Unpacking Peanuts

Latest Episode: 1981 Part 1 - A Picture is Worth 810 Words

Schulz is bringing back some classics and balancing them with wild new directions. Lucy is at her crabby best. Linus is toting the blanket again. And Snoopy learns a harsh truth about his owners! Plus: Where is Capistrano?

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Latest Episode - Love In the Time of Wishy-Washiness

It’s that time of year again and the guys are revisiting the best Valentine's Day strips from the late 60s through the 70s. From Snoopy’s avalanche of love notes to Lucy’s eternal quest for Schroeder’ attention, we cover it all. Plus: Schrödinger’s Mailbox

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

In our latest episode Gary Groth, editor and publisher of the Complete Peanuts, mentions strip fragments that had to be completed by designer Seth until they found the originals. Charles M. Schulz Museum curator and friend of the show Benjamin Clark gave us the details.

Strips that Seth Completed In our interview with Gary Groth he mentions that when the Complete Peanuts was being made there was a strip that at the time had only a fragment left. Gary got permission from Mrs. Schulz to have Seth finish the strip. Then the complete strip was later found and subsequent editions of the volume we...

Latest Episode: with Gary Groth of Fantagraphics, publisher of the Complete Peanuts.

Gary Groth is here! The Fantagraphics founder and publisher of the Complete Peanuts tells us of his evolving relationship with Schulz’s work, how he prepared to interview Sparky, and how the epic project of reprinting Peanuts in its entirety was accomplished. Plus: Love! And!! Rockets!!!

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

✏️ Don't be a blockhead! Grab your pencil and see if you have what it takes to draw the confident, strong, and sometimes a bit bossy Lucy!⁠
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"Happiness is a warm puppy"— Lucy Van Pelt⁠
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What is your favorite quote by the world's #1 fussbudget?

Latest Episode: 1980 Part 2 - The End of the World As We Know It.

The whole gang goes to a new camp that’s predicting the end of days, and Michael, Harold, and Jimmy are there for it. Elsewhere, the Beagle Scouts rumble, and even Woodstock “gets into it!” Plus: If pigs are so smart, why are they pigs?

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

We are huge fans of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and everyone involved there. Thank you so much for this boost.

Our Latest Episode: 1980 Part 1 - Exclusive Rights to Your Shovel

We get back into the strips and a new decade of Peanuts after considering the whole concept of decades and our strange practice of breaking down culture and pop culture into 10-year chunks. PLUS: Talking fairway bushes!

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

In our latest episode Benjamin Clark, the fabulous curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum, returns for a fun conversation about what’s coming up at the museum, the success of Peanuts across the world, and the joy of sharing a Pig-Pen hot chocolate at The Warm Puppy Cafe. PLUS: Stuffed Faron

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

We are thrilled to have as our special guest, Jeannie Schulz! Joining her is Schulz Museum Curator Benjamin Clark. Mrs. Schulz shares with us memories of her husband including the origin of “Sweet Babboo,” and we read some strips that Jeannie says give insight into Schulz’s personal sense of humor. PLUS: I was “just” the co-pilot. pod.link/unpackingpeanuts

We’re taking a break this week, but coming back strong on Tuesday, January 9th. Our guest will be Mrs. Jean Schulz, wife of Charles Schulz and chair of the Schulz Museum. She shares selected strips that illustrate Sparky’s love of puns. Join us at

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Our thanks to everyone who joined us on the live Q&A. That was really fun.

Our latest episode: Season 7 Wrap up - So Long Seventies
We arrive at the end of another decade and give our final thoughts on a sweet, surreal, hilarious run of comics. Then we check the mailbox and have a long talk about art and whatnot. Plus: Iron-Man is put on blast.

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Our latest episode: 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 viewing… the classic program. Plus: More graphics get blandished!

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

You may have noticed in the podcast that we play music under the reading of the strips. Each character has a theme, some more than one. Here's an album of the main character songs. (There's no charge to listen). https://lizsumner.bandcamp.com/album/unpacking-peanuts-theme-music-volume-1

Bonus Episode - Happy Birthday Beethoven
Cut the cake and fire up the hi-fi! The gang is talking music and reviewing some classic strips as we celebrate the birth of Schroeder’s hero, and Lucy’s bane, Good Ol’ Ludwig Van B.. Plus: Color Me Badd?!

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Amelia Rules! A Very Ninja Christmas is a musical version of the story by Jimmy Gownley with music and lyrics by Michael Cohen. It's now available (in 5 parts) on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmMDDhKjabsv1dFCXEoe2CHsbny6fkpX

Our latest episode: 1979 Part 2 - I Love Chuck. I Think He's Real Neat.

The guys have a deep discussion about one of the most famous storylines in Peanuts history. Is it a peak or does the strip turn too dark? Either way, it's a fascinating run of comics as Schulz closes off the 70’s as powerful an artist as he’s ever been. Plus: Quiet. I’m thinking.

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Our latest episode: 1979 Part 1 - Don't You Want To Go To Happy Piggy Land?

Charles Schulz has his Band on the Run moment… and if you understand that, then you’ve listened to too many episodes of this podcast. The guys love this year of the strip and contemplate Schulz coming to terms with aging and competition from talented youngsters. Plus: They don’t make pen nibs like they used to.

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Happy birthday Charles M. Schulz

Charles M. Schulz Biography - Charles M. Schulz Museum On the morning of Sunday, February 13, 2000, newspaper readers opened their comic pages as they had for nearly fifty years to read the latest adventures of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. This Sunday was different, though; mere hours before newspapers hit doorsteps with the....

Listener Layla Sadiq has shared her essay, "How do Charles M. Schulz and Bill Watterson Explore what it Means to be Human Through the Eyes of Children?"

Our latest episode: 1978 Part 1: Linus Versus The Power of Darkness

Schulz is honing his knuckleball and settling in for the end of the seventies, while Snoopy the Scoutmaster is heading for the edges of civilization itself. Elsewhere, Sally is in need of a protector or at least a new ruler. Plus: D&D.

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Our latest episode: 1977 Part 2 - He’s Just Drawing Snoopy, Right?

The gang ponders characters with weird foreheads, characters without mouths, and the unspeakable horror of “Henry.” Meanwhile, back in Peanuts: Linus mansplains, Woodstock can’t shave, and Spike is a player. Plus: No more logo in the top left corner!

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Super listener Sarah Wilson was visiting Berlin and gave Snoopy's regards to Unter den Linden.

Our Latest Episode: 1977 Part 1 - May the Force Be With You, Sweet Babboo

The seventies are skywalking and it’s a time of beginnings and endings, as our old pal Shermy comes to bat for the last time and the greatest term of endearment in pop culture ever is exclaimed by Sally for the first time. Plus: Woodstock was in ‘Nam?
Https://pod.link/unpackingpeanuts

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Our Latest Episode: It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown - Remastered

Spooky Season is upon us, and Harold, Michael, and Jimmy are taking a special episode long look at the Great Pumpkin, both in the strip and the animated special. They highlight the themes and origins of the idea and how it’s become a lasting part of pop culture. Then they go strip by strip through all the gags that made it into the classic TV special, and even take calls from listeners! Plus: What the heck is Graphic Blandishment?

This episode was originally released on October 15, 2022.

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.

Our Latest Episode: 1976 Part 2 - Goodnight, Noodleneck

Marcie is the object of some unwanted affection, Woodstock gets a makeover, Jimmy explains Pennsylvania sales tax, and Peppermint Patty becomes an ace student…at obedience school. Plus: Joni James

Unpacking Peanuts The show where three cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.