Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're thrilled to welcome legendary director and associate director Ken Diego, whose remarkable career has helped shape some of the most beloved moments in children's television. Since 1993, Ken has been a creative force behind Sesame Street, directing and associate directing countless episodes, fan-favorite segments, home videos, television specials, and educational outreach projects that have touched generations. We also dive into his work directing the planetarium production One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure, the musical event A Swingin' Sesame Street Celebration at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater, and the spin-off The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo. Beyond the Street, Ken shares stories from his work on Square One TV, Allegra's Window, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Out of the Box, Live by Request, and more. Plus, we chat about his ongoing role as associate director of the Tony Awards.
Special thanks to Martin P. Robinson for connecting us!
Taping date: January 19, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we close off 2025 by welcoming acclaimed television director and producer Jonathan Judge, a major creative force in the kids and family entertainment world. Jonathan's career in children's programming began with one of the most iconic preschool series of all time, Blue's Clues. He later directed its spin-off, Blue's Room, and a wide range of other hit children's series, including LazyTown, Johnny and the Sprites, Disney's Ooh and Aah, The Fresh Beat Band, and various productions for Sprout. For older audiences, Jonathan's directing credits span some of Nickelodeon's biggest live-action hits, from The Naked Brothers Band and Big Time Rush to Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn and The Thundermans.
Special thanks to podcaster and Happy Nostalgia fan Alison for connecting us!
Connect with Jonathan!
https://jonathanjudgedirector.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanjudgedirector/
Taping date: September 23, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're joined by the multitalented puppet artist David Bizzaro! David's journey in the world of puppetry has taken him across some of the most beloved corners of children's entertainment, beginning with his work as a puppet wrangler for Sesame Street, including the specials The Magical Wand Chase, When You Wish Upon a Pickle, and the spin-off The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo. David went on to puppeteer and voice a variety of characters for Sesame Studios, and he brought his fabrication skills to the feature film The Happytime Murders. He was also the puppeteer behind Mochi in Waffles + Mochi's Restaurant and most recently stepped into the world of the Muppets as Gerald Teeth Sr., the father of Dr. Teeth, in the Disney+ series The Muppets Mayhem.
Connect with David!
https://www.instagram.com/davidbizzaro/
Taping date: December 2, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly versatile puppeteer, puppet builder, and humanitarian worker Lisa Buckley! Lisa began her career bringing characters to life for television and film, including serving as an assistant puppeteer on the classic sitcom ALF. In the early 1990s, she joined the legendary Sesame Street team, where she helped perform a wide range of Muppets—most notably the beloved Betty Lou. Her work in children's television continued with work on Oobi, Blue's Room, Johnny and the Sprites, and the first season of Noodle and Doodle as Noodle McNoodle. She also puppeteered in the hit film Men in Black. In recent years, Lisa has dedicated her craft to humanitarian aid through her work with No Strings International, using puppetry to help educate and empower children and adults around the globe. Through films addressing WASH, malaria, HIV, menstrual hygiene, and more, she continues to inspire change and spark hope.
Connect with Lisa!
http://sattvacreativearts.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@sattvacreativearts5360
https://www.instagram.com/sattvacreativearts/
Taping date: December 22, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're honored to welcome legendary television creator, producer, and puppeteer Sid Krofft! As one half of the iconic duo Sid & Marty Krofft, Sid helped shape generations of childhood memories through imaginative, groundbreaking series like H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. The brothers later brought their creativity to a new era with the Nick Jr. hit Mutt & Stuff, and left their mark across television variety with classics including Donny & Marie and The Brady Bunch Hour. Sid reflects on the early days of the Krofft legacy, the innovations that set their shows apart, working alongside his late brother Marty, and the lasting impact their fantastical worlds continue to have today. It's a heartfelt, nostalgic conversation celebrating one of television's most visionary creators.
Connect with Sid and check out his and Marty's creations!
https://www.sidandmartykrofft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sid.krofft.10/
https://www.youtube.com/@SundaysWithSid
https://www.instagram.com/sidkrofft/
https://www.instagram.com/sidandmartykrofft/
https://www.threads.com/@sidkrofft
https://www.cameo.com/sidkrofft
Taping date: May 31, 2025
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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we are joined by executive producer and children's television creator Don Moody! Don's career started as a fine artist, before founding the advertising agency Moody Communications. He then entered the world of television production, where he was an associate producer on several shows with ABC. He is best known for co-creating WordWorld, a PBS Kids show that originally stemmed from a series of books and toys. After the show's run came to an end, Don then went on to create the series Mia & Codie, which introduces children to the world of coding.
Connect with Don and check out his work with Moody Studios!
https://www.instagram.com/moodydonmoody/
https://www.facebook.com/MoodyStudios
Taping date: October 17, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we welcome the multi-talented puppeteer, puppet wrangler, producer, and writer Jamie Donmoyer! Jamie pupeteered for Sesame Street in the Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic attraction at Universal Studios Japan, contributed to the holiday special Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas, and performed with the Sesame gang in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She was an additional puppeteer on Johnny and the Sprites and performed the character Francesca the Frog, and she later took on the role of lead puppet wrangler for The Chica Show. Beyond her on-set work, Jamie also teamed up with friend and past show guest Leslie Carrara-Rudolph to create the production company Humor with a Heart, dedicated to imaginative storytelling with a positive message.
Check out Humor with a Heart!
https://www.humorwithaheart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/humorwithaheart
https://www.youtube.com/@humorwithaheart
https://www.instagram.com/humorwithaheart/
Taping date: November 20, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're joined by award-winning children's musician and singer-songwriter Justin Roberts! Before becoming one of the most beloved names in family music, Justin got his start in the indie-folk scene as a founding member of Pimentos for Gus. After the band's split, he found his true calling creating smart, heartfelt, and irresistibly catchy songs for kids and parents alike—beginning with his 1997 debut album, Great Big Sun. In this episode, Justin takes us through his incredible discography, sharing stories behind fan-favorite tunes and reflecting on the evolution of his sound over the years. He talks about memorable live performances, the Not Ready for Naptime Players, how his music came to be featured on Nick Jr., and the inspiration behind his brand-new album, Brain Freeze.
Connect with Justin!
https://www.justinrobertsmusic.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@JustinRobertsMusic
https://www.instagram.com/justinrobertsmusic
https://linktr.ee/justinrobertsmusic
Taping date: July 8, 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 the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we speak with the incredibly talented Jean Marie Keevins — a puppet artist, producer, writer, designer, and one of the most versatile creative forces in the puppetry world! Jean Marie shares her fascinating journey from building puppets for Avenue Q and Disney on Ice to her time as Vice President of Puppet Heap, where she coordinated puppet builds for numerous projects with The Muppets. You will also hear behind-the-scenes stories from her work on beloved shows like Johnny and the Sprites and It's a Big Big World, as well as insights into her creative process as Associate Artistic Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Jean Marie also talks about her company Little Shadow Productions, how she's brought powerful stories like All Hallow's Eve and Aanika's Elephants to life through her producing work, and briefly touches on her coaching work.
Taping date: November 19, 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!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're joined by two incredible talents who helped shape the voices of our childhoods, Sonja Ball and Rick Jones! Sonja is best known for bringing to life beloved characters such as Wimzie on Wimzie's House, Jane Read (Arthur's mom) on Arthur, Huckle Cat on The Busy World of Richard Scarry, and Spookley from Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Rick voiced C.L.Y.D.E. in C.L.Y.D.E. and Fu-Fu on Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, and has worked extensively behind the mic as a talented voice director. Together, Sonja and Rick share stories from their careers, the joys and challenges of voice work, and the lasting impact of bringing characters to life that continue to spark nostalgia for fans young and old.
Special thanks to Jeff Zahn for connecting us!
Taping date: May 14, 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!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we're thrilled to welcome writer and producer Scott Kraft! Scott has had an incredible impact on children's television, with a career spanning beloved animated and live-action projects. From his early work with Nelvana on classics like Rolie Polie Olie, George Shrinks, and Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends, to co-creating the musical hit The Fresh Beat Band with his wife and creative partner Nadine van der Velde, Scott's storytelling has delighted generations of young viewers. He also played a major role in some of the most popular preschool series of the last decade, serving as developer and executive producer on PAW Patrol and executive producer on Top Wing. Tune in for a nostalgic and insightful chat with one of children's TV's most influential creators!
Taping date: November 18, 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!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we are joined by Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, best known to Playhouse Disney fans as Vivian, one of the beloved hosts of the preschool favorite Out of the Box! Vivian shares how she landed the role, her favorite songs and crafts from the show, what it was like to perform in the Playhouse Disney Live! tours, and so much more. We also dive into the lasting legacy of Out of the Box, the impact it's had on generations of kids, and how Vivian has carried her passion for music and education into her career today as a teacher and musical director.
Special thanks to Peter Lurye for connecting us!
Connect with Vivian!
https://www.tiktok.com/@vivianbayubaymclaughlin
https://www.instagram.com/mclaughlin_vb/
Taping date: March 8, 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!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we welcome television and film producer Dete Meserve. Dete shares her journey from serving as executive producer on the PBS Kids hit Ready Jet Go! to taking the reins as executive producer and showrunner of Weather Hunters, the newest PBS Kids series created by America's beloved weathercaster Al Roker. This conversation touches on the importance of teaching kids about weather and science in fun, accessible ways, what it's like to collaborate with Al on this groundbreaking project, and more.
Check out Weather Hunters!
https://pbskids.org/weatherhunters
https://www.instagram.com/weatherhunters/
Connect with Dete!
https://www.facebook.com/GoodSamBook
https://www.instagram.com/detemeserve
Taping date: September 16, 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!
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
This week, we welcome actor, writer, producer, and creator Wesley Eure! Known to millions for his role as Michael Horton on Days of Our Lives and as Will Marshall on the beloved sci-fi adventure Land of the Lost, Wesley's career spans across soap operas, television, film, and children's entertainment. He's appeared in series like Insight and CHiPs, acted in films such as C.H.O.M.P.S., Tool Box Murders, and Jennifer, and even hosted the Nickelodeon game show Finders Keepers. Beyond acting, Wesley co-developed the hit PBS Kids series Dragon Tales, has written books, and continues to use his platform for meaningful charitable work. Join us as we look back on his remarkable journey, the stories behind his most iconic roles, and his passion for bringing joy and imagination to audiences of all ages!
Keep up with Wesley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@wesleyeure
https://www.facebook.com/WesleyEure/
https://www.instagram.com/wesleyeure/
https://www.threads.com/@wesleyeure
Taping date: May 12, 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!
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!
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!
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.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!
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.
Taping date: November 11, 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!
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!
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!