Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast

Every great journey has a beginning, and this week on Little House 50 Podcast, we're going all the way back to where it all started: the original Little House on the Prairie Pilot!

And oh, what a first it is! We're revisiting the episode that introduced us to the Ingalls family and gave us so many iconic moments that helped make Little House on the Prairie the beloved classic we know and love today. So how did we wait this long to recap the Pilot? We have some catching up to do!

Plus, let's talk about Melissa Gilbert—could she be the most perfect child actor ever cast in a television series? Her portrayal of Laura steals our hearts right from the start.

But wait… how on earth does the Little House Pilot compare to Rocky? Well we're going the distance, drawing some surprising parallels between these two unforgettable stories, and finally giving the Pilot the attention it deserves!

And stay until the end, because we have our very first Patreon video question to answer!

Then, join us on Patreon, where Alison and Dean take a deep dive into the incredible story of Ed Friendly, the creator and executive producer of Little House on the Prairie. Discover how he brought the series to life, the eventual rift between Friendly and Michael Landon, and the enduring legacy of Little House. Plus, they explore the remarkable career of Kent McCray, discussing his autobiography and his lasting impact on television history! 

Links and Resources:

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LittleHousePodcast

www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts, and visit our BONNETHEAD BOUTIQUE merch store!

www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.

Find out about Kent McCray and order his book, "Kent McCray: The Man Behind the Most Beloved Television Shows https://kentmccray.com/

To learn more about Little House on the Prairie: www.littlehouseontheprairie.com

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok:
Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler
Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim
Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv 

Social Media Team: Joy Correa and Christine Nunez https://www.paclanticcreative.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/little-house-on-the-prairie-50th-anniversary-podcast--6055242/support.

This week on Little House 50 Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about—and polarizing—episodes in Little House on the Prairie history: “The Godsister.” And who better to help us recap, than the Greenbush Twins! Straight from the source!

The story puts Carrie Ingalls front and center as she encounters her imaginary friend, Alyssa. We get firsthand memories of making that episode, including the unique experience of switching who played Carrie and who played Alyssa, the challenges and fun of filming the episode, and what they remember about working with Michael Landon.

We know--“The Godsister” has become one of those Little House episodes that inspires some very strong opinions. For some viewers, it’s a beloved and memorable Carrie story. For others, it remains one of the most unusual—and even frustrating—episodes of the series. But before you come down on poor Carrie, rewatching it today might just change your mind. Carrie's story reveals a much deeper emotional life that any child psychologist could write a dissertation on! And does anybody remember that there's an entire other plot involving Pa and Jonathan Garvey that is riveting?!

Whether you love “The Godsister,” dislike it, or have never quite known what to make of it, this is your chance to hear the story directly from the two people who were at the center of it.

Then, join us on Patreon where the Greenbush twins discuss their long awaited reunion with Melissa Francis at the Nashville event in September, what it was like for them going to school full time for the very first time at age 12 once the show ended, and the surprising revelations that came up while connecting with her former Prairie child actors. 

Links and Resources:

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LittleHousePodcast

www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts, and visit our BONNETHEAD BOUTIQUE merch store!

www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.

Visit https://greenbushtwins.com/ if you'd like to be a part of this online community of eco-friendly products, artisans and friends. 

To learn more about Little House on the Prairie: www.littlehouseontheprairie.com

 Facebook/Instagram/TikTok:
Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler
Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim
Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv

Social Media Team:

Joy Correa and Christine Nunez https://www.paclanticcreative.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/little-house-on-the-prairie-50th-anniversary-podcast--6055242/support.

Season 4 of the LittleHouse50Podcast is officially here, and we’re kicking things off with a look back what’s been happening behind the scenes since we wrapped Season 3, including an unforgettable trip to Nashville and a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry.

We’re excited about where Season 4 is headed! Expect more opportunities for audience participation, listener questions, community conversations, and Patreon interaction throughout the season. Plus, some amazing guests!

If you’re part of our Patreon community, we have already started a group chat, where everyone can talk to us and join in on the conversation. Every Friday we will start a new topic to discuss -- but we're here to talk about anything Prairie related any time! Keep an eye out for more ways to connect with us, because we have some cool things in the works. (A Zoom coctail hour, please?)

Thanks for listening, supporting, sharing, and being part of the LittleHouse50Podcast family.  Subscribe/follow the podcast so you don’t miss an episode of Season 4.

Season 4 is just getting started — and we’re so glad you’re here for it. Let’s make Season 4 our best one yet!

Pamela, Dean, and Alison continue the conversation on Patreon, where they discuss exciting ideas for Patreon members, along with a surprising experience Pamela had involving channeling June Carter — an experience later validated by June’s daughter, Carlene Carter!

Links and Resources:

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LittleHousePodcast

www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts, and visit our BONNETHEAD BOUTIQUE merch store!

www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com  Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.

Prairie Legacy Productions - the place to go for info about all new Little House events!

To learn more about Little House on the Prairie, Visit www.littlehouseontheprairie.com

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok:
Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler
Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim
Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv

Social Media Team: Joy Correa and Christine Nunez 
https://www.paclanticcreative.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/little-house-on-the-prairie-50th-anniversary-podcast--6055242/support.

Some actors make an impression. Katy Kurtzman made two—and both are unforgettable. Little House fans first fell in love with her as Anna Gillberg in the beloved Season 3 episode "The Music Box," where she delivered one of the most heartfelt performances in the series as a shy young girl with a stutter who finds an unlikely friend in Laura Ingalls (and unfortunately crosses paths with one very smug Nellie Oleson and one very stolen music box). She later returned as young Caroline Quiner in "I Remember, I Remember," giving us a sweet glimpse into the early romance of Charles and Caroline. Beyond Walnut Grove, Katy built an impressive career with starring roles in television movies, hit series, and earned three Young Artist Award nominations before expanding into writing, directing, producing, and coaching the next generation of performers.

In this episode, we have the absolute joy of talking with the incredible Katy Kurtzman—and wow, what a guest. She's funny, dynamic, honest, refreshingly open, and shares stories with the same heart she brought to every performance. From working with Michael Landon to growing up in Hollywood and building a career behind the camera, nothing is off limits. Whether you've loved Katy since Anna found her voice or you're just discovering what an amazing human she is, this conversation will leave you smiling. (Don't worry—we promise no music boxes were stolen during the recording.)

Then join us on Patreon, where Katy shares even more Little House memories, her candid thoughts on being a child actor, and even pulls out some incredible memorabilia she saved from her time on the show. Trust us—we were absolutely gobsmacked. You won't want to miss it!

Links and Resources:

Haven’t signed up for Patreon yet? Get more behind-the-scenes info and fun conversation we can't do on the podcast...PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LittleHousePodcast

www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts and link to their websites.

www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com  Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.

Prairie Legacy Productions - the place to go for info about all new Little House events!

IPLP’s Nashville event: Sept 11-13LittleHouseonthePrairieCastReunions.com

To learn more about Little House on the Prairie, Visit www.littlehouseontheprairie.com

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok:
Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler
Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim
Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv

Social Media Team:
Joy Correa and Christine Nunez 
https://www.paclanticcreative.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/little-house-on-the-prairie-50th-anniversary-podcast--6055242/support.

For nearly a year, Alison Arngrim managed to do the impossible: keep a secret. And not just any secret—she appears in a surprise cameo in Episode 2 of Netflix's brand-new Little House on the Prairie! On the very day the series premiered, we sat down with everyone's favorite Nellie Oleson to finally spill the beans. How did it happen? What was it like stepping back into the world of Little House? And perhaps most impressively... how on earth did Alison keep this from the fans for an entire year?

Join us as Alison takes us behind the scenes of her unforgettable cameo, shares what it was like visiting the new Little House, meeting the cast, and passing the prairie torch to a new generation. It's a heartfelt, hilarious, and history-making conversation filled with laughs, surprises, and just enough behind-the-scenes gossip to make even Mrs. Oleson lean in a little closer. If you've already spotted Alison in Episode 2, you'll love hearing how it all came together. And if you haven't... well, what are you waiting for? We'll still be here when you get back.

Then join us on Patreon, where Alison shares exclusive, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos from her time on the set of Netflix's new Little House on the Prairie. It's an incredible peek behind the prairie curtain that fans won't want to miss!

Links and Resources:
Haven’t signed up for Patreon yet? Get more behind-the-scenes info and fun conversation we can't do on the podcast...PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LittleHousePodcast

www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts and link to their websites.

www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com  Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.

Prairie Legacy Productions - the place to go for info about all new Little House events!

IPLP’s Nashville event: Sept 11-13LittleHouseonthePrairieCastReunions.com

To learn more about Little House on the Prairie, Visit www.littlehouseontheprairie.com

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok:
Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler
Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim
Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv

Social Media Team: Joy Correa and Christine Nunez 
https://www.paclanticcreative.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/little-house-on-the-prairie-50th-anniversary-podcast--6055242/support.