and visual artist ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

What generation does Mocha think he belongs to—Millennial, Gen Z, or Gen Alpha? Maurie's always broke (seriously, where does his money go?), and we dive into his wild schemes for free stuff and side hustles. Plus, has Mocha been binging Hallmark Christmas movies this year? We share favorites and the most over-the-top holiday movie plots. Then, it's a round of hilarious “Would You Rather”: built-in pockets or built-in Heeleys? Ever been caught regifting? And the ultimate debate—do you say POP or SODA, and what's your go-to flavour?

Looking for your own small-town, Hallmark Christmas experience? Look no further than historic Frankfort, Kentucky's state capital!   That's where Candy and Ashley headed for an impromptu field trip last month, and they share their adventures in this fun episode.    The visit started with a delicious lunch at the 50s-themed Main Street Diner and a word from co-owner Megan Allan. Then after a little guidance from Suzy Hosley, Executive Director for Downtown Frankfort, Inc., Ashley and Candy headed to Poor Richard's Books, a charming independent bookstore. There, owner Liz Bernoskiei spoke briefly about the history of the business and the building in which it resides, as well as her role in helping to establish Frankfort's popular Candlelight Weekend. After a stop at the Capital City Museum, where staff members Roger Barlow and Eva Napier offered some insights about the subject of this year's exclusive Christmas ornament, the Lovely Miss Elizabeth, Candy and Ashley concluded their visit with a tour of the Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory. On top of the bourbon balls, the two hosts were given an additional treat– the opportunity to speak with Charles Booe himself, business owner and grandson of co-founder Ruth Booe!   This episode will not only put you in a holiday mood, it will also give you ideas for your next day trip!  How to support Scandal Water: Rate, review, and subscribe! Follow the show on your favorite app or Scandal Water Podcast YouTube channel.  Send your shoutouts to scandalwaterpodcast@gmail.com. Become a member on patreon.com/ScandalWaterPodcast or buymeacoffee.com/scandalwaterpod – which will also grant you access to fabulous bonus content!  #ChristmasattheCapital #VisitFrankfortKY #MainStreetDiner #PoorRichardsBooks #CapitalCityMuseum #RebeccaRuthCandyFactory #Kentucky #Tourism #Christmas #FieldTrip

On our annual Christmas episode, we welcome author and Christmas TV expert Joanna Wilson to the show to talk about, well, Christmas TV! The classic specials, the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, the film that defined Hallmark Christmas movies, oh and that time she watched the entire 24-hour A Christmas Story marathon and wrote a book about it (The Triple Dog Dare). Follow Joanna on Instagram: @tistheseasontvCheck out her work and buy a book at http://www.christmastvhistory.com/Bluesky: @vcwpod.bsky.socialZach: @muzach.bsky.socialDave: @davelester80.bsky.socialDave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/show/1i0745IHu2sVEUZufEHmbp?si=5eee86f132f748ddCheck out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.comListen to Zach's Christmas Mixes here: https://www.mixcloud.com/zachmalm/

  December 7, 2025: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard.  Amen. You'all know I love Hallmark Christmas movies.  However, there is nothing quite like the ultimate story we hear at this time of year – A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.  And as much as I love Hallmark, they just do not compare in their remakes of that classic, to the ones that star Alister Sims or Sir Patrick Stewart.  Now, we are in Advent, not Christmas, so why do I bring this classic tale of Christmas up?  For the same reason I did many years ago when I was preaching on the texts for this Sunday – especially the one from Isaiah, because Dickens knew how to create a setting.  And, the truth is, while the movie adaptations are good, nothing is better than the actual book in telling that important part of the story.  I mean, isn't that nearly always the case – Lord of the Rings trilogy, Dune, the Chronicles of Narnia – I know, I am showing my fantasy/scifi side. Even the Harry Potter movies, while really good, were not as good as the books.  The same is very true for A Christmas Carol. The opening paragraph of this Dicken's seasonal classic makes one thing absolutely clear.  It reads, “Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.  Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country's done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.” So, I guess Marley, old Scrooge's business partner, was very much dead?  Or, as we get from the coronor in The Wizard of Oz – Marley is “…not only merely dead, [he's] really most sincerely dead.” Clearly we do not need to ask, in our best Monty Python voice, “Is he dead yet?”  Marley is dead.  Got it.  But why all the fuss – why all the repetition? Well, as we continue in the story we realize that if we weren't quite sure about Marley being dead, than it throws off the basis for the very strange set of Christmas Eve visitations that result in a miracle of new life for Scrooge.  And it is this new life that is an important part of our Advent journey.  The life that grows out of death.  Now you might be thinking, isn't that Easter, not Advent?  Well, it is both, as will see in the passage from Isaiah, and also from St. Paul in his letter to the Romans (who quotes the very scripture in Isaiah we heard today).  The passage begins with this: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”  That branch, the passage continues, is the birth of a new leader – one who is righteous and faithful, who has compassion for the poor and the meek. Oh, how we yearn even today, for that. Now we often hear these words and think of Jesus, but Jews then and to today know these words as applying to King Hezekiah of Judah.  Still, everyone all over the world yearn for this type of leader – one who has compassion for her people, and knows they are not God, but are there to serve God's people.  The prophet's words remind all of us what is expected of those that lead the people of God.  And it is a proper metaphor for the incarnation too. So, let's get back to that stump, that leftover remains of a very dead tree.  A tree that, as Dickins would likely say, is as dead as a door nail.  Why is this imagery so important to the people then, or us now? Well, remember last week? The prophet was speaking of a vision of a new world where swords would be turned into plowshares?  Well, that hasn't come about yet.  The Assyrians were still a threat to Jerusalem, and had destroyed many a city in Judah and Israel.  In fact, in the chapter before the one we read from today, we hear about those rulers who oppress the people, turning aside the needy from justice, and robbing the poor and vulnerable.  It was a time of darkness for the people, where hope was far gone and everyone seemed like the walking dead.  The stump is a metaphor for the people who felt dead inside.  The shoot is the birth of a new leader who is righteous, faithful, and good.  That would be a miracle to those so worn down by the reality in which they lived. But the passage doesn't stop there.  This new life is beyond anything anyone has ever experienced – beyond even swords being made into plowshares.  It is what we have come to call the peaceable kingdom…where “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid…” Of course, this image has been depicted in religious art, and is the stuff of poets.  But given the circumstances then and today, many of us might say, “The wolf might lie down with the lamb. But the lamb won't get much sleep!”  We greet these words with a big “Bah Humbug!' Not because we don't want it – oh we so dream it could be true.  No, we are skeptical because we have become so used to the very unpeaceable kingdom – war, violence, human trafficking, hate crimes, cyberbullying, and leaders who attack the people they are meant to serve, not to mention difficult times in our own lives. We can feel devoid of dreams like this because it can all seem too big to imagine – this time of peace and love for all.  It seems like a pipe dream. We can be so very weary from what life throws at us that we become like those people long ago – the walking dead.  Our faith withered so much that we keep a watchful eye, a bit like a lamb near a lion, for what might next prey upon us, and not for miracles of new life.  And so this prophetic witness of Isaiah is not only meant for those long ago, but for us too.  Maybe that is why St. Paul quotes the prophet in his letter to the Romans we heard a part of today.  He writes “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope….and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”” St. Paul is reminding the people in Rome, and now us, of the promise of Isaiah – that new life grows out of what seems to be very much dead, bringing hope to all.  And folks, as I said last week, hope is a most powerful force amidst the darkness of the world.  It is the stuff of transformation, and the heart of Advent.  Hope is the spark in the soul that can defeat the darkness, can overcome the strongest enemies, can make dreams – God's or our own – possible.  And hope is the root of joy. Now, to be clear, joy is not happiness.  Joy is not connected to external events.  Joy is the inner peace we carry knowing that no matter what life throws at us, God loves us – loves us enough to break into the darkness of our lives with the birth of Christ Jesus. But here's the thing.  This new vision of the world – this peaceable kingdom and life out of death – this hope and joy – well, we have a role to play in bringing it all about. St. Paul adds this instruction we heard today “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.”  This welcome isn't a polite greeting like we do at the peace, or we might when being introduced at a party.  That is far too tame.  The Greek used here is more on the lines of “fully embrace.”  And it isn't meant just for people we know well, or even like.  It is to fully embrace like Christ!  Or to put it in Christ's own words “love one another as I loved you.”  We are to be the counter-cultural witness to the goodness of God in how we treat one another, how we treat those who are different than ourselves, how we treat all of creation.  When we love as Christ loved us, we become the very sprouts of new life for a world that feels dead as a stump.  That is how we, by his incarnation in our heart, give birth to God's vision of love and peace. It happens one welcome – one full embrace – one moment of unconditional love at a time.  It is the hope of nations, and the promise of the child we await.  Think about the story of old Scrooge for a moment.  His transformation didn't come about because he got frightened out of his wits by a bunch of ghosts.  It started with a warning from Marley, to be sure, but what exactly was Marley telling him?  First, he told Scrooge that the chain he was wearing he forged in life, and that Scrooge's was just as long and growing ever still.  And when Scrooge said, “But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,” Marley shouted back – “Business!” “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!…At this time of the rolling year, I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me?” Then the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future arrive one by one. What did they show Scrooge?  Images of hell to scare him?  No.  They showed him love – love he once had for another person, love of the Cratchit family even amidst all their lot, love his nephew showed to him despite Scrooge's nasty clapbacks at him.  And the reader or viewer sees how the absence of love from others can deaden many a child of God. That is what the Spirits showed to Scrooge – love.  Love not based on being treated well, love not based on the circumstances of life.  Just love – that full embrace St. Paul implores us to give – that commandment of Jesus to us all.  It is the very thing that will bring forth the shoot of hope and joy from even the deadest of souls, including our own. So next time you are watching your favorite version of A Christmas Carol, remember this passage from Isaiah and the epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Remember and see that even a soul as dead as Dickin's Mr. Scrooge may be given new life through the power of love. Remember too that this miracle of redemptive grace is for everyone – for you and for me.  It is the hope that will heal the world and bring about the beloved kingdom for us all, so long as we do our part to bring it about. And so I leave you with this, the two benedictions St. Paul includes in this part of his epistle.  Maybe they be something you can say each morning as you start the day – a reminder of Advent and what is possible by God's grace, when we share with others our hope and joy in love.  “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rec-001-Sermon-December_7_2025.m4a   The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge December 7, 2025 Advent 4 – Year A 1st Reading – Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 2nd Reading – Romans 15:4-13 Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12 The post “The Power Of Love” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.

Dave and Chuck the Freak talk about Hallmark Christmas movies, guy got pepper sprayed and peed on himself, plane lost engine after take off, train broke down causing 12 hour delay, hidden camera found in unisex bathroom at mall, man has close call after approaching a bear, woman became friends with man after giving him rides home, update on Lisa, UofM investigation, Chiefs eliminated from playoffs, Philip Rivers out of retirement, Bengals violated NFL rules by not clearing out snow, Rob Reiner killed, Dick Van Dyke turned 100, Amy Schumer divorce, old Florida man dangles from roof, paramedic investigated for jerking and peeing on people’s stuff, guy bear sprays couple to steal from them during Facebook Marketplace interaction, update on DoorDash delivery driver who pepper sprayed customer’s food, woman watching porn at record rates, have you been naughtier this year?, teen dirk bike stunt, a deer in Marshalls, baby reindeer lives life like house pet, employee fired for arriving too early, 102-year-old running basement bar, and more!

Dave and Chuck the Freak talk about Hallmark Christmas movies, guy got pepper sprayed and peed on himself, plane lost engine after take off, train broke down causing 12 hour delay, hidden camera found in unisex bathroom at mall, man has close call after approaching a bear, woman became friends with man after giving him rides home, update on Lisa, UofM investigation, Chiefs eliminated from playoffs, Philip Rivers out of retirement, Bengals violated NFL rules by not clearing out snow, Rob Reiner killed, Dick Van Dyke turned 100, Amy Schumer divorce, old Florida man dangles from roof, paramedic investigated for jerking and peeing on people's stuff, guy bear sprays couple to steal from them during Facebook Marketplace interaction, update on DoorDash delivery driver who pepper sprayed customer's food, woman watching porn at record rates, have you been naughtier this year?, teen dirk bike stunt, a deer in Marshalls, baby reindeer lives life like house pet, employee fired for arriving too early, 102-year-old running basement bar, and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Martha Gimbel is the executive director and co-founder of the Budget Lab at Yale. In Martha's first appearance on the show, she discusses the missing BLS job market data, the consequences of losing two months of labor market data, the impact of AI on the labor market in the short and long term, why it is hard to determine which job sectors AI will impact first, why people will keep learning foreign languages, the future impact tariffs will have on the economy, why US treasuries might get left for the hometown guy in a Hallmark Christmas movie, and much more. Check out the transcript for this week's episode, now with links. Recorded on November 19th, 2025 Subscribe to David's Substack: Macroeconomic Policy Nexus Follow David Beckworth on X: @DavidBeckworth Follow Martha on X: @MarthaGimbel Follow the show on X: @Macro_Musings Check out our Macro Musings merch! Subscribe to David's new BTS YouTube Channel  Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:48 - The Budget Lab at Yale 00:05:34 - Missing Government Data 00:14:21 - Artificial Intelligence 00:44:49 - Trade Wars 00:54:51 - Outro

We welcome Amber "Voice of Pam on Archer" Nash to the show for a little quiz about this year's slate of Hallmark holiday films, and what we think their plots might be. Check out Amber's podcast, RePhrasing: An Archer Rewatch Podcast, right on our own network, Maximum Fun!Tickets for Flop TV Season 3 are ON SALE! Also, we'll be back at San Francisco Sketchfest on January 25! Get tickets now! We'll be discussing legendary flop THE MASTER OF DISGUISE!Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, “Flop Secrets! It's got fun stuff in it!

This week of Deck the Hallmark is presented by Aura Frames. Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DECK  // Promo Code:  DECKThe Canadian Christmas Prince, Tyler Shaw, joins us to review the holiday flick Single on the 25th.ABOUT SINGLE ON THE 25THThe story follows a 30-something who spends Christmas alone in the city, only to find unexpected companionship with a handsome neighbor.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR SINGLE ON THE 25THDecember 7, 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF SINGLE ON THE 25THLyndsy Fonseca as Nell DukeDaniel Lissing as CooperBRAN'S SINGLE ON THE 25TH SYNOPSISWe meet Nell Duke, who is single and constantly reminded of it during the holiday season. She's excited to host her family from Ohio this year — she's planned the perfect Christmas week. But they cancel last minute. So she's like, “Well, I guess I'll go to Cleveland!”But then she bumps into her neighbor Cooper, who's like, “Why should you give up your perfectly curated Christmas? Just stay. Embrace the singleness.” And she's like, “You know what?! I'm gonna do it!”It doesn't take long for her to feel a bit lonely and a bit silly. Luckily, there's Cooper. They start doing activities both together and separately. Like going to a fancy restaurant but sitting at separate tables. She also agrees to help him plan this charity event.They go to a Christmas mixer together and have fun, but she keeps getting little waves of sadness about being single. They watch Rudolph together and almost hold hands — but obviously that would be too much.She accompanies him to a family gathering, and it goes great. At this point, they're basically in love!Then it's time for his company Christmas party. They go together, she's feeling great… until she overhears a coworker saying Cooper brought his “lonely neighbor” because he felt bad for her. Brutal. She's hurt, tells him off, and leaves.After some self-reflection, she comes to terms with being okay being single on the 25th.But Cooper's not okay with that. He has to make things right — and he does. He tells her he doesn't want to be “alone together,” he wants to be together together. And they kiss. Big ones. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're finally caught up on Hallmark Christmas movies, so it's time to head back to UPtv with Ryan. Today, we're reviewing Christmas in Amish Country.ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN AMISH COUNTRYA faltering chef returns to her Amish roots in Pennsylvania, finds solace in slow-cooking, and rekindles a friendship with a sweet farmer from her past.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR CHRISTMAS IN AMISH COUNTRYNovember 30 2025 | UPtvCAST & CREW OF CHRISTMAS IN AMISH COUNTRYElla Cannon as ClaireJason Tobias as JackBRAN'S CHRISTMAS IN AMISH COUNTRY SYNOPSISIt's December 20th and we're at a fancy new restaurant. Chef Claire is making very fancy food — we're talking liquid nitrogen levels of fancy. But it's too fancy. The reviews are awful, and her manager encourages her to sell ASAP. There's no saving this sucker. Reporters love a downfall story, so they're outside her apartment. She mistakes one of the reporters for her rideshare driver.With her flight canceled, she asks him to drive her to Missouri — a 7-hour trip. Looking for the scoop, he says yes and doesn't tell her who he really is. His name is Jack, and they actually kind of hit it off. She even moves to the passenger seat.They arrive in Versailles, Missouri. Jack is stunned to find out it's an Amish town! Her mom? Amish. Her sister-in-law? Amish. The queen of modern molecular gastronomy… is Amish!Jack even saves her mom from an oncoming truck. Hero moment unlocked.This whole time, she thought his name was Chad — her “driver.” He corrects her: he's Jack, and he finally comes clean. Claire is not thrilled, but since he saved her mom's life, he gets to stay with the family.Her family doesn't know what kind of food she really cooks… or about the bad reviews. Jack agrees to keep that quiet.Since he didn't plan on this trip, he has no spare clothes. So naturally, he ends up rocking Amish garb.Jack volunteers to help a guy named Eli, who absolutely hates him. Who does Eli not hate? Claire. He's very into her.When Jack tastes her family's apple butter and pie crust, he's like, “Why aren't you serving this?!” She insists the outside world doesn't want this kind of food.She opens up about her journey, and Jack seems genuinely interested — though that might just be because he's churning butter and can't escape. His back starts hurting, so she gives him an old Amish back rub, and the sparks definitely fly.Jack keeps helping around the farm and loving all the food. He tells her that incorporating her family's cooking could really bring her restaurant to life. Sparks continue… until she finds his initial story draft, which basically calls her a fraud. The family tells him to get lost first thing in the morning.Here's something important about Claire: she's terrified of riding in a horse and buggy because of a past accident. So she's walking to Christmas dinner when she finds her pregnant friend on the path — her water has broken. Claire has to conquer her fear, take the buggy, and get her to the hospital.On Jack's way out of town, he sees Claire walking into the hospital. He offers to help, and she tells him to go pick up the woman's husband — which he does. When he gets back, he tells her he was never going to turn in that hurtful article. He has a new story ready and wants her to read it before he submits it.He brings her back to the farm and gives the whole family a copy of the new article. They all forgive him, and he and Claire kiss. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week of Deck the Hallmark is presented by Racine Danish Kringles. Exclusive 10% off entire order -  www.kringles.com  // Promo Code:  HALLMARK25We're wrapping up the week with one final Hallmark Christmas movie from Thanksgiving Week — The Christmas Cup.ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS CUPStaff Sergeant Kelly Brandt, recovering from a knee injury, leads her hometown team in the annual Christmas Cup, despite her heart aching for her career. She discovers there are multiple ways to serve a community.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR THE CHRISTMAS CUPNovember 30th 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF THE CHRISTMAS CUPRhiannon Fish as Kelly BrandtBen Rosenbaum as Quinn StokleyBRAN'S THE CHRISTMAS CUP SYNOPSISThe movie kicks off with Fish returning from the army — her name is Aunt Kelly. Her brother and daughter pick her up from the bus, and when they get home, there's a surprise party waiting for her!Apparently, it's the 50th Christmas Cup! We don't know what that means yet. It turns out there's a friendly rivalry between two neighboring towns, Bridgeport and Longleaf. To make things more complicated, the towns now share a school board, police, and fire department. When the mayor of Longleaf shows up with a hot firefighter, she has alternative motives: she wants to shut down the troops' welcome-back party. The firefighter, Quinn, is clearly smitten with Kelly, but it seems like it could never work.Kelly reluctantly agrees to lead her town in the Christmas Cup this year — and ropes Quinn into helping. The Christmas Cup is a friendly competition between the towns, consisting of challenges like a snowball fight, eggnog chug, and more.Kelly soon learns she has to leave town again soon, which makes her sad. Luckily, Quinn is there to lift her spirits. He invites her on a romantic date wrapping presents for kids, and the night goes beautifully.But then she gets a call — the Marines need her to leave on Christmas Day. She tells her friend the news: she won't be there for the Christmas Cup. But what about Quinn? Kelly insists, he's a stranger, who cares! Unfortunately for her, Quinn is right around the corner and overhears everything — and he's not happy.Kelly starts to rethink leaving and goes to talk to Quinn, but he's upset: he heard what you said. She realizes she doesn't want to leave, so she announces to her family, after blowing out the going-away cake candle, that she's not leaving! The military can wait.Christmas Cup time arrives, and Kelly is initially sad to see Quinn has joined the other team. Longleaf falls behind early after losing the singing and eggnog chug challenges. But then they make a comeback, winning the light untangle and trivia challenges. Bridgeport takes the spice contest, so it all comes down to the snowball fight, worth 20 points.Longleaf is about to win, but a little girl decides to be kind and not throw a snowball at her bully. The teams agree it should be a tie, but the bully concedes: Longleaf won fair and square.Kelly and Quinn make up — and share a big, romantic kiss. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.