Craig McFarland

There is no better time to be a Disney fan than Halloween! We are joined by one of our favorite Disney podcaster Matthew Krul of the Imagineer Podcast. We speak with Matthew about his podcast. How the podcast came to be, his love for the parks and some of his personal favorite episodes. After that the whole group discusses the ways that Disney puts us into the Halloween spirit!

Thank you to our friends at Ravensburger for providing us with copies of the new Hocus Pocus card game! We played it, and we will review it for you. Follow along as we discuss the design of the game, how to play and our overall impressions of this very impressive game. Fans of Hocus Pocus go out and buy this now!

This week we bring you the second half of our interview with former Imagineer and Disney author Jeff Kurtti. He has written over 40 titles for the Disney company, and his latest book "The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky" was just released earlier this month. Jeff shares so many stories and insights about the Walt Disney Company.

Brandon dives into the world of the Mouse, on this Beyond the Mouse/Classics crossover. The crew discusses the 1954 Disney live-action film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This movie has been beautifully restored on Disney Plus. We speak to the production design, the history, the influence on the Disney parks and more (maybe even a great James Mason impression) much lies in store for you loyal listener!

FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson and Brandon Davis

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This week we are joined by two friends who have made the trek to Florida since the reopening of Walt Disney World. Kristen Wolfe speaks to her experience at the Boardwalk and all about the parks. Craig William II lets us know about his stay at the Polynesian and his take on what Walt Disney World is like for travellers right now. Join along with us!

Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson

This week we are happy to bring to the podcast, Dan Cockerell. Dan spent a twenty-six-year career with the Disney company in multiple roles. Beginning in the Disney College Program and ultimately becoming VP of Epcot Center, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. This week Dan has released a new book called "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom" which you can find on Amazon or wherever books are sold. We speak to Dan about the current situation inside the Disney Parks, his thoughts on leadership and his new book!

This week the documentary Howard drops on Disney+. We are celebrating the life and accomplishments of Howard Ashman in the best way possible, by doing a Disney Song Draft! Make sure to follow us on social media for your chance to vote for your favorite team!

Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson

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https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network

We are so excited that Hamilton has arrived on Disney+! To celebrate the occasion we interview a man who has played Alexander Hamilton for the past year. Julius Thomas III speaks about his Broadway career, his words of wisdom to upcoming performers and of course we dive deep into his role in Hamilton. 

Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson

FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS!

Twenty five years ago Goofy and Max set out on the open road and ended up at a Powerline concert. We had the opportunity to sit down with the man who made it all happen. The Beyond the Mouse crew sat down with director Kevin Lima. We talking about his entire career from his start at the Walt Disney Studios to what he’s doing today. In addition to A Goofy Movie, Kevin has also directed Tarzan, 102 Dalmatians and Enchanted. We talk about them all in this exclusive interview!

We travel back to 1937 and talk Walt's Folley, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Brett and Craig are joined by Brandon (Front Row Classics) and local author/illustrator Dominic Cellini.