Beyond The Mouse: A Weekly Disney Podcast

Death on the Lanai   is the second Golden Girls cozy mystery written by Rachel Ekstrom Courage. She returns to Beyond the Mouse to speak with Vanessa and Zoey about writing this second book, creating a new dessert recipe for readers, and the fan reaction to her first book Murder by Cheesecake . For more visit: https://www.rachelekstromcourage.com/ JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠...

This week we have an exclusive interview the Senior Vice President in charge of D23, Michael Vargo. We speak with Michael all about the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event which will happen in Anaheim, August 14-16. Vanessa asks Michael for tips on her first trip to the event. We also discuss the Disney Legends awards that will be bestowed at the event, and some of the additional entertain...

Craig and Brett are joined by Theme Park Comedians James Yon and Devin Siebold to discuss what’s fun and funny about Disney parks. They also share tips about how to visit Disney Parks like true Disney Adults! JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! ⁠⁠blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts⁠⁠⁠

This week something a little different-- Craig takes you along on his trip to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Hope you enjoy! Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! ⁠⁠blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts⁠⁠⁠

This week on Beyond the Mouse , we welcomes two special guests for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting additions to Disney's Hollywood Studios : Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets ! Joining the show are Dani Iglesias from The Muppets Studio and Justin DeTolla from Walt Disney Imagineering . Together, they pull back the curtain on how the beloved coaster was t...

Join BTM co-host Brett and our guests Tyler and Brittney for everything Space Dive 313, a fan-sponsored Star Wars immersive event. You'll have a blast! JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! ⁠⁠blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts⁠⁠⁠

If you could create a new Disney mountain ride, boat ride, and dark ride, how would you design them? The Beyond the Mouse co-hosts asked themselves this question and put on their thinking caps. What they came up with is a blend of thrill, emotion, and the Disney stories we love. But who came up with the best attraction? You decide on this episode! Featuring: Craig, Vanessa, Brett JOIN OUR PATREON:...

The BTM crew is going to take a short hiatus while we recharge our batteries. We chat this week about some of the media we consume, and can suggest to you while we are away. Featuring: Craig, Vanessa, Brett JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! ⁠⁠blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Beyond the Mouse we continue our tour of the Disney alphabet by discussing our favorite things that start with the letter "I." Ice cream, Iron Man, Indiana Jones... who will make the list? Featuring: Craig, Vanessa, Brett and special guest John "Panda" Saccheri JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________ Nam...

This week on Beyond the Mouse , it’s all about island vibes and vacation planning as Craig and Zoey are joined by Justin from the Disney Dad's Podcast to get ready for their upcoming adventure at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa! From must-do experiences and hidden gems to dining, relaxation, and family fun, Justin shares all the insider tips and tricks to make the most of a stay at this stun...

The new class of Disney Legends has been announced! The 2026 honorees are Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alan Tudyk, and Bob Iger. We believe everyone on this list is deserving, but listen to this week's podcast to hear the Beyond the Mouse crew react to this announcement! Featuring:...

This week Craig and Zoey discuss the legacy of Hannah Montana. Zoey walks through the nostalgia she felt watching the new Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. The two also have a broader conversation about the impact of the Disney Channel on pop culture and creating a generation of stars. Featuring: Craig McFarland, Zoey Zara McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ _____...

This week on Beyond the Mouse , it’s Muppet mayhem as Craig, Vanessa, and Brett dive into a March Madness–style bracket to determine the ultimate champion of The Muppets ! From the charm of Kermit the Frog and the diva energy of Miss Piggy to the chaotic brilliance of Swedish Chef and the underrated greatness of Camilla the Chicken, every matchup is a battle for Muppet supremacy. Who survives the...

On this totally unhinged episode of Beyond the Mouse, Vanessa and Bea do their best to explain what happens in Disney Pixar's "Hoppers," and well, they tried. They really tried. But that shouldn't stop you from seeing this hilarious new film that brings the heart and the comedy. It's basically Avatar, but with beavers. This may be one of the best Pixar films yet! Featuring: V...

This week on  Beyond the Mouse , Craig, Vanessa, and Brett face off in a fast-paced game of  black or white, this or that ! From  Disney Parks  favorites to classic  Walt Disney Animation Studios  moments and beloved  Pixar  films, the trio must choose a side—no middle ground allowed. Which picks will spark debate, which will be unanimous, and which choices might surprise you? Tune in and play alo...

Craig discusses his thoughts on the life and legacy of Olympian Jeff Galloway. We've also included his two appearances Beyond the Mouse this week. Keep running...

On this episode of Beyond the Mouse, Vanessa travels to Walt Disney World and comes back with a long list of tips and tricks. We'll learn how to avoid long walks to the parking lots, what's worth the hype (and what's not), what it's like staying off property, and how to score a scooter! JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________...

Love is in the air on this week’s episode of Beyond the Mouse ! 💕 In honor of Valentine’s Day, the crew splits into three teams for an epic Disney Couples Draft to determine who can assemble the ultimate lineup of iconic romances. Team BTM (Brett and Vanessa) are ready to defend the home turf. Team Like This Pod (Meghan and Jacqueline from I Think You’re Gonna Like This Pod ) bring the heart and...

This week on  Beyond the Mouse , Brett, Craig, and Vanessa dive into the  major leadership news  coming out of The Walt Disney Company. Disney has officially named  Josh D’Amaro  as its next  CEO , succeeding longtime leader Bob Iger in March — a monumental shift for the company and its fans alike. Alongside D’Amaro’s promotion,  Dana Walden  steps into the newly created role of  President and Chi...

This week on Beyond the Mouse , Craig is joined by Greg from the wildly popular YouTube channel How to Drink for a spirited conversation that blends cocktails, creativity, and Disney fandom. Greg shares the story behind his channel and his journey into the world of mixology, then reveals how his love for Disney first took root. From there, the episode takes a deep dive into tiki culture—its histor...

This week on  Beyond the Mouse , Craig recaps all the magic, miles, and memories from  runDisney Marathon Weekend 2026 ! He’s joined by his friends from  Sorcerers Running Club  to break down everything from Expo Day excitement to the final steps across the finish line on Marathon Sunday. The group shares race highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, challenges on the course, and what made this mara...

This week on Beyond the Mouse, we continue to work our way through the alphabet. Hollywood Studios, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Han Solo. We cover it a lot, but let us know if we missed any of your favorite Disney things that start with the letter "H." Featuring: Craig, Vanessa, and Brett JOIN OUR PATREON:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ __________________________________________ Named one of the...

It was such a treat to sit down with Tim O'Day, whose enthusiasm and knowledge of Disney history fills any Disney parks fan with complete joy. We talk about his favorite memories working in public relations, D23 conventions, and we hear a teaser of what to expect at the Festival of the Arts 2026! Featuring: Craig and Vanessa JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠ ____________________...

We are back to talk all about the year that was 2025. Thank you for your continued kindness and listenership .We appreciate you so much. See you in 2026!

For Disney fans, Xavier “X” Atencio is remembered for his many roles: animator, attraction designer, and lyricist. But most importantly, he was a good friend. This week on Beyond the Mouse we are joined by authors Bobbie Lucas, Kelsey McCullough, and Tori Atencio McCullough, who talk about their book “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend.” We discuss X’s except...