Wizards of Whoville! with David Henrie | 7

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Wizards of Whoville! with David Henrie"

Podcast: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast
Host: The Grinch (James Austin Johnson), Wondery
Guest: David Henrie
Episode: 7 (Season 3)
Date: December 10, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This episode brings back Whoville’s sassiest curmudgeon, The Grinch, for a chaotically festive late-night-style chat heavy on mischief, rants, and reluctant holiday spirit. The highlight is an interview with David Henrie (best known as Justin Russo from Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place and its reboot, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place). The show careens through rants about holiday tourism, absurd toy reviews, family and loneliness, and the joys/terrors of Christmas traditions—all laced with The Grinch’s barbed humor and surprisingly poignant moments.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Grinch’s Mount Crumpit Woes and Tourism Rant (02:32–06:41)

• The Grinch gripes about his once-private Mount Crumpit becoming a tourist destination, thanks to Whoville’s historical society.
  • Quote: "My precious... Out of the way... High up in the sky, Mount Crumpet Oasis has become a... tourist destination. Yuck." (03:24 - The Grinch)
• He complains about hikers, bathroom requests, selfie sticks, and a plaque that insults him.
• Cindy Lou Who informs The Grinch that rock climber Alex Honnold is scaling Mount Crumpit. In response, The Grinch prepares to pelt climbers with cans of soup for self-defense.
  • Memorable Moment: Soup attack sfx and banter about pelting climbers. (06:18)

Hottest Holiday Toys Satire (06:41–10:34)

• Grinch launches into a satirical rundown of “must-have” (often dangerous or deranged) holiday toys:
  • "Bag of Bees"—literally just bees in a bag.
    • Quote: “Kids will be saying oh yes when they unleash this bag of chaos in the form of 200 honeybees.” (07:54 - Grinch)
  • Junior Nuclear Power Plant Kit—nixed by Cindy Lou for obvious reasons.
  • "Poke a Man"—an extendable poking finger inspired by Pokémon, used to poke Max the dog.
  • Cindy Lou introduces “Tickle Me Grinch,” a hilariously on-the-nose toy disturbingly modeled on The Grinch’s persona, infuriating him:
    • Quote: “My belly's filled with Christmas joy. No! Shut it down. Blow this whole thing up. This is an infringement... This is a disastrophe.” (10:18 - Grinch)

Interview: David Henrie on Family, Wizards Beyond, and Christmas (12:25–22:22)

Wizards Magic in Whoville

• The Grinch asks if Henrie’s magic could “mute all the Christmas noise in Whoville.”
  • David dodges, insisting he doesn’t want to use magic to hurt people. (13:15–13:36)
  • Quote: “Why are we going to use magic to hurt people, Mr. Grinch?” (13:18 - David Henrie)

Henrie Discusses Christmas Traditions

• David shares his family’s matching pajamas ritual and talks about the true beauty of the holiday: togetherness, love, and moving past loneliness.
  • Quote: “One of the most beautiful parts about Christmas is being together with your family and sharing love and letting go of loneliness.” (14:04 - David Henrie)

Wizards, the Reboot, and Found Family

• "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" aims to blend nostalgia with new themes for today's kids, focused on found family versus blood family.

  • Quote: “This notion that family has to be blood. That’s an antiquated thought... This new show... is all about found family.” (15:57 - David Henrie)
  • The Grinch resists, emphasizing the joy of solo activities but admits Max and Cindy Lou are his accidental family.

• Selena Gomez is confirmed as Henrie’s “Cindy Lou” in real life and in creative partnership. They’ve modernized their show with more serialized and dramatic elements.

  • Quote: “She is so sweet... we were just joking about what our characters would be up to present day.” (17:09 - David Henrie)

Comedy Pitch Segment

• The Grinch pitches an escalatingly absurd, dark version of Wizards directed by Scorsese, with De Niro and mob themes.
  • Quote: “He shoots like a five-hour dramatic retelling of Wizards... It’s a oner. Kids love those.” (18:00 - Grinch)

Family, Prime Rib, and The Grinch’s Growing Heart

• Discussion about David’s children, especially his son James being born on Christmas Day and the family’s “James Prime Rib” tradition.
  • Quote: “The magic of Christmas sprinkled with a little boy’s birthday.” (19:53 - David Henrie)
• Grinch emotionally admits his heart is “growing”—with silly, physical comedy (demands for Henrie to "shake him").
  • Memorable Moment: Heart swelling and comedy CPR. (20:10–20:28)

"Box of Joy" and Charity

• David describes his work with Box of Joy, bringing gifts to children in need, sharing a moving story of a boy giving his last gift to his sister.
  • Quote: “The first thing he did... he ran and found his sister. And he gave it right to his sister because she didn’t get one. And the joy of seeing his sister open up that box... It was beautiful.” (21:39 - David Henrie)
• Grinch’s heart swells yet again.

Wrapping Up

• The Grinch closes the interview with gratitude and characteristic self-pity, reflecting on the journey of the episode.
  • Quote: “I’ve had dual cardiac events, and I will forever associate that with you.” (22:07 - Grinch)

Grinch vs Cindy Lou: Grinch-a-palooza Updates, Fashion Fiasco (22:27–26:42)

• A narrative segment updates listeners on the “Grinch-a-palooza” vs Whoville tree-lighting rivalry plot.
• Grinch tries on a series of increasingly outlandish holiday outfits with Whoville’s flamboyant stylist Janet Jeannette.
  • Red/white skin-tight bodysuit, sunburned festival look, and finally an elaborate tuxedo with bells, candy cane lapels, a toy train, and a “real monkey” in a transparent top hat.
  • Memorable Moment: “You look like a spaghetti and meatball dinner crammed into an uninflated balloon.” (24:51 - Grinch)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “My precious... High up in the sky, Mount Crumpit Oasis has become a... tourist destination. Yuck.” (03:24 - Grinch)
• “Kids will be saying oh yes when they unleash this bag of chaos in the form of 200 honeybees.” (07:54 - Grinch)
• “My belly's filled with Christmas joy. No! Shut it down. Blow this whole thing up. This is an infringement... This is a disastrophe.” (10:18 - Grinch, on “Tickle Me Grinch”)
• “The thing about loneliness, Grinch, is it doesn't make the sadness go away.” (14:08 - David Henrie)
• “Family doesn't have to be blood... you can find the family you were always intended to have.” (16:09 - David Henrie)
• “Would you say Selena is the Cindy Lou Who to your Grinch?” “Yes, she's definitely my Cindy Lou Who.” (17:07 - Grinch & David Henrie)
• “My heart's growing, dude.” (20:10 - Grinch)
• *[Heart swelling, demanding David shake him to reset heartbeat] (20:13, 21:55 - recurring gag)
• “That tuxedo's got candy-cane lapels and a real monkey in a clear top hat.” (25:45 - Janet Jeannette/Grinch)

---

Timestamps for Main Segments

• Tourism & Grinch Rant: 02:32–06:41
• Absurd Holiday Toy Showcase: 06:41–10:34
• David Henrie Interview: 12:25–22:22
  • Wizards Magic Chat: 12:25–13:36
  • Christmas Traditions: 13:48–14:33
  • Found Family: 14:59–16:09
  • Show Revamp & Selena Gomez: 17:09–18:24
  • David’s Kids/Traditions: 18:50–20:10
  • Box of Joy Charity: 20:47–21:48
• Grinch-a-palooza Fashion Montage: 23:03–26:42

---

Tone & Style

The tone is quick-fire, satirical, and meta—filled with snark, rampant wordplay, and heartfelt sincerity emerging from unexpected places. The Grinch’s world-weary, anti-holiday perspective is counterbalanced by Cindy Lou and David Henrie’s warmth, culminating in comic barbs about loneliness, the holidays, and family, but always circling back to the inevitable—Grinch’s heart growing a little more each time.

---

Summary in a Nutshell:
A very Grinchy, absurdist, and surprisingly sweet holiday episode spotlighting David Henrie’s journey from Disney wizard to family man and charitable giver, all while The Grinch tries (with little success) to maintain his misery amidst mounting friendship and holiday joy.

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 (James Austin Johnson)]

Wash the Grinch with an ugly sponge.

Who's that here?

[David Henry]

Hey, it's David Emery. I'm here for the podcast.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

David Henry. David Henry. All right. David Henry from Wizards and Waverly Place in Wisconsin. Beyond Waverly Place. Do I have that right? Yeah. Okay, perfect timing. Actually, before I buzz you up, can you run a little errand for me? It's just a quick coffee run to who? Bucks for the crew. Okay, better write this down. One, not fat, full fat, heavy whip, half caff mint pepper mochaccino, an iced hot chocolate, 2 curdled milk cappuccinos, 16 extra large house blend, medium roast beef tallow lattes. Do you have a pen? What are you writing on?

[David Henry]

I'm memorizing everything that you're saying right now. I'm putting it in my brain, so I think I'm tracking so far.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

AWES career waiter style. I love that. All right, 12 Expired Cake Pops. You can just grab those from the trash. They don't mind. 3 moldy matchas extra grain, a few of those little wooden sturry sticks for Max to chew on, and one extra large cup of just foam. Soy foam.

[David Henry]

So what are we doing with the soy foam, may I ask?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I don't know. Dude, just get my coffees, man.

[David Henry]

All right, all right, I'm on it.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, and apologies we can't cover a drink for you. It's a budget thing. My hands are tied. But you're more than welcome to help yourself to Max's water bowl when you're in the studio.

[David Henry]

That's so kind of you.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, scratch that. Max doesn't want to share, right? This is starting off great.

[Narrator]

From Wondery and Dr. Seuss, broadcasting directly from Mount Crumpet Studios. Not the best reviews on Cave B and B, but it works for this podcast. It's Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. And as always, Whoville's overachiever of the month 22 months running. Ace producer Cindy Lou who.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Aw, you're too kind.

[Narrator]

And right over there, lifting neck weights so his head can better support antlers, it's Max the dog. Now, your host. He's green with envy for people who went to the Bahamas for Christmas.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

The Grinch.

Hi, all. Would you even believe it if I told you that, yes, there's a huge problem in my life and it's driving me crazy and I feel the need to confettch about it? Well, you better hold on to your seats.

[Narrator]

Keep on your pants. The Grinch is going on one of his rants.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I'll tell you something I actually like about Whoville. It's quiet most of the time. A bunch of sleepy Yoo Hoos going about their business. Small little stores and shops. A cute little diner, a who bucks for coffee, but one of the cuter ones. That looks like a little shed. Sure, when the holidays come with the jingles and ringals and holiday hoo ha, it's a bit louder. But this year is much worse. See, now that I'm a hotshot podcast celebrity, my precious. Out of the way. High up in the sky, Mount Crumpet Oasis has become a.

Tourist destination. Yuck. I'm not making this up. Right now. Outside my window, I can see at least four absurdly tall Swedish dudes in really short short holding maps and taking pictures of my cave. You know what, Sved? The homies back in Borg and Smorg in Borg and Smorg will take your word for it when you tell him you caught a glimpse of the Grinch naked in his kitchen without the embarrassing photo, okay? Try living in the moment. And by the way, thanks a lot, Whoville Historical Society. Way to put a plaque up outside my house with a little biographical paragraph about me describing me as, quote, the color of an unripe vegetable and possessing the odor of a Christmas roast beast left in a gym locker. Plus, on the plaque is a terrible engraving of me. I look like Pre Glow Up Walton Goggins. Max, does this look anything like me? Who asked you? Honestly, it might as well be a gravestone. Actually, maybe I should pretend it is, then jump out and scare all the tourists away as Grinch's ghost Cindy put a test run in my cow for Tuesday.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Come on, Mr. Grinch. Doesn't it feel nice to get a little recognition?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

No, I don't want to be recognized. I just want to be left alone. This literal hole in the wall is my domain, my home away from who's. And now it's number three on Fuzzfeed's list of the 46 best places to read and pee at the same time. Don't these people realize this is a private residence, not a museum? I mean, Max isn't stuffed and shellacked and mounted on a nature scene behind glass like he's at the Museum of Natural History. He's alive and well.

I said he's alive and well. Okay, Max, that was your cue to make some noise. Max. Jeez, max, you slept 14 hours last night, and you need a Nap during the show too. The point is, this is my home. I don't need a bunch of high school kids on class trips flashing K pop heart hands into their phones in my front yard. And I definitely don't appreciate all the sweaty, stinky hikers coming up the newly formed trail to my cave and asking to use my bathroom. Hi, Grinch. Just need to use your bathroom. Oh, sure. Hi there, out of towners and athleisure wear holding selfie sticks, giant water bottles, and wearing weird hats. Sure, come on in. Relieve yourselves. Yeah, right on the rug. That's fine. You know me, the Grinch. I love strangers coming in and farting up my house. Not.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Well, this is cool. Mr. Grinch, people are posting that Alex Honnold, the guy who free solos down mountains, is going to climb Mount Krepet today.

[Narrator]

Oh really?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Well, guess what that means.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

I'm afraid to ask.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

It means me and 30 cans of soup are spending the rest of the day up in that pine tree. Getting into pelting position. Uh oh, you bet, Drench.

Heads up, Hoddles. Take that. And that. Ha ha ha. Chicken noodle, minestrone, New England clam chowder. Italian wedding, Italian wedding, Italian wedding. Geez, how many of these things did I buy? Boom. Split me right in the noggin. Okay, now that was a lot of fun. I mean, if someone thinks they can climb up my mountain, they're gonna get pelted with soup, chunky or otherwise.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Harsh, but hard to argue with the logic. Now, Mr. Grinch, I believe you wanted to talk about your picks for the hottest toys this Christmas.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, yes, I did. And you wanna hear my theme song for that piece?

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

I'm not sure we have time.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Da da da da da da these are hot, hot toys Da da da da yeah, Christmas is hot.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

We're gonna have to get that cleared.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I'm sure it'll be fine. You know, the holidays are a perfect time to show your kids just how much you love them. And what better way to do that than to go out to all of the big stores and get in fist fights with complete strangers over this year's hottest must have toys. Sure. Hopefully Santa will come through for your precious little tammies and timmies and Chloe's and kimmies and joshes and jimmies. But you parents have to get your kid at least one banger of a gift, right? Did I use banger correctly there, Cindy? Thumbs up, Mr. G. Ugh, that was cringe. Okay, so right now let's look at some of the hottest, trendiest, most Fun toys Blowing up your Christmas lists this holiday season. First up, from Catastrico. It's a great gift for the curious kid. Bag of bees. People are always asking, where have the bees gone? Well, they're here in bag of bees.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Oh no.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Kids will be saying oh yes when they unleash this bag of chaos in the form of 200 honeybees. Here we go.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Oh, no.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Isn't it glorious? I love it.

[Announcer]

Tis the Grinch Holiday podcast.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

We'll be right back after we DB the podcast studio.

And we're back. Oh man, that was fun. And painful. One of my favorite combinations.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

That was not fun. And I'm not happy that you won't let me know what's next.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Our next member of the hottest toys club this holiday season is the junior Nuclear power plant kit for curious little physicists and engineers.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Please skip that one.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Aw, come on. Can we have just one meltdown?

Okay, fine. Neither of you are into it. Our next flamin hot toy for this holiday season is here. Kids, are you fans of Pokemon? Then you'll love Poke a Man. It's a quickly retractable 10 foot long extendable index finger that will allow you to poke a man, woman, or whoever you want without them knowing. Let's try it on Max, who is. Yup, asleep again. Here we go.

He has no idea who just poked him.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

I think he has an idea.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Ah, yeah, he's staring right at me. Still, that was fun.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

You know, Mr. Grinch, there's one really interesting toy that I'm kind of surprised you didn't mention.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Sandy. Don't. Don't you dare.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

From the makers of Screamy Babies and Scare Bears. It's the interactive holiday toy that's fun for all ages. It's so cute and fluffy. Watch what happens when you tickle it.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Hee hee hee. That tickles. What the.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Sounds just like you, right?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Yeah, if I had my brain replaced by a five year old boy's.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

And watch what happens when I press your Santa hat.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Yay. Christmas is almost here. I like Christmas. I would never. I'm hyperventilating. I need to call my lawyer.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

And here's what happens when you press Tickle me Grinch's belly.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

My belly's filled with Christmas joy. No. Shut it down. Blow this whole thing up. This is an infringement, an infraction, an abominable aberration of injustification and devastation. This is a disastrophe.

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Oh, Mr. Grinch, come on. It's cute. Besides, it's just a prototype.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Give it to Me?

[Cindy Lou Who (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

No.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Get here. Get it. No. Where's that free soloer? Let's see if he wants to play with it. Go log. Santa Claus is my best friend.

[Announcer]

Hey there, Grinch fans. 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, I obviously, it's a podcast called the Cinnamon 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 A Holiday Adventure only on Audible. 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.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You're as cuddly as a cactus, as charming as an eel. Mr. Grinch, you're a bad banana with a greasy black peel.

My guest tonight is a Disney adult, whatever that means. Probably has something to do with the fact that he's been a staple on the Disney Channel since Max was still using Wee Wee pads indoors. You grew up with him as Justin Russo on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place. And now he's back in the role on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Please welcome David Henry. How you doing, Dave?

[David Henry]

I'm doing good. I'm doing good. How are you, Mr. Grinch?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Worst day of my life, as per usual. Hey, welcome to Mount Crumpet. Thanks for joining me in the studio. FYI, your wizard magic doesn't work up here. The only wand that works up here is the one I poke Max with when I need a back scratch. But hypothetically, if it did work up here, could I use your wand to mute all the Christmas noise coming from Whoville? I mean, you know, man, I mean.

[David Henry]

You know, I definitely want to help you out, Mr. Grinch, but I don't like it when we hurt other people, right? I mean, what's the benefit of that? Why are we going to use magic to hurt people, Mr. Grinch?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Now what Was it that I said about using a wand?

[David Henry]

You want to mute the entire village?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I'm improving the neighborhood.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Quality of life.

[David Henry]

Yeah. Yeah. You know, Mr. Grinch, I'm gonna have to think about that one. I'll keep my wand for now.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Okay.

[David Henry]

And as this conversation continues, if you convince me that this is a good thing, then I'll give it to you. Okay?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Now. Okay. By the way, Mr. Grinch, it's just Grinch, babe. Now, let me ask you something. What do you wear around Christmas?

[David Henry]

You know, me and the kids do the classic PJ thing around Christmas. Christmas morning, we all get, like, you know, coordinated outfits and whatnot. And then you change out of that. You open the gifts, take the pictures.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Hold on. Multiple costume changes. Yeah, Multiple costume changes on Christmas Day.

[David Henry]

You know, Grinch, I gotta tell you, one of the most beautiful parts about Christmas is being together with your family and sharing love and letting go of loneliness. You know, the thing about loneliness, Grinch, is it doesn't make the sadness go away.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Well, something I want to say about that is. Please, I'm loving that isolation. You know what's fun is listening to an audiobook from a phone speaker instead of headphones.

[David Henry]

And then when that audiobook's over and you're just sitting there all by yourself, you feel good.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Well, duh. I mean, come on, man.

[David Henry]

Right?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Tell me about Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. What exactly is Beyond Waverly Place? Is that like the beyond section of Bed, Bath and Beyond? You know how you go in a Bed, Bath and Beyond, and you're in the bed stuff, you're in the bath stuff, and then the beyond section, it's just kind of a yawning portal to some sort of swirling abyss. Is that what the beyond is like?

[David Henry]

You hit the nail right on the head, Grinch. I could tell you've done your homework. You did. It's kind of like, you know, Selena Gomez and I, who's one of the producing partners, wanted to recreate a show that could be for a whole new generation of kids, but at the same time, give a big, warm hug to the original fan, which is kind of a hard thing to do. But the first season went really well. We were received very warmly. People liked it because it kept a lot of the classic themes alive around family and that the Russos always have each other's backs, you know, Mr. Grinch. And I think what you liked about that is that community and family creates this little warm feeling, and it takes the loneliness away for a minute, you know? And if you just take that leap, you open up the door, you go down the hill into Whoville. You might feel some of that, but it's a risk. It's hard.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I see what you're trying to do here, and I don't have family down there, dude. Now, I don't see a lot of 23andMe, you know, highlights on the map down there. You know what I'm talking about, Grinch?

[David Henry]

This notion that family has to be blood. That's an antiquated thought, my friend. This new show that we're doing is all about found family.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Okay.

[David Henry]

So it doesn't necessarily need to be blood.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Yeah.

[David Henry]

Because you can find the family that you were always intended to have if you just take the risk.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Yeah, I mean, I've heard about this.

[David Henry]

Okay, what are your thoughts?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I mean, I don't think you're thinking about just the. The pure joy of sitting at a restaurant alone. See, that's what I'm talking about. Family's great and all. Taking down a seafood tower by yourself of an afternoon. I mean, it doesn't get better than that.

[David Henry]

Grinch. I don't even think you believe what you're saying, to be honest, because you have Max.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

That's true.

[David Henry]

Why do you have Max?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Yes, you could say that Max and I are a family and then Cindy Lou, but I guess I've got my own little version of a family. And I would say that it's mostly a headache, specifically when they get headaches. That's annoying.

[David Henry]

Yeah.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

All right, here on the subject of friends, we gotta talk about your fellow wizards, homie, and real life bestie Selena Gomez. Would you say that she's the Cindy Lo who to your Grinch? Aww. Is that a fair comparison?

[David Henry]

Yes, she's definitely my Cindy Lou.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Who?

[David Henry]

She is so sweet. And we've known each other forever, and we came up with this new show. Literally, we're just sitting around hanging out, and we were just joking about what our characters would be up to present day. When the first season went so great, Grand Trio was so happy with the response from the fans. And then this next season, we tried some new stuff. We were like, you know what? Let's lean into the more serialized elements, because the sitcom is just a whole new thing now. It's not what it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. Sitcoms have changed. It's on streaming now. They kind of drop them all at once. So we leaned into more serialized elements in the show and the character arts, the myth, the plot. And we tried some things that are a little more dramatic. And a little more risky, I guess you'd say. So I'm excited for that. I'm excited for people to see us go there.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Nice. I mean, just the thought of you saying that you can do some more dramatic storylines. What about you get Marty Scorsese down there.

[David Henry]

Okay.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

He shoots like a five hour dramatic retelling of wizards.

[David Henry]

One shot.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

It's a oner. Kids love those. You get Bobby De Niro down there. There's a lot of, like, mob stuff going on and, like, scary stuff is happening. So the music's really whimsical, but you're seeing a bunch of messed up action.

[David Henry]

Are you available to be hired for the writers room, Grinch? Cause I really like where this is headed.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I want an EP credit and I want a honey wagon that's separate from where all the other producers are.

[David Henry]

Got it.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

No ac. I want it steamy in there. And I want some masking tape over the toilet with some printer paper. And in Sharpie it says do not use. And six dusty lukewarm LaCroix.

Just on a counter somewhere.

[David Henry]

I can make it happen. You're hired.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

That sounds wonderful. I'm so glad. Let's talk about your family. You have three kids now. Pia, James and Gemma. And James was born on Christmas Day, which is a diabolical way to overshadow Christmas. I'm surprised I never thought of that. So does that mean you just cancel Christmas every year now and it's just rebranded as your son's birthday?

[David Henry]

You know, I gotta say, Grinch, that was the best gift we could have ever been given.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Ah, boy.

[David Henry]

I walked into the hospital room and I decorated it with Christmas lights. It was beautiful.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, wonderful. Okay.

[David Henry]

It literally started snowing as he was born. Golf ball sized snowflakes coming down. It was beautiful and it was great. So now every year we do a little tradition called James prime rib. So we have Christmas, which is great, and then we have James's prime rib, which is this awesome, you know, big prime rib that comes out. And he gets the first piece and he gets the first bite. And we give him a special red plate that's like his Christmas birthday plate. And then he gets a few more presents than ever. He has another time he opens presents in addition to that. So it's the beauty of Christmas, the magic of Christmas sprinkled with a little boy's birthday.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

It's.

[David Henry]

It's awesome, Grinch.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, you say that in addition to Christmas, you. You also have this, like, special little Christmas theme party. Yes. For your little boy. Yes. You Ready? You have room in your heart for both celebrations.

[David Henry]

What's going on?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

My heart's growing, dude.

[David Henry]

Embrace it. Cringe.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Relax. Shake me. Shake me. David Henry, Shake me as hard as you can. Shake me again.

Thank you.

[David Henry]

I really went far worried about you there.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Freaking heart swell.

[David Henry]

You feeling good? You feeling okay?

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I'm fine, dude. This is me. This is my life. You ever think about how our bodies are just cages and we're like zoo animals?

[David Henry]

Yes.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Our souls are just trapped in these things.

[David Henry]

I mean, I like to think about it, that our souls are animating these beautiful things as opposed to trapped. But, you know, oh, glass half empty, glass half full.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Now you're also involved with Box of Joy, bringing gifts to kids in need, which is. Yeah, uh. Oh, we just did this.

[David Henry]

When I heard about this, my heart grew two sizes as well. There are millions of kids who don't get Christmas presents every year. And so there's this initiative called Box of Joy, which are little shoe boxes where you put presents and toys and all sorts of stuff in there. And you take these gifts to kids in third world countries, and they put a rosary in there and little prayer books and yo yos and. And paper airplanes and all sorts of toys. It's beautiful. And you take them to these kids and the looks on their faces. It's unbelievable. You know, I remember there was this one kid where there's only one box left, and I gave it to him. And the first thing he did was he didn't open it himself. Although he was so excited to see it, he ran and found his sister. And he gave it right to his sister because she didn't get one. And he said, this is for you. And the joy of seeing his sister open up that box of joy. It was beautiful.

[Announcer]

Grandchildren.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Heart smell. Double heart smell. No.

Shake me again.

[David Henry]

1, 2, 3.

I'm here for you, Grinch.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

That's friendship. Thank you, dude.

[David Henry]

Anytime you need.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, this was. Man, what a journey. I mean, I've had dual cardiac events, and I will forever associate that with you.

[David Henry]

Well, I'm glad we went through it together, Grinch, and that you saw it was worth it and that you enjoyed it. I really appreciate that, David.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Thank you so much for being here. David Henry, everybody.

[David Henry]

Thank you, Grinch.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Give it up.

[Narrator]

We return now to our Countdown to Christmas Featurette. It's Cindy versus the Grinch in dueling Whoville holiday events on the same night. Cindy in her Whoville tree lighting ceremony, and Grinch with his Grinch a Palooza. Last week, Grinch became friends Flush with cash and may have found his headliner.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I was actually a theater major.

[Narrator]

But will it be enough to throw the bash of the century? What else does the Grinch have up his sleeve? Let's find out.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Fashion. It makes a statement, opens doors and turns heads. It says, hey, world, I'm fabulous and you're welcome. Personally, I think it's itchy and overly complicated. But if I'm gonna be the host with the most at Grenja Palooza, I've gotta play ball and dress to impress. Which is why Max and I have an appointment with Whoville's top fashion stylist.

Yes, Max, I know. We've been waiting here forever. They warned me that. Jeanette. Jeanette. That's not how you say that. Janite.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Oui, oui, Mr. Grandch, I am here. The name is Janet Jeannette.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Okay, where were you?

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Where I often am. In the small cafe, eating a croissant, drinking en cafe creme and looking sad. But I am here now to show you your outfit. Magnifique fer le granch pelouse.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

All right, let's see him.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

First we have you exuding mystery and svelteness.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Honey, if you can make me look svelte, it'll be a true Christmas miracle.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

That you will be in this red and white skin tight bodysuit made from latex, spandex, lycra, and a fourth as of yet unnamed stretchy microfiber. A tight, form fitting piece of beauty.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

That'S supposed to fit over my body. It's the size of a sock. An infant's sock.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Oh, you will, Monsieur Granch. After we spray you ate the dough with avocado oil. Stand still. Over here. Over there.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

El Dorado.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Both knees. Turn around. Zippotox parfait.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Geez, a little heads up next time. Okay, let's try this on.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Oh la la. You look like the rock and roll superstar.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I look like a spaghetti and meatball dinner crammed into an uninflated balloon. Also, breathing is a little hard. How do I get this off?

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Simply exhale.

And it's off.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Don't smell that thing. I don't even want to tell you what happened in there.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Next, we give a nod to the average female concert goer at Desert Festicella. We give you the bright shiny silver crop top.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Oh, I love it. You know, to be really in character, I should also be sunburned, dehydrated, and crying because I lost my phone with the belly chain. Ow.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

And a few, of course, the flower crown on your head. The Base of which is a wreath threaded with noble flop pine leaves. I know that is technically a Christmas decoration which you have banned.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Yeah, but not when I'm wearing them. I look hot. Oh, and high platform boots. Is there a queen nearby? Because I would like to say yas to her. What else?

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Perhaps this is the one for your grand entre, Monsieur Grance. A white tuxedo with flowing tails festooned with the jingle bells, lapels made of candy canes, a golden egg in every pocket, a fully functioning choo choo train on tracks going up and down the entire outfit. And of course, the piece de resistance, a clear top hat inside which is an animatronic monkey dressed as a little drama boy.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

Give me a real monkey. And we have a winner. Love monkey. Too sweet. Oh, wow. Oh, he's kind of cute. Long called Monkey. I love it. Why is he looking at me weird? Oh, I don't like that. Stop staring at me, monkey. Jeanette, make sure his contract has a clear no eye contact with Grinch claws.

[Janet Jeannette (Fashion Stylist)]

Monkey, get into your hat. This is your home now.

[The Grinch (James Austin Johnson)]

I think that's what's gonna be a problem.

You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch. You have termites in your smile. You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, Mr. Greench. Given the choice between the two of you, I'd take the seasick crocodile.

[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 (Anjuli Kunna Bonani)]

Tis the Grinch holiday Podcast is a production of Wondery and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, starring James Austin Johnson as the Grinch with Anjuli Kunna Bonani 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 Vanessa Lemanides. Our sound designer is Jamie Cooper. Music supervision by Scott Velasquez for Frison Sync. 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 Goldberg Goldstein and Marsha Louie for Wondery.