Explore every episode of the podcast Unpacking Peanuts
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles M. Schulz and the Seven Deadly Sins of Cartooning | 14 juil. 2026 | 01:23:11 | |
In 1980 Legendary Captain Marvel artist C.C. Beck created his personal list of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Comics Creators.” In this episode the gang discuss Beck’s manifesto and see if and how it applies to Schulz's work. Shout out to TwoMorrows.com and AlterEgo for this article: https://www.twomorrows.com/alterego/articles/06sins.html Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| You Don’t Look 250, Snoopy | 04 juil. 2026 | 00:57:24 | |
The gang celebrates the USA’s birthday by looking at one of the latest iterations of Snoopy’s alter egos…The Revolutionary War patriot. UP Recommends: The American Revolution by Ken Burns Super Context Podcast: An autopsy of media Gunsmoke on the radio Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Sidekicks and Second Bananas Episode 4 - Shermy: Just A Guy Standing There | 23 juin 2026 | 01:01:05 | |
The straight man of all straight men gets an episode all to himself. Will the gang finally crack the code on this beloved figure of Peanuts past? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| Sidekicks and Second Bananas Episode 3 - Roy: A Good Temporary Friend | 09 juin 2026 | 00:54:01 | |
Finally, it’s come to this: The Roy episode. Roy befriends both Charlie Brown and Linus at camp. And if that’s not exciting enough, old people talk about how neat telephones were. But maybe his main raison d'être is to introduce the world to the swinging-est character ever - Peppermint Patty. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Sidekicks and Second Bananas Episode 2: She's Eudorable! | 26 mai 2026 | 00:54:24 | |
Sally’s pal Eudora finally gets a turn in the spotlight, as the gang revisits her debut sequence from 1978 and finds a fun and unique character who still feels modern. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Feel a Little Freedom: Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts | 12 mai 2026 | 00:58:02 | |
We start our look at the bit players in Peanuts in this new season of “Sidekicks and Second Bananas.” In this episode Bill, Olivier, Harriet, Conrad, and Woodstock get to shake their tail feathers in the spotlight. Mentioned in the Mailbox: Health Capsules by Dr. Michael A. Petti and cartoonist Jud Hurd https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2022/06/02/health-capsules-1961-2022/ Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| I’m Just Pretending It Never Happened! The Weirdest Peanuts Strips Ever | 28 avr. 2026 | 01:23:48 | |
The gang takes a cockeyed look at the Peanuts strips that make you go “hmmm.” From Charlie Brown sharpening himself to the beauty of a girl named Truffles, it doesn’t get weirder than this. Strips we discuss and the original episode names: Truffles - March 31 & April 1, 1975 - 1975 Part 1 Spike and Woodstock on the Moon - October 6, 1995 - 1995 Part 1 Pencil Sharpener - January 25, 1990 - 1990 Part 1 Tapioca Pudding - September 4, 1986 - 1986 Part 1 School Building - January 8-9, 1976 - 1976 Part 1 Finale of Mr. Sack - July 5, 1973 - 1973 Part 1 Sentient Blanket - March 17, 1965 - 1965 Part 1 The Whirly Dog - March 14, 1960 - 1960 Part 1 Schroeder Meta Strip - October 1, 1952 - 1952 Part 2 Charlotte Braun — November 30, 1954 — 1954 Part 2 Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| The Family Van Pelt Episode 6 - All in the Valley of Death Rode Rerun Van Pelt | 14 avr. 2026 | 01:10:08 | |
Re-Run arrives and struggles to assimilate into the family for the next twenty years. Lucy is still a grouch. Sally still loves Linus. And speaking of consistency, which Peanuts characters changed the least? The gang investigates. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Sittin' In the Mailbox #2 | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:25:18 | |
It’s a fun-sized mailbag bonus episode! Listeners ask us probing questions like whose is the adorable voice behind our introduction, and tell us stuff we never knew like there is a plush version of Snoopy as Mister T. Plus more great business suggestions for Sony. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| The Family Van Pelt Episode 5 - A Really Squiggly Line Around the Word Sigh | 31 mars 2026 | 01:02:49 | |
Linus is doing the St. Francis shtick, but that doesn’t stop him from playing a mean shortstop. The gang discusses Schulz’s ability to layer contradictory elements to create some of the richest characters in comics. Here's a link to our episode about the football strips: https://tinyurl.com/footballstrips
Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| It’s An Anniversary Show, Charlie Brown! | 17 mars 2026 | 01:20:59 | |
The gang celebrates four years of podcasting about Beagles and Blockheads by looking at a totally random group of Peanuts strips, and even a few non-Peanuts strips too! Here's to many more years of joy discussing Charles Schulz's masterpiece. Random Non-Peanuts Strips are posted in the Obscurities section of the website. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| The Family Van Pelt Episode 4 - Old People Who Happen To Like You | 03 mars 2026 | 01:13:15 | |
Lucy torments Linus with a call to their blanket-hating grandma. She explains that to be a good brother he has to work at it, and he succeeds with a bowl of ice cream. A new segment is revealed, “Hangin’ Out at the Thinkin’ Wall.” This week the guys discuss Snoopy before resuming the season-long look at the Van Pelt Family. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Listener Joshua Stauffer's new podcast https://joshuastauffer1.substack.com/ Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| The Family Van Pelt Episode 3 - The Goofy Dynamics Between Siblings or Why Linus’s Head is Dented | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:59:21 | |
Linus’s original struggle for security is with Lucy… and was it her blanket originally?! Plus Linus learns the difference between tv and reality in language he can understand. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| The Family Van Pelt Episode 2 - Big Kids Drive Me Crazy | 03 févr. 2026 | 01:12:57 | |
Linus is bringing out Lucy’s inner Lucy, yet somehow his head remains undented. In this episode, the Van Pelt kids’ personalities are slowly coming into focus… No wonder Linus needs that blanket! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| The Family Van Pelt Episode 1 - Schulz Tackles a Baby! | 20 janv. 2026 | 01:23:14 | |
It’s a new season on Unpacking Peanuts, as the gang begins a long look at everyone’s favorite venerable grade schoolers: Linus, Lucy, and Rerun Van Pelt. In this first episode, we review the earliest episodes featuring two of Charles Schulz' beloved characters, and the seeds of greatness have already been sown. Harold interviewed by Ted Koppel: https://youtu.be/DwsY4agO2qs?si=4Gf05kzociyR2cuI Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Jimmy’s, Michael’s, and Harold’s books are available at UnpackingPeanuts.com/store. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| With Patrick McDonnell, Creator of MUTTS | 06 janv. 2026 | 01:29:04 | |
The Legendary cartoonist of MUTTS, the comic strip Charles Schulz once said was “the last great strip of the 20th Century,” stops by to talk about Charles Schulz, the craft of cartooning, comics history and more in this fun conversation. Don’t miss it! For more about Patrick visit MUTTS.com 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Unpacking Peanuts Fun-Sized - Happy New Year! | 01 janv. 2026 | 00:09:29 | |
Happy New Year and welcome to all our new listeners! Here is a little intro to the show along with a look at one of our favorite strips of all time - July 11, 1954. Sample some of our early interviews in It's A Clip Show Charlie Brown - https://shorturl.at/kOX0f. Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Understanding Snoopy Episode 5 - When Woodstock Is Happy, I'm Happy | 23 déc. 2025 | 01:21:24 | |
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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Understanding Snoopy Episode 4 - As You See Him, You Will Draw Him | 09 déc. 2025 | 01:20:25 | |
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.scottmccloud.com/4-inventions/triangle/index.html Preorder 25th Anniversary Amelia Rules: https://bookshop.org/shop/Gville 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| With Mark Evanier - Co-Author of The Essential Peanuts | 25 nov. 2025 | 01:28:52 | |
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 Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Understanding Snoopy Episode 3 - It’s Kind of Magical | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:57:13 | |
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, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| With Paige Braddock, Creative Director Emeritus for the Schulz Studio | 14 oct. 2025 | 01:09:55 | |
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.us/janes-world/ Her current work, Peanut Butter & Crackers, is available from Penguin Books and from Nosy Crow in the UK. https://peanutbutterandcrackers.com/ 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Sittiin’ in the Mailbox #1 | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:14:50 | |
The gang answers your emails in this special fun-sized bonus episode! | |||
| Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown! | 02 oct. 2025 | 01:25:13 | |
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=lNs3Cqh-aQTz9D6F Our original discussion of Be Of Good Cheer was in our 1955 Part 2 episode from May 24, 2022 at 0:54:42. 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Preview: Jimmy Gownley’s Dumb Ideas | 23 sept. 2025 | 01:00:49 | |
Please enjoy this special full-length preview of Jimmy’s new podcast. It is available on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts. | |||
| Understanding Snoopy: Episode 2 - A Few Lines Expressing Joy | 16 sept. 2025 | 01:11:09 | |
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-which-peanuts-character-you-are 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Unpacking Peanuts - Fun Size | 02 sept. 2025 | 00:01:49 | |
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 copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Understanding Snoopy: Episode 1 - Super Minimalist Snoopy | 02 sept. 2025 | 01:31:59 | |
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 is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| With Nat Gertler, Eisner-Winning Author and Comics Historian | 19 août 2025 | 01:02:36 | |
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 Creating a Graphic Novel. Find out more about Nat at: blog.aaugh.com and gertler.com
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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Wrap-up Season 12 - No One Shook Hands and Said Good Game | 05 août 2025 | 01:13:24 | |
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 Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 2000 - Charles Schulz… How Can We Ever Forget Him? | 29 juil. 2025 | 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, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1999 Part 4 - Rerun Would Never Pull the Ball Away | 22 juil. 2025 | 00:57:01 | |
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 Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1999 Part 3 - A Very Public Farewell | 15 juil. 2025 | 01:08:42 | |
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 Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1999 Part 2 - Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Times That Try Men’s Souls | 08 juil. 2025 | 00:59:50 | |
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 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1999 Part 1 - I Am Not A Puppy Dog! | 01 juil. 2025 | 01:05:03 | |
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 copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| 1998 Part 3 - Tell Me What I'm Doing Here! That’s All I Ask! | 24 juin 2025 | 01:09:05 | |
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/ 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1998 Part 2 - Foxtrotting With The Little Red-haired Girl | 17 juin 2025 | 01:01:01 | |
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 Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1998 Part 1 - Are We Not Beagles? We Are Peanuts! | 10 juin 2025 | 00:58:01 | |
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. 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1997 Part 3 - Just Out of Curiosity, What Did You Have For Breakfast? | 27 mai 2025 | 01:13:20 | |
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 Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1997 Part 2 - Everyone Needs A Break Now and Then | 20 mai 2025 | 00:59:57 | |
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 Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1997 Part 1 - Every Child Should Be Issued a Dog and a Banjo | 13 mai 2025 | 00:56:26 | |
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 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1996 Part 3 - Automatic for the Beagles | 06 mai 2025 | 01:02:32 | |
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 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| 1996 Part 2 - Angel Food Cake With 7-Minute Frosting and a Side of Attempted Murder | 29 avr. 2025 | 01:04:04 | |
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 Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1996 Part 1- The Strange Death of Tapioca Pudding | 22 avr. 2025 | 01:02:31 | |
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 trenches. Plus: Charlie Brown has a thing for redheads. 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening.
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| 1995 Part 3 - The Outer Space Adventures of Woodstock and Spike | 15 avr. 2025 | 00:48:55 | |
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, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1995 Part 2 - Woodstock is Emotionally Bankrupt! | 08 avr. 2025 | 00:52:04 | |
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, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| 1995 Part 1 - At Long Last, Charlie Brown is the Hero | 01 avr. 2025 | 01:12:56 | |
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, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| Special Episode: Slide, Charlie Brown! Slide! | 25 mars 2025 | 00:50:43 | |
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 copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| With Lynn Johnston, Creator of For Better or For Worse | 18 mars 2025 | 00:50:57 | |
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 you in the Louvre Read For Better of For Worse at https://www.fborfw.com/ 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. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||
| With Judy "Snoopy" Sladky | 11 mars 2025 | 00:53:29 | |
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 Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark. For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com. Thanks for listening. | |||