Beyond The Mouse: A Weekly Disney Podcast
We are a show all about Disney for NPR Illinois Community Voices and for The Front Row Network. Join Craig, Brett and Vanessa weekly as they discuss all things Disney. We talk films, parks and invite guests on including more than ten Disney Legends.
Episodes
Planning your next Disney vacation or dreaming of your favorite place on Earth? This episode of Beyond the Mouse is your ultimate guide to the top ten Walt Disney World resorts, based on the latest rankings from Disney Tourist Blog!
Whether you're a seasoned Disney traveler or planning your very first magical stay, this conversation is packed with insider tips and thoughtful rankings to help you choose the perfect home base for...
It's the battle we've all been waiting for: Disney Land Resort versus Walt Disney World Resort. In this episode of Beyond the Mouse, Vanessa wreaks havoc on her co-host and guests by forcing them to choose which resort does various aspects of the theme park experience the best. We enter into this battle with many questions. How will the parks be compared? Which park will be declared the winner? Will they still be friends af...
May the 4th be with you! On this Star Wars Day, we're sitting down with voice actress Nika Futterman to talk about the new animated series "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," streaming now on Disney+. We'll talk to her about what's at the heart of her character Asajj Ventress and the passion that creator Dave Filoni brings to the project.
Featuring: Craig McFarland and Vanessa Ferguson
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This week on Beyond the Mouse, Craig, Vanessa, and Zoey sit down with author and literary agent Rachel Ekstrom Courage to dish about her delightful new book, Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to channel the wit, warmth, and sass of our favorite ladies from Shady Pines, this episode is for you!
Rachel shares what it was like to bring Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia back to...
Bob Weis is helping readers bring the Disney parks home with his new book "Ghost Dog." After riding Disneyland's newest attraction, the Haunted Mansion, Herbert discovers a four-legged spirit has followed him home. Weis talks to Craig and Vanessa about his inspiration for the book, his experience narrating the audio book and his recent trip on the Disney Treasure.
For more info about "Ghost Dog" visit: theold...
This week on Beyond the Mouse, we lace up our shoes and hit the road with none other than Bart Yasso, the legendary Mayor of Running!
Join Craig and the captains of the DDP Sorcerers Run Club as they chat with Bart about his inspiring new book with National Geographic, “100 Runs of a Lifetime.” From breathtaking global routes to unforgettable stories on the run, this episode is a must-listen for runners, Disney fans, and adventurer...
Craig McFarland sits this episode out to try to better understand the arbitrary rules Vanessa makes up, and Bea Bonner joins Vanessa and Brett to discuss their favorite Disney things that start with the letter "E." EPCOT, empanadas, Edna Mode, elephants. What did we get right, and what did we miss? Find out this week on Beyond the Mouse.
Featuring: Vanessa, Brett and Bea
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“Not Just A Goof” is a new documentary coming to Disney+ on April 7, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of “A Goofy Movie.” Through unseen archival footage, the documentary follows the creative team of “A Goofy Movie” and the challenges to bring this fan-favorite film to life. Directors Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton, and the director of "A Goofy Movie" Kevin Lima, join us on Beyond the Mouse to talk about the do...
Dumbo, Dole whips, Donald Duck! On this week's episode we continue to work our way through the alphabet discussing our favorite Disney things that start with the letter "D." And Craig and Brett continue to test Vanessa's patience by trying to list things that do not start with the letter "D." Will we mention all of your favorites? Find out!
Featuring: Vanessa, Craig and Brett
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This week, we sit down with Peabody Award-winning journalist Neil O’Brien to discuss his captivating new book, After Disney. O’Brien takes us on a journey through the dramatic transformation of the Walt Disney Company after the death of its visionary founder, Walt Disney. In an era marked by change, the company’s future was shaped by the leadership of Ron W. Miller, Walt's son-in-law.
In this in-depth interview, O’Brien shares i...
This week on Beyond the Mouse we celebrate 300 episodes with Disney Legend Josh Gad! We talk about his new book "In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some," his role as Olaf, his directorial debut on the Chris Farley biopic, and much more!
FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Vanessa Ferguson and Brett Rutherford
JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse
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Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! bl...
In this episode of Beyond the Mouse, we're joined by the dynamic duo, Amy and Paul Krieger from The DVC Show, to explore some of the best lounges at Walt Disney World! Whether you're a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member or just looking for a relaxing spot to unwind, Amy and Paul share their insider tips and recommendations on the top lounges across the parks and resorts. From the best drinks to the must-visit spots for atmosphere, t...
Join us for an exciting return visit from best-selling author Morgan Matson on the Beyond the Mouse podcast! This time, she's here to share all the details about her highly anticipated new book, Gradchanted. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her work, Morgan's insights into the creative process, the themes of her latest novel, and her journey as a writer are not to be missed.
FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Vaness...
Jim Cummings has had a legendary career in voice acting, bringing to life countless iconic characters and creating hundreds of unforgettable voices. Recently, the Beyond the Mouse crew had the incredible opportunity to sit down with him to discuss the longevity of his career, his journey into voice acting, where he draws inspiration for new voices, and much more. It was an amazing conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as w...
Happy Palentine's Day! In this episode we're taking things back to middle school summer camp as we play Kiss, Marry, Kill with our podcast pals. Join Vanessa, Brett, Tristan, Sean, Brittney and Bea as we spin the wheel and determine the fates of some of our favorite Disney characters.
JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse
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Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspo...
This week on Beyond the Mouse we play Mouse Game, the game in which two contestants compete to see who can match the most with our podcast panelists.
Featuring: Host Vanessa Ferguson and panelists Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Brandon Davis, Bea Bonner, and John from Bigfatpanda.com. Our contestants are Jen Mills and Matt Yeager.
Special thanks to Mark Lupone and Bigfatpanda.com for production assistance.
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Craig is joined by the captains of the DDP Sorcerers Run Club to discuss, in detail, their run on Marathon Weekend 2025,
Featuring: Craig McFarland JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse
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Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts
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Craig and Zoey dive into their trip to WDW Marathon Weekend. This will work more as a first part to discuss the aspects of the weekend outside of the run on Sunday. On this episode , we discuss the runDisney Expo, The Boardwalk, the Epcot fireworks cruise, a perfect day in Hollywood Studios and Zoey's experience cheering on thousands of runners.
Craig also makes an announcement on his recent signing with Away with Me Travel to...
This week on Beyond the Mouse we explore our favorite Disney things that start with the letter "C"! Cinderella's Castle, Clarabelle Cow, Coco...
Featuring: Vanessa, Craig and Brett JOIN OUR PATREON: patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse
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Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts
FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/prog...
We are back for 2025! Some of our friends recently went to Walt Disney World over the holiday break, and they are here to share their experiences. We had fun welcoming Lindsey, DJ and Anna to the show to discuss their pre-travel planning, time in the parks and much more! This was the first trip for Lindsey and DJ and the first trip that Anna brought her son. Hopefully this helps with your 2025 trips!
FEATURING: Craig McFarland and...
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