http://muppetcast.com/WordPress Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:29:18 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Jerry Nelson returns to the podcast this week! We talk about his new album "Truro Daydreams", and even get to sample a few songs from this great new project. Having written the songs himself over the years, Jerry was joined by several other Muppet friends in the studio, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/496 My guest this week is Jessica Max Stein, writer of the new zine "The Rainbow Connection: Richard Hunt, Gay Muppeteer." We discuss her initial reasons for writing the zine, some fun experiences she had along the way, and where this project is leading her down the road. Check ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/494 I'm very happy to welcome Patrick Bristow to the podcast this week to discuss his involvement in the Jim Henson Company's Puppet Up! Uncensored, and their new show Stuffed and Unstrung. Patrick is the host and director of both of these puppet improv productions, and continues to work closely ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/493 Best of The MuppetCast this week, featuring two great Sesame Street stars: Emilio Delgado and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph! Thanks for listening! Questions/Comments about the Muppets or The MuppetCast can be emailed to me@muppetcast.com, or called in to the voicemail line at 614-364-4270. Even better, stop by the Muppet Central Forums and discuss ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/492 I will post the show notes soon, but here's the episode. Enjoy! http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/490 This episode features an exclusive interview with Steve Whitmire! It's not often that I get to meet our guests in person, so when I got the rare opportunity to meet Mr. Whitmire face to face at the Center for Puppetry Arts I was ecstatic! We covered a lot ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/489 This is the first of my two-part coverage of Steve Whitmire's special appearance at the Center for Puppetry Arts. His lecture/workshop event was titled "The Sentient Puppet". It was an unforgettable opportunity not only to listen to Mr. Whitmire's insights on what gives a puppet real life, but also ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/488 WARNING: THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN. I know this is a rare occurrence, but there are parts of this week's show that aren't family friendly. This week I'm out of town, so in place of the usual stuff I've included different pieces from Avenue Q, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/485 Here it is, the 2009 Year In Review! With the help of Joe Hennes and Ryan Roe (who shares my birthday) from ToughPigs.com, we take a final look back at the Muppet news and events of the past year and have a grand old time talking about them. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/483 Welcome to the first show of 2010! To celebrate the new year we'll look at a great Muppet TV special that aired in January of 1896, "The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years". Sesame Street was less than 20 years old way back then, if you can believe ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/480 The final Christmas episode - and in fact the final episode of 2009 - sees us celebrating one more week with some great Muppet Christmas music. Special guest segments were provided by Rick Niesen, James Kemp, Michael Stork, and UnknownMuppet. Thanks for listening! Questions/Comments about the Muppets or The MuppetCast ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/479 I had a good portion of this episode planned out well in advance of recording, but as things tend to happen around Christmas, something better came along. So I'm proud to welcome musician Matt Suroweic (official website) back on to the show to discuss the re-release of his tribute ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/478 We continue the Christmas 2009 series with a review of the Sesame Street special "Elmo Saves Christmas". Along with the review, two special guests stop by: Michael Davis, author of "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street", and Hervon McNeil of a capella group 14 Karat Soul! The MuppetCast ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/476 This week we look at a wonderful Muppet Christmas album featuring a dear Muppet friend. "John Denver & The Muppets: A Christmas Together" was first released in 1979, and has seen several re-releases over the years. I think you'll enjoy hearing the history - and yes, some of ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/475 I didn't realize this until I posted the show, but we actually begin this episode with Thanksgiving and end with Christmas! Seems like a good idea, given that we're kicking off the 2009 holiday season this week. Longtime listener BJ Wanlund is my guest, and in a new ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/472 To cap our three-part Sesame Street 40th anniversary celebration, I happily bring you a new interview with longtime human cast member Emilio Delgado - better known to many as Luis. Emilio has been a part of the Sesame cast since 1971, which I believe makes Luis the longest continuous ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/468 Recently, BOOM! Kids has taken the Muppets to new heights in The Muppet Show Comic Book and the various Muppet story comics. http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/466 On November 10, 1969, something different happened on TV. An experiment began over the airwaves. One that had been researched and talked about for years before the first scene was even taped. Sesame Street sought to answer the question "can today's children actually learn something from watching ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/464 This week brings the second installment of our Sesame Street 40th anniversary celebration. While Part 1 featured numerous skits and songs from the first 10 seasons, Part 2 attempts to tell some of the stories both on and off-camera, and features more in-depth audio from certain moments in Sesame Street's ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/462 Welcome to The MuppetCast! This week we present Part 1 of a multi-part tribute celebrating 40 years of Sesame Street. In this episode we relive some fan-favorite (and even some very obscure) moments from the first ten seasons. Listed here is the "playlist" for this very special tribute. Theme song and ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/459 Dark Crystal fans will be very happy with this week's show, although it's admittedly a little shorter than the last two weeks. I had to make a quick trip out of town and unfortunately that left little time to put the normal show together. But I hope you'll ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/457 Lots to talk about this week so let's get right to it! Ryan Roe and Joe Hennes from ToughPigs.com join me to discuss the latest Muppet news, and with Halloween just around the corner we celebrate with some Muppet monsters! The MuppetCast is sponsored by our friends at Bell, Book ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/455 We're going to Disney World, and you're gonna like it! Not that I could turn the car around if you didn't. But I think you'll really enjoy the live experience from the MuppetCast MuppetVision 3D meet that took place at the recent Mouse Guest Experience. Along with ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/453 I'm in Walt Disney World this weekend celebrating the second annual Mouse Guest Experience! We're having fun at the First-Ever Genuine No-Money-Back Guarantee MuppetCast MuppetVision 3D Meet! If you couldn't make it to the park to join us, fear not! In lieu of actually being in the ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/451 It's that time of year again! The MuppetCast is coming to you "live" from the Mid-Ohio Comic Con in Columbus, OH. I'm here helping at the Bell, Book & Comic table (Life should be more Fun!) and having a great time. I met a lot of interesting people ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/449 Happy Birthday to Jim Henson and Steve Whitmire! Instead of the usual show this week, I've decided it's time to present a new vidcast! And this is one many listeners have been waiting to see for a very long time. This is the complete presentation of the August 2008 ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/446 It's another sunny day here on The MuppetCast! First we'll catch up with the recent Sesame Street special "Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times." Make sure to check out the official website complimenting the TV piece for additional information and recources. Then we hook up ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/444 My guest this week is puppeteer Paul McGinnis! Paul has worked on some high-profile puppet projects like Between The Lions, It's A Big Big World, Crank Yankers...and there's that other kid's show that he's been on once or twice. No seriously, Paul has also had an awesome career ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/442 Quite the lineup for this week's show. Counting 1, 2, 3...4! Four special guests, ah, ah, ah! They include Peter Bell from Bell, Book & Comic (celebrating their 6th anniversary this weekend!), KermiClown aka David S. from Florida, Ryan and Joe from ToughPigs.com, and author Michael Davis ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/440 Excelsior! The MuppetCast is all about superheroes, comics, and the like this week, as I welcome the crew from The Amazing Comicast in a new Profile of a Podcaster segment. I thought this would make a perfect addition to the recent shows we've done about Comic Con and with ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/438 Magenta is beautiful! This week we celebrate one of the unsung heroes of Sesame Street, Roosevent Franklin. Thanks to listener BigBirdFan for helping with the music for this episode. I think it came together nicely! In this week's feature segment we talk about Roosevelt's history - ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/436 Hey look, an orchestra of penguins! Since this week brings another Best of The MuppetCast (and since I've gotten so many requests for this lately), I thought it might be fun to present the entire MuppetVision 3D WDW attraction for your listening enjoyment. Whether you're long overdue for ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/434 In recognition of the annual Puppets Up! festival in Almonte, ON this weekend I'm happy to welcome on puppeteer and festival attendee Ben Durocher (and a special friend) to talk with me from one of the most coveted performance spaces in the whole festival - the balcony. You'll understand ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/432 I'm very happy to bring on Roger Langridge for his second MuppetCast appearance! Roger is the cartoonist behind the wonderful new Muppet Show comic books currently flying off store shelves, and he joins me this week to talk about his recent experiences at Comic Con 2009. Special thanks to Frank ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/430 This week I just can't seem to get off the phone. I'm happy to welcome not one, not two, but FOUR MuppetCast listeners on to talk about their experiences at both Comic Con 2009 and the recent Puppeteers of America National festival. Special thanks to Matt Kahl, Marianne Murphy, Megan ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/428 Call it an unofficial MuppetCast Road Trip, call it Peanut Butter Oreo day, whatever you call it, it's a brand-new episode of The MuppetCast! This week we go to Orlando, FL, as Muppeteer Leslie Cararra-Rudolph presents her stage workshop "Wake Up Your Weird", a one-hour one-woman ride through Leslie's ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/426 Best of The MuppetCast this week! Time to relive some more favorite moments from the show. The MuppetCast is sponsored by Bell, Book & Comic. Life Should Be More Fun! Featured in this episode: Muppet writer Jim Lewis discussing his books "Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams" and "It's Hard Out Here ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/423 We celebrate July 4th weekend (in the US) with an updated MuppetCast Salute to America! With some fantastic Muppet news, listener feedback, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes Sesame Street footage, hopefully you'll enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed putting it all together. The MuppetCast is sponsored by Bell, Book & ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/421 We continue our series focusing on The Jim Henson Hour this week, with the eighth episode, called "Musicians". This episode also contains a new Storyteller segment, The True Bride, which I hope you'll enjoy too. The MuppetCast is sponsored by Bell, Book & Comic. Life should be more fun! David ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/419 Getting back to a "normal" show this week. But really, when it comes to the Muppets, is anything normal? Happy birthday to Sesame Street's Bob McGrath! Bob plays, well, "Bob" on Sesame Street, and has done so for the entire run of the show. Bob's birthday was June ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/417 This is a Best of The MuppetCast, featuring two favorite moments. First is Lylle Breier, General Manager of Disney's Muppets Studio. Second is Kevin Clash, Co-Executive Producer of Sesame Street and performer of Elmo, among other characters. This episode was produced while I was away on a ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/415 Craig Shemin joins me this week to talk about the 1990 TV special "http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/The_Muppets_at_Walt_Disney_World." This is a topic I covered briefly in the MuppetCast's very first episode, but having someone to talk to who was there with Jim on the set naturally gives us more to talk about. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/413 This week I welcome Muppeteer Caroll Spinney as my special guest to talk about his life on and off Sesame Street. Spinney has performed both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on the show for 40 years, the entire run of the show. Naturally that gives us plenty ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/411 This week I'm joined by Matt Blum from the GeekDad blog to talk about being a dad, a "geek", and a Muppet fan. Matt also joins me for a new Muppet List talking about "Muppet Tech", or the technological advances pioneered by the Jim Henson company over the years. Vettech28 ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/409 We remember Jim Henson this week with some fantastic music requests and your email. Thanks everyone for sharing all these wonderful Muppet memories, they serve as a heartfelt tribute to the man and his work. Also joining me in this episode is Jeff Cornett, co-director of the Puppeteers of America's ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/407 To celebrate Mother's Day this week, we revisit an interview from last year with Muppeteer Richard Hunt's mother, Jane Hunt. Jane is a real treat, a good friend of the show, and she shares some unique observations and special memories of motherhood and grandmotherhood from years gone by. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/405 The summer 2009 travel season is fast approaching! Joining me to help you find Sesame Street characters and attractions is Ann Kearns, Vice President of Licensing at Sesame Workshop. Ann has several options for families, including Sesame Place, Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Beaches Jamaica! Nicholas Lemon also joins ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/403 This week our old friends James & Joe from "Bunnies In Peril" are in town, so we take a rare opportunity to sit and talk with them. In our discussion we talk about magic and magicians appearing within the Muppet universe, as well as general mayhem and hilarity. You ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/401 This week we welcome Shane Roberts, host of the Communicore Online Podcast. Shane is not only a Disney fan of many years (as the title indicates), but a big Henson fan as well. We spend some time talking not only about Communicore Online and podcasting in general, but also about ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/399 We made it! Two years in the making, we celebrate this 2nd anniversary by doing what we do best: bringing the best Muppet content on the web to the fans! The podcast's finest moments tend to come when special guests appear and talk about their life working with Jim ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/395 As part of an ongoing effort to promote not only Sesame Street the TV show, but also Sesame Workshop and its many special projects, I'm delighted to welcome Sonia Manzano (official website) on to The MuppetCast this week. Ms Manzano has been playing the part of Maria on Sesame Street ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/393 Joining me this week to talk about Coming Home: Military Families Cope With Change is Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, VP of Outreach and Educational Practices at Sesame Workshop. Dr. Betancourt joined us last year to talk about the "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative, and in this episode she and I talk ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/389 More from the fan-beloved series The Jim Henson Hour this week, as we experience the seventh episode "Health and Fitness". Naturally, everyone gets sick and injured. This episode also contained the beautiful piece The Song of the Cloud Forest. Check out The MuppetCast Flickr Page, the Twitter feed, and ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/387 This week it's MuppetCast Radio Theater, with the Henson classic Tales of the Tinkerdee? What's a Tinkerdee you ask, and what might be the tales behind it? Read all about it in the Muppet Wiki! The MuppetCast is brought to you by the letter H, the number 12, and ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/385 I know everyone wants to hear this one ASAP, so I'll add show notes tomorrow and just post the "concert" for now. Thanks! -Steve http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/381 We head back to New Jersey this week for "Sesame Street at 40: A Night of Celebration and Discovery with the Legendary Cast." This was a special event hosted by author Michael Davis and William Paterson University, and featured eight people who played a vital role in the show's ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/379 This week we head back to Orlando for more action from the opening weekend of Jim Henson's Fantastic World. As part of the festivities, Jane Henson gave a special talk called "Look Both Ways" featuring some early Muppet work from shows like Sam and Friends. I'll bring you ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/373 Fresh from a 6 day trip to WDW, this episode serves up the Muppets in a couple different ways. First, we begin by going on-location to the Orange Co. History Center for the Grand Opening ceremonies for "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" as it begins its stint in Orlando. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/370 Another week, another road trip. This week takes us to Orlando, FL to the Orange County Regional History Center for the opening of "Jim Henson's Fantastic World", an exhibit put together by the Henson Legacy, the Henson family, and the Smithsonian SITES. Joining me to briefly talk about the exhibit ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/365 Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? This week that route takes us through New Jersey, via William Paterson University. This past Friday, January 30 marked a rare gathering of Sesame folk for a panel talk moderated by author Michael Davis, titled “Sesame Street at ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/363 My special guest in this episode is Matt Ficner, creator of the Creepy Puppet Project. We'll hear Matt talk about his life as a writer, director, puppet builder, and performer, and some of the wonderful projects and people he's had the opportunity to work with. Also listener Wayne ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/361 This week brings us episode 6 of the Jim Henson Hour, titled "Monster Maker." Along with Muppet trivia and news, we'll be focusing on a story that was very attractive to Jim: a famous creature maker, somewhat of a loner, takes a talented youngster under his wing and teaches ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/357 This week brings us back to the Jim Henson Hour, to continue the series we started back in 2008. Fans have really enjoyed revisiting this short-lived series since it's never been released to home video, and this time we tackle the episode "The Ratings Game". Check with our friends at ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/353 Welcome to the first episode of The MuppetCast for 2009! We're starting off the new year with a bang...or maybe a thud...possibly a whirring noise. Whatever it is, it'll still be a great show! My fist guest is Kevin Knight, who recently had the opportunity to see Mr. Caroll ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/308 Welcome to The MuppetCast! Thanks to listener Kyle W. (and a certain big guy up North in a red suit), we have one final dose of post-Christmas cheer this week. I had this LP when I was a toddler, and every year I have to listen to it ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/136 This episode of The MuppetCast is devoted to the new TV special "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa", which aired this week on NBC. Along with the great new songs and bits and pieces from the special, you'll hear from writers Hugh Fink, Scott Ganz, and Andrew Samson. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/135 This is a Special Edition episode of The MuppetCast, featuring the 1978 special "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street". Next week is another special episode, as I'll be featuring "A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa". That airs on NBC this Wednesday, December 17, at 8PM EST. Along with listening in ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/134 This week on The MuppetCast, author Michael Davis returns to talk more about his new book "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street". Michael and I talk in-depth about many of the people who left their indellible mark on the show, and many personal favorite moments over the ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/133 Welcome to The MuppetCast! This week we salute Muppet turkeys everywhere in celebration of the recent Thanksgiving holiday here in the US. Lots of Muppet footage from past and present, so let's get to it! Make sure to get your tickets to the new musical Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/132 Welcome to The MuppetCast! This week brings more than a few special guests, including the General Manager of Disney's Muppets Studio, Lylle Breier. Lots to talk about, so let's get on with the show! Make sure to check out the Top 10 finalists in the Project Puppet 2008 Space ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/131 Hello, and welcome to The MuppetCast! This week we take a look at the new Sesame Street initiative "Let's Get Ready", the Muppets' invasion of the TODAY show, and the Fraggle Rock Complete Series DVD box set. Lots of stuff to get to, so let's go! Stay tuned to ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/130 Hi-ho, and welcome to The MuppetCast! This week features a great new Muppet List with Bert & Ernie (thanks to Kyle Wilkinson), and a new exclusive interview with Muppet writer Jim Lewis. We'll talk with Jim about his new books "Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams", and the much-anticipated "It's ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/129 Welcome to The MuppetCast! Special thanks to Ryan "Prawnie" D. for his awesome Muppet intro to the episode! In this episode, I take my first look at the new Fisher Price Elmo Live doll, available now online and in many retail toy departments. Elmo takes a big leap forward, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/128 Welcome back to The MuppetCast, the only podcast on the web dedicated to the work of Jim Henson and the Muppets. This week I'm proud to welcome Clinton from Comedy4Cast in a special Profile of a Podcaster interview. If you haven't heard Clinton's work before, you're missing out! ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/127 This week's episode of The MuppetCast brings us to the final part in our 4-week look at the Center For Puppetry Arts, in Atlanta, GA. This special edition episode features over a dozen people who work for and with the Center, talking about what drew them to first get ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/126 Welcome to The MuppetCast! This is the only fan-created podcast on the web dedicated to the work of Jim Henson and the Muppets. Special thanks to actor Jason Mewes for doing the show intro! This week we celebrate someone very special in the life of the Muppets: one of ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/125 Hey everybody, come on down to The MuppetCast! This week we hear from Putumayo Kids, as we learn more about the International Sesame Street project "Sesame Playground". Also, continuing the short series on the Center for Puppetry Arts, I've got a full trip report from Brian Henson's talk ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/124 Welcome to this week's edition of The MuppetCast! I'm away from the studio this weekend (visiting Atlanta once again), but in my absence I'm proud to feature a conversation with Heather Henson from the Center for Puppetry Arts. We discuss Heather's history with the Center, as well as ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/123 Hello and welcome to The MuppetCast! I'm your host Steve Swanson, and in this episode I'll bring you to Atlanta, GA to visit the Center for Puppetry Arts. The Center just recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, and I was able to capture some very special moments to bring ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/121 Welcome to The MuppetCast! Even though I'm not here in the studio, there's still a great episode on tap for this week! I'm joined by a very special guest, Vince Anthony. Vince is the Executive Director of the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta which, coincidentally, is ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/120 Welcome to The MuppetCast! This week's show is just a bit shorter than normal, as I'm currently preparing for the next MuppetCast Road Trip. I'm traveling to Atlanta, GA next weekend to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Center for Puppetry Arts! So while this show ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/118 Welcome to another edition of The MuppetCast! On this week's show, puppeteer Terry Angus talks about his experiences performing with Jim Henson and the Muppets. Listener BJ also joins me for a segment as we talk about obscure and overlooked Muppet characters. This, along with all the ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/117 Welcome to The MuppetCast! This episode features Lou Mongello in a new Profile of a Podcaster segment. I'm also happy to welcome back both David Quesal and Ryan & Joe from Tough Pigs, all good friends of the show. Along with a new Muppet List all about ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/116 Welcome to The MuppetCast! I'm your host Steve Swanson, and this episode is jam packed. Seriously, I had to sit on the suitcase just to get it closed! Included in this episode is some audio taken from the upcoming Road Trip DVD, in which you'll hear Jane Hunt (mother ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/115 Live from New Jersey, it's The MuppetCast! Coming to you from the comfy confines of my hotel room in New Jersey, this week's episode consists of me giving a play-by-play description of everything I experienced while visiting Jane Hunt (mother of Muppeteer Richard Hunt) and Arthur Miller at their home. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/114 Ladies and Gentlemen, it's The MuppetCast! I'm your host, Steve Swanson, and I'm not anywhere near Swanson Studios this week. In fact, I'm not even in my home state of Ohio. This weekend marks the first road trip of the summer, and I'm off to New Jersey, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/104 Welcome to The MuppetCast! I'm your host Steve Swanson, and this week's show is jam-packed with so much content that I had to push back the upcoming special edition episode devoted to The Muppets Take Manhattan (which was the winner in the listener poll). This episode is really ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/98 It's The MuppetCast! This week we look at a fan favorite as we continue our look at the short-lived series from 1989, The Jim Henson Hour. The episode we're concentrating on this time is titled Dog City. Inspired by C. M. Coolidge's series of paintings, Dogs Playing ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/97 Measuring the Marigolds, it's The MuppetCast! Brought to you by our friends at Bell, Book & Comic, this week I'm very happy to present a listener interview with Christy B from Tennessee. Christy just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World, and she has plenty to tell ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/95 It's The MuppetCast, yaaay! Sam Eagle said I should be more dignified this week, but what the hey. We present our Salute to the 50 States, in a uniquely Muppet-y fashion, for your listening enjoyment this week. Check out The MuppetCast Flickr Page for the latest photo additions! The MuppetCast ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/91 This episode of The MuppetCast is dedicated to the memory of Kermit Love. This week's show is devoted entirely to The Muppet Movie! We celebrate its release of June 22, 1971 just one week late. Joining me on the show is Muppet writer and historian Craig Shemin, and Craig's ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/90 Special thanks to Cory Edwards, director of the new Fraggle Rock movie, for leaving the voicemail that kicks off this week's episode of The MuppetCast! It's time for some more rare Muppet audio! Thanks a listener submission, we have footage of Jim Henson on the Mike Douglas Show; one appearance ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/83 June 15 is Father's Day, so this week we salute fathers on The MuppetCast! With the help of several dads sharing their thoughts, and some father-related Muppet audio, I hope this will be a fitting tribute. Thanks to Kristin Shea for her recent donation to The MuppetCast. All donations ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/82 Our series focused on the Jim Henson Hour continues this week, as we look and listen to episode 3, "Monster Telethon". Sounds like a good album title, doesn't it? The deadline for contest submissions for the "Make Something Cool Contest" is June 15. I can't wait to see what ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/81 Coming to you from Swanson Studios, it's The MuppetCast, episode #60! I'm glad to welcome John Rick from the Disney Pincast onto the show, this week, as we discuss some of the collectible Muppet-themed Disney pins, and the phenomenon of pin trading in general. The deadline for entries in the Make Something ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/80 This week's episode of The MuppetCast is dedicated to all of our brave men & women serving in the US Armed Forces at home and abroad, and to the memory of all those who have fallen while serving our country and preserving our freedom. Our focus this week is the outreach ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/79 We celebrate the life of Jim Henson this week on The MuppetCast. Sadly, Jim passed away on May 16, 1990, and we take some time in this special edition to reflect on the man, his work and his legacy. Stories, songs, laughter, tears, and special guest Frank Oz ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/78 We celebrate Mother's Day this week with a very special guest. Jane Hunt, mother of Muppeteer Richard Hunt, has returned to talk again with me as we discuss motherhood. We also look at some of the Mother-related Muppet books that have been published through the years. All ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/77 Hi-ho, and welcome back to The MuppetCast! This week we begin a new series, discussing the TV series The Jim Henson Hour. Plus the Muppet news, history, listener feedback, the montage, and a new addition to the MuppetCast Unplugged collection! The MuppetCast is sponsored by our friends at Bell, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/76 It's Bunny Week on The MuppetCast! This episode features a look at the classic "Tale of the Bunny Picnic", as well as a new interview with two fan favorites: James and Joe, of Bunnies in Peril (and WDW) fame. The MuppetCast is sponsored by our friends at Bell, Book and ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/75 Welcome back to The MuppetCast! This week we take a look at a Jim Henson masterpiece, The Dark Crystal. The MuppetCast is sponsored by our friends at Bell, Book and Comic. Coming soon to a comic and gaming retailer near you, it's Free Comic Book Day! As you may know, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/74 This is the first MuppetCast episode of our second year on the web. We're celebrating by looking back at a classic Sesame Street movie, Follow That Bird, and by chatting with Sesame Street Muppeteer Fran Brill! The MuppetCast is brought to you by the number 5, the number 3, and ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/72 It's the one-year anniversary of The MuppetCast! Thanks for making it happen and listening in this week. Lots of listener voicemails and emails this week. Jim Henson's Fantastic World, the traveling exhibition put together by the Jim Henson Legacy and Simthsonian SITES, is now open for viewing at the Louisiana Art ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/71 Regrettably, the Swanson Studios are experiencing some rather serious technical difficulties this week. Luckily however, there is still a show! Thanks to the trusty, dusty old tower, there's still an entertaining and supremely Muppet-y MuppetCast to enjoy this week. The MuppetCast continues to be brought to you by Bell, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/69 Can you believe it? This week marks 50 episodes of The MuppetCast, which puts us only two weeks away from our one-year birthday. Thank you so much for listening to the podcast and continuing to make it all possible. The MuppetCast is sponsored by Bell, Book and Comic. Life should ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/68 Hi-ho everyone, and welcome again to The MuppetCast! This week we find some great little nuggets of joy in Muppet History, we find a great reason to celebrate in Muppet News, and...well there's even other stuff too! The MuppetCast is brought to you in part by our friends at Bell, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/67 At no point in this podcast will we be stooping to any cheap 3D tricks. Well okay, maybe just one or two. Back from a refreshing vacation at Walt Disney World, we've got a great show in store for you this week. I'm happy to welcome Kevin Clash on ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/66 This week I'm letting other people do the work. No really, it's my birthday, and I'm not home! I'm in WDW, and I put this show together ahead of time so there would still be a show to enjoy. And I think you're really gonna love it. The ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/65 Hola everyone! This week on The MuppetCast, my special guests are Ryan Roe and Joe Hennes. That's right, it's Tough Pigs week! Before we get into that, though, I won't be here in Ohio next weekend. I'll be spending my birthday in WDW, but fear not, there'll still ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/63 This is a recording of the live telecast of the 4th Annual Muppet Central Forum Awards Ceremony. The ceremony, and The MuppetCast, are brought to you courtesy of Bell, Book and Comic. Life should be more fun! Please logon or register (for free, as always) at the Muppet Central ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/62 Lots of listener questions and feedback this week, along with a new contest! Make sure to vote on the new poll this week at MuppetCast.com, and tell me who you'd like to hear as the next guest on the podcast. The prize for the new contest is a Palisades Muppet figure from ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/61 With a watch of gold on a diamond chain, it's time for The MuppetCast! This week I'm pleased to be able to speak with Paul Barrie, host of A Window To The Magic. Paul is a class act, and one of the finest podcasters on the Net. Get a ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/60 We found one more version of the Bananas song! Yes! Less than five months to wait until The Muppet Show, Season 3. Can you believe it? Lots of other good stuff going on, too. Check out the Muppet News Flash for more details. Also be sure ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/59 The Richard Hunt MuppetCast Tribute. Cast: Richard Hunt Jane Hunt, Richard's mother Jim Henson Frank Oz Jerry Nelson Dave Goelz Kevin Clash Martin Baker Pete Coogan David Rudman Jim Lewis Jocelyn Stevenson Kyle Wilkinson Jack Read Bryan Seastrom BJ Wanlund Caroline And your host, Steve Swanson Special thanks to Arthur Novell for making a lot of this possible. Many thanks as always. Also thanks to the RHLC from Muppet Central. The ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/58 This week is Beatles week on The MuppetCast. The Muppets have covered many Beatle songs over the years, and this week we take a listen to some great songs, some of them very rare! In the news, the Muppets, Music & Magic touring exhibition, presented by the Jim Henson Legacy, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/57 Dance your cares away! This week we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fraggle Rock's first episode going out on the air. Can you believe it's been that long? The MuppetCast is sponsored by Bell, Book & Comic. As any Fraggle worth their salt would say, Life Should Be ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/56 Welcome to the last episode of The MuppetCast for 2007! This week we take a look at some of the greatest past moments of the podcast, as well as look forward to some of the awesome things coming out from Henson and the Muppets in 2008. Happy 74th Birthday to ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/55 Another day, another podcast. Merry Christmas everyone! This is the special Christmas Eve edition of The MuppetCast, and I think you'll really love it. Some updates on a few goings-on in the Muppet world, lots of great listener emails, and, just this once, we're even playing some Muppet Christmas ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/54 This week we pay tribute to a favorite Muppet Christmas movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol. We take a look and listen to many parts of the movie, and even get some interviews with people involved in the film! Gonzo the Great, Rizzo the Rat, Brian Henson, Steve Whitmire, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/53 This episode of The MuppetCast is devoted to "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie". It's rare that a Muppet movie is not a musical, but this is one of them. That said, there's still plenty of music and Christmas Muppet material to enjoy! Speaking of Muppet Christmas music, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/52 This special edition of The MuppetCast is devoted to the Christmas specials "A Muppet Family Christmas" and "John Denver & the Muppets: A Christmas Together." Lots of Muppet-y Christmas stuff to enjoy, so watch the icy patch and have fun! Three sponsors to thank this week: Bell, Book & Comic, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/51 Welcome to this Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas special episode of The MuppetCast! We'll take a good look at Emmet Otter this week, and even talk to some people who have some special connections to this great Christmas special. Remember that you still have one week to enter the MuppetCast Christmas ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/50 This is a combination Thanksgiving and Holiday Season Kickoff episode of the MuppetCast. We'll listen to parts of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as some great Christmas-y Muppet-y goodness. Thanks to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to sponsor the MuppetCast every week. They play a big ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/49 The MuppetCast - VidCast #2 The David Quesal Puppet Troupe. Taken from David's new DVD "The David Quesal Puppet Troupe 2007." http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/48 Welcome to the MuppetCast, a weekly podcast dedicated to the work of Jim Henson and the Muppets. Brought to you weekly by Bell, Book & Comic. If you're going to MouseFest 2007, make sure to attend Muppet Meets, a Muppet fan meet held by MagicMeets.com! The MuppetCast still needs listeners to ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/47 This week we take a look at some great UK content. While Kermit was hamming it up on NBC's Deal or No Deal and Paula's Party on the Food Network, Miss Piggy has been leaping from show to show over in the UK, promoting the Muppet Show Season 2 ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/46 Ah, November. The leaves, the turkey...the turtles. I like turtles. At any rate, we hit the ground running here in the first week of November. Lots of new photos popping up on the MuppetCast flickr page, so check back there periodically to see what Muppet fans ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/45 Welcome to The MuppetCast Halloween show! Get ready for a Halloween podcast that DOESN'T play the Haunted Mansion song. We did that last week, remember? Thanks as always to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to sponsor The MuppetCast. Life should be more fun! Kyle Wilkinson was kind enough ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/44 Welcome to the first of two spooky MuppetCasts! Thank you listener Ryan Dosier for the Bunsen & Beaker intro and outro! Thanks also to Jon Melville from Edinburgh, Scotland for your donation to The MuppetCast! I found a video of the opening of Jim Henson: Puppeteer from the Center ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/43 I'm proud to welcome James Wojtal to the MuppetCast this week. James is a very well-known and respected puppet designer and builder, and I was delighted to be able to talk with him on the podcast. Here are several links to websites containing James's work, starting with his YouTube page: Link ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/42 I don't know how I made it this far and haven't used this intro yet! Seems to be a good week for bunnies anyway. This week marks 6 months of the MuppetCast. Can you believe it? Me neither, but here we are. Thank you! To celebrate, I've re-designed ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/41 Sorry, we had a mis-fire earlier while posting this weeks show. Were back up and running with the correct show now. This weeks show is very special. Im proud to bring you audio this week from the Center for Puppetry Arts, located in Atlanta, Georgia. This week you will hear from ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/36 Here is my tribute to Jim Henson on his birthday, along with Jerry Juhl. It's a little bit more "bite-size" than normal, but I'm still very happy with it. I feel like so much was done earlier this year in the May tribute to Jim, but I wanted ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/34 Listen to the first three minutes...then tell me you weren't thinking the same thing. Special thanks as always to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to be the official sponsor of The MuppetCast. Life should be more fun! We have two touring Henson exhibitions, now that Jim Henson's Fantastic World is ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/33 Bouncing baby figs...great, now I'll never eat a Fig Newton again. Welcome to The MuppetCast! This week we hear from some MuppetCast listeners, in some new Listener Interview segments. Grab a turkey leg and let's go! Our first two MuppetCast listeners come to us from Walt Disney World! Joe ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/32 What's a Muppet? To find the answer, listen to the MuppetCast this week. Thanks for downloading the show! Thanks again to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to sponsor the MuppetCast. Life should be more fun! Unfortunately, MuppetVision 3D will be leaving Disney's California Adventure sooner or later. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/31 Thanks to David Quesal for the awesome intro! It is indeed the MuppetCast, show #20, for August 26, 2007. Welcome back! Remember to watch the MuppetCast VidCast #1, available in iTunes and at muppetcast.com. The hilarious Balcony Puppeteers are featured, with some behind-the-balcony footage! Congratulations to Terry Fator, the winner of this ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/30 Here it is, the first MuppetCast video podcast! This is a look into a really fun group of guys called the Balcony Puppeteers. The video was taken at the recent Puppets Up festival. You'll get to see some of their improvised performance at the festival in front of real live ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/29 First, I want to say that I'm really, really sorry about the long show. But when you miss a whole week, you have to make up somewhere! Special thanks to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to sponsor the MuppetCast. Life should be more fun! I'm happy to be back, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/28 This week is a change of pace from the usual. In a somewhat lighter load this week, we enjoy the complete soundtrack from the now-extinct WDW show "Here Come the Muppets". This was a stage show featuring walkaround Muppet characters which ran from May 1990 to September 1991, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/27 Is everything all right in here? Yes nanny... Last show before Muppets, Music & Magic in Huntington, Long Island, and here we go! Thanks as always to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to be the official sponsor of the MuppetCast. Life should be more fun! New contest! Email the names of ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/26 No he's not, he's a-wearin' a necktie! Hiya everyone, welcome back to the MuppetCast! As always, the MuppetCast is brought to you by Bell, Book & Comic. Why? Because life should be more fun! The MuppetCast Impression Contest is a wrap! Listen in to hear the ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/25 Welcome to this week's MuppetCast! Show #15 means it's a quarter after our first show, and that's progress in my book! Thanks as always to Bell, Book & Comic for continuing to sponsor the MuppetCast. Life should be more fun! This week I decided to hand the reins ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/24 It's 11:15, so I'm posting on time this week. No complaints! Hehe...welcome back to the MuppetCast for show #14. So, is Live365 going to shut down due to the CRB royalty rate hike? Find out on this week's show. Thanks again to Jonathan Dichter for this week's show. ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/23 Welcome to show #13! Is it any coincidence that this show took longer than any other show to complete and post? Unlucky, wouldn't you say? Thanks to Jonathan Dichter for this week's show intro. Make sure to catch Jonathan and Bryan over at All About the Mouse this ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/19 Welcome back to the MuppetCast! As always, we are brought to you by the letter C, the number 8, and Bell, Book & Comic! Before we come to our feature this week, the Cinema Arts Centre has posted a complete schedule events for the Muppets, Music & Magic tour, happening ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/18 With a "surprise" beginning this week, we head into show #11! This week's special guest on the podcast is Arthur Novell, executive director of the Jim Henson Legacy! This week's show is brought to you by Bell, Book & Comic. Tell Peter and Betsey hello! The MuppetCast Muppet impression contest ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/17 Show #10! We made it to double digits! Hehe...thanks for hitting up the website and/or downloading the show. Remember, the Muppet Impression contest will end on June 24! So if you want to enter the contest, now is the time. Now is the best time! In ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/16 We start the show first with one of the funnier Muppet clips I've heard in a very long time. Then, we really open the show with the Jim Henson Hour theme! Thanks David (all of you). The MuppetCast is brought to you this week by the number 2, the ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/15 We start this week's show with an awesome clip from one of the newest Puppet Up! skits found on TBS On Demand. This week's show is brought to you by the number 5, the letter L, and BellBookAndComic.com, where you can find all the comics, games, and collectibles you ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/14 Welcome back for show #7! I know, it's been a while, but we're now on a Sunday release schedule, and you won't have to endure a week-and-a-half wait ever again! This show is worth the wait, though. On the news front this week, I was delighted to learn that ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/13 This week's show is a special edition podcast, as it is our tribute to Jim Henson. May 16, 1990 is the date that Jim passed away, and in this episode we remember Jim, and we celebrate his life with laughter, song, and a few tears. Enjoy the show --Steve http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/12 Here comes show #5! I misquoted the date this week, but that's because I didn't anticipate the show being as long, and it was a little more work than I expected. Not to worry, though, it's a great show, and it is truly a labor of love. This week, ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/11 Come on in, it's show #4 this week! WARNING: You may be dancing the Kermambo before the end of the show. Once you've listened to the show this week, click over to The Magical Definition Podcast, one of the best Disney podcasts on the web! Some good news this week concerning ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/9 Hello again! This show definitely shows how we're coming along in shaping a well-formed podcast loaded with great Muppet content. We've got just a little bit of news, some wonderful listener email, a Muppet History segment, and as advertised, the brand-new super secret segment makes its appearance! The MuppetCast ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/8 First, thank you to everyone who found the show this past week. It's been a great week, reading all your feedback, and making this new podcast a part of my daily life. Every day I find a little something to add to the show, and I really want ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/7 Hi-ho and welcome to the MuppetCast! This podcast promises to be an interesting and informative show, right podcast? Podcast: "I promise!" We start off with a clip of Sam the American Eagle that I edited back in college, and it still makes me giggle. In this first episode I spend just a ... http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/archives/4