Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show!

Jake Deffinbaugh

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive! Hosted by Jake Deffinbaugh, with co-host, Chris Bixby.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 378: Laurie Berkner #2 (Singer-Songwriter & Musician)

    This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we welcome back acclaimed children's singer-songwriter and musician Laurie Berkner! Laurie joins us again to discuss her newest album, Walking with the Penguins, and the inspiration behind its playful songs, memorable melodies, and interactive adventures for young listeners. Laurie shares how Walking with the Penguins came together, the creative process behind writing music that encourages kids to sing, dance, and use their imaginations, and what made this album a special addition to her celebrated catalog. She also reflects on her enduring career in children's music, connecting with generations of families, and what continues to inspire her as a songwriter and performer. Connect with Laurie and stream or purchase Walking with the Penguins: https://laurieberkner.com/ https://laurieberkner.com/albums/walking-with-the-penguins-album https://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand https://www.instagram.com/laurieberknerband https://www.tiktok.com/@laurieberkner https://www.youtube.com/@TheLaurieBerknerBand Taping date: July 21, 2026 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 378: Laurie Berkner #2 (Singer-Songwriter & Musician)

  2. Jul 26

    Episode 377: Kimberly Luce (Director of Program Scheduling)

    Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by director of program scheduling Kimberly Luce! Kimberly takes us behind the scenes of one of the most important, but often unseen parts of television, sharing what it was like planning programming for Disney Channel and ABC Kids during the early 2000s. Kimberly reflects on her time in Disney's scheduling department from 2001 to 2006, discussing how schedules were built, the strategy behind programming blocks, premieres, and special events, and what went into keeping viewers engaged. She also shares stories from working with ABC Kids before expanding her career to Disney Channel's international networks. Beyond Disney, Kimberly talks about her work in television scheduling for Lifetime, the NFL, and Game Show Network. Along the way, she offers a fascinating look at how programming decisions are made across different networks and how the television industry has evolved throughout her career. Taping date: April 4, 2026 Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host) https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/ 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 377: Kimberly Luce (Director of Program Scheduling)

  3. Jul 22

    Episode 376: Brandon Smith #2 (Puppeteer)

    First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we welcome back puppeteer Brandon Smith! Since 2022, Brandon has been a Muppet performer on Sesame Street, starting with playing Jamal in the YouTube video Wes' First Barbershop Haircut and working on the series since Season 54. When we first spoke with Brandon, he had just started working on the show. In this follow-up conversation, he shares his different responsibilities on the Sesame set and what it's like working alongside the rest of the crew. We also touch on some of roles outside of Sesame Street such as performing Bruno the Bear for Capital One Park and Garbanzo for Spacefish Productions. He also talks about his recent experience seeing The Wiggles in New York. Connect with Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/brand_198/ Check out Brandon's work with Capital One Park and Gen Con: https://linktr.ee/capitalonepark https://linktr.ee/gen_con Taping date: February 9, 2026 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 376: Brandon Smith #2 (Puppeteer)

  4. Jul 18

    Episode 375: Terry Fator (Ventriloquist & Impressionist)

    Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by award-winning ventriloquist, impressionist, comedian, and singer Terry Fator! Best known as the winner of the second season of America's Got Talent, Terry shares the remarkable story of his journey from years of performing on the road to becoming one of the world's most successful entertainers. Terry reflects on how the opportunity to audition for America's Got Talent came about, what it was like competing on the show, and the unforgettable moment he was crowned the winner. He also discusses headlining his acclaimed Las Vegas residency, writing his autobiography Who's the Dummy Now?, and bringing his talents to audiences across the country with his new road show, Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice. Along the way, you may even get to meet a few of Terry's beloved puppet characters! Special thanks to our guest co-host Marcelo for joining us! Connect with Terry: https://terryfator.com/ https://www.instagram.com/terryfator/ https://www.youtube.com/@officialterryfator https://www.tiktok.com/@terryfator https://www.facebook.com/TerryFator/ Taping date: February 2, 2026 Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host) https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/ 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 375: Terry Fator (Ventriloquist & Impressionist)

  5. Jul 15

    Episode 374: Sean Roach (Actor, TV Host, & Artist)

    First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actor, television host, and artist Sean Roach! Best known to a generation of preschool viewers as one of the hosts of Sprout's The Sunny Side Up Show from 2008 to 2013 and the host of Noodle and Doodle, Sean looks back on his memorable years with the network and the experiences that made those shows so special. Sean shares how he landed his role on Sprout, what it was like performing The Sunny Side Up Show in a live television format, and the unique connection he built with young viewers and their families. He also reflects on hosting Noodle and Doodle, participating in Sprout's live events, and some of his favorite memories from his time with the network. We also explore Sean's artistic journey following his television career. As a scenic artist and fine artist, he discusses his creative process, artistic vision and style, the inspiration behind his work, and some of his favorite pieces he's created over the years. Special thanks to Brendon Gawel for connecting us! Connect with Sean: https://www.seanroacharts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/seanroacharts/ https://www.facebook.com/seanroacharts/ Taping date: October 14, 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 374: Sean Roach (Actor, TV Host, & Artist)

  6. Jul 11

    Episode 373: Robert Bockstael (Actor)

    This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actor Robert Bockstael! With a career spanning voice acting, live-action television, and film, Robert shares stories from the many memorable roles that have made him a familiar face and voice to generations of fans. Robert reflects on his voiceover work in beloved animated series including The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, Dennis the Menace, RoboCop, Babar, Sailor Moon, and more, discussing the craft of bringing animated characters to life. He also looks back on his live-action Disney roles as Mr. Dupree in The Famous Jett Jackson and the Disney Channel Original Movie Jett Jackson: The Movie, as well as Richard Carlyle in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Scream Team. From recording in the voice booth to appearing on camera, Robert shares behind-the-scenes memories, career highlights, and the experiences that have shaped his decades-long career in entertainment. Connect with Robert: https://robertbockstael.com/ Taping date: February 16, 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 373: Robert Bockstael (Actor)

  7. Jul 5

    Episode 372: Jerry Beck (Animation Historian & Author)

    This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by animation historian, author, and blogger Jerry Beck! A leading voice in animation history, Jerry has written more than 15 books on the subject and has dedicated his career to preserving and celebrating the art form through his writing, research, and archival work. Jerry reflects on his early love of comic books and classic cartoons and the passion behind creating his influential blog, Cartoon Research. We also discuss his contributions to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, his work curating classic cartoons for DVD and Blu-ray collections, and his involvement in countless bonus documentaries and audio commentaries that have helped introduce animation history to new generations. Throughout the conversation, Jerry shares fascinating insights into the evolution of animation, the artists and studios that shaped the industry, and why these timeless cartoons continue to resonate with audiences today. Connect with Jerry: https://cartoonresearch.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jbeck6540/ Taping date: June 3, 2026 Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host) https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/ 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 372: Jerry Beck (Animation Historian & Author)

  8. Jun 27

    Episode 371: Robin Walsh (Puppet Artist)

    This week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by puppet artist and performer Robin Walsh! Robin takes us through her fascinating career in puppetry, sharing stories from some of the most beloved children's television series and unique film productions of the past few decades. Robin discusses her work as a puppeteer on Bear in the Big Blue House, The Book of Pooh, Whoopi's Littleburg, and the hit comedy series Crank Yankers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and teamwork required to bring puppet characters to life. She also reflects on her experiences in film, including her work on Men in Black and Team America: World Police. From children's television to major motion pictures, Robin shares memorable moments, creative challenges, and insights into the world of professional puppetry. Connect with Robin: https://forgottenbaggage.com/ https://www.realitysplayground.com/ https://www.instagram.com/realitysplayground/ Taping date: February 5, 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: https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

    Episode 371: Robin Walsh (Puppet Artist)
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Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive! Hosted by Jake Deffinbaugh, with co-host, Chris Bixby.

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