Beyond Thundera Podcast

Beyond Thundera Podcast

Welcome to Beyond Thundera — the podcast where Hall of Omens author Sean McKeone teams up with ThunderCats writer, Peter Lawrence to talk about the secrets, stories, and creative madness behind ThunderCats and everything that came after. We’re talking SilverHawks, TigerSharks, and the wild world of 80s and 90s animation. Expect behind the scenes info, untold production stories, toy talk, guests, and plenty of laughs! We are going to be joined by crew from all aspects of production, voice actors & fellow fans that want to share their personal stories as to why the shows means so much to them.

  1. ThunderCats Live: The Lost Arena Show That Sold Out Madison Square Garden w/ Marty Almaraz (perfomed as Tygra, Buzz-Saw, & More)

    6 days ago

    ThunderCats Live: The Lost Arena Show That Sold Out Madison Square Garden w/ Marty Almaraz (perfomed as Tygra, Buzz-Saw, & More)

    ThunderCats Live remains one of the most fascinating and least documented chapters in ThunderCats history. In this first time  interview, Sean "Buddha" McKeone and original ThunderCats writer Peter Lawrence sit down with Marty Almaraz, who portrayed Tygra, Buzzsaw, and multiple characters in the legendary touring arena production that brought ThunderCats, SilverHawks, TigerSharks, Karate Kat, and Street Frogs to audiences across America. Most fans know the cartoon. Far fewer know there was a massive live show that packed arenas, featured aerial effects from the world-famous Flying by Foy company, roller-skating performers, elaborate costumes, and even sold out Madison Square Garden. Marty shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories about auditioning for the production, life on the road, performing multiple roles, and what it was like helping bring these iconic characters to life in front of thousands of fans. The conversation also explores Marty's remarkable journey beyond ThunderCats Live. From working in a deli and pursuing dance as a young performer to building a successful career as a professional chef, including time working at one of Chef Bobby Flay's restaurants in Las Vegas, Marty reflects on the unexpected path his life and career have taken. You'll also hear the story of how the tour was originally planned to continue across the country, why a second leg never happened, and how a major moment in American history helped bring one of the most ambitious children's touring productions of the 1980s to an abrupt end. Whether you're a ThunderCats fan, a lover of 1980s cartoons, a theater enthusiast, or someone fascinated by forgotten pieces of entertainment history, this episode offers a rare look behind the curtain of a production that has largely been lost to time. If you enjoy ThunderCats history, animation documentaries, behind-the-scenes stories, and preserving the legacy of classic pop culture, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow fans. Be sure to check out the EXCLUSIVE never-before-seen photos and information from ThunderCats Live! In the pages of Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse  https://thundercatstoyguide.com1

    1hr 10min
  2. The ThunderCats Artist Who Later Became a Hollywood Actor & Impressionist | Jim Meskimen

    26 Jun

    The ThunderCats Artist Who Later Became a Hollywood Actor & Impressionist | Jim Meskimen

    ThunderCats fans, animation historians, and aspiring artists will love this  conversation with Jim Meskimen. Before becoming known for his incredible impressions and voice acting, Jim worked behind the scenes at Rankin/Bass as a secondary character designer on ThunderCats, later contributing to SilverHawks, The Comic Strip, and more. In this episode, Jim Meskimen tells the incredible story of how a young artist with big dreams found himself working at Rankin/Bass during the creation of ThunderCats. He discusses his early influences, working at Hanna-Barbera, his memorable meeting with Jules Bass, and what it was really like creating characters during one of animation's most iconic eras.  The conversation also explores the unique Rankin/Bass production process, the creative freedom that shaped ThunderCats, and fascinating stories from Peter Lawrence about learning animation writing directly under Jules Bass. This episode offers a rare look inside the people and processes that helped create some of the most beloved cartoons of the 1980s. If you enjoy animation production, ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Rankin/Bass history, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes storytelling, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. Jim Meskimen’s official site www.jimmeskimen.com Follow Jim Meskimen on Facebook  https://facebook.com/djwjourneymanartist Follow Jim on Instagram @jimpressions  Check Out Jim featured on “ThunderCat of the  Day” on Peter Lawrence’s official website  https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/dennis-woodyard-thundercat-of-the-day/ Be sure to check out the EXCLUSIVE interview with Jim in the pages of Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse  https://thundercatstoyguide.com

    1hr 11min
  3. Maggie Wheeler (Melodia, Steelheart) REUNITES w/ ThunderCats & SilverHawks Larry Kenney (Lion-O, Bluegrass) & Peter Newman (Tygra, Quicksilver) After 40 Years

    19 Jun

    Maggie Wheeler (Melodia, Steelheart) REUNITES w/ ThunderCats & SilverHawks Larry Kenney (Lion-O, Bluegrass) & Peter Newman (Tygra, Quicksilver) After 40 Years

    Lion-O, Tygra & Janice from Friends Together? Yes, It Happened! What happens when these castmates reunite for a their first conversation in 40 years? A lot of stories you've probably never heard before. A lot of stories you've probably never heard before. This episode starts with a surprise guest appearance that even the other guests didn't know was coming and quickly turns into a fascinating look behind the curtain of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Rankin/Bass, voice acting, commercials, Friends, Saturday Night Live, and the wild way these shows were actually made. From Maggie Wheeler's journey before Friends to Larry Kenney's 40 years as Count Chocula and Peter Newman's unexpected path into ThunderCats, this episode is packed with funny stories, nostalgia, and entertainment history that rarely gets documented. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious about how classic cartoons were made, there's a good chance you'll learn something you've never heard before. Special Thanks to Ryan Hunter of the Radical Retro Rewind Podcast for creating the image & thumbnail for this episode! See an exclusive interview with Maggie Wheeler in the pages of Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse www.thundercatstouguide.com Peter Lawrence’s official website www.gpeterlawrence.com

    1hr 14min
  4. Beyond Thundera w/ Dennis Woodyard | character designer & writer - ThunderCats, Gargoyles, Galaxy Rangers, Exo Squad, Stripperella & More

    12 Jun

    Beyond Thundera w/ Dennis Woodyard | character designer & writer - ThunderCats, Gargoyles, Galaxy Rangers, Exo Squad, Stripperella & More

    ThunderCats, SilverHawks, The Comic Strip, Galaxy Rangers, Gargoyles, ExoSquad, and 1980s animation history all collide in this incredible behind-the-scenes conversation with writer and character designer Dennis Woodyard. In this episode of the Beyond Thundera Podcast, Dennis Woodyard joins Peter Lawrence and Sean “Buddha” McKeone to discuss his work on ThunderCats, SilverHawks, The Comic Strip, TigerSharks, Galaxy Rangers, Gargoyles, ExoSquad, and the rise and fall of the legendary Rankin/Bass animation studio. Dennis shares rare stories from inside the New York animation industry during the 1970s and 1980s, including how he got hired onto ThunderCats, learning the Rankin/Bass design style, reviewing animation footage from Japan, working alongside Pacific Animation Corporation, the chaos surrounding TigerSharks and The Comic Strip, and the failed CVTV project that preceded the closure of Rankin/Bass. The conversation also dives into the reality of animation production during the era, Japanese outsourcing, Warner Bros., cult cartoon fandoms, Galaxy Rangers, Karate Kat, SilverHawks, and why ThunderCats became “lightning in a bottle” that could never truly be replicated. Dennis also discusses designing fan-favorite ThunderCats villains Zaxx and Jagara — both now receiving their first-ever Super7 Ultimates figures — along with writing classic episodes like “The Shadowmaster” and “The Well of Doubt.” If you love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, retro cartoons, animation history, behind-the-scenes production stories, 80s nostalgia, cartoon documentaries, or creator interviews, this is an episode you absolutely do not want to miss. Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more rare animation history interviews, ThunderCats discussions, and behind-the-scenes stories from the creators who helped shape a generation of cartoons. SUBSCRIBE to Dennis on YouTube https://youtube.com/@denniswoodyard-dragonflyent Follow Dennis J. Woodyard - Journeyman Artist on Facebook  https://facebook.com/djwjourneymanartist Check Out Dennis featured on “ThunderCat of the  Day” on Peter Lawrence’s official website  https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/dennis-woodyard-thundercat-of-the-day/ Be sure to check out the EXCLUSIVE interview with Dennis in the pages of Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse  https://thundercatstoyguide.com

    1hr 18min
  5. Beyond Thundera w/ Celesta Johnston | How ThunderCats Became “Home” For an Entire Generation

    5 Jun

    Beyond Thundera w/ Celesta Johnston | How ThunderCats Became “Home” For an Entire Generation

    ThunderCats fans, retro animation lovers, and artists alike — this may be one of the most personal and emotional episodes of the Beyond Thundera Podcast yet. Join ThunderCats writer/story editor Peter Lawrence and author Sean “Buddha” McKeone as they sit down with longtime ThunderCats fan artist Celesta Johnston for a deeply honest conversation about fandom, creativity, animation, preserving classic cartoons, and what ThunderCats meant to an entire generation growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. Celesta shares how ThunderCats became a “permanent home” during a childhood filled with constant moving, how VHS tapes and technology helped preserve that connection, her history creating ThunderCats artwork and fan stories, the realities of pursuing animation as a career, art school disappointments, industry burnout, and why keeping the spirit of the original ThunderCats series alive matters so much to fans decades later. The episode also explores animation production culture, the struggles artists face behind the scenes, thoughts on future ThunderCats continuations, Mumm-Ra, Pumyra, Tygra, New Thundera, preserving the original art style, and the emotional connection fans still have to these characters today. If you love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, 80s cartoons, animation history, fandom culture, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, retro animation, or nostalgic pop culture discussions, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more ThunderCats interviews, rare creator discussions, fan stories, and behind-the-scenes animation history. See more of Celesta’s art on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/celestas.art Check Out Celesta featured on “ThunderCat of the  Day” on Peter Lawrence’s official website  https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/celesta-johnston-thundercat-of-the-day/ Celesta is a featured artist in Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse  https://thundercatstoyguide.com

    1hr 7min
  6. Beyond Thundera: AMA w/ ThunderCats Reddit & Discord Fans

    29 May

    Beyond Thundera: AMA w/ ThunderCats Reddit & Discord Fans

    ThunderCats, SilverHawks, and 1980s animation fans — this episode is packed with rare behind-the-scenes stories, honest creator reflections, and deep discussion pulled directly from the ThunderCats Reddit and Discord communities. In this special AMA episode of the Beyond Thundera Podcast, ThunderCats writer/story editor Peter Lawrence and author Sean “Buddha” McKeone answer fan-submitted questions about Tygra, Mumm-Ra, Pumyra, Bengali, storytelling decisions, lost character potential, convention appearances, animation production realities, and how ThunderCats episodes were actually written during the intense Rankin/Bass era production schedule. Peter also gives candid answers about criticisms surrounding Tygra’s role in the series, the challenges of balancing large ensemble casts, why serialized story arcs were difficult in 1980s syndicated animation, how characters like Mumm-Ra became so iconic, and more! If you love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, retro cartoons, animation history, voice acting, behind-the-scenes TV production stories, or classic 80s nostalgia, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more rare ThunderCats,  SilverHawks, and 80s/90s animation interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, animation history, creator conversations, and exclusive archival discussions. Be sure to get in on the conversions on Reddit & Discord  ThunderCats on Reddit  https://www.reddit.com/r/Thundercats/s/6LWgrJHCQQ SilverHawks on Reddit  https://www.reddit.com/r/SilverHawks/s/PReI1SJ9Fn ThunderCats on Discord  https://discord.gg/4C3uuheGM Peter Lawrence’s official website  https://gpeterlawrence.com Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse  https://thundercatstoyguide.com

    1hr 33min
  7. Beyond Thundera w/ Live Event Agent, Scott Cook - Inside the World of ThunderCats Con Appearances

    22 May

    Beyond Thundera w/ Live Event Agent, Scott Cook - Inside the World of ThunderCats Con Appearances

    In this episode of the Beyond Thundera Podcast, Sean “Buddha” McKeone and Peter Lawrence sit down with Scott Cook of Epic Entertainment U.S., the live event agent who represents ThunderCats legends Larry Kenney, Peter Newman, Lynn Lipton, Pete Cannarozzi, and more. Scott shares how he got started in the convention world, why he only represents properties he personally loves, and what it is like helping bring beloved ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Ninja Turtles, and 1980s pop culture icons to fans at live events across the country. The conversation also explores the evolution of comic cons and toy shows, the emotional connection fans have with ThunderCats, the importance of collectibles in keeping fandom alive, and why smaller shows like Retro Toy Con can create some of the most meaningful fan experiences. Scott also discusses his work on likeness rights and action figure deals, including NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures, his background growing up around the film industry in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the possibility of a ThunderCats-themed convention someday. If you love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, 1980s cartoons, retro toys, comic cons, celebrity guests, voice actors, convention culture, or behind-the-scenes stories from the entertainment industry, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Scott Cook & Epic Entertainment US official website www.epicentertainmentus.com

    1hr 7min
  8. Beyond Thundera w/ Tony Giovanniello -The Sound Design & Creative Chaos Behind ThunderCats Production

    15 May

    Beyond Thundera w/ Tony Giovanniello -The Sound Design & Creative Chaos Behind ThunderCats Production

    Before ThunderCats became one of the most iconic cartoons of the 1980s… there was a small New York recording studio, reel-to-reel tape machines, razor blades used to cut audio by hand, and a production crew trying to invent a completely new way to make animated television. In this fascinating episode of the Beyond Thundera Podcast, Rankin/Bass production staff member Tony Giovanniello pulls back the curtain on the creation of ThunderCats and SilverHawks like never before. From directing actors and building soundtracks to timing battle scenes before animation even existed, Tony shares the chaotic, creative, and groundbreaking process that helped define an entire generation of animation. You’ll hear stories about: * The making of ThunderCats Episode 1 * Working with Lee Donoghue and Matthew Malach * The intense production schedule at Rankin/Bass * Creating sound and music for classic episodes * Old-school analog editing techniques * Why ThunderCats felt different from every other cartoon of its era This is the kind of behind-the-scenes history fans thought was lost forever. If you love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, voice acting, sound design, cartoon production stories, or behind-the-scenes interviews, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss. Watch & listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

    1hr 24min
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About

Welcome to Beyond Thundera — the podcast where Hall of Omens author Sean McKeone teams up with ThunderCats writer, Peter Lawrence to talk about the secrets, stories, and creative madness behind ThunderCats and everything that came after. We’re talking SilverHawks, TigerSharks, and the wild world of 80s and 90s animation. Expect behind the scenes info, untold production stories, toy talk, guests, and plenty of laughs! We are going to be joined by crew from all aspects of production, voice actors & fellow fans that want to share their personal stories as to why the shows means so much to them.

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond Thundera Podcast
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beyond Thundera Podcast
  • Show Website
    Beyond Thundera Podcast

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