Best Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz Podcasts (2025)

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1997 Part 3 - Just Out of Curiosity, What Did You Have For Breakfast? 1:13:20

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8d ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Rerun hides under the bed again. Lucy and Charlie Brown go on a date. Michael causes the gang to have an existential crisis and the very concept of the podcast is shaken to the core! Woodstock leads Olaf and Andy to the edge of the earth. And Zipatone ties the room together. Plus: Al Pacino! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Pe…

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1997 Part 2 - Everyone Needs A Break Now and Then 59:57

15d ago59:57

59:57

Charles Schulz announces he will be taking his first five week sabbatical after Jeannie says he’s “getting jumpy.” Then he gets a big thrill from a call by one of his artistic heroes. In the strip, Rerun is in kindergarten and the stress is slowly destroying him! Plus: The Little Pig Haired Girl? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacki…

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1997 Part 1 - Every Child Should Be Issued a Dog and a Banjo 56:26

22d ago56:26

56:26

After years of hearing Sally’s philosophies, Charlie Brown comes up with one of his own. Rerun and Snoopy have a lot of fun together, even if they don’t know what they’re doing. And the gang takes on perhaps the weirdest Peanuts strip of them all… or maybe it’s just an ad. Plus: Crybaby Boobie, we hardly knew ye. Transcript available at UnpackingPe…

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1996 Part 3 - Automatic for the Beagles 1:02:32

29d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

The gang furthers their discussion about what Peanuts is and how it works, and then talks about the difference tools make in the life of an artist. In the strip, Rerun continues to show new aspects of his personality, Lucy isn’t slipping at all, and we bid a fond farewell to one of the oldest Peanuts cast members. Plus: Mutts Transcript available a…

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1996 Part 2 - Angel Food Cake With 7-Minute Frosting and a Side of Attempted Murder 1:04:04

1M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Harold takes us on a deep dive into the back issues of Editor and Publisher to tell a dark tale of real life drama that touched the Schulz universe. But it’s not all gloom and doom. Harriet is back and she brought baked goods! Plus: The One Note Samba Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael…

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1996 Part 1- The Strange Death of Tapioca Pudding 1:02:31

1M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

In this episode, the guys have a long discussion about what makes Peanuts work, and how Schulz’s presence is felt in the strip. Can that be the key to understanding Peanuts? Or is it possible we’re overthinking this? Meanwhile, Rerun provides some of the strip’s best moments. Charlie Brown is still up all night. And Spike is still fighting in the t…

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1995 Part 3 - The Outer Space Adventures of Woodstock and Spike 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

Woodstock goes to the moon and it makes Michael’s head hurt. Cheating is rampant at Peppermint Patty’s school, but no one seems to mind. And Schulz predicts the world of print on demand. Plus: An all time record on the anger/happiness index. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Ha…

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1995 Part 2 - Woodstock is Emotionally Bankrupt! 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

Woodstock is at his wit’s end, and all his pal Snoopy can do is muse on Fitzgerald. Rerun shows us more facets of his ever expanding personality. Meanwhile Linus’s struggle for security rages on. Plus: Some Enchanted Evening Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, an…

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1995 Part 1 - At Long Last, Charlie Brown is the Hero 1:12:56

2M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

When a kid from another neighborhood takes advantage of the guileless Rerun, Charlie Brown steps up to defend him. Elsewhere, Sally is still Sally, Lucy still loves Schroeder, and Schulz fights through his tremor. Plus: Al Capp Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz,…

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Special Episode: Slide, Charlie Brown! Slide! 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

Hey, batta batta! It’s baseball time again, and the gang discusses one of Michael’s favorite Peanuts sequences and Jimmy fails to find Harold a favorite team. Join us as we explore the story that inspired the rarely seen “Charlie Brown’s All Stars!” Plus: Here’s a question…Why? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyr…

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With Lynn Johnston, Creator of For Better or For Worse 50:57

3M ago50:57

50:57

The world famous cartoonist of For Better or For Worse drops by to reminisce about her friendship with Charles Schulz, her career as a top syndicated cartoonist, and the time she walked a mile in Sparky’s shoes! It was an honor to have Ms. Johnston on the show, and we are thrilled to share this wide ranging conversation with you all! Plus: I’ll see…

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With Judy "Snoopy" Sladky 53:29

3M ago53:29

53:29

Judy Sladky, champion ice dancer and the person hand-picked by Charles Schulz to portray Snoopy, skates into the Unpacking Peanuts studio. Judy shares stories from her decades of performing as her canine alter ego, and gives us a glimpse into her friendship with Charles Schulz. Plus: Cute Strike Zones Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Un…

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With Rheta Grimsley Johnson, Author of Good Grief 58:21

3M ago58:21

58:21

We welcome the author of the Charles Schulz biography Good Grief, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, to the show. Rheta discusses working on the book, discovering the real Little Red-Haired Girl, and watching Schulz create the strip. Then, the gang analyses Rheta’s favorite Peanuts strips. Plus: She tells the harrowing story of the attempted kidnapping of Jea…

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Wrap Up Season 10: Snoopy and Woodstock, and Calvin and Hobbes 1:21:35

3M ago1:21:35

1:21:35

In the wrap up of our latest season, the guys talk about the many changes to Schulz’s work throughout this period, reflect on the reality of artists aging, and then take a good long look at the differences and similarities between the work of Charles Schulz and Bill Watterson. Plus: Dick Van Dyke Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacki…

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1994 Part 4 - Good Ol’ Down in the Dirt Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Comics 51:03

4M ago51:03

51:03

Olaf and Andy are becoming their own unique comedy team. The falling leaf makes its poetic return, and Charlie Brown is possibly hypnotized by Lucy’s trickery. Plus: A Half Inch Blanket of Outing Flannel Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produce…

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1994 Part 3 - Far and Away One of the Great Tries of All Time 56:14

4M ago56:14

56:14

The photocopier makes it’s exciting first appearance in Peanuts! The guys get deep into the discussion of how different readers perceive the art of comics. Michael has a great idea for a Peanuts spinoff strip, and Jimmy gives a complete listing of all the towns in Pennsylvania. Plus: Dick Ayers and Joe Kubert Transcript available at UnpackingPeanut…

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1994 Part 2 - Nude Beagle Descending a Staircase 1:03:15

4M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

44 years into his career and Schulz is still breaking new creative ground as a cartoonist. The gang discusses some of the formal innovations Schulz has made, react to a bunch of great strips, and then answer a Sopwith camel’s worth of listener mail. Plus: Kato Kaelin Graphic Novels recommended: Michael: Finder by Carla Speed McNeil Harold: The Dumb…

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1994 Part 1 - The Smaller the King the More the Talk 53:51

4M ago53:51

53:51

Lucy diversifies her revenue streams. Lydia needs some love letters. Woodstock gets violent. Snoopy goes to the hospital. And Jimmy turns 22. Plus: Spike, and Andy, and Olaf, and Krypto. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by L…

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1993 Part 3 - I Never Knew Life Could Be So Beautiful 1:07:09

4M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Schulz is revisiting some old scenarios and branching out in new directions. Linus’s snowmen are back, Marcie is desperately attempting to understand football, and the guys touch up John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Plus: Sweet Smug Snoopy In this episode Michael praises The River at Night by Kevin Huizenga. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpa…

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1993 Part 2 - Who Reassures the Reassurer? 1:11:25

5M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

A classic of the nineties is discussed, and we learn Schroeder is still the most highbrow catcher going. Roy Hobbs’ Great Granddaughter is revealed because… sure, why not? But know this, Sally is not going to camp. Plus: Streaks of Glory Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold…

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1993 Part 1 - Nobody Told Me Life Was Going To Be This Hard 1:01:05

5M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Sally has to butter her toast with chunky butter. Snoopy is attending school with Charlie Brown, and even the local mailbox is rejecting Chuck now. Also, Michael shares the story of the first ever comic book price guide. Plus: Cheesy teeth Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Haro…

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Special Episode: A Charlie Brown Christmas! - From the Vault 1:46:51

5M ago1:46:51

1:46:51

As much a part of the holidays as Rudolph and mistletoe, the legendary first Peanuts special has lived in the hearts of millions since its debut in 1965. In this special episode Jimmy, Harold, and Michael examine the strips that were adapted for the show, discuss the story behind the production, and relay their own experiences with viewing… or not …

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Special Episode: It's Christmastime Again Charlie Brown 35:13

6M ago35:13

35:13

The gang takes a look at the strips and sequences that inspired the second Peanuts Christmas Special. Strips from the 70’s to the early nineties are covered making this a great overview of the second half of the Peanuts comic. Plus: George quits the band. Many thanks to tarvinneeko mainitakaan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tarvinneekomainita…

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1992 Part 3 - We Live in Interesting Times, Marcie 52:53

6M ago52:53

52:53

Cormac makes his well coiffed debut appearance and brings a bit of 90’s swagger to the strip. But will he be foiled by the Good Ol’ Flying Ace? Also, we learn that Loni Anderson played Blondie, and the strip was pretty good too. Plus: Hippi, Modi, and Go Go! Protons and Fleurons: Twenty-Two Elements of Fiction by Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is available …

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1992 Part 2 - Linus, in a Light Jacket, Patting Birds on the Head 1:00:58

6M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Lucy is the laughingstock of the neighborhood because Linus is patting birds on the head again. And that’s not the only throwback, because Violet makes another brief return, as does the Davy Crockett cap. On the other hand, Schulz is experimenting with Zipatone and it’s giving Peanuts a little of that good ol’ 90’s grunge. Plus: Puffer Jacket Snoop…

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1992 Part 1 - Have You Ever Written A Love Note, Linus? 1:06:23

6M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Snoopy is stuck at the Van Pelt’s. Lydia is still torturing Linus, and Charles Schulz is doing some artwork unlike anything he has created thus far: Plus: paddle balls. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Co…

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1991 Part 3 - Sally Is As Radical As They Come 1:16:55

7M ago1:16:55

1:16:55

Schulz is getting pretty radical too… at least when it comes to new art techniques and comic strip approaches. Meanwhile, Lydia is still delivering the goods with classic punchlines, Charlie Brown reaches new levels of wishy-washy maturity, and Snoopy’s cookies achieve co-starring status. Plus: The Great Pumpkin is a she. Transcript available at Un…

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1991 Part 2 - Gatsby Had a Mansion in Jericho 1:14:44

7M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Sally is teaching Sunday school and runs into a student as obstinate as she is. Linus is still fighting the struggle for security against Snoopy. And meanwhile, in our world, the guys ponder how Schulz sees himself at this point in his life and career, and marvel at the variety of approaches he takes to the strip. Plus: Useless knowledge Transcript…

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1991 Part 1 - Maybe You Should Have Bought a Golden Retriever, Charles! 1:07:23

7M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

Snoopy is drinking all of Marcie’s root beer, but maybe President Wilson can straighten him out. Meanwhile, Schulz takes some major new stylistic swings this year, and the guys debate not only their effects, but also how he did it! Plus: Babbooette? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael C…

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Special Episode: The Great Pumpkin - From the Vault 1:19:16

7M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

This episode was originally released on October 15, 2022. Spooky Season is upon us, and Harold, Michael, and Jimmy are taking a special episode long look at the Great Pumpkin, both in the strip and the animated special. They highlight the themes and origins of the idea and how it’s become a lasting part of pop culture. Then they go strip by strip t…

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1990 Part 3 - If You Don’t Want to be Perfect, You’ve Come to the Right Place 1:05:37

7M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Marcie is struggling with the pressure of being perfect, but there’s a place for everyone at the Brown house. Later, listener mail sparks a discussion on the humanity in the art of Bill Mauldin, and Charlie Brown’s new love life causes him to struggle financially! Plus: It’s Superman! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Listener Sarah Wils…

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1990 Part 2 - The Ballad of Brownie Charles and Peggy Jean 1:02:06

8M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Charlie Brown has a girlfriend! The arrival of Peggy Jean is turning things around for Good Ol’ Charlie Brown… but that’s no reason for him to be making obscene phone calls! Elsewhere in the strip, Sally asks the immortal question “Why would anyone want to say good night to the moon?” Plus: Anything is a map. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanut…

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1990 Part 1 - Home Again Finnegan 1:06:15

8M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Charlie Brown’s family shares a tradition with Jimmy’s, but neither is gud at speling. A pencil sharpener inspires a run of the weirdest Peanuts strips of all time. Elsewhere, Sally contemplates the appropriateness of grandmas criticizing grandchildren, and at long last Snowsnakes are officially debunked. Plus: The dog is the lowest. Transcript ava…

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Season 9 Wrap-up - 1985-1989 1:17:25

8M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

The gang talks about all of the “new” Peanuts characters. How have they changed since they were introduced? Which ones have become icons and who has faded into inky newsprint afterthoughts? Then we take a trip to the mail box for some reader reactions and a lead on a fab pizza place. Plus: Which Peanuts character would you buy the rights to? Transc…

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1989 Part 3 - It’s Cute. It’s Sweet. It’s Funny. 56:38

8M ago56:38

56:38

Is it a case of mistaken identity, or is Snoopy an identity thief? Also, can Snoopy talk now?! Elsewhere in the strip, it’s a year of single panel tableaus, and whistling snowmen. And of course the 80’s couldn’t end without one last trip to the mall. Plus: Approachable Hats Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright…

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1989 Part 2 - Two Old Friends Sharing a Sandwich 56:13

9M ago56:13

56:13

Snoopy is off on an adventure with the foreign legion. Marcie is making Peppermint Patty jealous, Sally is writing more essays. And the guys can’t decide what word to emphasize in a word balloon. Plus: Well matched siblings Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz.…

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1989 Part 1- I’m Very Fond of You Charles, But Stay Loose! 1:08:24

9M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

What did the future look like to cartoonists in 1989? Harold shares a fascinating look at what people were predicting for the future of syndicated cartoonists. How close did they get? We will find out! Meanwhile, Violet’s back. In pigtails no less! And poor Olaf wants to hurt himself! Plus: That’s What It’s All About! Transcript available at Unpack…

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Special Episode - What a Difference A Panel Makes - With Todd Webb 42:16

9M ago42:16

42:16

Cartoonist Todd Webb, creator of The Poet, is back and we are taking a close look at the biggest change in Peanuts history,… the dropping of the fourth panel! Plus: The truth about the attack of the Nancy Fans. Attack of the Nancy Fans episode from 1986 Part 1 You can read The Poet every day athttps://toddbot.substack.com/ The Poet Volume One: 2020…

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1988 Part 3 - The Valley of the Dogs 1:06:58

9M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Well, it’s that time again… the every 500-year reunion of all the beagles in the world. Also, Marcie is on a real high, Lydia and Linus continue their weird dance, and Snoopy is armed to the teeth… no license required. All this, and an epic shift on the good ol’ anger/happiness index. Plus: What does the dog do when it catches the car? Transcript a…

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1988 Part 2 - Little Snapshots of Their Lives 1:13:43

10M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Be ready! Pay attention! Concentrate! Cuz Schulz is on fire again, and things are happening! Lydia is driving Linus nuts. Spike is acting as Snoopy’s shadow. And Charlie Brown and Marcie even have a date! Also, we finally get the gang’s hot takes on carrot cake! Plus: Ginny Rules! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is co…

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1988 Part 1 - Do You Think the Red Baron Likes Garfield? 1:08:51

10M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

The comics page is revitalized with new strips from young creators, and it seems like the competition/inspiration has revitalized Schulz as well! Also, after decades of a rigid four panel format, Sparky is shaking things up. Plus: The Legend of the Red Hand Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Link to the trailer for Andy: A Dog's Tale: htt…

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1987 Part 3 - Schulz is Still Number One! 1:14:09

10M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

The working cartoonists of 1987 pick Schulz as the greatest of all time! But with all the talk of aches and pains, it’s possible time is catching up with our hero. Meanwhile in the strip, Peppermint Patty and Marcie compete for good ol’ Charlie Brown while cheating on some tests, but at least Franklin is around as a stabilizing presence. Plus: The …

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1987 Part 2 - Rerun is a Non-Sequitur 1:05:32

10M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

After 37 years, Charles Schulz has created a world that his readers have taken into their hearts. And as Sparky looks back by reflecting on the original “stuck in a tree with your kite” sequence, he is also setting off on an epic journey into the weird with the almost forgotten third Van Pelt child. Plus: Illiterature Transcript available at Unpack…

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1987 Part 1 - Linus, Lydia, and the “Shadow of the Past” 1:07:40

11M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

Schulz is at a crossroad in his career. He is now a member of a Hall of Fame filled with mostly dead people, yet he is still a working cartoonist who has no plans of quitting. How does an artist who wants to remain vital compete against his own past? Seriously… asking for a friend. Plus: Jangly Black. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Un…

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1986 Part 3 - I Will Destroy You and All Your Cousins 54:40

11M ago54:40

54:40

The Gang goes to Camp Remote which causes Marcie to emote. Linus also makes another strong showing with a few classic appearances, and the guys marvel at the expressive art of the mature Charles Schulz. Plus: Tapioca Pudding. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchhol…

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1986 Part 2 - Woodstock Gets Buzzed 1:15:11

11M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Schulz is having fun reintroducing Linus, and he creates a great foil for him in the enigmatic and maddening Lydia. Then, the gang gives the Unpacking Peanuts treatment to a Nancy strip. Plus: I’ll be a sellout! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced an…

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1986 Part 1 - Attack of the Nancy Fans! 1:22:46

11M ago1:22:46

1:22:46

In this wild episode, Unpacking Peanuts gets cyberbullied by a Who’s Who of Nancy Fans, including Bill (Zippy the Pinhead) Griffith, Tom (Seinfeld) Gammill, Raina (Smile) Telgemeir, John (King Cat) Porcellino, Todd (the Poet) Webb, and more! They explain why Bushmiller is the bees’ knees, and then we cover a batch of hilarious strips from 1986! Plu…

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1985 Part 3 - Snoopy is a Punk Rocker 1:11:40

11M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

It’s been a year of Sally’s anxieties, worm attacks, and hanging out at the mall. Some old favorites make some cameo appearances, Woodstock is bad at football, and the Sousaphone makes it’s long awaited debut (look it’s not easy to write these things) Plus: fuzzy uniqueness. Jimmy's upcoming comic - https://substack.com/@gvillecomics Transcript ava…

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1985 Part 2 - Go Back to the Future, Snoopy! 55:30

12M ago55:30

55:30

In this episode, Sally introduces us to “The Glamorous World of Punctuation,” Snoopy and Woodstock go fishing, and Schulz goes deep “Into the Weird.” Also, the guys take a hard look at Schulz’s evolving line work and talk about Old Man Snoopy. Plus: Jimmy realizes that the eighties were a long time ago. Gville Comics on Substack - https://substack.…

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1985 Part 1 - Peppermint Patty Gets a Win 1:11:09

12M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

We start our new format episodes by answering a listener question about art versus content… for half an hour! Then we get into the strips (27:46) where Peppermint Patty wins an essay contest, Snoopy is terrorized by an Ent, and Charlie Brown drops an easy fly ball but, like, learns a life lesson or something? Plus: Hopefully no one will notice you’…