The Hyperion Hub

We’re at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for the wonderful event, American Animation Art on Screen one more time. Author JB Kaufman shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories on the making of Alice’s Wonderland (1923) and Mary Poppins (1964) before each film’s screening. Our own Shawn Degenhart took a deep dive into the unforgettable Sherman Brothers’ music as well. Shawn continues work on his next...

We’re honored to welcome world-renowned Chef Art Smith! He joins us from the Peoria Riverfront Museum to share unforgettable stories from a career that has taken him from cooking for governors and popes to serving some of the world’s biggest celebrities. As Art says,  “Food without a story doesn’t taste that good.” We also talk about his beloved Disney Springs restaurant, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomi...

We welcome the magic of Marceline, Missouri on this week’s Hyperion Hub.  From the Peoria Riverfront Museum, we’re joined by Kaye Malins and Sumner Nesbitt of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum to explore the town that helped shape Walt Disney’s imagination. Kaye shares her incredible firsthand story of hosting Walt during his return visit to Marceline in 1956, while Sumner discusses his journey from...

This week on The Hyperion Hub, acclaimed Disney historian and author JB Kaufman joins us from the Peoria Riverfront Museum to discuss his latest work, Worlds to Conquer: The Art and Making of Walt Disney’s Fantasia. Discover the fascinating story behind Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animated masterpiece as JB shares insights from his definitive new book and explores the creative process that brough...

If you spot Marcy Carriker Smothers at Disneyland or in Marceline, Missouri with her laptop open, chances are she’s working on her next Disney-inspired bestseller. The author of Eat Like Walt and Walt’s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney joins us this week from the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Marcy was in town for the fantastic American Animation: Art on Screen event. Thanks for joining...

🎙️ it’s our pleasure to once again welcome Disney Legend Karen Dotrice to the Hyperion Hub. The original Jane Banks shares more wonderful stories from the set of Mary Poppins.🌂 Karen discusses why Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece continues to resonate with modern audiences. She also reflects on her return to Cherry Tree Lane for the filming of Mary Poppins Returns. Plus a small piece of Burbank...

🎙️This week on The Hyperion Hub, we’re joined by the original Jane Banks herself, Disney Legend Karen Dotrice! Karen shares unforgettable stories from the set of Mary Poppins, including memories of working with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, the Sherman Brothers and more. She grew up in an acting family so this was nothing new for her, but little did she know as an 8-year old she was part of someth...

It’s the return of Jedi Dan Zehr! We’re previewing the newest Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu! We’ll share our thoughts. Dan is a high school teacher who finds a way to incorporate Star Wars and Marvel into his mythology class. We’ll chat about that, the second season of Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ and more this week on The Hyperion Hub! Hosts John Alois, Shawn Degenhart an...

Sensing a mysterious presence? That’s probably the newest episode of The Hyperion Hub.  Jedi Master Dan Zehr from Coffee with Kenobi joins us to talk about the phenomenal new Star Wars animated hit, Maul: Shadow Lord.  We also discuss Dan’s Disney College Program experience and share which Disney villains we’d love to see explored more on screen. May the force be with you and welcome to The Hyperi...

We have information on the upcoming Midwest Disney Event, American Animation: Art on Screen at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in Peoria, IL June 4-7. It’s a Disney film fest and more. Go to peoriariverfrontmuseum.org for all the current information. 🎥 Shawn Degenhart has updates on the Mary Poppins study score he’s working on for his next release.🌂 😎Get ready for a busy summer in the parks with a...

Longtime Washington (IL) Community High School band director Jim Tallman joins us to share stories from 30 years of leading student musicians to the Disney Parks. He’ll tell us what it really takes to make those magical performances happen. We’re also serving up our picks for top restaurants and underrated spots to eat across the parks. Maestro, if you please, cue the episode and enjoy the sweet s...

We’re heading back to the totally tubular ‘80s—this time diving into the second half of the decade! With new leadership and a bold creative vision, Disney finds its groove again. From box office hits to standout TV success and exciting expansion at Walt Disney World, it’s a comeback story worth revisiting. Thanks for hangin’ with us at The Hub! Hosts John Alois, Shawn Degenhart and John Redlingsha...

It’s a totally awesome episode! We’re going back to the rad 1980s!  It’s the age of big hair, neon fashion and the VCR. EPCOT Center defines edutainment like never before and the Disney Channel is on the air. But it’s not all smooth sailing as Disney faces some serious challenges finding its footing early in the decade. We’ve got the full story in this tubular episode! Thanks for hangin’ with us a...

The original Dreamfinder returns! This week on  The Hyperion Hub ,  Ron Schneider  is back to share incredible stories from his time at  EPCOT Center —plus some unforgettable celebrity encounters along the way. We’re also diving into big news as  Disney  moves away from its planned partnership with  OpenAI .  We wrap things up with a Disney/Pixar review of  Hoppers  🎬 Thanks for joining us at The...

With one little spark of inspiration, Ron Schneider brought a whimsical and beloved Disney character to life as the very first Dreamfinder at EPCOT Center. This week on The Hyperion Hub, Ron shares stories from his journey working at Disneyland alongside Disney Legend Wally Boag in the iconic Golden Horseshoe Revue and bringing imagination to life in with his lovable companion Figment. Find Ron’s...

🎨🖌️ Legendary animation director  Ron Clements  is back with us on  The Hyperion Hub ! We continue our journey through the Disney Renaissance with a deep dive into  Aladdin , as Ron shares behind-the-scenes stories from creating the classic alongside Co-Director John Musker. He also reflects on his later hits, including  The Princess and the Frog  and  Moana . Preorder Ron’s book, Making Disney M...

We’re honored to welcome legendary animation director  Ron Clements  to  The Hyperion Hub ! As co-director of beloved classics like  The Little Mermaid , Aladdin ,  The Princess and the Frog , and  Moana , Ron shares incredible stories from his journey—starting with his early days at  Hanna-Barbera  and  Walt Disney Animation Studios  to the dawn of the Disney Renaissance. Hear about his mentorshi...

John and Jolie Alois wrap up their adults-only trip to Walt Disney World with stops at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom! ✨ From battling the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to relaxing at the pirate-themed bar, Beak and Barrel, they share the highlights, surprises, and favorite moments from the last few days of their trip. Join them “live” from Walt Disney World! 🌴🏰 Hosts Jo...

🌴🎙️ New Episode Alert! John and Jolie Alois are coming to you from Walt Disney World on their first adults-only trip in decades.✨ In this episode: 🔑 They unlock the magic with the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom  🌐Reconnect with old friends at EPCOT 🏡 And meet up with Florida real estate pros Joe Pavich ( joepavichjr.com  ) and Jason Pavich ( jasonpavich.com ) and their wives for so...

Author and podcaster Michael Holland joins us at the Hub. His cinema history podcast, From Out of the Past actually lead to to creation of a Disney history book about a fascinating time. From July 1954 to July 1955, the company achieved an extraordinary amount—production and distribution of films while simultaneously building Disneyland, the world’s first theme park. Michael shares the stories, pr...

World-renowned animatronics designer Garner Holt returns for Part 2 of our conversation. He shares what inspires him to create unforgettable experiences and the passion that fuels his work. He’ll also talk about how he’s helping the next generation of designers with his Education Through Imagination program. Plus we have some recommendations for new shows on Disney+. Be our guests at The Hub!💫 Ho...

When Garner Holt began building haunted houses in the backyard as a boy, little did he know he would one day create characters for Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. Today, Garner Holt Productions has over 500 animatronic characters in Disney Parks all over the world. Garner is with us to share his inspirational story. Plus Disney has a new CEO. We’ll share our thoughts. Be our guests at The Hub!💫 Hos...

🎙️ This week, we’re exploring the power of storytelling through science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.  We’re  live  from Washington Community High School in Washington, IL for S.T.E.A.M. into the Storyverse! Event organizer Tom Gross joins us, along with Ross Hollebon, Associate Director of Marketing for Butler University’s College of Communication, sharing how to  find the story...

🎙️It’s a practically perfect podcast episode as we dive into the making of Walt Disney’s masterpiece, Mary Poppins!🌂 Author and historian Todd James Pierce is back to discuss his book, Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of the Classic Film. Todd provides a fascinatingly fresh take on the movie. 📘Purchase the book at your favorite retailer.📕 Visit toddjamesp...

It’s a new year and we’re starting things off with a great show! Author, historian and fellow podcaster Todd James Pierce is joining us. You may have heard him on his show, The Disney History Institute Podcast. You may have read a few of his books. His latest is called Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of the Classic Film. Purchase this fascinating book at yo...