Purple Tales Podcast

Brian Eppes was eight years old when he landed the role of Michael in the very first video that started the magic: Barney and The Backyard Gang 1988. Now a criminal defense attorney, Brian’s memories cover five years of “edu-tainment” … and plenty of video clips to help him along.

Cast as Sarah at the tender age of eight, Hayden Tweedie appeared in seasons seven and eight, then hit the road in Barney's Colorful World Tour. Hayden shares lovely memories of pics with her Barney friends, including Demi and Selena.

Director Fred Holmes reveals true Barney magic with personal, behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage with Carey actually out of the suit. "It took a lot of work to make it look simple," recalls this Emmy-nominated director of 98 episodes of Barney & Friends and 53 home videos. From putting the kids through Barney camp to helping Carey negotiate the Barney suit, Fred has some amazing Purple Tales. As he remembers, "Everyone can make a living. Not everyone can make a difference."

Imagine being the on-set teacher for Barney's kids. For two seasons, Anne Marie Hurlbut tutored your favorite kids and shares her class notes to prove it. Going to school has never sounded like so much fun!

Carey and Nancy cull through the questions from YouTube and iTunes and everywhere you can find Purple Tales. The answers may surprise you!

Starting with Barney’s creation, former teacher Debbie Ries reveals how Barney grew from a simple idea to a worldwide phenomenon. No one had experience with sales and marketing but with a mapped out trajectory of what Barney could be, the iconic purple dinosaur was born.

You remember Min on Barney & Friends’ first three seasons! Today Pia Manolo Hamilton performs eight shows a week in The Lion King on Broadway … but Barney is always in her heart. It’s an inspiring Purple Tale of doing what you love and sharing it with the world.

Professor Erasmus Q. Tinkerputt, Barry Pearl created one of Barney’s most beloved pals; as Doody in 1978’s GREASE, Barry created one of Travolta’s favorite Thunderbirds. Barry regales us with his acting background and weaves a rich tapestry of Barney magic while keeping us in stitches (and plenty of show-and-tell).

Backyard Kid Derek turned rapper, Rickey L. Carter has been to hell and back since his Barney days. But he's a survivor with a powerful message of inclusion and diversity and, of course, that Barney magic.

The curtain is lifted on Barney’s live shows when head of stage tours Sloan Coleman and production director Jake Berry talk the Barney phenomenon with Carey.