Dear viewers, listeners, fans new and old... This is just the beginning for the A Christmas Story Family! We're so glad to have you on this journey with us, which is why we wanted to create something really special for our last episode of the season ... a sneak peak into what's to come, and a retrospective on what we've accomplished so far. So grab your glass of Ovaltine, put on your pink bunny suit, and let's wrap up Season 1 of Talking A Christmas Story With the Cast!

Summary
In this episode, Yano Anaya of A Christmas Story reflects on the journey of their podcast, celebrating the film's legacy and the connections formed with fans over the years. They reminisce about their experiences during filming, the impact of the movie on their lives, and the importance of storytelling and traditions that have emerged from it. The conversation highlights the significance of family, both in the film and in the podcast, and looks forward to future plans that promise to deepen the connection with fans.

Takeaways
The podcast celebrates the legacy of A Christmas Story and its impact over 40 years.
Conversations with cast members reveal personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights.
The importance of family and tradition is a recurring theme in the discussions.
Fans play a crucial role in the ongoing narrative of A Christmas Story.
The podcast aims to connect with fans and share their love for the movie.
Legacy and design are intertwined in the storytelling of A Christmas Story.
Lessons from the film resonate with audiences of all ages.
The podcast explores deeper meanings behind the film's themes.
Future plans include more exclusive stories and insights from the cast.
The magic of A Christmas Story continues to captivate new generations.

Sound Bites
"We have laughed a lot and maybe even shed a lot of tears"
"It's about the undeniable power that the movie has brought to us all"
"I will always be that kid from Bridgewater, New Jersey"

Chapters
00:00
Celebrating the A Christmas Story Family Podcast
01:56
Reminiscing with the Cast
06:49
The Magic of Family and Fans
09:50
Expanding the A Christmas Story Narrative
12:16
Legacy and Connection Through Design
18:03
Lessons from A Christmas Story
24:40
The Power of Storytelling and Tradition
27:08
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for the Podcast

A Christmas Story is one of those classic Christmas movies that, even if you've never seen it, you've probably quoted it. You've probably seen a leg lamp or an image of a bespectacled boy in a pink bunny suit. Over the years, this film has been woven into the fabric of our culture in so many ways that it has become a classic piece of Americana. A Christmas Story now inspires new generations of filmmakers who want to bring back the warmth, nostalgia, and family connection the movie captured perfectly. It goes to show that sometimes the most enduring stories aren’t the ones with the biggest explosions or the flashiest effects but the ones that remind us of the simple joys of life, the value of tradition, and the beauty of dreaming big—even if it’s just for a Red Ryder BB gun.

Check out Andy's book, Who Turned Up the Silence: https://a.co/d/5QqmKWM

Summary
In this conversation, Andy Turner, the president and CEO of Rubicon City Studios, discusses his love for the movie A Christmas Story and his vision for creating heartfelt and wholesome films. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling that appeals to all audiences and promotes family values. The conversation also touches on the impact of A Christmas Story on fans and the traditions it has inspired. Andy shares his insights into the film industry and the need for more movies that spread love and inspire people. The conversation concludes with a fun game of 'Would You Rather?' and an invitation to experience the magic of A Christmas Story through the A Christmas Story Family immersion experience.

Takeaways
A Christmas Story is a movie that resonates with people of all ages and has a lasting impact on its viewers.
Andy Turner's vision for Rubicon City Studios is to create heartfelt and wholesome films that promote family values and inspire audiences.
The film industry should focus on creating movies that appeal to all audiences and spread love and inspiration.
A Christmas Story has inspired traditions in many families and continues to bring joy and laughter to fans.
The A Christmas Story Family immersion experience allows fans to step into the magic of the movie and live the story.

Sound Bites
"A Christmas Story showed us the power of an honest tale about a boy with a simple Christmas wish."
"A Christmas Story resonates with people of all generations and connects us through shared experiences."
"Kids today have lost the ability to dream and play, and it's important to encourage their imagination."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Shared Love for A Christmas Story
03:26
The Power of Storytelling and A Christmas Story's Impact
07:56
The Importance of Imagination and Traditions
11:29
Encouraging Kids to Dream and Play
18:37
The Significance of Traditions in Family Life
23:12
Spreading Love and Inspiration in the Film Industry
31:14
The Importance of Kindness and Sharing Love
39:36
Invitation to Experience the A Christmas Story Family Immersion

Walk with us back through time to the hometown of the greatest American storyteller, Jean Shepherd. He is best known for writing the Christmas classic "A Christmas Story," and today, we're going to find out where his inspiration came from. Join me as I sit down with the President of the Hammond Historical Society to talk about the scenes we loved from the movie and the true stories behind them.

Summary
Tom Novak, president of the Hammond Historical Society, joins the podcast to talk about Hammond, Indiana, the hometown of Gene Shepard and the birthplace of the movie A Christmas Story. He shares stories about the locations in Hammond that inspired events in the movie, such as the homes where Gene Shepard grew up and the gas station where Scott Farkas' dad owned. Tom also discusses the importance of preserving the history of Hammond and the movie, and the possibility of offering tours of the movie landmarks. The episode ends with a game called 'From Hammond to Hohman,' where Tom answers questions about Hammond's history.

Takeaways
Tom Novak, president of the Hammond Historical Society, shares stories about the locations in Hammond that inspired events in the movie A Christmas Story.
Preserving the history of Hammond and the movie is important to keep the legacy alive.
There is a possibility of offering tours of the movie landmarks in Hammond.
The episode ends with a game called 'From Hammond to Homan,' where Tom answers questions about Hammond's history.

Sound Bites
"Preserving the history, that's what we want to do. To whoever will listen."
"We are offering tours of the movie landmarks in Hammond."
"A Christmas Story put us on the map."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Hammond and A Christmas Story
05:39
Gene Shepard's Stomping Grounds in Hammond
08:23
Meeting People Connected to Gene Shepard
10:48
Possibility of Offering Tours of Movie Landmarks
12:40
Personal Connection to A Christmas Story
19:09
Importance of Preserving History
23:27
Game: From Hammond to Homan
32:22
Preserving the Legacy of A Christmas Story

There is something totally unique about Christmas movies. They sparkle. They twinkle. They warm our hearts like a cup of hot cocoa. Why is that, and how does it feel to be a part of creating something like that? This week on Talking A Christmas Story With the Cast, host Yano Anaya (Grover Dill from A Christmas Story) interviews Hallmark movie star and real-life Prince Charming Jonathan Stoddard (A Royal Christmas On Ice, Prince and Pauper Christmas) , on the joy that comes from holiday traditions, and how it feels to be a part of that for families all over the world.

Summary

The conversation revolves around the Christmas movie A Christmas Story and its impact on the cast and fans. The host interviews Jonathan Stoddard, an actor known for his roles in Christmas movies, about his experience with the film and his career. They discuss the nostalgia and traditions associated with watching A Christmas Story, the energy and vibe of Christmas movies, and the challenges and joys of being an actor. They also touch on the sequel to A Christmas Story and the emotional connection fans have with the original film. The conversation with Jonathan Stoddard, an actor from the movie A Christmas Story, explores his experience as a child actor and his journey in the industry. He shares the challenges of auditions and the excitement of landing the role of Grover Dill. He also discusses his other acting experiences and the importance of storytelling. The conversation then transitions into a game where Stoddard imagines how his character, Prince John, from another movie would react in various situations from A Christmas Story. The episode concludes with a discussion about the enduring popularity of A Christmas Story and the importance of traditions.

Takeaways

• A Christmas Story holds a special place in the hearts of many families and has become a beloved holiday tradition.
• Christmas movies have a unique energy and vibe that brings joy and comfort to viewers.
• Being an actor in Christmas movies comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.
• The sequel to A Christmas Story was highly anticipated and brought back nostalgic memories for fans.
• The emotional connection fans have with the original film is a testament to its enduring impact. Being a child actor in the past was challenging without digital auditions and GPS navigation.
• The journey of landing a role involves multiple auditions and callbacks.
• Acting is a rewarding and emotionally driven career that requires relationship building.
• A Christmas Story holds a special place in people's traditions and continues to resonate with audiences.

Sound Bites

• "You were the first OG."
• "It's Disney people. It's Disney problems."
• "You were some of the first quotes that I remember saying as a kid."
• "You're always in the room. Like you never do a digital audition."
• "This is a waste of time. Look at how many kids are here. This is crazy."
• "We're acting whether we're on the camera or not."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Discussion of A Christmas Story

10:10
The Energy and Vibe of Christmas Movies

18:30
The Challenges and Rewards of Being an Actor in Christmas Movies

25:10
The Anticipation and Emotional Connection of the A Christmas Story Sequel

29:23
The Challenges and Excitement of Being a Child Actor

32:19
The Journey of Landing a Role

33:36
The Rewards and Emotional Drive of Acting

48:19
The Enduring Popularity of A Christmas Story

While Malia didn't grow up as a superfan of A Christmas Story, her husband’s family’s passion for the movie changed how she celebrates Christmas every year. In this episode, we follow her journey from casual fan to an integral part of A Christmas Story's continued legacy. As a member of our team, she is a part of the Christmas Story Family, and is a testament to this film's power to bring amazing people together.

Summary
In this conversation, the A Christmas Story Family interviews Malia, a digital marketer, about her experience with the movie A Christmas Story and her work with Funnel Fuse. They discuss the power of communication in building connections and the deep emotional resonance of the film. They also play a game where Malia uses her marketing skills to sell products from the movie. The conversation ends with a discussion about the A Christmas Story Immersion Experience and the opportunity for fans to get an exclusive box containing a replica leg lamp.

Takeaways
A Christmas Story has the power to bring people together and create deep emotional connections.
Marketing is about showing people the value of a product or experience that can enhance their lives.
The A Christmas Story Immersion Experience offers fans the opportunity to interact with the cast and live out their favorite moments from the movie.
The exclusive box containing a replica leg lamp is a rare and valuable collector's item.
The A Christmas Story Family is dedicated to keeping the legacy of the movie alive and creating a community for fans.

Quotes
"Marketing is showing people the value behind something that can add value to their life."
"The A Christmas Story Immersion Experience: Living it, not just watching it."
"The exclusive box containing a replica leg lamp: Rare and incredibly valuable."

Chapters
00:00
The Power of Communication and Emotional Resonance
13:25
Using Marketing Skills to Sell A Christmas Story Products
34:01
The A Christmas Story Immersion Experience
41:31
The Exclusive Box: A Rare and Valuable Collector's Item
42:38
Keeping the Legacy Alive: The A Christmas Story Family

A Christmas Story's appeal as a film goes way beyond nostalgia. 40 years after the movie's original release, it gained a brand new fan, someone who proved what the long-time fans already knew: the film is timeless. Our guest Leah didn't grow up with this movie or any Christmas movies, for that matter - she grew up in a devoutly religious household that did not celebrate Christmas. Through working as a nanny and caretaker and pursuing a love of vocal performance, her eyes were opened to a whole new world. Listen in to hear her open up about her past and share the incredible series of events that led her to be on the show today - including her performance for the VIPs of the 40th Anniversary Event!

Summary
Leah, a guest on the podcast, shares her unique journey of going from not celebrating Christmas to being connected with the movie A Christmas Story. Growing up in a Jewish Orthodox household, Leah didn't watch Christmas movies or celebrate the holiday. However, as an adult, she began incorporating Christmas traditions into her life while still maintaining her Jewish faith. She talks about her experience performing at a Christmas party for the cast of A Christmas Story and how it has impacted her. Leah also discusses her love for the movie and how she relates to the characters and themes. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care and encourages others to be open-minded and open-hearted. Leah's story highlights the universal appeal of A Christmas Story and how it can bring people together, regardless of their background or traditions.

Takeaways
Leah's journey of going from not celebrating Christmas to embracing the holiday and the movie A Christmas Story highlights the power of personal growth and the ability to incorporate new traditions while still honoring one's faith and background.
The universal themes and relatable characters in A Christmas Story make it a film that can resonate with people from all walks of life, transcending cultural boundaries.
Self-love and self-care are essential in finding inner peace and being able to navigate family dynamics and holiday celebrations with grace and understanding.
Being open-minded and open-hearted allows for greater connection and understanding between people of different backgrounds and traditions.
A Christmas Story serves as a reminder of the importance of family, childhood dreams, and the joy of celebration, bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

Sound Bites
"I never saw it, maybe because of A Christmas Story, the title, it maybe threw off my very religious dad."
"I'm still very much Jewish, always going to be because my mom is, I'm very respectful towards the holiday and my family and I observe Hanukkah and I still observe all of the Jewish holidays."
"It's hard because like everybody gets older, have their own families, they move. So it was like really nice to, it's really nice to have holidays together and I miss it."

Chapters
00:00
Leah's Journey: From Not Celebrating to Embracing
15:03
Balancing Jewish Faith and Embracing Christmas
19:28
Missing the Togetherness of Family Holidays
25:12
Finding Self-Love and Self-Care in Traditions
30:57
Being Open-Minded and Open-Hearted
37:26
A Message of Openness and Acceptance

Imagine the electricity in the air when thousands of A Christmas Story fans gathered for the 40th Anniversary event. Families, celebrities, and kids of all ages came together to celebrate this magical occasion, thanks in no small part to our incredible security team. We are joined today by David Rhode to hear the behind-the-scenes on running such a fun and safe event.

Summary
The conversation with David Rhode, the security maestro at the A Christmas Story Ralphie Comes Home event, covered topics such as handling crowd control, ensuring the safety of celebrities and guests, and creating a joyful atmosphere. David shared his experiences of working with various celebrities and how the atmosphere at the A Christmas Story event was unique and special. He also participated in a game segment where he provided creative solutions to absurd security scenarios. Overall, David's love for the movie and his dedication to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone shone through.

Takeaways
David Rode played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the A Christmas Story Ralphie Comes Home event.
The atmosphere at the event was unique and special, with true fans interacting and sharing their love for the movie.
David has had the opportunity to work with various celebrities and has had memorable experiences with them.
He approaches his work with enthusiasm and a focus on creating a safe and joyful experience for everyone involved.
The movie A Christmas Story holds a special place in David's heart, reminding him of an innocent and joyful time in his life.

Sound Bites
"Peter went from person to person taking pictures, signing whatever they had in their hand. There was nobody there taking a tally. It cost it. He didn't care. It was about taking care of fans."
"Scott Minniger is Peter Billingsley's personal security guard, right? So he was the one that kind of managed and helped you manage that flow."
"I connect with a lot of the stuff that goes on. I had an opportunity, I'm not sure if you knew this, I had an opportunity when I had my ghost hunting show to investigate Christmas Story House."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the A Christmas Story Ralphie Comes Home event
06:07
Peter Billingsley's dedication to fans
09:03
Scott Minniger's role in managing security
14:24
David's personal connection to A Christmas Story
26:59
Handling an alien invasion at a movie premiere
28:14
Dealing with an invisible cloak heist
29:13
Managing a zombie flash mob
30:44
Addressing a yodeling crisis
31:59
Navigating a mysterious fog machine
36:21
David's personal connection to the movie