The Square Window : A Podcast about Classic Kids TV

Gareth Cavanagh

Welcome to The Square Window, the podcast that rewinds time to revisit the golden age of Kids' TV! Join Gareth, a professional Animator for nearly 3 decades and a series of special-guests as they explore the shows that shaped their childhoods and in many cases, their career-paths. Together we'll rewatch beloved classics, both animated and live-action, share behind-the-scenes trivia and debate the big questions, like, "Which show had the best theme-tune?" Perfect for Gen X, Gen Z, Millenials and curious new viewers, The Square Window is your weekly dose of retro fun and nostalgic memories.

  1. 22-12-2025

    Episode 12 - Thundercats with Emlyn Davies

    Hello and Welcome to Episode 12 of The Square Window Podcast, your weekly dose of nostalgic insight into the classic Kids TV of yester-year. Joining me for this episode is EMLYN DAVIES, Founder and Executive Creative-Director of BOMPER STUDIOS, a boutique Animaton and VFX Production-House based in Caerphilly,South Wales. Emlyn's choice of show to talk about is the classic animated show, "THUNDERCATS."So, join us and let's take a trip through The Square Window...... Thundercats "Out-takes" The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    1u 14m

  2. 15-12-2025

    Episode 11 - Trap Door with Will Rose

    Hello and Welcome to The Square Window Podcast, your weekly dose of nostalgic insight into the classic Kids TV of yester-year. Joining me for this episode is my good friend, AnimatorDesigner WILL ROSE and his choice of show to talk about is the classic, British, stop-motion animated series, "TRAP DOOR". So, you have permission to open that Trap Door this one time but first, let's take a trip through The Square Window. WILL's BIO Will Rose is an animator and designer with a passion for the natural world.Based in London, Will has over 20 years of experience in the animation industry working on popular children's shows such as Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee as an animator, designer and writer. His passion for nature and love of telling a story has led him to make his own award-winning shorts as well as making animated films for David Attenborough, Yoga with Adriene, Leica and the British Trust for Ornithology. A self proclaimed bird-nerd, Will has made animations for BBC Springwatch, created his very own animated bird guide for beginners and recently won the FBA artist award at the Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. Will’s fascination for wildlife has led him to create work based on the environment around him, whether it is an artist residence in Maine, a hillside in Northern Spain or helping to depict the wildlife in the uplands of Sweden.Having learnt from working on some of the most popular children’s shows around the world, Will has now turned his storytelling and design skills to work on projects that support the preservation of our precious wildlife and environment. WILL's WEB-SITE WHAT BIRD IS THAT? The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    1 u

  3. 07-12-2025

    Episode 10 - RoboTech with Ryan Donoghue

    Hello and Welcome to The Square Window Podcast, your weekly dose of nostalgic insight into the classic Kids TV of yester-year. Joining me for this episode is American Animator RYAN DONOGHUE. Ryan is a veteran of the animation industry having worked in everything from TV shows, and movies, to video games and theme parks. He attended California Institute of the Arts, and has worked on Tv shows like Futurama, and Jurassic World Chaos Theory as well as movies such as, The Chronicles of Narnia and Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. He also helped create the first ever ride through attraction for Mickey Mouse, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Currently he is working on personal projects and has recently started with Halon Entertainment supervising Animation on cinematics for Fortnite. He lives in southern California, with his wife and two children and very much loves Halloween and all things spooky. Ryan's choice of classic show to talk about is the 1985 Science-Fiction Anime "ROBOTECH". Robotech is a groundbreaking 1980s animated sci-fi epic that introduced an entire generation to sprawling space opera, transforming mecha, and surprisingly emotional storytelling. Adapted for American audiences from three separate Japanese series, it wove together an ambitious, multi-generational saga that followed humanity’s struggle for survival in the face of alien invasion. So strap in, engage rocket systems to maximum and let's head through the Square Window. The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    1u 18m

  4. 01-12-2025

    Episode 9 - The Wombles with Simon Quinn.

    Hello and Welcome to The Square Window Podcast, your weekly dose of nostalgic insight into the classic Kids TV of yester-year. Joining me for this episode is Simon Quinn. Simon is a multi-award-winning producer and line producer who's been working in the Film and Television industry for over 37 years. His crdit-list is extensive (See his full Bio below) but I first met him when I worked as a VFX Artist on "Fireman Sam" in 2002. Simon's choice of show to talk about for this episods is the classic "The Wombles". Before recycling bins, climate pledges, and eco-warriors, there were the Wombles, those shy, furry, ever-so-helpful creatures who lived quietly beneath Wimbledon Common. Created by Elisabeth Beresford, the Wombles weren’t just children’s characters; they were early ambassadors of environmental kindness, tidying up the world one forgotten item at a time. I really enjoyed putting this episode together as this is anothr show I loved as a kid (there's a pattern forming). I found Simon a really engaging interview-ee and his insightful knowldge of the animation industry comes from extensive experience. So settle in, dust off your childhood memories and let’s head back to Wimbledon Common, where the Wombles are still making good use of the things that everyday folk leave behind. Simon's BIO: "Simon Quinn is a multi-award-winning producer and line producer that has been working in the Film and Television industry for over 37 years. He produced three series of the BAA, Annie and double Day Time Emmy Award winning animation series The Adventures of Paddington for StudioCanal and Heyday Fims which airs on Nickelodeon. Starting his career at Spitting Image as a puppet maker in 1988, he discovered stop-motion animation whilst working at Film Fair in 1990, on classics such as The Wombles. He later formed a model making company The Puppet Factory in 1994 providing puppets and models to the animation industry. In 2002 he re-booted and line-produced the new series of Fireman Sam (CBBC) and two series of Hanna’s Helpline (Ch5 Milkshake) Then Line Produced Wes Anderson’s critically acclaimed, Academy nominated Fantastic Mr. Fox 2009 (20th Century Fox). After which he was Line Producer on Tim Burton’s stop-frame feature Frankenweenie 2012 (Disney) Seeking fresh challenges he switched from long format productions to producing over sixteen commercials in 3D, CGI and 2D with multi-award winning Passion Pictures. In 2013 he co-created and produced with Simon Rolph Wussywat the Clumsy Cat a 52 x 5 minutes preschool series for CBeebies working with Baby Cow Animation & Smiley Guy Studios Canada. At the end of 2015 He went on to become the Animation Producer for Wes Anderson’s Academy nominated Feature Film Isle of Dogs released March 2018. He is also a consultant producer for Magic Light Pictures recently working on The Scarecrows Wedding which will be shown Christmas day BBC 1 in 2025 as well as their previous multi award winning specials The Snail & The Whale, Zog & the Flying Doctors, Superworm, The Smeds and the Smoos, Tabby McTat and Tiddler.He was also the Animation Producer on a 43 minute Live action / Animation Hybrid film ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ produced by Magic Light Pictures for Apple TV+ shown on Thanksgiving 2023 which was nominated for six Children and Family Emmys, winning in two categories March 2025." The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    59 min

  5. 23-11-2025

    Episode 8 - He-Man and the Masters of the Universe with Andrew Minton

    Hello and Welcome to The Square Window Podcast, your weekly dose of nostalgic insight into the classic Kids TV of yester-year. Joining me for this episode is Andrew Minton, CTO and Founder of "Hangry Studio" https://www.hungrystudio.com/home Come with us as we take a deep dive into one of my personal favourite shows of my youth, "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe", the legendary 1980s cartoon series that became a global pop-culture phenomenon. We explore the origins of Eternia, the epic battle between He-Man and Skeletor, and how this groundbreaking animated show shaped the future of retro cartoons, toy-driven TV, and fantasy storytelling. We chat about the history and lore of the Masters of the Universe franchise, including its iconic characters, behind-the-scenes production stories, and the explosive success of its Mattel action figures. We also discuss the show’s influence on modern reboots, its impact on nostalgia culture, and why He-Man remains one of the most beloved heroes in animation. We unpack how He-Man blended science fiction and sword-and-sorcery, why it became a defining piece of ’80s pop culture, and how its themes of heroism, friendship, and self-empowerment still resonate today. We also explore behind-the-scenes stories, character evolution, and the franchise’s lasting legacy—from toys and comics to reboots and fandom. Whether you grew up shouting “I HAVE THE POWER!” or you’re discovering Eternia for the first time, join us for a power-packed conversation celebrating the most muscular hero ever to wield a magic sword. Masters of the Universe Vinyl Album as mentioned in conversation; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDpsAPnn7WQ&t=1779s The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/793642936324551/CREDITSAll original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim CornickProduced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    1u 17m

  6. 16-11-2025

    Episode 7 - M.A.S.K. with Jane Davies-Watkins

    Hello and Welcome to "The Square Window" podcast. I'm joined in this week's nostalgia-fest by Animator and Director Jane Davies-Watkins For this episode, we’re strapping on our helmets, firing up the gull-wing Camaro, and blasting straight into the world of M.A.S.K. — Mobile Armored Strike Kommand. If you grew up in the 1980s, you know exactly what that title meant: high-tech agents, wild gadgets, transforming vehicles that pushed imagination into overdrive, and a battle of wits between Matt Trakker and the always-scheming Miles Mayhem of V.E.N.O.M. M.A.S.K. wasn’t just another cartoon — it was part spy show, part superhero adventure, and part toy commercial… in the best possible way. It blended the militaristic edge of G.I. Joe with the transforming mayhem of Transformers, creating something uniquely fast, flashy, and unforgettable. So buckle up, activate your masks, and get ready as we take a deep dive into the characters, the tech, the toys, and the legacy of one of the most iconic animated series of the ‘80s. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please feel free to leave amy feedback in the comments section and also if you have any favourite shows of your childhood that we've not featured yet. If you'd like to get involved in the nostalgic memories, come and join the Facebook group for up-to-the minute new, further information and some up-coming competitions. ⁠⁠The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Webite⁠⁠ Here⁠⁠ Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    59 min

  7. 12-11-2025

    Episode 6 - BONUS - Rainbow's infamous "Twangers" Episode

    We couldn't talk about Rainbow, without discussing the infamous "Twangers" episode! If you'd like to get involved in the nostalgic memories, come and join the Facebook group for up-to-the minute new, further information and some up-coming competitions. ⁠⁠The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Webite⁠⁠ Here⁠⁠ Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    6 min

  8. 09-11-2025

    Episode 6 - Rainbow with Matt Loveridge

    Hello and welcome to this latest episode of "The Square Window" podcast. I've really excited to share this one with you as Rainbow was such a formative part of my childhood. The British equivalent of Sesame Street, it is absolutely iconic. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to Matt Loveridge about our mutual appreciation of the show and how its legacy of cultural representation and educational values shaped a generation. With Matt's professional experience as a Composer for Film and TV we focus on the show's unique musical elements, its legacyand the importance of theme tunes in children's programming is emphasized. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please feel free to leave amy feedback in the comments section and also if you have any favourite shows of your childhood that we've not featured yet. If you'd like to get involved in the nostalgic memories, come and join the Facebook group for up-to-the minute new, further information and some up-coming competitions. ⁠The Square Window Podcast Facebook Group⁠ CREDITS All original music by Matt Loveridge and Jim Cornick Webite⁠ Here⁠ Produced and Edited by Gareth Cavanagh

    1u 16m
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Welcome to The Square Window, the podcast that rewinds time to revisit the golden age of Kids' TV! Join Gareth, a professional Animator for nearly 3 decades and a series of special-guests as they explore the shows that shaped their childhoods and in many cases, their career-paths. Together we'll rewatch beloved classics, both animated and live-action, share behind-the-scenes trivia and debate the big questions, like, "Which show had the best theme-tune?" Perfect for Gen X, Gen Z, Millenials and curious new viewers, The Square Window is your weekly dose of retro fun and nostalgic memories.

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