Beyond The Mouse: A Weekly Disney Podcast

“Our research on this film started with our own families, thinking about where we came from…” We are so grateful this week to have a chance to speak with the filmmakers behind Disney’s 60th animated feature, Encanto. Since arriving in theaters in November and on Disney+ in December, this movie has really struck a cord […]

Draft Time! This week we dive into our fifth draft, all on the attractions of Walt Disney World. Each team will draft seven attractions. Then it is up to you on the BTM social media pages to vote for who will win this round. Brett won the previous draft, so he chose the order that […]

“I always felt like, I know this world…” We are so thrilled to bring you our first episode of the New Year, and it is a big one. Don Hahn is prolific throughout the Disney company. As the producer of such beloved Disney classics as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and The Hunchback […]

“We can’t do this in-person anymore…” Let’s end 2021 with one of our favorite episodes of the year. Craig, Vanessa and Brett look back at the year that was 2021 and look forward to all things Disney in 2022. FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson __________________________________________  Named one of the top 50 Disney […]

“I’m gettin’ tired!” Let us tell you about our friend, Vanessa Ferguson. She’s brilliant, talented, amazing and born in December. That’s right! It is Vanessa’s birthday and we are celebrating by watching Muppet Treasure Island. This classic Muppet feature is available right now on Disney+. Check it out, and let us know what you think […]

“I want to live the best life I possibly can…” We’ve been looking forward to bringing you this interview for a long time. Saul Blinkoff has worked in multiple roles throughout the Disney company. He was involved in the College Program at Disney’s MGM Studios. He worked as an animator during the Disney Renaissance on […]

Duuuuude! You’ll never guess where Brett went recently…. back to Walt Disney World! He traveled to cover the Destination D23 event live and in person. This week, Craig and Brett talk all about the announcements that were made at the parks panel. Brett also gives an overview of his trip to see the new “Drawn […]

We can’t begin to thank you enough. No real episode this week, just a few minutes of gratitude from Craig, Brett and Vanessa. For listeners in the United States, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. For those outside the United States, we want you to have just the greatest day as well! We will […]

Happy birthday, Mickey! What better time to catch up with the voice of Mickey Mouse than Mickey’s birthday! Bret Iwan has voice Mickey since 2009. We speak to him about stepping into that role, and the interesting backstory that comes with it. Bret is also a talented graphic artist, we talk about his new clothing […]

Brett’s Birthday Bash Classics Crossover Who Framed Roger Rabbit Extravaganza! It’s that time of year again! Brett is turning another year older and we are celebrating with Brett’s Birthday Bash Classics Crossover Noirvember Who Framed Roger Rabbit Extravaganza! Brandon Davis and Eric Flick from the Front Row Classics podcast join in on the fun as […]

“Kindness matters… Final Answer” We are thrilled to bring you our conversation with Yvette Nicole Brown. Not only has she been a mainstay on Disney+, actually she introduced Disney+ to the world at D23 Expo 2019, but she is also a huge Disney fan! It is so much fun to chat with her about the […]

“Walt Disney World is celebrating its 50th anniversary!” Our host Brett is back from the opening weekend celebration and has some special guests to share everything about their experiences and what our listeners can expect in the 18-month, 50th anniversary celebration! There are new shows, attractions, special culinary treats and more surprises in store as […]

“This is Halloween!” Fresh off the heels of our interview with Oogie Boogie himself, we are doing a deep dive into Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. We are joined on this break down by Meghan and Jacqueline of “I Think You’re Gonna Like This” podcast. They are both huge Nightmare fans and we have […]

“Cause I’m the Boogie Man” We are so excited to bring you our conversation with Ken Page. We speak to Ken about his time in St. Louis, which lead him to Broadway. He gives insights and stories into shows like Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Cats. We also discuss his voice work, particularly his iconic role as […]

Welcome, foolish Muppets… The Muppets are helping Disney fans celebrate the spooky fall season with their first-ever Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion.” In this episode of Beyond the Mouse, Craig, Vanessa and Brett give their spoiler-free review of the film before speaking with one the movie’s stars Miss Piggy. Then our Disney trio is joined […]

“A long time ago…. In a graveyard far, far away…” In this brief review of the new Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales, which recently was released on Disney+, Craig gives a non-spoiler run down of the special. FEATURING: Craig McFarland __________________________________________  Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts  FIND US ON NPR […]

“Sisters, All Hallow’s Eve has become a night of frolic, where children wear costumes and run amok!” We are so thrilled to bring you our conversation with legendary costume designer, Mary Vogt. Her work can be seen in iconic films like Batman Returns, Crazy Rich Asians and of course Hocus Pocus. We speak to Mary […]

“We are your symphony Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus.“ It is Craig’s birthday week! So, he gets to pick the film we dive into, and he chooses Hollywood Pictures’ Mr. Holland’s Opus. The crew is joined by Anna McFarland as they break down some of their favorite parts […]

“Because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you and I’m home.” Today we get the opportunity to do a bit of introspection on why we came to love Disney as a brand. We are joined by BTM listener and professional actor, Tristan Tapscott to discuss how he came […]

“She’s a genius, with a lot to learn.” We were invited to cover the upcoming Disney+ series, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. which will arrive on Disney+ September 8. Craig was able to participate in a virtual junket where he interviews the creator of the show, Kortney Kane, as well as many cast members from the show. […]

“Be Our Guest…” We are truly honored to welcome to Beyond the Mouse, Alan Menken. Alan’s work has inspired millions. Having begun his career on Broadway, he and his writing partner Howard Ashman brought their talent to The Little Mermaid. That film is credited with saving Walt Disney Animation, and ushering a new era dubbed the Disney […]

“Let’s get ready to rumble!” This honestly might be one of the funniest episodes we’ve had in a long time. Brett brings up obscure live action character, Vanessa is flummoxed by her picks and Craig thinks he’s smarter than everyone in the Zoom. It’s draft day! Remember to vote on all our social media this […]

“We’ll let Brett continue to collect his thoughts…” This week the crew dives into some armchair Imagineering. We blue sky our way through each park at Walt Disney World. Taking turns as we go to redesign an existing attraction, and coming up with a brand new attraction. Let us know your perfect dream ride! FEATURING: […]

“Avengers Assemble!” Brett had the opportunity recently to visit his favorite domestic parks, Disneyland and California Adventure. In this trip report we focus heavily on the brand new Avengers Campus, which is where Brett spent a good amount of his vacation exploring the food, the shows and characters that bring the land to life. We […]

“Space, time, reality. It’s more than a linear path. It’s a prism of endless possibilities.” Beyond the Mouse was invited by Disney+ to check out several episodes of What If… prior to its release on August 11. In this spoiler-free review episode, the crew breaks down the voice acting and animation design about the latest production from […]