A Very K-Pop Demon Hunt! with Audrey Nuna | 9

Summary

Podcast Summary: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast

Episode 9: A Very K-Pop Demon Hunt! with Audrey Nuna

Release Date: December 17, 2025
Host: The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)
Guest: Audrey Nuna ("Audrey Doona" in episode), star of "K-Pop Demon Hunters"
Co-hosts: Cindy Lou Who, Max the Dog, plus intern Devin
Running Theme: Grinch vs. Cindy - Who will host Whoville's most epic holiday bash?

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Episode Overview

This lively, joke-packed episode brings a K-Pop twist to holiday hilarity, welcoming chart-topping artist and actress Audrey Nuna (star of the hit film "K-Pop Demon Hunters") to Mount Crumpet Studios. While the Grinch masterminds his over-the-top "Grinch-a-palooza" bash (in direct competition with Cindy Lou Who’s traditional tree lighting), listeners are treated to sharp-witted banter about food, fame, K-pop, demon slaying, and the peculiarities of holiday traditions.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Grinch’s Classic Rant: "Fusion Food and Restaurants Doing Too Much"

• Topic: The Grinch goes on a tirade about outlandish restaurant trends.
• Key Points:
  • Calls out restaurants with “fusion” concepts and over-complicated menu items.
  • Mocks inflated hamburgers and unnecessary foodie stunts:

    “Why is every burger built to be a pleading invitation for Guy Fieri to visit your restaurant? ... How about a giant scoop of Mac and cheese and an onion ring the size of a manhole cover? That’s like an act of war against your restroom cleaning staff.” (04:09)

  • High-end cuisine isn’t spared, especially “molecular gastronomy”:

    “It’s dinner, not a science experiment. ... Can I get the clear ball of venison cream on top of a beaker of liquefied kale gel... on the roof, in the snow, wearing a pressurized face helmet and VR goggles?” (04:48)

2. Meet Devin – The Bumbling New Intern

• Topic: Comedy sketch introducing Devin, Grinch’s new intern (son of an ice fishing friend).
• Highlights:
  • Devin’s confusion and literal interpretations generate comic relief, e.g.:

    “Clerical? I don’t know how to do doctor stuff.” (07:28)

  • Grinch grumbles about favors gone wrong and jokes about paying Devin in “pine cones and school credit.” (06:22)

3. Grinch-a-palooza vs. Tree Lighting – Holiday Event Rivalry

• Topic: Ongoing rivalry between Grinch’s flashy Grinch-a-palooza and Cindy Lou Who’s wholesome Whoville Tree Lighting.
• Insights:
  • Cindy promotes the traditional event, contrasting it with the Grinch’s pyrotechnics, cover charges, and... fog machines.

    “Celebrate the season without being fog machines or explosions or $300 cover charge. ...Just holly, jolly merriment and, you know, actual Christmas stuff.” (08:57)

4. Audrey Nuna Interview: K-Pop, Demon Hunting, and Holiday Spirit

• Segment Start: [10:31]
• Entering the Studio: Audrey “brings the sushi,” pleasing the Grinch’s taste for fermented foods.
  • Bond over love for yellowtail and shrimp heads:

    “I love that somebody just comes over with a tray of meats…and they go, you cook it…You know what food looks like when it’s cooked.” (12:10)

• Reacting to Film’s Success:
  • Audrey expresses disbelief and gratitude about “K-Pop Demon Hunters” breaking Netflix records:

    “I genuinely can’t believe the way that this film…has honestly just taken over not just my life, but the world. So I’m just so grateful to be a part of it.” (12:49)

• K-Pop Global Moment: Grinch reminisces about the "Gangnam Style" era, drawing parallels to his own impact on Whoville.
• Audrey’s Grammy Nominations and Sajo Boys' Defeat: Audrey jokes about competitors:
  • “The Saja boys are done. You know, they’re destroyed. They’ve been banished from this world.” (14:03)
• Potential Sequel/Grinch Crossover:
  • Grinch pitches himself as a villain in a sequel, combining Seuss characters and the K-pop universe ("Grinch-iverse"/"Seusserverse"):

    “Maybe the K Pop Demon Hunter characters…could just sort of take a backseat to my journey. And it’s mostly my thing. And it’s mostly me.” (15:02)

• Demon Hunting and Dance:
  • Grinch seeks demon hunting tips, Audrey offers training and a humorous insight:

    “There is a lot of rhythm in demon hunting. …You have to be very bodily aware.” (16:25)

• Holiday Traditions and Cookies:
  • Audrey shares her love for Christmas and “the magical phenomenon” that holiday cookies have “no calories.”

    “Everybody knows that when it’s holiday season, all the cookies you eat don’t count.” (17:13)

• Touching Moment: Grinch admits loneliness; Audrey encourages group cookie-eating as holiday magic. Grinch’s heart “grows,” requiring Audrey’s comedic “pat, pat, pat” to stabilize him (18:05).
• The Future of "Huntrix":
  • Audrey hints at a sequel and possible tour, urging fans to “keep asking.”

    “Kids, if you’re listening, keep asking for a Huntrix tour…maybe we have a shot.” (19:25)

  • She also confesses she loves the holidays but not Christmas music (19:17).

5. Recap: Grinch and Cindy’s Escalating Rivalry (21:00 onward)

• Confrontation:
  • Cindy Lou Who tries to broker peace, bringing custom T-shirts for all except the Grinch (sly dig on event rivalries).

    “Oh, dear, I must have forgotten. Silly me. I brought exactly enough for everyone else.” (25:02)

  • Grinch’s extravagance and Cindy’s traditions collide, culminating in a spat over “painted abs” and “glitter-infused hummus.”
• Memorable Jabs:
  • Cindy: “Your porta-potties have chandeliers.” (23:57)
  • Grinch: “Discerning dumps worldwide. Yes, we just inked a sponsorship deal.” (24:02)
  • Cindy: “You used to avoid crowds and people. Now you have painted abs.” (24:06)
  • Grinch: “Touched up abs. How dare you question my BMI?” (24:21)
  • Cindy: “You’re a sellout, Mr. Grinch. And the worst kind, because you sold out friendship for this Grinch. A stupid loser.” (25:52)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 04:09 | “Why is every burger built to be a pleading invitation for Guy Fieri to visit your restaurant? ...That’s like an act of war against your restroom cleaning staff.” | Grinch | | 07:28 | “Clerical? I don’t know how to do doctor stuff.” | Devin | | 12:49 | “I genuinely can’t believe the way that this film…has honestly just taken over not just my life, but the world. So I’m just so grateful to be a part of it.” | Audrey Nuna | | 14:03 | “The Saja boys are done...They’ve been banished from this world.” | Audrey Nuna | | 16:25 | “There is a lot of rhythm in demon hunting…You have to be very bodily aware.” | Audrey Nuna | | 17:13 | “Everybody knows that when it’s holiday season, all the cookies that you eat don’t count.” | Audrey Nuna | | 25:02 | “Oh, dear, I must have forgotten. Silly me. I brought exactly enough for everyone else.” | Cindy Lou Who | | 23:57 | “Your porta-potties have chandeliers.” | Cindy Lou Who |

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Grinch’s Restaurant Rant: 02:41 – 05:37
• Devin Intern Introduction: 05:37 – 08:53
• Event Rivalry: Cindy Lou Promo: 08:57 – 09:15
• Audrey Nuna Interview: 10:31 – 20:43
• Grinch/Cindy Rival Confrontation: 21:30 – 26:08

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Summary Tone & Style

• Original Language & Humor: Sarcastic, rapid-fire, and loaded with playful mockery, the episode maintains the classic Grinch snark while allowing moments of warmth and self-deprecating humor. Audrey Nuna keeps pace, offering both humility and quick wit in her responses.
• Pacing: The show moves quickly, blending character sketches, holiday puns, and meta-pop culture references.

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Takeaway

“A Very K-Pop Demon Hunt!” delivers a tightly packed, comedic holiday episode marked by playful rivalry, pivoting from food trends and K-pop stardom to the social meaning of cookies. The Grinch and Audrey Nuna’s banter is both irreverent and heartfelt, with the episode closing on the enduring (if tension-filled) friendship between Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. Whether you came for the K-pop or the Christmas mischief, this episode has a little something for every type of holiday humbug.

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Transcript

[Announcer]

Wondery subscribers can listen to Tis the Grinch Holiday podcast ad free. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.

[The Grinch]

Wondery. Okay, who cleaned up the studio before the guest gets here? I told you, I want them to feel uncomfortable. Another buzzing.

[Audrey Doona]

Hello.

[The Grinch]

You can just leave the sushi platter. That spells out welcome to Grinchapalooza and thank you for not attending the Whoville Tree lighting ceremony by the gate. O. It's a long message to spell out in California rolls. I know.

[Audrey Doona]

Actually, hi, it's Audrey noona. I'm here for the podcast.

[The Grinch]

Omg Audrey. I totes forgot. Well, listen, I have a lot of last minute deliveries for my palooza arriving soon. Would you mind waiting down there for the sushi guy to arrive? Come down.

[Audrey Doona]

If we can share the sushi, we.

[The Grinch]

Could talk about that. Just sign for the platter, check all the spelling and grammar, and then bring the entire thing up with you. Okay. You might have to make a couple trips. It's fine.

[Audrey Doona]

I am down for the sushi. I also love sushi. It's my favorite food ever.

[The Grinch]

What's your favorite sushi?

[Audrey Doona]

Fish. Probably a tie between scallop, yellowtail and sweet shrimp. How about you?

[The Grinch]

Mine's definitely yellowtail, but I love sucking the brains out of a shrimp head.

[Audrey Doona]

I hate to say it, but same.

[The Grinch]

Thanks, Homie. I'll see you up here soon.

[Audrey Doona]

All right, see ya.

[Narrator]

From Wondry and Dr. Seuss broadcasting from Mount Crumpet Studios, where all the micro microphone covers have stray green hairs on them, it's Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. As always, the Grinch is joined by his co host, producer Whoville Influencer. And I'm getting the that's enough sign from the Grinch. It's Cindy Lou who.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Ho ho. Hold on to your hats. It's Christmas time.

[Narrator]

Plus, in a weird role reversal, sometimes he picks up the Grinch's poops. That's disgusting. It's Max the dog. Now here's your host. He likes to go to the batting cage and hit Christmas ornaments.

[The Grinch]

The grid. Wow, he was really singing your praises there, Sandy Lou who?

[Cindy Lou Who]

And all of it's true. What can I say? Hoo boy.

[The Grinch]

Pardon my belly. Glad we mic'd it though.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Sounds like you're hungry, Mr. Grinch.

[The Grinch]

Yes, I skipped lunch because the suits are taking me out to that new Italian chain restaurant with huge portions, Pasta Monium, which dovetails very nicely into.

[Narrator]

Hold on to your seats.

[The Grinch]

Keep on your pants.

[Narrator]

The Grinch is going on one of his rants.

[The Grinch]

Who is my target today? With my devastatingly lethal rant Ray, I'll tell you who restaurants that do too much like. I love these places that try to combine cuisines to confuse your brain into thinking they're interesting. Can I interest you in our South Pacific poke wonton chicken quesadilla, Tex Mex ravioli, Cajun shrimp bowl. It comes with a side of meatballs or a collector's edition samurai sword? Um, no, you cannot.

[Cindy Lou Who]

I believe the term is called fusion restaurants, and I happen to really enjoy the creativity.

[The Grinch]

Cindy, who cares? Keep up, kid. Listen, restaurants, could you please spend more time focusing on making great food and less time thinking about how to get an influencer to post about the tableside cookie dough fondue volcano experience you added to your menu. The only thing I want to experience at a restaurant is seeing the shock and awe on the faces of the people at the next table when I let out one of my classic post meal full bodied belches and bro. Even simple menu items like a hamburger aren't safe anymore. I mean, why is every burger built to be a pleading invitation for Guy Fieri to visit your restaurant? Hmm, this burger looks good. But what's missing that might catch the eye of a guy who looks like if the PacSun store was a person? I know. How about a giant scoop of Mac and cheese and an onion ring the size of a manhole cover? That's like an act of war against your restroom cleaning staff. It really is. And that's all right here, right now on stinky, pukey, and clogged. And here's another thing. Even fancy foodie higher end places are doing too much to their food, too, and it's nuts. Garcon. Excuse me, but why is my halibut wrapped in prosciutto? Is that necessary? Did it get cold in the oven? I know I'm in an oven, but I need a jacket made of pork.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Wow, that was a decent impression of a halibut.

[The Grinch]

Thank you. Work in progress. But since you bring up fish. Hey, sushi restaurants, maybe chill on the names of your menu items. Okay? Why does everyone have to be named after a natural disaster? Volcano roll, Tsunami salad, Tornado takamaki topped with hurricane hamachi crudo. And brace yourselves, because here comes the earthquake. And above it, I mean, should we order or hide under the table? And one more thing. The higher end you go, the more ridiculous it gets. Have you seen this molecular gastronomy stuff? Oh, my gosh, give me a break. It's dinner, not a science experiment. Ooh, ooh. Can I get the clear ball of venison cream on top of a beaker of liquefied kale gel, which has a lobster steam billowing out of it. Yes, you can. But we can only serve that to you on the roof, in the snow, wearing a pressurized face helmet and VR goggles. That's enough restaurants. Keep it simple, ya bit Grinch.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Mr. Grinch, I know you loathe questions, but the whole time during your rant, I was wondering, are you ever going to introduce the young man with headphones and a microphone standing right next to you?

[The Grinch]

Who? Him? Oh, yeah, sure. This is Devin, my new intern.

[Devin]

I'm Devin, his new intern.

[The Grinch]

That's what I just said. Yep.

[Devin]

And you go to school at East Whoville Community State.

[The Grinch]

Got it. And why are you in the studio with us wearing a set of headphones, Devin?

[Devin]

I don't know.

[The Grinch]

Okay. Seems like a pretty sharp kid, huh, Cindy? Sure.

[Audrey Doona]

Hi.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Welcome, Devin. Weirdly strong handshake. Um, Mr. Grinch, it's just I didn't know we had the budget for another employee.

[The Grinch]

We don't. I pay him in pine cones and school credit.

[Devin]

Pine cones are the money of nature. I'm sorry, what?

[The Grinch]

Never mind. Devin. Cindy, he's the son of my friend Harry, who's a. What? Who I go ice fishing with, and he asked me to give him a job, so just a nice favor to a friend that I totally won't hold over him for years to come as leverage. Plus, I'm sure he'll be a real asset. Devin, tell Cindy about how interested you are in content creation.

[Devin]

Wait, you know my dad?

[The Grinch]

Yes, Devin, I had dinner at your house last night, remember?

[Devin]

That was real.

[The Grinch]

Hoo, boy. Hey, Devin, we love your initiative so far, but you know what? We have to get back to the show, okay? So maybe take the headphones off and sit quietly over there.

[Devin]

Okay, no prob, Mr. Finch. Taking headphones off, just.

[The Grinch]

Yeah, over your head. Over your head.

[Announcer]

Watch the court.

[The Grinch]

Don't strangle yourself on the court. No. Careful. Please stop swinging them around your head like a lasso. Okay, thanks, Devin. He'll be doing mostly clerical stuff from now on.

[Devin]

Clerical? I don't know how to do doctor stuff.

[The Grinch]

Wow. Devin, Devin, Devin, Devin. Why don't you go back to your desk, find some random objects in the drawer to tape together, and we'll check on your progress later.

[Devin]

Okay, so, like, just take one thing and then just tape that thing to something else?

[The Grinch]

That's right. Have fun. We need a very important big boy to go tape together random objects. Okay? So just go find an empty Room, tape some stuff together. All right.

[Devin]

Okay.

[The Grinch]

Cindy, what have I done?

[Cindy Lou Who]

Well, it seems like you've hired an unqualified person without checking with me first, so.

[The Grinch]

I agree. Max, you're way smarter than him and you get scared by your own farts. Well, shoot, Sen. For once, I think you're right. Looks like we got a dim bulb in our Christmas lights. I knew doing a favor for a friend was a terrible idea because now we're stuck with Devin the dingbat, who is now coming back into the studio. Okay. Shit, shit, shit. Here he comes. Devin, you're back.

[Devin]

I got lost.

[The Grinch]

How is that possible? Devin, it's a 12 by 12 cave partment.

[Devin]

Guess I took a wrong turn.

[The Grinch]

Sandy, take over. I'm gonna lead Devin back to his desk. This is just.

[Devin]

Also, I've never used tape before this generation.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Oh, and he's gone.

[Audrey Doona]

Hi.

[Announcer]

Hi.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Hello. This is Cindy Lou. Who? With a reminder that Whoville's tree lighting ceremony is just around the corner, it's the perfect place to celebrate the season without being fog machines or explosions or $300 cover charge. And it is coming back like some other event being thrown by a certain someone on the same night. Just holly, jolly merriment and, you know, actual Christmas stuff.

[The Grinch]

See you there. Grinch cut her mic. Hey there, Grinch fans.

[Announcer]

If you and the family are enjoying the show, I have the perfect recommendation for you. After you've listened to every episode of Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. Obviously, it's a podcast called the Cinnamon Bear A Holiday Adventure. The magical Cinnamon Bear, played by the one and only Alan Cumming, helps little Jimmy and Judy on a quest to find their stolen tree topping star. Along the way, they'll encounter some bizarre characters, including Mr. Presto, the magician voiced by John Goodman, and Santa Claus himself played by Ryan Reynolds. A little bit of humor mixed with a star studded cast. Did we mention Rachel Dratch too? And you've got a deliciously rich and rewarding holiday experience. Listen to the Cinnamon Bear, a Holiday Adventure only on Audible. And Grinch listeners can get Audible for only 99 cents a month for the first three months. For a limited time, save over 90% on the best selection of audiobooks plus podcasts like the Cinnamon Bear. Just visit the Audible website and look for the limited time offer banner. Happy Holidays.

[Narrator]

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel.

[The Grinch]

You're as cuddly as a cactus. You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch. You're a bad banana with a greasy black pill. My Guest tonight is the golden voice behind one of the biggest movies of the year, K Pop David Hunters. She's up for four Grammy Awards, including saga of the year. Meanwhile, I can't even get a single chair to turn around. On the Voice, Whoville Rude. She plays Mira, the K pop demon slaying singer of Huntrix. Please welcome Audrey Doona.

[Audrey Doona]

Hi. I'm so excited to be with you today.

[The Grinch]

Oh, my gosh. I'm just so glad you came up the mountain and you flew in and.

[Audrey Doona]

You know, I brought the sushi.

[The Grinch]

You brought the sushi? All right, you know what? Just leave that by the window and we'll let it dry out and take on some new flavor contours.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh, God.

[The Grinch]

In the air.

[Audrey Doona]

Fermenting the sushi. Okay.

[The Grinch]

Yeah. Well, come on. I mean, fermenting, that's gut health. That's flavor.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah, man, I'm Korean. You don't have to tell me. I love fermented, stinky foods. Kimchi.

[The Grinch]

I love fermented, stinky foods. I love Korean food. You know what I like about Korean food?

[Audrey Doona]

Meat.

[The Grinch]

Meat. I love just the meats. I love that.

[Audrey Doona]

Is that really what you're gonna say?

[The Grinch]

I love that somebody just comes over with a tray of meats and they flip it on and they go, you cook it. And I go, well, I don't know how to cook this. Then they go, well, you know what food looks like when it's cooked.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah.

[The Grinch]

So just sit there till it is.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah, that's the fun part of it. It's interactive. You don't like that.

[The Grinch]

I do like that. Real talk. I was expecting a full scale diva entrance from you, complete with a sword through my front door. So Max is on high alert, but you seem pretty down to earth. Now. Listen, you were part of the most watched film of all time on Netflix, over 325 million views. When you found out, were you just like, ha, ha, take that, Emily in Paris, or did you have some kind of different, more humble reaction for some weird reason?

[Audrey Doona]

You know, every time someone says this to me, I get surprised all over again because I genuinely can't believe the way that this film, K Pop Demon Hunters, has honestly just taken over not just my life, but the world. So I'm just so grateful to be a part of it. But also, yeah, it does feel good. And take that world. Because you know me as a kid, I would have never imagined that a film about Korean culture would be so popular.

[The Grinch]

The biggest thing, I mean, it's really cool. You've seen these moments where something from, like, the K pop world just totally dominates. And, I mean, gosh, I was listening to Gangnam Style.

[Audrey Doona]

What an era.

[The Grinch]

I mean, the people of Whoville were really sick of me during the Gangnam Style era. I'm kind of the psy of.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah, I see this for you.

[The Grinch]

Of the Whoville area. He's got that ego. He can dance. He's really. He's doing the horsey thing.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah. And the hip mobility is there.

[The Grinch]

The hip mobility. Well, not anymore for me. Speaking of totally owning your competition, you have four Grammy nominations. What? So be honest. How do you think the Sajo boys are coping with the zero noms?

[Audrey Doona]

I mean, the Saja boys are done. You know, they're destroyed. They've been banished from this world. I think they're probably in the underworld just waiting for their redemption. But I don't know. I'm not scared right now.

[The Grinch]

Waiting around for K pop demon hunters 2. You know, it's coming. I mean, it's just so many sequels these days. I mean.

[Audrey Doona]

I know. I mean, how. How could you not? I mean, we'll see. It seems like there's going to be a sequel. Yes.

[The Grinch]

Can I be the bad guy in it? Make it a holiday thing? I'm a great holidays villain. You know what I mean?

[Audrey Doona]

Oh, my God.

[The Grinch]

We can combine the world. You know, maybe it's like a. Across the. The Huntrix verse.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah.

[The Grinch]

Seusserverse thing, and it's me and Lorax.

[Audrey Doona]

I'll have to talk to Maggie and Chris, the directors of the film, about that. And, you know, I think a lot of people are probably pitching their ideas to them about the second movie, but I do think they might be interested in this Seuss universe collaboration.

[The Grinch]

Yeah, I think we're on to something across the Grinch Iverse. And then maybe the K Pop Demon Hunter characters and Huntrix and everybody could just sort of take a backseat to my journey. And it's mostly my thing. And it's mostly me.

[Audrey Doona]

Ooh. Okay, well, we're gonna have to talk about that.

[The Grinch]

Hey, you're very busy coming off of the most successful movie in Netflix history, but I have to ask, do you have any spare demon hunting time?

[Audrey Doona]

I mean, of course you do.

[The Grinch]

All right, good. I have a pitch for you. There's this guy up north, a big guy, way up north, with, like, an army of elves, wears red velvet fur lined, he's jolly, yet doesn't sound like a demon.

[Audrey Doona]

And I think you're talking about Santa.

[The Grinch]

You got it. I could use some help hunting him down.

[Audrey Doona]

I have to say, Santa's not a demon, so I can't help you with that one. But, you know, maybe you should come by me and the other girls training facilities for demon hunting at some point and you can just learn some cool moves with us.

[The Grinch]

Just pick up some more moves. Yeah, I mean, I've got a lot of hip trouble lately.

[Audrey Doona]

Right.

[The Grinch]

Knees not far behind. So as far as dancing goes, it's a lot of arms for me and a lot of hands.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh, I was thinking more demon hunting, but if you want to learn dancing, we can do that, too.

[The Grinch]

I mean, I would assume the two go hand in hand.

[Audrey Doona]

Ah, it's very poetic, actually. Yes, there is a lot of rhythm in demon hunting. I would say you have to be very bodily aware, so you're right.

[The Grinch]

Bodily aware.

[Audrey Doona]

Yes. You like that one?

[The Grinch]

I think I'm too aware of my own body. You know what? It's lonely up here. Every once in a while, I catch a look at myself in the mirror. I go, what happened?

[Audrey Doona]

So you do get lonely?

[The Grinch]

Course I get lonely. You're seeing through all of my deceptions. Don't tell me that you're one of these Christmas softies that just loves Christmas and Christmas is the best and all this stuff.

[Audrey Doona]

You know, I do love Christmas because I feel like the holidays are the perfect time to spend time with people that you love. And what's there not to like about that? Also cookies. Cookies, yeah.

[The Grinch]

Speak on that.

[Audrey Doona]

Everybody knows that when it's holiday season, all the cookies that you eat don't count. So you can eat as many cookies as you want, and that's just the most magical thing ever.

[The Grinch]

What is this cookie rule?

[Audrey Doona]

It's just a known magical phenomenon that happens around the holidays. You can eat as many cookies as you want, and you give some to Santa as well, and it's just the best time ever.

[The Grinch]

I love a sugar rush and I love cookies, but what are you talking about? You're eating these cookies with people you love.

[Audrey Doona]

I mean, everybody knows that when you eat cookies together, it's way better than when you eat them alone.

[The Grinch]

So beautiful. Because I usually just eat my cookies alone.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh, my gosh.

[The Grinch]

And the thought of taking time out of Christmas, just be like, it's okay. We can just eat cookies all night and we can just be together.

[Audrey Doona]

Whoa. Okay.

[The Grinch]

My heart's growing.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh. Oh, God.

[The Grinch]

My heart's two sizes too small. My rib cage adjusted to that size, and now my heart's going two sizes too big. My equilibrium is two sizes too small. So when it goes back to normal. That actually means it's too big. It's not enough proof work. Oh, my.

[Audrey Doona]

Is he good, guys? Does he need a paramedic or something?

[The Grinch]

Just do me one quick favor.

[Audrey Doona]

Yes.

[The Grinch]

Pat me on the back five times quicker.

[Audrey Doona]

Got it.

[The Grinch]

And you need to say pat while you do it. You need to go pat, Pat, pat, pat, pat, pat, pat, pat.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh, my God.

[The Grinch]

Oh, my God.

[Audrey Doona]

I see. Okay. Are you good?

[The Grinch]

I'm good. I'm good. I think the pat. There's something about when you do the pat, but when you say pat out loud kind of reinforces it. It gives it more force that really just kind of.

[Audrey Doona]

Yeah, that's true. I talk to myself all the time, too.

[The Grinch]

Okay, thanks for.

[Audrey Doona]

Okay, so now your heart's bigger?

[The Grinch]

No, it's gone back to its normal size, and I've forgotten about the cookie thing.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh.

[The Grinch]

So let's move on.

[Audrey Doona]

Oh, my God. Fine.

[The Grinch]

All right, we need to wrap it up. What's next for Huntrix? A world tour? A sequel? Please tell me it's not a Christmas album.

[Audrey Doona]

No, I don't think Christmas album. I personally actually don't love Christmas music as well. I love the holiday, but don't love Christmas music.

[The Grinch]

All right, let's go.

[Audrey Doona]

But I will say, kids, if you're listening, keep asking for a Hunt Tricks tour, because as of now, we have no plans. But I think if everyone keeps asking, keeps asking, asking, asking, asking, asking, asking, maybe we have a shot. We'll see.

[Announcer]

We'll see.

[Audrey Doona]

And, yeah, apparently there's a sequel happening.

[The Grinch]

I just have to assume nobody's called.

[Audrey Doona]

Me about it yet, but I have seen this on the Internet, so let's look forward to it.

[The Grinch]

And everything that you read on the Internet is true, right?

[Audrey Doona]

Ah, see? Yeah. No, no, guys. Be careful what you read on the Internet. Not everything's true. Read some books. Books are good. I like books.

[The Grinch]

Read books and ask an adult before surfing the Web. I say surfing the web because I'm 1,000 years old. Audrey, thanks for coming on the show, and good luck getting down Mount Crumpet. I can't help you, but I think that gravity's gonna be your best friend in this.

[Audrey Doona]

Thanks, man. And I want to say, I think, despite all the, you know, the haters, I think you're a really nice guy. And, you know, we should do this again sometime.

[The Grinch]

Yo, let's go. In spite of all the haters, Grinch is a nice guy. You heard it.

[Audrey Doona]

Yes, sir.

[The Grinch]

Straight from Mira. From Huntrix. Thanks, Audrey.

[Audrey Doona]

Thanks, Grinch. Peace out.

[Narrator]

We now return to Our Countdown to Christmas featurette. It's Cindy versus the Grinch. And dueling holiday events held on the same night. Cindy and her Whoville Tree Lighting Ceremony and Grinch's Grinchapalooza. Last we heard, Cindy and Grinch went toe to toe with some pretty targeted ad campaigns.

[Cindy Lou Who]

No need to to visit Grinch's Snooza.

[The Grinch]

Palooza on RSVP to Cindy Lou who's lighting ceremony.

[Narrator]

Will Cindy forgive the Grinch? Will Grinch lose himself in the competition? Let's find out.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Okay, deep breath, Cindy. You're gonna be nice. Call a truce. Just here to drop off some commemorative Blueville Tree Lighting Ceremony T shirts and be gone. No lectures, no pack passive aggressive digs, and definitely no reminding him that Grinchapalooza is currently using up so much power that Mrs. Trevil can't finish dosing your prison's vehicle.

[The Grinch]

Hi there.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Aren't you frighteningly adorable? I can barely control myself. Never mind I make silly puns when I'm nervous. Anyhoo, you must be part of Mr. Grinch's animal security team. Could you tell him Cindy is here to see him? I brought honey sticks for the crew. Works every time.

[The Grinch]

Also, someone ordered me a mango bone broth smoothie with extra peat moss. If I don't have it in three minutes, I'm canceling the drone show.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Oh, Mr. Grinch, is that you? Are those frosted tips? You look like you host a reality show about flipping gingerbread houses.

[The Grinch]

Thank you. It's called presentation, Cindy. I'm not just hosting a festival. I am the festival.

[Cindy Lou Who]

And your face looks frozen between a smile and a nervous breakdown.

[The Grinch]

It's the Hollywood glaze, Cindy. The official look of famous people over 50. It says I'm still hot, but I've seen things.

[Cindy Lou Who]

You're kind of unrecognizable.

[The Grinch]

I evolved, Cindy. It's called reinventing yourself. This is my Jim Carrey Dr. Robotnik moment.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Don't think that's a thing.

[The Grinch]

Oh, it's a thing. Excuse me, but why are you here?

[Cindy Lou Who]

Mr. Grinch, I actually didn't come here to argue. I came here to make peace. Things have gotten out of hand between us.

[The Grinch]

That's rich. You came here for a truce after airing an attack ad with literal sleigh bells underscoring how simple and pure your event is compared to mine.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Correct. Because you've changed. And not in a fun morning TV makeover montage kind of way. More like in a daytime TV catch me outside confrontational sort of way.

[The Grinch]

Please, you're just jealous because Your event has a choir in matching scarves, while mine has flamethrowers synchronized to dubstep.

[Cindy Lou Who]

That wasn't a cue because you're doing too much. Your porta potties have chandeliers.

[The Grinch]

Discerning dumps worldwide. Yes, we just inked a sponsorship deal.

[Cindy Lou Who]

You know what? I came here hoping we could meet in the middle, maybe laugh about all of this someday. But this doesn't feel like you anymore. You used to avoid crowds and people. Now you have painted abs.

[The Grinch]

Touched up abs. How dare you question my bmi?

[Cindy Lou Who]

You know what? It's clear you've lost the thread. But since I came all this way, I'll just hand out the shirts I made and leave. Max, this is for you.

[The Grinch]

Oh, wow. I see you brought us some custom T shirts from your little tree lighting ceremony.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Mm, hand stitched by yours truly, Flax. Here's some XXL for your All Bear security force. One for you.

[Audrey Doona]

You.

[Cindy Lou Who]

You over there with the tool belt. Badger in the hard hat, you get one too.

[The Grinch]

And where's mine? Is there a schmedium in there for me?

[Cindy Lou Who]

Oh, dear, I must have forgotten. Silly me. I brought exactly enough for everyone else. I'm sure you don't mind. I mean, you hate my tree lighting ceremony, right? You wouldn't be caught d e a d in one of these.

[The Grinch]

I see the game you're playing, and I refuse to let your T shirt shenanigans make my scowl break through this very expensive Botox barrier. Security, escort her off the premises. Dear.

[Cindy Lou Who]

No touching. I will show myself out, thank you very much. But just remember that you chose this Mr. Grinch. The fog cannons, the holograms, the. Is this glitter infused hummus?

[The Grinch]

Yes, but don't eat it. One kid made that mistake, and he's glow in the dark now.

[Cindy Lou Who]

You're a sellout, Mr. Grinch. And the worst kind, because you sold out friendship for this Grinch. A stupid loser. Good day to you all.

[The Grinch]

Then I declare our friendship officially paused. On ice. Permanently frozen. Still co workers though, right? Right. I wouldn't touch you with a 39 and a half foot pola. And they really make them that long. Go off, kings. How about some organ? Yeah, that's nice. Okay, wrap it up.

[Announcer]

Follow Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast on the Wondery App, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast ad free by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short [e-mail] survey. If you have a tip about a story you think we should investigate, please write to [e-mail] tips.

[Cindy Lou Who]

TIS the Grinch Holiday Podcast is a production of Wondery and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, starring James Austin Johnson as the Grinch, with Anjulika Napaneni as Cindy Lou who? And Anthony Atamanick as the announcer. This episode was written by our lead writer, Dan Cronin and Joe Redlingschafer, featuring voice acting by Dan Cronin. Our sound designer is Jamie Cooper, music supervision by Scott Velasquez for Frison Saint. Senior producers are Adam Azeroff, Jennifer Klein Walker and Brian Taylor White. Our associate producer is Kim Baekema. Sarah Mathis is our managing producer and Callum Plews is our senior managing producer. Carlos Hernandez is our audio engineer and Adrian Tapia is our studio manager. Executive produced by Susan Brandt for Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Executive producers are Andrew Goldstein and Marcia Louie for Wondering.