Christmas Cousins

It’s a question people around the world have quietly wondered:What is Cousin Seth actually like in person? What would it be like to actually meet him?In this very special episode, Cousin Lee—aka the Prince of Pittsburgh—and his better half, Maria, take the ultimate holiday-adjacent journey: a full-on pilgrimage to South Haven, Michigan, home of the one and only Recharge Coffee… and, of course, Cousin Seth himself.They surprise Seth, spend an evening and morning with him, and return with a full field report:What’s South Haven really like?What’s Recharge Coffee like in real life?And most importantly… what is Seth actually like when the microphones aren’t on?This is Embedded with Cousin Seth—a boots-on-the-ground investigation into the man, the myth, the barista.The results may surprise you. Or confirm everything you already suspected.Either way… the report is in. 

Welcome to a new chapter in Cousin Seth’s journey: Kringle Kindergarten.Yes, after the events of the now-infamous trial, Seth begins his next phase of seasonal education the only way the Cousins know how—by assigning him a Bluey Christmas episode to watch, study, and review in his own… unmistakable style.What follows is a full breakdown of the episode as only Seth can deliver: thoughtful, unpredictable, and occasionally veering into places no one saw coming.And in a true “miracle of miracles” moment, Seth has also completed a long-awaited task—he has finally sent Cousin Mary her Christmas card. In April.Is he extremely late for 2025?Or somehow early for 2026?At this point, we’re just asking questions.It’s a fun, slightly chaotic episode marking the beginning of Seth’s Kindergarten era—with lessons, progress, and just enough confusion to suggest we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.Class is officially in session.

In the aftermath of what experts are already calling the most significant broadcast event of our time, the Christmas Cousins return to do the only thing left to do:Try to understand what just happened.Yes, we’re talking about The Trial of Cousin Seth—the so-called trial of the century, a proceeding so consequential, so emotionally charged, so thoroughly overanalyzed… that we’re still not entirely sure what the verdict actually means.Now that the decision has been rendered (and possibly appealed in the court of public opinion), Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth are joined by Joe the Christmas Aficionado and Brian Herald aka "F. Scott FitzHerald" from Deck The Hallmark podcast to unpack it all:What exactly happened in that courtroom?Did justice prevail… or did Christmas?What does this mean for Seth’s future—his status, his journey, his standing in the seasonal hierarchy?And perhaps most importantly… what happens next?This is less a recap and more a post-verdict summit—a gathering of minds attempting to process the unprocessable.Because when something this historic occurs, you don’t move on.

All rise.It’s that time of year again—the most important proceeding on the Christmas Cousins calendar: The Trial of Cousin Seth.After completing Year Three of his journey to embrace Christmas—and, more ambitiously, all seasons—the question now stands before the court: did he do enough?Last year, Seth earned a hard-fought promotion from Seasonal Sophomore to Jolly Junior. But this year, the stakes are higher. Will he rise to the rank of Santa Senior? Or will the court find cause for demotion… back to Jolly Junior, Seasonal Sophomore, Festive Freshman—or, in the most extreme scenario, a full reset to Kringle Kindergarten?To ensure a fair and balanced hearing, we’ve assembled a truly formidable bench:Judge Bran (returning), of Deck The Hallmark and Gilmore the MerrierSupreme Court Justice Dan, brought in to maintain order should things spiral (they will)Representing the case:Prosecutor: Joe the Christmas AficionadoDefense Counsel: Festive Cousin Bob of Festive Four Film Fans...a last minute no-show...hmmm???Voice of the People / Bailiff: Cousin Lee, King of All SuperfansPlus, a surprise witness!!!And at the center of it all… the defendant himself: Cousin Seth.Evidence will be presented. Arguments will be made. Emotions may run high. The Christmas spirit will be tested.This isn’t just an episode—it’s a verdict.And it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Spring is here, St. Patrick’s Day has arrived, and the Christmas Cousins are doing what they do best: celebrating the seasons—and continuing Cousin Seth’s ongoing education in how to properly enjoy them.For this special episode released on St. Patty’s Day itself, the cousins are throwing a festive little holiday party complete with one of our classic beer tastings. Joined by Joe the Christmas Aficionado and Cousin Lee, the King of All Super Fans, the crew samples some appropriately green (and hopefully delicious) brews while putting Seth to the test.What does Seth actually know about St. Patrick’s Day? How has he celebrated it in the past? And can the cousins show him how to make it the best one yet?It’s a little bit holiday history, a little bit beer tasting, and a lot of laughs as the Christmas Cousins prove once again that the mission is simple: help Seth learn to love every season. 🍀🍻

Look, if it were entirely up to Cousin Seth, every meal would consist of eggnog and Cadbury eggs. And while that might sound like a dream to some people, his loving cousin Chad has concerns—mainly that Seth might benefit from actual nutrition once in a while.So in the spirit of both friendship and mild dietary intervention, the Christmas Cousins are diving into an impromptu Spring Trader Joe’s Tasting, sampling some of the newest seasonal items to see what’s worth picking up… and what should stay firmly on the shelf.As always, the cousins give their honest takes, their questionable culinary expertise, and a few updates on Seth’s ongoing journey through life, food, and whatever new challenges come next.

After a brief winter hiatus (ie Seth finally learned how to block Chad's incessant show related texts), the Christmas Cousins are BACK—and we’re officially declaring winter over.Cousin Seth has either seen his shadow or hasn’t (we’ll sort that out), but one thing is certain: spring is coming early and it’s time to honor a beloved Cousins tradition.That’s right. It’s Year Three of the legendary showdown: Cousin Seth vs. the Cadbury Egg.For two straight years, the Cadbury Egg has delivered a decisive victory. The creamy center. The psychological warfare. The aftermath. It hasn’t been pretty. But now, with another year of seasoning, maturity, and possibly digestive preparation under his belt… can Seth finally conquer the old slot of creamy goodness and make Cousin Chad proud?Or will history repeat itself?Winter may be over. But the Egg remains undefeated.Let’s see what happens.

It’s February, the decorations are long gone, and the real question is… how’s Cousin Seth doing?In Episode 260, the cousins (and the inimitable Joe, the Christmas Aficionado) sit down for a mid-winter catch-up to check in on Seth’s current vibe, his post-Christmas mindset, and whether any holiday spirit has managed to survive into February. We talk about what he’s been up to, what (if anything) is still feeling festive, his love life and where his head is as we move deeper into winter and start eyeing what’s coming next for the season.It’s a relaxed, honest check-in—no big experiments, no formal trials—just a pulse check on Seth, and what plans are starting to take shape for the months ahead.Sometimes you don’t need a spectacle… just a status update.

There are very few things in life that are universally beloved: puppies, ice cream, and—above all else—Cousin Seth.Yes, it’s finally here. A party that’s literally been half a century in the making. This episode is the official Sethstravaganza, celebrating Cousin Seth’s 50th anniversary on planet Earth. Fifty years. Five decades. An era.We’re marking the occasion the only way we know how—with a star-studded lineup of guests, live video surprises, heartfelt moments, playful roasting, and the kind of loving chaos that only a Seth-sized milestone deserves.This isn’t just a birthday episode. It’s a once-every-half-century event.Watch the live video over on Joe the Christmas Aficionado’s YouTube channel, or listen right here wherever great podcasts are found!

In this mid-January catch-up episode, Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth, Joe and Lee check in on life after the holidays—how the post-Christmas vibes are holding up and we cover a little about Seth's dating life...oh, who are we kidding, it was mainly about his dating life (with a special surprise segment starring Cousin Maria). Aside from that, I was on the episode and still don't know what it's about...remember, just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean Seth’s journey is.

New year, same questions—did Cousin Seth survive the holidays, or did the holidays finally survive him?We’re kicking off Season 11 by wrapping up everything Seth thought his Christmas was going to be… and everything it actually turned into. Joined by Cousin Chad, Joe the Christmas Aficionado, and Cousin Lee (King of All Superfans), we dig into the real story behind Seth’s Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.Was it calm? Was it chaotic? Was it secretly magical? Or was it exactly as uneventful as Seth predicted—and if so, why does everyone else remember it differently?This is the full holiday debrief: expectations vs. reality, surprises no one saw coming, and the moments Seth can’t walk back now that the season is officially over. It’s the first episode of the year, the official launch of Season 11, and the perfect reset before we do it all again.The holidays are done. The verdict is in. And Seth is back on the record.

It’s the final episode before Christmas, and the Cousins are doing what they do best — checking in, slowing down (a little), and soaking it all in. This week, Cousin Seth and Cousin Chad talk through their actual holiday plans, what they’re most looking forward to, and the traditions they’re excited to revisit.They also reflect on what didn’t happen this season — the things they hoped to do, meant to do, or are saving for next year. It’s thoughtful, funny, a touch sentimental, and exactly the kind of conversation you want in your ears as the holidays fully arrive.From all of us to all of you — thanks for listening, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!!

Last week, we got Joe ready for Christmas Con — the fits, the confidence, the pre-Con glow-up, and the mental prep for being seen by thousands of people who already think they know you.This week… we find out what actually happened.Joe is back from Christmas Con in New Jersey, and we’re breaking down the full experience — from the moment he hit the convention floor to the last “wait… are you Joe?” interaction.Did the glow-up deliver?Who recognized him first?Who did he meet?What surprised him the most?And what’s it really like when people finally see you in person, not through a screen?We talk:Celebrity encounters and behind-the-scenes momentsFan reactions — the good, the awkward, and the unexpectedHow often people said, “You look exactly like your videos”What felt different once the Con actually startedAnd whether he’d do it all again… or needs a recovery week firstThis episode is the real-world follow-up to last week’s pre-Con glow-up — no filters, no prep, just the honest post-Con breakdown of what Christmas Con is actually like when you’re in it.

Hallmark goes Hanukkah — and the Christmas Cousins are here to talk about it. This week, we’re reviewing Hallmark’s Hanukkah-themed movie of the year, and we’ve assembled a truly elite panel for the occasion. Joining Cousins Seth and Chad are beloved returning guests Lee (aka the Prince of Pittsburgh), Kacy from @theheartofreviews and Jennifer from "Do You Watch What I Watch?"!We dig into what works, what surprises us, what feels classic Hallmark, and where the movie genuinely shines. It’s thoughtful, fun, occasionally spicy, and full of the kind of cultural curiosity and festive joy we love exploring. Whether you watched the movie already or just want the highlights, this one’s a cozy, smart conversation worth spinning up.

This week, Cousin Chad is flying solo—well, as “solo” as one can be when joined by the unstoppable Joe the Christmas Aficionado, who has more Yuletide credentials than Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the entire North Pole HR department combined.With Cousin Seth out on assignment (or possibly hiding from eggnog), Chad and Joe dive into three of the most consequential events of the season: Christmas Con 2025 Preview:Joe reveals his plans, appearances, potential meet-and-greets, and whether he’ll be signing autographs for the tens of thousands of fans who know him as “that wildly monetized YouTuber with great lighting.” Will there be photo ops? Security details? A velvet rope? Who’s he excited to meet? Who’s excited to meet HIM? Joe’s Imminent, Highly Anticipated Haircut:Yes, the legend returns. After six long weeks, the world finally gets the answer:Will Joe’s famously impeccable hair return unchanged… or will he take a bold leap into “pre-Christmas Con chic”?The stakes?Global.Emotional.Possibly historical.It’s a fun, fast, festive episode full of laughs, Christmas hype, and the kind of absurdly specific holiday joy we happily deliver to our cousins worldwide!

BREAKING NEWS!!!In this quick bonus episode, we clear the air on a question that’s been hanging over the Christmas Cousins universe for far too long: Even though Seth hates eggnog, does he actually enjoy doing the eggnog tastings… or would he be thrilled if we never asked him do it again? We finally get the honest answer about whether the challenge is fun for him or just festive torture.From there, we jump into a progress check on Seth’s Christmas Activity Challenge List—the tasks assigned by Joe the Christmas Aficionado, King of All Superfans Lee, and Cousin Chad. Seth suddenly remembered a couple more items he was supposed to complete, so we take stock of where he stands, what he’s done, and what he’s still creatively avoiding.But the heart of this bonus episode is Seth’s biggest decision of Year Three:To tree or not to tree — Round 3.Will this be the year Seth gets another Christmas tree?If yes, will it be real or artificial?And what does that choice mean for his continued evolution from Jolly Junior to Santa Senior?It’s a fast, funny catch-up episode where we check in on Seth’s mood, momentum, progress, and whether he’s actually enjoying the iconic holiday experiences we keep throwing at him.

It’s finally here — our yearly Trader Joe’s Christmas Tasting episode, one of the most loved and most requested traditions on the show. Every year we dig into Trader Joe’s newest and weirdest holiday releases, and this year’s lineup might be the most interesting yet.And we’ve got a very special guest joining us: Chad’s dad, Uncle Barry, making his first official appearance on the show. He jumps in with us and Cousin Seth, Joe (@christmas_aficionado) and Lee (@steelcitychristmas) as we taste, rank, and react to Trader Joe’s 2025 Christmas offerings — from the classics to the limited-edition items that are already popping off the shelves.We’re giving our honest takes on what’s a must-try, what’s just okay, and what you can confidently skip this year. And yes — we’re also putting the new Greek Yogurt Eggnog to the test. (Cousin Seth trying anything eggnog-related is worth the listen alone.)Whether you’re here for the laughs, the reactions, or to know what’s actually worth buying before you head to Trader Joe’s, this episode delivers. Watch it on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts — this is one of our favorite episodes to make every year.

We did it — 250 episodes!Yes, somehow 47.83 million listeners (give or take… mostly give) have stuck with us through Christmases past, present, and future, and today we celebrate hitting the big 2-5-0 with a very on-brand episode:a wellness check on Cousin Seth’s holiday spirit.We’re deep in the season now, which means it’s time to evaluate how Seth’s Christmas Journey is going—especially since he’s been assigned a full slate of festive challenges by Cousin Chad, Joe the Christmas Aficionado, Cousin Lee, and pretty much the entire super-fan community.Is he thriving?Is he struggling?Has he lit any outdoor lights yet, or is he still emotionally negotiating with the extension cords?We check his progress, his mood, his merriment levels, and whether he’s on track to advance from Jolly Junior to Santa Senior—or whether we’re looking at a full-season remedial course.Join us for this milestone moment, a heartfelt thank you to our outrageously supportive listeners, and a promise for 250 more episodes…and beyond (sorry, Seth).

The holidays are officially in full swing, and the Christmas Cousins are celebrating the only way we know how—by cracking open some questionable seasonal brews with some people we love.Join Cousin Seth and Cousin Chad as they welcome back fan favorites: Joe the Christmas Aficionado (holder of just as many festive opinions as he has ornaments), Festive Bob (whose holiday spirit is legally measurable), Lee, King of the Super Fans (all rise),and this year’s distinguished new guest of honor… DAN from the Deck The Hallmark Podcast — Could he be the missing piece that finally makes this the perfect holiday weekend kickoff show?Together, this merry band embarks on the Third Annual Christmas Beer Tasting, sampling what we hope are the finest Yuletide brews in all the land. Will they be amazing? Will they be “gingerbread-adjacent regret”? Who knows! Last year we struck gold with a 10/10 Christmas beer, and the quest to find another begins now.It’s the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving weekend, your holiday party season, or your gentle slide into festive chaos.Raise a glass, tune in, laugh along—and remember… Happy Thanksgiving, and always ALWAYS drink responsibly! 

Cousin Seth has created his first-ever Christmas playlist—a chaotic, heartfelt, earnest attempt at “learning the way” of Christmas music. So we called in reinforcements: Scott from the Christmas Morning Podcast, one of Chad’s all-time favorites and a certified guru of festive tunes. Together with Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth, we’ll break down the playlist track by track: what slaps, what needs saving, and what crimes against Christmas melody must never be repeated. Expect laughs, debates, strong opinions, and maybe a few new songs added to your holiday rotation.

Fan-favorite Cousin Chris from ChristmasEveryMinute.com is back — and as always, he did his homework.This time he arrives armed with a full list of festive missions tailored specifically for the Cousins: everything Cousin Seth can do in Chicago to keep the holiday spirit pumping, plus a few North Carolina-friendly ideas for Cousin Chad.Chris also brings updates on his ever-expanding website, teases future Christmas content, and reveals the tragic discovery that pumpkin eggnog kegs do not exist in the Chicago area (a blow Seth may never recover from).We also dive into Seth’s new business ventures — including whether he’s ready to ship his coffee nationwide so Chris can feature it in his Top Ten Gifts for 2025 — and wrap things up with a look at our Thanksgiving plans, holiday prep, and general festive scheming.

It’s another Hallmark Happy Hour, and the holiday chaos continues!This week, Cousin Chad, Cousin Seth, Cousin Lee, Joe the Christmas Aficionado, and returning fan-favorite Brian from Deck The Hallmark crack open a few carefully selected beers to pair with Hallmark’s newest holiday adventure: Three Wiser Men, the latest entry in the Brennen Brothers saga.Will the movie leave us enlightened… or desperately wishing one of the wise men brought a stronger beer?Will Brian once again bring actual insight while the rest of us derail the plot entirely?Will Cousin Seth accidentally pick a beer that tastes like a melted candle? (Spoiler: odds are high.)Grab a brew, settle in, and join us as we break down the movie, the vibes, the pairings, and whatever tangents we fall into along the way.Holiday wisdom not guaranteed.

It finally happened. The moment historians, podcasters, and Christmas movie fanatics have all been waiting for — the great Christmas Cousins x Deck the Hallmark Summit. Yes, the world’s jolliest diplomatic mission since Potsdam (but with slightly fewer world leaders and far more eggnog).Cousins Chad and Seth are joined by the entire Deck the Hallmark crew — Bran, Dan, and Brian — along with Cousin Lee, the king of all super fans, and Joe the Christmas Aficionado for what can only be described as the most momentous holiday meeting in podcasting history.They kick things off with an eggnog toast (and possibly instant regret), then dive into what life is really like as full-time Hallmark podcasters, explore Brian’s delightful new book Oh, Christmas Tree, and share each of their “must-do” Christmas traditions that make the season feel complete.Expect laughter, nostalgia, questionable beverages, and the kind of chaotic Christmas chemistry that can only happen when two podcast universes collide.

Wondering what to buy for the billionaire in your life? The Christmas Cousins have you covered.This week, Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth are joined by everyone’s favorite (and fabulously wealthy) Cousin Lee for a deep dive into Oprah’s Favorite Things 2025. From $400 slippers to gold-plated everything, we’re walking through Oprah’s closet — metaphorically, of course (the security guards wouldn’t let us in).We’re separating the “Wow!” from the “Why?” and finding the perfect gift for everyone — billionaires, millionaires, and even a few “hundred-aires.”Expect laughs, luxury, and light roasting as we crown our own “Christmas Cousins Approved” favorites. 

It’s the most caffeinated time of the year — the red cups are back, the peppermint is flowing, and Starbucks has officially declared it’s Christmas season.Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth bravely step into the holiday battlefield armed with nothing but caffeine tolerance and questionable judgment to try every new Starbucks holiday drink.Are they merry and bright — or just overhyped and overpriced?From the Chestnut Praline to whatever “Toasted Sugar Cookie” thing they’ve concocted this year, we’ll sip, rate, and roast our way through the entire 2025 Starbucks holiday menu.It’s cozy. It’s chaotic. It’s way too much sugar.But someone had to do it — so we did. 

Have you ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and thought, “Does anyone actually live in a place like that?” Well, wonder no more, Cousins!In this episode, we’re chatting with Samantha, who actually grew up in a real-life Hallmark town in Michigan and now spends her holidays in South Haven, MI, home of twinkling lights, lakeside charm, and @RechargeCoffee (where the cocoa flows like Christmas spirit).We get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to celebrate Christmas in a small town — the festivals, the snow-covered main streets, the holiday traditions that feel straight out of a movie… and maybe even a few behind-the-scenes surprises that Hallmark never shows.Cousin Seth reconnects with his hometown friend, Cousin Chad tries not to pack his bags mid-episode to move there, and together we discover whether life in a Hallmark-style Christmas town is truly as magical as it looks — or if it’s all peppermint-scented smoke and mirrors.So pour yourself a mug, cozy up, and come live vicariously through Samantha’s story of small-town Christmas magic come to life.

Grab your favorite holiday brew and prepare for another Hallmark Happy Hour!This time, the Cousins and crew are diving headfirst into the time-bending world of “A Newport Christmas” — a Hallmark time-travel movie that left us asking one important question: Do we wish we could travel back in time and never have watched it… or was it actually a Christmas classic in disguise?We’re once again teaming up live with Joe, The Christmas Aficionado, for a simulcast across his YouTube channel and our podcast feed — a festive collaboration the Hallmark world didn’t know it needed but now can’t stop talking about.Joining Cousin Chad, Cousin Seth, and the King of All Superfans, Cousin Lee, is the always-insightful Shannon, co-host of The Christmas Morning Podcast monthly Party episodes, bringing her Hallmark expertise, her movie takes, and, of course, her perfectly paired holiday beer.So raise your glass, adjust your Santa hat, and join us for an episode full of time travel, taste testing, movie mayhem, and enough laughs to fill Santa’s sleigh — because when it’s Hallmark Happy Hour, things are bound to get a little merry and muddled.

 Season 10 is here! Break out the tinsel, cue the carols, and—brace yourself—because Cousin Seth is finally tasting eggnog. That’s right, in a moment that could alter Christmas history (or at least disgust the lactose-intolerant), the long-awaited pumpkin eggnog showdown begins!But that’s just the first stocking stuffer in this holiday triple-header. Joining Cousin Chad are the full festive crew: Cousin Lee, King of All Superfans, and Joe the Christmas Aficionado, as they raise a mug (or three) to the season ahead. Together, they serve up: A live eggnog toast that tests Seth’s survival instincts A list of holiday challenges Cousin Seth must complete to level up his Christmas cred And a deep dive into Cousin Chad’s world-famous hot cocoa bar — part Willy Wonka, part winter wizardry, all holiday magicIt’s the kickoff to Season 10, the official start of the Christmas season, and quite possibly the episode that lands one of the Cousins on Santa’s “watch list.”Grab your cocoa, spike it responsibly, and join the festive madness!

Grab your cocoa (or should we say cuppa?), because the Christmas Cousins are going international! This week, Cousin Chad welcomes back our favorite English cousin, Craig the Christmas Guy 365, for a festive cultural exchange that’s part Downton Abbey, part Home Alone 2: Lost in Translation.First up: Halloween in the UK. Why do some Brits think it’s a bit too spooky—or too American? We dive into how the holiday differs across the pond, and why it still raises an eyebrow or two.Then it’s on to Craig’s must-do Christmas checklist—the traditions, treats, and twinkling moments that make his season complete. What’s he most looking forward to this year? And what new festivities are on his radar?Finally, Craig flips the script: what does he want to see Cousin Seth try, taste, or tackle next on his Christmas journey? From mince pies to mistletoe mishaps, nothing’s off the table (or the pudding).

It’s a very special week on The Christmas Cousins Podcast, as we continue our crossover with our friends from The Christmas-Aficionado for the Hallmark Happy Hour!Cousin Chad is joined by the always-jolly Joe the Christmas Aficionado, the festive legend Cousin Lee, and a super special guest — Brian from Deck the Hallmark! Together, they’ll unwrap the much-anticipated new holiday movie “Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper” and pair it with the perfect seasonal beer. 🍺🎅But wait… where’s Cousin Seth? 🤔 Rumors are swirling. Is he home with a mysterious yuletide illness? Nursing a grudge against Brian from Deck the Hallmark? Or simply too jealous of Joe’s perfectly coiffed Christmas hair? We may never know!Either way, it’s bound to be a holly-jolly good time — with laughter, festive banter, and maybe even a “Seth on the Lam” segment or two. Tune in and celebrate the chaos, Christmas-style! 🎁

Ever wonder how those magical Christmas stores that stay open all year actually survive — or who’s shopping there in July? In this episode, the Christmas Cousins take a deep dive into the fascinating, slightly bonkers world of year-round Christmas shops...and maybe an epic Cousin Seth story!From the iconic Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan — the world’s largest Christmas store — to small, family-run ornament shops in seaside towns, we unwrap the history, the economics, and the unshakable holiday spirit that keeps these festive places alive long after the lights come down.Cousin Seth asks the hard-hitting questions (“Do they play Christmas music… all year?”), while Cousin Chad explores what drives people to keep the magic going 365 days a year. Expect laughs, wonder, and maybe even a newfound respect for the brave souls who live in a permanent winter wonderland.

The Christmas Cousins are back — and this time, it’s a full-on crossover event! Welcome to Hallmark Happy Hour, another collaboration with Joe the Christmas Aficionado, streaming live on his YouTube channel and later available right here on the podcast.We’re kicking off Hallmark’s 2025 Countdown to Christmas season in royal style with "A Royal Montana Christmas" — and pairing it with a beer that perfectly matches the movie’s mood, charm, and Christmas spirit...or lack thereof?Joining Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth for this festive roundtable are Joe, King Of All Superfans, Lee (@Steelcitychristmas) and Casey from @HeartofReviews, and her partner — plus a healthy dose of tangents, laughter, and a few hijack attempts from Seth (because what’s a Christmas Cousins episode without that?).Expect spirited debate, a little too much cheer, and maybe — just maybe — a few actual movie insights. Grab a drink and join us for this fun, chaotic, and oh-so-merry kickoff to the season! 

The Christmas Cousins are officially kicking off the Countdown to Christmas season — and yes, it’s only October, but you know how we roll. In this festive catch-up episode, we dive into Hallmark Channel’s opening weekend lineup, swap early-season impressions, and see just how ready Cousin Seth really is to sleigh his way into the holidays.We also tackle one of the most important questions of the year: what kind of Christmas tree will Seth choose for Year Three? Will he return to his real-tree roots, stick with artificial convenience, or surprise us all? Of course, there are many tangents along the way...It’s cozy, chaotic, and full of laughs — the perfect warm-up to another merry and slightly misguided holiday season with your favorite cousins.

The Christmas Cousins are back — but this time, we’re swapping snowflakes for cobwebs! Returning guest Kerry Frances (actress, writer, director, singer and future Hollywood legend — you’ve seen her in Knives Out and more) joins us to dive into Hallmark’s biggest Halloween event yet, Haul Out the Halloween.We break down everything from the casting and chemistry to the pumpkin-filled plot, the cozy-but-spooky vibes, and of course — Cousin Seth’s signature take. Is Hallmark ready to take over Halloween like it did Christmas? We’ve got theories, candy corn, and a lot of laughs.It’s a little haunted, a lot heartfelt, and 100% Cousin-approved. 🎃

The Favorite Christmas Ever series rolls on — and this time, we’re joined by none other than Brian Herald, one of the beloved cohosts of Deck the Hallmark!We get cozy and nostalgic as Brian takes us back to his most magical Christmas memories, the traditions that made him fall in love with the season, and the cozy chaos that makes the holidays so unforgettable (there's also a classic Cousin Seth story mixed in that is a must listen).It’s warm, witty, and full of that classic Cousins cheer — the kind of episode that makes you want to grab some cocoa, light the tree, and pretend you’re part of the Herald household for the holidays.

Welcome back Christmas Cousins!In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Brian Earl, the legendary host of Christmas Past and author "Of Christmases Long, Long Ago".We unwrap Brian’s own Christmas origin story — how he fell in love with the season, why he finds it endlessly fascinating, and how he turned his passion into one of the most beloved holiday podcasts around. We also dive into his brand-new book, swap stories about the psychology behind Christmas obsession (we may or may not be the case study), and find out what’s next for Christmas Past.It’s festive, it’s funny, it’s a sleigh ride through nostalgia and nerdy holiday joy — Christmas Cousins style!A must-listen for Christmas enthusiasts, nostalgia lovers, and anyone who believes the spirit of the season never fades!

Move over, Homer. Cousin Seth embarks on his very own epic journey: the long-feared, long-awaited Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats Challenge. Like Ulysses facing sirens and cyclops, Seth battles spoonfuls of Trader Joe’s pumpkin oats — not one, not two, but three consecutive servings.!!!Will he conquer his culinary nemesis and return victorious to his own modern-day Ithaca (a Chicago townhouse...err, mega-mansion)? Or will pumpkin spice finally vanquish him once and for all? Join the Cousins for an odyssey of fall flavors, heroism, and questionable breakfast choices.

The Cousins (plus the legendary Lee, the King of All Superfans and the inimitable Joe @christmas_aficionado) head back to the Hallmark archives to pluck out a forgotten autumn “classic” — Growing the Big One (2010). Why this movie? No one knows. Did it give us cozy fall vibes or just confuse us like a corn maze after dark? Did they really “grow the big one”? Only one way to find out. It’s a hayride of surprises, snark, and superfan-level insights as we kick off fall, Cousins-style.

The Christmas Cousins are back with a very special guest: renowned film critic and author Alonso Duralde! He’s here to talk about the newly revised and updated edition of his essential holiday classic Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas.We dive into how this book can level up your holiday season (and maybe even convince Cousin Seth to finally start his Christmas movie homework). Along the way, we explore Alonso’s own origin story: how does one actually get paid to watch movies for a living? What’s it like to literally write the book on Christmas movies? And what’s next for him?And, where exactly was Cousin Seth the whole time?!?

It’s back. It’s bigger than ever. And yes, people around the world (okay, mostly our listeners) wait all year for it: the Trader Joe’s Fall Tasting Extravaganza! 🎃🍁The Christmas Cousins are grabbing life by the fall once again, joined by Cousin Lee, as they dive headfirst into aisles of pumpkin-spiced madness. Will Seth survive the onslaught of gourds, cinnamon, and questionable novelty snacks? Will Chad discover a new fall favorite? And will Lee keep the cousins from derailing into pure chaos? (Spoiler: probably not.)From beloved returning treats to brand-new fall finds, we’re tasting it all so you don’t have to waste your cart space. Some items shine, some… should never see the light of day again.But here’s the best part: you get to play along. Tell us which Trader Joe’s fall items we missed, which ones you love, and which ones are so revolting that Seth deserves his own special punishment—er, tasting episode.So pour yourself a pumpkin coffee (or three), and join us for the most eagerly awaited fall foodie event of the season.

Yes, yes—we know. The Hallmark Channel dropped their brand-new Countdown to Christmas movie list days ago, and the entire internet has already screamed, swooned, or side-eyed their way through it. But here at the Christmas Cousins, we do things differently. Translation: we’re late.But being late has its perks. Because while everyone else has had their say, only we bring you the one-of-a-kind, completely unpredictable reactions of Cousin Seth. Three seasons in, Seth is still wrapping his head around the fact that these movies exist—let alone that people (like Cousin Chad) plan their lives around them. Will he be excited? Confused? Weirdly passionate about a movie he’s never going to watch? Like his eggnog takes, there’s no telling what you’re gonna get.So buckle up for our very belated, very necessary Hallmark movie list breakdown. Everyone else reacted already… but nobody did it with Cousin Seth energy. 🎄

By popular demand, it’s finally here—the Cousin Seth Creamer Tasting Special!After the success of our second annual Fall Creamer Taste Test, fans everywhere flooded the inbox with one burning question: “But what does Cousin Seth think?” 🍁☕Well, we heard you—and now Seth is stepping up (or maybe being dragged) into the creamer ring. In this special bonus mini-episode, Seth takes on a lineup of fall-flavored creamers, from pumpkin spice to brown sugar to whatever questionable concoction marketing teams dreamed up this year.Will he sip like a seasoned pro, recoil in festive horror, or deliver one of his legendary over-the-top reactions? Honestly… probably all of the above. Either way, this one’s for the books (and the laughs).Grab your favorite mug, pour something (hopefully not rancid), and join us for Seth’s creamer confessions! 🎃

Welcome back, Cousins to the audio version of a live crossover special that aired on t Christmas Aficionado's YouTube channel!Is it even fall if the Annual Pumpkin Beer Tasting hasn’t happened yet? We think not. That’s why the world’s most anticipated autumn tradition is finally here—the Third Annual Fall Beer Tasting Spectacular! 🍂🍺Everyone marks their calendars for this one (right?), and this year Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth are back at it with a full festive crew: Joe the Christmas Aficionado, King of the Super Fans Lee, and returning favorite beer taster extraordinaire Festive Bob from the Festive Foreign Film Fans Podcast...we even have some very special surprise guests join in on the fun!Which pumpkin brew will reign supreme? Which one will fizzle faster than last year’s cinnamon candle? And honestly… who really cares, because the laughs, questionable tasting notes, and general fall chaos are what we’re all here for.So crack a cold one, grab your flannel, and join the cousins and friends for a night of hops, pumpkins, and probably saving the world while we’re at it. 🎃And, most importantly, always drink responsibly!

The Christmas Cousins are back and ready to trade in their sunscreen for sweaters—it’s officially time to plan our Fall Bucket List Challenge! 🎃🍁In this episode, Cousin Chad (your seasoned holiday guide) and Cousin Seth (our brave but still-learning Jolly Junior) lay out the fall activities they’re tackling this season but Cousin Chad has a very special task for Cousin Seth...is he up for the challenge? Will Seth survive whatever Chad throws at him? Will Chad end up in a haunted corn maze at 2 a.m.? Or does Chad end the show before Seth can challenge him? Is Seth getting a fall tattoo?!? Only one way to find out…And the best part—you can play along! Make your own fall bucket list and follow the Cousins all season long as they check off the challenges. 🍂✨

The Christmas Cousins are back for their Second Annual Fall Creamer Taste Test!  Because if there’s one thing we love more than spreading year-round holiday cheer, it’s bravely taking on the “hard work” of sipping sugary seasonal creamers for the greater good. (You’re welcome.)This year’s lineup? Brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and all the other liquid fall fantasies your local grocery store can throw at us. Cousin Lee and Cousin Wife Leslie join the fun, while Christmas Cousin Mary requested this very episode, so you can thank her for the pumpkin-spiced festivities!Which creamers will reign supreme? Which ones belong in the clearance bin? Tune in for all the laughs, verdicts, and seasonal wisdom you didn’t know you needed. Got a favorite creamer (or a fall treat) we haven’t tried yet? Slide into our DMs, email us, or just peer-pressure Cousin Seth—he’ll cave.

Welcome to Season 9, Cousins!The cousins are back, and September has officially brought us out of summer and straight into the sacred “BER” months — where pumpkin spice flows like cheap wine and Christmas lights start calling our names. 🎃🎄We’re grabbing life by the fall (literally), hashing out our cozy-season game plans, 🍁🎄 Holiday devotee Cousin Chad is once again dragging his (somewhat) reluctant protégé Cousin Seth headfirst into autumn — pumpkin spice lattes, early decorating schemes, questionable traditions and all.What’s Seth actually looking forward to this fall? What (if anything) did he learn from past seasons under Chad’s relentless holiday boot camp? And how was Seth spending Septembers before he had a Christmas cousin dictating his festive calendar?From cousin check-ins to premature Christmas countdowns, this episode is your irreverent, slightly unhinged ticket to sliding headfirst into the most wonderful time of the year — whether you’re ready or not.

It’s back, Cousins—the Third Annual Fall Drink Battle Royale! 🍂☕🎉This year, the stakes are higher than ever as Starbucks and Dunkin’ go head-to-head in a pumpkin-spiced clash of the titans. Will Starbucks’ seasonal classics reign supreme, or will Dunkin’s bold flavors finally topple the PSL empire?Cousin Seth enters the ring with a twist—bringing his own Recharge Drinks into the fray. Meanwhile, Cousin Chad, the Christmas Aficionado Joe, Cousin Lee, and Cousin Wife Leslie all sip, sample, and squabble their way through this caffeinated cage match.Will Seth survive the Starbucks juggernaut? Will Dunkin’ pull off an upset? Or will Seth’s mystery brews steal the show? 🎃✨Grab your favorite fall drink, cozy up, and join the chaos as the cousins crown a winner in this festive, frothy showdown.

Just when you thought Christmas in July couldn’t get any jollier… surprise visitors literally show up at Cousin Seth’s front door! 🎁✨In this special episode of The Christmas Cousins, we go live from the surprise celebration, where co-host Chad orchestrated a secret meetup with not one, not two, but multiple festive favorites—including fan-favorites Cousin Lee, Festive Bob and the beach-loving Christmas Aficionado, Joe! 🎅🏽🍻We break down:How the surprise was plotted like a holiday heist 🕵️‍♂️🎄What really happened when festive forces collided in personThe aftermath: What it was like meeting Seth IRL (spoiler: he does exist!), and how he compares to his on-air persona.Is he as mysterious and charming? Taller than expected? More mayonnaise-averse in 3D?It’s all here—joy, laughter, awkward hugs, and a little seasonal magic… smack dab in the middle of summer.🎉 Grab a summer shandy, throw on some jingle bells, and join us for this unforgettable real-world rendezvous with Cousin Seth and the CCP all-stars!...

The Cousins are back and the summer hiatus is officially over! In this festive free-for-all, Cousin Seth and Cousin Chad dive into Christmas in July, Chad’s trip to Bramble Fest, and the latest updates on Cousins Seth’s ever-evolving business empire… and maybe even his love life . Plus, fan favorites Cousin Lee and Joe, @ChristmasAficionado return to stir the merry pot.  CCP Season 8 has officially begun! .......#christmas #merrychristmas #christmastree #christmasdecor #xmas #christmastime #christmaspodcast #podcast #natale #christmasgifts #handmade #santa #holidays #holiday #christmasdecorations #hallmarkchannel #christmasiscoming #family #december #navidad #smallbusiness #cousins #santaclaus #instagood #gifts #noel #giftideas #christmasinjuly #christmaslights #natal

🎙️🌞 Summer break mode: ACTIVATED!The Christmas Cousins are taking a quick hiatus before diving headfirst into Christmas in July—but first, we check in to hear about Cousin Seth’s brand new business venture.Catch our summer sendoff mini-episode now! And don’t worry—we’ll be back soon with more festive fun, fall previews, and all the chaos you love.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!