Podcasts about Nutcracker

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1963, Ballet West has been an important part of Utah's arts community, bringing world-class performances, timeless productions and opportunities for dancers and audiences to connect through ballet. Senior Director of External Affairs, Erika Stone, joins us with more. Erika Stone: At Ballet West, we believe the arts do more than entertain — they inspire creativity, bring people together and strengthen communities. As one of the nation's leading ballet companies, we've seen firsthand how live performance can create lasting connections and meaningful experiences for people of all ages. Productions like Willam Christensen's The Nutcracker, America's first and longest-running version of the ballet, continue to draw audiences from across the region each year, supporting downtown businesses and welcoming thousands of patrons through our doors. Beyond performances, Ballet West reaches communities across Utah through school programs, scholarship opportunities and access initiatives for underserved families. For many children, it's their first experience seeing live performance, opening the door to creativity, curiosity and confidence. By investing in the arts, Ballet West is helping create a more connected, vibrant future for Utah — one that supports culture, community and economic growth for generations to come. Derek Miller: By bringing people together through the arts, Ballet West helps make Utah a more creative, connected and culturally vibrant place to live. To learn more about performances and programs, visit BalletWest.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/11/26

AFH: Season 2, Episode 15Featuring Holly HowardAbout the Guest:Holly Howard is the founder and CEO of Pyramid.Work, an AI-powered strategic growth engine for the entrepreneurial economy.Pyramid is the culmination of Holly's lifelong pursuit: integrating artist, scientist, healer, business builder, and teacher—and using that integration to create technology that helps people realize their own visions.Holly's journey began in 1996 at the Joffrey Ballet Training Program. At 18, she danced with the Ruth Page Ballet's Nutcracker and joined the American Guild of Musical Artists.In 1999, she entered Berklee College of Music to study Music Therapy and Bassoon, where she discovered neuroscience and neuroplasticity—that creativity can literally rewire the brain. She created an internship at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function under Dr. Concetta Tomaino, longtime collaborator of Oliver Sacks. That experience taught her how to invent what doesn't exist.After three years as a Board-Certified Music Therapist in New York, Holly took a detour into Brooklyn's restaurant scene—working at Marlow & Sons, where she was photographed by Roe Ethridge (now in ICA Boston and MOCA). She also recorded on bassoon with The Pierces. Later, she managed egg restaurant that she made profitable enough to offer PTO and health insurance to every employee in 2009. That work led to a congressional briefing for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and influenced the Healthy Families Act.During those years, Holly earned her premedical certificate at Columbia University while conducting orthopedic research at Lenox Hill Hospital. After publishing in the Journal of Arthroplasty, she chose not to pursue medicine and pivoted back to creativity.In 2012, Holly founded Ask Holly How, her consulting practice. By 2014, her programs were sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and economic development corporations. She has since worked with over 1,000 small businesses, become a professor at Pratt Institute, joined the faculty at RISD, and launched the podcast Cultures Within Capitalism. Her work has been cited in the New York Times, The Cut, Fast Company, and Bustle.In 2023, Holly completed her Master's Certificate in Religions of the World at Harvard, integrating the spiritual and philosophical roots of everything she builds.Through Pyramid, Holly is uniting all of these disciplines—art, science, service, and spirit—to help entrepreneurs build from their own foundations, not someone else's framework.Guest Info:https://www.pyramid.work/aboutFollow Me:Instagram: @afinehuman Shop Dame: dame.com This podcast was produced by aurielle sayeh, filmed by @thetellychannel, and powered by @dameproducts.

Leo walks into the glass lobby of the Grandview Apartments and stops. He blinks twice. The heat outside is thirty degrees, but the building lobby has a permanent guest from December. A giant, wooden Nutcracker soldier stands right next to the entrance doors. The bright June sun pours through the floor-to-ceiling glass, baking the soldier's face.

Interview Date: May 31st, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Alison Stroming shares her inspiring journey from classical ballet training to building a dynamic career across concert dance, commercial work, teaching, choreography, and entrepreneurship. She reflects on her early training at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre's JKO School, the challenges of rejection, and the career-defining opportunities that led her to dance with Alberta Ballet, Ballet San Jose, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.Alison opens up about transitioning from ballet into the commercial dance world, including her move to Los Angeles and booking major opportunities with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, Brent Faiyaz, Kanye West, and more. She highlights the importance of versatility, visibility, resilience, and trusting your instincts while navigating the dance industry.Beyond performing, Alison discusses the launch of A.S. Dancewear and what it takes to build a business while remaining connected to the dance community. She shares how the pandemic shifted her priorities and pushed her to redefine success on her own terms. Her story is a powerful reminder that a dance career does not have to follow one path, and that persistence, adaptability, and strong relationships can open doors in many different directions.Shownotes:00:02 – Introduction to Alison Stroming's journey03:18 – Early training and dance family background04:30 – Nutcracker performance sparks ballet passion05:44 – Transitioning from competition to ballet06:45 – Rejection leads to first contract08:18 – Navigating companies and finding alignment09:30 – Touring internationally expands artistic growth11:19 – Moving to LA for commercial dance12:10 – First major job with Jennifer Lopez13:30 – Pandemic forces major career pivot13:54 – Launching A.S. Dancewear brand15:29 – Shifting business focus and priorities17:21 – Setting long-term Broadway career goals25:28 – Versatility essential across dance styles42:43 – Balancing entrepreneurship with dance careerBiography:Alison Stroming is a professional dancer, model, teacher, choreographer, and entrepreneur. Born in Recife, Brazil and raised in New York City, she began her formal ballet training at age nine at the School of American Ballet before continuing on full scholarship at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre. She later joined ABT Studio Company before beginning her professional career with Alberta Ballet.Alison has performed with Alberta Ballet, Ballet San Jose, and Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she danced principal roles and toured internationally. She has also performed with Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Center Honors and toured with Sarah McLachlan during the Hope Rising! Canadian Tour.As a commercial dancer and model, Alison has appeared in campaigns for Tumi, Canon, Under Armour, Free People Movement, Adidas, McDonald's, and American Eagle. She has also worked on projects for Jennifer Lopez, India Arie, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, Brent Faiyaz, and Kanye West.In 2018, Alison launched A.S. Dancewear, a brand focused on mentorship, empowerment, and supporting dancers. She continues to perform, teach, choreograph, and inspire dancers around the world.Connect with Alison:Website: https://www.alisonstroming.comA.S. Dancewear: https://www.asdancewear.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonstromingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonStroming

Taryn Tigges shares her lifelong passion for dance, which began at age four and carried her through years of ballet, tap, and competitive performances, including annual roles in The Nutcracker. She explains how dance was the only childhood activity she truly loved, drawn by its strong connection to music. Taryn describes the challenges of continuing with dance as an adult and her rediscovery of it through Impulse Dance and Fitness in her city, a studio for adults where she found a supportive community and rekindled her love for movement. She contrasts the childhood era of dance with the personal fulfillment and intentionality of dancing as an adult. Taryn reflects on the flow state and focus that dance offers, highlighting how it complements her professional life as an engineer. She encourages others not to suppress their passions, noting that sharing outside interests at work fosters connection and shows that everyone is more than their job title. Episode Highlights · There are two eras of Taryn's dance life: as a child/adolescent and as an adult, returning to dance through an adult studio after a long gap. · Dance provides her with confidence and a sense of flow state/focus that she didn't experience in other activities or even in her engineering work. · Sharing her dance passion at work creates connection and relatability with colleagues, showing she's more than just her job title. · Dance has positively influenced Taryn's professional life, making her more adventurous and comfortable in presentations by drawing on performance experience.

Mauler dies at sea on his 99-year-old future wife's Sea-Doo, Rush is grateful that he's a dinner plate and not a saucer, Jenni enjoys eating warmed mayonnaise in the summertime, and Brady shows up to court dressed as the Nutcracker. Love the podcast? Leave us a review!

Red Squirrels were once a common sight in woodlands around the Uk but now, they're one of our rarest Mammals.  In this episode of Wild Tales, we head to Plas Newydd on the island of Ynys Môn in Wales, where a remarkable effort to bring them back is underway. For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here. Red squirrel, Anglesey, Wales ©National Trust Images/Rob ColemanProduction Narration: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Nikki Ruck  Sound Recordist: Marnie Woodmeade Sound Design: Jesus Gomez  With thanks to Carol Thomas at Plas Newydd  Find out more  Visit the red squirrels at Plas Newydd:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden/red-squirrels-at-plas-newydd Learn more about Red Squirrel Conservation The Red Squirrels Trust Wales is working to protect red squirrel populations on Ynys Môn and across North Wales. If you would like to read more about some of the points raised in this episode, look here. https://www.redsquirrels.info/about/faq/ See red squirrels on Brownsea Island (Dorset): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/the-rare-red-squirrel-on-brownsea-island Listen to our episode on pine martens (Wallington, Northumberland): https://ntpodcasts.org/WT25 Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

In addition to being an accomplished lawyer and a highly influential music critic, the nineteenth-century German Romantic Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann (1776-1822) also wrote pioneering works of crime and horror fiction, including The Sandman, Mademoiselle de Scuderi, and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which inspired Tchaikovsky's famous ballet. In this episode, Ritchie Robertson (E.T.A. Hoffmann: A Critical Life) tells Jacke about this amazing writer and his works. PLUS a letter by Chekhov on the secret to writing great short stories. AND Gerri Kimber, a world expert in Katherine Mansfield, stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Help support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/literature⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pelvic venous disease is often misattributed, until you recognize the venous “detours” driving symptoms. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Ally Baheti speaks with Dr. Deepak Sudheendra (360 Vascular Institute in Columbus, Ohio) about a symptom-first framework for evaluating and treating pelvic venous disease. --- Get the BackTable app https://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:40 - Becoming a Pelvic Vein Specialist04:39 - Sorting Causes of Pelvic Pain06:26 - Symptom Checklist Approach09:45 - Nutcracker Red Flags11:37 - Right Sided Symptoms and Detours15:57 - Conservative Care and Stent Counseling17:27 - Rule Out Superficial Venous Disease21:56 - Procedure Planning and Insurance Hurdles24:04 - IJ Access and Inflow Assessment25:18 - IVUS First Renal and Ovarian Evaluation28:07 - IVUS Iliac Compression Map29:44 - Leg Inflow Venography Setup31:15 - Iliac Stenting From IJ32:24 - Stent Sizing Pitfalls36:31 - Gonadal Vein Embolization42:13 - Internal Iliac Varices Caution43:29 - Post Procedure Meds Follow Up46:49 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode Iliac vein compression can manifest through three collateral pathways, contributing to leg heaviness and groin or hip pain, low back pain via the ascending lumbar system, and pelvic organ symptoms through cross-pelvic internal iliac collaterals. The discussion outlines a practical diagnostic approach grounded in clinical pattern recognition, including the significance of prior DVT as a post-thrombotic etiology, differentiation of flank versus low back pain, and the importance of excluding gynecologic pathology. Emphasis is placed on standing venous reflux ultrasound and pelvic ultrasound, with caution against overreliance on cross-sectional imaging for Nutcracker physiology. Procedural strategy centers on IVUS-guided evaluation, targeted iliac vein stenting (often unilateral) and thoughtful use of gonadal vein embolization, including sequencing considerations and avoidance of common pitfalls. The episode also reviews conservative management, follow-up imaging, and post-procedural antithrombotic and pain management protocols. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Sir Peter Wright is living proof that doing what you love will sustain you. The ballet producer and artistic director turns 100 in November, but has been involved in recent revivals of his cherished productions of Giselle, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake for the Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. In this special episode of Why Dance Matters, we listen in as Sir Peter talks about his life and work to the RAD's Patrons' Circle (who support the RAD's charitable work). He discusses the star dancers he worked with, and how ballet has changed during his remarkable life in dance. Peter Wright made his debut as a dancer with Ballets Jooss during World War II. In 1961 he joined John Cranko's new Stuttgart company, choreographing ballets and mounting his first production of Giselle. His productions of the classics now feature in the repertories of companies around the world. In 1977 he became Director of Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, supervising its transformation into Birmingham Royal Ballet (he became Director Laureate on retirement from the company in 1995). In 1990 he received the RAD's Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, and a knighthood in 1993. He is a Vice-President of the RAD. The RAD's Patrons Circle https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/support-dance/#patronBirmingham Royal Ballet celebrate Sir Peter Wright on 18 June https://www.brb.org.uk/shows/sir-peter-wright-centenary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katy Ho, an Asian feminist writer and activist, joins Leo on Generation Change to talk about how she started her writing journey, her friendship with our previous Generation Change guest Katey Parham, some of the events that she's been able to attend, and the impact that she has made with her Substack, BAD ASIAN, which has more than one thousand followers! Follow Katy on Instagram: @katyho_Read Katy's Substack, BAD ASIAN!Check out my children's books, which are mentioned in this episode: SEVEN SLICES OF LIFE and THE NUTCRACKER'S WORLD

We talk with Kendra Coleman from the Manhattan Arts Center about how a single weekend can bring 3,000 neighbors together and still raise real money for programs. We trace how festivals, partnerships, and match-day giving turn into scholarships, equipment, building fixes, and a bigger arts season for Manhattan.• mac and cheese festival growth and what worked• large-scale printmaking with K-State and the road flattener reveal• artist market, live music, costume garage sale, and the annual art contest theme Unravel• how proceeds support ceramics, Common Table, and youth programming scholarships• outdoor classroom plans including murals, furniture, Wi‑Fi, electricity, planters, and a small stage• auditions and upcoming shows including Radium Girls and youth theater• season highlights including a Britney Spears musical, The Nutcracker partnership, and more• why Grow Green Match Day funding matters for maintenance, space, equipment, and suppliesManhattanArts.org is the website. You can always find out more there. GMCFCFAs

Hi everyone! In this episode, we're diving stitch-first into the vibrant world of modern quilting with the fabulous Jenelle Abbott, founder of Foxy's Kits and Quilts. We track Janelle's inspiring journey from Etsy hobbyist to a burgeoning business owner, including the scoop on her highly anticipated "Son of a Nutcracker" block-of-the-month project. Between technical mic checks and hair transformation tales, the gang swaps stories about the magic of QuiltCon, the addictive fun of sticker trading, and why SewTite magnets are an absolute total game-changer for your longarm setup.From discussing the cinematic vibes of "Project Hail Mary" to debating the best way to label fabric kits so you never lose your mind mid-project, this conversation is packed with tips and laughs. Grab your favorite scraps and settle in for a chat that proves quilting is anything but a "granny craft"—it's a full-blown artistic movement!Follow Jenelle on Instagram @foxykitsnquilts and her website www.foxykitsnquilts.com.Send us Fan MailFollow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

Episode #1111 Most men believe that to fix their marriage, they need to fix their wife. Peter shares his journey from a breaking point where he hated his life, his job, and his home environment to becoming the leader his family actually wanted to follow. The transformation didn't happen by talking about his feelings or over-analyzing the past. It happened through a commitment to personal leadership and taking massive action. Peter discusses the "weekly inventory" he uses with his wife and how he helped his son through a mental health crisis by being a grounded father. He explains how his wife went from not feeling emotionally safe for 22 years to dancing alongside him in the Nutcracker, all because he stopped waiting for her to change and started leading by example. If you feel like you are checking all the boxes providing for the family and building the empire but you still come home to a house full of masks and surface-level conversations, this episode is a roadmap . You will hear how a man can regain his "mojo" and energy while using his wisdom to create a home base that is actually worth shipping off from every morning. Peter's story is proof that you don't have to do this alone and that there is a version of your life waiting on the other side of your own excuses. If you recognize yourself in Peter's story and realize that the way you've been "handling" things at home isn't working, it's time to stop the guesswork. We have developed a specific training to help you understand where the gaps are in your leadership and how to bridge them without the typical therapy jargon or endless talking. You can access the training and see exactly where your marriage stands by visiting https://fixmarriage.thepowerfulman.com/scales .

Kelly Goshorn is an old-fashioned girl at heart who loves Jesus, her family, and all things historical. A native Virginian, she developed a deep love for history, exploring battlefields and museums, which eventually led her to write inspirational historical romance. After earning degrees in social studies, education, and history, Kelly spent nearly two decades as a licensed childcare provider before returning to writing – a passion sparked by her youngest son. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, was published by Pelican Book Group in 2018, and her nonfiction piece, “Beautiful Words,” appeared in the Spoken Moments anthology. She lives in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband of 30+ years, Mike. They enjoy BBC period dramas, board games, and spoiling her Corgi, Levi. You've described yourself as, “An old-fashioned girl trapped in the 21st century. How has that shaped your passion for historical fiction? Kelly: As long as I can remember, I’ve loved history. I had a wonderful grandfather who would tell us stories about his life growing up and stories about our ancestors. The random things I'd find – my dad's World War II Navy picture or my mom's ration book from World War II – I always found them fascinating. But I suspect Little House on the Prairie probably had something to do with it. That was my favorite show growing up. If I did anything to get in trouble, all my mom had to do was threaten to take that away. Because back then, we didn't have unlimited access to shows. If you missed it when it was on, you didn't get to see it again until summer re-runs. Then when Laura called Almanzo “Manly” and I discovered historical romance, I think that just sealed the deal. KyLee: Honestly, that sounds similar to my experience. I had grandpas who were in World War II in the Korean War, and we got to hear all their stories. And I watched a lot of old black-and-white shows, lots of westerns. I love that, as adult women, God's allowed a way for us to look back on those good memories and the values we developed, and now we're creating with them. Can you share how your youngest son inspired you to start writing? Kelly: When the time came to move on from my career as a childcare provider, I wasn't sure what the next step was, but I sensed from the Holy Spirit that it was not going back to teaching. So my husband and I , and our small group, started praying about it. Now my youngest son Noah always love to write. He might be watching SpongeBob, but he had a notebook he always carried with him, and he'd be writing some kind of story. I remember watching Noah one day and thinking how I always loved writing research papers in college and grad school. I thought of myself as hopelessly un-creative, but I loved to play with the sentences, move them around, tweak them. And that day I thought, “I should give fiction a try.” So I started writing, just for myself, no secret desire to be published. And after a few nights of me sitting in front of the TV with my laptop, my husband asked what I was doing. And when I told him, he wanted to read it, so I let him. And he said, “This is good, but you should write our story.” Shortly after that, I switched to writing our story, but set in the 1870s, and it became something I couldn't wait to do each day. I started study the writing craft, and in that process of writing and learning, I realized that was the answer to my prayer. And our story became my debut, A Love Restored. Darcy: I love how you say discovering your new path was a process. You had your family and church family praying, but the Lord didn't drop you a note in your lap to “write novels now.” You were curious, and you tried it, and in that, He show you this was what He wanted you to do. Sometimes we really want the writing on the wall, but God's like, “No. You'll find out. Just trust Me on this.” I think that's cool. KyLee: I was just about to tell you, Kelly, that you should go on the Hope-Filled Romantic Podcast with Heather Tabers. She and I chat quite a bit, and she just started her podcast for Christian romance lovers who believe in both storybook love and the hope that God provides in real life. So I was double-checking her podcast name on Instagram, and I see Kelly Goshorn has already been on the Hope-Filled Romantic Podcast! Authors get to share about their books, but also their real-life love stories, if they’re comfortable doing so. Just a quick shout-out for Heather – our listeners should definitely check out Kelly’s episode on her podcast. Kelly: And secondary shout-out, I had the privilege of reading and endorsing Heather's book that just released, Their Burden to Bear. If people like the World War I era, I highly recommend it. A fantastic novel. Do you have a favorite battlefield or museum or site that you visited that inspired a story scene? Kelly: I'm really inspired by the area where I live in Northern Virginia. Loudoun County has a lot of Revolutionary War and especially Civil War history. We're in a border county in a border state – the next county over became West Virginia. In the western part of our county, we had Quakers who were pro-union, and we have people who were pro-slavery and voted for Virginia to secede from the union. If I could set all of my stories here, I would. I have two, A Love Restored and The Christmas Carving set in Loudoun County. Is there anything especially interesting you could share with us, or something God has laid on your heart that you'd like to share with your readers? Kelly: I like to write about flawed characters that overcome their obstacles with faith and fortitude. Recurring themes in my books are about self-acceptance, and forgiveness, and second chances. The world can be so unforgiving, and we can be so hard on ourselves. I like to write those kind of stories where you kind of dig inside yourself and your faith, and you come out on the other side. And hopefully readers also find a swoon-worthy romance 'cause I'm a romance girl. Darcy: I love that. I was actually reading in Luke this morning, the stories of the prodigal son and the scriptures around there where the Pharisees condemn Jesus for hanging out with sinful and unrighteous people. And I was thinking how we know the story of the lost sheep where Jesus said, “I leave the ninety-nine, and go after the lost one.” Yet, even as we're trying to follow Jesus, we build this sense of self-righteousness. And then we start comparing: “I'm not as holy as that person. I'm not as far along as this person.” So I love that you write about flawed characters who learn to accept that. Because God uses flawed people. He says that over and over in His Word. Book Two in the Enduring Hope series, six stand-alone novels by six different authors, examining manmade catastrophes and how the characters overcome. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be found. Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department's wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. When an unnamed source reveals Etta's secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she's ever loved. What inspired your heroine, Etta Maxwell – a wealthy heiress living a double life as an undercover reporter? Kelly: I am not a plotter. I never know how the story will go; the Lord kind of brings it all together for me. But one thing I did know is I didn't want my characters to be employees of the factory because I thought that might take the reader too close to the grittiness of the disaster. I knew I wanted to make Leo a fireman, and I needed to keep Etta active in the story, so I decided on making her a reporter. Now there were some female investigative reporters, like Ida Tarbell or Nellie Bly, but most female journalists were relegated to domestic or social columns. So I decided Etta would have to masquerade as a man to pull it off. She also writes for The Gilded Gown, a social magazine in Boston. And her parents let her move back to Brockton and work with their charitable foundation, unaware she is secretly the top-notch reporter Henry Mason. How did you go about researching this real-life disaster, this shoe factory explosion? Kelly: I started with a list on Wikipedia of manmade disasters in America, and I'm not exactly sure why I clicked on the Grover Shoe factory. I can only say it was the Holy Spirit. And I immediately saw two images: one of this giant factory, four floors that covered three-quarters of a city block, and an after-picture in which literally nothing is left but the smokestack. And I instantly thought, “Nobody could have survived this. What happened?” I found myself reading more out of my own curiosity. And I just felt like I needed to tell these people's stories. I found a document called, The History of the Brockton Relief Fund, which was compiled a couple years after the disaster. And that became my bible, so to speak because it was written so close to the time. Sometimes even newspapers from the time contradicted one another, so this document became my ultimate primary source. I also found a lot of great information on the Brockton Fire Department through a document online. They have a fire museum there. And I found YouTube documentaries on early 20th-century firefighting and fire investigation techniques. Many of their techniques have now been proven to not be the best way to get to the bottom of an arson, but it's what they used then. Oh, and I found great information on the fire dogs and how they were used, why they were Dalmations. It was fun to incorporate so many details into the book. How do you balance the historical material with the romance? Kelly: It was kind of tricky to build a romance in the midst of such a disaster. It was the beginning of the workday when the fire started, so the building was full – nearly 400 people. And between the broken gas lines and floors treated with linseed oil, they had to call off the rescue within twelve minutes. Fifty-eight people perished. You almost expect it to be the reverse, that only 58 people survived, because it was just a perfect storm of things contributing to the fire. So trying to figure out how to put a romance in that, when you don't want to lighten the gravity of the situation, was tricky. It was another reason to keep my characters outside the factory, and not related to the factory owner or anyone bearing such a heavy weight that they can't think of romance. I started the story with fictitious arsonists she's investigating, and they team up for that. So when the disaster occurred, she already had sources inside the fire department and she's following leads, which enabled them to have that close proximity needed for a romance. Darcy: In some ways, the fact that their romance grows out of something so deep and tragic lets us know that these people are not involved in some light infatuation. They can't hide behind the typical early-romance stage, but have to get to know each other for real. What's next for your writing? Kelly: I don't have any contracts at the moment, but last week I turned in a proposal for a novella collection, along with Carolyn Miller, Angela Couch and Jacinta Meredith. If it's picked up, it will be four marriages of convenience at Christmas. (You might be able to tell that marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. I will always pick that up to read – it fascinates me.) And this weekend, I'm working on a proposal for a book about a mail-order groom that's got some serious You've Got Mail vibes. Where can listeners connect with you? Kelly: I would love to have readers visit my website and sign up for my newsletter. I publish monthly, and I include updates on my writing, but I also cover a new historical romance release each month. I do giveaways. And I like to talk about historical tidbits that history-nerd girls like us enjoy. If you're on Facebook and Instagram, you can find me there, probably talking way too much about my Corgis. I love my Corgi dogs. Levi, who we mentioned at the beginning, has sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. So now we have another Corgi puppy named Biscuit. I also have pages on my website dedicated to extras and historical details for the book. Things that don't always make it into the story, which I hope readers will enjoy. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White THE BOOK As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste. Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been? Bookworm Review “Oh my giddy gumdrops, this confection of a tale is a sheer delight from beginning to end! Winsome and whimsical, “Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor” by Roseanna M. White captures all the splendor of the holiday season, from the effervescent joy of childhood to the awe-inspiring wonder of Christ’s birth. Nods to The Nutcracker will evoke smiles from fans of the classic story as they explore the luxury of an Edwardian Manor and the enchantment of a winter wood, glittering with snow. If you fancy a Nutcracker suite romance, spend your Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor!” Read more about Roseanna at her website. (www.RoseannaMWhite.com)  (www.jaimewrightbooks.com)~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure Thank you, fellow bookworm, for joining us once again! We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Kelly and are excited to check out her book! If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you'll subscribe for more on your favorite listening platform, and join our newsletter (see the sidebar). Don't forget to share it with a fellow historical fiction reader! Until next time, may you find hope even in challenges! –KyLee & Darcy

Hello again, Story Club members. Ivy here, your ghostly host with the most. In today's chilling holiday tale, inspired by my listener Harriet from Australia, Christmas cheer takes a spooky turn when two mysterious antique nutcracker dolls arrive as gifts.

In Part 2, we pick up where we left off in Part 1, with Sonia's life right after her stint at community college. She left the Bay Area to attend college up north at Chico State. Widely known as a party school (perhaps rightly so?), they also had a reputable journalism department and an award-winning newspaper. This attracted Sonia, of course. But some friends also attended, and that didn't hurt. Once in Chico, Sonia joined said college paper and got a job (where else?) at a movie theater. It was her first time to move out of her parents' house. She lived with a couple of roommates in Chico. That was one culture shock. Another was that, well, Chico isn't The Bay. And then there's those foothills winters. It also gets hotter in the summer there than it does in Concord. Sonia wrote for every section of the school paper, and even did some online writing, thanks to Chico State's early adoption of the internet. She even developed a little campus fan base. Sometimes walking around, she'd get shout-outs. There was even a Sonia character in one of the local comic strips. It was another phase of finding her people. She thinks that because all her roommates in Chico were men, she got really exciting to hang out with young women. She graduated after three years, in 1996. That Bay Area magnet snatched her back after that, and she moved in with her parents again in Concord. That gave way to an apartment she shared with her sister. Sonia got a job at the Martinez News-Gazette around this time, a three-day-a-week paper where she earned $213 per week. Anywhere she could find free food, she pounced. At the newspaper, she more or less did it all—cops, local and community news, school board meetings, and, of course, a humor column. I ask Sonia who her humor influences and inspirations are, and she immediately cites George Carlin (this is probably a big part of why we're friends). Her dad loved Carlin, too, and Sonia says the old man also has a wicked sense of humor that rubbed off on her. Another source of jokes was none other than Bugs Bunny. And lastly, Alan Alda's Hawkeye in M•A•S•H is another humor muse. That newspaper job led to her time at the San Francisco Independent, a paper owned by the Fang family. Sonia did a neighborhood beat on that job, reporting on school board, planning commission, and other community meetings. We rewind for a minute so Sonia can share early memories and impressions of San Francisco, having grown up across The Bay. When she was a kid, her grandma would take her to see The Nutcracker. She'd visit on other special occasions, but it wasn't until she was an adult that The City really grabbed hold of her heart. There's a hilarious story about showing up to dance at The Palladium wearing a "Ross Perot for President" T-shirt. Years later, with that job at the Independent, Sonia found herself in San Francisco most days. Though she had to write only three stories, the money was better and the circulation bigger than her previous job in Martinez. The beat was familiar—school board and planning commission meetings. She and her sister had bought a house for themselves in Concord, where they lived with her young niece. Eventually, the paper transferred Sonia to its Burlingame office, but it was to start writing movie reviews. Eventually, she even convinced the Independent to let her write TV show reviews. When the Fangs bought the San Francisco Examiner, they kept Sonia on to be their TV critic and moved her back to The City, to an office above the Warfield. She'll be the first to admit that when you're getting paid to watch TV, it's not so fun anymore. The paper cut Sonia, but brought her back three weeks later, this time to be the A&E editor. The Examiner was a slimmed-down, tabloid version of its former self. That's how it was a few years later when, fresh out of journalism school at SF State, I got a job there as a copy editor. I distinctly remember one of my favorite daily tasks was editing Sonia's celebrity gossip column—Scoop, which happened early in my shifts, around 4 p.m. or so. In the episode, I riff about how much I loved reading Scoop every day, even though I've never been good at or cared much for celebrity news. I also let Sonia know that I also appreciated her presence off the page, in the newsroom. She describes her time at The Examiner as something she loved, but it was also hard. She shares that, after working long days for little pay, she'd go home and play The Sims. Once, around 3 a.m., playing the game, her character was going to a party. And it clicked: Sonia couldn't remember the last time she went to a party. She needed to make some changes, and one was leaving The Examiner. First up was an HR temp job where her mom worked, in Vallejo. Next was a job writing press releases for a real estate company. Then she found work at a printing company in Oakland called PS Print. (Our lives intersected again around this time, but that's another story.) She helped them create a social media presence. Outside of work, Sonia had a blog (which she still has) called The Sonia Show. Check back tomorrow for Part 3 with Sonia. We recorded this episode at Rosamunde in The Mission in January 2026. Photography by Jeff Hunt

One of the most iconic and beloved birds of the North American west is the Clark's Nutcracker, the highlight of anyone's trip to the high country. It will come as no surprise to anyone that the bird's relationship to the ecosystem goes beyond begging for trail mix from hikers, a fascinating symbiosis that was recently the topic of Glacier National Park's Headwaters podcast, whose host, Peri Sasnett, joins us to talk nutcrackers and conservation. This interview previously ran in August 2022.  Also, Nate is keynoting at the Black Belt Birding Festival this summer! Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

It's a new year and we're doing something different! Karen takes us to the Land of Sweets and we discuss Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Why this show endures, the importance of live musicians, and how a hot air balloon can change everything.

This week, Rio fly designer and veteran guide, Brita Fordice, passes on GTs to perform triggerfish home invasions, we whip up some killer mantis shrimp and feed them to a life-sized Nut Cracker, get chased by creepers as we try to grab an endangered animal, and explain why the bugs you tied are just too special to lose so maybe try her patterns instead.

Send us a textThis week's audio is a little off- sorry in advance! Rachel and Juj life updates and Juj's crazy stage manager story from Nutcracker.

Does a Nutcracker Need?

A blackout that left one-third of San Francisco customers without power – some up to three days – was one of six outages that plagued PG&E throughout the holidays. Disabled Waymos blocked streets. The Nutcracker was cancelled. Restaurants and businesses were closed. Customers and politicians are demanding answers and calling for the end of PG&E's monopoly. We'll talk about the blackout and what it can tell us about the reliability of  our power sources and Waymo's vulnerabilities, and we'll  hear how it affected you. Guests: Joe Eskenazi, managing editor and columnist, Mission Local Jeffrey Tumlin, former Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Brad Templeton, entrepreneur, writer; Templeton is the chairman emeritus of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and previously worked at Waymo Bilal Mahmood, supervisor, District 5, Board of Supervisors San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Pittsburgh storm sets the scene as Melissa and Kelly deal with WiFi issues while Jill happily declares Christmas officially over—at least until next year. The moms are exhausted but full of stories as they recap everything they did post-Christmas, from gift returns and holiday cleanup to the big question: when is it actually acceptable to take the tree down?They share their love for seeing The Nutcracker and why New York City at Christmas will always have their hearts. Then, the conversation turns to Dance Moms behind-the-scenes truths—who really came up with the routines, how much input producers had, and how many dances were reused from before the show even began.Join us on Patreon for video and even more exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/deardancemomHave a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas morning can easily become about exhaustion, expectations, and excitement—but Matthew 2:10–11 reminds us that true joy is found in worshiping Jesus first. By intentionally centering Christmas morning on Christ, families can experience deeper peace, joy, and meaning that lasts far beyond the presents under the tree. Highlights The Magi modeled Christmas worship by rejoicing, bowing, and offering their treasures to Jesus. Holiday exhaustion can distract us, but worship refocuses our hearts on what matters most. Keeping Christ central requires intentional planning, just like other Christmas traditions. Simple practices—reading Luke 2, singing hymns, or praying together—anchor the day in truth. Family traditions can joyfully point children to Jesus without removing the magic of Christmas. Reprioritizing schedules may feel uncomfortable, but it reflects the sacrificial heart of the Gospel. Honoring Jesus on Christmas morning creates opportunities to witness to others through love and example. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Emphasizing Christ on Christmas Morning By: Peyton Garland Bible Reading: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV) If we’re honest, most of us will admit that once Christmas morning arrives, we are utterly exhausted. Whether we are parents who stayed up all night putting together toys with hundreds of tiny pieces, we’ve spent the last week scrambling for last-minute gifts, or we are entertaining guests over the holiday, we have pushed our bodies to the limit. They quickly tell on us, eyes heavy, mind screaming for coffee, slippers dragging the floor. Amid this busy season, how can we ensure that Christ remains the center of Christmas morning, bringing us peace, joy, and hopeful energy far superior to our dark roast brew? How can we approach Christmastime so we enjoy all the festive traditions yet keep the manger the main thing? Thankfully, the answer isn’t a deep secret, and it’s what most of us do well, almost too well, this time of year. Planning. Conscientious, motivated planning. No doubt, we go to great detail to collaborate with friends concerning the annual tacky Christmas sweater party. We ensure that we pack and donate at least one Operation Christmas Child box per family member. We attend our little niece’s Nutcracker performance, a bouquet of festive roses in hand. We manage to balance all of the holiday’s hustle and bustle because we hold ourselves accountable to what we value most. Value Christ above all else this Christmas morning by grabbing a calendar and listing out exactly how your family will engage in holiday celebrations centered on Jesus. Invite your family to sit down with you and toss around ideas for which celebratory traditions sound best for both the children and adults. A few creative ideas include: Gathering at the dining room table to read Luke 2 before opening presents or eating Christmas breakfast/brunch. Playing Christmas hymns in the background as everyone eats breakfast. Adding a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” cake to the breakfast menu, letting everyone sing Happy Birthday to the greatest Birthday Boy in history. (I know a family who does this each Christmas, and their four children love it!) Before opening gifts, have everyone take turns sharing why Jesus remains the greatest gift in their heart and life. Placing a nativity scene at the foot of the Christmas tree before eating breakfast or opening gifts. (Placing a nativity scene at the foot of the Christmas tree is an old Catholic tradition that I learned from my husband’s family, and though my husband, son, and I are non-denominational, it is a dear tradition we honor each year.) If Santa visits your children, have Santa write a note to them, celebrating the ways they have grown in character that year while also sharing that he, too, knows that Christ is most important on Christmas Day. (Remember, little hearts that lean into magic will lean into miracles, so don’t cut the miracles short!) I pray these ideas spark creativity as you pray about and consider the Holy Spirit’s leading in how to best honor and praise Jesus on Christmas morning. But I also pray that you recognize that honoring Jesus on Christmas morning might mean you must reprioritize other things. Perhaps extended family members who typically join you for a casual Christmas breakfast at 9 can come over for a Christmas brunch at 11 (so your family has a quiet time of worship beforehand). However, if they are interested in joining your “Happy Birthday, Jesus” celebration, they can come over whenever is best for your family. Bonus: this is a great opportunity to love on your family members who aren’t believers! If your kiddos are accustomed to starting Christmas morning by seeing what Santa brought, I encourage you not to take away from that joy, but to reposition it. Explain to them ahead of time that since Christmas is about Jesus, we will celebrate Him first, then see what Santa brought. Having this conversation in advance allows little hearts to anticipate a schedule change. This gives them room to ask questions to better understand the purpose behind this new tradition. These new shifts might be uncomfortable or make little ones a bit fussy at first, but remember, the Gospel had uncomfortable beginnings, as a teenage girl gave birth among cattle and the Savior of the world was placed in a trough of prickly hay. May we truly adore Him as we sacrifice our schedules to put Him first this Christmas. Intersecting Faith & Life: Even after Christmas has passed, sit down with your family to discuss ways to continue keeping Christ the center of your days. Consider a daily family devotional or prayer time. Allow the children to include their own ideas. Further Reading:When Creating Christmas Memories Costs Your Sanity Psalm 145:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There's a reason that 100-year-old nutcracker was marked 80% off. And on Christmas Eve, my mom and I found out exactly what it was.STORY AND MUSIC CREDITS/SOURCES…The Grither”: https://tinyurl.com/qvkfdtg“Christmas Tree Decorations”: https://tinyurl.com/rapx4d7“Die Nutcracker, Die!” by Dax Varley: https://tinyurl.com/wkp7uu6“Machete Santa” by Medeia Sharif: https://tinyurl.com/wkp7uu6“Saturn Rising” by Ty Drago: https://tinyurl.com/wkp7uu6All music used with permission of the artists. Spooky Santa theme by Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ). All other music by Nicolas Gasparini (http://bit.ly/2LykK0g).I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use. If I somehow overlooked doing that for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I'll rectify it the show notes as quickly as possible.***Spooky Santa™ and Weird Darkness® are creations and trademarks of Marlar House Productions and Weird Darkness, LLC. Copyright © Weird Darkness, 2023"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46https://weirddarkness.com/MomsNutcracker#WeirdDarkness #ChristmasHorror #ScaryStory #Creepypasta #HauntedAntique #HorrorStory #PossessedToy #ScaryChristmas #TrueScaryStories #HolidayHorror

For the holidays, we're re-running some of our very favorite holiday-themed episodes! It's hard not to feel like we've got to be doing ALL the things at the holidays, especially when social media tells us we should be. Here are some tips for taking perspective at the holidays and operating in "high magic, low effort" mode. We discuss: pre-gaming with your (older) kids about the preferred responses to less-preferred gifts starting with what family members really do love most about the holidays (their answers will surprise you) why you don't have to go the Nutcracker, or lights at the zoo, or Aunt Martha's house, this year, let alone every year Rosie Colosi for Today Parents: ⁠⁠Moms are challenging the idea that they are the sole keepers of holiday ‘magic'⁠⁠ SNL's "Christmas Morning" sketch: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOVCtUdaMCU⁠ ⁠Read all of our listeners' great advice on the original Facebook thread⁠... and here, as promised, is Amy's recipe for the⁠ Italian pepper cookies⁠ that seem to be unique to northeast Pennsylvania... Italian Pepper Cookies (makes about 72 cookies, more if they're small) 1/2 cup Crisco  2 cups of milk or water (or more if needed) If dough is really sticky you can add a little bit more of milk 1/2 lb. raisins  1 cup cocoa 2 1/2 cups sugar 4 tbsp. baking powder 7 cups of flour (add more if needed) 1 1/2 tsps. cinnamon 1 1/2 tsps. cloves (not whole) 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 tsps. black pepper (if you don't want them too spicy, you can cut back on the pepper, I never do though) Optional, you can add nuts or I've seen people add chocolate chips too. We aren't big nut eaters, so I've never made them with nuts. Preheat oven to 375 Cream sugar and Crisco together in a bowl  In a different bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. Add sifted dry ingredients to creamed sugar and Crisco alternately with milk. Mix well. It will be very sticky, it's easier to work with your hands. I usually coat my hands with some Pam to be able to work the dough. Add your raisins and mix it up more.  Using your hands, take enough dough to roll a small ball (my mom likes them big, I like them smaller) Place cookie balls on your cookie trays (I usually fit around 16 on a tray, all depends on the size of your cookie balls)  Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes. Icing: 2 cups confectioner's sugar 1 to 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon butter splash vanilla For icing: Mix together all ingredients, adding milk until achieving creamy consistency, not stiff. When cookies are slightly cooled, top with icing. Sign up for the What Fresh Hell newsletter! Once a month you'll get our favorite recent episodes, plus links to other things to read and watch and listen to, and upcoming special events: ⁠http://eepurl.com/h8ze3z⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa, Elf on the Shelf, gift exchange, holiday, holiday shopping, holiday gifts, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, holiday recipes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to 25 Days of Y2Kristmas! This month Movies That Raised us will be exclusively covering holiday classics so grab some hot chocolate, a fuzzy blanket, and let's get festive!         Mo and Christina take on their fourth and final Y2Kristmas flick- the 2001 animated classique Barbie in the Nutcracker! Mattel brought Barbie to the ballet! Enjoy as we discuss Prince Eric as a respectful king, Barbie being under house arrest, Tim Curry as the Mouse King, and so much more!!             Our Patreon is LIVE! https://www.patreon.com/moviesthatraisedus We are thrilled to launch our Patreon with exciting perks such as a listener picked bonus movie episode, exclusive Discord, being added to our Close Friends, and a personalized thank you note!   Our merch shop is live! Check out our Raymond the Lifeguard design and more!! https://tinyurl.com/vxpbczup    Follow us on instagram @moviesthatraisedus   Follow us on tiktok @moviesthatraiseduspod  Follow us on twitter @mtru_pod     Do you have a movie you want us to cover next? Fill out our form! https://forms.gle/fU5vRfTk8K5Gb7cD8

In 2017, Wicked author Gregory Maguire set out to tell the backstory of another classic fairytale. His novel Hiddensee focuses on Herr Drosselmeyer, the powerful toymaker in The Nutcracker. In today's episode, we revisit a conversation between Maguire and then-NPR host Lulu Garcia-Navarro. Maguire tells Garcia-Navarro about his interest in writing a Nutcracker prequel, giving people “consolation” through literature, and his personal collection of nutcrackers.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays! In this special Christmas bonus episode, Conor and Caroline are making Caroline's birthday that much sweeter with a (largely) unedited, gut reaction to her very first viewing of 2018's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Dance your way into the lands of snowflakes, sweets, flowers, and amusements as they go beat-by-beat through what in the this film is en pointe and what may need to head back to the barre. Rally your nutcracker soldiers and grab every sweet treat you can find because you're invited to a Christmas party you won't soon forget!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord | On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.

(0:00) Matt McCarthy & Ty Anderson - in for Zolak & Bertrand - begin Hour #3 with Matt claiming Christmas is a sexier holiday than Valentine's Day. A caller brings up "Weird Al" Yankovic and the guys recite their favorite tracks.(11:00) Napster memories with McCarthy. The guys continue to give some love to "Weird Al" Yankovic by going through some albums and stream data. More callers' favorite gift stories. Milton Williams seems to be trending towards playing reportedly.(23:28) The guys discuss their favorite Christmas movies. Ty admits to liking Halloween over Christmas. McCarthy makes a valid point that Halloween is more provocative than suggestive Christmas music. More callers weighing in on everything.(34:55) McCarthy went to The Nutcracker and the guys comment on orchestral music before going back to the phones.Please note: Timecodes may shift by a few minutes due to inserted ads. Because of copyright restrictions, portions—or entire segments—may not be included in the podcast.For the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston's home for sports!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HT2480 - A Language I Do Not Speak One of the objectives of art is to communicate with others. That communication does rely, however, on a common language and vocabulary. I was thinking about this last night as I attended my first ever ballet performance — the classic holiday fare, The Nutcracker. I felt badly that this holiday classic connects so deeply with so many and simply bounced off me as I was lost in total incomprehension. I appreciated it the athleticism of the dancers, but the artistic content escaped me. Clearly, this is the result of my lack of ability to understand the language and vocabulary of ballet, a shortcoming for which I accept total responsibility. I feel this way about some photographers, too. Show your appreciation for our free weekly Podcast and our free daily Here's a Thought… with a donation Thanks!

It's our Christmas Spectacular, Brian and Cory break down the Mt Rushmore of Christmas, and then discuss work place Christmas parties, then the boys perform an a-cappella musical of The Nutcracker written by Brian. Korean Dave gives his rocks of the reek and the boys talk about a the Silver Stone Castle, a new venue they are working with! #Comedy #Podcast #Christmas #Holiday #MerryChristmas #HappyHanukkah #HappyRamadan

The Nutcracker is one of the most famous ballets in the world, and its unforgettable music was written by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. First performed in 1892, the ballet tells the magical story of Clara, her Nutcracker toy, and their journey to the Land of Sweets. While the ballet wasn't very popular at first, it later became a holiday tradition, especially in the United States. Today, millions of people watch The Nutcracker every December. This episode explores Tchaikovsky's life, how he wrote the music, and why the ballet has become a beloved holiday classic. Try Cocomelon Sing & Play for Free on your smart TV Volley App

Happy Holidays, Garys! This week, we have some unfinished business with Keira Knightley and who better than our pal, actress Natalie Walker to join us for the holiday season. In 2018, Oscar pedigreed Lasse Hallström and family friendly Joe Johnston adapted the classic Nutcracker story for the screen in a grab bag of Disney certified … Continue reading "372 – The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (w/ Natalie Walker!)"

In Hour 3 of the show today, the guys make their picks for the upcoming NFL games in week 16. Plus, the guys gear up for College Football playoffs starting, rehash the Seahawks vs Rams game, have some fun with the Nutcracker version of the Leftovers, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor James Van Der Beek opens up about his battle with colon cancer. Plus, TODAY's Sheinelle Jones surprises young ballerinas with a trip to see “The Nutcracker.” And Matt Hranek stops by to share game-day recipes for sausage and mushroom stew and pulled pork sandwiches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hear the rest at www.patreon.com/dopeypodcastThis week on Dopey Tuesday with returning friend, writer, and “elite ex-equestrian” Erin Carr. They joke about their disorganization, their family-like bond, and the chaos of planning episodes. Erin updates Dave on her recent election win to the NYC Education Council and what serving on it has been like—contentious but meaningful work centered on education policy and generational differences.The conversation shifts into generational talk (Gen X, Gen Z, Gen Alpha), early internet days, and feeling grateful they grew up before social media. Erin then describes learning—through an ex—that Dopey was suddenly in the news because Dave was doing media interviews about the breaking Nick Reiner case.Dave recounts going on ABC News unprepared, explains his new plan to publish a show every day, and details the backlash he received for releasing a Dopey Emergency Episode compiling all of Nick Reiner's past appearances. Erin gives thoughtful criticism: the issue isn't releasing the audio, but centering Nick rather than the murdered victims. They discuss responsibility, ethics, addiction stigma, and the complexity of public consumption of tragedy.Dave explains why he released the compilation, his intentions, the bizarre Dopey connection to the story, and his concern over tone. Erin helps him rework the title toward something victim-centered (“The Reiner Family Tragedy”). They unpack addiction narratives, mental illness stigma, and how easily public discussion slips into blaming or sensationalizing.The two close on themes of empathy, horror at the details emerging about the Reiner murders, the emotional weight of family devastation, and the moral questions around covering breaking tragedy in recovery media. The teaser ends with Dave redirecting listeners to Patreon for the rest of the conversation before running off to Susan's Nutcracker performance.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It ain't Christmas b*tch! Our favorite old crone Jessica St. Clair joins us for our annual holiday livestream to break down 2015's Merry Kissmas—a movie with a softly magical elevator filled with unwanted kisses. They discuss Doris Roberts' forceful smooch, the flirty cousins, Kayla's obsession with the Nutcracker doll, the eccentric German shopkeeper, Carlton's triangular facial hair, the worst Santa ever, and so much more. Is it ok to commit adultery with your elevator soulmate? Is it normal to have a favorite pair of socks? Should you grab a face while kissing? The answers to all these questions get debated loudly and passionately. Merry Kissmas and a Happy Blowyear! • Our holiday virtual livestream is on Dec 10th! Get tix at veeps.events/hdtgm• Go to hdtgm.com for tour dates, merch, FAQs, and more• Have a Last Looks correction or omission? Call 619-PAULASK to leave us a voicemail!• Submit your Last Looks theme song to us here• Join the HDTGM conversation on Discord: discord.gg/hdtgm• Buy merch at howdidthisgetmade.dashery.com/• Order Paul's book about his childhood: Joyful Recollections of Trauma• Shop our new hat collection at podswag.com• Paul's Discord: discord.gg/paulscheer• Paul's YouTube page: youtube.com/paulscheer• Follow Paul on Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/paulscheer• Subscribe to Enter The Dark Web w/ Paul & Rob Huebel: youtube.com/@enterthedarkweb• Listen to Unspooled with Paul & Amy Nicholson: unspooledpodcast.com• Listen to The Deep Dive with June & Jessica St. Clair: thedeepdiveacademy.com/podcast• Instagram: @hdtgm, @paulscheer, & @junediane• Twitter: @hdtgm, @paulscheer, & msjunediane • Jason is not on social media• Episode transcripts available at how-did-this-get-made.simplecast.com/episodesGet access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using the link: siriusxm.com/hdtgm Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We are talking everything from black tie outfit stress to internet pile-ons. Dani and Jordan start with a funny recap of their formal Christmas party prep: pregnancy body feelings, dress hunting, a last minute red Amazon gown, a steamer that soaks Jordan's shirt, and the kind of tiny misunderstanding that somehow feels huge when you are married and trying to get out the door on time. Then they dive into Alix Earle and Braxton, Jaclyn Hill's viral “it is the algorithm” video and why so many people are weighing in, plus what it is like to live and work online right now. They talk Trad Wife versus Girl Boss extremes, the Ballerina Farm discourse, “relatable” content in a rough economy, Stella at the Nutcracker, and how to stay sane when the internet is doing the most. We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DANI at BranchBasics.com/DANI. Get Branch Basics this Holiday Season, because cleanliness matters. We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DANIAUSTIN. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get healthy, glowing skin for fall with clean, vegan skin and body care from OSEA. Get 10% off your first order site wide with code DANI at OSEAMalibu.com You'll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50. Own your health for $365 a year. That's a dollar a day. Learn more and join using our/my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DANI or use gift code DAN/25 for a $25 credit towards your membership. If you're ready to take the next step in your life, whether that is merch, your own hair care line, or something in between, go to shopify.com/daniand make it happen. It doesn't matter where you're at in your entrepreneur journey, Shopify is there to make your life and selling journey easier. Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to Quince.com/dani for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. For a limited time, Tempo is offering my listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box! Go to TempoMeals.com/DANI Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey. Produced by Dear Media

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we dive into the new documentary "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield", a film that explores the chaotic, thrilling experience of a huge team of dancers, artists and volunteers coming together to ensure that the "Nutcracker" holiday tradition could continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are joined by the choreographer Troy Schumacher and ballerina Ashley Laracey, the Sugar Plum Fairy in this production, both veteran NYCB soloists who had not had a year without Nutcracker in their lives for more than two decades. They take us through the numerous complications to consider while mounting the production, from legal constraints, health concerns and the logistics of building a massive production in just five weeks, and how this experience ultimately came to be a documentary that perfectly encapsulates a moment unlike any of us shall ever experience again in our lives. "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield" will be available to stream on demand from December 21st through January 5th through the website nutcrackerfilm.com. Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you wish you were someone else… and the universe says bet?Natalie Primavera has a million followers, perfect technique, and the lead role in every show. Ava Ross has a cracked phone, a boyfriend who sings like naked Miley Cyrus, and a work-study job sweeping up after other dancers.One ancient snow globe. Two desperate wishes. And suddenly they wake up in each other's bodies.There's just one problem: Natalie's body is now in a hospital bed with a shattered hip. And Ava's body? It's about to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy… with ankles like wet spaghetti.What follows is the funniest, most chaotic Nutcracker rehearsal season in history... zombie cats, possessed dolls, a Romanian ballet master who might actually be a warlock, his terrifying nine-year-old son, and a love triangle nobody ordered.But underneath the chaos is something real: two girls discovering that the lives they envied aren't what they seemed.It's Freaky Friday meets Center Stage, and it hits.THE UNDERSTUDY: ACT ONEWritten by award-winning writer Jenna St. John.Starring: Kensington Tallman as Natalie Primavera Logan Laurel as Ava Ross Konstantin Lavysh as Mr. Constantine Carson Bolde as Grayson Garcia Sasha Knight as Trevor Rita Dos Santos as Kenzie Samantha A. Smith as Jasmine Kearn Eva Binder as Zoe Dennings Adele Abinante as Bean Ross Avery Clyde as Mrs. Primavera Katherine Brunk as Ms. Ross Brandon Potter as Mr. Primavera Sarah Elmaleh as Miss Lana Miki Yamashita as Miss Miyako Paula Tiso as NarratorOnly on Table Read.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This 2021 episode covers how The Nutcracker is a Russian adaptation of a German story that wasn’t really a Christmas staple in its home country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get that kid outta HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Nutcracker season at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. For many, it’s a family tradition. This year 4 performances of the Nutcracker will feature audio described dance where an artist narrates the live performance. It helps people who are blind or low vision be more immersed in the experience. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re still a bit hungover after our Thanksgiving, but we’re back. Jussie Smollett on Cam Newton’s pod got Rory thinking we’re living in a simulation. Mal thinks Max B should know better than to perform a song he supposedly didn’t want to perform. Rory and Mal debate whether T-Pain had a point about brotherhood in the music industry. Plus, Rory and Mal list their Top 5 Philly rappers, does Rory really think Detroit can hang with NYC, we put each other onto new tv/music, 50 Cent on Good Morning America promoting the new Diddy doc is peak 50, and a voicemail has us taking trips down memory lane with our parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian and author Tim Rayborn joins us for a deep look into the strange, frightening and often forgotten legends that live beneath the surface of the holiday season. From the rise of Krampus to centuries-old tales of winter demons, ghostly intruders and night-stalking creatures, Tim walks us through the darker side of Christmas tradition and what these stories reveal about survival, morality and the human imagination. We discuss how frightening folklore once served as teaching tools, why these tales flourished in cold, pre-industrial winters, and the surprising ritual of leaving food or clothing to avoid becoming a monster's next target. We also explore how Victorian ghost stories became a firmly rooted seasonal tradition, why The Nutcracker was once much more unsettling than the ballet we know today, and how cultures outside Europe developed their own chilling winter rituals. Tim shares his favorite creatures, the most shocking tales he uncovered, and how modern culture has reshaped these old fears into festivals, parades and pop-culture icons. If you thought Christmas was all candles and comfort, this conversation may change the way you see December forever. You can find Tim's book, The Scary Book of Christmas Lore: 50 Terrifying Yuletide Tales from Around the World, at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rNjt8r --- HOLIDAY ORNAMENT CONTEST Get in on the holiday fun and maybe win a great prize with your own creation. Get all the details at ⁠⁠https://jimharold.com/holiday2025 This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support!⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE UNDERSTUDYWhat happens when you wish you were someone else... and the universe says bet?Natalie Primavera has a million Instagram followers, perfect technique, and the lead role in every show. Ava Ross has a cracked phone, a nerdy boyfriend who dresses as naked Miley Cyrus, and a work-study job sweeping the dance studio.One ancient snow globe. Two desperate wishes. And suddenly they wake up in each other's bodies.There's just one problem: Natalie's body is now in a hospital bed with a shattered hip. And Ava's body? It's about to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy... with ankles like wet spaghetti.What follows is the funniest, most chaotic Nutcracker rehearsal season in history. We're talking zombie cats, possessed dolls, a Romanian ballet master with a terrifying nine-year-old son, and a love triangle nobody asked for.But underneath the chaos is something real: two girls discovering that the lives they envied aren't what they seemed, and that maybe the grass isn't greener, it's just... different grass.The Understudy. It's Freaky Friday meets Center Stage, and it slaps.Written by award-winning writer Jenna St. John.Starring:Kensington Tallman as Natalie PrimaveraLogan Laurel as Ava RossKonstantin Lavysh as Mr. ConstantineCarson Bolde as Grayson GarciaSasha Knight as TrevorRita Dos Santos as KenzieSamantha A. Smith as JasmineKearn Eva Binder as Zoe DenningsAdele Abinante as Bean RossAvery Clyde as Mrs. PrimaveraKatherine Brunk as Ms. Ross BrandonPotter as Mr. PrimaveraSarah Elmaleh as MissLana Miki Yamashita as Miss MiyakoPaula Tiso is the NarratorOnly on Table Read.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when Santa trades his sleigh for a rocket ship? Christmas correspondent Sarah Archer tells Sarah about how the Cold War era affected the image of old Kris Kringle through the rampant consumerism and shiny new technology of a post-war economy. Digressions include Reagan's girlypop diet, the Freudian aspects of the Nutcracker, and the thrilling history of aluminum. Visit the YWA Instagram for visual referencesMore Sarah Archer:https://www.sarah-archer.com/Sarah on InstagramProduced + edited by Miranda ZicklerMore You're Wrong About:linktr.ee/ywapodBonus Episodes on PatreonBuy cute merchYWA on InstagramSupport the show

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Elle Fanning – star of ‘The Great', ‘Super 8' and the new ‘Predator: Badlands' movie – is this week's dining guest. But is her new film better than ‘The Nutcracker in 3D'? ‘Predator: Badlands' is in cinemas from Fri 7 Nov. Follow Elle Fanning on Instagram @ellefanning Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Thu 6 NovOff Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcastFollow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial.And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster.Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive, and Felipe Franco. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.