Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Canadian puppet artist and performer, Matt Ficner! Known for his unique characters and imaginative designs, Matt has brought countless puppets to life across television and film. We dive into his early work on The Noddy Shop, where he co-created the show's beloved puppets alongside the late Noreen Young and performed characters like Rusty, Lichtenstein, Fred, and Whiny. Matt also shares his experiences performing Teddy in the puppet segments of Caillou and reflects on his contributions to shows like Brats of the Lost Nebula, Planet Bizzaro: The World According to Zoomer, Ace Lightning, Wilbur, and more. Plus, we chat about his work on the TV movie The Creepy Puppet Project and his time on the 2007 film, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It's a fun, fascinating conversation filled with nostalgia, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the art of puppetry!Also, after several months, this is the final appearance of Matt Bingel on the podcast.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we welcome the legendary voice behind some of animation's most unforgettable characters — Charlie Adler! With a career spanning decades, Charlie has brought to life an iconic range of roles, from Nat Smurfling on The Smurfs, Mad Dog on TaleSpin, and Buster Bunny on Tiny Toon Adventures, to Ed and Bev Bighead on Rocko's Modern Life, Ickis on Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, and Cow, Chicken, The Red Guy, and I.R. Baboon on Cow and Chicken and I Am Weasel. He was also the voice of Mr. Whiskers from Brandy & Mr. Whiskers and a master behind the mic as both a voice actor and director. Join us as Charlie shares stories from the booth, his journey through the evolution of TV animation, his approach to directing, and the creative energy that's made him a standout voice in pop culture.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Canadian actress and voice artist Jennifer Seguin! Best known as the voice of Doris, Caillou's mom on the long-running children's series Caillou, Jennifer has brought warmth, humor, and heart to countless beloved characters across children's television. From Graziella on Wimzie's House and Millicent Crosswire on Arthur to Mom on Rotten Ralph, Madeleine Gotto on Mona the Vampire, Bobo on Spookley the Square Pumpkin, and Stella on the English dub of Winx Club, her voice has been a comforting presence for generations of viewers. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time working on Caillou, including her experiences collaborating with Pat Fry, the voice of Caillou's dad Boris, and her heartfelt memories of the late Jaclyn Linetsky, who originally voiced Caillou. She also dives into her work in the world of video game voiceover and her ventures in on-camera acting.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're joined by the dynamic Canadian composing duo Steve D'Angelo and Terry Tompkins, the musical minds behind some of the most beloved children's shows of the past few decades. If you grew up watching PBS Kids, chances are you've heard their unforgettable work! From Peep and the Big Wide World to Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, Design Squad, WordGirl and Super Why!, Steve and Terry have helped shape the sound of educational entertainment for a generation. They've also left their musical mark on iconic series like Zoom (remake), Arthur, Molly of Denali, Astroblast!, and even Thomas & Friends. In our conversation, we dive into their creative process, the unique challenges of composing for children's television, and how they balance fun, emotion, and education through music. We also chat about Steve's work in feature films and documentaries, and Terry's role as a founding member of the folk rock band Lost & Profound.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the multitalented Aubrey Miller! Aubrey has been lighting up screens and stages since childhood, getting her start as the Junior Beats version of Kiki on Nick Jr.'s The Fresh Beat Band and showing off her dance moves in Just Dance Kids 2. From there, she landed guest roles on hit shows like Kickin' It, Sam & Cat, Shameless, and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. Disney Channel fans will recognize her as Megan Simms from Austin & Ally, but Aubrey is best known for her starring role as Hannah Parker-Kent on the beloved Amazon Prime Video series Just Add Magic. Most recently, she appeared in The Thundermans comeback film, The Thundermans Return, and took creative control by creating, writing, producing, and starring in her own YouTube series, ME. On top of all that, she's made her mark as a singer with original tracks like Crossing My Heart and Lemonade.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!This week, we're joined by the legendary songwriting duo Michael and Patty Silversher! Known for crafting some of the most iconic and beloved tunes in children's television, the Silvershers have been the musical minds behind countless favorites from Disney and The Jim Henson Company. From writing the unforgettable theme songs for Adventures of the Gummi Bears and TaleSpin to penning songs for Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, DuckTales, and the Winnie the Pooh franchise, their Disney legacy speaks (or sings!) for itself. Michael also wrote and arranged most of the classic Mickey Mouse Splashdance album. With The Jim Henson Company, they brought their talents to projects like Muppet Classic Theater, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree, Animal Jam, Sid the Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, and Pajanimals, as well as the heartfelt ballad "Together Forever" from The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. We dive into their creative process, the stories behind your favorite childhood songs, and what it's like to write music that spans generations.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we had the great pleasure of speaking with someone who not only shaped our childhoods, but generations of childhoods! We're joined by none other than Greg Page — Australian singer, performer, and the original Yellow Wiggle of children's music group, The Wiggles! Greg takes us back to the early days before The Wiggles, sharing stories from his teenage years playing in bands like Dead Giveaway and his time as a roadie for pub rock band The Cockroaches — where he met future Wiggle bandmates Anthony Field and Jeff Fatt. We also dive into how studying early childhood education at Macquarie University led him to cross paths with Murray Cook and, ultimately, the formation of The Wiggles. Greg reflects on recording their debut album, some of his favorite songs he wrote, and the group's journey to international success — including their breakthrough in the U.S. We also touch on Greg's sudden cardiac arrest in 2020. He opens up about that life-changing moment and how it sparked a powerful mission to raise awareness about heart health. We also discuss Greg's recent venture into the world of musical theater, where he portrays the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Australian production of Annie the Musical.Special thanks to our guest co-host Tyler for joining us again!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're joined by the talented Australian actress, director, and producer Joanne Samuel! Best known for her iconic role as Jessie Rockatansky in the original Mad Max, Joanne takes us on a journey through her remarkable career in film and television. We talk about her experience working alongside Mel Gibson, her starring role in the cult horror film Alison's Birthday, and her appearances in films such as Early Frost, Nightmaster, Christmas Down Under, and What About Sal. Joanne also reflects on her work in beloved television soap operas and shares stories from her role as Mrs. Rosemary Bingle in The Wiggles Movie, a favorite for children around the world. Plus, we dive into her appearance in the documentary Mad Max Fans: Beyond The Wasteland and discuss her behind-the-scenes work as a director and producer.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this exciting episode, we're joined by the creative masterminds behind some of your favorite TV series and films, Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle! From their early work on The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! to writing episodes of beloved Disney hits like Goof Troop and the TV adaptations of Aladdin and Hercules, Bob and Mark's writing careers have spanned decades and captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As creators, they crafted the Toy Story spin-off series Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and are best known for creating one of Disney Channel's most iconic series, Kim Possible. They share stories from Kim Possible's incredible run, which led to two TV movies and a 2019 live-action remake. Bob and Mark also co-wrote the films Sky High and Hotel for Dogs, and even brought us two series based on iconic film franchises, The Penguins of Madagascar and Big Hero 6: The Series.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome legendary drummer and longtime "Weird Al" Yankovic collaborator, Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz! For over four decades, Bermuda has been the rhythmic force behind Al's iconic parodies, touring the world and recording countless fan-favorite tracks. But he's more than just a drummer—he's also the band's official historian and archivist, curating a massive collection that captures the unique legacy of "Weird Al." Bermuda joins us to chat about his musical journey, his incredible archive, and what it's like being part of one of the most beloved comedy acts in music history. We also dive into his two photo-packed books, Black & White & Weird All Over and Lights, Camera, Accordion!, which offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at life on the road and in the studio. Plus, hear about his collaborations beyond Al, including his work with the religious comedy group ApologetiX.Special thanks to our guest co-host Kev for joining us again!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this exciting episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented composer and music director David Bernard Wolf! Early in his career, David founded his own audio production company, Crywolf Productions, where he created and recorded audio content for none other than Chuck E. Cheese! David later became a key figure in the beloved Barney franchise, contributing as a songwriter and music director for the Barney & Friends TV series and several home videos, as well as producing multiple Barney albums. His company has also contributed to projects for Amblin Entertainment, NBCUniversal, and Disney! In 2016, David took his expertise even further by launching Audivita Studios, helping creators bring their audio visions to life.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Kanja Chen—puppeteer, puppet builder, and writer! Kanja's journey in the puppet world began with performing the title character in Slick Silly and working on series like Mr. Meaty and Big & Small. He later brought to life the puppet version of Otto from Odd Squad and has become best known for his work on Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock on Apple TV+, where he performs the non-binary Fraggle, Pogey, along with various background characters. Beyond performing, Kanja is also the founder of Chensational Productions, where he continues to push the boundaries of puppetry and storytelling. Join us as we chat about his incredible career, the art of bringing characters to life, and the magic of puppetry!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!On today's episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented dancer, singer, and musician Ryan Desaulnier! Originally from Canada, Ryan began his career performing in a variety of productions for the Stratford Festival before making the move to Australia, where he starred in the musical Evie & the Birdman, written by composer and songwriter John Field. That opportunity led him to work with one of the most beloved children's entertainment groups of all time—The Wiggles, from 2001 to 2007, where he performed on-screen and on-stage as a Wiggly Dancer, provided backing vocals for several albums and portrayed the role of Gallant George in The Wiggles' fifth television series! He was also an occasional understudy for several members of the group. After his time with The Wiggles, Ryan continued collaborating with John Field on various musical projects, started the rock band The Vinyl Edge, and remains active in the entertainment industry today. Now back in Canada, he's still pursuing his passion for performance.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!On today's episode, we're joined by the wonderful Alison Mork! Best known for her work on Pee-wee's Playhouse, Alison brought to life beloved characters like Chairry, Chicky Baby, Magic Screen, and many more. Following her time in the Playhouse, she went on to puppeteer on Sesame Street and performed Jody in the first season of The Puzzle Place. Her incredible puppeteering career has also included work on Bear in the Big Blue House, Between the Lions, Animal Jam, and even films like Team America: World Police and The Happytime Murders. Alison has also contributed her talents to The Muppets, including Muppet Meeting Films and the 2015–2016 TV series on ABC. Join us as Alison takes us through her journey in puppetry, her experiences bringing such iconic characters to life!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!On today's episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented director, writer, and producer Andy Fickman! Andy has brought countless memorable films to the big screen, including The Game Plan, Race to Witch Mountain, You Again, and Parental Guidance. He also co-wrote and directed Who's Your Daddy? and has worked extensively with Disney Channel, directing and executive producing the hit series Liv and Maddie and the movie Christmas...Again?! Beyond family entertainment, Andy has collaborated frequently with comedian and actor Kevin James, directing Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, producing and directing Kevin Can Wait, and helming Kevin's comedy special Never Don't Give Up. Join us as Andy shares stories from his directing journey, his passion for storytelling, and the magic behind creating films and shows that audiences of all ages love!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!On today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Eryk Casemiro! Early in his career, Eryk produced the beloved holiday special Frosty Returns, but he is best known for his extensive work with the animation studio Klasky Csupo. As a producer and executive producer, he helped shape Rugrats and its three films, along with its spin-off All Grown Up! and the revival. He also played a key role in developing and writing for other Nickelodeon favorites like The Wild Thornberrys, Rocket Power, and As Told by Ginger. Beyond Nickelodeon, Eryk created The Mr. Men Show for Cartoon Network and co-created Poppy Cat, bringing even more vibrant stories to young audiences. Join us as we explore Eryk's journey through the world of animation, the creative process behind these iconic shows, and the lasting impact of the stories he's helped bring to life!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Michelle Hickey! As a talented puppet wrangler and Muppet Workshop artist, Michelle has been a key part of bringing Sesame Street to life, working closely with iconic characters, especially as one of the main wranglers for Big Bird! She has also wrangled the Sesame Street Muppets for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and has also wrangled for The Book of Pooh, It's a Big Big World. Some of Michelle's other credits include puppeteering on Comedy Central's Crank Yankers and more recently, as a puppet builder on Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. Join us as Michelle shares her behind-the-scenes experiences, the artistry of puppet wrangling, and what it's like to help bring these beloved characters to life!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!On today's episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Fracaswell Hyman! For years, Cas has been a key creative force in children's television, writing for beloved series like Ghostwriter, Gullah Gullah Island, Taina, and recently Lyla in the Loop. He's best known for creating the Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson, developing Little Bill for Nick Jr., and co-creating Romeo! for Nickelodeon. Aside from his television work, Cas is also an accomplished author, having written the books Mango Delight and Summer in the City! Join us as we dive into Cas' journey through television and literature, the impact of diverse storytelling, and the lasting legacy of the shows that shaped so many childhoods!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In today's episode, we're joined by the wonderful Hilary Momberger-Powers! As a former child actress, Hilary is best known for voicing Sally Brown in several Peanuts projects, including the beloved feature film Snoopy Come Home and the classic holiday special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Beyond voice acting, Hilary has also appeared in various films, both feature-length and short and has also worked as a script supervisor on various TV series and films. Years later, she shared her personal experiences in her 2017 memoir, Peanuts to Percocet: Notes on a Hollywood Childhood, where she reflects on the challenges of growing up as a child star. Join us as she takes us through her unique Hollywood journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the lasting impact of being part of the Peanuts legacy!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Richard Termine! Richard's career began in the world of puppetry, designing and building beloved Sesame Street characters like Placido Flamingo, Meryl Sheep, and Wolfgang the Seal. He also contributed to the Sesame Street specials Don't Eat the Pictures, Big Bird in Japan, and the feature film Follow That Bird. Beyond Sesame Street, Richard worked on Fraggle Rock and various Muppets feature films before transitioning into photography, where he continues to capture the magic of Sesame Street as the show's on-set photographer. His lens has also brought to life images for Sesame Street Magazine, Bear in the Big Blue House, Between the Lions, Blue's Clues, and countless theatre and dance productions. Join us as Richard shares his incredible journey, his experiences behind the camera, and his passion for preserving the artistry of puppetry and performance!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!Join us on today's episode as we chat with puppeteer and voice actor, Tim Blaney. Tim's work has brought so many beloved characters to life, most notably as the puppeteer and voice of the iconic Johnny 5 in the Short Circuit films. His career with The Jim Henson Company began with Dinosaurs, leading to extensive work with The Muppets, including performing on stage with them at the Hollywood Bowl and O2 Arena! And if that wasn't enough, Tim's voice has graced other movie franchises, bringing to life Frank the Pug in the Men in Black films and Goofy Goober in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented composer, arranger, and orchestrator, Bill Sherman. Bill's musical journey has taken him from the bright lights of Broadway to the streets of Sesame Street, and everywhere in between. He's a key collaborator with Lin-Manuel Miranda, having orchestrated and arranged In the Heights, co-produced the Hamilton soundtrack, served as executive music producer on the tick, tick... BOOM! film, and been part of the innovative group Freestyle Love Supreme. In television, he was a composer and music director for the reboot of The Electric Company and since 2008, has been a composer and music director for Sesame Street! He's also lent his talents to shows like Nature Cat and Donkey Hodie.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In today's episode, we chat with writer and author, Ellis Weiner. From his early days as an editor at National Lampoon and columnist for Spy Magazine, to his work with the Muppets (including writing the mock behind-the-scenes book The Great Muppet Caper!: The Making of the Masterpiece!), Ellis has left his mark on comedy. But he's also touched the lives of countless children through his work in television. He co-created the beloved PBS series The Puzzle Place and contributed his writing talents to shows like Reading Rainbow, Shining Time Station, The Noddy Shop, Clarissa Explains it All, Bear in the Big Blue House, Barney & Friends, and Between the Lions.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!On this episode, we have a conversation with Michael Hirsh, the creative force behind so many cherished childhood memories. Michael co-founded Nelvana, the studio that brought us classics like Little Bear, Franklin, Babar, Max & Ruby, The Magic School Bus, Rolie Polie Olie, and many others. If that wasn't enough, he then launched Cookie Jar Entertainment, where he co-created The Doodlebops and executive produced hits like Arthur, Caillou, and Johnny Test. Michael discusses the evolution of children's television, discussing the making of these iconic shows, the challenges of adapting beloved books into animated series, and the lasting impact these programs have had on generations of kids! We also cover Michael's new memoir, Animation Nation: How We Built a Cartoon Empire.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!In this episode, we talk with puppeteer, writer, and director David Skelly. David's journey began at The Jim Henson Company, where he honed his puppetry skills as a puppet builder on projects like The Muppet Christmas Carol and Sesame Street. He then transitioned to Pixar, where he contributed as a story developer and art director on beloved films like Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., and Cars. He has also puppeteered with The Muppets, and he's directed for The Jim Henson Company, Cartoon Network's The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange, and DreamWorks projects. Most recently, he co-developed Max & the Midknights for Nickelodeon.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!Join us as we chat with writer and producer Michael Poryes, the mastermind behind a number of iconic series! Michael co-created the hit Disney Channel shows That's So Raven and Hannah Montana, shaping a generation of viewers. He also created Life with Boys on YTV and Home Sweet Rome! on Max. Tune in as Michael discusses his career, the challenges and triumphs of creating teen television, the inside scoop on his beloved shows, and the lasting impact they've had on pop culture. Get ready for a fun, nostalgic, and insightful conversation that's sure to bring back some great memories!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive! On this episode, we speak with the incredibly talented puppeteer, Tracie Mick! Tracie has brought characters to life for Disney stage shows like Playhouse Disney Live!, Bear in the Big Blue House Live!, and even contributed her puppetry skills to Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering projects. Tracie has also worked on Sesame Street, puppeteering for various episodes, specials, and even the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Tracie discusses the art of puppetry, the process of bringing characters to life, and the behind-the-scenes stories from her incredible career.

In this episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we are joined by Steve Roslonek, better known in the children's music scene as SteveSongs! Steve shares stories from his beginnings with a capella group The Vineyard Sound, his years appearing on PBS Kids as Mr. Steve, performing at a wide variety of live events and so much more!

In this episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we discuss puppetry, animatronics and more with British master puppeteer, David Barclay! David, a true master of his craft, shares his incredible experiences working on iconic films like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, where he helped bring to life the beloved Yoda and the formidable Jabba the Hutt. Beyond Star Wars, David has graced the screens with his talents in numerous films, including those from The Jim Henson Company and The Muppets. He also shares insights into the evolution of puppetry, from traditional techniques to the cutting-edge advancements in animatronics. David also has an autobiography about his life and career, titled My Life With Animatronics. Movies, Puppets and Beyond, coming out later in February!

Get ready to jump into a world of puppetry and voiceover with Australian puppeteer and voice actor Adam Kronenberg! Adam's best known role is performing Dumpster the Cat in the beloved children's series Raggs. He also lent his voice to the English dub of Ketchup: Cats Who Cook and performed Fidget on Bambaloo and Squidge on Pipsqueaks. Get ready for a delightful conversation with Adam and maybe a cameo from Dumpster himself!

Get ready to dive into the world of on-camera acting and voice acting with the incredibly talented Daniel Ross! As an on-camera actor, he is known for his roles in HBO's The Wire and portraying Kyle in the Ninjas vs. Zombies films. In voiceover, Daniel is one of the voices of iconic Disney character Donald Duck and has also been the voice of Lucky the Leprechaun for Lucky Charms, Grimace for McDonald's and Starscream in the Transformers video games. Don't miss this unforgettable conversation with Daniel!

In this episode, we're joined by the delightful Dennisha Pratt, best known for her beloved role as one of the hosts of the Sprout morning block, The Sunny Side Up Show. Dennisha shares heartwarming stories from her time on the show, including behind-the-scenes glimpses and the lasting impact it had on her life and career. We'll also explore her diverse journey, from her guest appearance on The Wiggles' Apples & Bananas album and video to her film work in movies like Suicide Squad, The Benefactor and Paranoia. Plus, Dennisha talks about her continued passion for inspiring young minds as the host of Wonder and Shine and her work as a children's author. It's a conversation filled with joy, laughter, and a whole lot of sunshine!

Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of puppetry with the incredibly talented Greg Ballora, a master puppeteer whose work consists of films like RoboCop 2, The Flintstones, Stuart Little 2 and Spider-Man 2 and series like The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth and Greg the Bunny. Greg shares stories from his experiences working with The Muppets, his time as puppet captain on Crash & Bernstein, and so much more. He is also the husband of past guest, Kristin Charney!

In this episode, we welcome the legendary Fred Garbo, a performer whose career spans decades and continents. From his iconic role as Barkley on Sesame Street, including unforgettable moments like Follow That Bird and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to his Broadway performance and touring with Foolsfire, Fred shares stories from a life dedicated to entertainment. We'll also delve into his innovative work with the late Tony Montanaro and explore the unique world of Fred Garbo's Inflatable Theater Company! Prepare to be amazed by the incredible journey of this multi-talented performer.

In this episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're kicking off 2025 by speaking with the legendary Jennifer Batten, a guitar virtuoso who has wowed audiences worldwide. From her electrifying performances with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to her collaborations with Jeff Beck and her own successful solo career, Jennifer shares incredible stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and the inspiration behind her incredible musical journey. We'll also delve into her current work with Rodrigo Teaser, and discuss the enduring legacy of the music that has shaped her life and career. Special thanks to our guest co-hosts Tyler and Cobee for joining us!

Join us as we finish off 2024 by welcoming back Jeff Sutphen, known by many for hosting the Nickelodeon game show, BrainSurge! As BrainSurge celebrates its 15th anniversary, our follow-up conversation with Jeff dives into how this iconic game show came to be, filming episodes with celebrities, the transition to Family BrainSurge and so much more! Also, our guest co-host, Justin, was a Brainiac on the show in Season 2 Episode 15, so you will be hearing all about Justin's experience on the show as well! Special to our guest co-host Justin from Justin Talks Puppets for joining us!

Join us as we catch up with three past guests! Author and illustrator Marc Brown, his son, producer Tolon Brown, and children's writer Peter K. Hirsch. Our previous conversation with them mostly covered the new Max series HOP, a show that celebrates diversity and inclusion with a cast of differently-abled characters. This time, we take a trip back to Elwood City, where we discuss the iconic Arthur franchise, from the original books to the beloved PBS television series and the spin-off Postcards from Buster. The trio shares fascinating insights into the creation of Arthur, as well as discussing what went bringing this iconic franchise to life. They delve into the inspiration for the Arthur characters, memorable episodes and storylines, The Arthur Podcast and so much more. Edited by: Simon (Baby Lamb Creations) https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreations Taping date: August 15, 2024

Join us as we talk with the legendary Sharon Hampson and her talented daughter, Randi Hampson, of the children's musical duo, Sharon & Randi. Together, they continue the beloved legacy of Sharon, Lois & Bram, a musical trio that has entertained children for generations. Sharon and Randi share stories about their experiences on television with The Elephant Show and Skinnamarink TV and discuss the impact of their music on families around the world and the joy of bringing laughter and learning to young audiences. As the duo celebrates their 40th anniversary with the release of Elephant Show Stoppers, they share their hopes for the future and their commitment to keeping the spirit of Sharon, Lois & Bram alive.

Join us as we speak with actor and voiceover artist Ty Olsson. From his early days on projects like The X-Files and Lake Placid to his memorable voiceover work as Ord in the PBS Kids series Dragon Tales, Ty shares some wonderful stories from his diverse career. We dive into his more dramatic roles, including his powerful portrayal of Mark Bingham in A&E's Flight 93, his recurring role as Benny Lafitte in Supernatural and more.

Join us for a heartwarming conversation with "Mrs. Big Bird" herself, Debra Spinney, the wife of the late Caroll Spinney, original Muppet performer of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street. Debra offers a unique perspective on the world of puppetry, having worked closely with Caroll on iconic projects such as Big Bird in China and Follow That Bird. Beyond the Muppet world, Debra shares stories about their travels, Caroll's artistic side, Debra's collection of Caroll's work and so much more in this wholesome chat. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Caroll's legacy and a celebration of his nearly 50-year run with the Muppets. Special thanks to our guest co-hosts DJ Bob and Tarah for joining us!

Join us as we speak with the incredibly talented Colleen Smith, a puppeteer and actress whose work includes various projects with The Muppets and The Jim Henson Company. She has also lent her puppetry talents to shows like Nickelodeon's The Barbarian and the Troll and Disney+'s Earth to Ned. Colleen shares stories from her incredible career, from her early days as a puppeteer to co-creating GLOP, the Glorious Ladies of Puppetry. She discusses performing on stage in Puppet Up!, the overall challenges and rewards of puppetry and so much more.

Join us as we talk to Traci Paige Johnson, the creative mind behind one of the most beloved children's shows of all time. As the co-creator of Nick Jr.'s Blue's Clues and the voice of its title character Blue, Traci shares stories about the show's creation and the casting of the original hosts, Steve Burns and Donovan Patton! Traci also discusses working on the 2004 spin-off Blue's Room, casting Josh Dela Cruz for the 2019 revival Blue's Clues & You! and her work on other popular children's shows, including the PBS Kids series Super Why! and Netflix's Gabby's Dollhouse. Learn about the challenges and rewards of creating engaging and educational content for young audiences, and the lasting impact of Blue's Clues on generations of children. Special thanks to our guest co-host Jayson for joining us again!

Join us as we speak to the talented director Scott Preston. From puppetry to reality, Scott has directed a wide range of television. Hear stories about his experiences working on shows like The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Oobi and Between the Lions, as well as his work on Sesame Street. Plus, learn about his career directing talk shows and reality shows, including The Daily Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Kitchen Nightmares and The Emeril Lagasse Show. Scott shares insights into the challenges and rewards of directing such diverse projects, and the impact his work has had on audiences of all ages.

Join us as we talk to the iconic Sonia Manzano, known by generations for her role as Fix-It Shop co-owner Maria Rodriguez on Sesame Street from 1971 to 2015. Hear stories about her time on the show, her experiences as a writer, and the impact of Sesame Street on her life and career. Sonia also discusses her memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, her role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and voicing Rosa Casagrande on Nickelodeon's The Loud House and The Casagrandes. Plus, learn about her latest creation, the PBS Kids series Alma's Way, which celebrates Latinx culture and empowers young viewers.

Join us as we talk to acclaimed composer Jeff Danna. From the scores of Silent Hill and The Boondock Saints to Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends and The Zula Patrol, Jeff shares stories and insights about his iconic work. He is also best known for collaborating with his brother Mychael on Disney/Pixar's The Good Dinosaur and Onward.

Join us as we speak with the incredibly talented puppeteer, Kristin Charney. From the iconic Muppets to characters on shows like Greg the Bunny and Crank Yankers, Kristin has had quite the career. Hear stories about her experiences working with The Muppets on both the 2011 film and the 2015 TV series. Learn about her work on the Henson digital puppetry series Frances, where she performed the title character. Plus, discover her contributions to films like Team America: World Police and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and TV shows like Sid the Science Kid and Imagination Movers.

Join us as we take a nostalgic journey with legendary children's TV creator and producer, Rick Siggelkow. Rick shares behind-the-scenes stories about bringing beloved franchises like Thomas the Tank Engine and Noddy to American audiences. From the magic of Shining Time Station and The Noddy Shop to creating series like Ace Lightning and Dinosapien, and even the 2016 reboot of Little People, Rick shares insights into his career with children's television. Special thanks to our guest co-host Ryan for joining us!

On Episode 265 of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we interview TV creator and author Zachariah O'Hora and director and storyboard artist Lisa Whittick! Zachariah and Lisa have backgrounds in the children's world! Zachariah is an author and illustrator and Lisa is a storyboard artist and director! Recently, Zachariah created the upcoming PBS Kids series Carl the Collector, which Lisa directs! Carl the Collector focuses on Carl, an adventurous raccoon with autism, who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family in Fuzzytown. Carl the Collector premieres on PBS Kids November 14th!

On Episode 264 of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we interview composer, singer and voice actor Russ Velazquez! For many years, Russ was a singer and composer for a variety of projects under 4Kids Entertainment, including the highly successful animes Pokémon and One Piece, as well as composing and performing the theme songs for the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series and Sonic X, where he also lent his voice to a number of characters. In the children's world, Russ composed a number of songs for Sesame Street, as well as its spin-offs Play with Me Sesame and Panwapa and its international co-productions! Aside from television, he was also a member of the group The Hit Men!

On Episode 263 of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we interview TV, Broadway and film actor Kevin Chamberlin! Early on in Kevin's professional acting career, he appeared in projects such as Ghostwriter, Die Hard with a Vengeance and State of Mind. He is known by many for portraying the role of the family butler Bertram Winkle in the Disney Channel series Jessie, Dr. Fusion in the DCOM Teen Beach Movie and Flip on the Nickelodeon series The Really Loud House. Kevin is also best known for his work in the theater world, where he played Horton the Elephant in Seussical, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors and many more!

On Episode 262 of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we interview voice actress and singer Gigi Abraham! Some of Gigi's voiceover roles include voicing the Hasbro toy TJ Bearytales and several projects for Sprout, including JB in Sprout's Wiggly Waffle and Halley in Astroblast! She also voiced Laura Carrot and Nicky the Pepper in VeggieTales and voiced characters for the Cocomelon franchise. Gigi has also provided voiceover for toys, DVDs, commercials and audiobooks!