No. 52: The Women of Star Wars from October 15, 2018

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This week, author and self-proclaimed geek Amy Ratcliffe joins Mousetalgia to talk about "Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy," her new book profiling 75 female characters from the Star Wars universe. Covering personalities throughout all of Star Wars from the original trilogy through "Star Wars: Resistance," the book covers an exhaustive herstory of the entire world of Star Wars, deriving content from the films, books, comics, and television shows. Amy talks about the process of writing the book, what the various stories mean to her, and her thoughts and memories about Carrie Fisher. Also this week: Kristen talks about D23's free spooky 25th anniversary screenings; Disney releases Otter Box phone cases; Storyteller Cafe goes full buffet; we launch "Becky in the Sky with Diamonds" - our new segment on booking hotels and Expo hotel planning; and we premiere a haunting poem.

Mousetalgia Best Ear Ever No. 51: Eddy Collins, VIP stories from October 3, 2016

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This week, Mousetalgia welcomes special guest Eddy Collins, who has spent decades with the Disney Company. Collins started doing custodial work at Disneyland and eventually became Global Sales Manager and a spokesperson for the resort. Eddy talks about his first job at the park as a sweeper, and how he quickly became a prestigious VIP tour guide, then moved to guest communications and management, and on to special events for the opening of Disney's California Adventure (after a run-in with the Disneyland Ambassador program and roles in TV/radio broadcasting). Eddy talks about managing Disneyland's international publicity, becoming the resort's Global Sales Manager, and the importance of a little pixie dust. Eddy also dusts off the plaid vest and takes us back in time to his days as a VIP tour guide, with stories about Ted Dansen and his family, Disney Legend Robin Williams, Ed McMahon, and of course, tales of touring with Michael Jackson (in and out of disguise). Plus, we discuss ways you can bring spooky Disney settings into your Halloween decorating - and more.

No. 50: Spin & Marty, The Muppets from Dec. 5, 2011

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Spin and Marty speak at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia report from the event. Tim ‘Spin’ Considine and David ‘Marty’ Stollery tell the secrets of their popular serial made famous by the Mickey Mouse Club television show, and share stories about being child stars. Also, remembering Walt Disney on his birthday, and our review of "The Muppets." Plus - gingerbread, holiday music... and Kristen invades Walt Disney World!

No. 49: Journey Into Imagination; David Koenig from July 28, 2014

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David Koenig offers a look behind the scenes at the process of writing the best "behind the scenes" Disney parks books! From surprising anecdotes to the massive undertaking of documenting Walt Disney World's history, Koenig discusses his various books and his opinions about successful attractions, cast member secrets, and the art of bringing fantasy to life. Koenig talks about Universal's impact on the Disney parks, dealing with Disney's legal arm, and how pulling back the curtain on Disney park operations can make fans love the parks even more. Also, Mousetalgia goes back to Walt Disney World again as Dave, Becky and Kristen discuss a special fundraiser featuring Tony Baxter discussing Journey Into Imagination, the beloved extinct attraction from EPCOT Center. Tony talks about the original proposed EPCOT architecture, the origins of the attraction, and the unlikely genesis of Figment! Plus, our favorite Disney summer songs - and more!

No. 48: Walt Disney's Hollywood and the beginning of the Walt Disney Company from January 24, 2011

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Visit Walt Disney's Hollywood: In this week's episode, Jeff takes us on a tour of Walt Disney's Hollywood, with stops at his first home and the first studio where Walt's "Alice" short films were created. Other stops include the infamous Snow White Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard, Paty's Coffee House (which Walt would visit from time to time) and Walt's final resting place in Forest Lawn. Also - Jeff reports on the Disney Pops and Pipes organ concert at the grand El Capitan Theater, the Disney Soda Fountain serves up TRON Sundaes... and more!

No. 47: Disneyland Hotel secrets from October 17, 2011

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Go back in time and visit the Disneyland Hotel of the '50s and '60s in this special resort edition of Mousetalgia! This week, we welcome historian Donald Ballard to the show, to share his stories, research, and secrets about the early days of Disneyland's first hotel. Learn about the Wrather family's investment in Walt Disney's vision, and discover how the Disneyland Hotel developed over decades from a glorified motor inn to the unique resort it is today. Also, from a men-only club to $2,500-per-night suites, you'll learn fascinating stories about the creation of this world-famous destination. Plus - a press report from a preview ride of the Haunted Mansion in 1969 - and more!

No. 46: Walt Disney and World War II from May 30, 2011

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Walt Disney and World War II: In this special Memorial Day episode from 2011, Team Mousetalgia reports on a weekend event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about the Walt Disney Studios output during World War II, featuring presentations by historian Paul F. Anderson. Learn about the various projects and films that the studio created during this critical period of American history. Also - take a closer look at one of the more famous propaganda films, "Victory Through Air Power," which Walt Disney believed would help end the war and save lives. Plus - an exclusive presentation of a 1943 radio program featuring Walt Disney talking about "Victory" - and more!

No. 45: Newsies '15 tour, Disneyland '55 from March 9, 2015

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Mousetalgia carries the banner and reviews the current touring production of Newsies, which landed recently in San Francisco. We discuss the differences between the film and the touring production, and even some differences between the Broadway show and the current tour. Souvenirs, dancing, the music - we cover it all. Then, Dave and Becky review Disney on Ice: "Let's Celebrate," and describe the experience. (Hint: bring a kid!) Also, the Mallett family joins us to discuss visiting Disneyland almost 60 years ago in 1955 when they won a radio contest in the Golden Horseshoe and rode down Main Street in the fire truck with Abbott and Costello, and they also share their memories of the park as they grew up with it through the decades. Finally, the team participates in the recent "Story of Disneyland" auction, and we report back on our successes, failures, and some of the highlights of this much-anticipated auction of Disneyland memorabilia. Plus - in honor of Friday the 13th, we talk about unlucky moments at the Disneyland park. From duck poop encounters to Sleeping Beauty backstage in Juicy sweatpants, we recount some of the unfortunate events that have stricken the Mousetalgia crew in the past.