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. 1d ago

    Comedian Brian Scott McFadden on His Father Bob McFadden, Snarf, ThunderCats & Finding His Own Voice

    Brian Scott McFadden, son of legendary ThunderCats voice actor Bob McFadden, joins Beyond Thundera for a rare and personal look at the man behind Snarf and the incredible voice acting career that extended through ThunderCats, SilverHawks and decades of animation. Brian shares what it was really like growing up with Bob McFadden, hearing famous voices and impressions around the house, visiting recording sessions and eventually following his father into voice acting and comedy. He also opens up about the more complicated side of his father, including a revealing conversation with Cheetara voice actress Lynne Lipton, and explains how Bob's remarkable knowledge of classic actors helped shape the voices and characters he created. The conversation also explores the history of voice acting, Mel Blanc, classic Hollywood influences, Bob's work as Steelwill on SilverHawks, rare recordings and stories from the New York recording scene that produced some of the most beloved cartoons of the 1980s. Join Sean "Buddha" McKeone and Peter Lawrence for another piece of ThunderCats history on Beyond Thundera, and subscribe so these stories continue to be heard and preserved. Brian Scott McFadden’s Official Website www.brianscottmcfadden.com Brian Scott McFadden on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brianscottmcfadden Brian Scott McFadden on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brianscottmcfadden Brian Scott McFadden on X https://x.com/bscottmcfadden

    Comedian Brian Scott McFadden on His Father Bob McFadden, Snarf, ThunderCats & Finding His Own Voice

  2. Sep 10

    Hear the Roar Author David Crichton Talks Saving ThunderCats History Before It Was Too Late

    Author David Crichton, creator of Hear the Roar: The Unauthorized and Unofficial Guide to ThunderCats, joins Sean "Buddha" McKeone and original ThunderCats writer Peter Lawrence for an incredible conversation about documenting one of animation's most beloved series. David reveals how a passion project turned into years of research, more than 100 interviews with the cast and crew, and one of the most comprehensive books ever written about ThunderCats. This episode explores the untold story behind writing Hear the Roar, the challenge of tracking down the people who created ThunderCats, and why preserving their stories became so important. David shares fascinating memories of interviewing legendary creators including Bernie Hoffer, Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass, and many others, while Peter reflects on the making of the original series and why ThunderCats became something far greater than just another 1980s cartoon. The conversation also dives into the creative process behind Rankin/Bass, the influence of Japanese animation on ThunderCats, why the series continues to resonate with fans around the world, and what made the original show so different from later reboots. Whether you're a lifelong ThunderCats fan, interested in animation history, behind-the-scenes television production, or the process of preserving pop culture history, this episode is packed with rare stories and firsthand insights you won't hear anywhere else. If you enjoy rare creator interviews, animation history, ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Rankin/Bass, and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who made these iconic series, be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and let us know your favorite ThunderCats memory. Every subscription and share helps us continue preserving these incredible stories for future generations. Hear the Roar by David Crichton on Amazon  https://a.co/d/4whRhZb Idiot Box Publishing https://idiotboxbooks.com/ Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThunderCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharks www.thundercatstoyguide.com Purchase Hall of Omens titles BigBadToyStore (BBTS): Hall of Omens: The Unofficial Ultimate Guide to ThunderCats Toys and Beyond - https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/product/variationdetails/283383 Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThundeCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharks: Standard Cover: https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/347600 Exclusive Kyle Lambert Cover https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/347612 Peter Lawrence official website www.gpeterlawrence.com

    Hear the Roar Author David Crichton Talks Saving ThunderCats History Before It Was Too Late

  3. Sep 3

    She Was Steelheart & Melodia?! Maggie Wheeler on SilverHawks, Friends, Seinfeld & More

    Friends, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, Ellen, How I Met Your Mother, SilverHawks, and decades of Hollywood history all come together in this incredibly honest conversation with actress Maggie Wheeler. Best known to millions as Janice from Friends and the voice of Melodia in SilverHawks, Maggie joins Sean "Buddha" McKeone and original ThunderCats writer Peter Lawrence for a fascinating discussion about acting, rejection, success, perseverance, and the unpredictable realities of life in Hollywood. In this episode, Maggie shares deeply personal stories about coming within inches of starring roles, almost becoming Ray Romano's wife on Everybody Loves Raymond, landing and losing a starring role on Ellen, and how those experiences unexpectedly led to one of television's most unforgettable characters on Friends. Along the way, she reflects on balancing family and career, surviving rejection, navigating the entertainment industry, and redefining what success truly means. The conversation also explores Maggie's remarkable career across television, film, and voice acting, including her work on SilverHawks, while Peter Lawrence offers his own perspective on creativity, legacy, and why some productions become timeless while others fade away. Together, they discuss the emotional highs and lows of creative careers, the realities behind Hollywood success, and the lessons that only decades of experience can teach. Whether you're a fan of Friends, SilverHawks, classic television, voice acting, or behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood, this episode offers an inspiring, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about resilience, creativity, and finding success on your own terms. If you enjoy rare creator interviews, behind-the-scenes television history, classic animation, and conversations with the people behind some of entertainment's most iconic shows, be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and let us know what part of Maggie's journey resonated with you most. Maggie Wheeler Music - “Rise Up” by Maggie Wheeler https://vimeo.com/492675237?fl=pl&fe=sh “Walk With Me” - with the Golden Bridge Choir & the audience  https://vimeo.com/263281992?fl=pl&fe=sh Maggie Wheeler on BandCamp http://maggiewheeler.bandcamp.com  “When the Crow Calls” - Maggie Wheeler on band camp https://maggiewheeler.bandcamp.com/album/the-crow-calls The World is Turning https://maggiewheeler.bandcamp.com/album/the-world-is-turning Maggie Wheeler on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBuS2d_2r3ufjeMV7XB9m9w Be sure to see the EXCLUSIVE interview with Maggie in the pages of Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! https://thundercatstoyguide.com

    She Was Steelheart & Melodia?! Maggie Wheeler on SilverHawks, Friends, Seinfeld & More

  4. Aug 27

    ThunderCats “Excalibur”: Peter Lawrence Revisits His Episode and the Sword of Omens vs. King Arthur

    Why did ThunderCats suddenly bring King Arthur and Excalibur to Third Earth—and what does the writer who created the episode think of it almost 40 years later? Peter Lawrence takes us back inside “Excalibur,” an episode that has remained one of the most memorable of his time writing ThunderCats. We learn how an idea from Jules Bass collided with Peter's lifelong love of Arthurian legend, why the Japanese animation team gave the episode a distinctive look, and the real production problem behind some of the reused animation fans see in the finished episode. Peter also does something you don't often get from the writer of a classic cartoon: he critiques his own work decades later. What would he change? What does he think he missed? And why does he still consider this story different from most ThunderCats episodes? Plus, we get into Mumm-Ra as King Arthur, the Sword of Omens vs. Excalibur, the reality of medieval jousting, and just how badass it was for Lion-O to show up to a joust without armor... riding a unicorn. Join us for another trip behind the scenes of ThunderCats with stories and production history directly from one of the people who helped create it. Be sure to Like and Subscribe to Beyond Thundera for more ThunderCats, SilverHawks and Rankin/Bass history.

    ThunderCats “Excalibur”: Peter Lawrence Revisits His Episode and the Sword of Omens vs. King Arthur

  5. Aug 20

    Remembering ThunderCats Writer William "Bill" Overgard

    William “Bill” Overgard's name appears on some unforgettable ThunderCats episodes. But the story behind that name is considerably stranger — and more fascinating — than the credits ever revealed. Peter Lawrence didn't just work with Bill Overgard. He became his friend. In this episode, Peter takes us inside that friendship with stories about martini-fueled lunches, an incredible old farm filled with animals, a one-legged crow with a violent streak, classic cars, the golden age of newspaper comics and an artist Peter believes possessed an extraordinary instinct for visual storytelling. Then there's the part of Overgard's story that is difficult to forget: artwork originating from his comic-strip work became connected to a Roy Lichtenstein piece that would eventually sell for more than $40 million — while Overgard himself ultimately died broke. We also explore Overgard’s work on classic comic strips including Steve Roper and Mike Nomad, his extraordinary ability to frame action, his influence as an artist, the Roy Lichtenstein connection, and the heartbreaking reality of an accomplished creator whose work became enormously valuable while he ultimately died with very little. This isn't simply a ThunderCats episode. It's the story of a fascinating and largely forgotten American artist, told by someone who actually knew him. Like and Subscribe to Beyond Thundera for more untold stories from the people behind ThunderCats, SilverHawks and the world of Rankin/Bass.

    Remembering ThunderCats Writer William "Bill" Overgard

  6. Aug 13

    Peter Lawrence Talks Mongor: The ThunderCats Villain Built From Fear

    Where did Mongor actually come from? More than 40 years after writing the ThunderCats episode, Peter Lawrence went back and reread his original "Mongor" script — and discovered things in it that even he hadn't realized were there. In this episode of Beyond Thundera, Peter reveals the real idea behind Mongor, why fear itself became the foundation of the story, the horror novel that unexpectedly influenced the character's appearance, connections to mythology going back thousands of years, and what was happening behind the scenes when characters like Mongor were being created. And Peter isn't afraid to question his own writing either. How did Mumm-Ra search for Mongor for centuries without finding him... only for WilyKit and WilyKat to stumble across him? Why does something like that still work? That leads into a fascinating conversation about storytelling, the creative freedom behind ThunderCats, and why audiences will forgive things that make absolutely no sense when everything else is working. This is ThunderCats history directly from one of the people who created it. Subscribe to Beyond Thundera for more behind-the-scenes stories, original production history and conversations with the people who helped create the shows we still love today.

    Peter Lawrence Talks Mongor: The ThunderCats Villain Built From Fear

  7. Aug 6

    ThunderCats Soundtrack Supervisor Steve Gruskin Reveals the Secrets Behind the Sound

    Most ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Comic Strip & TigerSharks fans have seen Steve Gruskin's name in the credits. Very few know what he actually did. Steve Gruskin helped shape the sound of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, TigerSharks, and other beloved Rankin/Bass productions, yet many fans only know his name from the credits as "Soundtrack Supervisor." In this episode of Beyond Thundera, Steve reveals what that role actually involved and shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the production of some of the most iconic cartoons of the 1980s. From directing voice actors and creating sound effects to working alongside legendary composer Bernard Hoffer, Steve takes us inside the analog production process that brought these shows to life long before digital editing and Pro Tools existed. He also discusses the creative challenges of building SilverHawks from the ground up, designing musical battles, composing original music, and collaborating with the Rankin/Bass team. He also  talks about working with legendary composer Bernard Hoffer, and reveals how a group of musicians, engineers, and creatives built some of the most beloved cartoons of the 1980s. If you love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, Rankin/Bass history, animation production, voice acting, cartoon music, or rare behind-the-scenes stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews, production history, and archival conversations.

    ThunderCats Soundtrack Supervisor Steve Gruskin Reveals the Secrets Behind the Sound

  8. Jul 30

    Warner Bros. Approved a ThunderCats College Class?! | From Black Widow Shark to Prof. Nick Carver

    ThunderCats collector, customizer, educator, and historian Nick Carver (Nick from Thundera) joins Sean "Buddha" McKeone and original ThunderCats writer Peter Lawrence for a fascinating conversation about one of the most unique ThunderCats projects ever created—a university course dedicated entirely to the history of ThunderCats. Best known throughout the ThunderCats community for his incredible Black Widow Shark custom vehicle and years of research into the franchise, Nick shares the remarkable story behind his lifelong passion for Third Earth. In this episode, Nick shares the incredible story of developing and teaching The History of ThunderCats at a U.S. university, revealing how the class explored the creation of the iconic 1980s animated series, its storytelling, merchandising, licensing, and lasting cultural impact. He discusses working directly with Warner Bros. to secure permission for the course, creating an officially approved promotional campaign, and using never-before-seen production materials, scripts, concept art, prototypes, and internal Rankin/Bass documents to teach students how ThunderCats evolved from an idea into a global franchise. The conversation also explores Nick's remarkable discovery of a archive of original ThunderCats production materials, offering a rare glimpse into the development of the series and the collaborative process between Rankin/Bass, LJN, Leisure Concepts, Telepictures, and many others who helped bring Third Earth to life. Peter Lawrence provides incredible firsthand insight into the creation of ThunderCats, discussing the importance of story, character development, world-building, and why the series was never created simply to sell toys. Together, Peter and Nick explore how meaningful storytelling, memorable characters, and strong creative foundations ultimately made ThunderCats one of the most beloved animated series of all time. Topics discussed include: The History of ThunderCats university courseThunderCats behind-the-scenes productionRankin/Bass animationPeter Lawrence on writing ThunderCatsWarner Bros. licensing approvalOriginal production artwork and scriptsThunderCats merchandising and toy developmentStan Weston and Leisure ConceptsLJN ToysThe lasting legacy of ThunderCatsWhether you're a lifelong ThunderCats fan, interested in animation history, fascinated by behind-the-scenes television production, or curious about how great stories become lasting franchises, this episode is packed with rare stories, production history, and firsthand insights you won't hear anywhere else.

    Warner Bros. Approved a ThunderCats College Class?! | From Black Widow Shark to Prof. Nick Carver
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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
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beyond Thundera Podcast
  • Show Website
    Beyond Thundera Podcast

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