Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show!

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by film and television producer and screenwriter David Kirschner!

David is best known for creating the concept, co-writing, and executive producing An American Tail and its sequel Fievel Goes West, co-writing the story and co-producing the iconic Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus (as well as co-writing its 2022 sequel), and creating the concept, producing, and designing the iconic Chucky animatronic doll for the Child's Play franchise. He also discusses producing animated gems like The Pagemaster, Cats Don't Dance, and Titan A.E., alongside his major contributions to the Curious George franchise as producer on the 2006 feature film and executive producer on the long-running PBS Kids series.

Taping date:

October 7, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

On today's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by Canadian actress and voiceover artist Pauline Little!

Pauline shares stories from her celebrated voice acting career, including voicing the titular role in the English US dub of Maya the Bee and delighting generations of young viewers as the voice of Grandma on the classic preschool series Caillou. She also dives into her diverse experiences across live-action and animation, discussing her work on projects like The Hitchhiker, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, and The Little Lulu Show, alongside her memorable voice acting roles in the gaming world.

Taping date:

May 2, 2025

Edited by:

Drew Wells

https://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399

https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

On tonight's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by writer, producer, and showrunner Jon Cooksey!

Jon shares behind-the-scenes insights from his time as a writer and story editor on Nickelodeon's Rugrats, as well as co-writing the iconic Disney Channel Original Movies Halloweentown and Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge. He also dives into his work as writer and executive producer on the fan-favorite series So Weird, co-writing the holiday animated special The Santa Claus Brothers, co-creating the supernatural drama The Collector, and contributing to hit series like Arctic Air and Killjoys.

Taping date:

October 9, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 World, and his newest release, Ryann Lazuli Goes Offline, and how he began hosting his own podcast, Generation Change, where he interviews Gen Z changemakers speaking out on the issues they care about.

Connect with Leo:

https://www.leofinelli.com/

https://www.instagram.com/genchangewithlf/

https://www.facebook.com/genchangewithLF

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generation-change-with-leo-finelli/id1538076746

https://open.spotify.com/show/0z5wsIRvAQq7pf5SvGaytX

Taping date:

September 7, 2026

Edited by:

Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)

https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreations

https://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreations

https://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/

https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 Halloweentown, sharing how its magical world was crafted, what it was like working with the young cast, and cherished memories of the iconic Debbie Reynolds.

Taping date:

August 3, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 Giant Peach, creating memorable interstitials for CBS, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon, including the iconic 1999 Nick Jr. Productions logo, and later serving as a supervising producer for DreamWorks while contributing to the Ted franchise and beyond.

Connect with Webster:

https://www.instagram.com/webstercolcord

https://www.tiktok.com/@webstercolcord

Taping date:

April 6, 2025

Edited by:

Miles

https://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 Little Giants, helming DCOM favorites including Halloweentown, The Thirteenth Year, Ready to Run, Double Teamed, Right on Track, Tiger Cruise, and Now You See It..., and making his brief return to Star Wars to direct episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Taping date:

March 16, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 Flintstones, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, and The Country Bears. She also shares stories from her work with The Muppets and her experiences on projects like The Puzzle Place, Men in Black, and Team America: World Police.

Connect with Terri:

https://terrihardin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TerriHardinFanpage

https://www.youtube.com/@TerriHardinSpeaks

https://www.instagram.com/terrihardinlegend/

Taping date:

March 26, 2025

Edited by:

Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)

https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreations

https://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreations

https://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/

https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

(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 writer and co-executive producer on Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, co-developing The Suite Life on Deck, creating the fan-favorite series Jessie alongside its spin-off Bunk'd, and bringing Team Kaylie to Netflix. Along the way, she opens up about watching her young casts grow up on set, favorite episodes, and heartfelt memories of working with the late Cameron Boyce.

Taping date:

June 7, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 crafting various promotional materials and books. He also shares insights from his time as supervising director on The Backyardigans and Wallykazam!, executive producer on Shimmer and Shine and Santiago of the Seas, and creative producer on Barney's World.

Connect with Dave:

http://www.bydavepalmer.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bydavepalmer/

Taping date:

March 24, 2025

Edited by:

Miles

https://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, Henry Danger, and Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie, along with her performance in Jennette McCurdy's web series What's Next for Sarah?.

Connect with Danielle:

https://www.tiktok.com/@dani_morrow

https://www.instagram.com/danimototherow/

https://www.cameo.com/daniellemorrow

Taping date:

March 21, 2025

Edited by:

Drew Wells

https://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399

https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.com/

Listen to the audio version on Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

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, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Pete's Dragon, The Fox and the Hound, and The Black Cauldron, as well as crafting storyboards and pioneering CGI choreography for Tron. He also breaks down writing and directing the fan-favorite classic The Brave Little Toaster, directing iconic Disney theme park attractions, serving as animation producer on Space Jam, and working as a storyboard artist on Heathcliff.

Connect with Jerry:

https://www.jerryrees.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thetoasterwhisperer/

Taping date:

June 9, 2025

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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, graphic designer, and motion artist. He also details his hands-on work building props and sets as a scenic artist for the PBS Kids Preschool Block, serving as art director on various projects for Sprout, and bringing his creative design talents to popular television series like 30 Rock, Orange Is the New Black, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Connect with Mike:

https://mikepantusofineart.blogspot.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mikepan2so/

Taping date:

March 16, 2025

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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 Octonauts, alongside Disney staples such as The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Gummi Bears, DuckTales, and Goof Troop. He also dives into his time serving as head writer on the RoboCop series and keying the narrative for heavy-hitting superhero sagas like Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Batman Beyond, and Justice League.

Connect with Rich:

https://www.facebook.com/RichFogelWriter/

Taping date:

February 24, 2025

Edited by:

Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)

https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreations

https://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreations

https://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/

https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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 into adapting his original stories for television with Willa's Wild Life and Doug Unplugs, while sharing insights into his creative journey and Oswald celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Connect with Dan:

http://danyaccarino.com/

https://www.instagram.com/danyaccarino/

Taping date:

July 14, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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, along with many other roles throughout his career. From energetic children's cartoons to action-packed animated adventures, Samuel shares stories about his experiences in the recording booth, creating distinct voices for different characters, and the projects that have made his career so memorable.

Connect with Samuel:

https://www.instagram.com/samuelvincentkhouth

Taping date:

February 23, 2025

Edited by:

Miles

https://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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, The Cheetah Girls, and so much more! Our conversation also touches on the now classics celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year, including the major hit High School Musical! From initial pitch to broadcast scheduling, Michael and Kimberly pull back the curtain on the greenlighting process, production stories, and what it took to bring iconic Disney Channel magic to life.

Special thanks to Kimberly herself for connecting us with Michael!

Taping date:

May 8, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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 process behind writing music that encourages kids to sing, dance, and use their imaginations, and what made this album a special addition to her celebrated catalog. She also reflects on her enduring career in children's music, connecting with generations of families, and what continues to inspire her as a songwriter and performer.

Connect with Laurie and stream or purchase Walking with the Penguins:

https://laurieberkner.com/

https://laurieberkner.com/albums/walking-with-the-penguins-album

https://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

https://www.instagram.com/laurieberknerband

https://www.tiktok.com/@laurieberkner

https://www.youtube.com/@TheLaurieBerknerBand

Taping date:

July 21, 2026

Edited by:

Drew Wells

https://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399

https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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 to 2006, discussing how schedules were built, the strategy behind programming blocks, premieres, and special events, and what went into keeping viewers engaged. She also shares stories from working with ABC Kids before expanding her career to Disney Channel's international networks. Beyond Disney, Kimberly talks about her work in television scheduling for Lifetime, the NFL, and Game Show Network. Along the way, she offers a fascinating look at how programming decisions are made across different networks and how the television industry has evolved throughout her career.

Taping date:

April 4, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

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 shares his different responsibilities on the Sesame set and what it's like working alongside the rest of the crew. We also touch on some of roles outside of Sesame Street such as performing Bruno the Bear for Capital One Park and Garbanzo for Spacefish Productions. He also talks about his recent experience seeing The Wiggles in New York.

Connect with Brandon:

https://www.instagram.com/brand_198/

Check out Brandon's work with Capital One Park and Gen Con:

https://linktr.ee/capitalonepark

https://linktr.ee/gen_con

Taping date:

February 9, 2026

Edited by:

Miles

https://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow