Podcasts about Scrooge

In this festive episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook and guest Jacqueline Isaacs unpack her viral 2011 article A Christmas Carol: A Capitalist Story. Despite Dickens' socialist leanings, the story he crafts actually depends on free markets—without Scrooge's wealth, there's no life-saving operation for Tiny Tim, no turkey for the Cratchits--no redemption arc at all. Isaacs argues capitalism isn't the villain; it's the stage. Even selfish Scrooge fuels prosperity via the “invisible hand,” while transformed Scrooge proves voluntary generosity trumps state poorhouses.Also: which political demographic are the modern day Scrooges? Does the Grinch make a case for commercialism? Which film adaptation of A Christmas Carol is the best? And the oft-forgotten anti-slavery verse in "O Holy Night." Don't get humbugged by socialist talking points--listen to this compelling conversation or else the Ghost of Christmases Libertarian might just come to pay you a visit tonight.Links referenced in this conversation:A Christmas Carol: A Capitalist StoryJacqueline Isaacs on X and Linkedin.The Institute for Faith, Work, & EconomicsJacqueline's Washington Times article "Seeing the People Behind Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand'"Bellwether CommunicationsCalled to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian and LibertarianAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

‘The Muppet Christmas Carol' underwhelmed at the box office when it was first released on 11th December, 1992 - but found its audience on video and DVD in the decades later, becoming a gold-plated Christmas classic, re-watched by families, year after year.  There was darkness behind the scenes - from the sudden death of Muppets creator Jim Henson, to the legal wrangling over Disney's acquisition deal for his company, and composer Paul Williams's return from a difficult decade of addiction. But, despite this, or, perhaps, because of it, 28 year-old first-time director Brian Henson delivered a faithful and enduring adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly discover how Steve Whitmire shouldered the daunting job of playing Kermit for the first time; consider Michael Caine's masterstroke performance as Scrooge (‘as if playing opposite the Royal Shakespeare Company'); and reveal how Jerry Juhl's script shifted from comedy pastiche to heartfelt musical…  Further Reading: • ‘‘You'll never see Michael Caine blink': An oral history of The Muppet Christmas Carol at 30' (The Independent, 2022): https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/the-muppet-christmas-carol-brian-henson-b2243015.html • ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol movie review' (Roger Ebert, 1992): https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-muppet-christmas-carol-1992 • ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol Trailer #1' (Disney, 1992):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNo-Q0IDJi0 #90s #Film #Christmas #Heartwarming Thanks so much for supporting the show! We massively appreciate it. The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Edit producer:  Ollie Peart Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lessons from Scrooge on assisted suicide.  __________ Learn more about Truth Rising at truthrising.com/colson.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol stands out strongly from his other works, but not because it's so different, really, in what it hopes to accomplish. Critiquing society, drawing attention to the world outside the doors of the wealthy in Victorian England, hoping to create social change... this was Dickens. But it's in A Christmas Carol that he condenses this message and provides joy in equal measure with distress. I've read a lot of Dickens, though I never did quite manage to finish Bleak House even after carrying it around for months, but it's A Christmas Carol that most stays with me, and that most feels like a doable add to a high school curriculum filled with many voices. At the same time, we can't talk about A Christmas Carol without considering how it centers Christmas. If you're going to teach this book, consider how you can also acknowledge the many other holidays that happen in this season - Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid, Lunar New Year, and more. I recently redid all the imagery in my winter holiday maker project (snag it free here) because I realized that although I had tried to keep Christmas from dominating, it was still too red and green. Take a look at the simple changes I was able to make (below) to create a more inclusive project, featuring imagery from many holiday traditions. And if you'd like to explore more inclusive holiday activities, you can find a bunch in this round up blog post.  But to come back to Dickens, I think it's important to use the vehicle as a book to discuss Dickens' desire to use his art to create change, his context in Victorian England, and the transformation of his character, Scrooge, rather than seeing it as mainly a fun holiday activity, because of course, many students do not celebrate Christmas and so reading a Christmas story won't necessarily feel like a fun holiday activity to them. IKYK. OK, with all this said, let's dive in to five creative activities you can use with this text, whether you choose to read the play, watch the movie, or some combination. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Launch your choice reading program with all my favorite tools and recs, and grab the free toolkit. Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the 'gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! 

Matt Croke, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor remember the creation of the RSC's second radio show The Reduced Shakespeare Company Christmas in 1995, and how it paved the way for the RSC's eighth stage show The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). Matt, Reed, and Austin reveal their audio inspirations (like Firesign Theatre and 'Weird Al' Yankovic); how the new golden age of radio is called podcasts; how we failed to achieve novelty hit status with "Mrs. Santa Claus;" how we incorporated inside-baseball Ringling Brothers jokes and personal holiday memories; and how the heart the recording is its ten-minute reduction A Little Dickens: The Complete Christmas Carol (abridged); and how Austin went from playing parody Scrooge to playing the real guy for Chicago's Goodman Theatre. (Length 15:02) The post Remembering ‘Little Dickens' appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Episode 301 – Chair Company, Bagonia & the Anxiety of Being Extremely Online Matt and Bob are back “to pod” and this week they're double-featuring two very different brands of unhinged: Tim Robinson's The Chair Company on HBO and Yorgos Lanthimos' new black comedy Bagonia. First up, they break down why Chair Company's pilot might be an all-timer — deviled eggs, mall-restaurant discourse, wheelbarrow talk, and HR meetings about accidental upskirt eye contact — but why the season's tone, length, and “Scrooge porn” detours make it a tougher hang than I Think You Should Leave or Friendship. There's bouncer Mike, Wazy Wanes, giant wieners, and the eternal question: how many huge bits are too many huge bits? Then they head into the basement with Bagonia, digging into Jesse Plemons' beautifully weird performance, Emma Stone's corporate-speak alien CEO, and a story that sits somewhere between Ari Aster dread and Wes Anderson precision. They unpack conspiracy-brain vs. Big Pharma, torture in a foil-lined basement, corporate “no PTO, but take all the time you need” doublespeak, and an ending that somehow manages to combine telekinesis, exploding heads, and puffy tribunal aliens in a way that's both dark and oddly funny. Along the way, the guys shout out Jim Downey's late-career run, Will Tracy's Onion/Succession DNA, and close with a few rapid-fire watches on their radar: Train Dreams, J. Kelly, Task, Hamnet, and the Safdies' Christmas chaos ride Marty Supreme. If you've ever fallen down a conspiracy rabbit hole, worked in a soul-sucking office, or just love watching deeply weird men completely derail their lives, this one's for you

We invite you to begin this holiday season with some child-like wonder through the magic of Christmas stories.  We will not only look at the birth accounts of the Savior, but at the whole of our story; from even before Genesis through to Revelation.  And we will do so spring boarding off the famous story written in 1843 by Charles Dickens called, A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol begins with a death and forces the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, to evaluate his life.  As a part of this journey, Scrooge is given an odd gift; he's able to explore his past, present, and future.  He's able to remember what happened to him as a child and how it shaped him.  Then he gets to see his present with a view of who he has become; a crotchety old man who cares about little else than making a profit.  Along the way, however, it seems that this crotchety old man wants to be something more, do something more, but what? How? Finally, Scrooge gets the opportunity to see what his future will be should he continue down his current life path.  When he wakes up from this dream, he is convinced; he must change.  He chooses to be different.  You might even say, he repents and becomes a new creation, one who celebrates the joy of Christmas by taking care of others. In a similar fashion, we will look at the thread of the Christ story, and our story, by looking all the way back to Christmas Past, before the foundations of the world.  Then, we will look to Christmas Present, exploring where the choices of His creation led the God of creation.  Then, should we choose to believe in this magical and wonder-filled story of Christmas, we can then peak into our Christmas future, a future secured by what God has done for us.  There, we will see what this God of love and grace has in store for us all.   May the telling and reimagining of this story, the Christmas story, bring much needed light into every corner of our world today. I look forward to the journey, and to spending Christmas…together!

What message does The Ghost of Christmas Past bring Ebenezer Scrooge from beyond the grave? Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.   Welcome to this VINTAGE episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.     Did you know Charles Dickens wrote several Christmas Stories similar in length to A Christmas Carol? With the Audiobook Library Card, you can download The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens and get not only the entire reading of A Christmas Carol, but also The Chimes, A Cricket on the Hearth, The Goblins and the Gravedigger, and The Life of Our Lord. Sign up during our holiday promotion, and lock in your low price of $6.99 a month, and enjoy all the Classic Tales you want all year round.   Go to audiobooklibrarycard.com or follow the link in the show notes.   I'm performing as Ebenezer Scrooge at Payson Community Theatre's production of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol right now. Fun fact – Austin Bateman, the actor in the show who plays Young Scrooge, is a fan of the podcast. He's done a great job interpreting how a younger BJ Harrison would sound as Scrooge. My son Seven picked up on what he was doing and complimented him on it. It's a great show. If you're in the area, there are three more performances.   Today's VINTAGE episode was recorded in 2018, when my son was Scrooge in high school. I thought it was time to revisit the story. There's a reason it's a classic!     And now, A Christmas Carol, Part 2 of 4, by Charles Dickens       Follow this link to get The Audiobook Library Card for $6.99/month       Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:       Follow this link to subscribe to the Arsène Lupin Podcast:     Follow this link to follow us on Instagram:     Follow this link to follow us on Facebook:  

Today’s Phone Tap victim recently auditioned for a play and today Brooke's calling back as the casting director he’s never met to let him know he GOT THE PART… but there’s one big catch…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Phone Tap victim recently auditioned for a play and today Brooke's calling back as the casting director he’s never met to let him know he GOT THE PART… but there’s one big catch…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first part of a sort of crossover with the Advent Calendar House podcast, Mike Westfall joins Michael and Rob to talk about an unusual version of A Christmas Carol. From CBS's 1954 anthology variety show, Shower of Stars, it features Fredric March as Scrooge, Basil Rathbone as Marley, and bunch of questionable songs. And be sure to tune in next Sunday to ACH for Part Two in which Michael and Rob will join Mike to discuss another musical Christmas Carol, 2004's A Christmas Carol: The Musical starring Kelsey Grammer, Jason Alexander, Jane Krakowski, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jesse L Martin, and Geraldine Chaplin.

Commentator David Bouchier finds an inspiring moral in an old Christmas story.

A Christmas Carol: Marley's Ghost-The Ghost of Christmas PastJoin Grandpa Bill as he delves into his daily routine, shares insights on holistic healing, and explores memory techniques. This episode features a unique storytelling adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol', infused with personal anecdotes and future plans.Grandpa Bill Asks:Are You Willing to Share: What personal story or memory would you like to share that resonates with the themes of healing and reflection?

*Mark Warner running again...with Universal Health Care on his mind. *Scrooge and the Somalia fraud case. *Democrat proposes Robindhood Act. *Imagine seeing the same boat shooting video and seeing different things! *Biden does it again...what country is this? *Charlie Brown's sister say it all. *Madison Federalist 41. *Die Hard is not a Christmas movie, but this one is... *And more.

Making lemonade from the lemons of life is the theme to this week's Loose Ends. The comedian Omid Djalili was so incensed by having his shows cancelled after 9/11 due to his Middle Eastern heritage that he devised a stand-up tour called Namaste so he could let off steam as well as make us laugh. Elizabeth Day's How to Fail podcast is, ironically, a massive success, but she says her latest novel - a darkly humorous political satire - draws on her own feelings of being an outsider. Neil Morrissey had an ill-starred childhood but managed to head straight for the limelight in Men Behaving Badly, Line of Duty and is now playing Jacob Marley who brings redemption to Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. And Taskmaster contestant and comedian Ania Magliano attributes her personality to growing up playing with Sylvanian family toys rather than Barbies - find out how that inspired her new stand up show, Peach Fuzz. And a performance from Dracapella, a comedy retelling of the Dracula story, introduced by its writer Dan Patterson, the creator of Whose Line Is It Anyway?Producer: Olive Clancy Assistant producer: Samuel Nixon Technical Production: Giles Aspen and Gayl Gordon

Few stories are so ingrained in our collective unconscious. But do you know how it was published? the many ways it has shaped the way we celebrate? why it has endured so masterfully and spawned so many adaptations? Listen in to either get into the holiday spirit, or to really engage your inner Scrooge!

Our 2025 holiday stocking is stuffed: We chat with the writer/star of 'Ain't No Mo' and 'Oh Happy Day!,' with the director and star of the Alley's 'Night Shift Before Christmas,' and with award-winning critic-producer Citlali Pizarro.

On today's special Nostalgia Mini episode, Dan, Manny, & Billy spin The Nostalgia Test Wheel to see what classic Christmas movie they'll put to the ultimate test—THE NOSTALGIA TEST!   “Welcome to Jurassic Park. Um, I mean, Merry Christmas.” -Billy   The guys introduce the Nostalgia Test Wheel to the pod to pick which movie they'll watch for the annual Christmas episode. They year's movie will be either Charlie Brown's Christmas, A Muppet's Family Christmas (TV Special), March of the Wooden Soldiers, Scrooge (1951), Miracle on 34th Street, or It's a Wonderful Life. The boys also can't stop themselves from other tangents like the announcement of a sequel to Heat with Leonardo DiCaprio, taxes, Gen X's obsession with everyone being able to do math on the spot, and so much more. So grab a strong hot toddy, throw on the yule log, and get cozy with The Nostalgia Test Wheel, because it's going to make a lot more appearances in 2026 (we're available for parties people!)   Email us (thenostalgiatest@gmail.com) your thoughts, opinions, and topics for our next Nostalgia Test! Suggest A Test & Be Our Guest! We're always looking for a fun new topic for The Nostalgia Test. Hit the link above, tell us what you'd like to see tested, and be our guest for that episode!     Approximate Rundown 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 00:18 Nostalgia Test Podcast Overview 00:34 Christmas Movie Selection Process 01:14 Discussion on Classic Christmas Movies 01:53 Random Movie Talk and Tangents 03:42 Cash vs. Card Debate 05:41 Spinning the Wheel for Movie Selection 07:20 Conclusion and Sign-Off   Book The Nostalgia Test Podcast Bring The Nostalgia Test Podcast's high energy fun and comedy on your podcast, to host your themed parties & special events!  The Nostalgia Test Podcast will create an unforgettable Nostalgic experience for any occasion because we are the party! We bring it 100% of the time! Email us at thenostalgiatest@gmail.com or fill out the form at this link. LET'S GET NOSTALGIC!       Keep up with all things The Nostalgia Test Podcast on Instagram | Substack | Discord | TikTok | Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook   The intro and outro music ('Neon Attack 80s') is by Emanmusic. The Lithology Brewing ad music ("Red, White, Black, & Blue") is by PEG and the Rejected

A 550-pound bear that has made its home beneath the house of an Altadena family following the destruction of its habitat due to the January wildfires. The family is feeling unsafe as they hear the bear move around their crawlspace. Theater director Jesse Corti and Broadway actor Tim Farmer, who plays Scrooge, are in studio to talk about their production of A Christmas Carol, which premieres tomorrow night for 10 performances at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Meanwhile, back in Altadena, following last January’s tragic Eaton wildfire in which thousands of people lost their homes, the first home has been built for a local resident, and it’s been given a certificate of occupancy. The house is a 2,100 square foot, three-bedroom home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 111: 'Twas three weeks before Christmas, and all through your ears, this podcast was playing and igniting your fears :) Happy Yule, y'all. Meredith is joined by Sabrina from the podcast "Two Girls One Ghost" to discuss a couple of true creepy tales, dreams of Victorian Christmas, and how Scrooge's little sleeping cap is peak fashion. Thank you to Charles and Ryan for sending in their stories -- and telling them! Follow us for more @rattledandshook or send us a message from rattledandshook.com Host: Meredith Stedman @meredithstedman Guest: Sabrina Deana-Roga @sabbertoothtiger @twogirlsoneghost Original artwork by Puppyteeth Intro voicework by Miles Agee Original Music, Intro Theme & Ending Theme by Makeup and Vanity Set To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Indulgence Gospel After Dark!We are Virginia Sole-Smith and Corinne Fay, and it's time for your December Extra Butter episode.Today we've got a couple of rants and answers to your listener questions. On the agenda: ⭐️ The tyranny of School Spirit Weeks — especially during the holiday season! ⭐️ How it feels to date another fat person

Date Em or Dump Em with the real life Scrooge. Plus, Amazon tests 30 minutes or less delivery, what gets you in the Christmas spirit, a visit from Capital Humane Society and more!

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.A Holmesian holiday twistHeidi Dybing of Lanesboro loves the arts scene in her community. She's seen the Commonweal Theatre's production of “A Sherlock Carol” twice and plans to go back for more. The story, she says, is equal parts Sherlock Holmes mystery and Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” with recognizable lines from each woven into the script. The show runs through Dec. 21.Heidi says: This show is absolutely fantastic. It's eye candy because of the amazing sets with the amazing vintage props all over the stage and the walls and the ceilings. It is very Victorian, with authentic Victorian costumes and music.— Heidi DybingClassical guitar meets civil rights anthemJoe Haus, former president of the Minnesota Guitar Society, recommends seeing the vibraphone and guitar team of Vincent Hyman and Robert Ekstrand in concert at Lynnhurst Congregational UCC in Minneapolis. The duo will perform music spanning three centuries, including classical, jazz, and tango. The Lynnhurst choir will join them to perform Oscar Peterson's “Hymn to Freedom,” a civil rights anthem. The concert is 7 p.m. Friday. Admission is free, with donations accepted for the Sabathani Food Shelf.Joe says: Vince Hyman is one of the best vibe players in town. Bob Ekstrand has been playing guitar forever: playing in rock bands, playing as a solo blues artist, jazz ensembles studying classical guitar. I can't recommend them enough.— Joe HausSketch comedy meets Santa ClausMegan McDonough is a high school theater director who celebrates the season by seeing “Letters to Santa... With a Twist,” a one-woman show by Janelle Ranek. Each year, Ranek co-writes and performs 10 new and returning characters who update Santa on their year and share their holiday wishes. This year's run is at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis, Dec. 5–22, with all shows at 7 p.m.Megan says: This show is hilarious! It is, it is essentially an individual sketch comedy... the likes of a “Saturday Night Live,” or like a Smosh comedy, where she creates a character, runs with it for a few minutes, and then we change characters, and we get to meet somebody new right afterwards. My favorite is Marjorie. She's a motivational speaker, and there's usually a prop that the audience gets when Marjorie comes up to talk to you.— Megan McDonough

Experience the magic that is Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE in Brookline! In this episode of Road Court, the Judge decides how much of those tasty leftovers are worth saving, marvels at the wonders of a Bronze Hotdog (still not a sandwich!), and litigates whether an uncle who hates A Christmas Carol is, in fact, a Scrooge. Does an apple pie that is extremely close to a cheesecake deserve an award for pie, or is it stolen culinary valor?Huge thanks to Samantha Couture from the Massachusetts Historical Society! If you want to know more about that bronze hot dog, listen to this episode of the MHS' podcast The Object of History. Follow the MHS on Instagram at @mhs1791.It's the holidays! Get your JJHo merch at MaxFunStore.com! Right and wrong caps, Pure Justice Smell candle, and cozy gothcozyclothes! And a ticket to see us in January at SF Sketchfest makes a LOVELY gift! Sunday, January 18 at Marines' Memorial Theatre, on sale now!We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Hyphum for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!

Happy Holidays from the staff of The John Miller Program and we will be back with a new podcast first week of January. Here's classic for the holiday's Santa vs Scrooge!! That's right John booked a never before booked program!! I would like to thank Jonathan Able was Scrooge and Dr Brian King played Santa!! Along with Susan Maletta as my co-host. This file has been played over one million times. So please pass all!! Recorded in the Studios of FCCFREE Radio and produced by WayWacked Media Group!!John Miller

What message does Jacob Marley bring Ebenezer Scrooge from beyond the grave? Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.   Welcome to this VINTAGE episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.     Did you know Charles Dickens wrote several Christmas Stories similar in length to A Christmas Carol? With the Audiobook Library Card, you can download The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens and get not only the entire reading of A Christmas Carol, but also The Chimes, A Cricket on the Hearth, The Goblins and the Gravedigger, and The Life of Our Lord. Sign up during our holiday promotion, and lock in your low price of $6.99 a month, and enjoy all the Classic Tales you want all year round.   Go to audiobooklibrarycard.com or follow the link in the show notes.   I'm performing as Ebenezer Scrooge at Payson Community Theatre's production of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol right now. Fun fact – Austin Bateman, the actor in the show who plays Young Scrooge, is a fan of the podcast. He's done a great job interpreting how a younger BJ Harrison would sound as Scrooge. My son Seven picked up on what he was doing and complimented him on it. It's a great show. If you're in the area, there are three more performances.   Today's VINTAGE episode was recorded in 2018, when my son was Scrooge in high school. I thought it was time to revisit the story. There's a reason it's a classic!     And now, A Christmas Carol, Part 1 of 4, by Charles Dickens       Follow this link to get The Audiobook Library Card for $6.99/month       Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:       Follow this link to subscribe to the Arsène Lupin Podcast:     Follow this link to follow us on Instagram:     Follow this link to follow us on Facebook:

Caller Questions & More: Becky discusses how, instead of making our hearts small like Scrooge and the Grinch, we should look for ways to expand our hearts on Giving Tuesday. How can I reach my adult crack-addicted son? I kicked him out because he smoked crack in my home. What should I do if I want to address something that bothers me, and the other person makes the conversation about something way unrelated? How do I become comfortable around my aging mother? I feel bad about not feeling comfortable around her. My husband was unfaithful for 30 years with one woman and is an emotional anorexic; how do I get him to understand?

Ashlee talks about some of the hate she is getting for the Elf on the ShelfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Daily Quiz - Art and Literature Today's Questions: Question 1: Which author wrote 'Little Dorrit'? Question 2: What is the name of the Japanese art of paper folding? Question 3: Which author wrote 'The Little Mermaid'? Question 4: In Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", how many different ghosts visited Scrooge? Question 5: Which author wrote 'The Scarlet Letter'? Question 6: What are the names of the three Brontë sisters? Question 7: Which Shakespeare play begins with 3 witches? Question 8: Which author wrote 'Sense and Sensibility'? Question 9: Which author wrote 'The Pickwick Papers'? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It would be funny if we had a guy called Meatball on the show. Hey Meatball…what are you doin? Meatball, how was your weekend? Meatball, what the HELL do you think about that? Oh Meatball. But, we don't have that. And that is why the show sucks. Speaking of which, on today's show, we have two projects about hooters but kind of from the opposite end of the spectrum, and some dumb crap you'd get someone you don't like that much for Christmas. Which is coming up, by the way! Maybe they'd like a Gift subscription to YKS Premium instead, which is now available at Patreon.com/yourkickstartersucks/gift. Or maybe they are a Scrooge! And they deserve PAIN! Music for YKS is courtesy of Howell Dawdy, Craig Dickman, Mr. Baloney, and Mark Brendle. Additional research by Zeke Golvin. YKS is edited by Producer Dan. Social Media by Maddalena Alvarez.Executive Producer Tim Faust (@crulge)Simply having a wonderful podcast time! Over on YKS Premium, there's so much waiting under the Podcast Tree for you. Bonus episodes every week…and best of all, no coal! HAHaHA! Follow us on Instagram: @YKSPod, TikTok: YourKickstarterSucks and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more video stuff! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/yks Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Wow, 2025 is lit!! Gift subscriptions to YKS Premium are now available at Patreon.com/yourkickstartersucks/giftSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A big-time banker is busted by cops after he points a loaded weapon at a trio of kid carolers who showed up on his doorstep to spread holiday cheer. A jilted hubby shows off his hot temper by torching the family home. Plus, a trespasser proved he's not the gift that keeps on giving. Jennifer Gould reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this kickoff to our annual Christmas at the Movies series, Pastor Chris uses the timeless story of A Christmas Carol to show how grace can thaw even the coldest heart. From the Ghost of Christmas Past to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, we discover how God heals our wounds, confronts our present reality, and invites us into a brand-new future.Whether you feel stuck in old patterns, shaped by past pain, or unsure of the path ahead — this message will remind you that your story isn't set in stone. God is still writing. Grace is still moving. And a new heart is still available.Scripture Highlights:Ezekiel 36:26, Titus 2:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 15:13Listen in and be encouraged — if God can rewrite Scrooge's story in a single night, imagine what He can do in your heart today.www.thejourneychurch.cc

11/30/2025 - Ecclesiastes 11:1-8 - Pursuit: The Cure For The Scrooge Syndrome by Pastor Dennis Fountain

“Marley was dead…”  Those are the opening words of the old Charles Dickens play A Christmas Carol, the story that has been told and retold until “Scrooge” has become synonymous with a miserly, joyless person, and if you want to sound like a grumpy, joyless downer at Christmas, everyone knows you use Scrooge's phrase, say it with […]

What simple delights are in store in a visit to the wooden clog maker who lives in the forest? André Theuriet, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.   Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.   Well, it's Black Friday, and for a limited time, you can get a subscription for the Audiobook Library Card for only $6.99, instead of the typical ridiculously low price of $9.99. This is your chance to lock in a monthly subscription at the lower price, saving $3 a month. Unlimited downloading and streaming of the Classic Tales Library can be yours for even less!  Go to audiobooklibrarycard.com or follow the link in the show notes.  As a side note, I'm going to be playing Ebenezer Scrooge in Payson Community Theatre's production of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. To celebrate, our VINTAGE episodes for December will be the original text of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which I recorded in 2018, when my son Seven was playing Scrooge in High School. I guess we've come full circle.  Today's story appeared in a collection of Christmas stories by French and Spanish writers, translated by Antoinette Ogden. It's a sweet story with some beautiful imagery. By the way, a sabotier is a maker of wooden shoes, or clogs. Enjoy!   And now, Christmas in the Forest, by André Theuriet   Follow this link to get The Audiobook Library Card for a special price of $6.99/month       Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:       Follow this link to subscribe to the Arsène Lupin Podcast:     Follow this link to follow us on Instagram:     Follow this link to follow us on Facebook:

Join Hazel Baker, host of the London History Podcast, as she delves into the character of Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Explore the rich symbolism behind Scrooge's name, his physical and emotional transformation, and the social commentary embedded in the novella. Discover the streets of Victorian London that inspired Dickens' tale and learn how the story's themes of greed, generosity, and redemption resonate even today. Perfect for literary enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of one of literature's most enduring characters.00:00 Introduction to Ebenezer Scrooge01:30 The Symbolism Behind Scrooge's Name04:56 Dickens' Masterful Description of Scrooge11:13 Scrooge's Relationship with Jacob Marley13:39 Scrooge's Troubled Past15:31 The Impact of Fezziwig and Belle19:53 Fred and Scrooge's Isolation22:25 Scrooge's Notorious Statements and Their Implications25:05 Bob Cratchit and Scrooge's Transformation27:17 The Redemption of Scrooge31:25 Dickens' Social Commentary and Final Thoughts33:57 Conclusion and other Christmas-themed Podcast episodesVisit the London History podcast webpage

Tanisha Spring is back In The Frame!Tanisha is playing Belle in Matthew Warchus' production of A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic.The Old Vic's production of A Christmas Carol has become an annual event and this year Paul Hilton is playing Scrooge. The show marks Tanisha's return to The Old Vic and reunion with Matthew Warchus, after playing Rita in the 2023 production of Groundhog Day. Tanisha was last on this podcast two years ago whilst starring as Satine in Moulin Rouge, a role she played full-time after being in the original London cast as Alternate Satine. Tanisha made her West End debut in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre). Her theatre credits also include: The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Shuck ‘n' Jive (Soho Theatre), Making P***n (Above the Stag), Caroline or Change (Playhouse Theatre), Big Fish (The Other Palace), One Love (Birmingham Rep) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre). As well as discussing all-things A Christmas Carol, in this episode Tanisha discusses her run in Moulin Rouge and what it was like to return to the show last-minute earlier this year. She also talked about career goals, why she's taking a break from producing and lots more. A Christmas Carol runs at The Old Vic through until 10th January. Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I take my favourite holiday film, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and use it to explore the Stoic idea that every human being is pulled toward moral excellence—even when they have spent years rolling downhill in the wrong shape. Scrooge's story gives us a clear picture of how isolation, habit, early wounds, and neglect warp a person's disposition, and how a return to goodness is still possible when someone is willing to face their past, see the present clearly, and respond to both with honesty and concern. Key takeaways from this episode include: Isolation blinds us to our shared humanity — and when we habituate isolation, we become harder, colder, and more unjust without even knowing it. The Stoics believed every person has an inborn pull toward Virtue — but that pull is often overridden by poor habits, early trauma, or years of vicious choosing. Scrooge's transformation shows it is never too late to change shape — our rational faculty can always realign with the natural inclination toward the good. Seeing the goodness of others corrects our cynical view of the world — most people are doing the best they can with what they have, even in hard conditions. Holiday “magic” can be understood Stoically as the felt pull toward Virtue — and we don't need to limit that awareness to one season. True change requires facing the past, seeing the present, and choosing better now — just as Scrooge does with each ghost and each revelation. For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have questions, you may do so as a member. Email sent by non-members will not be answered (though they may be read). This isn't punitive, I just cannot keep up. Limiting access to members reduces my workload. You're always invited to leave a comment on Spotify, member or not. Thanks for listening and have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chair Company Episode 7 Recap | Ron Unravels the Truth, Barb Takes Charge, and Delaware Goes Off the Rails | Brandon & Chanel BreakdownThey made him think he could wish things into the world — and he did. In Episode 7 of The Chair Company, everything clicks into place — in the most absurd, hilarious, and horrifying way imaginable. From dog bites to deadly chairs to porn-shop standoffs, this is the episode where Ron Trosper might finally be right.Brandon & Chanel unpack the spiraling brilliance of it all:Ron gets suspended and adopts a dog… who immediately bites himBarb delivers antibiotics and some marital realness (shoutout to Lake Bell's best scene yet)Every bizarre thread — Tamblay's, the group chat, Oliver Probblo, bug species, Scrooge cosplay — comes back full circleThe Wendy's ham subplot gets even more Midwesternly unhingedDelaware's corrupt mayor isn't the target — the real Tecca boss is funding EverpumpThe big confrontation at Alice's party: Ron has the receipts… but he doesn't “tell”Romance Depot guy vs. insufficiently horny customer = mini ITYSL sketch goldRon chooses love over justice — and still ends the episode smiling in the mirrorThis is the most satisfyingly chaotic episode yet. With Fincher-level plotting filtered through Lynch, The Onion, and your weirdest workplace dreams, The Chair Company delivers a modern-day style parody that's as dense with gags as it is with dread.

As he approaches press night, we check in with award-winning actor Paul Hilton, who is getting his Scrooge on this Christmas at the Old Vic. He reflects on finding his own way into the iconic miser, and what drew him to Jack Thorne's adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic after initially turning the role down. More broadly, he reflects on his career: bringing The Inheritance to New York after its landmark London moment, and the work he did helping to save Oldham Coliseum. He also expresses a great desire to work on Hamlet Hail To The Thief with Thom Yorke once again – if ever the moment arose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike, Steve, Amanda and Will tackle the latest films to be hitting home media. As usual, click the links to see trailers for each of the films!   We kick off with BRIDE HARD (Signature Entertainment) in which superspy Rebel Wilson must thwart Stephen Dorff and his mercenaries when they gate-crash her best friend's wedding! SHARK ISLAND (High Fliers Films) finds a group of supermodels on a tropical island, surrounded by sharks and hunted by a killer after a $20Million necklace... THE NAUGHTY LIST OF MR SCROOGE (Miracle Media) sounds cringe but is actually about a group of ex-college friends being hunted by a masked killer during a holiday weekend! M: BEYOND THE WASTELAND (GrimmVision) is a Serbian post-apocalypse tale which follows a young boy seeking answers about his past... BONE LAKE (Signature Entertainment) - finds two couples double-booked at the same luxury weekend getaway... NAZI SUPERSOLDIER (4Digital Media) is a German Independent horror about some journalism students discovering a secret bunker.... DIRECTOR'S CUT (Miracle Media) is about a local metal band agreeing to make a music video with a strange director... A DESERT (Blue Finch Film Releasing) finds a photographer crossing paths with a dangerous couple out in the desert... Our Short Shot is FULL MOON GLORYHOLE - warning, this is NSFW! Click the link, to watch the whole 5 min short! Our DTV Throwback is FROM BEIJING WITH LOVE, starring and co-directed by Stephen Chow (Chow Sing Chi) in his love-letter to all things Bond, mixed with a 90s HN aesthetic. You can find a high quality version on Amazon Prime. Follow the Short Shots  on X where you will find hundreds of links to awesome short films! Don't forget to also check out our main show, the DTV DIGEST on X and FACEBOOK! We are also now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @thedtvdigest.bsky.social and @dtvshortshots.bsky.social      

This Week in Horror History is your winter horror watchlist, breaking down Christmas horror movies, winter thrillers, and classic ghost stories for the week of November 26–December 2. In this episode of the Weekly Spooky horror podcast, host Henrique Couto revisits Misery (1990), Scrooge / A Christmas Carol (1951), Violent Night (2022), deep-cut sequel The Descent Part 2 (2009), and cult anthology Deadtime Stories (1986) to help you build the perfect cold-weather horror marathon.We start in the snow with Misery (1990), Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's cabin-fever nightmare. A bestselling author crashes in a blizzard and wakes up trapped with his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, whose devotion turns surgical. It's tense, wintry, and weirdly cozy in that “stuck inside with the storm howling outside” way—perfect for the dark days after Thanksgiving.How to watch (U.S.): You can see it for free on Tubi, or rent it wherever you like to do that sort of thing.Then we slide straight into holiday hauntings with Scrooge / A Christmas Carol (1951), one of the most iconic Christmas ghost stories ever filmed. Alastair Sim's Ebenezer Scrooge is dragged through past, present, and a terrifying future by rattling chains, graveyards, and skeletal specters. It's gothic, eerie, and still strangely comforting—a reminder that Christmas horror began with moral dread and vengeful spirits long before killer Santas.How to watch (U.S.): You can watch it free on Tubi, on Plex, or wherever you rent your movies.From there we jump to modern holiday carnage with Violent Night (2022), where Santa picks up a sledgehammer and goes to war with mercenaries during a Christmas Eve hostage situation. It's loud, cathartic, funny, and surprisingly sweet at its core—ideal Black Friday recovery viewing when you want bloody Christmas action, tinsel, and a very bad night for the naughty list.How to watch (U.S.): It's streaming on Peacock, or you can snag it anywhere you rent digital movies.The Deep Cut Spotlight crawls underground with The Descent Part 2 (2009), the much-maligned cave sequel that deserves another look. Sarah is dragged out of the caves amnesiac and traumatized, only to be pressured into leading a rescue team back into the darkness. What follows is a brutal, grim follow-up packed with creatures that feel a little too plausible—perfect “cozy nightmare fuel” as you settle into your turkey coma and wonder what's lurking just beyond your flashlight beam.How to watch (U.S.): It's free to watch on Plex, or rentable wherever you normally pick up digital horror movies.To cap the episode, Henrique recommends Deadtime Stories (1986), a trashy, off-the-wall horror anthology movie that leans into fairy-tale weirdness and late-night TV vibes. It feels tailor-made for cold-weather sleepovers: campy, bizarre, and just dangerous enough to feel like you shouldn't be watching it right before bed.How to watch (U.S.): You can watch it free on TubiTV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, and Plex, or with a subscription on Amazon Prime Video and Sling TV.Along the way, we roll through the Birthday Roll, raising a drumstick to horror favorites like Peter Facinelli, Joe Dante, and Nestor Carbonell, and talk about how Christmas horror has evolved—from the moral reckoning of Scrooge to Santa as bruised action hero and the creeping dread of being trapped, whether you're snowed in or sealed underground. If you're hunting for winter horror movies and Christmas horror classics to plug into your December calendar, this week's horror history has you covered.This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth — ultra-soft, temperature-regulating bamboo sheets, comforters, and loungewear that keep you warm without overheating while you binge scary movies. Get comfy, my spookies! 41% off at CozyEarth.com with code SPOOKY — supports the show!

Time to show some love to a few venues that I somehow always manage to overlook in our WKXL NH Unscripted “What's Happening in the Entertainment Scene” segments. But, first stop is me showering kudos and love on Greg Gaskell's production of “Ye Merry Gentlemen” taking place at the Players Ring in Portsmouth. Then some deep admiration for Ernest Thompson for his kind and voluminous shoutouts to folks that he has worked with (it honestly caught me off guard). Then a tip of the hat to the various Christmas Carol productions about to take place around the state (humbly highlighting the version at Jean's Playhouse where I play Scrooge) and then off we go. The Tupelo Music Hall (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Capitol Center for Arts (Cookies, Cocoa & Kindness) & (Stand By Me: The Film and Its Stars 40 yrs Later), Bank of NH Stage (Safe Haven Ballet Charlie Brown Christmas), Palace Theater (Nutcracker, Christmas Carol, Footloose, Cabaret) all get some NH Unscripted love.

Hello and welcome to another episode of Authentically ADHD. I'm Carmen, and today we're diving into how the holiday season feels through the eyes (and brain) of someone with AuDHD – that is, co-occurring autism and ADHD. For many of us, the holidays can feel less “holly jolly” and more like a perfect storm of stress. In this episode we'll explore why the season can be extra hard, what it looks and feels like, and science-backed strategies to survive (and maybe even enjoy) the holidays. Whether you're a newly diagnosed adult or a parent of a neurodivergent child, this one's for you.What Is AuDHD? (Autism + ADHD)First, a quick science check. Autism and ADHD often go hand in hand. In fact, research suggests roughly 50–70% of autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD. Likewise, about two-thirds of people with ADHD have another condition like autism. In plain terms, having AuDHD means your brain experiences both sets of traits – the social-pragmatic and sensory sensitivities of autism and the attention-dopamine challenges of ADHD.This combination can feel like a constant tug-of-war in the mind. One part of you craves novelty and spontaneity (hello, ADHD!), while another part craves predictability and routine (hello, autism!). Imagine loving new experiences but also needing your favorite cookie recipe exactly the same every year. The result? It can be disorienting: you might feel like you “don't fit” neatly into either camp. Some people with AuDHD describe it as an internal “tug-of-war” or seesaw: one side impulsive and messy, the other organized and anxious to plan.In practice, AuDHD often means compensating and crashing. For example, someone's autism-driven focus might compensate for their ADHD-driven distractibility at work, or vice versa – ADHD-driven chaos can overwhelm autistic need-for-order, leaving them paralyzed by overwhelm. Dopamine is also at play: ADHD brains naturally crave dopamine and may impulsively seek novelty to get it. This can collide with autistic routines (which prefer sameness), causing even more internal conflict. All of this can be exhausting, but it also means AuDHD brains are vividly tuned in and often intensely creative. Think of it as life on high-intensity mode – colorful and chaotic, requiring constant balancing.Why the Holidays Are Extra ChallengingNow layer on the holidays, and the pressure cooker heats way up. Even neurotypical people report elevated stress: one survey found 62% of adults felt “very or somewhat” more stressed during the holidays than at other times of year. But for AuDHD brains, the holidays can amplify every stressor:Routines Disrupted: The holidays upend our anchors. School break means new daily rhythms, late nights, irregular meals – everything that might keep an autistic-AuDHD person grounded gets flipped. As one ND observer notes, “routines are often our anchor, and when they're pulled away, it can leave us adrift”. Even small changes (late start on Monday, new host home, delayed bedtime) can throw our whole system off.Sensory Overload: Holiday sights, sounds, and smells come at you hard. Think bright lights, loud music, clanging dishes, lots of chatter, and maybe even firecrackers or poppers. These environments can push a neurodivergent nervous system into sensory overwhelm. In fact, decorations blaring carols while a dozen relatives talk at once – that's the classic recipe for sensory overload. Neuroscience explains it as bombarding the five senses: your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode, and it can stay on high alert even after you're home. One ADHD resource describes this: “the body's nervous system shifts into ‘fight-or-flight' mode… After the event, the body may remain on high alert, struggling to return to a relaxed baseline – leading to fatigue, overstimulation, and emotional shutdown.”. In short, holiday clamor can fry an AuDHD brain.Social and Family Dynamics: Holidays often mean forced proximity. You're expected to play nice at a crowded party, join in traditions, maybe hug or kiss relatives, and make small talk. That's a lot of unstructured social juggling. Neurodivergent people often need more downtime than society assumes, but the holidays cram intense social demands into the shortest days of winter. Feeling like you should be joyful and festive can clash with feeling drained, anxious, or withdrawn. This is the “disconnect between ‘should' and ‘feel'” one psychologist talks about: everyone else is pretending joy, but you might feel agitated, melancholic, or exhausted instead. In fact, holiday stress can bring out “regressive” feelings: snapping at family, ruminating on past hurts, or longing for a perfect moment that never happens.Executive Overload: Then there's all the planning and to-dos. Making a menu, shopping for gifts, wrapping, hosting – the holiday season can demand supercharged executive function. Neuroscience shows that high demands on the prefrontal cortex (the brain's planning center) can impair memory and even slow down new brain cell growth. In other words, tackling 1,000 tasks can literally short-circuit our focus and memory. A coaching article notes that the “mental burden” of remembering everything impedes memory and interferes with brain-cell production. Even if you usually manage your ADHD well, the holiday juggle can make you feel like you're losing control. It's no wonder stress and forgetfulness skyrocket.Emotional Intensity: Holidays can stir deep emotions. The idea of a “perfect family celebration” is a myth, and that gap can trigger sadness, anxiety, or frustration. A 1950s concept called “Holiday Syndrome” described it well: diffuse anxiety, irritability, helplessness, and nostalgic/bitter rumination about past experiences. Many people (autistic or not) feel a low-grade hum of agitation or melancholy under the tinsel and carols If you're also AuDHD, ADHD's emotional dysregulation can supercharge those feelings. Research on ADHD shows that after a high-energy event, brains can “crash” with deep fatigue or emptiness as dopamine levels plummet. So after a big family gathering you might feel emotionally drained – like you've hit a wall. As one expert puts it, the ADHD brain gets a dopamine surge in the moment, then a drop afterward, leading to confusion and exhaustion. Cue the tears or irritability after the decorations are taken down.In short, every holiday pressure – social expectations, sensory chaos, broken routines, endless chores – hits AuDHD brains all at once. It's like the perfect neurodivergent stress cocktail. One Autism/ADHD coach even calls the holidays “every AuDHD stressor at once”: unpredictability + social evaluation + sensory intensity + disrupted routines. No wonder we might feel totally fried by Dec 25.FOCUSED & PATREON ADWhat It Feels Like: Overwhelm, Meltdowns, and MaskingSo what does all that actually feel like? Picture this: You step into a brightly lit living room filled with holiday music, clinking dishes, and chatty people. Immediately, your senses are on high alert. You feel your heart rate up (fight-or-flight kick in), your thoughts start racing, and your tolerance for noise plummets. You might grit your teeth through forced smiles, struggling to follow 5 conversations at once. In that moment, you're using every bit of your brain's executive function – planning what to say, filtering stimulation, remembering everyone's names, and suppressing the urge to bolt for silence. It's exhausting.Later, when you finally escape, you might hit the proverbial wall. Suddenly you feel mentally numb, weepy, or totally blank. This is the classic AuDHD “crash.” As one ADHD writer explains, after the stimulus ends “your brain experiences a dopamine drop – leading to emotional disorientation, fatigue, or a deep sense of emptiness.”. You could become super-snappy or oversensitive (even minor things trigger tears or rage). You might replay awkward conversations and feel a wave of guilt or paranoia. Or you might simply withdraw – closing your eyes, zoning out, or curling up until you “recharge.” These aren't just mood swings; they're neurological reactions to overload.Kids and adults alike can shut down too – becoming nonverbal, hiding, or refusing to participate. You might have meltdowns (full emotional blow-ups) or shutdowns (going blank). It might look like bursts of crying, rage, or stimming (repetitive self-soothing behaviors). This is especially common if surprises disrupt expected plans. And if you're masking (pretending to be “normal”), this takes even more energy. One psychologist notes that neurodivergent folks “must mask extra hard” during holidays when everyone expects cheer, which makes us even more exhausted and anxious.If you're a parent, you might watch your neurodivergent child display these behaviors. Maybe your teen suddenly “shuts down” mid-game, or your kindergarten child bursts into tears over a drop of water on a new shirt. They might meltdown over something as small as being served pie in a different dish, or hyperfocus on one toy ignoring the party around them. Either way, the feeling inside is similar: overwhelmed, dysregulated, and just done.It may help to know: You are not alone and not wrong. Feeling relief when others appear joyful, or feeling resentful for holiday expectations, is normal for AuDHD brains. Our nervous systems truly react differently under holiday stress. The good news from neuroscience is that holiday stress is usually acute, not chronic – our brains tend to bounce back once the season is over. But during the season, we need real strategies to cope.Science-Backed Strategies for Managing OverwhelmNow, let's talk solutions. Neurobiology isn't just doom and gloom – it also suggests practical fixes. Below are some evidence-informed strategies that target the very stressors we discussed. Think of these as your AuDHD holiday survival kit. You don't have to use all of them, but the more you prepare your brain, the smoother this season can be.1. Maintain Structure and RoutineWhenever possible, keep some normalcy. Research on executive function shows that routines are crucial anchors for neurodivergent minds. Try to stick to regular sleep and meal times as much as you can, even if other parts of your day change. For example: have dinner at 6 pm even if everyone else is having it late, or set an alarm for your usual bedtime. The coaching advice is to plan in advance: make checklists of tasks (shopping, wrapping, cooking) and schedule them early. Use calendars, alarms, or apps to remind you of things – our brains are already overloaded without trying to store all holiday details. Planning also includes travel: if you have to visit family, confirm details (who's hosting, what's served) beforehand so it's not a surprise.Visual supports can help too. For kids and adults, a visual schedule (even just on your phone) outlining “Friday: drive to grandma's house; Saturday: gift-opening 10am, game night 6pm” can ground you. Advanced Autism Services recommends creating a visual map of the event with times and people. Even as an adult, knowing the plan lowers anxiety. Similarly, preparing your child with social stories or role-playing can make gatherings feel more predictable.Finally, keep your exercise and self-care rituals. The Harvard team reminds us that even holiday parties need cognitive flexibility – which is easier when the brain is well-restedt. So keep up that morning run or evening walk, even if it's just 10 minutes. Exercise releases stress-fighting chemicals in the brain, which can buffer holiday overload.2. Plan and Prioritize (Executive Function Hacks)You can't do everything, so delegate and prioritize ruthlessly. Which traditions truly matter to you? Focus on those, and let go of the rest. A coach suggests making a short list of top priorities (maybe it's one family dinner and a small gift exchange) and kindly declining additional activities. It's okay to skip a party or leave early – your brain's health is non-negotiable. If shopping is a drain, try online or streamlined gift ideas (gift cards, experience gifts, or even “cookies night in” kits). The key is reducing last-minute tasks, which spike stress.Use tools to help: create gift lists on your phone, set reminders a week before each event, or use productivity apps that break big chores into small steps. Even ADHD coaches agree: “Last-minute tasks are particularly stress-inducing, so plan everything in advance that you can.”. Plan your outfits, plan travel routes, plan what to say when Uncle Bob cracks a joke (maybe even a safe “exit phrase” if conversation gets intense!). This way the unexpected becomes expected, which grounds the AuDHD brain.3. Communicate and DelegateYou don't have to go it alone. Talk to your holiday co-pilots. If you have a partner or roommate, divide and conquer chores. Explain that you might need help with certain tasks – maybe they handle gift wrapping while you focus on meal prepping, for example. If you're a parent, team up with other parents: one person watches the kids while the other cooks. NFIL suggests checking in with your support network about feelings and plans.Crucially, set boundaries. Let family and friends know your limits. It's totally okay to say things like “I'm sensitive to crowds and might need a quiet break” or “I'll stay for an hour then take a walk around the block.” As one psychologist notes, neurodivergent people are often more sensitive to holiday stressors like forced gatherings and touching. So be your own advocate: politely excuse yourself to a quiet room, or step outside for air. You might even create a “signal” with a buddy if social exhaustion hits and you need help quietly bowing out. Remember that boundaries mean self-respect – you deserve to protect your peace.4. Sensory Self-CareCombat sensory overload proactively. Bring your tools and safe spaces. Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds can be a lifesaver when the living room booms with music and chatter. Sunglasses (indoors if needed!) can soften bright lights. Keep a fidget (stress ball, textured toy, or something to squeeze) in your pocket or a weighted lap blanket in the car. Even carrying a familiar scented hand lotion or a small plush can ground you when stress spikes.If possible, help “sensory-proof” the holiday environment. Offer a sensory-friendly zone at home or the party venue – a quiet corner with dim lights and comfy seating. Advanced Autism tips say designating a quiet space with calming items (like weighted blankets or favorite objects) gives everyone a place to recharge. Make it explicit: let family know, “I might head to the quiet room when I need a break.” You'll avoid confusion or hurt feelings. If you feel overload coming on, take that break. Step outside, do some deep breathing, stare at the horizon for a minute. Science suggests that even a few moments of sensory downtime can reset your nervous system.On the topic of sensory input: eat mindfully. If bright lights and noise scramble your nerves, having a calming snack (water, a snack with protein) can help level you out. Avoid too much sugar or caffeine spikes if possible – they can worsen anxiety and crash you even more. (ADHD brains often crave carbs, as notes, but balancing with proteins can stabilize energy.) Also, be mindful of smells or textures that bother you – if Aunt's potpourri is too much, step back or move to another room.5. Emotional Regulation and Self-CompassionGive yourself grace. The holiday season often brings up big feelings (nostalgia, grief, anxiety). It's okay to feel less than jolly. Dr. Megan Neff calls it the disconnect between what we “should” feel and what we actually feel. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment. You don't have to force a smile or pretend you're loving every moment if you're not. In fact, research on emotion in ADHD underscores that we have real neurobiological reasons for our intense feelings.Build in emotional checkpoints. Throughout the day, pause and ask yourself: “How am I doing? Am I overwhelmed?” If you notice tension in your shoulders or tightening in your chest, respond with a known calming strategy: this could be deep, slow breathing (even 4-4-4 breaths: inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4), grounding (feel your feet on the floor, notice three things around you), or a short visualization (imagine a peaceful scene). Even a quick stretch can shock your body out of fight-or-flight mode.Remember, you don't have to be “on” 100%. It's okay to sit quietly and read a book while others chat, or scroll on your phone for a mental break. Taking care of yourself isn't rude – it's survival. The Neurodivergent Notes author puts it well: start by “acknowledging that the holiday season can be hard” and giving yourself permission to feel off or “not OKay”. You might even mentally prepare a mantra: “I do not have to be perfect. My feelings are valid.” Repeat that if family guilt trips start to chatter in your mind.If anxiety or irritation spikes, try reframing: nothing says every moment has to be merry. You can enjoy the smell of pine or the glow of lights without absorbing all the chaos. Keep reminding yourself: “This is just one season. I'll get through it, and then I can relax.” As Harvard experts note, holiday stress is acute – it will subside once the season passes. Meanwhile, lean into what you find comforting: maybe a warm tea by yourself, a brief nap, or a fun playlist in your headphones.6. Navigate Family Dynamics and TraditionsFamilies can be great, but holiday families can also trip alarm bells. If certain traditions or relatives trigger you, it's OK to modify or skip them. Brainstorm alternatives: If large dinners are a nightmare, how about a small movie night with a couple people you feel safe around? If gift exchanges stress you, propose a simpler plan (e.g. Secret Santa with a modest budget, or letting kids pick one special gift each). Decline invitations graciously: “Thank you for having me, but I'll pass this time” is perfectly acceptable. People might not get it, but the goal is to keep you well, not please them.For parents of AuDHD kids: many of these strategies apply to your child too. Prepare them with visuals or previews of events, pack their favorite quiet toys, and have an exit strategy if they get overwhelmed. Engage them in something structured during gatherings (e.g. start a puzzle together, or have a “gift wrap station” where they help with one thing – giving them focus and predictability). Communicate with other family members about your child's needs ahead of time: “X is sensitive to noise, we have headphones ready if needed.” Even young children can be taught a safe word or signal for a break.During gatherings, consider creating a “sensory diet” space even for neurodivergent adults. If you're hosting, put out a bowl of noise-canceling earbuds, a quiet corner with pillows, or a weighted lap blanket on the couch. Make an announcement like, “Feel free to take a breather in the den if it gets loud!” This normalizes it for everyone. If family members don't understand, you might need a gentle explanation: “I have ADHD/autism – sometimes I process things differently. I just need a little downtime every now and then.” Hopefully, they'll respect that.7. Focus on Joy and AcceptanceFinally, try to anchor yourself in the parts of the holidays you do enjoy. Maybe it's a cherished tradition, a favorite scented candle, watching a goofy holiday movie, or hanging with a person (or pet) who always makes you smile. Plan one or two little moments you look forward to, and treat those as gifts to yourself. It could be 15 minutes alone playing a video game, stepping outside to gaze at the stars, or savoring hot cocoa. These tiny rituals can ground you.And remember: it does not have to be the “perfect” holiday. The mantra from neuroscientists and psychologists is to keep expectations realistic. The Harvard article even reminds us: holidays are “just another time of year”. What matters is that you're safe and okay. If you spend the evening in pajamas binge-watching rather than hosting a feast, that's fine. You get to decide what this season means to you.Above all, be gentle with yourself. As the holiday advice goes: give yourself permission to be a bit Grinchy. It's okay if you feel like “more Scrooge than Hallmark hero” – that feeling is valid. By acknowledging that and taking small steps to care for yourself, you give your brain the buffer it needs. The goal isn't to force holiday cheer; it's to manage the chaos in ways that serve you, not deplete you.You've Got This (One Step at a Time)The holidays might be tricky for AuDHD brains, but you now have a toolbox of strategies informed by science and experience. To recap: Plan and prioritize, keep some routine, check in with your body's needs, create quiet spaces, set boundaries, and show yourself kindness. These steps tap directly into the neuroscience of stress and ADHD – they help keep your prefrontal cortex functioning and your nervous system calmer.Lastly, remember that the real magic of the holidays is connection – not the chaos. Connect with one or two supportive people. Focus on what truly matters to you. When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that this tough season is temporary and that you are not alone in feeling this way. Many of us AuDHDers have been there and come out the other side.Thank you for listening to Authenti

AD-FREE FOR SPOTIFY PREMIUM USERS IN SELECT MARKETSCompilation of ALL of Karl Pilkington's "Karl in a Film" features. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are mesmerized by Karl's brilliant acting, seamlessly interwoven into these cinematic classics. Enjoy!CHAPTERS:The Sixth Sense (0:00)The Graduate (2:59) The Shining (6:53) Billy Elliot (12:58) Silence of the Lambs (16:19) Kes (20:27) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (24:27)Pulp Fiction (28:34) A Few Good Men (32:30) Rain Man (37:53) Scrooge (42:03) Planet of the Apes (46:44) When Harry Met Sally (52:29)

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is the inspiration behind Gurinder Chadha's new film Christmas Karma. Scrooge becomes Mr Sood, a miserly businessman in contemporary London, with a loathing of the weak and the homeless. In a series of fantastical scenes he is confronted by the ghosts of past, present and future Christmas. With more than a hint of Bollywood, the film is shot as a vibrant musical. In the Studio follows Gurinder in the making of the film - from shooting on set, through the music making and the edit, to the final presentation of the movie. Along the way, Gurinder explains her ways of working, her serious interest in some of the darker themes of the film, and why it was her children that made her persist in getting the film done.

Keke doesn't want to put any Christmas decorations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live Nation asked 40,000 people if they would rather go to a concert or have sex. Plus, Keke is refusing to put up Christmas decor this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've officially entered the weird zone. In Episode 5 of The Chair Company, “I Won. Zoom In.,” Ron and Mike take a road trip into the sketch-comedy Twilight Zone, and it might be the best (and most chaotic) episode yet. A Scrooge-obsessed cokehead, a method actor turned CFO impersonator, and a basement that might as well be a portal to another dimension? Yes, please.Brandon & Chanel break down all the madness:The best I Think You Should Leave–adjacent scene yet: Oliver Probblo's “Scrooge all year” monologueRon and Mike's descent into Ohio's weirdest town — and why every door opens into a new nightmareA Christmas Carol-themed porn parody (seriously), a photo-hunt callback, and a coke-fueled brawlBasement chases, door slams, light pole climbing, and two concussions for RonMike's emotional reveal: his estranged daughter, his past in the town, and his vulnerabilityDouglas survives a fridge (and drops a monologue worthy of Jim Downey's Hall of Fame)Jamie clutches a crucifix while watching her boss lose his grip (again)That ending: Dickensian chaos, emotional catharsis, and one hell of a Scrooge punchlineThe Chair Company continues to merge paranoid 1970s thrillers with Adult Swim absurdism — and Brandon & Chanel are here for every glorious sketch-within-a-story beat.

Keeping the gold, a 'pleasurable' death and not a jazzy naan in sight. Hear all about the dream demise from the man who brought you Raj from Big Bang Theory and plays Scrooge in Christmas Karma (out on Nov 17th!) Want the episodes ad free AND extra content from Mel and the guests, PLUS everything from the Kathy Burke archive? 6 Feet Under gets knee deep in all your cracking correspondence. Head to wheretheresawilltheresawake.com to subscribe. AND If you've got a story for us, send it over to mel@deathpodcast.co.uk A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices