Podcast appearances and mentions of Mary Bailey

We're going back to the archives for a conversation about lessons from a classic film. Bob Welch joined us a few years ago to take us on a trip back to Bedford Falls to look at the lives of George and Mary Bailey. The film is a powerful reminder that our lives touch those around us in ways we can’t imagine. It's the perfect Friday conversation for the day after Christmas. Don't miss Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life e-book by Bob Welch December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Bob Welch invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in the summer of 1946, Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra made a Christmas movie. Upon its release that winter, It's A Wonderful Life was a box-office afterthought. Nominated for best picture, it lost to the war film The Best Years Of Our Lives. But since then—thanks in large part to the fact that It's A Wonderful Life fell into the public domain due to a clerical error—the film has become the picture Frank Capra always knew it could, one of the greatest ever made. On this special episode of Writing While Handicapped, presented by the Authors On The Air Global Radio Network, join Jimmy Hawkins, who played the youngest of George and Mary Bailey's children, Tommy, His book, The Heart Of It's A Wonderful Life, is out now, and Jimmy is eager to tell you what it was like to be at the studio with these Hollywood greats way back when! And a merry Christmas from all of us at Authors On The Air to all of you!

Back in the summer of 1946, Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra made a Christmas movie. Upon its release that winter, It's A Wonderful Life was a box-office afterthought. Nominated for best picture, it lost to the war film The Best Years Of Our Lives. But since then—thanks in large part to the fact that It's A Wonderful Life fell into the public domain due to a clerical error—the film has become the picture Frank Capra always knew it could, one of the greatest ever made. On this special episode of Writing While Handicapped, presented by the Authors On The Air Global Radio Network, join Jimmy Hawkins, who played the youngest of George and Mary Bailey's children, Tommy, His book, The Heart Of It's A Wonderful Life, is out now, and Jimmy is eager to tell you what it was like to be at the studio with these Hollywood greats way back when! And a merry Christmas from all of us at Authors On The Air to all of you!

Jonny Hennigan interviews actress and director Jenny Kilcast who recently played Mary Bailey in a stage production of It's A Wonderful Life! As part of us looking at It's A Wonderful Life, we have ended up completing two bonus episodes and could probably have done more! Everyone was keen to have their say but with it being a busy time of year it was hard to get them altogether BUT I did reach out to some new guests for the show… Next week, you will hear an episode about It's A Wonderful Life from the point of view of a mother and teenage daughter; Maria and Maisy - who also let me in to some of their memories of Christmas and their traditions new and old. Today though, we have actress and director - Jenny Kilcast who has recently played Mary in a stage version of It's A Wonderful Life. I also spoke to her about becoming an actress and her experiences acting and directing. I had a wonderful time recording both, without further ado - a big festive Hee Haw to you all and let's hear from Jenny…Intro includes instrumental version of "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartneyAudio clip from It Happened One Christmas (1977)millenniumfulcrum@gmail.com@mfulcrum2187 (X and Instagram)@millenniumfulcrum (Bluesky & TikTok)FB: millennium fulcrumProduced by Jonny Hennigan & The Fulcrum Crew. Recorded at the Fulcrum Studios, the Shire. England.Mixed and edited by Jonny Hennigan at the Fulcrum Studios, the Shire. England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Lopez is on FX's The Bear and Apple TV's Platonic with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. He also has his own show in development with HBO. But it wasn't long ago that he was a kid growing up in Pella. Then, Donna Reed is beloved for roles like Mary Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life and Donna Stone in The Donna Reed Show. She was born in Denison, where the Donna Reed Foundation keeps her legacy alive.These segments were produced in September and October 2025.

Welcome back to The Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., where we empower women to step into strength, resilience, and purpose — body, mind, and spirit. Today, we're celebrating one of the most beloved holiday films of all time with someone who lived it from the inside out. Jimmy Hawkins — who played Tommy Bailey, the youngest son of George and Mary Bailey — joins us to share the heart, history, humor, and humanity behind It's a Wonderful Life. Now, nearly 80 years after its release, Jimmy has gathered decades of interviews, rare photos, cast and crew insights, and untold behind-the-scenes stories in his brand-new book, The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life, releasing September 23rd. Jimmy opens up about what Frank Capra poured into the film, how Jimmy Stewart used the emotional scars of World War II to shape his performance, and why the message — one life touches so many others — is more important now than ever. Whether you've watched the film a hundred times or you're seeing it for the first time this season, this conversation will remind you that you matter, your life has meaning, and you make a difference. Key Themes The universal message that every life has value Why viewers in today's world need that reminder more than ever How the film teaches us that ordinary acts have extraordinary impact Jimmy's story about showing the film in Attica Prison Inmates recognizing themselves in George Bailey's journey How the movie inspires personal change in unexpected places Capra refused the studio system so he could make the film his way Why the movie originally failed — and how TV saved it in 1974 The idea that "God had a plan" for when the world would discover the film How his experience in WWII shaped the raw intensity of George Bailey Why Stewart said he could not perform certain scenes twice Capra's sensitive direction and deep understanding of trauma How being part of the cast shaped his purpose The journey behind writing his new book Why the story continues to guide him personally and professionally "One Life Makes a Difference" — The Core Message The film teaches us: You matter. Your life has purpose. You are impacting others in ways you may never know. Questions Asked What has kept the message of "It's a Wonderful Life" so relevant for nearly 80 years? Why does the film resonate so deeply with generation after generation? What inspired your new book, and what did you want readers to experience? How did Frank Capra's independent vision shape the final film? What mattered most to Frank Capra in creating this story? Can you share more about Jimmy Stewart's emotional preparation and depth? How has being part of this film shaped your life? Why do you think the movie failed at release but exploded decades later? Quotes: "The movie never changed — the people changed. They need that message now more than ever." — Jimmy Hawkins "George Bailey didn't think he did anything for anyone. And look what he did." "You were born to do something in this life. Maybe you haven't done it yet — but you will." "Frank Capra didn't believe in the committee way of making movies. He wanted to make his film his way." "God had a plan. The pieces weren't there in 1946 — but they were in 1974." "This movie tells everybody: you're important. Go get your dream." "We don't think we're making a difference. But we are. What you do does matter." — Linda Mitchell Jimmy Hawkins & Book Links Book — The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins — available for preorder/release: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400255104  Book (audiobook / digital) on Google Play Books / Audiobooks — https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/AQAAAEAqmWHZWM  Information & Announcement about the Book Release (2025) — https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250729801695/en/Its-a-Wonderful-Life-Actor-Jimmy-Hawkins-to-Release-His-New-Book  Where to Stream "It's a Wonderful Life" As of now, "It's a Wonderful Life" is available on: Amazon Prime Video — stream or rent the film  Xumo Play, Plex, Hoopla, and other free-with-ads platforms — depending on your region. 

✨ The Wonders of Christmas Series #2In this episode, we explore It's a Wonderful Life through the quiet power of the woman who holds the story together—Mary Bailey—and the real-life grace of the woman who played her, Donna Reed.

Does Trump intend to usher out the income tax--and if so, what will take its place? Tariffs aren't sufficient, as Will and Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax discuss.

Food affordability is top of mind these days and in the last six years food prices in Alberta have increased more than 30 per cent. So how does that affect our diets, and where we choose to shop and eat? This week Clare speaks to Mary Bailey, editor and publisher of The Tomato Food and Drink. She's been following Edmonton food and restaurants for decades, and weighs in on the impact that rising costs has on our culinary decisions and the city's food scene.

How long can the Dems defy law and order and take the side of chaos? Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to take on illegal aliens as the voting block Democrats are focused on.

Why would Will compare D.C. Mayor Bowser to Yasser Arafat? The answer has to do with the Left's futile efforts to campaign against Trump on crime by simply denying that it exists. The dilemma for Dems is that the locals aren't buying it. Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will for an extended two-part look at crime and next year's elections.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to talk TSA reform and REAL tax freedom. Also on the show: Will describes the single most impressive act of government in our lifetime.

Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to discuss Hakeem Jeffries' hours-long diatribe today in a last-ditch effort to block Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill. Also on the show: another wayward judge; and surprising June economic numbers.

Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to discuss the Islamists in our midst; the big, beautiful bill; and the Biden health cover up.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the Let's reflexive resistance to Trump's successes.

Neil Haley – The Neil Haley ShowGreg Hanna – Celebrity Interviews Live from The GrottoClare Carey – Actress (Coach, Jericho, NCIS, Point Pleasant, Home Alone 4), Writer, Director, and StorytellerIn this dynamic interview, actress Clare Carey joins Neil and Greg to reflect on her breakout role as Kelly Fox on the beloved sitcom Coach, her transition into dramatic roles, and her current work as a writer and content creator. From working alongside Craig T. Nelson to starring in cult-favorite series Jericho, Clare shares behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned wisdom, and her passion for storytelling that inspires and educates.

If the Democrats really admire strong women, they should all be voting for Bondi. Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to discuss yesterday's hearing, the latest from the Middle East, and how the Fair Tax might fare under Trump.

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Bob Welch invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special season wrap-up of the Finding Fearless podcast, host Madeline revisits the powerful conversations of the past year. She reflects on the theme of liberation in entrepreneurship, exploring how guests have turned their challenges into opportunities for personal and professional freedom. The episode highlights impactful discussions with inspiring figures like Podge Thomas, Lauren Burgess, Meredith Fennessy Witts, Brianna Franklin, and Mary Bailey, who share their unique journeys and insights on breaking free from traditional constraints. Madeline also introduces upcoming opportunities for listeners to engage with her work through the Figure 8 program and the Finding Fearless community. 01:31 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey01:54 The Origins of Finding Fearless05:14 Liberation Through Entrepreneurship08:03 Season Highlights and Key Conversations20:00 Community, Allyship, and Authenticity22:12 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Programs26:49 Conclusion and GratitudeFinding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless! Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry. Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss tax priorities in Trump's 2nd term.

In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline interviews Mary Bailey, co-founder and managing director of the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). They discuss cannabis industry opportunities alongside the persisting issue of cannabis-related incarcerations. Mary shares her journey from event production in Hawaii to becoming an advocate for cannabis justice. The episode highlights LPP's work, aiming for the release of cannabis prisoners and promoting a socially conscious industry. Mary's story includes partnerships with artists like Damian Marley and Jim Belushi and emphasizes storytelling as a tool for change. 00:43 Guest Introduction: Mary Bailey of The Last Prisoner Project03:23 Mary Bailey's Background and Journey04:38 The Impact of Cannabis Criminalization07:55 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome11:10 Building the Last Prisoner Project13:43 The Story of Richard DeLisi22:48 The Ongoing Fight for Justice31:40 The Profit Motive Behind Legalization32:18 Balancing Advocacy and Privilege33:03 Survivor's Guilt and Personal Mission34:59 Building Community and Coalition36:12 Leveraging Celebrity Platforms37:45 Advocacy in Action: Lobbying and Vigils41:36 The Importance of Rescheduling44:32 Empowering Local Advocacy50:33 The Future of Cannabis Industry56:46 Calls to Action and Final ThoughtsConnect with Mary Bailey:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-bailey-0111a8146/https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless! Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry. Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to look at Trump's and Kamala's tax plans; J.D. Vance's debate triumph; and CNN's irrational exuberance.

Biden's gone; so what's next for the Dems? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax fame join Will to discuss.

The Swamp gave us Joe; wokeism gave us Kamala. And now the nation's mess is the Democrat Party's nightmare. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss.

The debate appears to be on, and Trump is poised to present his record and vision for the future. Will Biden's plan to attack work? And will he be able to effectively use all of the information that Team Biden has been pumping in him like Adderall? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will for the most comprehensive debate preview in Podcastville.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the ridiculousness of the notion that Biden is viable.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to talk more about what ISN'T taxed under The Fair Tax. Also discussed: Hunter's troubles, Biden's bumblings, and the upcoming election.

The question is, will Biden be treated as fairly as Trump? Chuck and Mary Bailey join the show to discuss.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax are back to discuss public sentiment in Georgia surrounding The Fair Tax; how a consumption tax versus an income tax would have helped us weather the 2008 financial crisis better; and what lies ahead in the Trump trial.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to talk about the lessons from Argentina's about face from socialism.

There are times when good politics and good policy intersect; we are in one of the times—and it's advantage Trump. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to discuss the politics of the moment, including: 1) Morning Joe's terrified diatribe against Trump this morning; 2) the new political alignment going on in the country right now; 3) the symbiotic relationship between The Fair Tax and term limits.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss Biden's well-controlled CNN interview with Erin Andrews, in which he boasts about the economy and threatens Israel. Also on the show: Why realtors and farmers love the Fair Tax better than the people who represent them.

Chuck and Mary Bailey are on the show to adumbrate the benefits of the Fair Tax.

Episode Notes Rob is joined today by a very special guest - Mary Owen, the daughter of Donna Reed as Mary (Bailey) drags George down the stairs for a surprise.

Will reads an insane piece from Slate about the courage of IRS whistleblowers who leak tax records—because billionaires are “harming” the rest of us. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax weigh in.

Today on The Neil Haley Show, Neil "The Media Giant" Haley and Greg Hanna of Celebrity Interviews Live interview Clare Carey. Clare Carey is an American film and television actress best known for her roles as Kelly Fox in Coach and Mary Bailey in Jericho, and her film role in Savannah Sunrise.

With Toni en route to San Diego to be the show's West Coast Immigration Go To, Will is joined by Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax to talk about the news of the week, including Biden versus Trump in Texas; the Dems and due process; and election skullduggery in Nevada.

Having lost out in most traditional Democrat demographics, Biden's decided to bribe young people into voting for him. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the problems with the plan on the economic and Constitutional fronts. Also discussed: Why The Fair Tax is the only way to ACTUALLY salvage Social Security.

The Special Counsel's report is forcing Biden's defenders to face a rather bleak reality: Either Biden is a vegetable, or he's worthy of removal. Also on the show: Is it time to relocate the UN? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to weigh in.

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Our guest invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again, including: · What can we all learn from Mary's quiet contentedness? · Can George's selflessness make you rethink your own priorities? · What impact do we have on the people around us? Discover why It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's an inspiration for us to lead better lives, to become people of honor and integrity, and to recognize what really matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We close out 2023 with a break from radio thrillers. Instead, it's our annual showcase of a classic Christmas film recreated for radio. This year, it's one of the best as James Stewart and Donna read recreate their roles as George and Mary Bailey in a Lux Radio Theatre recreation of It's a Wonderful Life (originally aired on CBS on March 10, 1947).

This episode debuted six years ago, and I could think of no better show to honor my all-time favorite movie, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1947)  through the eyes of two women with close ties to its creation. If Mr. Capra didn't write it, why do I call it “Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life? It's because that's how the movie was marketed, which helps explain why the film got only a so-so reception when it was first released. Most of Mr. Capra's pre-World War II movies were so sweet-hearted that they later earned the moniker “Capracorn,” not meant as a compliment. It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most critically acclaimed films ever made. Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number 11 on its initial 1998 greatest movie list, it also ranked number one on its list of the most inspirational American films of all time. Think about that. In light of the fact that hundreds of thousands of movies have been made, this is a jaw-dropping achievement. By the end of the Second World War, though, the mood of the movie-going public had shifted, as I wrote about the making of the movie in National Review a few years ago HERE. The next day after it was published, an appreciative email from a woman named Mary Owen arrived in my inbox. Turns out, Mary is the daughter of actress Donna Reed, who played Mary Bailey, the wife of James Stewart's George Bailey. I thanked her for the lovely email and we had a few back-and-forths. After my podcast was up on two feet and spreading around the world (110 countries and counting), I thought it would be fun to have her on the show to talk about her mother's role in this now-international favorite Christmas movie and to learn some back story to her mother's career and her commitment to writing back to the G.I's who wrote to her from the trenches and the gun turrets of World War II. The interview segues nicely into the next one, a rich conversation with actress Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu, one of the four Bailey kids. Remember Zuzu's petals? This was a real treat for me who loves the movie so well, and I know it will be for you as well.

It's Christmastime, so we're talking about the iconic, Donna Reed. She played Mary Bailey (the wife) in the timeless classic, "It's a Wonderful Life."  As a natural born beauty she was quickly identified by Hollywood producers and started appearing in films at just 20 years old. During World War II, she quickly became a leading lady in Hollywood. She was typecast into playing the "girl next door" and tried to break this image that was crafted for her by taking on a character who was a sex worker. Unfortunately, she didn't break free of her typecasting, but she did win an Academy Award.  She ultimately decided to play by her own rules and create her own sitcom called, "The Donna Reed Show." Her and her husband at the time produced it and she starred in it. It was a sleeper hit, but eventually was nominated and won awards.  Beyond the screen, Donna became a peace activist during the Vietnam War, co-chairing the anti-war group, Another Mother for Peace. Uncover the personal struggles she faced, including a divorce and her battle with pancreatic cancer, all while maintaining her grace and resilience. Get your Homance apparel: nicolebonneville.etsy.com Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com

Merry Christmas from the Speech Guys! Talk, think, and laugh about your favorite holiday fare... fruitcakes, George and Mary Bailey, and the real life Hallmark tradition that took place each season at Johnson's Market. Read the November 2019 article on Ross's family grocery business from the New York Times here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/us/rural-farm-market.html Episode note: the nature of Santa Claus' existence is discussed.

Today Rachel is joined in a bonus episode with writer Gregg McBride and Mary Bailey to talk about their emotional new thriller for Lifetime Would You Kill for Me? The Mary Bailey Story (2023) Make sure to check out our sponsor for this episode of the podcast MEET ME AT CHRISTMAS by Jenny Hale https://amzn.to/3rQedGS (ad) Our Christmas podcasts are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4f2KtBPzUE&list=PLXv4sBF3mPUDo41tHqhkjHCvedmZwLzHx 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 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

We're off this week for vacation, so we're reposting one of our favorite episodes about one of our favorite movies. Happy holidays everyone! The essay by Clare Coffey about Mary Bailey that we mention can be found here. 

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Our guest invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again, including: · What can we all learn from Mary's quiet contentedness? · Can George's selflessness make you rethink your own priorities? · What impact do we have on the people around us? Discover why It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's an inspiration for us to lead better lives, to become people of honor and integrity, and to recognize what really matters.

The stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a special one in our house, as we make it a priority to slow things down and focus on time with our family. Aside from all the gifts to be bought, the stockings to be hung, and the lights to be wrestled with, we make it a point to sit and enjoy our favorite holiday films. This list has been truncated over the years as not everything made for the holidays requires a yearly re-visit (see the Hallmark Channel), but the ones that have stuck around deserve their place. Is our list for everyone? Probably not. Do we care? Definitely not. We just figured everyone else has words on the matter, so why not us? If it helps, we're consistently on the big man's nice list, so our choices are not to be taken lightly. Either way, time to light that fireplace, spike the eggnog, and embrace our own holiday classics. Shop Around the Corner (1940) RJ: Looking back, I cannot believe the amount of convincing my wife needed to do before I would watch this film. My hesitancy was based in the fact the film was in black and white, and also a romantic comedy. Thankfully, I found my spot on the couch and enjoyed the undeniable likeability of Jimmy Stewart, and his chemistry with co-star Margaret Sullivan. Even the story was deeper than two people looking for love, but rather a complex look at the interpersonal relationships of co-workers. This is a great film to watch with the fireplace on, a bottle of wine, and the person you love next to you. Ashley: I find something so comforting about Jimmy Stewart's voice, so it's no wonder this is the first of two Jimmy entries on this list. Listen in to find out why I think you'll love this one as much as I do. Arthur Christmas (2011) RJ: This film was a wonderful surprise, as the first time we watched it was simply because we had watched everything else in our holiday rotation. I was absolutely floored by the animation style and the stellar voice-cast. The story is absolutely charming as well, plenty to keep parents and children alike entertained. The ending alone is enough bring out the kid in all of us. Ashley: I love Arthur Christmas. From the voice cast to the heartwarming script, this holiday film about Santa's second son is a must-watch every Christmas. The Holiday (2006) RJ: My mother and I went to see this in late December 2006. I was home from college and she was my usual movie date as my dad typically picked films as the ideal place for a nap. Now, neither of us are fans of Cameron Diaz, nothing personal, perhaps it's genetic, but it didn't change are outlook on how much we enjoyed this film. Years later, and it's now one I can share with my wife. My love for it really lies with the pairing of Kate Winslet and Jack Black, but I think Jude Law does a promising job of balancing out my outlook on Diaz. Another one to sit down, laugh, and split a bottle a wine with the one you love. Ashley: This film was a grower for me. I don't remember loving it in 2006 or feeling compelled to watch it yearly in the early 2010's. Now, this film occupies a nostalgic piece of my heart. Either that, or I'm vicariously living through Cameron Diaz as she spends her winter holiday snowed in at a cozy English cottage. There's so much to love about this low-stakes Christmas romantic comedy, earning it a coveted spot on my yearly re-watch list. Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) RJ: There are so many reasons I love this film, and I will overlook the biggest one, as it was the one playing the same day our son was born, but let me give you the other two. First, Michael Caine is a phenomenal scrooge, who plays the whole thing as a serious actor, even when he's speaking to someone who can only say “Meep Meep Meep.” That is the true tale of talent. Secondly, Steve Whitmere is my Kermit and his role of Rizzo the rat is irreplaceable. I accept no substitute. This is the definitive version of The Christmas Carol. Ashley: I'll echo RJ's earlier statements; this is the best version of The Christmas Carol. From the music to the casting of Sir Michael Caine, everything about this movie makes it feel like Christmas to me. Also, this has one of the few cinematic outings of my favorite Muppet, Bean Bunny. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) RJ: Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. I am lucky to have a wife like Mary Bailey because everyone needs someone who is there to love and support you through everything life has to throw at you. George should have realized from the beginning, that the best thing to ever happen to him was finding her, but then that would be a much shorter film. Either way, this is the definitive film to watch to get into the holiday spirit.   Ashley: It's a Wonderful Life is not just my favorite Christmas movie, it's one of my favorite films ever made. I've watched this Frank Capra classic every year for as long as I can remember. It just feels entwined with the holidays for me and with the person I've become.

This episode debuted exactly five years ago, and I could think of no better show this year to honor my all-time favorite movie, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1947)  through the eyes of two women with close ties to its creation. If Mr. Capra didn't write it, why do I call it “Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life? It's because that's how the movie was marketed, which helps explain why the film got only a so-so reception when it was first released. Most of Mr. Capra's pre-World War II movies were so sweet-hearted that they later earned the moniker “Capracorn,” not meant as a compliment. It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most critically acclaimed films ever made. Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number 11 on its initial 1998 greatest movie list, it also ranked number one on its list of the most inspirational American films of all time. Think about that. In light of the fact that hundreds of thousands of movies have been made, this is a jaw-dropping achievement. By the end of the Second World War, though, the mood of the movie-going public had shifted, as I wrote about the making of the movie in National Review a few years ago HERE. The next day after it was published, an appreciative email from a woman named Mary Owen arrived in my inbox. Turns out, Mary is the daughter of actress Donna Reed, who played Mary Bailey, the wife of James Stewart's George Bailey. I thanked her for the lovely email and we had a few back-and-forths. After my podcast was up on two feet and spreading around the world (110 countries and counting), I thought it would be fun to have her on the show to talk about her mother's role in this now-international favorite Christmas movie and to learn some back story to her mother's career and her commitment to writing back to the G.I's who wrote to her from the trenches and the gun turrets of World War II. The interview segues nicely into the next one, a rich conversation with actress Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu, one of the four Bailey kids. Remember Zuzu's petals? This was a real treat for me who loves the movie so well, and I know it will be for you as well. I learned, among other things, how much Mrs. Grimes suffered as a teen when her mother died and then the next year her father was killed and she became a ward of the state—then “rescued” by an aunt and uncle in Missouri, which was an unhappy home situation. Karolyn also played Debbie, the daughter of David Niven and Loretta Young in another Christmas favorite, The Bishop's Wife. For those of us who can't gobble up enough trivia and true stories about It's a Wonderful Life, Mrs. Grimes is a treasure trove of first-hand memories and insights! Yes, I was star-struck, okay? Is that so wrong? Merry Christmas! If you would like to send us an of year donation please go to: paypal.me/patrickcoffin