Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show!

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by neurodivergent children's author and podcast host Leo Finelli! Leo reflects on growing up in the 2000s and navigating life on the autism spectrum, sharing how his experiences shaped his journey into autism advocacy and children's media creation. We discuss his books Seven Slices of Life, The Nutcracker's Wor...

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by writer and producer Paul Bernbaum! Paul looks back on his early credits writing for popular 1980s and '90s action and drama series, as well as working alongside stars like Leslie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Nicolas Cage, and Ben Affleck. He then dives deep into co-writing the 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie Hallo...

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by animator and director Webster Colcord! Webster touches base on his early entry into the industry and his biggest artistic inspirations, starting with his work on TV specials and commercials at the legendary Will Vinton Studio. He looks back on transitioning to feature films as an animator on Disney's James and the G...

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by director and editor Duwayne Dunham! Duwayne shares memories from starting his career on the editing team for the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as editing and directing iconic series like Twin Peaks, JAG, and 7th Heaven. He breaks down directing feature film classics Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and Littl...

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by puppeteer and former Disney Imagineer Terri Hardin! We speak with Terri all about her years designing iconic attractions as a Walt Disney Imagineer, as well as her puppetry work with The Jim Henson Company and Jim Henson's Creature Shop, including performing on the series Dinosaurs and contributing to the films The...

(This episode is audio-only) On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by television producer and writer Pamela Eells O'Connell! Pamela reflects on starting her writing and producing career on prime-time favorites like Family Matters, The Nanny, and Married... with Children. She then details her pivot to youth programming, sharing stories from her time as writ...

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by director, producer, and animator Dave Palmer! Dave reflects on his transformative work as a director, producer, and animator for Blue's Clues, including co-designing Blue, shaping the show's signature visual style, working on Blue's Big Musical Movie, developing the puppetry spin-off Blue's Room, and cra...

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actress Danielle Morrow! Starting her career as a Groundlings alum before venturing into television and film, Danielle looks back on portraying the fan-favorite character Nora Dershlit on Nickelodeon's iCarly, as well as reprising the infamous role on Sam & Cat and in the iCarly revival. She also discusses her guest roles on Ni...

In today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by director, producer, and writer Jerry Rees! From early Disney classics to groundbreaking hybrid features, Jerry has left an undeniable mark on the art of animation and themed entertainment. Jerry reflects on his early Disney career animating on beloved projects like The Small One, Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore, Mi...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by visual artist Mike Pantuso! With a multi-talented career spanning animation, set design, and graphic art, Mike has played a vital role in crafting the look of iconic television across both children's programming and prime-time hits. Mike discusses his 20-year run with Sesame Street from 1987 to 2008 as an animator, illustrator,...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by veteran animation writer Rich Fogel! Across a powerhouse career, Rich has penned stories for some of the most celebrated animated classics in cartoon history. Rich shares memories from writing fan-favorite hits like The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs, Muppet Babies, Taz-Mania, Pinky and the Brain, Krypto the Superdog, and Octon...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by acclaimed author, illustrator, and television creator Dan Yaccarino! With a decorated career spanning picture books and iconic children's television, Dan reflects on bringing the soothing, friendly world of Oswald to Nick Jr., as well as designing the iconic character looks for the hit series The Backyardigans. He also dives int...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by voice actor Samuel Vincent! Samuel looks back on voicing Edd, better known as Double D, on Ed, Edd n Eddy, as well as Baby Bugs Bunny, Baby Daffy Duck, and Baby Tweety on Baby Looney Tunes. He also discusses bringing Krypto to life on Krypto the Superdog, voicing Jerry on Tom and Jerry Tales, and playing Eli Shane on Slugterra, alon...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by Disney Channel's former SVP of Original Movies, Michael Healy, alongside returning guest and Director of Program Scheduling, Kimberly Luce! Have you ever wondered how a Disney Channel Original Movie gets made? In this episode, we reflect on dozens of beloved DCOMs like Zenon, Smart House, The Color of Friendship, Cadet Kelly, Th...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we welcome back acclaimed children's singer-songwriter and musician Laurie Berkner! Laurie joins us again to discuss her newest album, Walking with the Penguins, and the inspiration behind its playful songs, memorable melodies, and interactive adventures for young listeners. Laurie shares how Walking with the Penguins came together, the creative pr...

Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by director of program scheduling Kimberly Luce! Kimberly takes us behind the scenes of one of the most important, but often unseen parts of television, sharing what it was like planning programming for Disney Channel and ABC Kids during the early 2000s. Kimberly reflects on her time in Disney's scheduling department from 2001...

First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we welcome back puppeteer Brandon Smith! Since 2022, Brandon has been a Muppet performer on Sesame Street, starting with playing Jamal in the YouTube video Wes' First Barbershop Haircut and working on the series since Season 54. When we first spoke with Brandon, he had just started working on the show. In this follow-up conversation, he sh...

Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by award-winning ventriloquist, impressionist, comedian, and singer Terry Fator! Best known as the winner of the second season of America's Got Talent, Terry shares the remarkable story of his journey from years of performing on the road to becoming one of the world's most successful entertainers. Terry reflects on how the...

First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actor, television host, and artist Sean Roach! Best known to a generation of preschool viewers as one of the hosts of Sprout's The Sunny Side Up Show from 2008 to 2013 and the host of Noodle and Doodle, Sean looks back on his memorable years with the network and the experiences that made those shows so special. Sean sha...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actor Robert Bockstael! With a career spanning voice acting, live-action television, and film, Robert shares stories from the many memorable roles that have made him a familiar face and voice to generations of fans. Robert reflects on his voiceover work in beloved animated series including The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, Dennis the...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by animation historian, author, and blogger Jerry Beck! A leading voice in animation history, Jerry has written more than 15 books on the subject and has dedicated his career to preserving and celebrating the art form through his writing, research, and archival work. Jerry reflects on his early love of comic books and classic cartoons...

This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by puppet artist and performer Robin Walsh! Robin takes us through her fascinating career in puppetry, sharing stories from some of the most beloved children's television series and unique film productions of the past few decades. Robin discusses her work as a puppeteer on Bear in the Big Blue House, The Book of Pooh, Whoopi's...

Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by award-winning children's singer-songwriter, musician, author, and entertainer Doctor Noize! Known for his imaginative storytelling and energetic family music, Doctor Noize takes us behind the scenes of creating his acclaimed albums, books, live shows, and educational projects. We explore the origins of The Ballad of Phineas...

First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by writer, director, and producer Matt Dearborn! Matt shares stories from his impressive career in children's and family television, including creating the hit Disney Channel series Even Stevens and the Disney XD comedy Zeke and Luther. He was also executive producer on Phil of the Future and Fast Layne. Beyond Disney, Mat...

Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by executive producer Sheri Singer! Sheri's career in television began behind the scenes as an associate producer on The Phil Donahue Show before moving into producing on Days of Our Lives. She later founded Just Singer Entertainment and became one of the key creative forces behind many beloved Disney Channel Original Movies (...