Disney

Craig had an excellent opportunity to catch up with the showrunners behind the new Disney Channel series "Ultra Violet and Black Scorpion," Leo Chu and Eric Garcia. This team has been creating together for a decade going back to their time developing "Afro Samurai." They open up about their creative process and discuss the writing and creative growth of "Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion." It’s a fun conversation digging a bit deeper into what it takes to bring a show to series.

This week we are thrilled to bring you our discussion with Jeffrey R. Epstein, Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Walt Disney Company. Jeffrey has been involved with the official Disney fan club, D23, since its inception. He is also a vital part of the team that brings D23 Expo to life in Anaheim. We speak to Jeffrey about his start with the company and D23. We also hear stories of his experiences as a Disney content creator, including as host of the official Disney Podcast, D23: Inside Disney. Of course, we had to ask for a bit of a preview of the upcoming D23 Expo 2022 in September. We think you’re really going to enjoy this one!FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Vanessa Ferguson and Brett Rutherford

The Front Row Network reviews Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

We are beyond thrilled to welcome Pete Werner to Beyond the Mouse. Pete is the host of the Dis Unplugged, he also co-owns Dreams Unlimited Travel and the real estate company Moving to Orlando. Pete is one of the main content creators that inspired us to begin our podcast four years ago. We chat the origins of the Dis, also his efforts to raise money for Give Kids the World and his thoughts on the current Disney leadership. After that we dive into DVC, as Craig is thinking it might be in his future. This conversation was a ton of fun!

We are excited to interview Muppet legend, Dave Goelz. Dave has been responsible for creating and portraying Gonzo on The Muppets, as well as numerous other characters including Floyd and Professor Bunsen Honeydew. We talk to Dave about his career. We also focus on his direct work with Jim Henson. Lots of Muppet Christmas Carol talk is waiting for you as well!FEATURING: Brett Rutherford, Craig McFarland and Vanessa Ferguson

"Preparation meets opportunity."Ashley Brown is a Broadway superstar. She stepped into the lead role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast before originating the titular role of Mary Poppins. We had a chance to speak with her just as she’s heading to Walt Disney World to perform in the Disney on Broadway series as part of the Epcot Festival of the Arts. In addition to her love for all things Disney, we spoke to her about how she prepared for the opportunities that lead her to Broadway. This is a great conversation for anyone considering a future in musical theatre or just wanting to follow their own dreams. We are so grateful that she shared her time and talents with us, she really is "practically perfect" in every way.

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 with audiences of all backgrounds. Directors Jared Bush and Bryon Howard bring us their second film together, having co-directed the Academy Award winning film Zootopia. They are joined on this film by Co-director Charise Castro Smith, who tells us a wonderful story about how she came to be involved with the film. In addition to directing the film, this team of three were also responsible for writing as well. We dive into the creative choices they were able to make throughout the five-year process of bringing Encanto to life.

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 of Notre Dame, he helped reinvigorate Disney during the period known as the Disney Renaissance. Additionally, he has directed numerous documentaries and films, including Howard, available on Disney+, which details the life of the late Howard Ashman. We speak to Don about so many of the projects he has worked on over the years. He also discusses the creativity that can be unlocked in the human spirit. It was such an enlightening and fun chat, we hope you enjoy!

Beyond the Mouse has 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 films like Mulan and Pocahontas. He then moved onto the director’s chair bringing us such films as "Kronk’s New Groove." In addition to his work with Disney, Netflix and DreamWorks, Saul has his own podcast "Life of Awesome." He was so generous with his time, and we were able to discuss a lot of his career with him. He is one of the best storytellers we’ve had the chance to speak with on this podcast. Be sure to check out his podcast as soon as the interview is over!Saul’s Website: http://www.saulblinkoff.com

“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 upcoming second season of "Big Shot," as well as getting just a bit of insight into "DisEnchanted." This interview truly feels like a conversation amongst friends and fans of all things Disney. We hope you enjoy!FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson