Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus

Episode 41 Behind every magical Christmas moment is someone who believes in making it happen. And Mrs. Claus Vintage has a story of her own to tell! 🎄❤️ This week on Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus , Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf welcome Shawn White, better known as Mrs. Claus Vintage. A Christmas ambassador, storyteller, and educator, Shawn has spent more than a decade bringing warmth, won...

Episode 40  From Circus Clown to Santa Claus: Glen Heroy on The Heart of Santa.  What do Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, Dolly Parton, a circus clown, and Santa Claus have in common? Glen Heroy! This week on Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineas T. Elf , we welcome New York City performer Glen Heroy—a man whose extraordinary career has taken him from the circus ring and children’s hospitals to celebrity...

Episode 39 What makes a Christmas character truly unforgettable? For actor, writer, and physical comedy artist Joel Jeske , the secret lies in two simple but powerful ideas: context and consequence. In this episode of Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus , Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf welcome Joel for a lively, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about the art of Christmas performance,...

#38 🎅🎄 The Magic of Christmas Is Never a Solo Act! 🧝‍♂️✨ What happens when hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves come together with one shared purpose? Something truly magical. ❤️ This week on Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus , we’re sharing the laughter, lessons, friendships, and unforgettable moments from the legendary Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan! 🎤 P...

Episode #37 What if one of the secrets to becoming a better Santa is learning from a clown? 🎅🤡 Lee Andrews of ProKNOWS joins Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf to share the unexpected journey that shaped his Santa performance, his products, and a philosophy built around turning every visit into a lasting memory. In this episode of Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus , Lee takes us behind the scenes...

Episode #36 Why does the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School still shape Santas nearly 90 years after it began—and what did Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf learn inside its doors? Santa school is real—and the lessons go far beyond learning how to wear the suit. Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf take you inside the legendary Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, exploring its hist...

Episode 35 Most Santas know that getting that perfect snowy-white beard takes work—but doing it the wrong way can cost you softness, healthy color, and confidence. In this episode, Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf sit down with Missy Boggs, owner of Snow on the Roof Santa Hair in Atlanta, Georgia , to talk about the art—and science—behind creating and maintaining a beautiful Santa-white beard and he...

Episode #34 This third installment of their In Front of the Camera series is packed with practical advice for anyone working Santa events, family photos, or character appearances. From getting a room full of people looking at the camera fast, to reading a shy child’s energy, to knowing when to use a parent lap, a throne, or a quick reposition, this conversation is all about creating the best possi...

🎄 PART 2 — CREATING YOUR LOOK Episode #33 Makeup, Ears, Beard tip & the Finishing Touches That Bring Your Character to Life You’ve found your character—now it’s time to bring them to life! 🎅🧝✨ In Part 2 of our three-part series , Santa Tracy and Phineas T. Elf get into the details that can take your Santa, and elf, from a costume to a believable character . Phineas shares some of the trick...

Episode 32 The right holiday character outfit can make—or break—the magic. And you don’t need a giant budget to look believable. Santa Tracy and Phineas T. Elf break down how to create a convincing Santa, Mrs. Claus, or elf look that feels authentic, tells a story, and actually works in the real world. If you’ve ever wondered where to start as a holiday performer, this episode is packed with pract...

Mrs. Claus isn’t just “Santa’s wife.” She’s a listener, a storyteller, and sometimes the person kids trust enough to tell their whole heart to. ❤️ Betsy shared something that really stayed with uis: 🎄 Kids don’t need perfect—they need someone who will actually listen . 🎭 A great character starts with a simple question: Who is this person? ✨ Puppets, play, and imagination can turn a simple visit...

🎙️ EPISODE #30! 🎄✨ ChatGPT didn’t replace the magic — it helped us tell better stories. If you create holiday content or perform during the holidays, save this one! We played with a few simple AI prompts and turned them into: 🎄 A full Phineas the Elf origin story 😂 A silly Christmas rhyme 🍪 A cookie disaster that had us laughing out loud But here’s what we learned: The trick isn’t asking AI t...

Episode 29! The smallest act of kindness can change someone’s entire life. ❤️ Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever had someone show up at exactly the right moment. A stranger’s hand on your shoulder. A quiet, “I believe in you.” A simple smile that carried you through a difficult day. Kindness doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing. Sometimes the deepest footprints are left by the gentlest steps. Who mad...

Episode #28 Feeling like the kid you used to be? Here's your reminder to keep that wonder alive—no matter your age! 🌟 Not the version that had fewer responsibilities—but the one who found joy in the little things. The one who laughed without worrying who was watching, imagined impossible adventures, danced for no reason, and believed that a little bit of magic could be found almost anywhere. As w...

This week on Fireside Chat with Santa & Phineas, we’re catching up with Phineas after his adventure at the Santa World Congress in Niagara Falls! 🎅🧝‍♂️ He shares what it was like teaming up with Santa Bruce to lead a fun, high-energy workshop that had Santas laughing, moving, and discovering new ways to bring even more life and joy to their performances. But the conversation goes much deeper...

Santa Bruce shared how he discovered his character years ago — not just through costumes but by feeling the movement and confidence that come with it. It’s not about perfection, but about accepting who you are in the role. When you move with intention, everything changes: posture, voice, connection. This isn’t just a costume; it’s a mindset shift. That’s what makes a memorable Santa—someone authen...

Ever notice how kids decide trust is the real magic of Santa and his Eleves? 🎅✨ It's not about the beard , pointy shoes or the suit — it’s how they feel around us. Drop a 🎁 if you remember the first time someone truly believed in YOU. That moment of trust can change everything. Adults are the same — we remember how someone made us feel , not just what they said. It’s about creating that feeling...

"Ever wonder what it really takes to be Santa? It’s not just the suit—it's a daily transformation that starts before the park even opens" !Santa Kevin shares how he kicks off every morning with a physical and emotional shift, from donning the suit at 8 AM to high-fiving families on arrival. His morning routine isn’t just about the outfit — it's about embodying kindness and joy, even before steppin...

Ever wonder how to turn a simple song into a crowd favorite—even if you can't carry a tune? Here's the secret: just start singing! 🎶 Confidence and a smile can turn anyone into a performer. Drop a 🎤 if you've ever seen someone just go for it and got hooked—because music is all about connection, not perfection. Honestly, you don't need to be a professional musician to create magic at your holiday...

Ever wondered what it takes to pull off a Christmas miracle? Phineas and I shared stories about the marathon that is a well-orchestrated holiday event. Over 1,200 families, countless sticky fingers, and hours of smiling, packing, cleaning, and running like we've never run before. Here’s the truth: it’s not glamorous, it’s not easy, and it’s not quick. But every minute — every detail, from choosing...

Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineas: Holiday Cheers and Self-Care Tips Join Santa and Phineas for a warm, festive conversation covering upcoming holiday plans, self-care routines, and heartwarming advice about embracing holiday magic. This episode is perfect for listeners looking to get into the holiday spirit and learn practical tips for skin and beard care from two beloved characters. Key Topic...

Discover how simple props like antique keys and nested snowmen can spark imagination and create memorable holiday stories. In this episode, Santa and Phineas explore storytelling techniques that turn everyday objects into magical elements, perfect for engaging children and audiences during festive seasons. Main Topics Using everyday objects (like antique keys) to craft enchanting stories Creating...

Storytelling Props for Enhanced Holiday Engagement: Exploring Interactive Tools with Santa and Phineas Discover how Santa and Phineas use unique props to create magical, engaging storytelling moments that captivate children and adults alike. Learn practical ideas for incorporating props into holiday performances and interactions that spark wonder and meaningful conversations. In this episode: The...

"Ever wonder what makes a Christmas wish truly unforgettable?" 🎄✨ Drop a 🎅 if you’ve heard a wish that stuck with you! Santa and Phineas share their most memorable holiday wishes—one heartfelt, one funny—and it’s a reminder that magic is in the moments we cherish. From proposals to lawnmowers, these wishes reveal what truly touches our hearts during the season. You never know what a child or ad...

Ever wondered what makes the perfect pet photo with Santa? It’s all about patience, love, and a squeaky tennis ball! 🎾🐶Drop a 🎅 if you love holiday traditions like Christmas photos—pets and all! For years, pet owners come back just to see their kids and dogs grow with Santa. It’s pure magic watching a tiny puppy turn into a confident adult, year after year. That special bond? It’s what creates...