The Holiday Specials We Love

On this episode of The Holiday Specials We Love, we are sharing an episode of The Heal Squad’s The Sunday Set-Up, where we dive into something most of us were never taught, but all of us are carrying: Shadow Love. We talk why the shadow has been mislabeled for so long — treated as something to fix, hide, or overcome — when it might actually be doing the opposite. What if the shadow isn’t the problem at all, but the bodyguard? The part of you that stepped in early to protect you, keep you safe, and help you survive. We talk the idea that anger, ambition, desire, and intensity aren’t flaws to be corrected, but signals with purpose — parts of you that got pushed aside, not because they were wrong, but because they were misunderstood. We talk simple ways to reconnect with those parts: asking what your shadow has been protecting, reclaiming your voice and fire, and letting wholeness — not fear — take the lead. This isn’t about becoming softer or smaller. It’s about integration. About power that comes from knowing yourself fully.If you’re in a season of growth or change, this one hits home. Because your next chapter isn’t about fixing who you are — it’s about finally owning all of it. Text your thoughts 351-251-2511, and please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Talk Shawtly!

On this episode of The Holiday Specials We Love, we head to the island for Gilligan’s Island’s one and only Christmas episode — “Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta Talk.” We talk candy cane ratings, the reused pilot footage, and why this episode feels different from most holiday specials. We break down the early TV budget tricks, the “bottle episode” energy, and how this installment doubles as both a Christmas episode and an origin story. We also talk the moment that makes it all work — Santa’s appearance. Not explained. Not the Skipper. Just Santa. And the simple reminder that gratitude matters: the castaways may be stranded, but they have each other, and that counts for something. We talk the perfect casting that couldn’t be replicated, and how time has been kind to shows once written off as corny. We have a little Kev on the scene on Tina Louise, her weight of carrying an iconic role, her complicated relationship with the show, and why Ginger Grant remains unforgettable. As always let us know your thoughts as we march into the 12 days of Christmas Text us at 351-251-2511 Please us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Talk Shawtly

On this episode of The Holiday Specials We Love, we go all things Brady with the 1969 classic “The Voice of Christmas,” the very first holiday outing for The Brady Bunch. How the Brady’s  Zoom-before-Zoom opening sends us into a nostalgia spiral —  three channels, UHF antennas, and a time when families watched TV together. We talk the mix of sweetness and “wait… was this always a little dribble?” that hits on rewatch, and how losing Carol’s voice turns into one of the most faith-forward Christmas plots network TV ever allowed before the 70s sanitized everything. We talk how Cindy emerges as the show’s true believer, the iconic church finale, and Florence Henderson’s real-life hoarseness woven into the storyline. We also break down the episode’s writing bumps — from the suddenly “worst Christmas ever” meltdown to the mall Santa who’s clearly just working for his Schlitz, Winstons, and scratch-offs. We talk cast chemistry, how this episode cemented the Bradys as favs, and why the nostalgia hits harder now as their fanbase ages out. Plus: real trees shedding under hot lights, politically incorrect musical cues, HGTV’s Brady renovation, and even a detour that adds Gilligan’s Island’s Christmas episode to the winter viewing program. This one lands a solid 3½ candy canes. Text your thoughts or favorite Brady holiday memories to 351-251-2511, and don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Talk Shawlty

On this episode of The Holiday Specials We Love, we dive-into or ummmm cry into Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, the 1977 Rankin & Bass Special with German roots. We talk how that what we perceive as our weaknesses can often become our greatest strengths. We cry with Nestor from the abuse from the other animals, being literally thrown into the snow, to losing his mom, to being physically and emotionally abused. We talk the sleezy salesman who says long ears are on-trend- to Mary’s Jedi Mindtrick. To Nestor- listening to the voices on his journey thru the sandstorm helping Mary and Joseph reach Bethlehem. Where was the apology from Olaf? Did Tilly have to shine SO bright? And Spieltoe-What? Why? A strong 4¼ - 4 ½ candy cane rating, although not sure this will be an every year watch- it’s just a bit much. As always Text us your thoughts and any Q&A to 351-251-2511.   Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Christmas Season is in Full Swing! Talk Shawtly!

Welcome back  Holiday Specials We Love fans, On this episode we talk  “2000 Miles” and the real story behind the Pretenders Christmas song, the importance of a full package Christmas —Christmas Eve magic, Christmas Day travel, matching pajamas, family celebrations, and why anything less than the full package just doesn’t work. We assign The Brady’s and Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey as part of the Winter Reading Progrum. Talk the need to promote Christmas Eve Eve, The “Wait…we’re working today?” and the belief that this day should already be a holiday. We talk gifting the community — a backyard setup complete with a shed for Santa, decorations, lights, and even a movie screen. The philosophy is simple: do the heavy lifting first, then bring in the elves. We dive deep into hot chocolate — memories of growing up with “scalding brown water,” to Kev’s winter hack: warm milk, maybe a little cream, and real whipped cream (love and light to the Cool Whip community). There’s even a name drop over the Kraft family’s silky, decadent hot chocolate at the Patriots game, which instantly set a new bar for what cocoa should be. Text us at 351-251-2511, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find the show! Talk Shawtly!