Best Book Of The Mouse Club Podcasts (2025)

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#115: Celebratory Summer Series - “The 55ers: The Pioneers Who Settled Disneyland” by David Koenig 1:08:21

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2d ago1:08:21

1:08:21

Disneyland is celebrating its platinum anniversary! This episode introduces the Celebratory Summer Series with a Disneyland theme to commemorate 70 years of the Happiest Place on Earth. Courtney and Emily kick off this three book summer series by meeting some original cast members around Disneyland in David Koenig’s book “The 55ers: The Pioneers Wh…

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#513 - A Civil War-burton 40:36

9d ago40:36

40:36

Everything is out of context. But we do have interesting thoughts about The Lives of Tao and lots of congrats for the winners and nominees of the Nebulas and more.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Best Disney Villain Songs with Matthew Hodge 55:10

11d ago55:10

55:10

We hate to love them, as well as love to hate them. The Disney villains compromise an electric crew of sinfully satisfying baddies. Some appear in animated movies, others live-action films. Others are on television, in the theme parks, or even on Broadway. Disney villains are sometimes misunderstood, funny, and charming, and often cruel and truly w…

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#512 - Deep Dish is SciPie 31:39

24d ago31:39

31:39

We speculate on how James Cameron will make The Devils and whether Frankenstein will be too scary for Veronica. And we further kick off The Lives of Tao.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Danielle Kelly ("I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom") Author Interview 45:54

25d ago45:54

45:54

Danielle Kelly, also known as the Dapper Danielle, started out her career as a Disney cast member, and has since evolved into delivering fun social media content and now writing a book that focuses on the most popular theme park in the world. In I Love Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Danielle, with editor Ian Wilson, work to elevate our appreciation and un…

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#114: “Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons” by Kermit the Frog 1:11:50

1M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Welcome Class of 2025 to Kermencement! In honor of Kermit the Frog’s commencement speech at his, and your hosts’ alma mater, the University of Maryland, Courtney and Emily read Kermit’s book, “Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons.” Kermit has 70 years of wisdom to share with graduates and readers and in honor of the Muppet …

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#511 - Throw Me in the Corpse Hole 47:21

1M ago47:21

47:21

We discuss the return of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files and Frank Herbert’s posthumous SFWA Infinity Award, Audible’s AI narration plans and Amazon’s cancellation of The Wheel of Time—while nominating hamburg steak and vegan enchiladas and sharing listener stories from Matt Dinniman’s event. We round out the show with in-depth discussions of The Lives…

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Composer Jeff Morrow Unveils Scoring Disney's "Snow White" 53:49

1M ago53:49

53:49

Emmy-nominated composer Jeff Morrow held the mighty job of crafting a score for the live-action adaptation of Disney’s first animated feature. 2025’s Snow White takes our heroine and countless memorable characters into a new landscape for which Jeff has a fertile playing ground to capture whimsy, darkness, and everything in between. On this episode…

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#510 - A New Theseus 36:00

2M ago36:00

36:00

From Hugo admins resigning over AI panel vetting to the latest award winners and a fresh Murderbot clip—to set the stage for our book club pick. Then we dig into Mickey 7’s Ship of Theseus dilemma, sharing listener takes (yes, even foot‑fetishting AIs) and the questions that keep us up at night.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Deconstructing "Pocahontas" 30 Years Later with Dr. Michelle Anya Anjirbag-Reeve and Dr. Peter Kunze 1:30:43

2M ago1:30:43

1:30:43

Three decades later and Disney’s 33rd animated feature remains one of its most controversial for its historical inaccuracies and racial depictions. Yet Pocahontas also remains a celebrated film for its score and songs, garnering Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz a pair of Academy Awards. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman leads a …

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#113: Author Interview - “I Love Disney’s Magic Kingdom” by Danielle Kelly (Dapper Danielle & Co-Host of the Disney Countdown Podcast) 1:04:26

2M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

You may recognize her from social media: she loves churros, Orange Bird, and telling her followers all about Disney history in the late hours of the night. Danielle Kelly, aka the Dapper Danielle, joins Courtney and Emily to give them a tour around the Magic Kingdom in her new book “I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom 100+ Surprising Facts, Magical Quizz…

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#509 - New Achievement! 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

We wrap up Dungeon Crawler Carl, including our horrible imitations of Jeff Hays. Plus, we announce the next pick for May and ponder data-driven determinations of the best SFF books of Tom’s life.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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A Salute to All 3D Shows, But Mostly Muppet*Vision 3D 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

June 7 marks the end of an era, one that lasted 34 years to be precise. The closing of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios signifies not only a farewell to one of the oldest and most beloved attractions in the park, but also to one of the cleverest shows that has ever existed in a Disney theme park. As the last production th…

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#508 - Sexy, Sexy, Mind Palace 54:00

3M ago54:00

54:00

We have Murderbot trailer! And we like it! Plus, the Hugo nominees are out and we wrap up our thoughts on The City and the City and begin our April dungeon crawl.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Bob Weis (Former President, Walt Disney Imagineering) Engages in "Dream Chasing" in New Book 1:04:45

3M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

For more than 70 years Walt Disney Imagineering has been at the forefront of creating unforgettable experiences for theme park guests around the world, and one individual has played a crucial role in spearheading a vision filled with ingenuity and experimentation. Bob Weis, who presided over WDI from 2016-2012, chronicles four decades of self-descr…

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#112: Fairytale Favorites - “Beauty and the Beast” by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont 1:18:20

3M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

There’s a girl in the castle! Courtney and Emily invite you to be our guest for a latest Fairytale Favorite episode. The tale as old as time, “Beauty and the Beast” by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, was the inspiration for the 1991 Walt Disney animated film. There are many differences between the 14 page fairytale and the 90 minute film, but th…

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Book Review of "Dream Chasing" by Disney Imagineer Bob Weis (with Book of the Mouse Club) 1:01:32

3M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Last fall saw the release of a massive new autobiography from legendary Disney Imagineer Bob Weis, who ultimately led Walt Disney Imagineering as its president toward the end of his career with the company. Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering recounts Bob’s amazing time with Disney Imagineering, worki…

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#507 - Book Goblin 40:49

4M ago40:49

40:49

Tom forgot to write the intro to the show this week, so you’re stuck with the Veronica Edition. March is still full of madness, which makes sense because it’s a full moon eclipse coming up and Venus is in retrograde. Or something! We check in on The City and The City by China Miéville, and we see and unsee your perspectives on the book thus far.…

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Dr. Gregory Camp Examines Disney Theme Park Music 55:28

4M ago55:28

55:28

Notably Disney commonly features conversations with composers and musicians responsible for developing many of the scores we love, including those in the theme parks. Rarely, however, has host Brett Nachman had the opportunity to speak with a musicologist who disentangles such tunes. Joining Brett on this episode is Dr. Gregory Camp, a senior lectu…

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#506 - SECs Unit 58:30

4M ago58:30

58:30

March Madness has begun, so get your votes in now. Plus do we like Alexander Skarsgard as Murderbot? And our final thoughts on Will of the Many and non-spoiler intro to The City and the City.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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#111: “The Adventures of Pinocchio: Story of a Puppet” by Carlo Collodi 1:15:46

4M ago1:15:46

1:15:46

Hi-ho the me-ri-o! Courtney and Emily have no strings to hold them down as they celebrate the 85th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation’s second motion picture, Pinocchio, by comparing the film to Carlo Collodi’s original novel, “The Adventures of Pinocchio: Story of a Puppet.” Collodi’s episodic adventure takes readers to the puppet show, the not …

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Director and Author Stephen Anderson Disentangles "Disney In-Between: The Lost Years 1966-1986" 1:27:07

4M ago1:27:07

1:27:07

Animator, director, and voice artist Stephen Anderson has held a variety of roles with The Walt Disney Company for more than two decades. Perhaps he is best known as co-director of 2011’s Winnie the Pooh and 2007’s Meet the Robinsons, including as the voice of the eccentric Bowler Hat Guy. Today he joins host Brett Nachman on Notably Disney to disc…

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#505 - The Roman Empire is My Roman Empire 50:35

5M ago50:35

50:35

The nominations have begun for our March Tournament! Why do we care if eBooks and print books are the same? And our first thoughts on The Will of the Many.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Arranging the Full Score of Disney's Cinderella with Shawn Degenhart 46:56

5M ago46:56

46:56

Before the clock strikes the 75th anniversary of Walt Disney’s masterpiece Cinderella, the release of the full written score of the animated film invites musicians and aficionados to engage with this work. Today’s guest on Notably Disney is arranger and orchestrator Shawn Degenhart, responsible for this new release. Shawn joins host Brett Nachman t…

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#504 - The Miéville Effect 58:58

5M ago58:58

58:58

We have the best 25 books coming out in the next six months and the best 25 books of the last 25 years. Goodbye to the Science Fiction Book Club, our final thoughts on The Ministry of Time, and we kick off our read of The Will of the Many.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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#110: “Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire” by Ashely Spencer 1:28:05

5M ago1:28:05

1:28:05

Courtney and Emily are all in this together for this nostalgic discussion of Disney Channel and Ashley Spencer’s book, “Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire.” The Disney Channel was falling behind in children’s programming in the 1990s until they discovered the tween market and launch millennial defini…

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25 Favorite Disney Songs of the Past 25 Years with Tammy Tuckey (Part 2) 1:07:38

5M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

On this second part of a two-part special episode, host Brett Nachman is joined by podcaster and performer Tammy Tuckey as they continue to share their selections of their 25 favorite Disney songs from the past 25 years. Top picks include tunes by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Alan Mencken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more! Be sure to follow…

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#503 - Tapeworms and Time Travel 46:01

5M ago46:01

46:01

Tom is safe. Stephen has had three New Years, and we all love Graham Gore. But the best part of the show is Veronica's parade of diseases.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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25 Favorite Disney Songs of the Past 25 Years with Tammy Tuckey (Part 1) 1:13:45

6M ago1:13:45

1:13:45

As we enter a new quarter-century, it only seems appropriate to look back at the last 25 years, essentially 2000-2024. Many Disney songs have debuted over this period across all spaces, including film, television, the parks, Broadway stage, and across divisions like Pixar, Marvel, and more. This is a perfect opportunity to highlight what are some o…

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#502 - Rhubarb Abercrumble 48:12

6M ago48:12

48:12

We kick off our January read, wrap up Akata Witch, and welcome in new public domain characters. There's a new Lord of the Rings movie this year. Yay! Plus, Veronica had a rhubarb cider, and Joe Abercrombie looks great for 50!By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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#501 - One Missed S-Call-Zi 42:06

6M ago42:06

42:06

It's end-of-year book list time! And we have a list of our favorite end-of-year lists. Plus, our initial thoughts on Akata Witch!By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Singer Stephen Scaccia Covers the Disney Catalogue 1:02:28

6M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

The videos created by today’s guest, a singer whose powerful and crisp voice delights listeners from ear to ear, have generated millions of views. Stephen Scaccia belts out tunes from our favorite artists across his many social media platforms and via live performances. Some pieces stem from classic Disney films, for which many have seen on YouTube…

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#109: Author Interview - “Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a Twenty-Year Career at Disney” by Michael Lyons of DIS-Order & From Pencils to Pixels Podcasts 1:14:26

7M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Courtney and Emily welcome back Michael Lyons to the Book of the Mouse Club to discuss his latest book, “Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a Twenty-Year Career at Disney.” This book is a perfect selection for the end of the year because it is about reflecting on past experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Michael talks a…

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Author Seth Kubersky Previews "The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025" and "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2025" 53:28

7M ago53:28

53:28

As we reach the end of 2024, many individuals may start thinking about planning their next vacation. Returning to Notably Disney is travel journalist Seth Kubersky, the longtime author behind The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando series. The Disneyland 2025 book was recently released, with Universal Orland…

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#500 - 500 Gargle Blasters! 1:00:54

7M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

We celebrate our 500th episode in the best way we know how—by asking ChatGPT to get our stats wrong. PLUS, announcing the book pick for December and sharing our final thoughts on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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"Music by John Williams" Documentary Review with Trent Vactor 1:03:12

7M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

When you think of film scores, perhaps one name comes to mind more than any other: the legendary John Williams. In the new documentary on Disney+, entitled Music by John Wililams, director Laurent Bouzereau helps tell the story and impact of John’s work across the worlds of film, music, and more. Along the way we hear from the maestro himself, alon…

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#108: Author Interview - “National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy” by Dr. Aubrey R. Paris & Dr. Emily M. Black 1:03:28

7M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

What is one step short of crazy? Passionate. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s 2004 live action film, National Treasure, Courtney and Emily welcome Aubrey and Emily from the National Treasure Hunt Podcast to the show to talk about their book “National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy.” National Treasure is an action, adventure, fi…

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#499 - Hugs for Your Ears 39:49

8M ago39:49

39:49

We decided to take a break from the usual format and recommend some BIPOC and LGBTQIA authors. Plus, we kick off The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in case you need some comic relief.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Disney Legend Martha Blanding and Author Tim O'Day Discuss "Groundbreaking Magic" Book 1:15:53

8M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

What makes a true Disney legend? On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman speaks with the woman featured in a moving and personal title just published by Disney Editions. In Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey through The Happiest Place on Earth, recently-named Disney Legend Martha Blanding tells her decades-long story of rea…

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#498 - Weird Things With Burritos 43:25

8M ago43:25

43:25

We wrap up our thoughts on A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. Tom lays down some very obscure hints about the next pick. And why we’re glad Andy Weir got fired.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Author David A. Bossert Helps Readers "Find Your Happy Place" 1:13:42

9M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Author David A. Bossert experienced a successful career with The Walt Disney Company over multiple decades and in various roles. Over recent years he has written books for The Old Mill Press, as he has previously appeared on Notably Disney to discuss them. Find Your Happy Place: The 8 Step Guide to Boosting Your Creativity through a Personal Retrea…

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#107: Author Interview - “Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney's Hocus Pocus” by Shannon Carlin 57:46

9M ago57:46

57:46

It's not spooky season without the Sanderson Sisters. Courtney and Emily relight the black flame candle to chat with Shannon Carlin about her debut book, “Witches Run Amok: Disney Hocus Pocus the Oral History.” Shannon conducted over ninety interviews with the cast and crew to present stories from the making of the film to its legacy. This booooOOO…

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#497 - Some Desperate Sniffles 56:21

9M ago56:21

56:21

We learn a lot about nunchucks and old best SciFi lists, but we spend the majority of our time mulling over Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh. We also kick off a cozy October horrorish read.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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"Walt Disney and El Grupo in Latin America" Authors Chronicle an Amazing Journey 1:08:45

9M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

15 years ago Disney released a documentary directed and written by Theodore Thomas that unveiled a relatively unexplored part of Disney history, at least in film form: when Walt and his colleagues were commissioned by the United States government to engage in a goodwill trip down to Latin and South America to forge positive relationships with their…

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#496 - Leminal Space 34:07

9M ago34:07

34:07

Sad news followed by recommendations from Parade Magazine! And The Booker Short List. Plus, do you hate it when a series isn't continuing the story directly? And we check in on our September read of Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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#106: Author Interview - “Disney In-Between: The Lost Years 1966-1986” by Stephen Anderson 1:12:08

9M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Inbetweeners are the animators who draw the pages in between the lead animators’ key frames. The in between doesn’t get a lot of attention, but it is essential to move the animation forward. The same concept applies to the “in between era” that connects Walt Disney’s passing to the Disney Renaissance. A tumultuous time period which often only gets …

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Notably Disney 150th Episode Celebration featuring Past Guests 41:56

9M ago41:56

41:56

This marks the 150th episode of Notably Disney. How time flies. Five and a half years later, host Brett Nachman continues to find joy and magic in producing this podcast that spotlights the important contributions that Disney authors, musicians, composers, and songwriters make in the world of Disney, as well as the fun and engagement that fellow Di…

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#495 - All The News That's Fit to Squee 36:05

10M ago36:05

36:05

We have Dragon Awards and Hugo Awards, we kick off Some Desperate Glory, and wrap up our final thoughts on The Spear That Cuts Through Water. Also, we determine we might need to squee more.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Lyricist and Vocalist Elyse Willis Adds Character to Mickey Mouse Toons and Other Tunes 1:21:23

10M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Elyse Willis is an accomplished vocalist and lyricist, having joined Notably Disney several years ago alongside her husband, composer Christopher Willis, to discuss their contributions to the amazing Mickey Mouse shorts. On this episode of Notably Disney, Elyse returns to discuss with host Brett Nachman the business and working life of a vocalist, …

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D23 2024 Music and Panels Recap with Aaron Wallace 2:07:42

10M ago2:07:42

2:07:42

Author and Disney expert Aaron Wallace has long attended D23 Expo, now called D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and recently attended the amazing Anaheim experience. Aaron, a longtime guest and friend of the podcast, is here to join host Brett Nachman to dish on everything he experienced and what we as Disney aficionados can be excited about over…