Disney

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

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 Marvel. They also discuss some insights into where the series may be heading, and what the impact on the overall Marvel Universe might be moving forward.“Exploring pivotal moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and turning them on their head, leading the audience into uncharted territory.”FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Vanessa Ferguson, Brett Rutherford

On this very special bonus episode of Beyond the Mouse, Craig takes you Behind the Attraction. Recently, Beyond the Mouse was invited, as members of the media, to cover the new show coming to Disney+ on July 21. Craig talks about the press junket that included show creator and Director Brian Volk-Weiss and four Imagineers from the Walt Disney Company. Also, Craig gives insights into some of the episodes he took an early peek at prior to their release.

This week we are pleased to bring you an interview with some of the team behind restoring Walt Disney’s birthplace home. Brent Young walks us through his discovery of the home in Chicago from a Zillow listing. We also discuss with Brent and Robert Coker the relationship between Walt and his brother Roy, the restoration efforts that have already gone into the home and the steps being taken to open the doors of the home to the public.To support this wonderful project visit: http://www.thewaltdisneybirthplace.orgFEATURING: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson