Zuzu All Grown Up
Zuzu: All Grown Up is hosted by Karolyn Grimes, the 1940’s and 50’s child actor who most notably played Zuzu in the classic ’’It’s a Wonderful Life’’ and her psychologist husband Dr. Chris Brunell. Together the pair interview guests who make miracles happen whether ordinary people who are making a difference in extraordinary ways to celebrities who inspire as well as entertain. This inaugural season also includes special episodes in celebration of Dr. Leo Buscaglia, the well loved ’’Hug Doctor’s’’ would-be 100th birthday.
Episodes
In this special episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell explore the origins and legacy of the beloved It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls, New York—a town many believe inspired Bedford Falls itself.
Now more than two decades strong, the festival continues to unite cast members, fans, and a close-knit community each year in celebration of the film’s timeless message. Guests Fran Barbieri, Fr...
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Kathy Coady and Shannon Shepherd from Hope Ministries. Since 1915, this Iowa-based organization has offered life-changing services to those experiencing homelessness, hunger, abuse, and addiction. Kathy and Shannon share powerful insights into how rescue, recovery, and restoration are made possible—one person at a time. Tune in to learn how you can be part of ...
In this uplifting episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Alissa Catanzaro, Director of Operations, and Jeffrey Roeters, Co-Founder and Director of Guitars for Glory. This remarkable organization places guitars and musical instruments in the hands of people across the globe—from churches to recovery homes for survivors of human trafficking. Alissa and Jeffrey share how their mission has transform...
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Tim Glenn, Director of Public Relations at Compassion International. Tim shares how this Christian organization is on a mission to end childhood poverty—one child at a time. With a focus on nurturing the mind, body, and soul, Compassion International helps children around the world thrive through education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance. Discover how you ...
In this special episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, we honor what would have been Dr. Leo Buscaglia’s 101st birthday by sharing a rare, almost never-before-heard interview recorded in 1982. Discovered in the attic of the late journalist Michael Canterbury, this heartfelt conversation captures Dr. Leo at his most candid—reflecting on the goodness in humanity, the power of love, and how to find the “wonderful” in everyday life.
In this heartwarming episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Reverend Edie Weinstein—therapist, author, and founder of Hug Mobsters Armed With Love. Edie shares how a simple act of kindness grew into a movement, using the power of hugs to foster love and human connection. With a career that spans journalism, counseling, and speaking, Edie reflects on her experiences interviewing world leaders a...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Eli Marcus, the dynamic host of The Motivation Show and a respected expert in self-improvement, collaboration, and mentorship. Known as the Mayor of Times Square, Eli shares his insights on how the mind shapes success and how we can harness motivation to create the life we truly want. Tune in for an uplifting conversation packed with wisdom, inspira...
In this festive episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Trish Parris, co-director of the biannual Santa Family Reunion in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Every two years, hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves gather in this charming mountain town to celebrate their shared love of bringing holiday joy. Trish offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this unique event so magical—for attendees and ...
In this uplifting episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Rebekah Kellaway, Director of Haven Academy of the Arts. What started as a passion for teaching has grown into a thriving nonprofit that gives children access to theater, dance, and acting—regardless of their background. Rebekah shares the joys and challenges of running an arts organization and how the arts help shape confident, crea...
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Elly Katz, founder of Sages & Seekers, a program that fosters meaningful connections between older adults and teens. Through storytelling and shared experiences, the initiative bridges generational gaps, combats ageism, and enriches lives on both sides. Elly shares how wisdom and curiosity come together in a transformative exchange, of...
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Kelly Stroman, Managing Director of the Friendship Foundation. Kelly shares how the organization empowers children and young adults with disabilities through friendship, vocational training, and unique experiences. Recognized by the Dr. Leo Buscaglia Foundation, the Friendship Foundation is redefining inclusion and community support.
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell continue the tribute to Dr. Leo Buscaglia by revisiting the Valhalla Tahoe Boathouse Theatre. Joining them is Meg Peart, Executive Director of Valhalla Tahoe, who shares insights into the theatre’s rich history as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Discover how this iconic space, once championed by Dr. Buscaglia, remains a thriving hub for the arts in t...
In this heartwarming episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Nate Eaton of East Idaho News to share the incredible story of a real-life Secret Santa—a generous millionaire who anonymously gives away part of his fortune each holiday season to help those in need.
From life-changing surprises to heartfelt moments of kindness, Nate reveals how this mysterious benefactor is spreading joy and hope acro...
In this uplifting episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome the extraordinary Dr. Walt Whitman, founder and CEO of the internationally acclaimed Soul Children of Chicago. For decades, Dr. Whitman has used music as a tool to uplift, inspire, and unite communities around the world. Join us as he shares his journey of empowering young voices, the impact of gospel music on shaping lives, and the lega...
In this breathtaking episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell take you on an unforgettable journey to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—the Northern Lights. Broadcasting live from the Arctic Circle in Finland’s stunning Lapland region, expert tour guide Juhani Vanhatapio and photographer Ryan Oliveira from Beyond Arctic Adventures brave the freezing night to capture the celestial magic of the ...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with longtime friends Ruth and John Mencl, along with Richard Goodson, for a heartfelt conversation filled with cherished memories. From starting the Zuzu Fan Club to sharing unforgettable moments over the years, this episode is a celebration of friendship, connection, and the lasting impact of It’s a Wonderful Life. Join us as we reminisce about t...
In this heartwarming episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Patty Gregory, President of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing handmade blankets to children in need. Inspired by the beloved Charlie Brown character, Project Linus' mission has brought warmth, comfort, and security to countless children facing illness, trauma, or hardship. Join us as Patty shares the incredible impac...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell celebrate the unforgettable legacy of Dr. Jeanine Roose—who once lit up screens as Young Violet Bick in It's a Wonderful Life and later became a respected psychoanalyst. Though her film role was brief, its impact endured, and in her later years, she embraced her Hollywood roots by reconnecting with fans at It’s a Wonderful Life festivals. Joining the conver...
In this Valentine's edition of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Joyce and Barry Vissell of The Shared Heart Foundation. Recalling their time with the doctor of love, Dr. Leo Buscaglia—whose message of acceptance captivated the nation in the 1980s—Joyce and Barry reveal why his timeless message is as vital today as ever. They share how their acclaimed couples retreats and best-selling books have fortified relationships fo...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Jimmy Hawkins, an accomplished actor, producer, and author, who appeared in It’s a Wonderful Life as Karolyn's younger brother, Tommy Bailey. Jimmy reflects on his varied career and shares cherished memories from the set of It’s a Wonderful Life. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the enduring spirit of the film and the timeless me...
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