THE MUPPET SHOW TV SPECIAL REVIEW The Muppet Show premiered on TV in 1976. The show was about a failing live variety and sketch comedy show hosted by The Muppets with weekly celebrity guests. 120 episodes later in 1981, they cut the music, turned out the lights, and closed the curtain forever on Jim Henson’s […]

HEART/FELT – OLD FRIENDS WHO’VE JUST MET: MUPPETS FROM SPACE In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by Esther’s Follies writer/performer and Fragile Rock creative Shaun Branigan for a cosmic conversation about Muppets from Space. We explore the film’s impressive puppetry, Gonzos search for identity, and everything from lunch at Caroll Spinney’s house to getting […]

HEART/FELT – SINCERITY AMIDST ABSURDITY: MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by One Of Us critic, Kate Chambers, to revisit Muppet Treasure Island. We explore how the film blends wild comedy with genuine emotional stakes, why Tim Curry’s Long John Silver grounds the chaos, and how the Muppets honor classic storytelling […]

HEART/FELT – IT’S IN EVERY ONE OF US: EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS & A MUPPET FAMILY CHRISTMAS In this holiday roundtable episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by returning guests Shira More, Frank Calvillo, and Rhett O’Hara to reflect on Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and A Muppet Family Christmas. We explore how these intimate seasonal specials […]

HEART/FELT – HIS HUMANITY: THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by friend of the show, Baylor Johnson, for a poignant conversation about The Muppet Christmas Carol, a film born from profound loss and creative resilience. Together, we explore how the first Muppet feature made after Jim Henson’s passing became both […]

HEART/FELT – IT’S WHEN WE LAUGHED: LABYRINTH Fiber artist Tessa Morrison joins me for a deep dive into the glittery, goblin-packed world of Labyrinth. We explore its mix of fairytale whimsy, coming-of-age themes, and yes, David Bowie’s codpiece, while highlighting Jim Henson’s bold blend of puppetry and cutting-edge effects that make the film’s imaginative maze […]

HEART/FELT – AMERICA’S OLDEST CHILD STAR: FOLLOW THAT BIRD In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by friend of the show Elliot Williams to talk about Follow That Bird, Big Bird’s big-screen debut. We discuss the film’s gentle mix of road-trip adventure and emotional storytelling, its reflections on belonging and community, and what makes Big […]

HEART/FELT – AN ALL THE TIME JOB: THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by Shira More of the Necromancer podcast to dive into The Muppets Take Manhattan. We talk about the film’s more grounded, less zany tone compared to its predecessors, the historic first appearance of the Muppet Babies, and […]

HEART/FELT – A DARKER, CAVERNOUS PLACE: THE DARK CRYSTAL In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by fellow One of Us podcaster Rhett O’Hara to explore The Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s bold departure from the Muppets into darker, more immersive fantasy. We discuss the film’s groundbreaking puppetry, rich world-building, and its lasting impact on Henson’s […]

HEART/FELT – AN INNOCENT MEETING THE WORLD: THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER In this episode of Heart/Felt, I’m joined by writer and podcaster Frank Calvillo to talk all things The Great Muppet Caper, Jim Henson’s dazzling and chaotic follow-up to The Muppet Movie. We dig into its playful tone, inventive visuals, and how it captures the […]