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 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.
In this uplifting episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Mona Purdy, founder of Share Your Soles, an organization whose mission is changing lives around the world. Share Your Soles has provided hundreds of thousands of gently used shoes to people in need, from nearby neighborhoods to faraway villages. Mona shares her journey, the challenges her team has overcome, and the powerful impact of...
In this uplifting episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell welcome Jeffrey Reale and Mike Seman, the inspiring team behind Project St. Nicholas Returns. What began with a Wall Street Journal article and a simple idea in 1993 has grown into a powerful holiday tradition rooted in kindness, anonymity, and the Golden Rule. Join us as we explore how a small group in Canton, Ohio, turned heartfelt Christmas let...
In this thought-provoking episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes sits down with Rabbi Shaul Rosenblatt, author of Why Bad Things Don’t Happen to Good People. With wisdom rooted in spiritual reflection and personal growth, Rabbi Rosenblatt explores what it truly means to be “good” and how challenges in life can lead to deeper meaning, strength, and transformation. This powerful conversation will leave you rethinking how we de...
On this special episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Dave and Lorrie Simonetti - key figures behind the Pirate Toy Fund, an initiative co-founded with local entertainer Gary the Happy Pirate - and Otto Harnischfeger, the organization’s Executive Director. Together, they share the touching story behind this mission born from personal loss, and how it has since brought joy and comfort to h...
In this special episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes sits down with broadcasting icon Don Alhart. With an astonishing 58-year career at the same news station, Don holds a world record and has become a beloved figure in journalism and public service. He reflects on the evolution of news media, the powerful stories that shaped his path, and how community connection has always remained at the heart of his work.
In this episode of Zuzu: All Grown Up, Karolyn Grimes and Dr. Chris Brunell sit down with Dr. Yvonne Kaye - a renowned storyteller, humourist, veteran radio host, interfaith minister, and thanatologist. With decades of experience in grief counseling and human connection, Dr. Kaye brings wisdom, humor, and heart to life’s most difficult conversations. From working with families who have lost children to speaking on corporate stages,...
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...
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