This week on Beyond the Mouse Brandon and Bea sit down with New York Times Bestselling author Morgan Matson to talk about her book Promchanted. The book tells the story of modern day teens who wander into Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . We spoke to Morgan about her life, the inspiration behind the book, and her research of the classic Disney fairy tale. Featuring: Brandon Davis and Bea Bonner JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the to...
Apr 13, 2024•36 min
As we prepare for marathon weekend registration on April 9, this seemed like the PERFECT interview to bring you. Scott Douglas has logged well over 100,000 miles on his legs throughout his life, and he now brings us the official guide to RunDisney. Craig talks to Scott about the motivation needed to start running, and what makes RunDisney unique. Hope you enjoy! Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the t...
Apr 07, 2024•41 min
It's a Beyond the Mouse and Front Row Classics crossover episode! We're celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Walt Disney's masterpiece, "Sleeping Beauty." Front Row Classics host Brandon Davis hosts this episode which features Disney artist and animator Michael Giaimo. Along with BTM cohosts Vanessa and Craig, the four discuss the elegance and pageantry that covers every frame of "Sleeping Beauty." We spend time discussing their favorite scenes and characters. Michael also helps put the film into...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 12 min
This week D23 released a lot of details about the upcoming event taking place this August. Brett was able to attend a press event to hear all the announcements. We were also fortunate to get some time to chat with Michael Vargo, Vice President of the Walt Disney Company, who oversees D23 and the Walt Disney Archives in his position. We spoke about many of the new exciting changes coming to this year's event! Featuring: Craig McFarland and Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondThe...
Mar 24, 2024•58 min
We were invited to speak head director and supervising producer Jake Castorena from X-Men 97. Craig also was invited to view the first few episodes early, and gives a broad spoiler-free review for your listening pleasure! Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row...
Mar 20, 2024•20 min
Join Beyond the Mouse for this year's March Madness bracket featuring the best Pixar film of all time! Friendships are broken, alliances form, and we hear the return of the real Lou Hare! Featuring: Craig, Brett, Vanessa, Bea, Brandon and Lou! JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network J...
Mar 16, 2024•1 hr 19 min
We love the Kingdom Keepers series, and we loved our first conversation with best-selling author Ridley Pearson. So, we jumped at the chance to have him back on the show to talk more about his final Kingdom Keepers series, Inheritance. This new trilogy takes introduces us to the children of the original Keepers as they fight to save the parks from new threats. The second book, Villains Realm, was just released. We talk to Ridley about developing the series, why it takes place when it does and so...
Mar 08, 2024•57 min
This week on Beyond the Mouse, Craig was invited by Disney+ to speak with the creative team behind Iwájú. The series, which hits Disney+ today, focuses on a futuristic Nigeria and is told by the perspectives of multiple characters. It really moves the needle forward in terms of long form comic-book style story telling in animation. It was a blast to watch, and we hope you enjoy hearing from the creators! Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse ________________...
Feb 28, 2024•24 min
This week on Beyond the Mouse, Brett and Bea sit down with Benjamin Rauhala, the music director for Disney Princess: The Concert. They talk about the show and how it's changed over the years. Rauhala also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the production and what new music is added to the program. Disney Princess: The Concert comes to Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday March 6, 2024. For more information visit: https://uispac.com/disney-princess-the-concert/ Disney Princess: The Concert arrives at th...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr
This week we speak with Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer about their book Disneyland on the Mountain. This is an exciting story that might be new to most Disney fans. It follows the last, unfinished project of Walt Disney and the controversy that surrounded it. Craig and Brandon are joined by patron member Greg Woods to discuss the book and much more with Greg and Kathryn! Featuring: Craig McFarland and Bea Bonner JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse ___________________________________...
Feb 19, 2024•57 min
This week we get to sit down with actor Terry Hu. In addition to starring in the recent Disney+ original, Zombies 3, Terry also appeared in the third season of Around the Sun by Brad Forenza. Bea and Craig speak with Terry about their acting career, the differences between acting on screen and voice acting and also they have a discussion on inclusion in Hollywood and beyond. Featuring: Craig McFarland and Bea Bonner JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse _______________________________...
Feb 09, 2024•39 min
This is a very special interview with Imagineer Lanny Smoot. Recently, it was announced that Lanny would be inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame this year. This milestone has only been achieved by one other person representing the Walt Disney Company, and that would be Walt Disney himself, who was honored posthumously in 2000. We discuss with Lanny some of his favorite projects, including the new Halo-Tile floor that he was just able to show off. The project is set to revolutionize...
Feb 02, 2024•54 min
This week we take a page from the Disney Parks Blog and talk about 24 items coming to the Disney Parks and experiences in the year 2024. This list ranges from Disney Cruise Line, to international parks, Walt Disney World and so much more! Featuring: Vanessa Ferguson, Craig McFarland and Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR I...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Disney+ invited us to chat with Jay Duplass, who will make his debut as Hades in Percy Jackson this week! Craig spoke to him about getting into the character, and the mentoring that he has done throughout the film industry. It is a fun chat! Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! - https://www.nprillinois.o...
Jan 22, 2024•18 min
You know Vanessa only goes to Walt Disney World once a year, and when she does, she usually gets sick. Did she have the same fate this year? Listen to find out! She also shares new tips for visiting the parks and brings up a few hot topics. Featuring: Vanessa Ferguson and Bea Bonner JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! - https://ww...
Jan 18, 2024•49 min
This week on Beyond the Mouse, Brett gives his trip report from his visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. He also shares details about other places he visited in Japan and how to get around. Brett's trip was so magical, he plans to visit again! Featuring: Brett Rutherford, Craig McFarland and Vanessa Ferguson JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts F...
Jan 13, 2024•1 hr 8 min
With the recent passing of Glynis Johns it seemed appropriate to revisit our conversation on Mary Poppins. This was the 8th episode of what would become Beyond the Mouse, back before Brett and Vanessa were full time hosts. Mic quality was not great, but we all sat around a table and discussed this film and the Springfield Muni's upcoming production of Mary Poppins from 2017. We will be back next week with a brand new episode! Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brandon Davis, Mary Kate Smith and Kevin K...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 8 min
This week we look back at the year that was 2023! Each of us share our favorite moments of the year, and give you some insights into what we are looking forward to next year. Featuring: Brett Rutherford, Craig McFarland and Vanessa Ferguson JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! - https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-networ...
Dec 30, 2023•43 min
This week on Beyond the Mouse Vanessa, Bea and Brandon make the trek up to Chicago to see Disney100: The Exhibition. Long story short, they loved the artifacts, but they do have some suggestions if you are thinking about checking it out. Featuring: Vanessa Ferguson, and guests Bea Bonner and Brandon Davis JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR...
Dec 22, 2023•39 min
This week Brett takes you on a quick trip through WDW's holiday offers, including Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom! Featuring: Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! - https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! –...
Dec 15, 2023•14 min
Jeff Kinney has created such an impressive franchise in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid universe. Craig had the chance to chat with him at a recent junket hosted by Disney+ all about his new holiday special, Cabin Fever. The special is out on Disney+ right now, and it is sure to bring some warmth to those cold holiday nights. Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.fe...
Dec 08, 2023•16 min
This week on Beyond the Mouse Craig and Brett learn about the castmember experience on the Disney Cruise Line with pianist Matt Grinke, and they talk about the different activities for guests with cruise enthusiast Jason Fein. They also discuss Disney Treasure news and the people who make Disney Cruises special. Featuring: Craig McFarland and Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Fee...
Dec 02, 2023•59 min
It was so nice to catch up with Disney Legend Don Hahn as he prepares for his documentary, "Christmas with Walt Disney" to come to Disney+ on November 24. We chat with him about making the film for The Walt Disney Family Museum, including him working closely with Diane Disney-Miller on both her narration and her fond memories of the holidays with her family. We also discuss his career in documentary filmmaking as well as his won holiday traditions. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Featuring: Vanessa...
Nov 22, 2023•51 min
This week on Beyond the Mouse we learn about Disney 100: The Exhibition in an interview with Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline. We hear about the featured artifacts that provide insight into Walt's life. We also learn how the exhibition was curated and how some artifacts will come to life. Disney 100: The Exhibition opens in Chicago on Nov. 18 and runs through January 2024. For more information visit: https://disney100exhibit.com/chicago/ Featuring: Vanessa Ferguson, Craig McFarla...
Nov 18, 2023•41 min
The next episode of Beyond The Mouse is one for the history books...... but which history are we talking about exactly? We're jumping through time and timelines to talk to the Head Writer for the hit Marvel Cinematic Universe series Loki on Disney+, Eric Martin. Martin is known as a fantastic writer on Heels and fellow time travel adventure Rick and Morty . In this interview we talk all things Loki Season 2. We ask the burning questions like how in the name of Miss Minutes is Loki time-traveling...
Nov 11, 2023•11 min
It is always great to have friends stop by the pod, especially when that friend is Matthew Krul. The host of the wonderful podcast, Imagination Skyway, stops by to talk about several Disney related topics. He also shares some of his thoughts about recent Disney news. Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ...
Nov 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min
We are thrilled to welcome Anneliese van der Pol to the show! She is embarking on another tour with Disney Princess: The Concert, one that will bring her right to our backyard. We discuss the concert and the preparations she is going through, we also touch on her life as a performer and give her some questions about her iconic role on That's So Raven. Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson and Bea Bonner JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse ___________________...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 3 min
This week Brett is back from one of the last voyages of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World. He brings together members of the Halcyon 10 in this galactic sized two part episode. JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook....
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr 16 min
The YA horror juggernaut, Goosebumps, returns to Disney+ and its scary good! We had the chance to speak to the executive producers of the new series, Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston. They both discuss with us their love for the original novels and how they brought this new serialized version of the stories to life. We also get some insights into the visual effects process, character development and much more! Featuring: Craig McFarland and Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/Beyo...
Oct 13, 2023•24 min
This week Brett is back from one of the last voyages of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World. He brings together members of the Halcyon 10 in this galactic sized two part episode. Featuring: Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST P...
Oct 06, 2023•56 min
