Zuzu All Grown Up

Zuzu: All Grown Up – The Magic of the Holiday Season with Santa Rick Rosenthal

In this holiday episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Santa Rick Rosenthal, a beloved Santa Claus who has spent decades spreading Christmas cheer. Santa Rick shares his inspiring journey to becoming a symbol of holiday magic and his dedication to mentoring future Santas through the Northern Lights Santa Academy. Through heartwarming stories and a steadfast commitment to preserving the authenticity of the Santa tradition, he brings the timeless spirit of hope, generosity, and wonder to life.

Zuzu: All Grown Up – Merry Christmas George Bailey with the Seneca Community Players

In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes the Seneca Community Players—featuring Seth Kennedy, Eric Jansen, Gary Xavier, Peter Saracino, Jason Hurdle, and Stuart Sewell—for a conversation about their annual radio play, Merry Christmas, George Bailey. The group shares insights on portraying beloved characters while honoring the timeless spirit of It’s a Wonderful Life. They also highlight their mission to foster, broaden, and celebrate theater arts in Seneca County and its surrounding communities.

Zuzu: All Grown Up – The Magic of Candlelight Cabaret with Deb Bly

In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Deb Bly, director of the Candlelight Cabaret in Seneca Falls, New York. Over the years, these performances have become a cherished holiday tradition—showcasing an exceptionally talented group of performers who bring the Christmas spirit to life through music.
Our guest shares how each show captivates audiences with classic carols and festive tunes. Whether you’re an avid fan of Christmas music or simply seeking heartwarming holiday cheer, this episode promises to leave you humming along to the sounds of the season.

Zuzu: All Grown Up – Discovering the Santa Claus City Office near the Arctic Circle

In this special holiday-themed episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell connect with Santa Claus himself, all the way from Lapland, Finland—near the Arctic Circle. They discover what makes Santa’s “home territory” so magical and learn how families can visit him in person. With insights on holiday traditions unique to Lapland, this episode brings you closer to the true spirit of Christmas.
 
As an added festive treat, stay tuned for a reading of Sibley's Christmas Adventure by Don Alhart—perfect for bringing a little extra holiday warmth to your day.
 
Keep listening for more on Santa’s enchanting world in future episodes!

Zuzu: All Grown Up – Christmas Across the Lands with Dr. Thomas Gillaspie & Randy Sherwyn

In this special holiday-themed episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Dr. Thomas Gillaspie and Randy Sherwyn for a heartfelt conversation about the enduring spirit of Christmas.
Dr. Gillaspie, a veterinarian who treated over 5,000 service dogs in Vietnam, shares his experiences with these loyal canine companions and discusses his acquaintance with a dog named Zuzu.
Joining him is Randy Sherwyn, songwriter, creator, and producer of Christmas Across the Lands, who crafts a holiday broadcast, reaching audiences across the USA and beyond, through the American Forces Radio Network and stations on several other continents. He explains how his program, filled with timeless carols and heartfelt messages, fosters comfort, connection, and a sense of home for listeners everywhere.

Zuzu: All Grown Up – The Spirit of Giving with Celeste Edmunds and The Christmas Box International

In this special holiday episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Celeste Edmunds, Executive Director of The Christmas Box International and author of Garbage Bag Girl. Celeste shares her incredible journey from a turbulent childhood marked by abuse and hardship to becoming a beacon of hope for children worldwide. 

Zuzu: All Grown Up – Building the Arts at Lake Tahoe with Carol Spain

In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell are joined by Carol Spain, founding Executive Director of the Tahoe Tallac Association, now Valhalla Tahoe. Carol shares the incredible story of how she and Dr. Leo Buscaglia collaborated to bring the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre to life.
 
Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories of their friendship, the challenges they overcame, and the lasting impact of their work on Lake Tahoe’s arts community. 

Zuzu: All Grown Up - Making a Difference with Lynn Sanders

In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Lynn Sanders, founder of Difference Makers Media, story empowerment coach, and celebrated author. Lynn shares her journey of using storytelling to inspire positive change and discusses her children’s book Dancing with Tex: The Remarkable Friendship to Save the Whooping Cranes.

Zuzu: All Grown Up - Sharing the Stories of Dr. Leo Buscaglia with Steven Short

In this heartfelt episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Steven Short, Dr. Leo Buscaglia’s former personal assistant, editor, photographer, and close friend. Steven shares stories about his time working alongside the legendary author and speaker, who was known for spreading love and human connection.​
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the lasting legacy of one of the most impactful speakers of our time.

Zuzu: All Grown Up — Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine with Dr. Janice Cohn & Paolo Volpati-Kedra

In this powerful episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Dr. Janice Cohn, author of Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, and humanitarian volunteer Paolo Volpati-Kedra.
 
Dr. Cohn, a psychotherapist, was inspired to write the book after learning about the impact of war on children and families in Ukraine. Her story highlights the power of kindness in the face of trauma and how simple acts of compassion can provide hope and relief, even in the darkest of times. Paolo, who has been volunteering at the Poland-Ukraine border with World Central Kitchen, shares his firsthand experience helping refugees and supporting those affected by the war.
 
Tune in for a deeply moving conversation about how empathy and action can create meaningful change, even amidst crisis.