'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast: Episode 9 – "Secret Santa Stinks! with Fortune Feimster"

Release Date: December 18, 2024

In this festive episode of 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast, hosted by Wondery's embodiment of the iconic Grinch, listeners are treated to a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and holiday mystery. Special guest Fortune Feimster, renowned comedian and actress, joins the Grinch to delve into the quirks of holiday traditions and the pressures they bring. As always, the episode intertwines engaging conversations with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Whoville's letters to Santa, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Welcoming Fortune Feimster

The episode kicks off with a lively banter between the Grinch and Fortune Feimster, setting a comedic tone for the show.

• Grinch (00:18): “The lights don't work. That's right. I did that on purpose. How you doing, Forch?”

• Fortune Feimster (00:28): “Oh, hi, Grinch. It's hard to see you. It's so dark in here.”

Their playful interaction highlights the Grinch's characteristic grumpiness contrasted with Fortune's cheerful demeanor. The conversation quickly veers into humorous territory as they navigate technical glitches and personal jabs, showcasing their on-air chemistry.

Discussing Holiday Traditions

Fortune steers the conversation towards holiday traditions, specifically dissecting the intricacies of Secret Santa and Yankee Swap.

• Grinch (03:23): “Enough with this nonsense. Let's start with the simplest one. Secret Santa. Whenever you hear someone say, hey, are you taking part in this here Secret Santa? You tend to feel bad and say, uh, sure, I guess so.”

• Fortune Feimster (05:41): “Right. But there's some doubt about that story since white elephants are considered to be valuable and sacred in Thai culture.”

The duo humorously critiques the often awkward gift exchanges, with the Grinch expressing his disdain for the unpredictability and potential for disappointment inherent in these traditions. Fortune adds depth by providing historical tidbits, blending factual information with comedic flair.

Interview Highlights with Fortune Feimster

The heart of the episode lies in the engaging interview between the Grinch and Fortune Feimster, where they explore Fortune's career, experiences, and personal anecdotes.

• Grinch (10:51): “My guest tonight is a comedian, writer, actress, and one of my biggest rivals in the podcast space. I wanted to name this show Handsome, but she beat me to it.”

• Fortune Feimster (12:35): “Grinch, I hate to tell you this. But I love Christmas.”

Their conversation delves into Fortune's professional endeavors, including her Netflix special "Crushing It." They share laughs over impersonations and discuss the challenges and joys of holiday festivities. Notably, the Grinch grapples with his lingering disdain for Christmas, while Fortune passionately defends the holiday's magic.

• Grinch (16:44): “Grab a healthy tooth habit.”

A particularly humorous exchange revolves around crushed ice preferences, showcasing their ability to find comedy in the mundane.

True Crime Segment: The Missing Letters Mystery

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the central mystery of the podcast: the missing letters to Santa. This segment adds a thrilling twist to the holiday cheer.

• Grinch (20:22): “This is a prepaid call from the Whoville Penitentiary... The mystery of Whoville's missing letters to Santa told week by week while I eat my smell Ogs Cornflakes tastes even worse than it smells.”

Previously, in the narrative, Grinch and his dog Max had attempted to uncover the culprit behind the missing letters, leading to a confrontation with Postmaster General Glee and her army of gingerbread men. However, in this episode, the Grinch finds himself unjustly accused and arrested, prompting Cindy Lou Who to step in and exonerate him.

• Cindy Lou Who (23:38): “Please, Mr. Cringe.”

• Grinch (23:25): “Postmaster Glee is the real criminal.”

The resolution comes swiftly as Cindy Lou Who presents evidence proving the Grinch's innocence, shifting suspicion back to Postmaster General Glee. This turn of events not only advances the overarching mystery but also reinforces the Grinch's eventual redemption arc.

Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In the aftermath of his wrongful arrest, the Grinch reflects on the events and acknowledges the importance of self-belief.

• Grinch (24:45): “I was just me. I couldn't have done it without myself.”

This moment serves as a pivotal point in the Grinch's character development, hinting at the potential for his heart to grow amidst the chaos of the holiday season.

Production Credits

The episode is a collaborative effort featuring:

• Voice Cast: James Austin Johnson as the Grinch, Fortune Feimster as herself, Cindy Lou Who, and others.
• Crew: Written by Dan Cronin and Joe Redling Schafer, with sound design by Kelly Kramarek and Jamie Cooper.
• Executive Producers: Susan Brandt for Dr. Seuss Enterprises, along with Lauren Dee, Dave Easton, Andrew Goldstein, and Marsha Louie for Wondery.

Conclusion

Episode 9 of 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast masterfully blends humor, heartfelt conversations, and an intriguing mystery. Fortune Feimster's guest appearance adds a fresh dynamic, while the ongoing investigation into the missing letters keeps listeners engaged. As the holiday season unfolds, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Grinch's quest to clear his name and restore Christmas magic to Whoville.