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 touching return to Zuzu: All Grown Up, Lynn Sanders–Founder of Difference Makers Media, award-winning writer, producer, and storytelling strategist–joins Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell to share a new, deeply personal chapter of her journey. Known for empowering others to tell their stories of impact and compassion, Lynn now opens up about her own experience of healing and awakening after a sudden health crisis. Throug...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Sal St. George, an award-winning playwright, director, producer, and historian who has spent his life turning laughter into an art form. From interviewing classic legends like Bud Abbott to writing for theater, theme parks, and television, Sal shares incredible stories from a lifetime in entertainment. He reflects on how comedy, creativity, and hist...
In this episode, retired New York City firefighter, actor, and author Chris Edwards joins Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell to discuss his experience as one of the first responders on 9/11. Chris shares the tremendous tragedy of that day, along with the hope and resilience he discovered while saving lives. He reflects on the lasting, transformational message he carries and emphasizes the importance of "taking off the blinders", ...
In this soulful episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Robert Alexander, founder of Life Rhythms — a unique wellness brand built on the transformative power of sound. Robert’s work goes far beyond music; he crafts personalized audio experiences designed to reflect a person’s emotions, intentions, and inner journey.
This conversation explores the surprising ways music can shift energy, and how one man’s creative gift...
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Jim Boyd, Director of Strategic Growth for Optimist International. With a background that spans 35 years in broadcast journalism, Jim now helps lead one of the world’s most enduring service organizations. He shares the Optimist mission, from empowering youth through global initiatives to building joy in local communities. This conversation...
In this insightful episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Hugh Ballou—a conductor turned leadership strategist and founder of the SynerVision Leadership Foundation. With over 40 years of experience leading choirs and orchestras, Hugh reveals how the principles of music are the same principles that create effective leadership. He shares how leaders can harmonize their vision with their team, buil...
In this moving episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes Liz Scott, co-founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Liz shares the extraordinary story of her daughter Alex, who-despite battling cancer-set up a simple lemonade stand to help other children like her. What began with a single pitcher of lemonade has grown into a nationwide movement funding pediatric cancer research, supporting families, and inspiring milli...
In this powerful episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes welcomes playwright Paul Donnelly, a close friend of journalist Wendi Winters, one of the five victims of the 2018 Capital Gazette newsroom shooting. Paul reflects on Wendi’s activism, community leadership, and passion for journalism, while also honoring the extraordinary courage she showed in her final moments. This moving tribute ensures Wendi Winters is remembered no...
In this special episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell uncover the magic behind Seneca Falls’ annual transformation into Bedford Falls, celebrating It’s a Wonderful Life. More than just a festival, it’s a homecoming for people who share a love of the film, forming an extended Bailey family bound by its uplifting spirit.
Joining Karolyn and Chris are Jeanne Stillmock, Rose & John Pezzulo, Gerri Ra...
In this uplifting episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes sits down with Ryan Hreljac – a global changemaker whose journey began with a simple childhood mission: raising money to build a single well. What started as a six-year-old’s dream has grown into the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which has brought clean water to hundreds of communities worldwide. Ryan shares how compassion, persistence, and a few extra chores sparked a lifel...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Kathy Tarochione, founder of the Golden Life Community and host of the Dog Connection Show. After facing a life-changing diagnosis, Kathy turned adversity into action – creating a supportive space for women over 55 and weaving in her love of dogs.
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Rob Scheer. As the founder of Comfort Cases, Rob is transforming the foster care experience by providing dignity, essentials, and hope to children who often enter the system with nothing but a trash bag. Hear how Rob’s journey from trauma to activism is changing lives, one backpack at a time.
In this inspiring episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Dave “Gonzo” Kelly – a speaker, author, and longtime champion of service-driven leadership. With decades of experience and more than 70,000 volunteer hours, Dave shares powerful stories from his journey.
In this exciting holiday episode of Zuzu:All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell are joined by Zach Galligan, star of the 1984 classic Gremlins, to celebrate the movie’s 40th anniversary. Zach reflects on the making of this unforgettable film, its lasting legacy, and the cautionary tale of what happens when you don’t follow the rules—no water, no bright light, and definitely no midnight snacks! From the origins of the te...
In this 100th episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome an accomplished actor, Benjamin Ayres, widely recognized for his work in Hallmark Christmas movies and the Canadian television series Saving Hope.
Benjamin reflects on his journey in the entertainment industry, the magic of bringing holiday stories to life, and the deeper connections these films create with audiences. Tune in for a heartwarmin...
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Ellen Latzen, who soared to stardom as a child after her breakout role in Fatal Attraction. She later charmed audiences worldwide as Ruby Sue in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, now cherished as a holiday classic. Ellen reflects on the unexpected fame that followed and reveals how this iconic role shaped her life then and now. Tune in for a he...
On this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Peter Salzer and Holly Faris, tribute artists known for their uncanny impressions of classic stars — including the legendary duo George Burns and Gracie Allen. They talk about what it’s like to step into the shoes of iconic performers, how they engage audiences across generations, and the joy of keeping timeless comedy alive in their own unfor...
On this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell are joined by Lisa Jakub — actor, author, speaker, and founder of Blue Mala & Mission Flexible. While many remember her from iconic films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Lisa has since devoted her life to advocating for mental wellness and supporting veterans. She shares her inspiring journey from childhood fame to building a life rooted in purpose, healing, and c...
In this joyful follow-up episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome back beloved composer and friend, Phillip Erklen. Known for his heartfelt surprises, Phillip shares more stories, laughter, and the lasting magic that music brings. It's a celebration of friendship and the simple moments that leave a lasting impact.
In this special episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes reconnects with her longtime friend and composer, Phillip Erklen. For over 25 years, Phillip’s music and kindness have been woven into the heart of the Zuzu community. Together, they look back on their decades-long friendship, share touching stories, and reflect on how creativity and music can make life more meaningful.
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