Best ArtK Podcasts (2025)

1
The Cratchit Family Christmas: A Cozy Christmas Eve 2025 31:17

Play Pause

18h ago31:17

31:17

Merry Christmas! We made it. It's the most wonderful day of the year: Christmas Eve. Today, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the year behind us, what this Christmas journey has meant to me, and of course, read a story with you. I'll be reading from Charles Dickens's script of his one-man performance of A Christmas Carol, sharing one of my fav…

1
Stitching Christmas: with special guest Elizabeth Duke 1:06:34

3d ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Happy Christmas week, everyone! Is your shopping finished yet? Have you baked any good cookies? Today, I'm inviting you to pause for a moment and reflect on creativity, especially the beauty of bringing a handmade, home-crafted touch to Christmas. My guest is Elizabeth Duke, whose passion is teaching people how to stitch and craft in a mindful, int…

1
Mrs. Claus Takes a Turn! 34:10

4d ago34:10

34:10

Merry Christmas! Today I'm back to spend a little more time with Mrs. Claus, and yes, the Christmas vibes are cranked all the way up! I share some traditions and memories sent in by listeners, then review a delightful new book, What Would Mrs. Claus Do? by Pamela McColl and Lindsay Stewart. I read a few favorite quotes and offer my thoughts on both…

1
The Lights of Christmas - an interivew with Author Makennah Johnston 55:53

11d ago55:53

55:53

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the lights! My guest today is new author Makennah Johnston, who has just published a wonderful children's story called "The McBrights": "Every Christmas Eve, the McBrights dazzle from the branches of the Evergreen Tree in Henbrook's town square, warming hearts with their old-fashioned glow. This year, howeve…

1
Celebrating 25 Years of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" 54:31

14d ago54:31

54:31

Hello and Merry Christmas! My guest today is podcast host and the only man who dares enter the Grinch's lair, Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast! Tim and I get together to talk about one of our favorite Christmas movies, 2000's "Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" starring the brilliantly funny Jim Carrey. We talk about our…

1
Christmas is a Holiday of Stories: an interview with author Roseanna M. White 44:48

27d ago44:48

44:48

Today my guest is Roseanna M. White, and she has a new Christmas novella out called "The Christmas Book Flood". It's a story about family, romance, and books. Specifically, the Icelandic tradition of jolabokaflod! In our conversation we talk about her book and Christmas traditions found in Iceland, we reflect on things we are thankful for this year…

1
Advent with The Theology Bros, (with Thom Crowe and Gerry Davilla) 1:02:46

1M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

In today's episode, the Theology Bros. (aka Art, Gerry, and Thom!) gather to talk about Advent—what it is, why it matters, and how we can celebrate it in meaningful ways. The Advent season is just a few days away, and people observe it in all sorts of traditions and styles. We'd love to hear how you celebrate! I hope our conversation encourages you…

1
"Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen" A Thanksgiving story by O. Henry 29:56

1M ago29:56

29:56

Happy Thanksgiving Week, everyone! Today I'll be reading a Thanksgiving story titled "Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen" by the legendary short story master O. Henry. It's a funny and thoughtful tale about two men bound by tradition… but I won't spoil anything! After the story, I chat a bit about our own traditions and ask an important question: Is it…

1
Scurryfunge, Yule-Hole, and Grinch: Christmas Words with Grace Tierney 58:39

1M ago58:39

58:39

What in the world is a "scurryfunge"? Have you ever used a Yule-hole? What is the history and story behind names like "Grinch" and "Ebenezer Scrooge"? If you've ever wondered about such things, then you're in luck! Because today my guest is author, word expert, and Christmas enthusiast Grace Tierney. She hails from beautiful Ireland, and is the aut…

1
Lill's Travels In Santa Claus Land: A Christmas Story 28:41

1M ago28:41

28:41

Have you ever wondered how does Santa make all the toys? How does he keep track of the naughty and nice list? Where is his village located? In today's episode, I'm reading the cozy children's story "Lill's Travels In Santa Claus Land" by Ellis Towne, Sophie May, and Ella Farman. In this charming story from 1878, a young girl named Lill discovers th…

1
It's a Canadian Christmas! with Glen Warren from Season's Eatings 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

Merry November everyone! I've got another jam-packed episode today! First of all, we circle back to last week's episode topic and I share some more information about the 1990's tv special, Merry Christmas George Bailey! Christmas Podcast Network roving reporter Tim Babb shares an exclusive interview with Jimmy Hawkins, the actor who played Tommy Ba…

1
It's a Wonderful Life When It's Christmas Every Day! 1:10:52

2M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Happy November, everyone! As we kick off the Christmas Podcast Network's annual Christmas Podcast Day, I'm starting things off with a look at a fun version of It's a Wonderful Life — a televised stage play from the 1990s starring Bill Pullman as George Bailey. Then, for the main part of the episode, I sit down with Troy from the Christmas Every Day…

1
"The Judge's House" by Bram Stoker | Christmas Stories for Halloween 58:49

2M ago58:49

58:49

Happy Halloween! Tonight or tomorrow little trick or treaters will be out getting candy... what a perfect time to listen another spooky Christmas story for Halloween! Tonight's tale is called "The Judge's House", by the master of horror Bram Stoker. The story seems simple enough - a college student in need of a quiet place to study, rents an old ho…

1
"A Strange Christmas Game" by Charlotte Riddell | More Christmas Stories for Halloween 29:48

2M ago29:48

29:48

It's Halloween Week on A Cozy Christmas Podcast, and I'm celebrating by reading another spooky but cozy Victorian Christmas tale. This week, I'm reading "A Strange Christmas Game" by Charlotte Riddell — A brother and sister inherit an old, possibly haunted house whose previous owner met a mysterious end. After several nights of strange noises echoi…

1
Sir Hugo's Prayer by G. B. Burgin | More Christmas Stories for Halloween 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

Happy Spooky Month everyone! As the autumn weather finally arrives here in Iowa, I am in the mood to read some excellent Christmas ghost stories that are perfect for the Halloween season. Today's story is called Sir Hugo's Prayer by G. B. Burgin. It's a humorous tale of the ghostly Sir Hugo and his wife who have been forced to haunt the family grou…

1
"This Christmas" with John Holley 40:35

2M ago40:35

40:35

In today's episode, I interview author John Holley about his new Christmas book "This Christmas". It tells the story of Marie Downs, who is not only grieving the loss of her husband, but has also had to step in and take care of her grandkids. It's a book that might not seem as cozy as our usual tales, but it's a beautiful story full of Christmas ho…

1
All About Mrs. Claus 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

Today I talk to Pamela McColl about her two new books on Mrs. Claus! In our discussion we talk about the history and development of the character of Mrs. Claus, and how she is often portrayed. We also speak about lessons we can learn from her, and how celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus helps enrich the imagination of children... and a …

1
Angela's Christmas: A Classic Christmas Story by Julia Schayer 39:50

3M ago39:50

39:50

Welcome to the ber months! Today I'll be reading a short story called Angela's Christmas by Julia Schayer. It tells the story of a young lady who wants to help those in need. Will her small act of kindness be enough to help a poor, desperate, and lonely woman on Christmas Eve? I also give a quick update on the book club. We'd love to have you join …

1
Christmas at the Moon - Christmas 1968 50:03

4M ago50:03

50:03

🚀 In today's out-of-this-world Christmas episode, I take you back to 1968 and the historic Apollo 8 mission—the very first journey around the moon, celebrated on Christmas Eve. 🌙✨ Then I'm joined by my daughter Grace for a cozy chat about decorating for Christmas in our new home, sharing holiday hopes, life updates, and plenty of laughs along the w…

1
Creative Christmas Cheer: Using creativity to spread the joy of Christmas! 1:07:15

4M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Welcome back to A Cozy Christmas Podcast! Summer's heat can make it hard to feel the Christmas spirit, but it's still there—waiting to be found and shared! In this episode, I talk about how creativity can spread joy—especially Christmas joy—and I take a moment to reflect on Currier & Ives and their timeless winter scenes. For our story today, I rea…

1
What Was in that Mince Pie? 35:08

6M ago35:08

35:08

I'm finally behind the microphone again, bringing you all the cozy Christmas vibes as we countdown to Christmas 2025. Today, I read an Irish Christmas Story called "Frank Forrest's Mince-Pie" by Fr. Patrick Augustine Sheehan. It tells the story of a young man named Frank who has some strange Christmas dreams about Mince pies, an act of kindness - a…

1
Christmas Day in the Bush by Samuel Sydney | A Cozy Christmas Story for Valentine's Day 25:39

10M ago25:39

25:39

Happy Valentine's Day... (checks calendar)... belatedly! In today's episode I share some thrilling updates about the weather in Iowa, give some great ideas on how to make your Valentine's Day Christmas themed, and then read the Australian set Christmas story titled: Christmas Day in the Bush, by Samuel Sydney. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Decl…

1
Selections from Kilvert's Diary - Happy New Year 2025! 43:04

11M ago43:04

43:04

Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to a brand-new season of A Cozy Christmas Podcast! In today's episode, I'll be sharing some Christmas and winter-themed selections from Kilvert's Diary. Francis Kilvert was an English clergyman in the Victorian era who kept beautifully detailed journals of rural life and ministry from 1870 to 1879. His descriptions…

1
A Cozy Christmas Eve 2024 45:23

1y ago45:23

45:23

Merry Christmas! In today's special Christmas Eve episode, I have several little readings and stories to share with you, along with another fun discussion about Christmas with my daughter Gracie. Today we talk about her favorite Christmas cookies, movies, and she shares some tips on how to show kindness to the people you love during Christmas time.…

1
Old Christmas, Part 3 of 3 1:09:01

1y ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Happy Christmas week! Today I finish reading Old Christmas by Washington Irving. In the story our narrator enjoys a fun Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall and participates in a lot of the older traditions. Christmas is just a few days away! I hope you're ready for it! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a…

1
Gracie's Favorite Christmas Memories, and "Old Christmas" Part 2 of 3 40:31

1y ago40:31

40:31

In today's episode, my daughter Grace comes back to talk about her favorite Christmas traditions and memories. We also talk about some recent romantic Christmas movies I've seen lately. Then, for our cozy story, I read Chapter 3 of "Old Christmas" by Washington Irving. In the chapter today, our narrator arrives at Bracebridge Hall on Christmas Eve,…

1
Celebrating 150 Episodes: chatting with Gracie, a Matchstick Mouse, and an... A.I. Christmas? 50:38

1y ago50:38

50:38

There is a bit of a festive spirit around the Cozy Christmas Lodge today... we are celebrating 150 episodes! I want to thank you all for your support and participation in what has become one of the most creatively satisfying experiences of my life. So today we start off by looking to the future of Christmas Celebrations, and see what kind of Christ…

1
"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving, Part 1 of 3 34:01

1y ago34:01

34:01

Today I have the first part of a longer story called Old Christmas by Washington Irving. Published in 1815, it explores some of the roots of our Christmas traditions as the main character visits a friend at Bracebridge Hall during Christmas to experience an old fashioned Christmas! It's a story that explores nostalgia and tradition, and is a lot of…

1
Christmas Cookies with a Dash of Arsenic... An Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Jessica Thompson 34:01

1y ago34:01

34:01

Do these cookies taste funny to you? It must mean we are talking about cozy mysteries on The Cozy Christmas Podcast! Today cozy mystery writer Jessica Thompson returns to the show to talk with me about a new Christmas-themed short story collection coming out called "A Cookie of a Scoundrel". We talk a bit about her series, The Caterer's Guide to Cr…

1
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor: Interview with Author Roseanna M. White 49:13

1y ago49:13

49:13

Forget Downton Abbey - We're heading to Sugar Plum Manor! In today's episode I talk to author Roseanna M. White. She has a new Christmas romance set in the Edwardian-Era England! "Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor" draws inspiration from the Nutcracker and weaves a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime. This is also the book we're readin…

1
The Gift of the Present: Thanksgiving with Ken Smith from the North Pole News Dispatch 1:07:32

1y ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Happy Thanksgiving! In today's episode my guest is Ken Smith from the North Pole News Dispatch - one of my favorite Christmas podcasts! Fans of good food, good friends, and good music will enjoy the first part of our discussion where we chat about everything from Thanksgiving recipes and traditions and then talk about Burl Ives and his classic song…

1
Spreading Christmas Joy (and Nutella): It's Another Double Trouble Holiday! with guest Tyler G. Mitchell 48:35

1y ago48:35

48:35

It's time for another Double-Trouble Holiday, one guaranteed to leave you hungry... In this episode of the Cozy Christmas Podcast, I begin with a few reflections on this past year and share some personal thanksgiving thoughts. Then Author Tyler Mitchell returns to chat about his heartwarming Christmas children's book, Double Trouble and the Upside …

1
It's a Wonderful Life, Santa Claus, & St. Nicholas: an interview with author John Theo 41:08

1y ago41:08

41:08

Today I interview author John Theo, author of the short story "Christmas in Bedford Falls" which was read in our last episode! Now, John stops by to chat about his story and the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", his article about the history of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, his books, and more! Find John and his books online at: https://www.johntheo.c…

1
Christmas in Bedford Falls - Read by the Author, John Theo 43:20

1y ago43:20

43:20

Have you ever wondered what happened to some of the characters in Bedford Falls after the events of "It's a Wonderful Life"? My guest today is author John Theo, and he wondered the same thing and has written a piece of fan fiction exploring that very thing. Get ready for a wonderful new cozy story, and then stay tuned for Friday, as I have John The…

1
The Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers by Kevin Moore - An Original Christmas Story! 45:01

1y ago45:01

45:01

In today's episode, author Kevin Moore returns to read us a story from his recent collection entitled "Christmas Stories, Vol. 2". The story is called "The Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers", and it's a heartwarming story set at the North Pole. Henry the Elf is in trouble. It's almost Christmas and Santa's reindeer are not able to fly! What could the problem b…

1
Christmas: a Holiday like No Other - an Interview with Author Kevin Moore 54:10

1y ago54:10

54:10

Today I sit down with author Kevin Moore who has published two volumes of Christmas stories. First we talk about the joy that Christmas can bring, even during difficult times (which has been the unofficial theme of my podcast this year!). Then we dig into his book and talk about some of the short stories in it. Then we dive deep into the joy of Chr…

1
Little Roger's Night in the Church by Susan Coolidge | Cozy Christmas Story Time 39:34

1y ago39:34

39:34

Hello everyone! Today's episode was intended for Halloween, then it was intended for Christmas Podcast Day, then it was intended for yesterday... But it's here now, so better late than never, right?! In today's episode I talk about another delicious recipe I tried - Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. I highly recommend! Then for our story I read the od…

1
Christmas in the Frozen Regions 28:38

1y ago28:38

28:38

In today's episode, I share another fun recipe suitable for fall, talk a little bit about the Cozy Christmas Book Club, then I read Robert McCormick's article that was written for Charles Dickens' magazine Household Words in December of 1850. Dickens himself probably wrote the introduction and conclusion of the article, but McCormick reflects on hi…

1
Prepping for Fall - Cool weather, Apple Crisp, and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry 30:22

1y ago30:22

30:22

Happy October everyone! In today's episode I share how I am getting ready for the fall weather - it mostly involves apple crisp! I'd love to hear from you and some of your favorite recipes to make during the fall and Christmas season! I hope your plans for fall come together better than the main character in today's story by O. Henry. In "The Cop a…

1
When Christmas is Hard: Reclaiming the Joy of Christmas with Alexandra Walker 48:27

1+ y ago48:27

48:27

Let's face it - sometimes, Christmas can be hard. But does that mean we have to lose the joy of Christmas forever? My guest today is Alexandra Walker - and she has just written a fantastic book called "Reclaiming Christmas" in which she explores her story of how Christmas was a difficult time for her, and the steps she took to reclaim the joy of Ch…

1
Holmes for the Holidays: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 50:38

1+ y ago50:38

50:38

Happy September! Now that the Ber months are upon, the holiday games are afoot... Join me today as I read Sherlock Holmes' one and only Christmas story, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. I'll also share some thoughts about Holmes and the story, give some podcast updates, and more! Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple…

1
Christmas in the Alley: A Christmas Story by Olive Thorne Miller 35:04

1+ y ago35:04

35:04

Happy Leon Day! (A day late - sorry about that...) Today I share a couple of Christmas book recommendations, and read you a cozy Christmas story called Christmas in the Alley by Olive Thorne Miller. Ann is a poor old washer woman with a heart of gold. Her husband is curmudgeon who just wants his tea and pipe. Like many people during the early 1900s…

1
Coffee, Cookies, and a Norwegian Christmas Story 40:18

1+ y ago40:18

40:18

Happy June everyone! In today's episode I share a few quick life updates on why I've been gone so long, and then we get right into the Christmas goodness. In today's episode I explore a little bit of my Norwegian heritage by talking about some of my favorite Christmas coffee, some treats and cookies you might get at a Norwegian Christmas Party, and…

1
Christmas Afternoon by Robert Benchley 14:43

1+ y ago14:43

14:43

In today's episode I read a shorter short story by humorist Robert Benchley entitled "Christmas Afternoon (Done in the Manner, if not the Spirit, of Dickens)". It's a funny little vignette describing a chaotic Christmas Afternoon in the style of Charles Dickens. I hope you enjoy the story today! Cozy Christmas Bookclub: https://www.facebook.com/gro…

1
A Christmas Down Under 32:24

2y ago32:24

32:24

Welcome to the start of Season 5! Today I kick off the new season by reading Christmas traditions and memories from one of my listeners who lives in Australia. I really enjoyed what Shelly sent me, so I thought this would be a great thing to share with all of you. She talks about her families traditions, Christmas foods, how they maintain the spiri…

1
Choosing Love Over Fear: Wrapping Up Christmas 2023 with guest Robert Peterpaul 1:23:10

2y ago1:23:10

1:23:10

Merry Christmas! This is my Christmas episode, out a few days late I know - but Christmas is a season, not just a day, right? Today I wrap up season 4 and Christmas 2023 with the kindness guru himself - Robert Peterpaul, host of the Art of Kindness Podcast, returns to talk about Christmas, the importance of showing kindness (love over fear for the …

1
Christmas at Thompson Hall, Part 3: A Christmas Story by Anthony Trollope 47:40

2y ago47:40

47:40

It's Christmas Eve! The best day of the year. To help you celebrate, here is the final parts to our story this month, "Christmas at Thompson Hall" by Anthony Trollope. I rearranged my publication schedule a little bit and decided to combine the last two parts into one episode. I've had a lot of episodes come out this week, and didn't want to clog u…

1
It Must Have Been the Mistletoe: Romantic Comedies for Christmas with Katie Wilbert 53:00

2y ago53:00

53:00

In today's episode I interview Katie Wilbert. She is the screenwriter of the new Christmas movie "A Vineyard Christmas". According to imdb: "Heather, host of 'Read Between the Vines', is determined to create the perfect Christmas episode by featuring a unique winery from her hometown. The only thing standing in her way? Rudy, the attractive, stubbo…

1
Christmas at Thompson Hall: A Christmas Story by Anthony Trollope, Part 2 of 4 30:08

2y ago30:08

30:08

Christmas is practically here! To help you get in the mood, we're going to continue out story today, Christmas at Thompson Hall, by Anthony Trollope. Will Mrs. Brown be able to get out of the mess she finds herself in? Will Mr. Brown ever stop complaining about being sick? Will they get to Thompson Hall in time for Christmas? Take a listen today an…

1
A Sherlock Carol 2023 - Interview with Mark Shanahan 43:17

2y ago43:17

43:17

I have so much content coming out this week, try to keep up... Welcome back! Today I have returning guest Mark Shanahan - he's the playwright and director of "A Sherlock Carol".Today Mark returns to talk about the play, where you can see it performed, the importance of live theater - and more! "A Sherlock Carol follows a grown-up Tiny Tim asking Sh…