Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show! - podcast cover

Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show!

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive! Hosted by Jake Deffinbaugh, with co-host, Chris Bixby.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Greg Page (Performer/Original Yellow Wiggle) || Ep. 306

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...

May 03, 20251 hr 7 min

Joanne Samuel (Actress/Director/Producer) || Ep. 305

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 ...

Apr 26, 202554 min

Bob Schooley & Mark McCorkle (Writers/Producers) || Ep. 304

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 creato...

Apr 19, 20251 hr 15 min

Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz (Musician) || Ep. 303

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...

Apr 12, 20251 hr 40 min

David Bernard Wolf (Composer/Music Director) || Ep. 302

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 & ...

Apr 05, 202555 min

Kanja Chen (Puppeteer/Writer) || Ep. 301

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 h...

Mar 29, 20251 hr 31 min

Ryan Desaulnier (Actor/Singer/Musician) || Ep. 300

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...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 32 min

Alison Mork (Puppeteer) || Ep. 299

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 th...

Mar 22, 20251 hr 15 min

Andy Fickman (Director/Writer/Producer) || Ep. 298

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 m...

Mar 19, 202554 min

Eryk Casemiro (Writer/Producer) || Ep. 297

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 ...

Mar 15, 202547 min

Michelle Hickey (Puppet Wrangler/Puppet Builder) || Ep. 296

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 Bi...

Mar 12, 202530 min

Fracaswell Hyman (Writer/Producer/Author) || Ep. 295

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 fr...

Mar 08, 202556 min

Hilary Momberger-Powers (Actress/Script Supervisor) || Ep. 294

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 sup...

Mar 05, 202540 min

Richard Termine (Photographer/Puppet Builder) || Ep. 293

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 var...

Mar 01, 20251 hr 3 min

Tim Blaney (Puppeteer/Voice Actor) || Ep. 292

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...

Feb 26, 202559 min

Bill Sherman (Composer/Arranger) || Ep. 291

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 produc...

Feb 22, 202559 min

Ellis Weiner (Writer/Author) || Ep. 290

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-cre...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 12 min

Michael Hirsh (Producer) || Ep. 289

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...

Feb 15, 202543 min

David Skelly (Puppeteer/Writer/Director) || Ep. 288

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 w...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 21 min

Michael Poryes (Writer/Producer) || Ep. 287

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 belo...

Feb 08, 202544 min

Tracie Mick (Puppeteer) || Ep. 286

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 Thanksgi...

Feb 05, 202536 min

Steve Roslonek (Musician/Performer) || Ep. 285

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!

Feb 01, 202555 min

David Barclay (Puppeteer/Actor) || Ep. 284

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 Compa...

Jan 29, 202550 min

Adam Kronenberg (Puppeteer/Voice Actor) || Ep. 283

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!

Jan 25, 202551 min

Daniel Ross (Actor/Voice Actor) || Ep. 282

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 wit...

Jan 22, 202534 min

Dennisha Pratt (Actress) || Ep. 281

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 Benefa...

Jan 18, 202553 min

Greg Ballora (Puppeteer) || Ep. 280

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!

Jan 15, 20251 hr 12 min

Fred Garbo (Performer/Juggler) || Ep. 279

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 Thea...

Jan 11, 202559 min

Jennifer Batten (Musician) || Ep. 278

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...

Jan 08, 202550 min

Jeff Sutphen #2 (Producer/Game Show Host) || Ep. 277

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...

Dec 21, 20241 hr 28 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android