American Girl Doll Talk: The Podcast for Fans of American Girl Dolls!

Interviewing Jessie Haas on Friday, author of the Saige books!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 15:21:00 -0600

We're excited to interview Jessie Haas this Friday. She is the author of the Saige books. She is a very interesting person who has written over 35 books. Wow!

We are going to ask her many questions about Saige and also about her life on a farm. What questions would you want to ask her?

Thanks!

Smart Girl's Manners for the New Year, with author Nancy Holyoke!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Tue, 1 Jan 2013 13:30:00 -0600

Hello American Girl fans!

We hope you are enjoying the start to a new year! We were both able to get back in the studio to publish another podcast episode. We look forward to sharing a great interview we had with Nancy Holyoke. She has written a bunch of Smart Girl's Guides for American Girl, including A Smart Girl's Guide to Manners.

Ever wonder what the polite thing is when you are served food you don't like? Or what to say in an uncomfortable situation? Mrs. Holyoke shares some expert advice with us all in this episode!

In this episode, we mention Christa's trip around the world in 2012 and Mia's newly adopted family member! We included some pictures below.

Thank you so much for listening! We love hearing from you! Contact us at girldolltalk@gmail.com. Let us know who your favorite doll is and why! Also, what are some of your favorite winter activities? Thanks!

16: A Smart Girl's Guide to Manners with author Nancy Holyoke
Mia's New Brother!

Pictures from Christa's Trip!

Audio only: Ringing in the New Year with Mary Casanova, author of the McKenna Brooks books!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:12:00 -0600

Earlier today we published a video podcast of our interview with Mary Casanova, author of the 2012 Girl of the Year McKenna books (among many other books!).

We are posting this audio-only version of the episode for those who do not have the ability to watch videos on their mp3 players.

Here's the audio! Enjoy! Let us know what you liked about what Mrs. Casanova talked about!

15: Ringing in the New Year with Friends and Mary Casanova, author of McKenna books!

Ringing in the New Year with Friends and Mary Casanova, author of the McKenna books!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:52:00 -0600

Hello American Girl fans!

A couple years ago we got some friends together for Christmas and made a video podcast celebrating the holiday. It just so happened that all of us were together again over New Years. So we decided to do another video podcast! It's crazy to see how much older everyone looks!

In addition to the fun with friends, this episode includes our interview with the amazing Mary Casanova! We've heard from many listeners that her previous interview was one of their favorites and we're excited to bring this episode to you! Mrs. Casanova talks about the 2012 Girl of the Year, McKenna Brooks. Plus she answers questions that some of you submitted!

You can watch the video below or sync it through iTunes if you have subscribed to our podcast. We'll also publish a separate episode that is audio only for listeners that don't have access to video iPods or iTunes.

Have you checked out the McKenna microsite on AmericanGirl.com? We invite you to try the McKenna's Take the Challenge to identify your strengths. It's fun! Leave a comment with what your top 3 strengths are! It will be fun to see what people find!

Thank you so much for listening! We love hearing from you. Contact us at girldolltalk@gmail.com. Thanks!

Ringing in the New Year with friends and Mary Casanova, author of McKenna books!

For audio only:

Announcing McKenna Brooks, the 2012 Girl of the Year!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:05:00 -0600

Well, girls, it's time to unveil the 2012 Girl of the Year: McKenna Brooks!

In this episode we interview Susan Jevins who is the Senior Public Relations Associate at American Girl. Ms. Jevins tells you everything you need to know about McKenna and the launch that American Girl is planning in 2012!

Next week we are scheduled to talk again with Mrs. Mary Casanova, who wrote the McKenna stories. As we mentioned in a previous post, if you have a question you'd like to ask Mrs. Casanova, let us know! If we're able, we'll include your question in the interview (and we'll mention your name)!

What a fun year it's been with Kanani! It's going to be so sad to see her go! But we've LOVED the McKenna stories and know you're going to love her and her friends as well!

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas! Have a great finish to 2011!

14: Introducing McKenna Brooks, the 2012 Girl of the Year!

What Would You Like to Ask Mary Casanova About the 2012 Girl of the Year?

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:20:00 -0600

We had a great interview today with American Girl about the new 2012 Girl of the Year! Our agreement is that we can't release any information until 12/26 but watch for the interview on that day!

We're speaking with Mary Casanova next week since she authored the books about the new character. Do you have a question you'd like us to ask Mrs. Casanova? If so, e-mail us at girldolltalk@gmail.com or leave it in a comment on this post. If we can, we'll ask your question, including mentioning your name!

Thanks! Merry Christmas!

New Girl of the Year!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:13:00 -0600

We were so excited to receive the press packet this week for the 2012 Girl of the Year! We've been reading the books--she's a very fun girl! She's a beautiful doll and has a great story written by one of our favorite authors!

Our arrangement with American Girl is that we can't publish any details until the Embargo Date of December 26 but watch for an episode coming out just after Christmas!

Christa and Mia

Girl Doll Talk Jack-O-Lantern

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:33:00 -0500

We tried carving a Girl Doll Talk logo pumpkin tonight. You can decide if it is recognizable!

Here's a picture of Christa with our final product! We hope you have a great start to your week!

Happy Halloween from Christa and Mia!

Introducing Cecile and Marie Grace, with authors Denise Lewis Patrick and Sarah Masters Buckey

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:42:00 -0500

Hello American Girl fans! We're so excited to share another podcast episode with you!

It's no longer a newsflash that American Girl released two new historical characters: Cecile and Marie-Grace. What is a newsflash is that in this episode, we have the privilege of sharing with you an interview with the authors of the Cecile and Marie-Grace books: Denise Lewis Patrick and Sarah Masters Buckey! They were so fun to talk with! We hope you enjoy the interview!

In this episode we also read some listener mail and talk with Gracie and Breanna. And we announce the winner of our reef trigger fish contest! TA-DA! Who won? You gotta listen! Their Girl Doll Talk tote bag will be in the mail soon!

P.S. We captured the drawing on video and will publish a separate video podcast of when we drew the winner's name!

Would you like to have an interview on our show about your site? You can learn more at http://girldolltalk.gotop100.com/.

Do you have friends and family members that love American Girls? Please tell them about our podcast! They can find it here or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/GirlDollTalkoniTunes.

Finally, please write to us at girldolltalk@gmail.com. Let us know who your favorite doll is and why. Also, let us know if you have an American Girl doll related question. We might just be able to read your e-mail or even interview you over the phone! That would be fun to meet you! Send us an e-mail today! Thanks!

13: Introducing Cecile and Marie-Grace with authors Denise Lewis Patrick and Sarah Masters Buckey

Join us at the Cecile and Marie-Grace Charity Ball!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:23:00 -0500

Hello American Girl doll fans!

This is a REALLY short notice but..... we (Christa and Mia) are going to the Cécile & Marie-Grace Charity Ball at the Chicago store on Monday night (8/29). Are any of you in the area? Any chance you could make it? It would be sooooo fun to meet you if you could join us!

We'll take some pictures and post them. Let us know if you can make it!

Interview with authors of Cecile and Marie-Grace Books!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:23:00 -0500

Hello fellow lovers of American Girl!

We just got off the phone with two wonderfully gifted and generous authors: Denise Patrick Lewis and Sarah Masters Buckey. They are the authors of the Cecile and Marie-Grace books and are very warm and dear ladies.

Can you imagine how difficult it would be to write these stories--to keep them coordinated and yet be written by two different people? Wow! They tell us in the interview how they did it, plus some insider secrets about the books and characters.

The episode will be out before the end of the month! Can't wait to share it with you! Have a great day!

Some fun June Memories

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 07:53:00 -0500

Hi girls! We had a blast celebrating Mia's 12th birthday earlier this week! Here's a fun video that has us both and piles of friends enjoying the day!

And here's a crazy video that my (Christa) brother put together to celebrate Father's Day. :) My dad is one of the rappers!

Have a great Independence Day weekend! We'll have an episode out in July and will announce the winners to the contest! :)

An American Girl Chat with Author Valerie Tripp

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:04:00 -0500

Hello American Girl fans! Christa and Mia here, with a very special episode of the Girl Doll Talk Podcast!

As you know, we love interviewing authors of American Girl books. It's so interesting to learn the stories behind the people who bring our favorite characters to life.

Well, in this episode we are excited to share a discussion we had with the one and only Valerie Tripp! Mrs. Tripp has authored over 50 books for American Girl and will tell us how it all started years ago. If you listen to the bloopers afterwards, you'll also learn about her soundproof recording studio at home! :)

We also talk to Dr. Mary Adam from Kenya, who is part of a very cool work there called Equipping Africa. Girls, make sure to take up the challenge to help orphan girls in Kenya by sending an American Girl book that you no longer need! All you have to do is to send one or more books to:
Girl Doll Talk
765 Pheasant Ridge Court, Suite 102
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

We'll take care of the shipping to Kenya. Thank you so much!

Finally, we loved talking to our friends Hannah and Emma from AGFun.

Girls, there is still time to send in a video or audio of you and your friends trying to say Humuhumunukunukuapua'a! Send your audio or video to girldolltalk@gmail.com and we'll select one of the entries to receive a free Girl Doll Talk tote bag! Come on, girls! Get your friends together and take your best shot! We'd love to send you a free tote bag!

Would you like to have an interview on our show about your site? You can learn more at http://girldolltalk.gotop100.com/.

Do you have friends and family members that love American Girls? Please tell them about our podcast! They can find it here or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/GirlDollTalkoniTunes.

Finally, please write to us at girldolltalk@gmail.com. Let us know who your favorite doll is and why. Also, let us know if you have an American Girl doll related question. We might just be able to read your e-mail or even interview you over the phone! That would be fun to meet you! Send us an e-mail today! Thanks!

12: An American Girl Chat with author Valerie Tripp

Would You Join Us in Helping These Orphan Girls?

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:53:00 -0500

Hi girls! This week we're recording our next episode and TOTALLY enjoyed talking with Hannah and Emma from AGFun!

We also interviewed Dr. Mary Adam, who lives in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Adam (who is also Christa's auntie who is here for Easter!) and her husband Rod run an organization named Equipping Africa. Dr. Adam had a great idea during the interview of how all of us could help an orphange over there in Kenya. Sending over an American Girl doll wouldn't make sense as it would be too expensive to ship and perhaps not be valued as much as here. BUT, the girls there LOVE getting books. An American Girl book would teach some history and be a fun way to learn more about being a girl and about America.

So, girls, you'll hear this in the next episode but start thinking about it now. Would you be up for donating a book to help orphan girls in Kenya? Do you have an American Girl doll book that you've already read and are not likely to read again? The books do not need to be new.

We're going to ask you to send your books to us in the Chicago area and then we'll package them all up and send them over in one shipment. We'll cover the cost of shipping it to Africa.

Wouldn't that be cool to see pictures of girls in a Kenyan orphanage reading a book that you sent? You'll hear more soon. Want to send some right away? Send them to:

Girl Doll Talk
765 Pheasant Ridge Court, Suite 102
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Thanks! Your American Girl friends,

Christa and Mia

Mrs. Tripp is Amazing!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:28:00 -0500

We just got off the phone with Mrs. Valerie Tripp, and all we can say is she is awesome! We loved having the chance to speak with her. We feel like she's a friend already! We can see why so many girls love her and her books so much!

Mrs. Tripp talked about why Felicity had a horse, who inspired the Kit stories, the conversation that started the first American Girl book ever, how Felicity's story is similar to what was going on during that timeframe, what girls need to hear today, and much, much more!

We'll shoot for getting the episode out before the end of the month. We can't wait to share it with you!

Your American Girl friends,

Christa and Mia

What Would You Want to Ask Valerie Tripp?

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:55:00 -0500

We are so excited that Ms. Tripp has graciously agreed to an interview!

So, girls, we're wondering.... What would you want to ask her?

As you probably know, Ms. Tripp wrote all the books in the Felicity, Josefina, Kit, and Molly series and three of the books in the Samantha series. Let us know what you would want to ask and we'll see if we can get the question in the interview.

Thanks! Your American Girl friends,

Christa and Mia

Kanani Chat with Author Lisa Yee

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Fri, 1 Apr 2011 09:32:00 -0500

Hello American Girl fans! Christa and Mia here, with another episode of the Girl Doll Talk Podcast!

Well, Kanani fever continues to spread! In this episode, we talk with Lisa Yee, author of Aloha, Kanani and Good Job, Kanani. Mrs. Yee is also the author of Good Luck, Ivy. She's not only a great writer. She's a REALLY fun lady! You have to check her blog out at http://lisayee.livejournal.com/. You can learn more about this wonderful authoress at http://www.lisayee.com/. Don't miss her pictures with Peeps! Here's our picture!

In this episode we also talk with the founder of a blog that is currently getting a high amount of traffic through the Top American Girl Fan Sites contest we have going: Australian Girl Fan (http://www.australiangirlfan.com/). Brittany-Amelia is a wonderful new friend from "down under" and she introduces us all to her love for both Australian Girl Dolls and American Girl Dolls!

We also talk to a sweet new friend Leana (also known as Le-Le) who, along with her mom, gives their best shot at the Hawaiian reef trigger fish name!

Speaking of that fish name, in our last episode we invited you to send in a video or audio of you and your friends trying to say Humuhumunukunukuapua'a! Well, in this episode we up the stakes! Send your audio or video to girldolltalk@gmail.com and we'll pick one of the entries to receive a free Girl Doll Talk tote bag! Come on, girls! Get your friends together and take your best shot! We'd love to send you a free tote bag!

Would you like to have an interview on our show about your site? You can learn more at http://girldolltalk.gotop100.com/.

Do you have friends and family members that love American Girls? Please tell them about our podcast! They can find it here or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/GirlDollTalkoniTunes. And how about some Girl Doll Talk accessories? Check out our store!

Finally, please write to us at girldolltalk@gmail.com. Let us know who your favorite doll is and why. Also, let us know if you have an American Girl doll related question. We might just be able to read your e-mail or even interview you over the phone! That would be fun to meet you! Send us an e-mail today! Thanks!

11: Kanani Chat with author Lisa Yee

The 2011 Girl of the Year Episode: Welcome Kanani!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Sat, 1 Jan 2011 05:47:00 -0600

Well, we've all been waiting to learn about the 2011 Girl of the Year and she's finally available! Welcome Kanani!

In this episode, we talk with Stephanie Spanos, who heads up Public Relations for American Girl. She tells us all about Kanani, including the creative and fun ways to enjoy this new doll!

Also, in this episode we talk with the blog that is currently getting the most traffic through the Top American Girl Fan Sites contest we have going. Currently our friends at http://aggossipblog.com/ are on the top so we loved having the chance to interview all the founders in this episode!

Would you like to have an interview on our show about your site? You can learn more at http://girldolltalk.gotop100.com/.

Don't miss the special Kanani challenge we talk about in this episode! Here's a summary: one of the many things we like about Lisa Yee's Aloha Kanani book is that she includes Hawaiian words and how to pronounce them. One of the biggest tongue twisters is the name of a Hawaiian reef trigger fish: the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. (Get the book to learn more. You can also read this on Wikipedia.) We want you to record a video of you and your friends or family trying to say that word! You can record it in audio as well, though we prefer video. Be as creative or funny as you want! Send us your video (or audio with a digital picture) to girldolltalk@gmail.com. Make sure to get permission from a parent. Let us know what questions you have! We can't wait to publish you and your friends in an upcoming podcast episode!

Do you have friends and family members that love American Girls? Please tell them about our podcast! They can find it here or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/GirlDollTalkoniTunes.

And how about some Girl Doll Talk accessories? Check out our store!

Finally, please write to us at girldolltalk@gmail.com. Let us know who your favorite doll is and why. Also, let us know if you have an American Girl doll related question. We might just be able to read your e-mail or even interview you over the phone! That would be fun to meet you! Send us an e-mail today! Thanks!

10: The 2011 Girl of the Year Episode: Welcome Kanani!

2011 Girl of the Year!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:51:00 -0600

We are so excited to receive the press pack this week for next year's Girl of the Year! She is soooo beautiful. We'll have a podcast episode out about her really soon!

And we look forward to talking with you! Thank you for the many e-mails in recent weeks! We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

Christa and Mia

Take a Leap of Fun! A Short, Crazy Video Podcast

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:32:00 -0500

Hello American Girl fans!

Christa's brother Barrett works with Rocket Launch Media, which does cool web videos for small businesses. Anyway, he thought it would be fun to put together this crazy little clip for Girl Doll Talk.

We hope your summer is starting well! We should have our next audio podcast episode out next week. In the meantime, have a great day!

Take a Leap of Fun with Christa and Mia!

Do You Have a Question for Jodi Goldberg?

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 5 May 2010 22:54:00 -0500

Hello girls! On Friday we're interviewing Jodi Goldberg from American Girl. She is the Editorial Director at AG so if it's published, chances are she is involved!

We have questions for her but want to get your voice in as well. What questions do you have for her?

Do you get the American Girl Magazine and have a question about it? What do you want to know about how books are designed or developed? She was heavily involved with the Kit movie so maybe you have a question about that?

Let us know and we'll try to get your question in! Thanks!

Your American Girl friends,

Christa and Mia

We Want to Interview You!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 12:24:00 -0500

Do you have an American Girl fan site? We would love to interview you!

Nearly every week we get requests from girls who want to be interviewed about their fan site. Which ones to pick? Well, how about a contest?

Just add your site to Girl Doll Talk's Top 10 American Girl Fan Sites! Each month we'll see whose sites are in the top 10 and select one or more to interview!

We'd love to let the world know about your site! Click here, add your site, and then let your fans know about the contest so they can vote for you!

We look forward to talking with you!

Interview with Mary Casanova, author of Jess, Chrissa, and Cecile!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Sat, 3 Apr 2010 16:49:00 -0500

Quick note: Would you like to be notified by e-mail each time we have a new episode published? Just click here and we'll do that! Your contact information is never shared with anyone. Ever. Period!

A couple months back we asked our listeners which author they would most like to hear from. Since Chrissa is so loved, it was no surprise that Mary Casanova, the author of the Chrissa and Jess books, ranked very high.

What did surprise us is how many other books Mrs. Casanova has written! She was so kind to send us an autographed copy of her book Cecile: Gates of Gold. Girls, as much as we love Chrissa... we like this book even more! Make sure to get your copy today!

Mrs. Casanova is a wonderful woman--so nice to interview! Don't miss some of the fun bloopers at the end of the episode!

If you would like to learn more about Mary Casanova, we invite you to visit her website and blog at http://www.marycasanova.com/.

In this episode we also interview Hannah and Katie from AG Gossip Blog and a guy listener named Blake. Plus we read some listener e-mail!

Do you have friends and family members that love American Girls? Please tell them about our podcast! They can find it here or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/GirlDollTalkoniTunes.

08: Interview with Mary Casanova, author of Jess, Chrissa, and Cecile!

Do You Have a Question for the Chrissa Author?

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:08:00 -0600

Wow! We are SOOOOO excited about interviewing another author this Thursday! We're going to talk with Mary Casanova who wrote the Chrissa books! She also wrote the Jess book!

Do you have a question that you'd love for us to ask? Leave a comment here and we'll try to get an answer! The episode should go live before the start of next week!

Thanks for your help! Your American Girl friends,

Christa and Mia

Lanie Mania! An Interview with Jane Kurtz, Author of the Lanie Books!

christa@i-leadonline.com (Christa and Mia) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:44:00 -0600

So you know all about Lanie, the 2010 Girl of the Year®. But have you had a chance to read the books yet? We've read the first one and really enjoyed it!

We thought it would be fun to interview Jane Kurtz, the author of the Lanie books! In this interview you'll learn more about the author who worked with American Girl to dream up Lanie, Dakota, and the rest of the characters in the series. You'll also learn some insider facts you can find in the book, and some cool stories about Mrs. Kurtz life!

If you would like to learn more about Jane Kurtz, we invite you to visit her website and blog at http://janekurtz.wordpress.com/.

In this episode we also read some listener e-mail from Johanna and Regan!

By the way, do you have friends and family members that love American Girls? Please tell them about our podcast! They can find it here or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/GirlDollTalkoniTunes.

07: Lanie Mania! An Interview with Jane Kurtz, Author of the Lanie Books