Podcast
Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show!
Hosted by Jake Deffinbaugh · EN
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!
Hosted by Jake Deffinbaugh, with co-host, Chris Bixby.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 368: Sheri Singer (Executive Producer)
Jun 1301:01:42Tap to summarizeAlso this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by executive producer Sheri Singer!Sheri's career in television began behind the scenes as an associate producer on The Phil Donahue Show before moving into producing on Days of Our Lives. She later founded Just Singer Entertainment and became one of the key creative forces behind many beloved Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs), including the Halloweentown movies, The Luck of the Irish, Double Teamed, Right on Track, Go Figure, Cow Belles, Read It and Weep, and many more. Following her Disney Channel years, Sheri has continued producing television movies and bringing new stories to audiences. We discuss her journey through the television industry, the process of adapting real-life stories for the screen, and the making of some of Disney Channel's most memorable films. We also talk about working with talented performers including Debbie Reynolds, Ryan Merriman, Brie Larson, Aly & AJ, Jason Dolley, Olivia Holt, and many others throughout her career.Special thanks to Paul Hoen for connecting us!Taping date: April 13, 2026Edited by:Chris Bixby (Co-Host)https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 367: Kathy Garver (Actress & Author)
Jun 1000:27:23Tap to summarizeFirst up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actress and author Kathy Garver!Kathy's remarkable career began at a young age, including an appearance in The Ten Commandments. She is best known for her role as Cissy Davis on the classic television series Family Affair, a role that made her a household name, and later lent her voice to Firestar in the animated series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. In this episode, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Family Affair, discussing the show's enduring legacy and why Kathy believes it continues to resonate with audiences decades later. We also explore her latest book, Romancing With The Stars, which uncovers classic Hollywood relationships and shares fascinating untold stories from the entertainment industry's golden age.Purchase a hard cover or soft cover copy of Kathy's book, Romancing with the Stars:https://www.kathygarver.com/buy/romancing-with-the-stars-inspiring-hollywood-love-stories-nt9w7https://www.kathygarver.com/buy/romancing-with-the-stars-inspiring-hollywood-love-storiesConnect with Kathy:https://www.kathygarver.com/https://www.instagram.com/kgcissy/https://www.facebook.com/kathygarverfanpage/Taping date: May 22, 2026Edited by: Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreationshttps://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreationshttps://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 366: Sofie Zamchick (Actress & Singer-Songwriter)
Jun 601:02:53Tap to summarizeThis week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actress and singer-songwriter Sofie Zamchick!Many viewers and listeners will know Sofie as the voice of Linny, the adventurous guinea pig and leader of the beloved Nick Jr. series Wonder Pets!. Beyond her memorable work on the show, Sofie has built a career spanning television, film, and theatre, showcasing her talents both on screen and on stage. In recent years, Sofie has also pursued her passion for music as a singer-songwriter, releasing multiple EPs and sharing her unique voice as an artist. We discuss her experiences growing up in the entertainment industry, bringing Linny to life for a generation of viewers, her work across acting and theatre, and her journey as a musician. We also talk about her latest EP, Anxious Romantic, and the inspiration behind her original music.Connect with Sofie:https://www.sofiezamchick.com/https://www.youtube.com/sofiezamchickhttps://www.instagram.com/sofiezamchickhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sofiezamchickhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/04bmrSXTKhXtFo6ws6xtkxhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/sofie-zamchick/485224135Taping date: May 1, 2026Edited by: Drew Wellshttps://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 365: Doug Jones & Derek Maki (Actor & Executive Producer)
Jun 300:46:21Tap to summarizeThis week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actor Doug Jones and filmmaker Derek Maki!Doug Jones has built one of the most remarkable careers in Hollywood, bringing unforgettable characters to life through extensive makeup and visual effects. His iconic roles include Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus, Abe Sapien in Hellboy, the Faun and the Pale Man in Pan's Labyrinth, The Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water, and the beloved McDonald's advertising character Mac Tonight. Derek's credits include the award-winning film Instant Dads as well as the acclaimed documentaries Aliens Expanded and Icons Unearthed: Star Wars. Together, Doug and Derek have teamed up for their latest project, the documentary film Get Me Doug Jones. In this episode, we discuss Doug's incredible journey through film and television, the artistry behind creating some of cinema's most memorable creatures and characters, Derek's work as a filmmaker and documentarian, and how the two collaborated to bring Get Me Doug Jones to life. It's a fascinating conversation about creativity, perseverance, fandom, and a one-of-a-kind Hollywood career.Check out the now-live Get Me Doug Jones Kickstarter finishing funds campaign, featuring exclusive merchandise, unique memorabilia from Doug Jones' personal archive, and special fan experiences:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/williamconlin/get-me-doug-jones-the-documentary-featureConnect with Doug and Derek:https://www.getmedougjones.com/https://www.instagram.com/GetMeDougJones/https://www.facebook.com/actordougjones2/https://www.derekmaki.com/Taping date: May 13, 2026Edited by:Chris Bixby (Co-Host)https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 364: Larry Brantley, Betty Buckley, & Joey Stewart (Director & Producers)
May 3000:39:29Tap to summarizeThis week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by Larry Brantley, Betty Buckley, and Joey Stewart!This conversation touches on the upcoming documentary What's the Story, Wishbone?, which Larry, Betty, and Joey produced. Centered around the beloved Wishbone, the documentary reflects on the legacy of the classic literature-inspired PBS series and the lasting impact it has had on generations of viewers. Larry, the voice of Wishbone himself, joins producer Betty Buckley and assistant director Joey Stewart, who also worked on the original show, to share how the documentary came together, what it was like reuniting with so many familiar faces from the series, and the emotions of revisiting old memories from the set. They also discuss why Wishbone continues to resonate with audiences today and what fans can look forward to from the documentary. It’s a nostalgic and heartfelt conversation celebrating the enduring legacy of a truly one-of-a-kind show.What's the Story, Wishbone? airs on Public Television Stations nationwide from May 27 to June 9 and releases digitally on June 10.https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/whats-the-story-wishbone/umc.cmc.2hu1sqx6rdpczl1miju64033yLearn more about the documentary:https://www.whatsthestorywishbone.com/https://www.instagram.com/thewishbonedocumentary/https://www.facebook.com/wishbonedocumentary/Connect with Larry:https://www.instagram.com/outlawlarry/Taping date: April 22, 2026Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 363: Lana Whittington (Actress, Singer, & Dancer)
May 2300:55:41Tap to summarizeOn this week's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actress, singer, and dancer Lana Whittington!Lana is best known to Barney fans as Jill from Season 6 of Barney & Friends and several Barney home videos. Lana shares the story of how she landed the role, including her audition process and what it was like stepping into the world of Barney. She reflects on the strong camaraderie between the cast and crew and the friendships and memories that made the experience so special. Lana also talks about expanding her career through various short films, as well as her work in theater, commercials, and voiceover. It's a fun and heartfelt conversation filled with behind-the-scenes memories, performance stories, and plenty of nostalgia for Barney fans everywhere.Connect with Lana:https://www.lanawhittington.com/https://www.instagram.com/lana_whittington/Taping date: January 25, 2025Edited by: Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreationshttps://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreationshttps://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 362: Frankie Cordero (Puppeteer, Director, & Producer)
May 1601:20:07Tap to summarizeAlso this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by puppeteer, director, and producer Frankie Cordero!Known for bringing Rudy to life on Sesame Street, Purple Panda on Donkey Hodie, and Mamu and Papu on Oobi, Frankie shares his journey into puppetry, including getting his start with Sesame Street through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He talks about working alongside Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Abby Cadabby (Rudy's stepsister), plus collaborating with David Rudman and Adam Rudman for Spiffy Pictures. Frankie also reflects on the fun of getting to work with Tally Hall and the many memorable moments from his career in children's television. It's a lively conversation full of behind-the-scenes stories, creative collaboration, and plenty of nostalgia.Special thanks to Haley Jenkins for connecting us!Connect with Frankie:https://www.instagram.com/frankiecordero/http://x.com/frankiecorderoTaping date: March 9, 2026Edited by: Mileshttps://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 361: Halle Stanford & Dorien Davies (Creators)
May 1300:25:17Tap to summarizeFirst up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by creators Halle Stanford and Dorien Davies!Halle has helped bring beloved Henson projects to life including Sid the Science Kid, Pajanimals, Dinosaur Train, and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, while Dorien's impressive career includes work with The Muppets and Henson productions such as Puppet Up!, Julie's Greenroom, Word Party, The Happytime Murders, and Earth to Ned. Together, they discuss their brand new PBS Kids special Wowsabout, which follows Roxy (Dorien Davies) and Ronald (John Tartaglia), two very different explorers, on an unforgettable adventure through Sequoia National Park. They share how the special came to life, favorite behind-the-scenes memories, what it was like working alongside John as both puppeteer and director, the message they hope audiences take away from the story, and much more!Watch Wowsabout on PBS Kids and online at PBSKids.org:https://pbskids.org/videos/wowsaboutConnect with Halle and Dorien:https://www.7crowstories.com/https://www.instagram.com/halle_stanford_/https://www.doriendavies.com/https://www.instagram.com/doriendaviesofficial/Taping date: May 7, 2026Edited by: Chris Bixby (Co-Host)https://www.facebook.com/cbixby2000Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 360: Barry Pearl (Actor)
May 1001:47:59Tap to summarize(We apologize for the delay in posting this as we had a bit of trouble getting this up yesterday.)Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actor Barry Pearl!Barry is best known to many as Doody in Grease and Professor Tinkerputt in the Barney franchise, including the primetime special Bedtime with Barney: Imagination Island and the Barney's Big Surprise tour. Barry shares the stories behind landing these unforgettable roles and what made those experiences so special. He also reflects on some of the most treasured moments from his long career, his appearances at pop culture conventions meeting fans across generations, and his meaningful work with Joey Travolta's Inclusion Films, which helps teach filmmaking to neurodivergent individuals. It's a fun, heartfelt conversation filled with nostalgia, behind-the-scenes memories, and inspiring stories from a truly memorable career.Connect with Barry:https://www.instagram.com/barry_pearl_la/https://www.cameo.com/barry_pearl_laTaping date: April 1, 2026Edited by: Drew Wellshttps://www.youtube.com/@drewsmediacorner399https://www.instagram.com/drews_media_1/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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Episode 359: Greg Amici (Singer-Songwriter)
May 600:34:48Tap to summarizeOn this week's episode of Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by rock and alternative rock singer-songwriter Greg Amici!Greg's musical career took a complete halt for 16 years due to a vocal injury, and eventually returned not with a continuation of his past work, but a reinvention. His latest album, Tragicomic, plays like a time capsule rebuilt from memory, drawing on classic rock, Americana, ska, and folk-punk while channeling the late '70s through '90s with a modern, darkly humorous edge. It's a conversation about the sounds that shape us, the time it takes to find your way back, and what happens when you do.Connect with Greg and stream his music:https://www.youtube.com/@gregamicimusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5TBZE1LVSVi5QRdKL6Xso2https://www.gregamici.com/https://www.instagram.com/gregamicimusichttps://www.facebook.com/GregAmiciMusic/https://x.com/gregamiciTaping date: March 30, 2026Edited by: Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreationshttps://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreationshttps://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts!https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow
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