Earlier in 2024 on Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman and guest Matthew Hodge (professor and author) discussed some of their favorite Disney songs and scores, and then provided recommendations on other selections that you may not have heard of. Today the duo is back, specifically to discuss their recommendations of Disney songs if you enjoy other s…

On May 25, 2024 the world lost a legendary songwriter emblematic of the term Disney Legend. Richard M. Sherman, who, with his brother Robert, wrote some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century and into the 21st century, too, passed away at the age of 95. It’s almost impossible to sum up Richard’s life and legacy in the span of a few sentences…

Earlier in 2024 on Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman and guest Matthew Hodge (professor and author) discussed some of their favorite Disney songs and scores, and then provided recommendations on other selections that you may not have heard of. Today the duo is back, specifically to discuss their recommendations of Disney scores if you enjoy other …

Two decades later, and we are still on the chase for some unexpected historical discoveries. In 2004, Disney released the surprise hit film National Treasure, starring Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates, a modern-day treasure hunter, and the film has since spawned a sequel, television series, and more. Drs. Aubrey R. Paris and Emily M. Black are the hosts o…

Ever wonder about some of the secret stories and forgotten aspects of Walt Disney World? Well, author Foxx Nolte has catalogued many of these tales and fascinating finds in a new book: Hidden History of Walt Disney World, published by The History Press. On this episode of Notably Disney, Foxx, who garnered much acclaim for the book Boundless Realm:…

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year is Splash, the first release from Touchstone Pictures, the late film label from Disney as it aimed to create a space for more adult fare. Splash was an immediate hit for the studio, one that defined romantic comedies and fantasies for the 80s, and features an unforgettable score from the legendary Lee Hold…

This episode of Notably Disney welcomes on London-based author Emily Zemler. Emily is a writer and journalist who has crafted over stories and celebrity interviews for a variety of outlets, including The Los Angeles Times, Billboard, Allure, Rolling Stone, Time, and more. Emily has catalogued fascinating insights about the development and impact of…

Emmy Award-winner Ken Bruce has a storied career in animation across a variety of roles and projects, such as an animation timer for shows like Family Guy and a sequence director for The Fairly OddParents, to a storyboard artist for films like Shrek, Up, and Toy Story 3. He now brings his adoration of the classic Disneyland attraction The Enchanted…

Although many of us are familiar with the Disney artists, including singers and songwriters who have delivered many of our favorite tunes from the Mouse House, there are unsung heroes who also have stories to share. Music producer Bambi Moé discusses her experiences with some top-notch Hollywood talent in a lovely book called Part of the Magic: A C…

The 96th Academy Awards takes place on Sun, March 10, making now a perfect time to think about Disney’s role with the Oscars. Over the years many dozens of songs and scores have been nominated, and even a handful have won for their respective categories. Invariably, though, there have been some significant omissions, in terms of songs and scores th…

Four years ago, orchestrator and composer Jeff Kryka joined Notably Disney to discuss his incredible score for The Imagineering Story, the 6-part documentary series on Disney+, as well as his early career in the music industry and often collaborating with famed composer Michael Giacchino. In the years since Jeff has orchestrated a number of films a…

For 37 years The Walt Disney Company has bestowed one of its highest honors – the Disney Legends Award – to 304 contributors to the corporation over its 100-year history, ranging from animators and Imagineers to singers and executives. In Disney Legends: Makers of Magic, Volume 1, author Jamie Hecker highlights many of these notable names. On this …

In a special episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman and guest Matthew Hodge (professor and author) discuss some favorite Disney songs and scores, and then offer recommendations if you like those particular selections. It's a fun game of "if you like this, then you love these" other options. Learn more about Matt's work by visiting his websit…

A new year brings new opportunity to plan your Disney-related vacation. Travel journalist Seth Kubersky, the longtime author behind The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland series, joins host Brett Nachman to discuss the 2024 iteration of the book and how to best plan your next vacation to The Happiest Place on Earth. The pair discuss touring plans, Geni…

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has enveloped both the silver screen and television screens for the past 15 years, and now comes the release of a new book that explores the emergence of this Hollywood titan. MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios recently debuted from authors Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards, and Joanna Robinson, serving as an in-depth, compre…

In November 1998 the fledgling Pixar Animation Studios debuted its second theatrical film after Toy Story, the massive hit that took Hollywood by storm. A Bug's Life may not have reached the same extraordinarily levels of critical and audience acclaim and box office prowess, but still represents a very beloved - if not underrated - feature in the P…

Over the decades The Walt Disney Company has embarked on many projects that never came to fruition. One of those famous endeavors that has rarely been explored in as much depth is Disney’s intent to build a ski resort in the Mineral King Valley in the 1960s and 1970s. On this episode of Notably Disney host Brett Nachman speaks with journalists and …

Dr. Cody Havard is Professor of Sport Commerce and the Director of Research in the Kemmons Wilson School at The University of Memphis and engages in work around sports rivalries and fandom. He has extended his passion for how fans appreciate their topical interests – specifically within the realm of Disney – into many venues, including a class, the…

Today’s guest has represented Disney beauty and talent from the Broadway stage in New York to the shimmering seas of Disney Cruise Line. On this episode, host Brett Nachman brings on singer, actress, and educator Jennifer Shrader Williams, who played Babette and Belle for Disney on Broadway's Beauty and the Beast and currently teaches at William Pe…

It’s book review time on this episode of Notably Disney as host Brett Nachman welcomes back some favorite fellow podcasters who have participated on many past episodes of the show. It’s Courtney Guth and Emily McDermott of the Book of the Mouse Club podcast that spotlights Disney books and books that have connections to Disney stories. On this epis…

Composer, singer-songwriter, and musician Gabriel Mann has contributed dozens of scores over the past few decades across many media, such as video games, TV series, and movies. Within the world of Disney, and its broadcasting networks and streaming services, he is perhaps known as the composer behind hits like ABC's long-running Modern Family, dram…

Returning to Notably Disney is one of the most informed Disney scholars. Author Jim Fanning has contributed his talents to numerous Disney publications and titles over the years, and has multiple new releases this fall, including Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder: A retrospective collection of artwork and step-by-step drawing projects featuring a …

Dr. Peter C. Kunze, an assistant professor of communication at Tulane University, joins host Brett Nachman to discuss his new book: Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance. The title explores a compelling era for The Walt Disney Company, one that ultimately found the fluttering corporation transform into a bustling congl…

This summer brought the return of one of film’s classic adventure heroes to the big screen. Although Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’s fate may have been in an subpar box office, its score, slated to be among the last of master composer John Williams, will leave you as excited as the ticker tape parade scene from the latest installment. On th…

The Enchanted Disney: Stories of Walt, Hollywood, and Live-Action Film uncovers the personal and professional experiences of fifteen individuals who have Disney connections, especially in concert with the world of live-action Disney films and the company’s founder himself. Spencer Wright, an author who joined in on an episode of Notably Disney more…

Back in Fall 2020, John Debney joined Notably Disney for the first time, and he returns again! The Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated composer possesses a prolific catalogue of film projects that he has contributed to the company, from Hocus Pocus and The Princess Diaries, to Inspector Gadget and 2016’s The Jungle Book. Although he and …

One of the earliest Disney podcasts to debut on the scene 18 years ago was "A Window to the Magic," offering a binaural glimpse into the sounds of the Disney theme parks. Its host Paul Barrie is a legend in the Disney podcast world, and today Paul joins host Brett Nachman on Notably Disney to discuss a fun topic: forgotten, favorite sounds and scor…

Disneyland Paris has enchanted guests for more than three decades, and host Brett Nachman finally had the opportunity to visit the European Disney destination. On this episode of Notably Disney, Brett and returning guest Matthew Hodge (author/pianist/professor) discuss their reflections of vacationing at the resort, as well as share their thoughts …

Tammy Tuckey, established podcaster who hosts The Tammy Tuckey Show, and a wonderful artist and singer, has just released her newest album that celebrates the songs from our beloved Disney theme parks. “Glowing in Timeless Places” features an array of classic tunes and even an original piece by Tuckey herself. On this episode of Notably Disney, Tam…

Disney Editions has recently released a bunch of books that commemorate the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration, reflecting the centennial of The Walt Disney Company. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman offers brief reviews of each of four books that recently debuted: Walt Disney: An American Original (Commemorative Edition) by…

Matt Grinke, composer, pianist, and musician, serves as the Music Captain of the Disney Wish ship, as part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. On this episode of Notably Disney, Matt talks with host Brett Nachman about his experiences living on the ship, creating Disney song trivia games for the ships, engaging with guests during special cruise experi…

It all started with Ben Gates stealing the Declaration of Independence and manifested into a fan favorite franchise about discovering clues all around us. The National Treasure series has sparked newfound appreciation through the release of the National Treasure: Edge of History series on Disney Plus, and helping further our dive into the wonderful…

Musical theatre professor and author Matthew Hodge, who has written all about Disney and jazz music in his book Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney, just saw the Paper Mill Playhouse's recently-concluded production of Hercules, based on the fan favorite 1997 Disney animated film. On this episode Notably Disney, Matt joins host B…

Gijs Van Winkelhof is a pianist and composer who has played his tunes at Disneyland Paris and delighted audiences via his popular weekly YouTube livestreams where takes requests from viewers. On this episode of Notably Disney, Gijs joins host Brett Nachman to discuss his passion for Disney, piano playing at Disneyland Paris, experiences at the park…

Uncovering Disney history in new and exciting ways always provides a treat for aficionados. Luckily, we have an opportunity to learn more about Disney's relationship with American culture, and its influence on one another, through museum specialist Bethanee Bemis. Her new book explores those interconnections, and soon this topic will serve as the f…

On past episodes of Notably Disney, we have hosted numerous editions of Tunes & Quotes Trivia, in which podcasters, Disney fans, and authors have competed to showcase their knowledge of songs and lines from the theme parks, films, and more. One year ago, The Mad Chatters podcast co-host Derek Lewis and musical theatre professor and Cool Cats and a …

Disney author Jim Fanning returns to Notably Disney to discuss with host Brett Nachman their selections for favorite live-action Disney film quotes. It's a varied list of inspired, hilarious, and compelling lines of dialogue that encompasses two parts! On this second part, Brett and Jim highlight quotes from the following films: The Princess Diarie…

Disney author Jim Fanning returns to Notably Disney to discuss with host Brett Nachman their selections for favorite live-action Disney film quotes. It's a varied list of inspired, hilarious, and compelling lines of dialogue that encompasses two parts! On this first part, Brett and Jim highlight quotes from the following films: Saving Mr. Banks (sc…

The holiday season has arrived, and with it come the release of exciting new book titles from Disney Editions. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman brings you his reviews of two highly-anticipated titles. First, he shares his thoughts on the expansive, very rich book companion of the critically-acclaimed documentary on Disney Plus:…

Composer Henry Jackman is known as one of the top film composers of today, responsible for dynamic scores for blockbusters like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Kong: Skull Island. Within The Walt Disney Company, he has composed several scores for Marvel (including Captain America: Civil War) and now five films for Walt Disney Animation Studios: …

Three years ago, the debut of the streaming service that has enabled us all to relive our favorite magical memories and make new ones, too, transformed the way we consume Disney content. Disney Plus has grown into a major vehicle for delivering outstanding original series, films, specials, and shorts, in tandem with offering a vast catalogue from D…

Marcy Carriker Smothers is well known in the Disney community for authoring several popular books, including the very recent Walt’s Disneyland, in which readers take a photographic tour through the happiest place on Earth. She was a past Notably Disney guest, and now joins host Brett Nachman to discuss her newest title, just released from National …

Legendary Disney author Didier Ghez joins host Brett Nachman to dive into the development of The Origins of Walt Disney's True Life Adventures, a new monograph from the Hyperion Historic Alliance. Didier discusses the amazing experimental processes The Walt Disney Studios underwent from around 1938-1948 in its creation of the Academy Award-winning …

In honor of Epcot's 40th anniversary, Book of the Mouse Club hosts Emily McDermott and Courtney Guth join host Brett Nachman on Notably Disney to discuss the park's four-decade history, including fun memories and experiences during their past visits. Along the way they share what makes the park unique and worth coming back to again and again. Be su…

For nearly 40 years composer David Newman has written scores that span all parts of The Walt Disney Company, including Tim Burton short film Frankenweenie in 1984, 1989’s Cranium Command show at Epcot, The Mighty Ducks in 1992, 102 Dalmatians in 2000, and most recently arranging 2021’s West Side Story score. David Newman is an Academy Award-nominat…

On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman offers an analysis of the recent class of Disney Legends - expect some hot takes, listeners - and interviews podcaster, scholar, and professor Dr. Cody T. Havard (University of Memphis). Cody’s research covers a number of topics, including sports rivalries and fan culture. He’s also the person b…

Join host Brett Nachman as he reflects on the past 3.5 years of Notably Disney, in honor of the podcast hitting the 100th episode milestone! Hear about the podcast's origins, some fun experiences along the way, and legendary people who have been on the show. Additionally, Brett reviews Chronicle Books' latest Disney-Pixar book release: "The Art of …

Author and creative consultant Michael Crawford has lent his skillsets and knowledge of the Mouse House to write and work directly for Disney, as well as detail this knowledge across many spaces, including crafting his Progress City USA blog and writing the book The Progress City Primer: Stories, Secrets, and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Disne…

Strolling through Walt Disney World affords a bevy of sounds and tunes that envelop us in another place, from the horse-drawn roads of Main Street U.S.A. to the jungles of Pandora. The more you listen to music, the more you may ponder the question: "which of these tracks is better?" That sparked the inspiration for this episode of Notably Disney, i…

Emmy-winning composer and orchestrator Steve Bramson has translated his musical gifts to the big and small screen over the years across a variety of projects, including the hit CBS series JAG. His Disney connections span many decades, and most notably, he orchestrated classic Henry Selick flick James and the Giant Peach and composed the original th…