Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we're thrilled to welcome writer and producer Scott Kraft! Scott has had an incredible impact on children's television, with a career spanning beloved animated and live-action projects. From his early work with Nelvana on classics like Rolie Polie Olie, George Shrinks, and Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends, to co-creating the musical hit The Fresh Beat Band with his wife and creative partner Nadine van der Velde, Scott's storytelling has delighted generations of young viewers. He also played a major role in some of the most popular preschool series of the last decade, serving as developer and executive producer on PAW Patrol and executive producer on Top Wing. Tune in for a nostalgic and insightful chat with one of children's TV's most influential creators!

Taping date: November 18, 2024

Edited by: Drew Wells

https://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399

https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we are joined by Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, best known to Playhouse Disney fans as Vivian, one of the beloved hosts of the preschool favorite Out of the Box! Vivian shares how she landed the role, her favorite songs and crafts from the show, what it was like to perform in the Playhouse Disney Live! tours, and so much more. We also dive into the lasting legacy of Out of the Box, the impact it's had on generations of kids, and how Vivian has carried her passion for music and education into her career today as a teacher and musical director.

Special thanks to Peter Lurye for connecting us!

Connect with Vivian!

https://www.tiktok.com/@vivianbayubaymclaughlin

https://www.instagram.com/mclaughlin_vb/

Taping date: March 8, 2025

Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.facebook.com/cbixby2000

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we welcome television and film producer Dete Meserve. Dete shares her journey from serving as executive producer on the PBS Kids hit Ready Jet Go! to taking the reins as executive producer and showrunner of Weather Hunters, the newest PBS Kids series created by America's beloved weathercaster Al Roker. This conversation touches on the importance of teaching kids about weather and science in fun, accessible ways, what it's like to collaborate with Al on this groundbreaking project, and more.

Check out Weather Hunters!

https://pbskids.org/weatherhunters

https://www.instagram.com/weatherhunters/

Connect with Dete!

https://detemeserve.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoodSamBook

https://www.instagram.com/detemeserve

Taping date: September 16, 2025

Edited by: Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)

https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreations

https://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreations

https://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/

https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we welcome actor, writer, producer, and creator Wesley Eure! Known to millions for his role as Michael Horton on Days of Our Lives and as Will Marshall on the beloved sci-fi adventure Land of the Lost, Wesley's career spans across soap operas, television, film, and children's entertainment. He's appeared in series like Insight and CHiPs, acted in films such as C.H.O.M.P.S., Tool Box Murders, and Jennifer, and even hosted the Nickelodeon game show Finders Keepers. Beyond acting, Wesley co-developed the hit PBS Kids series Dragon Tales, has written books, and continues to use his platform for meaningful charitable work. Join us as we look back on his remarkable journey, the stories behind his most iconic roles, and his passion for bringing joy and imagination to audiences of all ages!

Keep up with Wesley!

https://www.wesleyeure.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@wesleyeure

https://www.facebook.com/WesleyEure/

https://www.instagram.com/wesleyeure/

https://www.threads.com/@wesleyeure

Taping date: May 12, 2025

Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.facebook.com/cbixby2000

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we're thrilled to welcome back voice actress and children's musical artist Debi Derryberry for her third appearance! Beloved for bringing countless animated characters to life, Debi now turns her talents toward soothing songs with her brand-new lullaby album, Go to Sleep, releasing September 26th. In this episode, Debi shares the inspiration behind the album, the creative process of crafting music to calm and comfort, and how her lifelong connection to kids' entertainment continues to evolve. Whether you know her voice from countless cartoons or her children's music, this conversation is full of heart, nostalgia, and a little preview of the sweet dreams to come.

Check out Debi's upcoming children's album, Go to Sleep!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL--vHWNY-DoqX0TfI2BEwqUzUn1QsPUGS

https://open.spotify.com/album/0Z8YldFXEWKv8zQkGav5nR

https://music.apple.com/us/album/go-to-sleep-lullaby-album/1822123953

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF38NGQL

Keep up with Debi!

https://www.debiderryberry.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@debiderryberry

https://www.facebook.com/DebiDerryberryVO

https://www.instagram.com/debiderryberry/

https://www.instagram.com/debiderryberrykids

https://www.youtube.com/@DebiDerryberryKIDS

Taping date: August 2, 2025

Edited by: Miles

https://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we welcome acclaimed music supervisor and composer Jeff Zahn, whose work has soundtracked some of the most beloved children's television of the past three decades. Jeff's credits include iconic series like Are You Afraid of the Dark?, The Busy World of Richard Scarry, Madeline, Arthur, Wimzie's House, and Caillou—for which he also wrote the unforgettable theme song. Jeff composed the music for the film Spookley the Square Pumpkin and has created tunes for Playhouse Disney and The Jim Henson Company. Join us as Jeff shares the stories behind his career, what goes into scoring for children's media, and how music becomes the heartbeat of shows that families treasure for years to come.

Special thanks to Judy Rothman Rofé for connecting us!

Keep up with Jeff!

https://www.jeffzahnmusic.com/

Taping date: December 13, 2024

Edited by: Drew Wells

https://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399

https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we're joined by the talented children's director and producer Koyalee Chanda! Koyalee got her start on the groundbreaking Nick Jr. favorite Blue's Clues, where she directed and wrote episodes, directed the show's memorable "video letters", and even provided the original voice of the character Magenta. From there, her directing journey took her to SeeMore's Playhouse, Sesame Street's beloved "What's the Word on the Street?" segments, and beyond. She later stepped into producing roles as producer and co-executive producer on Wallykazam! and served as voice director on The Backyardigans. Join us as we look back on Koyalee's amazing career, the creativity behind these iconic shows, and the joy of shaping stories that continue to inspire kids and families everywhere.

Special thanks to Adam Peltzman for connecting us!

Keep up with Koyalee!

https://www.innerdog.net/

https://www.instagram.com/koyalee/

Taping date: March 3, 2025

Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.facebook.com/cbixby2000

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we welcome actress, composer, and teaching artist Liz Filios! From 2010 to 2012, Liz brought joy to young viewers as one of the hosts of Sprout's morning block, The Sunny Side Up Show. Continuing her work with kids, she went on to create Storytime in the Zoom Room in 2020, a free interactive learning space for children and caretakers. Beyond her work in children's entertainment, Liz is an accomplished stage performer, with credits in productions like Into the Woods, Red Velvet, Vincent in Brixton, and An Iliad, where she was also a composer. Join us as we reminisce about her time on Sprout, explore her journey in the performing arts, and celebrate her dedication to inspiring and engaging audiences of all ages.

Keep up with Liz!

https://www.lizfilios.com

https://www.facebook.com/lifilios

https://www.youtube.com/@LizFilios

https://www.instagram.com/lizfilios/

Taping date: November 11, 2024

Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.facebook.com/cbixby2000

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we honor another puppeteer who is no longer with us, by interviewing Jan Nelson, the wife of legendary puppeteer Jerry Nelson, best known for originating the roles of Count von Count and Herry Monster on Sesame Street, Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, and Lew Zealand on The Muppets, Gobo Fraggle on Fraggle Rock, and Emmet Otter on Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, just to name a few. Join us as we discuss how her and Jerry met, getting to visit the sets of the projects Jerry worked on, his musical side, and just the overall impact Jerry's performance made around the world. A truly inspiring chat!

Taping date: January 20, 2025

Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisB2000_YT

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!

This week, we welcome back legendary puppeteer and puppet builder Jim Kroupa for a deeper dive into his career in the world of puppetry, after speaking to him previously for the Between the Lions reunion special. Jim got his start with The Jim Henson Company as an additional puppeteer on The Muppets Take Manhattan, and went on to bring countless beloved characters to life — from Batly on Eureeka's Castle, to Otto Otter and Jeremiah Tortoise on Bear in the Big Blue House, Walter Pigeon on Between the Lions, and Seymour on Johnny and the Sprites. As co-owner of the renowned 3/Design Studio, Jim and his team have helped create puppets for iconic productions including Eureeka's Castle, Between the Lions, The Great Space Coaster, Barney & Friends, and Wimzie's House, among many others. Known as a master of puppet mechanisms, he also shares his expertise as a teacher at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Puppetry Conference. Join us for a fun conversation about Jim's creative process, behind-the-scenes stories from classic shows, the intricate art of puppet mechs, and the magic of making characters that generations of fans have loved.

Taping date: July 16, 2025

Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisB2000_YT

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!

https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSk

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow