Notably Disney

Dr. Peter C. Kunze, an assistant professor of communication at Tulane University, joins host Brett Nachman to discuss his new book: Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance. The title explores a compelling era for The Walt Disney Company, one that ultimately found the fluttering corporation transform into a bustling conglomerate, in large part due to its leaning into musicals. Pete discusses the book's development, rich content, and much more. Find out how you can purchase a copy of the book by visiting Rutgers University Press. To receive a discount on the book (30% off + free shipping), use promo code RUSA30. The discount is for orders in the U.S. Email Pete at pkunze@tulane.edu and follow him on Twitter @petecanttweet.  Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

This summer brought the return of one of film’s classic adventure heroes to the big screen. Although Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’s fate may have been in an subpar box office, its score, slated to be among the last of master composer John Williams, will leave you as excited as the ticker tape parade scene from the latest installment. On this episode of Notably Disney, fellow podcaster and returning guest Trent Vactor joins host Brett Nachman to review the film and its score, and discuss the future of the franchise. Follow Trent Vactor on Twitter (@Vactor) and Instagram (@Vactor). Subscribe to the Vactor-Verse content, featuring comic book shorts, video game playthroughs, discussions and, more on YouTube (@Vactor).  Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

The Enchanted Disney: Stories of Walt, Hollywood, and Live-Action Film uncovers the personal and professional experiences of fifteen individuals who have Disney connections, especially in concert with the world of live-action Disney films and the company’s founder himself. Spencer Wright, an author who joined in on an episode of Notably Disney more than a year ago to discuss his book Voices Behind the Magic, is responsible for this new title. Today Spencer returns to Notably Disney to discuss his latest release with host Brett Nachman. Follow Spencer on Facebook (Spencer Wright, Author) and Instagram (@overlookeddis) and (@spencerwright1989). Learn more about The Enchanted Disney by visiting its page on publisher BearManor Media's website. You can also purchase the book on Amazon. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of the podcast debut on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

Back in Fall 2020, John Debney joined Notably Disney for the first time, and he returns again! The Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated composer possesses a prolific catalogue of film projects that he has contributed to the company, from Hocus Pocus and The Princess Diaries, to Inspector Gadget and 2016’s The Jungle Book. Although he and host Brett Nachman discussed some of John’s film-based efforts on that episode, they did not fully explore his equally important efforts within the Disney theme parks. Today on Notably Disney, Brett welcomes John back to share more about his work for the company, including compositions for attractions including Phantom Manor and it’s a small world at Disneyland Paris, among others. He also shares the thrills of composing the music for Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel to the beloved 1993 film, celebrating it's 30th anniversary. Follow John on Instagram (@johndebney). You can also check out John's work on his website: JohnDebney.com. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bn

One of the earliest Disney podcasts to debut on the scene 18 years ago was "A Window to the Magic," offering a binaural glimpse into the sounds of the Disney theme parks. Its host Paul Barrie is a legend in the Disney podcast world, and today Paul joins host Brett Nachman on Notably Disney to discuss a fun topic: forgotten, favorite sounds and scores from Disneyland, both past and present. Brett and Paul have each selected five sounds and five score snippets to illuminate their appreciation of all the listening goodness from the Happiest Place on Earth.  Check out Paul's incredible immersive "A Window to the Magic" podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts. The website provides a window into the catalogue of episodes produced over nearly two decades! Follow the podcast on Facebook and Twitter (@wttm).  Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the firs

Disneyland Paris has enchanted guests for more than three decades, and host Brett Nachman finally had the opportunity to visit the European Disney destination. On this episode of Notably Disney, Brett and returning guest Matthew Hodge (author/pianist/professor) discuss their reflections of vacationing at the resort, as well as share their thoughts on the great music to be found across both parks. Among the music-based highlights: Rhythms of the Pride Lands, Mickey and the Musician, Disney Dreams, and Phantom Manor. Learn more about Matt by visiting his website. And be sure to purchase a copy of Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney by visiting Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback at notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Tammy Tuckey, established podcaster who hosts The Tammy Tuckey Show, and a wonderful artist and singer, has just released her newest album that celebrates the songs from our beloved Disney theme parks. “Glowing in Timeless Places” features an array of classic tunes and even an original piece by Tuckey herself. On this episode of Notably Disney, Tammy, such a welcomed guest from past episodes joins host Brett Nachman to discuss her album and even the Disney 100 Exhibition staged in Philadelphia now. Be sure to follow Tammy (@TammyTuckey) on Twitter, Instagram (@TammyTuckey), Facebook (Facebook.com/SingerTammyTuckey), and YouTube, where you can listen to her interviews with amazing Disney personalities. Check out Tammy's website (TammyTuckey.com/Order) to learn how to order a copy of "Glowing in Timeless Places!" Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback at notablydisney@gmail.com 

Disney Editions has recently released a bunch of books that commemorate the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration, reflecting the centennial of The Walt Disney Company. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman offers brief reviews of each of four books that recently debuted: Walt Disney: An American Original (Commemorative Edition) by Bob Thomas; The Official Walt Disney Quote Book by the Staff of the Walt Disney Archives; Art of Coloring: Disney 100 Years of Wonder - 100 Images to Inspire Creativity by the Staff of the Walt Disney Archives; and The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder by Bruce C. Steele, John Baxter, and the Staff of the Walt Disney Archives. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday each month.

Matt Grinke, composer, pianist, and musician, serves as the Music Captain of the Disney Wish ship, as part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. On this episode of Notably Disney, Matt talks with host Brett Nachman about his experiences living on the ship, creating Disney song trivia games for the ships, engaging with guests during special cruise experiences, and his future exciting plans.  If you would like to contact Matt Grinke, check out his website (MattGrinke.com) and check out videos of The Happiest Big Band on Earth on YouTube. Follow him on Instagram (@mattgrinke)!  Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday each month.

It all started with Ben Gates stealing the Declaration of Independence and manifested into a fan favorite franchise about discovering clues all around us. The National Treasure series has sparked newfound appreciation through the release of the National Treasure: Edge of History series on Disney Plus, and helping further our dive into the wonderful world of everything in this brand are this episode's guests. Drs. Aubrey R. Paris and Emily M. Black are the hosts of the National Treasure Hunt podcast and authors of the new book National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy. On this episode of Notably Disney host Brett Nachman welcomes the duo to discuss their original engagement with the franchise, what the podcast covers, and what readers can expect from this title that shows the relevance of the films’ content in our daily lives. Listen to the National Treasure Hunt wherever you download your favorite podcasts. Purchase a copy of National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy via the Tucker DS Press websit

Musical theatre professor and author Matthew Hodge, who has written all about Disney and jazz music in his book Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney, just saw the Paper Mill Playhouse's recently-concluded production of Hercules, based on the fan favorite 1997 Disney animated film. On this episode Notably Disney, Matt joins host Brett Nachman to discuss what worked in bringing the feature to the stage as a 2.5-hour musical, and sadly many factors that failed to connect with audiences. Learn more about Matt by visiting his website. And be sure to purchase a copy of Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney by visiting Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback at notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Gijs Van Winkelhof is a pianist and composer who has played his tunes at Disneyland Paris and delighted audiences via his popular weekly YouTube livestreams where takes requests from viewers. On this episode of Notably Disney, Gijs joins host Brett Nachman to discuss his passion for Disney, piano playing at Disneyland Paris, experiences at the parks, developing amazing medleys, and more. He even plays some favorite Disney tunes live on the podcast! Learn more about Gijs' work by visiting his website (GijsMusic.com), subscribing to his YouTube channel (Gijs Piano), and following him on Facebook (Gijs Van Winkelhof Music) and Instagram (gijsmusic). Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter (@bnachmanreports) subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback at notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Uncovering Disney history in new and exciting ways always provides a treat for aficionados. Luckily, we have an opportunity to learn more about Disney's relationship with American culture, and its influence on one another, through museum specialist Bethanee Bemis. Her new book explores those interconnections, and soon this topic will serve as the foundation of a new exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Bethanee speaks with host Brett Nachman about her longstanding interest in Disney, politics, and history, and how she translated that fascination into these new ventures! Learn more about the new exhibit (Mirror, Mirror for Us All: Disney Parks and the American Narrative / Experience) at the National Museum of American History, debuting April 15, 2023, on its website. Follow Bethanee on Twitter (@bbemisdalessio) and pick up your copy of Disney Theme Parks and America's National Narratives: Mirror, Mirror, for Us All. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subs

On past episodes of Notably Disney, we have hosted numerous editions of Tunes & Quotes Trivia, in which podcasters, Disney fans, and authors have competed to showcase their knowledge of songs and lines from the theme parks, films, and more. One year ago, The Mad Chatters podcast co-host Derek Lewis and musical theatre professor and Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse author Matthew Hodge won their trivia. Now it's time for these two to battle it out to demonstrate who best knows their songs, scores, and quotes from the world of Disney. Brett Nachman hosts a sensational showdown. Learn more about Matt by visiting his website. And be sure to purchase a copy of Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney by visiting Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Have some fun with Derek and company by tuning in to The Mad Chatters; follow the podcast on Twitter: @MadChatters. You can also follow Derek on Twitter: @dereklew  Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your

Disney author Jim Fanning returns to Notably Disney to discuss with host Brett Nachman their selections for favorite live-action Disney film quotes. It's a varied list of inspired, hilarious, and compelling lines of dialogue that encompasses two parts! On this second part, Brett and Jim highlight quotes from the following films: The Princess Diaries (screenplay by Gina Wendkos) The Happiest Millionaire (screenplay by A. J. Carothers) Hocus Pocus (screenplay by Mick Harris and Neil Cuthbert) Newsies (screenplay by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White) Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (screenplay by Caroline Thompson, Linda Woolverton, and Jonathan Roberts) Mary Poppins (screenplay by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi) Something Wicked This Way Comes (screenplay by Ray Bradbury) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (screenplay by Earl Felton) Bedkobs & Broomsticks (screenplay by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi) Follow Jim on social media platforms, including Twitter (@EmeliusBrowne) and Instagram, as well as his YouTube channel:

Disney author Jim Fanning returns to Notably Disney to discuss with host Brett Nachman their selections for favorite live-action Disney film quotes. It's a varied list of inspired, hilarious, and compelling lines of dialogue that encompasses two parts! On this first part, Brett and Jim highlight quotes from the following films: Saving Mr. Banks (screenplay written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith) Darby O'Gill and the Little People (screenplay written by Lawrence Edward Watkin) The Muppets (2011) (screenplay written by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller) So Dear to My Heart (screenplay written by Ken Anderson, John Tucker Battle, Marc Davis, Bill Peet, Maurice Rapf, and Ted Sears) National Treasure (screenplay written by Jim Kouf, Cormac Wibberley, and Marianne Wibberley) The Rocketeer (screenplay written by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo) Freaky Friday (2003) (screenplay written by Heather Hatch and Leslie Dixon) Johnny Tremain (screenplay written by Tom Blackburn) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black P

The holiday season has arrived, and with it come the release of exciting new book titles from Disney Editions. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman brings you his reviews of two highly-anticipated titles. First, he shares his thoughts on the expansive, very rich book companion of the critically-acclaimed documentary on Disney Plus: The Imagineering Story. Leslie Iwerks masterfully crafts the history of the pioneering division into a 700-page tome. Next, he relays thoughts on the second edition of Poster Art of the Disney Parks from Danny Handke and Vanessa Hunt, which incorporates more than 85 new posters and additional great narrative.  Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of the podcast debut on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

Composer Henry Jackman is known as one of the top film composers of today, responsible for dynamic scores for blockbusters like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Kong: Skull Island. Within The Walt Disney Company, he has composed several scores for Marvel (including Captain America: Civil War) and now five films for Walt Disney Animation Studios: Winnie the Pooh, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Strange World. With its newest production, Jackman brings an enveloping and poignant score, making the Strange World universe even more eccentric. He consistently demonstrates his background in classical music mixed with electronic prowess. On this episode of Notably Disney, Henry speaks with host Brett Nachman about his work for Disney, unique contributions to making the Strange World score both exhilarating and resonant, and other projects. Check out Henry Jackman's IMDb page to explore his vast array of contributions to film, television, and video game scores.  Feel free to follow Brett o

Three years ago, the debut of the streaming service that has enabled us all to relive our favorite magical memories and make new ones, too, transformed the way we consume Disney content. Disney Plus has grown into a major vehicle for delivering outstanding original series, films, specials, and shorts, in tandem with offering a vast catalogue from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and, more recently, 20th Century Studios. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman welcomes back author Aaron Wallace as they brainstorm ways to enhance Disney plus, including the debut of favorite legacy titles, development of new series and specials, incorporation of more live programming, and integration of helpful features and tools. Get in contact with Aaron Wallace by following him on Twitter (@aaronwallace), Instagram (@aaronhwallace), and on his website www.aaronwallaceonline.com, where you can learn more about his books. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to th

Marcy Carriker Smothers is well known in the Disney community for authoring several popular books, including the very recent Walt’s Disneyland, in which readers take a photographic tour through the happiest place on Earth. She was a past Notably Disney guest, and now joins host Brett Nachman to discuss her newest title, just released from National Geographic. It’s 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World, a compendium of cool Disney experiences in tandem with memorable moments that may denote guests’ time at the many Disney destinations worldwide.  Learn more about the book here, and be sure to pick up a copy from your local bookstore, if possible. You can order a limited edition copy from ShopDisney.  Learn more about Marcy's work by visiting her website (MarcyCarrikerSmothers.com), following her on Twitter (@MarcySmothers), and following her on Instagram (@marcycarrikersmothers).  Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and sen