Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope you all had a wonderful Easter and hope the Easter Bunny was great to you all!

This week, after talking in-depth about "Project Hail Mary", HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series, and other films Julia and Anthony have seen recently, the duo dive in to discuss the 2025, Amazon Prime Original Christmas Film "Merv"!

Can a movie about a depressed dog who can't handle his owners' break-up put you into the holiday spirit? You'll just have to tune in to find out! Either way, this is one festive episode that's sure to put you in good spirits to start the week!

So settle back, enjoy, and get excited - we're another major holiday down on our countdown to Christmas 2026!

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics!

It’s been a hectic start to the year here at "Tis the Podcast" Headquarters—between kids, work, home life, accidents, and everything in between—so episodes have been a bit inconsistent this first quarter. Not wanting to miss another week, though, Anthony (sadly flying solo without Thom and Julia) invited Santa Matt from "North Pole Radio" and Ashley from "The Christmas Chapters Podcast" to join him for a special episode that, while a little light on Christmas, dives into something many of you care about: "Harry Potter".

That’s right! This week, the trio sits down to break down HBO Max’s first teaser trailer for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"—the upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved story about the boy wizard and his magical journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Tune in as they tackle the controversies surrounding the series—from Rowling’s personal views to the race-swapping of certain characters and everything in between—while also debating whether this adaptation is even necessary. They share their reactions to this first official look and go shot-by-shot through the trailer, comparing what’s shown to both the original novel and the 2001 film.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fun, geeky episode! And be sure to let us know your thoughts on this new take on Harry Potter and his world. One thing’s for sure: we here at "Tis the Podcast" are hyped. With a Christmas 2026 premiere on the horizon, it’s only making us even more excited for the most wonderful time of the year!

As always, thank you all for your love and support! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️ 👓 🧹 🪄 🏰 ❤️ 📺

🎵 Da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da! 🎵

Julia!

🎵 Da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da! 🎵

Anthony!

🎵 Da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da, da-da! 🎵

Bluey!

That's right, folks! Julia and Anthony are sans Thom this week, but despite his absence, their spirits are buoyed due to the fact that they are covering the Christmas episodes and shorts of the hit children's show, "Bluey"! For those following along at home, the episodes in question are:

Season 1 - Episode 52 - Verandah Santa Season 2 - Episode 51 - Christmas Swim Christmas Short 1 - Crazy Christmas Lights Christmas Short 2 - Silent Night Christmas Short 3 - Jingle Bells

There's lots of fun to be had in this episode as the two discuss one of the best children's shows in recent years - one that can be enjoyed by adults as well, regardless of whether or not they have kids!

So settle back, relax, and enjoy this fun, festive episode that's sure to help your week start off on the right foot!

As always, thanks for your love and support, y'all! 🎅🏻🎄🎁 🦌🦉⛄️🚂🔔 🤶🏻 🎀 ❄️