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 tributes and the magical world of Santa Claus.

A veteran of the Big Apple Circus and featured in the PBS series Circus, Glenn has spent decades discovering how laughter, imagination, and genuine human connection can change lives.

From his work as a healthcare clown at Memorial Sloan Kettering to six summers at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall camp, Glen has learned that sometimes the greatest gift a performer can give isn’t a laugh—it’s simply being present.

Today, Glen brings that same compassion, humor, and theatrical magic to his role as Santa Claus at Nordstrom, and Hudson Yards in New York City.

🎅 In this unforgettable conversation, we explore:

● ❤️ The healing power of laughter: What working with children in hospitals taught Glenn about empathy, listening, and being truly present.

● 🎤 From Elton John to Ozzy Osbourne: How creating larger-than-life celebrity characters has shaped his approach to portraying Santa.

● 🎄 The responsibility of being Santa: Why Glen describes himself as “the custodian of children’s dreams and imagination.”

● ⭐ The Dolly Parton story: An outrageous encounter that became the inspiration for an entire one-man show.

● 💔 A Christmas memory that changed everything: Glen shares a deeply personal childhood experience that helps explain why portraying Santa means so much to him.

● 🤡 Keeping clowning alive: Glen’s exciting new clown school at Coney Island and his passion for passing the art of performance to a new generation.

Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, unexpected stories, and moments that remind us why the best performers don’t just entertain—they make people feel something.

Whether you’re a Santa, Mrs. Claus, elf, clown, actor, or simply someone who believes in the power of imagination, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Because sometimes the greatest magic isn’t what we do. It’s how we make someone feel.

Here’s how to find Glen:

http://www.glenheroy.com/index2.html

https://coneyislandclownskool.com/

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, the magic of improvisation, and the little moments that become lifelong memories.

Joel takes us behind the scenes of his 12 years entertaining families at Macy’s, where he discovered that creating Christmas magic isn’t always about getting the biggest laugh. Sometimes, it’s about knowing your audience, embracing the unexpected, and making every interaction feel personal.

From playing “Makin’ a List,” a stern North Pole official who proved a little too intimidating for some young visitors, to becoming a charming train conductor guiding families on their imaginary journey to Santa, Joel shares how listening, adapting, and understanding your character can transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

And what happens when Santa can’t find a parking spot for his sleigh? Or the reindeer demand longer cocoa breaks? According to Joel, even the most ordinary situations can become comedy gold when performers commit to the story and let the humor happen naturally.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The power of context and consequence: How two simple principles can bring authenticity, humor, and depth to any character.
• Lessons from Macy’s: What 12 years of entertaining families taught Joel about connecting with audiences of all ages.
• Finding the right character: Why his transition from a stern North Pole official to a playful train conductor changed everything.
• The art of improvisation: Why reacting honestly to a situation is often funnier than delivering a rehearsed joke.
• Creating magic in unexpected places: How everyday problems, playful imagination, and a little Christmas absurdity can create unforgettable experiences.
• Making every interaction matter: Why even a brief encounter can become a treasured family tradition.

Joel also shares a touching childhood memory of visiting Santa’s Village, reminding us that the experiences we create as performers can stay with someone for a lifetime.

Whether you’re a Santa, Mrs. Claus, elf, actor, entertainer, or simply someone who loves the magic of Christmas, this conversation is filled with laughter, inspiration, and practical wisdom about bringing characters to life.

Because the greatest Christmas performances aren’t just about what we do. They’re about how we make people feel.

Joel Jeske is an accomplished actor, writer, director, educator, and physical comedy performer whose creative work celebrates storytelling, imagination, and the joy of human connection.

Learn more about Joel:
https://www.jeskejoy.com/

https://www.joeljeske.com/

#FiresideChat #SantaTracy #PhineusTheElf #JoelJeske #ChristmasPerformance #PhysicalComedy #Improvisation #SantaClaus #ChristmasMagic #HolidayEntertainment #SantaCommunity #Storytelling

#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!

🎤 Phineus T. Elf took the stage for the very first time, delivering a heartfelt message about the importance of elves, Mrs. Clauses, mentorship, and the teamwork that makes Christmas magic possible.

🎅 Santa Tracy shares the joy of singing with the Claus choir, stepping outside his comfort zone, and discovering just how powerful this extraordinary community can be.

And along the way, we celebrate the people who remind us that being Santa isn’t just about wearing the red suit. It’s about serving others, lifting each other up, and making a difference in someone’s life.

✨ Because the greatest Christmas magic doesn’t happen when we’re standing in the spotlight. It happens when we shine that light on someone else.

❤️ This episode is about more than Santa School. It’s about belonging, friendship, and the heart behind the holiday.

🎧 WATCH OR LISTEN NOW!

📺 YouTube: Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus

🎙️ Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

💬 We’d love to hear from you: Who has helped you become a better Santa, elf, Mrs. Claus, or performer? Give them a shout-out in the comments!

🎄 Share this episode with someone who keeps the Christmas spirit alive all year long.

#FiresideChatWithSantaAndPhineus #SantaTracy #PhineusTheElf #SantaClausSchool #CharlesWHowardSantaClausSchool #SantaCommunity #ChristmasMagic #MrsClaus #SantaLife #ChristmasSpirit #SantaFamily #MakingMemories #SpreadKindness