Vanessa Ferguson

Death on the Lanai is the second cozy Golden Girls mystery written by Rachel Ekstrom Courage. She returns to Beyond the Mouse to speak with Vanessa and Zoey all about the process of writing this second book. They crew also discusses fan reaction the her first book, Murder by Cheesecake.

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 entertainment opportunities fans will have that attend.

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 transformed into a Muppet-fueled rock-and-roll adventure. From crafting the attraction’s story and selecting its unforgettable soundtrack to bringing celebrity cameos into the experience, Dani and Justin share the creative process behind making this wild new ride a reality. Plus, hear stories from development, collaboration between Imagineering and The Muppets Studio, and what fans should keep an eye out for on their next ride through the chaos.Whether you're a lifelong Muppet fan, a theme park enthusiast, or just curious how Disney attractions come to life, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

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 Chief Creative Officer, bringing her storytelling expertise to the forefront of Disney’s creative strategy. The crew breaks down what this leadership change means for Disney’s parks, content, and future direction, shares their well-wishes for D’Amaro as he takes the reins, and reflects on the legacy Bob Iger leaves behind after decades of shaping the Disney we know today. It’s an episode full of insight, perspective, and what this turning point could mean for the House of Mouse moving forward.

This week on Beyond the Mouse podcast, Craig and Vanessa are joined by Tim O'Day, whose enthusiasm and knowledge of Disney history fills any Disney parks fan with complete joy. They talk about his favorite memories working in public relations, D23 conventions, and he shares a teaser of what to expect at the Festival of the Arts 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 exceptional creativity and the legacy of kindness expressed by his family and friends.

Drs. Teena and Ashish John are pediatricians based in Springfield. They spoke with Community Voices about how they met, what inspired them to pursue careers in pediatrics, and how Disney influences the compassionate care they provide to their patients. The conversation also offers a glimpse into Dr. Ashish John's musical side, including his involvement in a band.

Allison Lacher is the Director of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery and a practicing visual artist whose work blends metallic surfaces, vibrant colors and domestic objects to create emotionally charged spaces. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey to Springfield, her recent curator-in-residence position in Pittsburgh and what’s in store for the UIS Visual Arts Gallery this fall. Lacher also discussed her current exhibition at the Illinois State Museum, her work with STNDRD Exhibitions and her hopes for the future of Springfield’s arts community.

Prairie Insulation is celebrating 20 years of operation. Fiore Belmonte and Jeremy Nihiser spoke to Community Voices about the business’s growth. They shared how Prairie Insulation got its start in Springfield, how insulation technology has evolved and what it means to take a people-first approach in the trades.

Nidhi Alexander is the Chief Marketing Officer of Hexaware Technologies, a global tech company and a new member of Innovate Springfield. In this conversation, she breaks down what Hexaware does for those unfamiliar with the tech world, how the company stands out in a competitive industry and the kinds of problems it helps solve across multiple industries.