Best Liz Sumner Podcasts (2025)

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Understanding Snoopy Episode 5 - When Woodstock Is Happy, I'm Happy 1:21:24

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2d ago1:21:24

1:21:24

Everyone’s favorite abstract bird doodle takes center stage for this episode-long look at Snoopy’s relationship with his “friend of friends” Woodstock. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. …

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Understanding Snoopy Episode 4 - As You See Him, You Will Draw Him 1:20:25

18d ago1:20:25

1:20:25

The gang takes on the epic task of discussing Snoopy’s many visual changes and go on a few cartooning-related side quests as well… discussing Leonard Starr, Stan Drake, Hal Foster, Harold Gray and more. Link to Snoopy image: https://peanuts.fandom.com/wiki/Snoopy?file=Image_2022-06-02_120907435.png Link to Scott McCloud's pyramid: https://www.scott…

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With Mark Evanier - Co-Author of The Essential Peanuts 1:28:52

1M ago1:28:52

1:28:52

Comics legend Mark Evanier stops by to discuss his work on the amazing new book The Essential Peanuts. We discuss Mark’s life in comics including his relationships with icons like Jack Kirby, Jim Davis, and of course, Charles Schulz. Mark's Blog https://www.newsfromme.com/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright …

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Understanding Snoopy Episode 3 - It’s Kind of Magical 57:13

1M ago57:13

57:13

The gang takes a closer look at Michael’s favorite era of Snoopy. Fourth wall breaks, funny punchlines, and a healthy dollop of Beagle violence are all discussed. Then we answer the question…. Who is the GOAT-- Linus or Snoopy? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz,…

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With Andrew Farago: Author of Snoopy: The Story of My Life 1:10:24

2M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

Today, the gang welcomes Andrew Farago: Curator of the Cartoon Art Museum, and author of several books on comics and two on Peanuts in particular. We discuss Andrew’s approach to crafting Snoopy’s “autobiography,” his love of comics in general, and his work on properties from Dune to the Ninja Turtles. Andrew's book and other museum events are avai…

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With Paige Braddock, Creative Director Emeritus for the Schulz Studio 1:09:55

2M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

We are thrilled to welcome Paige Braddock, the Creative Director Emeritus for the Schulz Studio. Hired by Charles Schulz himself as Creative Director in 1999, Paige is also the talented cartoonist behind Jane’s World, Peanut, Butter, & Crackers, and more. Paige recommends the book Love Letters to Jane's World as a place to start. https://janesworld…

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Sittiin’ in the Mailbox #1 14:50

3M ago14:50

14:50

By Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, Liz Sumner

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Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown! 1:25:13

3M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, Michael, Harold, and Jimmy each pick their top ten Peanuts strips of all time! Who picks what? Will one character dominate? One Decade? Listen to find out what is the toppermost of the poppermost in Peanuts five decade run of brilliance. You Tube interview Jimmy mentions: https://youtu.be/s_vmm4JW61U?si…

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Preview: Jimmy Gownley’s Dumb Ideas 1:00:49

3M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Please enjoy this special full-length preview of Jimmy’s new podcast. It is available on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts. http://gvillecomics.substack.comBy Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, Liz Sumner

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Understanding Snoopy: Episode 2 - A Few Lines Expressing Joy 1:11:09

3M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Our season-long look at the world famous beagle continues. This week we discuss Snoopy’s metamorphosis from cute puppy to banana nose anarchist to doghouse philosopher. Along the way, we discuss evolving art styles, Ninja High School, and Jeff Smith’s Bone. The Buzzfeed quiz we talk about: https://www.buzzfeed.com/appletv/this-quiz-will-determine-w…

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Unpacking Peanuts - Fun Size 1:49

4M ago1:49

1:49

Here's a short teaser for Unpacking Peanuts, the show where 3 lifelong cartoonists take an in-depth look at the comic strip masterpiece, Peanuts. Jimmy Gownley, Harold Buchholz and Michael Cohen examine the complete run of the comic by Charles M. Schulz from 1950 all the way up to the year 2000. Plus special guests and bonuses. Unpacking Peanuts is…

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Understanding Snoopy: Episode 1 - Super Minimalist Snoopy 1:31:59

4M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

We’re back! And we kick off our new era with a season-long examination of the greatest comics character ever, and everyone’s favorite flying ace/grocery store clerk, Snoopy! In this episode we examine Snoopy’s origins as an unassuming little puppy, in an unassuming little comic strip. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts i…

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With Nat Gertler, Eisner-Winning Author and Comics Historian 1:02:36

4M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Eisner-winning author and comics historian Nat Gertler is here to talk about his long association with Peanuts, preserving obscure Schulz art and comics, and why these characters still resonate within culture. Nat is the author of Charles M. Schulz: The Art and Life of the Peanuts Creator in 100 Objects as well as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Crea…

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Wrap-up Season 12 - No One Shook Hands and Said Good Game 1:13:24

5M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

We wrap up the Great Peanuts Re-Read and reflect back on the fun and challenges of reading all 17,897 Peanuts comic strips. Then we discuss the death of Charles Schulz, the continued impact of Peanuts, and what’s up next. Plus: Rory goes to college. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael C…

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2000 - Charles Schulz… How Can We Ever Forget Him? 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

We complete the Great Peanuts Re-read, and bid a tearful farewell to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and Lucy. But wait, there will be more! Listen to find out what’s next for Unpacking Peanuts. Plus: How could it ever get better than this? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harol…

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1999 Part 4 - Rerun Would Never Pull the Ball Away 57:01

5M ago57:01

57:01

The last full year of Peanuts comes to an end, and it’s a long series of goodbyes… to characters, settings, and famous routines; including the last ever football strip. And it’s a classic. Plus: What do you think of the coloring? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchhol…

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1999 Part 3 - A Very Public Farewell 1:08:42

5M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Schulz announces his retirement from cartooning which gives the remaining strips an elegiac quality that’s hard to miss. Meanwhile, we say goodbye to Andy and Olaf, but Rerun continues with aplomb as he marches towards his destiny as an underground cartoonist. Plus: We should buy banjos. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanut…

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1999 Part 2 - Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Times That Try Men’s Souls 59:50

6M ago59:50

59:50

We inch ever closer to the end of Peanuts, and so we savor each strip (and farewell) even more! Rerun continues to shine, Woodstock appears even smaller and more fragile, and Patriot Snoopy faces the frigid Valley Forge winter…in August. Plus: We agree to differ. (Michael's Red Hand story appears in 1988 Part 1 at 27:07). Transcript available at Un…

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1999 Part 1 - I Am Not A Puppy Dog! 1:05:03

6M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Snoopy will not suffer fools. The gang visits an exhibit featuring Monet and McDonnell. Even the Little Red Haired Girl’s mom shows up. Meanwhile, the guys theorize with wild abandon about the coloring of Peanuts in the late 90’s. Plus: The Passive Voice is a pretty good band name. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is c…

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1998 Part 3 - Tell Me What I'm Doing Here! That’s All I Ask! 1:09:05

6M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Rerun gets to the existential heart of Peanuts as he continues to shine in these late Peanuts strips. Meanwhile the guys talk about how audiences and critics relate to artists with decades long careers. Plus: You try to warn them that the world has gone mad, but no one will listen. East Coast Collectors Weekend - https://eastcoastcollectors.com/ Tr…

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1998 Part 2 - Foxtrotting With The Little Red-haired Girl 1:01:01

6M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Schulz comes as close as he ever will to depicting Charlie Brown’s one true love, and it goes great…for Snoopy anyway. Elsewhere, Woodstock does the Moses bit and parts a birdbath, and Rerun gets a compliment! Plus: Tango Tango, Charles! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold…

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1998 Part 1 - Are We Not Beagles? We Are Peanuts! 58:01

7M ago58:01

58:01

The daily comics have turned full color, and so the guys get into the nitty gritty of comic strip coloring and wonder if the entire form has de-volved over time. Then they ponder mysteries like “What IS Rerun’s real name anyway?” And we hear from readers answering the question “What is Peanuts?” Plus: Dodging questions from curious outsiders. Trans…

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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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…