Best Book Of The Mouse Club Podcasts (2025)

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#119: Author Interview - Kingdom Keepers Inheritance Series: The Final Trilogy by Ridley Pearson 22:58

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15d ago22:58

22:58

The Overtakers and Disney Villains are at it again! But the Keepers are parents now, and their kids are as invested in saving the Disney parks as they were in their youth. Is it time to pass the wand to a new generation? Courtney and Emily welcome back Ridley Pearson, author of the Kingdom Keepers, to discuss the final installment in the series, Th…

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#118: Fairytale Favorites - Children Will Listen: A Comparison of Sondheim and Disney's "Into the Woods" ft. Conor Perkins and Caroline Aimetti of Poor Unfortunate Podcast 1:33:39

2M ago1:33:39

1:33:39

Anything can happen in the woods, such as having Conor and Caroline from the Poor Unfortunate Podcast back on the show! In the episode, Courtney, Conor, Caroline, and Emily go into the woods to journey's end to compare Grimm's Fairytales to Stephan Sondheim's 1987 stage musical and Disney's 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods. Careful the things…

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#117: Celebratory Summer Series - "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland" by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt Foreword by Bob Iger 50:28

2M ago50:28

50:28

Join your hosts for a kiss goodnight finale to the Disneyland 70th anniversary! Courtney and Emily complete their Celebratory Summer Series commemorating Disneyland's 70th anniversary with "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland" by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt Foreword by Bob Iger. This coffee table book …

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#116: Celebratory Summer Series - Author Interview "Presenting Disneyland: Forgotten Photographs From Opening Day" by Aaron Goldberg and forward by Bob Gurr 55:35

3M ago55:35

55:35

A picture is worth a thousand words, and these never before seen photographs of Disneyland on its opening day in 1955 tell a lot of stories. Courtney and Emily continue their Celebratory Summer Series by welcoming back author, Aaron H. Goldberg, to the podcast to talk about his book, "Presenting Disneyland: Forgotten Photographs From Opening Day." …

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

4M 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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#114: "Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons" by Kermit the Frog 1:11:50

5M 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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#113: Author Interview - "I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom" by Danielle Kelly (Dapper Danielle & Co-Host of the Disney Countdown Podcast) 1:04:26

6M 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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#112: Fairytale Favorites - "Beauty and the Beast" by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont 1:18:20

7M 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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#111: "The Adventures of Pinocchio: Story of a Puppet" by Carlo Collodi 1:15:46

8M 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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#110: "Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire" by Ashely Spencer 1:28:05

9M 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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#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

11M 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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#108: Author Interview - "National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy" by Dr. Aubrey R. Paris & Dr. Emily M. Black 1:03:28

12M 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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#107: Author Interview - "Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney's Hocus Pocus" by Shannon Carlin 57:46

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

1y 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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#105: Adventureland Attraction Summer Series - "Skipper Stories: True Tales from Disneyland's Jungle Cruise" by David John Marley ft. Guest Reader Allie Ring of the DCOMmentaries Podcast 1:29:05

1y ago1:29:05

1:29:05

And now you are about to see the eighth wonder of the world…the final installment of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series! Courtney and Emily welcome former Jungle Cruise Skipper, Allie Ring, to discuss "Skipper Stories: True Tales from Disneyland's Jungle Cruise" by David John Marley. This collection of stories allows readers to learn about …

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#104: Adventureland Attraction Summer Series - Author Interview "Before the Birds Sang Words" by Ken Bruce 1:12:21

1+ y ago1:12:21

1:12:21

The birds sing words and the flowers croon in this episode all about The Enchanted Tiki Room. In this second installment of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series, Courtney and Emily interview author Ken Bruce about the enchanting context and early history of the attraction in his book, "Before the Birds Sang Words". Go beyond the origin myth o…

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#103: Adventureland Attraction Summer Series - "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss 1:10:23

1+ y ago1:10:23

1:10:23

S.O.S! Courtney and Emily are stranded on the island of New Switzerland. Luckily, there is a terrific treehouse complete with a library where they can read and be safe from the jungle's wild animals. Join your hosts for their first selection of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series, "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss, and compare…

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#102: Author Interview - "Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort that Never Was" by Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer 56:02

1+ y ago56:02

56:02

Many are familiar with Disney's theme parks, cruise ships, resorts, and broader media empire, but did you know Disney tried to build a ski resort in Mineral King, California in the 1960s? Courtney and Emily are joined by authors Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer to discuss how this resort never broke ground despite over a decade of planning. Their boo…

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#101: "The Hundred and One Dalmatians" by Dodie Smith 1:13:42

1+ y ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Only one book is appropriate for episode #101 and that is Dodie Smith's 1956 novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Join Courtney and Emily as they compare the original source material to Disney's 1961 animated feature and 1996 live action film. Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @gre…

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#100: The Book of the Mouse Club 100th Episode Celebration! 1:22:44

1+ y ago1:22:44

1:22:44

We got ears, it's time for cheers! Like the Walt Disney Company, Courtney and Emily are celebrating their own hundredth milestone - 100 episodes! During the Book of the Mouse Club 100 celebration, your hosts will recap their reading "wrapped" with data from the 104 books they've read since episode 1 and share reflections and behind the scenes anecd…

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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume 34:37

1+ y ago34:37

34:37

Join hosts Sam and Sarah on this episode of "Not Your Average Book Report" as they dive into Judy Blume's timeless classic "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Discover how this beloved coming-of-age tale resonates with readers and explore its enduring themes of identity, friendship, and faith. Power Rank These Three from Worst to Least Worst: 1…

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#99: Author Interview - "The Miles Mitchell Mysteries: A Private Eye At A Magical Place" by Aaron Forringer 46:09

1+ y ago46:09

46:09

The Most Magical Place on Earth is sometimes more than meets the eye…so let's meet our magical private eye! When mischievous magical mysteries arise, that is when Miles Mitchell, private eye, takes the case. Courtney and Emily are joined by Aaron Forringer to discuss his collection of short stories, "The Miles Mitchell Mysteries: A Private Eye At A…

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Matilda by Roald Dahl 38:59

1+ y ago38:59

38:59

In this episode we're reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. Sam and Sarah share laughter-inducing excerpts (You can do it, Brucie!) and reminisce about their favorite teachers who inspired them. Immerse yourself in a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and genuine moments as we discuss this classic.By Not Your Average Book Report

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#98: "The Art of Wish" by Stephen Rebello and Kimmer Baughman 56:09

2y ago56:09

56:09

The Walt Disney Company has been wishing on stars since 1923 and Disney's Wish is a tribute to the 100 years of animation from the studio. Courtney and Emily kick off season 7 with "The Art of Wish" celebrating Disney Animation Studios' 62nd film. Its unique "moving painting" animation pays tribute to the golden age of Disney animation and there ar…

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#97: "How the Villains Ruined Christmas" by Serena Valentino 41:06

2y ago41:06

41:06

The Villains are trying to ruin Christmas! Classic Disney villains are up to their usual dastardly deeds, but the spirit of Christmas cannot be defeated. Courtney and Emily discuss Serna Valentino's picture book "Disney Villains: How the Villains ruined Christmas" in their concluding episode of season 6. Picture books and reading are synonymous wit…

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#96: "Honey I Blew Up the Kid" A Junior Novelization by B.B. Hiller and ft. Guest Reader Jeff DePaoli of Dizney Coast To Coast 58:26

2y ago58:26

58:26

Those zany Szalinskis are at it again! Back on episode #54, your hosts talked with Jeff DiPaoli about the junior novelization of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and now they are back to discuss the sequel, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. Junior novelizations are a great way to engage young readers with their favorite films. Released in 1992, the novelization wa…

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#95: Author Interview - "The Enchanted Disney: Stories of Walt, Hollywood, and Live-Action Film" by Spencer Wright (Host of Walt's Oasis) 46:42

2y ago46:42

46:42

During the Disney100 centennial celebration of the Walt Disney Company, Disney's animated films and theme parks have been getting a lot of attention. But what about its live action legacy? Many may associate Disney live action with recent remakes or Marvel and Star Wars, but with over 300 films, Disney has 70+ years producing live action films. To …

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#94: "Not Just a Walk in the Park: My Worldwide Disney Resorts Career" by James B. Cora with Jeff Kurrti ft. Guest Reader Brett Nachman of Notably Disney 1:01:53

2y ago1:01:53

1:01:53

What's better than one podcast episode? Two podcast episodes! It's a Disney Leadership Duo crossover between Book of the Mouse Club and Notably Disney. Courtney and Emily welcome Brett Nachman of the Notably Disney podcast back to the show to talk about Disney Legend Jim Cora's memoir, "Not Just a Walk in the Park: My Worldwide Disney Resorts Caree…

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#93: British Invasion Summer Series - "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens ft. Dr. Doug Kern & Dr. Paul Cote 1:47:17

2y ago1:47:17

1:47:17

Consider yourself at home with this final installment of the British Invasion Summer Series. Hosts Courtney and Emily welcome back Dr. Doug Kern and Dr. Paul Cote as guest readers to compare Charles Dickens' 1838 novel, Oliver Twist, to Disney's 1988 animated film Oliver and Company. Drastically different, you will not recognize Billy Joel's belove…

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#92: British Invasion Summer Series - "Alice in Wonderland" & "Alice Through the Looking Glass" by Lewis Carrol ft. Caroline Aimetti of the Poor Unfortunate Podcast 1:40:49

2+ y ago1:40:49

1:40:49

Curiouser and Curiouser! Caroline from the Poor Unfortunate Podcast joins Courtney and Emily's unbirthday party in this next installment of the Book of the Mouse Club's British Invasion Summer Series. Follow your hosts down the rabbit hole to compare Disney's 1951 film Alice in Wonderland to Lewis Carrol's original work. And if you lose your head o…

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#91: British Invasion Summer Series - "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame ft. Conor Perkins of the Poor Unfortunate Podcast 1:44:39

2+ y ago1:44:39

1:44:39

Tally Ho! Courtney and Emily are merrily merrily on their way to discuss their second selection for the British Invasion Summer Series, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Your hosts welcome back Conor Perkins, one half of the The Poor Unfortunate Podcast, to compare this children's classic novel to Walt Disney's 1949 adaptation of The Adve…

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#90: British Invasion Summer Series - "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie ft. Guest Reader Leeann Sausser 1:51:12

2+ y ago1:51:12

1:51:12

It's time for another summer reading series! The start of the British Invasion Summer Series has Courtney and Emily traveling across the pond to the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! Your hosts welcome back guest reader, Leeann, to discuss J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan". The Boy Who Never Grew Up was the source material for the 1953…

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#89: Author Interview - "You Must Be This Tall" by N.K. Reinert 1:04:27

2+ y ago1:04:27

1:04:27

"You Must Be This Tall" to ride, but there's no height requirement to listen! Consider this your "Keys to the Kingdom" backstage tour of this fun theme park novel, inspired by the experiences of a former Disney Cast Member. Courtney and Emily interview Natalie Keller Reinert about her book "You Must Be This Tall," a fictional story set in America t…

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The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary 23:28

2+ y ago23:28

23:28

Ah, the sweet nostalgic halls of the Mountain View Inn where you'll find loud dogs, plenty of crumbs and perhaps a MOUSE bbbbbbbbbbddddd-ing by on a motorcycle. We loved this discussion of Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle and think you will too! Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Got comments or book suggestions? You can n…

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#88: "Runaway Heart" by Clare Richmond - A Harlequin American Romance Novel set at Walt Disney World 1:01:38

2+ y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Drama, romance, runaway teenagers, and…Walt Disney World? Believe it or not, Walt Disney World was featured as a setting in a Harlequin Romance novel in 1986. Courtney and Emily finally got their hands on this out of print novel by Clare Richmond and are spilling the tea on the book that fascinates Disney Twitter. Detective Daniel McGuinn and Barba…

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#87: "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbitt featuring Guest Reader Eric of Synergy Loves Company Podcast 1:13:19

2+ y ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Courney and Emily are joined in this episode by guest reader, Eric, the host of Synergy Loves Company Podcast. What if you had the chance to live forever? Would you take it? That is the dilemma facing young Winnie Foster when she meets the Tuck family while wandering lost in the woods. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is considered part of child…

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 27:19

2+ y ago27:19

27:19

Let's journey to Yorkshire in England to the wild and wonderful moor where Mistress Mary Quite Contrary is discovering some things about the world and herself! It's the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett!By Not Your Average Book Report

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#86: Author Interview - "Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance" by Michael Lyons of DIS-Order and From Pencils to Pixels The Animation Celebration Podcast 1:04:30

3y ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Courtney and Emily are joined by journalist, podcaster, and now author, Michael Lyons, to discuss his book "Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance". The Disney Renaissance contains several film favorites including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and the Lion King. In this discussion Michael explains why these fan favo…

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Our Friend S.D. Smith Serves Up Some Sandwiches 35:28

3y ago35:28

35:28

Today we are joined by S.D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series, who tells us about things like writing being a job you do with an apron on, telling stories to your kids and we find a way to talk about Narnia. You can find Sam on the web at sdsmith.com. There you can find info about his newest book: Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key.…

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#85: "The Art of Disney Strange World" by Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones and Kalikolehua Hurley 46:58

3y ago46:58

46:58

It's the last show of 2022! Courtney and Emily discuss Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest release, Strange World, with the book The Art of Disney Strange World by Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones and Kalikolehua Hurley. The concept art and design commentary provides a deeper look into the film's design and character development. Did you know tha…

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#84: "Long Live the Pumpkin Queen" by Shea Ernshaw (a sequel to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas) 58:07

3y ago58:07

58:07

Ghouls and ghosts of every age wouldn't you like to see something strange? Come with Courtney and Emily and you will meet Sally Skellington the Pumpkin Queen of Halloween. In the episode, your hosts discuss the Disney Press fiction release "Long Live the Pumpkin Queen" by Shea Ernshaw. The story begins right where the Nightmare Before Christmas lef…

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Wonder by R.J. Palacio 39:41

3y ago39:41

39:41

We are back from our little fall break and we've got a doozy. We read Wonder by R.J. Palacio based on a recommendation from our friend (who you might just be hearing from later on in the show!). Wonder is a heart-warming book in the truest sense and we hope you enjoy it and this episode as much as we did.…

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#83: Author Interview - "Cautionary Tales: A Collection of Scary Stories Starring Favorite Disney Villains" by Ridley Pearson 43:46

3y ago43:46

43:46

Magic mirror on the wall, summon Ridley Pearson to the Book of the Mouse Club we call! The much awaited interview with the award-winning author of suspense and young adult adventure novels is finally here. Courtney and Emily are joined by Ridley to discuss his new book "Cautionary Tales: A Collection of Scary Stories Starring Favorite Disney Villai…

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#82: Author Interview - "100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World" by Marcy Carriker Smothers 1:03:04

3y ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Courtney and Emily are excited to welcome author and Disney historian, Marcy Carriker Smothers, back to the podcast to discuss her new book "100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World." In this first collaboration between Disney Editions and National Geographic, readers will find one hundred adventures from all o…

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling 39:45

3y ago39:45

39:45

It all ends here. "One will die at the hands of the other, for neither shall live while the other survives." Join us as we conclude our Summer of Potter (in October, it's fine, it's fine).By Not Your Average Book Report

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#81: "Hocus Pocus & the All New Sequel" by A.W. Jantha vs. Hocus Pocus 2 (the film) 1:30:46

3y ago1:30:46

1:30:46

It's been 29 years, right down to the day but the witches are back and there's so much to say. Courtney and Emily celebrate the new release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+ with a review of the 2018 book Hocus Pocus and the All New Sequel. Released four years apart, the book and the film take different paths to tell the ongoing story of the Sanderson si…

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 28:29

3y ago28:29

28:29

Just when we think things can't get worse, they do. And I'm afraid for poor Harry, this is far from the end of his troubles but we're here every step of the way as we continue our journey through the Harry Potter series in our SUMMER OF POTTER.By Not Your Average Book Report

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#80: Fairytale Favorites - "Rapunzel" from Grimm's Fairy Tales 1:00:52

3y ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair! Courtney and Emily return to their ongoing series, Fairytale Favorites, with a comparison of Grimm's Fairytales "Rapunzel" and Disney Animated Studios' 50th animated feature, "Tangled." Like most fairytales, the original source material left Disney a lot of room for interpretation but did you know that the st…

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#79: Legendary Summer Series - "Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years" by Disney Legend Julie Andrews with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton 1:11:12

3y ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Courntey and Emily wrap up the Legendary Summer Series with Dame Julie Andrews' second memoir "Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years." Andrews' memoir takes place from 1962-1986 starting with her Hollywood debut in Disney's "Mary Poppins" and ending with her second husband's semi autobiographical film, "That's Life!" Andrews reflects on the wor…

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling 29:34

3y ago29:34

29:34

Ah, being 15 again: being angry all the time, feeling misunderstood and of course girls bursting into tears when you kiss and the evil wizard invading your dreams. Wait what? Yep, things are getting wild for Harry Potter and we're here to discuss as we dive into the fifth book in the Harry Potter series!…