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

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

This week, it's another dive into the world of puppetry and show business with puppeteer and actor Brian Jones! For several years, Brian brought characters to life with The Muppets, contributing to projects like Muppets Most Wanted and the 2015 ABC Muppets series. On stage, he wowed audiences with Puppet Up!, and beyond the world of puppetry, he showcased his acting chops in popular shows like Community, Bones, Wilfred, NCIS, and as Chad in Disney XD’s Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything. Brian also honed his comedy and improv skills with Impro Theatre and The Groundlings. Join us as Brian reflects on his creative journey, the magic of performance, and what it takes to connect with audiences both behind the puppet and in front of the camera!

Taping date: November 5, 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 sit down with the incredibly versatile and accomplished session singer Randy Crenshaw! From Beetlejuice to The Nightmare Before Christmas, Randy's vocal work has been the hidden heartbeat of countless beloved films and series. For decades, he's lent his talent to a wide range of Disney projects — including the Winnie the Pooh franchise, The Thirteenth Year, and Phineas and Ferb. Randy also shares his experiences working with The Muppets and The Jim Henson Company, including his time on The Muppet Christmas Carol and the children's show Animal Jam. We also touch on his contributions to The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and the Scooby-Doo and Ice Age films. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Connect with Randy and check out his work!

https://randycrenshaw.com/

Taping date: November 3, 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

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

This week, we talk puppetry and pop culture with the incredibly talented puppeteer and puppet builder John Cody! John shares his fascinating journey through the world of puppetry, from his freelance work on Sesame Street, including the Cookie Monster's Bake Sale specials and helping bring back fan-favorite Barkley, to performing at the beloved Sesame Street attractions. We also dive into his work on the Apple TV+ series Helpsters, puppeteering Paddington Bear in Paddington Gets in a Jam off-Broadway, SpongeBob SquarePants in Pineapple Playhouse, and building and designing puppets for the Winnie the Pooh stage musical. We also discuss John's involvement with the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. It's a fun and insightful conversation filled with creativity, nostalgia, and a deep love for the art of puppetry.

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

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Katherine Pully, a former child actress best known for her role as Beth on Barney & Friends during Seasons 7 and 8! Katherine shares her memories of working on the beloved children's series, from what it was like filming with the iconic purple dinosaur to her favorite behind-the-scenes moments. She also reflects on how her time on Barney shaped her childhood, the friendships she made along the way, and what she's been up to since stepping away from the spotlight. Whether you grew up watching Barney or just love hearing nostalgic stories from former child stars, this heartwarming conversation is one you won't want to miss!