Zuzu All Grown Up
Zuzu: All Grown Up is hosted by Karolyn Grimes, the 1940’s and 50’s child actor who most notably played Zuzu in the classic ’’It’s a Wonderful Life’’ and her psychologist husband Dr. Chris Brunell. Together the pair interview guests who make miracles happen whether ordinary people who are making a difference in extraordinary ways to celebrities who inspire as well as entertain. This inaugural season also includes special episodes in celebration of Dr. Leo Buscaglia, the well loved ’’Hug Doctor’s’’ would-be 100th birthday.
Episodes

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this breathtaking episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell take you on an unforgettable journey to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—the Northern Lights. Broadcasting live from the Arctic Circle in Finland’s stunning Lapland region, expert tour guide Juhani Vanhatapio and photographer Ryan Oliveira from Beyond Arctic Adventures brave the freezing night to capture the celestial magic of the Aurora Borealis. Whether you’ve dreamed of witnessing the Northern Lights in person or simply love the wonder of the night sky, this episode will transport you to Lapland’s winter paradise

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with longtime friends Ruth and John Mencl, along with Richard Goodson, for a heartfelt conversation filled with cherished memories. From starting the Zuzu Fan Club to sharing unforgettable moments over the years, this episode is a celebration of friendship, connection, and the lasting impact of It’s a Wonderful Life. Join us as we reminisce about the joy of building a community rooted in love, nostalgia, and the spirit of the film.

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
In this heartwarming episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Patty Gregory, President of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing handmade blankets to children in need. Inspired by the beloved Charlie Brown character, Project Linus' mission has brought warmth, comfort, and security to countless children facing illness, trauma, or hardship. Join us as Patty shares the incredible impact of Project Linus, the stories behind the blankets, and how anyone can contribute to this labor of love.

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell celebrate the unforgettable legacy of Dr. Jeanine Roose—who once lit up screens as Young Violet Bick in It's a Wonderful Life and later became a respected psychoanalyst. Though her film role was brief, its impact endured, and in her later years, she embraced her Hollywood roots by reconnecting with fans at It’s a Wonderful Life festivals. Joining the conversation are her son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Melissa Auger, who share intimate memories and reflections on the remarkable life of a truly special woman.

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
In this Valentine's edition of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Joyce and Barry Vissell of The Shared Heart Foundation. Recalling their time with the doctor of love, Dr. Leo Buscaglia—whose message of acceptance captivated the nation in the 1980s—Joyce and Barry reveal why his timeless message is as vital today as ever. They share how their acclaimed couples retreats and best-selling books have fortified relationships for decades, proving that love wins every day, not just on Valentine's Day.
Plus, enjoy a special message from a celebrity couple—William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett—who, after more than seven decades of marriage, offer a heartfelt tribute to all the married folks this Valentine's. Tune in for an inspiring celebration of love in all its forms.

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Jimmy Hawkins, an accomplished actor, producer, and author, who appeared in It’s a Wonderful Life as Karolyn's younger brother, Tommy Bailey. Jimmy reflects on his varied career and shares cherished memories from the set of It’s a Wonderful Life. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the enduring spirit of the film and the timeless message it continues to inspire.

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos—a cherished friend of the show—to delve into the spiritual dimensions of It’s a Wonderful Life. Pastor Greg explains how the film’s enduring message can lead us to find God in its narrative—a revelation so powerful that it inspired him to write Finding God in It's A Wonderful Life. Tune in to discover how this beloved classic can deepen our connection with God and remind us of the wonderful life that awaits us all.

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
In this heartwarming episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Brian Rohan. Renowned for his portrayal of George Bailey, Brian shares what it means to bring this iconic character to life and carry George Bailey’s timeless message to audiences. Beyond his connection to It’s a Wonderful Life, Brian is a versatile character actor celebrated for his stage work, including Marilyn, Mom & Me, and his chilling performances as Norman Bates from Psycho. Join us for an engaging conversation about his acting journey and how It’s a Wonderful Life has shaped his career.

Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell shine a spotlight on The Salvation Army’s timeless mission of service and compassion—highlighting the iconic Red Kettle Campaign. Guests include Mark Dreyer, Lieutenant Amanda Hines, Dan Furry, and Santa Carlucci. Together, they illustrate how donations and volunteer efforts sustain the Army’s wide-ranging support—from crisis relief and shelter to food assistance—all guided by the principle “Doing The Most Good”

Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell reflect on the true story of how the Billings, Montana community stood united against hate during the holiday season of 1993. Our special guests include Dr. Janice Cohn, author of The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate; Patrice O’Neill, filmmaker and founder of the Not In Our Town movement; Margaret MacDonald, former Montana State Senator and community activist; Teresa and Marilyn Hanley, Billings residents whose outreach efforts became pivotal in the town’s response. Together, they recount the events that inspired both a book and a film, revealing how a community’s stand against anti-Semitism became a beacon of hope and unity.