Beyond Thundera Podcast

Beyond Thundera Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Weekly

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

    6d ago

    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

    1h 18m
  2. Beyond Thundera w/ Celesta Johnston | How ThunderCats Became “Home” For an Entire Generation

    Jun 5

    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

    1h 7m
  3. Beyond Thundera: AMA w/ ThunderCats Reddit & Discord Fans

    May 29

    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

    1h 33m
  4. Beyond Thundera w/ Live Event Agent, Scott Cook - Inside the World of ThunderCats Con Appearances

    May 22

    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

    1h 7m
  5. Beyond Thundera w/ Tony Giovanniello -The Sound Design & Creative Chaos Behind ThunderCats Production

    May 15

    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.

    1h 24m
  6. Beyond Thundera: Inside the Making of Fox's Peter Pan and the Pirates | Tim Curry | Hook | Fox Kids

    May 8

    Beyond Thundera: Inside the Making of Fox's Peter Pan and the Pirates | Tim Curry | Hook | Fox Kids

    Step behind the scenes of Fox’s cult classic animated series Peter Pan and the Pirates with legendary writer/story editor and ThunderCats creative force Peter Lawrence. In this fascinating deep-dive conversation on the Beyond Thundera Podcast, Peter shares never-before-heard stories about joining the series after Rankin/Bass, moving from New York to Los Angeles, working with Buzz Potamkin, Lee Dannacher, Takashi, Sid Iwanter, and Margaret Loesch, and helping reshape Peter Pan and the Pirates into one of the most unique animated shows of the 1990s. Peter also discusses: • How he became story editor on Peter Pan and the Pirates • The creative struggles behind the show’s scripts • The East Coast vs. West Coast animation divide • Building the show’s pirate language and nautical world • Working with Emmy-winning actor Tim Curry as Captain Hook • The similarities and differences between ThunderCats, SilverHawks, and Fox Kids productions • Hollywood executives, writers rooms, creative control, and network notes • The reality of making animated television in the late 80s and early 90s Fans of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Peter Pan and the Pirates, Fox Kids, Rankin/Bass, retro cartoons, 80s animation, 90s animation, Tim Curry, and behind-the-scenes animation history will not want to miss this episode. Watch & listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

    1h 13m
  7. Beyond Thundera w/ ThunderCats Fan & artist JP - (thundercats_classics on Instagram)

    May 1

    Beyond Thundera w/ ThunderCats Fan & artist JP - (thundercats_classics on Instagram)

    In this episode, we sit down with JP aka Thundercats Classics from Instagram to talk all things ThunderCats, the passionate fanbase across Latin America, rare collectibles, fan art, future conventions, and the lasting legacy of one of the greatest animated series of all time. We dive deep into why countries like Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and across South America still celebrate ThunderCats with giant exhibits, custom ThunderTank builds, conventions, murals, and multi-generational fandom that rivals — and may even surpass — the U.S. In This Episode We Discuss:✅ Why ThunderCats remains HUGE in Latin America✅ Incredible fan-made ThunderTank replicas & mall exhibits✅ Multi-generational fans discovering the show through family✅ Why classic 80s cartoons still connect with kids today✅ The future of ThunderCats in America✅ JP’s amazing ThunderCats-inspired artwork✅ Secret upcoming officially licensed ThunderCats products✅ Collectibles, customs, sneakers & fan culture✅ Could a ThunderCats convention happen next? JP also shares details about his transition from fan artist to officially working on ThunderCats-related projects, plus his incredible vision for an older, battle-hardened Lion-O “What If?” universe. If you love ThunderCats, 80s cartoons, nostalgia, action figures, retro animation, Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, collectibles, fan art, or cartoon history, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. COMMENT BELOW:Which country has the strongest ThunderCats fanbase? Would you watch a new ThunderCats series? What character should JP redesign next? Like | Comment | Subscribe for more ThunderCats content, retro cartoons, interviews, collectibles & fandom deep dives!

    1h 30m
  8. Beyond Thundera: Emmy-winning writer/producer Grant Moran discusses Kepyr, ThunderCats art auction, plus Batman TAS, Bobby’s World, WayneHead & more!

    Apr 24

    Beyond Thundera: Emmy-winning writer/producer Grant Moran discusses Kepyr, ThunderCats art auction, plus Batman TAS, Bobby’s World, WayneHead & more!

    What happens when legendary animation writer Grant Moran joins the show to talk ThunderCats, Batman: The Animated Series, Bobby’s World, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, and Hollywood writing secrets — all while revealing an incredible charity auction helping refugee children? In this powerful and entertaining interview, Grant shares how he founded Kepyr.org, a nonprofit supporting displaced children around the world through creativity, storytelling, and healing. Plus, he reveals the ThunderCats 2026 charity art auction, featuring one-of-a-kind original artwork from major artists. We also discuss Grant’s career in animation, including behind-the-scenes stories from: ✅ ThunderCats legacy & fandom ✅ Batman: The Animated Series early development ✅ WayneHead and working with Damon Wayans and the Wayans family ✅ Bobby’s World secrets ✅ Howie Mandel behind the scenes ✅ Hollywood writing careers & branding ✅ Animaniacs era stories ✅ Supporting refugee children through art This is a must-watch for fans of 80s cartoons, 90s animation, ThunderCats collectors, comic art collectors, Batman TAS fans, animation writers, and pop culture lovers. 🔥 Visit Kepyr: Kepyr.org 🔥 ThunderCats Charity Auction runs in June 🔥 Rare collector items + exclusive signed art If you love animation, comics, and inspiring real-world causes — this episode is for you. 👉 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews with animation legends and pop culture icons.

    1h 7m
See All (20)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beyond Thundera Podcast
  • Show Website
    Beyond Thundera Podcast

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