Walnut GroveCast

This is the fourth in a total of four Christmas roundtables to be released this month! Join Karyne, Lorie, Maryann and myself as we discuss every facet of this Christmas episode!   “During preparations for a Christmas baby, Rose Wilder is kidnapped by a woman who recently lost her child. While looking for Rose, Laura, Almanzo, and Mr Edwards meet a lonely orphan boy who ends up living with that woman.”   Bless All the Dear Children originally aired on December 17, 1984     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post The 2025 Bless All the Dear Children Roundtable! first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

This is the first in a total of four Christmas roundtables to be released this month! Join Leah, Sara, Josh and myself as we discuss every facet of this Christmas episode! “Adam and Mary return to Walnut Grove for Christmas, and arrive at the Ingalls’ just ahead of a fierce blizzard. The Ingalls, along with their friend, Hester Sue, spend the snowy Christmas Eve recalling favorite holiday memories.” A Christmas they Never Forgot originally aired on December 21, 1981 Now you can Watch the episodes as we review – Head on over to https://rumble.com/c/c-6651946     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post The 2025 A Christmas they Never Forgot Roundtable! first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

This is the second in a total of four Christmas roundtables to be released this month! Join Lydia, Christina and Cheyenne and myself as we discuss every facet of this Christmas episode!   “Miss Beadle dismisses her students early on Christmas Eve as soft snow flurries begin to fly, unaware that the children will soon be caught walking home in a deadly, howling blizzard.”   The Blizzard originally aired on January 3, 1977 *From time to time I will release a video companion to each episode…check back for the link     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post The Blizzard 2025 Roundtable! first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

This is the first in a total of four Christmas roundtables to be released this month! Join Kelly, Chris, Susan and myself as we discuss every facet of this Christmas episode!   “Christmas is coming and everyone is saying that it is a time for secrets and not to ask questions. Laura wants to buy something expensive for her mother and has to come up with a way to pay for it. Mary tries to decide what to make her Pa. Carrie uses her Christmas penny to buy a special present for Baby Jesus. It is a good Christmas!”   Christmas at Plum Creek originally aired on December 25, 1974 *From time to time I will release a video companion to each episode….go check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqcdJf0uP7I     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post The 2025 Christmas at Plum Creek Roundtable! first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Shawn joins the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “When their grain doesn’t sell for enough to see their families through the winter, Charles and Isaiah hire on with the railroad to haul a wagon-load of highly explosive nitroglycerin over a treacherous mountain road and, as their journey progresses, find themselves dealing with situations almost as volatile as the freight they so carefully carry.”   The Long Road Home originally aired on March 3, 1976 *From time to time I will release a video companion to each episode….go check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqcdJf0uP7I     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting The Long Road Home first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Shana joins the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “Hester Sue’s ex-husband, Sam, arrives in Walnut Grove, stating that he is reformed from his days of drinking, gambling and wild living. Sam appears to be reformed and Hester Sue believes him enough to agree to re-marry him. Should Hester Sue turn the other cheek and forgive Sam, or is he psychologically controlling his former wife through a very clever series of lies to conceal his current lifestyle?”   Second Chance originally aired on February 8, 1982     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting Second Chance first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Aimee returns to the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “Pregnancy symptoms hit both Laura and her mother Caroline. Caroline, after bearing four daughters, really wants a son. But when it turns out Caroline is not pregnant at all, but is beginning menopause, she sinks into a deep depression. Her husband and daughters desperately try to convince her that they love her for the person she is, not for the person she wanted to be. Finally, Charles proposes that he and Caroline renew their wedding vows.”   I Do, Again originally aired on March 2, 1981     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting I Do, Again first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Cheyenne returns to the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “Laura Ingalls is stunned to learn that her amiable fishing friend is none other than Walnut Grove’s new banker, miserly Ebenezer Sprague, and heartbroken when he accuses her of becoming his friend to secure a loan for her family.”   Ebenezer Sprague originally aired on September 24, 1975     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting Ebenezer Sprague first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Fellow Long Islander and Little House fanatic, Tina O’Keefe joins the podcast and helps Mark discuss and break down this unforgettable and sometimes creepy episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “On Halloween eve Mary and Laura hear a loud argument and on inspection they witness, what they believe, to be the murder of Mrs Oleson.”   The Monster of Walnut Grove originally aired on November 1, 1976   Check out Tina’s website where she can change your life by helping you organize it!  https://www.stowandbehold.com     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting The Monster of Walnut Grove first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Bradley Sappenfield joins the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “A school project on genealogy leads Albert to confront his dark past. As the Ingalls help Albert with the project, Charles and Caroline decide to adopt the young lad. Then, Albert’s biological father Mr. Quinn shows up.”   The Family Tree originally aired on October 1, 1979     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting The Family Tree first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Karyne returns to the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “Poor financial conditions influence the Ingalls family to move to Winoka when Mary goes there to teach at the Blind School. They meet Albert, an orphan who Charles forms an attachment to, even though Laura catches him stealing from the hotel that Charles was managing and Caroline was running the kitchen/dining room for.   While Mary is going to teach at the Blind School in Winoka, and since financially they can’t make a living in Walnut Grove the rest of the Ingalls family goes to Winoka, too. Charles gets a job managing a hotel and Caroline runs the Kitchen/Dining room. They make the acquaintance of an orphan, Albert who befriends the Ingalls.”   As Long as We’re Together originally aired on September 18, 1978     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting As Long as We’re Together first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Brian Mehlenbacher returns to the podcast and helps Mark discuss this unforgettable episode. I Hope you enjoy it!    “Veteran wrestler Milo Stavroupolis arrives in Mankato to take on local challengers. His cunning promoter, Jimmy Hart, persuades Jonathan Garvey to face the aging fighter, unaware the match is rigged. Behind the scenes, Stavroupolis is grappling with emotional and physical tolls from his long career, compounded by his wife Anna’s pleas for him to retire as she battles her own serious illness. Moved by Jonathan’s compassion, Milo agrees to let him step in for the upcoming championship match.”   The King Is Dead originally aired on November 12, 1979     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post The King Is Dead first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Christina returns to the podcast to discuss this sometimes hilarious episode! Title: Fred Writer: Don Balluck Director: Michael Landon Air Date: November 29, 1976 In “Fred,” Laura Ingalls trades 40 cents for a troublesome billy goat named Fred to save him from Mr. Parsons’ shotgun. The goat’s antics wreak havoc in Walnut Grove, from eating Charles’ rushes to headbutting Mrs. Oleson and getting drunk on Mr. Edwards’ moonshine. Charles, frustrated after a grueling job, demands Fred go, but Laura’s persistent optimism leads her to seek homes with Carl’s pa and Reverend Alden, all ending in comedic disaster. When Fred eats Phineas Jenks’ rushes, it forces Jenks to pay Charles $12, earning Fred a reprieve. Ultimately, Laura finds Fred with a herd of nanny goats, choosing to let him stay with his new family. This lighthearted episode, directed by Michael Landon, blends slapstick humor with lessons on responsibility and letting go, showcasing Laura’s growth and the Ingalls’ resilience amidst chaos. 10 Heartfelt Quotes: “He’s the last of his kind.” “He kind of looks like a Fred.” “I saved his life.” “I think we ought to just leave him.”     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Fred first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Sherri Benner joins me to discuss this unforgettable episode!  Title: Quarantine Season/Episode: Season 3, Episode 13 Air Date: January 17, 1977 Director: Victor French In Little House on the Prairie’s “Quarantine,” a deadly mountain fever outbreak in Elmsville prompts a strict lockdown in Walnut Grove. Isaiah Edwards, believing himself immune, escorts Dr. Baker to the afflicted town but fears he’s brought the fever home when his adopted daughter, Alicia, falls ill. Racked with guilt from a past epidemic that killed his first family, Isaiah isolates Alicia in his old cabin. Laura Ingalls, ever the compassionate troublemaker, sneaks raspberries to Alicia, only to mistake poison ivy for fever spots and join the quarantine, fearing she’s infected. As Isaiah collapses from exhaustion, Laura tends to both him and Alicia. Charles braves obstacles to fetch Dr. Baker, who reveals Laura’s “fever” is just a rash. Alicia recovers, and the town breathes a sigh of relief, proving that love and a good misdiagnosis can conquer even the scariest frontier plagues. 10 Heartfelt Quotes I Chose “Laura, we should pray to God that it doesn’t.” “It’s my fault. I brought it to her.” “Second time I brought it to my family.” “Lost my wife and my little baby girl.” “The worst part about being sick, I think, is how sad it makes other people.”     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Quarantine first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Kelly Mielke from The Dr. QuinnCast Podcast returns to help me dive into this hilarious episode! Title: Wave of the Future Season/Episode: Season 8, Episode 10 Air Date: December 7, 1981 Director: Maury Dexter Writer: Don Balluck In “Wave of the Future,” Harriet Oleson, lured by Major Guffey’s promise of riches, transforms Caroline’s restaurant into a franchised “Mrs. Sullivan’s Kitchen,” complete with a rigid menu of pan-fried steak, beef stew, or roast chicken. The military-style efficiency backfires, overworking Caroline, Hester-Sue, and Harriet while alienating customers craving variety. Nels, skeptical from the start, teams up with Charles to open a rival restaurant, exploiting a contract loophole to sabotage the franchise. The plan works, and Guffey, revealing “Mrs. Sullivan” as a paid actress, terminates Harriet’s contract. Harriet, humbled, returns to running a family restaurant. The episode, a satirical jab at corporate greed, ends with a humorous nod to history as Harriet dismisses a pitch for a fried-chicken-only restaurant, unaware it foreshadows KFC. It’s a heartwarming reminder that community and authenticity trump soulless progress. 10 Heartfelt Quotes I chose: “It’s nights like this I wish I was somewhere else. Anywhere else.” “I know what you mean.” “The job, I can’t handle it. I’m here all day, I stay late.” “I’m worn out when I get home in the evening, I never even see my family.” “I don’t want to put you in a tight spot, but I have to give my notice.”     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting Wave of the Future first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Sarah and Laurie from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy & Research Association visit the podcast to discuss this amazing episode and what can be expected at Laurapalooza 2025! Learn more about the Laurapalooza event here https://www.liwlra.org/laurapalooza/ Episode: “Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow” (Season 8, Episodes 17 & 18) Date Aired: February 15, 1982 (Part 1), February 22, 1982 (Part 2) Director: Michael Landon Writers: Don Balluck, Bob Fraser In the Little House on the Prairie two-parter “Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow,” Almanzo and Laura Wilder face a relentless string of hardships. Almanzo’s dreams of a thriving horse-breeding business and bountiful wheat crop are shattered when he contracts diphtheria, suffers a stroke, and watches a hailstorm destroy his fields. As he grapples with paralysis and despair, Laura struggles to support their newborn, Rose, and keep their family intact. Eliza Jane, Almanzo’s sister, urges a move to Minneapolis, clashing with Laura’s determination to stay in Walnut Grove. A tornado further devastates their home, pushing Almanzo to the brink. Yet, through resilience and love, he secretly builds a new house, symbolizing hope amid ruin. Directed by Michael Landon, this emotional saga blends melodrama with heartfelt moments, showcasing the Wilders’ unbreakable spirit against frontier adversities, with a geranium’s survival mirroring their enduring strength. Some Quotes I Chose “It’s like a dream come true, a dream come true!”  “Laura: Can we afford it?”  “It’s almost embarrassing being so happy.”  “Just make sure you two don’t start calling me ‘gramps.’”  “Would you stop worrying about me, please?”     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Sarah Waggle joins the podcast to discuss this amazing episode Check out Sarah’s Youtube channel and learn about astrology! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IJdQHc37FkCOXL7_JHkZA Episode: “I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away” (Season 4, Episodes 21-22) Air Date: March 6, 1978 (Part 1), March 13, 1978 (Part 2) Director: William F. Claxton Writers: Arthur Heinemann (Part 1), Carole and Michael Raschella (Part 2) In Little House on the Prairie’s “I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away,” Mary Ingalls faces a life-altering diagnosis: scarlet fever’s lingering effects are stealing her sight. As Walnut Grove grapples with a measles outbreak and economic collapse driven by a railroad cartel, Mary’s world darkens—literally and emotionally. Her initial denial and bitterness give way to despair when she wakes up blind. Sent to a blind school in Iowa, Mary resists help until meeting Adam Kendall, a blind teacher whose tough love sparks her resilience. Through Braille and determination, Mary finds purpose, aspiring to teach at Adam’s new school in Winoka. Meanwhile, the Ingalls family confronts financial ruin and decides to relocate, bidding a tearful farewell to Walnut Grove. This Emmy-nominated two-parter, blending heartbreak with hope, showcases Mary’s transformation and the family’s unyielding spirit, proving that even in darkness, light can be found. Some Quotes I Chose “Why can’t I just sit here?” – Mary “Pitying yourself won’t help.” – Adam “I wonder how much of our lives are spent worrying about things that just don’t mean anything.” – Charles “God must have chosen Mary for some very special purpose.” – Reverend Alden “It’s a huge, dark place filled with hidden obstacles.” – Mary     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Cindy Wilson returns to the podcast to discuss this amazing episode Check out Cindy’s newest book, We Suffered Much: Charles Wood Irish and the Dakota Territory Railroad Survey of 1879-1881 https://www.amazon.com/We-Suffered-Much-Territory-1879-1881-ebook/dp/B0D3S7ZTMH Episode: The Empire Builders (Season 9, Episode 9) Air Date: November 22, 1982 Writer: John T. Dugan Director: Joseph Pevney IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 In The Empire Builders, Walnut Grove buzzes with excitement over a new railroad depot, promising jobs and growth. However, the Minneapolis and Western Railroad, led by Spencer Hollingsworth, plans to seize farmers’ lands, including Almanzo Wilder’s and John Carter’s, via eminent domain. Initial enthusiasm sours as the town realizes the cost: evictions and a rowdy railroad camp complete with a saloon. Almanzo and Carter, backed by Isaiah Edwards, resist, facing threats from railroad enforcer Wilkins. Laura rallies the women to join the men in a standoff at Carter’s farm, while surveyor Hobson proposes rerouting the tracks through Tracy. The community’s united front forces Hollingsworth to relent, sparing Walnut Grove. The episode, a blend of drama and defiance, showcases the power of collective resistance against corporate overreach, with Laura’s fiery leadership and Carter’s final triumph underscoring the town’s love for their land. Some Quotes I Chose “Money won’t buy happiness, but you can look for it in fancier places.” “Property is property. What we own is what we work and sweat for.” “What we own is a part of us.” “This land… It’s part of us now.” “I’m a lot tougher than you think, Mr. Wilder.” “This is our land, and we fight for it together.”     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Revisiting The Empire Builders first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Jen Woods visits Walnut GroveCast to discuss this amazing episode!  I hope you enjoy our fun conversation!  “The Gift” – Little House on the Prairie Season/Episode: Season 2, Episode 6 Air Date: October 27, 1975 Writer: Rocci Chatfield Director: William F. Claxton In “The Gift,” Laura and Mary Ingalls aim to surprise Reverend Alden with a fancy Bible for his birthday, using the Sunday school’s $1.67 treasury. Laura, ever the schemer, convinces Mary to invest in Dr. Briskin’s Homeopathic Remedies, hoping to double their money by selling them. Their sales pitches flop hilariously—Laura’s sob stories backfire, and Mary’s health quizzes scare folks off. As the birthday nears, guilt consumes them; they even fake “larangutus” to skip church. Charles forces them to confess, and Reverend Alden, in a touching twist, uses their mistake—a medicine case—as a perfect holder for his cherished, worn Bible. His sermon on love over material gifts lifts their spirits, proving good intentions trump gold lettering. This heartwarming episode blends humor and redemption, showcasing Walnut Grove’s tight-knit community and the Ingalls sisters’ earnest, if misguided, hearts. Some quotes I personally chose: “Laura: We just wanted to get Reverend Alden the best Bible that we could.” “Alden: The question is, have you learned anything from this mistake?” “Alden: This old Bible’s like love.” “Alden: It’s the gift of love that’s the greatest gift of all.” “Laura: Please, pa. We didn’t mean to do it.”     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post We Revisit The Gift first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.

Christina returns to the podcast to revisit this episode with me – I hope you enjoy it!  Divorce, Walnut Grove Style Season/Episode: Season 7, Episode 7 Air Date: November 10, 1980 Writer: Don Balluck Director: Michael Landon In Little House on the Prairie’s “Divorce, Walnut Grove Style,” newlyweds Laura and Almanzo Wilder face marital strife that spirals into comedic chaos. Laura, overwhelmed as a schoolteacher, serves watery stew and neglects household chores, irking Almanzo. Their bickering escalates when Laura misinterprets a note—“My Only Love… Brenda Sue Longworth”—as proof of Almanzo’s affair with an old friend, Brenda Sue, who’s actually just celebrating her published song. Jealousy drives Laura to a public brawl with Brenda Sue and a dramatic exit to her parents’ home, fueled by Harriet Oleson’s gossip. Charles and Caroline urge reconciliation, but Laura’s stubbornness persists until Almanzo clarifies the note’s innocent meaning. The couple reconciles, vowing better communication, while Charles’ ongoing struggle with a picture window adds humor. This episode, directed by Michael Landon, blends sitcom-style misunderstandings with heartfelt lessons about trust and love in marriage. Some Quotes chosen by me: “I’m doing the best that I can! Why can’t you understand that?” (Laura) “Because all I understand is I work hard all day, I come home to a half-cooked meal and a house I can’t sing in because you’ve turned it into a library!” (Almanzo) “There’s just no excuse for a husband to call his wife stupid.” (Charles) “You know, I just can’t get over that boy calling my daughter stupid…” (Charles)     The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly Become a Patron! The post Divorce, Walnut Grove Style first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.