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

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

This week, we spoke with Kristin DiQuollo and Chris Loggins, both of which who work for Fred Rogers Productions, where Kristin is a co-executive producer on Donkey Hodie and Chris is a supervising producer on Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Our discussion today covers the upcoming crossover special, Daniel Tiger Visits Someplace Else. We talk about what went into bringing these two worlds together, the puppet versions of Daniel and his dad, the legacy of Mister Rogers, and so much more.

Catch Daniel Tiger Visits Someplace Else premiering on PBS Kids and streaming on the PBS Kids Video app on August 11th!

Taping date: August 1, 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're joined by blogger and journalist Allison McClain Merrill! Allison is a travel writer and pop culture reporter who is best known for being a historian of one of television's most popular networks, Disney Channel! We discuss favorite shows and DCOMs, the golden era of Disney Channel, any favorite former TV stars she spoke with, and her upcoming book titled The Best of Both Worlds: How Disney Channel Became the Millennial Soundtrack. Don't miss another fun conversation down memory lane!

Special thanks to our guest co-host DJ Bob for joining us again!

https://www.instagram.com/djbobrunkel94/

https://www.djbobshow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thedjbobshow

https://www.instagram.com/djbobshowpodcast/

Connect with Allison and check out her work!

https://www.allisonmcclainmerrill.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pastfootforward/

https://x.com/amcclainmerrill

https://pastfootforward.com/

Taping date: April 21, 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're joined by actress Nitya Vidyasagar! From 2008 to 2015, Nitya was beloved by generations as Leela, one of the human characters on Sesame Street. She shares memories of her time on the iconic series, including performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, appearing alongside the Muppets on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and performing in the Jim Henson's Musical World concert at Carnegie Hall. She also discusses getting to return to her role for Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration special. Nitya also chats about her acting work beyond the Street, including roles on Suits, NCIS: Los Angeles, Troopers, All Rise, and her continued passion for stage work. A heartwarming and insightful conversation you won't want to miss!

Connect with Nitya and check out her work!

https://www.instagram.com/nityavidyasagar/

Taping date: November 9, 2024

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 talk all things Disney with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director Bobs Gannaway! Bobs began his storied career at Disney developing the Timon & Pumbaa series and executive producing 101 Dalmatians: The Series with longtime collaborator Tony Craig. He went on to create Mickey Mouse Works and the fan-favorite Disney's House of Mouse. Bobs also brought beloved characters to the small screen with Lilo & Stitch: The Series, and was the creative force behind hit preschool favorites Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. In the world of feature animation, he co-wrote and directed Planes: Fire & Rescue, and more recently, created the Disney+ series Monsters at Work. Join us as Bobs shares stories from behind the scenes, the evolution of Disney television animation, and the joy of building worlds that entertain generations.

Taping date: December 6, 2024

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