The MuppetCast (Archive)

Blog

  • Show #68 – July 27, 2008

    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 bursting at the seams with Muppet news, history, listener feedback, a brand new segment, and a feature segment containing some great rare Muppet audio. And on top of all of this, I’m happy to announce the winner of the Make Something Cool contest!

    The featured audio this week comes to us courtesy of MuppetDanny. Since The Muppets Take Manhattan did win the poll, and since we had to delay its special episode, together we present something of a warm-up for the real thing. This rare audio comes from a 1984 book-and-record production of the Muppet gang presenting an abbreviated story of the film. (more…)

  • Show #67 – July 20, 2008

    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 Poker, if you weren’t aware of Dog City before now, you’ll be howling to see it by the end of the show! (more…)

  • Show #66 – July 13, 2008

    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 us, not only of her trip in general, but all about Muppet merchandise in the parks. She’ll tell you where it is, how to find it, and how to trade for it. Lots of great information.

    Voting for The MuppetCast’s “Make Something Cool” contest runs from July 14 – 21. Look for the Contest Page on MuppetCast.com. Thanks to everyone who participated and submitted entries, they’re all wonderful. Vote for your favorite! (more…)

  • Show #65 – July 6, 2008

    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 is sponsored by our friends at Bell, Book and Comic. Life should be more fun!

    Here’s the link to Kermit Love’s obituary from the New York Times.

    If you’re a fan of the TV show Scrubs, you’ll hopefully enjoy seeing a few Sesame Street residents on the show in the upcoming new season.

    Kids might enjoy playing with the Sesame computer games First Steps, and Learn, Play, and Grow.

    Sesame Workshop’s mission is working all around the world, even in places like Albania and Serbia.

    Yip-Yip-Yip…I love those little alien guys!

    Fran Brill appeared recently at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Read all about it at Access Atlanta.

    What are the most important lessons we can teach our 2 to 4 year old kids? In conjunction with Sesame Street, here’s a few hints.

    Here it is…the new Muppet Independence Day video!

    Check out the Muppet News Flash for all the latest and greatest Muppet current events!

    Many people were saddened by the recent passing of George Carlin. A lot of people may not realize it, but Mr. Carlin actually played a prominent role in children’s television, as Mr. Conductor. He appeared in Shining Time Station and Thomas the Tank Engine.

    Ever wonder who actually makes the Muppet puppets? It’s a company called Puppet Heap, here’s a link to their official website.

    If you’re a fan of the Colbert Report, you absolutely must check out the No Fact Zone, a fan-run website dedicated to the show. I heard about this blog on another podcast and immediately started reading it. Great stuff!

    Terry Fator is a fantastic talent. His puppetry (and more significantly, his ventroluquism) skills earned him a win on America’s Got Talent, and he’s now a top-billed act everywhere he goes. Read more about him here.

    Heather Henson was recently at the Center for Puppetry Arts presenting her Handmade Puppet Dreams. Among the videos in the screening was Trixie and the Tree Trunks. A very unique and funny production, check it out!

    Ever wondered how the Muppets work? Read all about it here!

    Ah, the 80’s. The music. The memories. The hair. Wear it over at 80s Tees.

    Does anybody know anything about the Sesame Street 10th Anniversary special? A listener is trying to locate a copy, but is having a hard time. All I could find was some information on the anniversary album, but no videos.

    Questions/Comments can be emailed to me@muppetcast.com, or called in to the voice line at 614-364-4270. Also, stop by the Muppet Central Forums and say hello!

    Have a great week!

    -Steve

  • Show #64 – June 29, 2008

    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 comments and insights make this a special edition MuppetCast that you won’t want to miss.

    Craig Shemin is also a member of the Jim Henson Legacy board. Check out their website at JimHensonLegacy.org to find out more information about this wonderful group of people.

    The MuppetCast is sponsored by our friends at Bell, Book and Comic. Life should be more fun!

    Questions/Comments can be emailed to me@muppetcast.com, or called in to the voicemail line at 614-364-4270. Register for free at the Muppet Central Forums and chat about the Muppets online with thousands of other fans!

    Have a great week!

    -Steve

  • Show #63 – June 22, 2008

    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 in 1976 and one in 1977. At that point in history, Kermit the frog was already 20 years old! (more…)

  • Show #62 – June 15, 2008

    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 go directly back into helping The MuppetCast.

    Every Thursday night, the phone lines go live! Call the voicemail line Thursdays between 6pm and 11pm and we’ll talk. You can also use Skype to contact the voice line. My username is: stephenjlizard. (more…)

  • Show #61 – June 8, 2008

    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 you’ve come up with! (more…)

  • Show #60 – June 1, 2008

    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 Cool for The MuppetCast Contest is June 15! Make sure to email your entries or have them postmarked by this date. Also email me if you need a mailing address to send it via regular postage. (more…)

  • Show #59 – May 25, 2008

    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 program created by Sesame Workshop entitled Talk, Listen, Connect. Along with hearing Muppet audio from the video series, I also talk with Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Vice President of Outreach and Educational Practices for Sesame Workshop. (more…)