Step behind the scenes of Fox’s cult classic animated series Peter Pan and the Pirates with legendary writer/story editor and ThunderCats creative force Peter Lawrence.

In this fascinating deep-dive conversation on the Beyond Thundera Podcast, Peter shares never-before-heard stories about joining the series after Rankin/Bass, moving from New York to Los Angeles, working with Buzz Potamkin, Lee Dannacher, Takashi, Sid Iwanter, and Margaret Loesch, and helping reshape Peter Pan and the Pirates into one of the most unique animated shows of the 1990s.

Peter also discusses:
• How he became story editor on Peter Pan and the Pirates
• The creative struggles behind the show’s scripts
• The East Coast vs. West Coast animation divide
• Building the show’s pirate language and nautical world
• Working with Emmy-winning actor Tim Curry as Captain Hook
• The similarities and differences between ThunderCats, SilverHawks, and Fox Kids productions
• Hollywood executives, writers rooms, creative control, and network notes
• The reality of making animated television in the late 80s and early 90s

Fans of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Peter Pan and the Pirates, Fox Kids, Rankin/Bass, retro cartoons, 80s animation, 90s animation, Tim Curry, and behind-the-scenes animation history will not want to miss this episode.

Watch & listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

In this episode, we sit down with JP aka Thundercats Classics from Instagram to talk all things ThunderCats, the passionate fanbase across Latin America, rare collectibles, fan art, future conventions, and the lasting legacy of one of the greatest animated series of all time.

We dive deep into why countries like Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and across South America still celebrate ThunderCats with giant exhibits, custom ThunderTank builds, conventions, murals, and multi-generational fandom that rivals — and may even surpass — the U.S.

In This Episode We Discuss:
✅ Why ThunderCats remains HUGE in Latin America
✅ Incredible fan-made ThunderTank replicas & mall exhibits
✅ Multi-generational fans discovering the show through family
✅ Why classic 80s cartoons still connect with kids today
✅ The future of ThunderCats in America
✅ JP’s amazing ThunderCats-inspired artwork
✅ Secret upcoming officially licensed ThunderCats products
✅ Collectibles, customs, sneakers & fan culture
✅ Could a ThunderCats convention happen next?

JP also shares details about his transition from fan artist to officially working on ThunderCats-related projects, plus his incredible vision for an older, battle-hardened Lion-O “What If?” universe.

If you love ThunderCats, 80s cartoons, nostalgia, action figures, retro animation, Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, collectibles, fan art, or cartoon history, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

COMMENT BELOW:
Which country has the strongest ThunderCats fanbase?

Would you watch a new ThunderCats series?

What character should JP redesign next?

Like | Comment | Subscribe for more ThunderCats content, retro cartoons, interviews, collectibles & fandom deep dives!

What happens when legendary animation writer Grant Moran joins the show to talk ThunderCats, Batman: The Animated Series, Bobby’s World, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, and Hollywood writing secrets — all while revealing an incredible charity auction helping refugee children?

In this powerful and entertaining interview, Grant shares how he founded Kepyr.org, a nonprofit supporting displaced children around the world through creativity, storytelling, and healing. Plus, he reveals the ThunderCats 2026 charity art auction, featuring one-of-a-kind original artwork from major artists.

We also discuss Grant’s career in animation, including behind-the-scenes stories from:

✅ ThunderCats legacy & fandom
✅ Batman: The Animated Series early development
✅ WayneHead and working with Damon Wayans and the Wayans family
✅ Bobby’s World secrets
✅ Howie Mandel behind the scenes
✅ Hollywood writing careers & branding
✅ Animaniacs era stories
✅ Supporting refugee children through art

This is a must-watch for fans of 80s cartoons, 90s animation, ThunderCats collectors, comic art collectors, Batman TAS fans, animation writers, and pop culture lovers.

🔥 Visit Kepyr: Kepyr.org
🔥 ThunderCats Charity Auction runs in June
🔥 Rare collector items + exclusive signed art

If you love animation, comics, and inspiring real-world causes — this episode is for you.

👉 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews with animation legends and pop culture icons.

Go behind the scenes of the original ThunderCats with recording staff insider John Crenshaw!

In this episode of Beyond Thundera, we dive deep into the making of the iconic 1980s animated series ThunderCats with John Crenshaw, a key member of the recording and editorial team. From cutting quarter-inch tape to directing voiceover sessions on the fly, John shares what it was really like working on one of the most beloved cartoons of all time.

Discover how a small, tight-knit crew managed to produce a massive hit series, often working extreme hours and wearing multiple hats to get episodes completed. Jon reveals the intense behind-the-scenes process of recording dialogue before the digital age, the pressure of production, and the unique bond shared among the cast and crew.

We also explore:

• The real role of a recording engineer and editorial staff in animation
• How ThunderCats was made with a surprisingly small team
• Stories about working with voice actors and production leads
• The challenges of analog audio editing and tape splicing
• Life after ThunderCats, including Jon’s career in music and audio engineering
• Touring with major artists and transitioning from musician to studio professional

If you're a fan of ThunderCats, animation history, voice acting, or behind-the-scenes production stories, this is a must-watch conversation packed with rare insights and firsthand experiences.

What makes ThunderCats timeless? Why does it still resonate over 40 years later? In this episode of Beyond Thundera Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Hunter and David Hale from the Radical Retro Rewind Podcast and discuss the legacy of one of the most iconic 80s animated series ever created.

Ryan and David share how their love of ThunderCats began in childhood and evolved into a powerful bond as brothers, eventually leading to the creation of their podcast during the pandemic. What started as a way to reconnect turned into a celebration of 80s pop culture, nostalgia, and the stories that shaped a generation.

We also explore:

• How ThunderCats created lifelong connections across the world
• The emotional impact of 80s cartoons during difficult times
• Behind-the-scenes reflections on classic episodes and characters
• Why ThunderCats stands apart from other animated shows of its era
• The power of nostalgia in building community and meaningful relationships

This episode is packed with personal stories, and thoughtful discussion that longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate.

Subscribe for more episodes of Beyond Thundera Podcast, where we go beyond the nostalgia and into the stories behind the legacy.

Listen to Radical Retro Rewind Podcast:
(Link here)

Be sure to Follow on Radical Retro Rewind Podcast on Instagram:

IG - @radicalretrorewindpodcast 

Subscribe to them on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@radicalretrorewind?

Learn more about Ryan & David’s ThunderCats stories on Peter Lawrence’s ThunderCats of the Day official site: 

https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/ryan-and-david-hunter-thundercats-of-the-day/

In this in-depth interview, Jeri Craden shares her incredible journey from voice actor and storyteller to becoming a writer in the world of 1980s animation, including her path to working on ThunderCats.

During a time of economic uncertainty in the early 1980s, Jeri made the bold decision to leave Canada and pursue opportunities in New York—facing intense competition, limited opportunities, and the challenge of starting over while supporting her family.

What followed is a powerful story of persistence, creativity, and timing.

In this episode, Jeri reveals:

• How she broke into the animation industry during the 1980s recession
• Her early career in Canada working with studios like Nelvana
• The reality of auditioning for voiceover work in New York
• How she connected with Rankin/Bass and earned her opportunity
• The surprising shortage of animation writers at the time
• What made her stand out in a competitive industry
• Her lifelong passion for singing, storytelling, and writing

Jeri also reflects on her childhood influences—from performing on television at a young age to writing stories and songs—and how those early passions shaped her creative career.

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the human story behind ThunderCats and the determination it took to become part of such an iconic series.

Jeri Craden featured ThunderCat of the Day on Peter’s official website - 

https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/thundercat-of-the-day-jeri-craden-aka-jerelyn/

What if the true story behind ThunderCats was never fully told?

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with James Gauthier, a close personal friend of legendary creator & Head Writer Leonard Starr, to uncover the real origins of one of the most iconic animated series of all time.

Joined by ThunderCats and SilverHawks writer and show-runner Peter Lawrence, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how ThunderCats was built from the ground up—and how Starr’s contributions shaped everything fans know and love today.

 Inside this episode:

• How ThunderCats was created in just days from a simple concept
• The origin of Mumm-rRa and other iconic characters
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Starr’s personal life and career
• His work beyond ThunderCats, including Annie and graphic novels
• The truth about credit, legacy, and how he was treated behind the scenes
• Firsthand memories from someone who knew him best

James shares rare, personal stories—from hearing the ThunderCats theme song for the first time on a cassette tape to visiting Starr’s studio during the creation of the series.

This is more than an interview. It’s a deep look into the mind and legacy of the man who defined ThunderCats.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, collector, or just discovering the series, this episode brings you closer than ever to its true origins.

Listen now and discover the foundation of ThunderCats like never before.

In this episode of Beyond Thundera, we explore the world of ThunderCats collecting, toy collecting psychology, and the powerful role of nostalgia in fandom. From rare figures and vintage merchandise to the thrill of the hunt, we break down what drives collectors and why these items mean so much.We discuss:* The emotional connection to childhood toys* How 80s and 90s nostalgia fuels today’s collector market* The excitement of finding rare ThunderCats figures and collectibles* The “treasure hunt” feeling behind toy collecting* How collecting can become addictive—and where to draw the lineWhether you’re into ThunderCats toys, vintage action figures, 80s cartoons, or pop culture collectibles, this episode gives you a deeper look into the collector mindset.If you grew up with ThunderCats or are rediscovering it today, this conversation will hit home.Join the conversation:What’s the one item you’re still hunting for?

What was it really like working behind the scenes on the original ThunderCats?

Writer, dialogue director, and Rankin-Bass insider Matthew Malach discusses Rankin-Bass, classic episodes, and how the legendary cartoon was made. In this episode of Beyond Thundera, hosts Sean “Buddha” McKeone and ThunderCats writer & show-runner Peter Lawrence sit down with Matthew Malach, who played multiple key roles in the production of the iconic Rankin-Bass animated series.

Matthew Malach worked on ThunderCats in several capacities including dialogue directing, post-production with the recording staff, and writing memorable episodes such as The Zaxx Factor, Helpless Laughter, The Shifter, and The Key of Thundera. In this conversation, he shares how he first became involved with Rankin-Bass Productions, his early connection to producer Jules Bass, and his experiences working inside the studio during the creation of one of the most beloved cartoons of the 1980s.

Matthew also discusses the personalities behind Rankin-Bass, including Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., the creative process behind producing ThunderCats, and what it was like working on animation projects during that era. Along the way, the conversation explores the unique behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and personal experiences that helped shape the ThunderCats universe fans know and love.

If you're a fan of ThunderCats, 80s animation, Rankin-Bass productions, or animation history, this is a must-watch episode filled with rare stories and firsthand insights from someone who helped bring the series to life.

Subscribe for more interviews and deep dives into the world of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, TigerSharks, and the creators behind these legendary shows

What did it take to create the ICONIC sound of 80s animation? In this episode of Beyond Thundera, hosts Sean”Buddha” McKeone and ThunderCats writer & show-runner Peter Lawrence sit down with musician, sound designer, and voice actor Pete Cannarozzi to uncover the behind-the-scenes story of how the soundscape of ThunderCats and SilverHawks was brought to life.You’ve heard his work hundreds—if not thousands—of times. From performing keyboards on the unforgettable theme intros, to building the original sound-effects libraries used throughout the episodes, Pete helped define the sonic identity of a generation of animation.We also discuss:* Working alongside composer Bernie Hoffer and the orchestral recording process* Creating sound effects from scratch before animation was even finished* Collaborating with producer Lee Dannacher during early development* The surprising workflow of 1980s television audio production* Voicing Copper Kidd and contributing creatively beyond music* Pete’s long-running career as organist for the New Jersey Devils* How analog-era experimentation shaped the sound fans still love today

If you’ve ever wondered how those thunderous whooshes, explosions, and soaring synth lines were made, this is a must-watch deep dive into the craftsmanship behind the classics.THUNDERCATS, HOO!Thundercat of the day - Pete Cannarozzi:https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/pete-cannarozi-thundercat-of-the-day/Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThunderCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharkswww.thundercatstoyguide.comPeter Lawrence official websitewww.gpeterlawrence.comBe sure to Follow the Beyond Thundera Podcast on Instagram:@beyondthunderapodcast