Pod Meets World: Episode Summary – “Written by Stu Krieger… (Part 2)”

Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Pod Meets World, hosted by Danielle, Will, and Rider from iHeartPodcasts, the team delves deep into the creative processes behind beloved Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs). This installment features a special guest, Stu Krieger, a renowned writer whose contributions have shaped many iconic films. Together, they explore the intricacies of writing for Disney, the challenges faced, and the heartfelt moments that make these movies resonate with audiences of all ages.

Guest Introduction: Stu Krieger

The episode kicks off with a warm welcome to Stu Krieger, a legendary figure in the world of DCOMs. The hosts express their admiration for Stu’s extensive body of work, highlighting his pivotal role in crafting memorable dialogues and storylines that have become fan favorites.

Host 1 (03:25): “We’re sending you to 1993 when TGIF reigned supreme and 'Boy Meets World' first premiered. ...We’re going to be talking about Smart House, True Confessions, and more. Please welcome Stu Krieger.”

Stu shares his journey with the Disney Channel, recounting his early projects like The Parent Trap 2 and the Freaky Friday remake, which established his strong relationship with Disney.

Deep Dive into Smart House

One of the primary topics of discussion is the movie Smart House. Stu elaborates on how he was brought on board to infuse heart and authentic relationships into the script, transforming it from a purely mechanical narrative to one rich with emotional depth.

Stu Krieger (05:02): “With Smart House, it was about reconfiguring relationships and underlying issues. I wanted to ensure the father and son dynamics felt real and relatable.”

The hosts commend Stu for the movie’s quiet, poignant moments that stood out amidst the typical high-energy DCOM antics. They highlight how these genuine interactions set Smart House apart, making it resonate deeply with viewers.

Host 1 (06:24): “We loved the real moments in Smart House – the heartfelt interactions that went beyond the flashy gadgets.”

Stu takes pride in maintaining authenticity, particularly in portraying the father character with depth and realism, avoiding common tropes of the "dumb dad."

Stu Krieger (09:02): “My personal mandate was, I'm not going to do a dumb dad. He has to be a fully dimensional character who has his own needs and struggles.”

Collaborating with Lavar Burton

The conversation shifts to Stu’s collaboration with Lavar Burton on the set of Smart House. Stu describes the seamless teamwork and mutual understanding that made the project successful.

Stu Krieger (09:28): “Lavar was amazing. We were in sync with the movie's vision without any conflicts. It was a wonderful collaboration.”

He shares a memorable day touring the intricate set of the Smart House with Lavar, emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail that brought the futuristic house to life.

Exploring Cowbells

Next, the hosts delve into the creative process behind another DCOM, Cowbells. Stu explains how working with established bands like Aly & AJ influenced the script and character development.

Stu Krieger (12:29): “With Cowbells, Aly and AJ were already attached, so it was about enhancing their characters to shine as the stars Disney wanted them to be.”

Adapting True Confessions from a Novel

Stu discusses the challenges and rewards of adapting True Confessions from a novel to a film. He highlights the importance of staying true to the source material while making it visually and narratively engaging for the screen.

Stu Krieger (22:04): “Adapting a diary-format novel required transforming internal thoughts into visual storytelling. We introduced the concept of a video diary to bridge this gap.”

He elaborates on the collaborative process with co-writer Paul Hoen, emphasizing their shared vision and seamless teamwork.

Stu Krieger (26:29): “Working with Paul was an instant love affair. We have a shorthand that makes the collaboration effortless and productive.”

Addressing Intellectual Disabilities in Proof Point

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Proof Point, a film that tackles sensitive subjects like intellectual disabilities. Stu opens up about the meticulous research and empathy required to portray such characters authentically.

Stu Krieger (31:37): “Authenticity is crucial. Jana and I spent a day with individuals who had similar disabilities to deeply understand their experiences.”

He reflects on the impact of the film, sharing heartfelt stories from fans who found solace and representation through Proof Point.

Stu Krieger (48:50): “People told us how meaningful the movie was, especially in portraying a character with a disability in a respectful and authentic manner. That’s the best reward.”

Navigating Industry Challenges

Stu candidly discusses the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, including projects that fall through and creative differences that lead to cancellations. He shares an anecdote about a rejected project, emphasizing the importance of integrity in writing.

Stu Krieger (36:05): “I received a script about a kid agent that just didn’t resonate. I called my agent and said, ‘I can’t do this. It’s not right.’”

He also touches upon the failed reboot of Xenon and the lessons learned about preserving the essence and legacy of beloved franchises.

Stu Krieger (56:45): “A legacy movie should honor the original characters and their journeys. Cutting corners or altering the core essence can alienate the fan base.”

Legacy and Future Projects

Looking ahead, Stu shares his thoughts on retiring and his plans to continue writing through books and possibly a Substack newsletter. Despite stepping back from active screenwriting, his passion for storytelling remains undiminished.

Stu Krieger (59:46): “I’m excited and scared about retirement, but I plan to keep writing and sharing stories in new formats.”

Memorable Moments and Fan Interactions

Towards the end of the episode, Stu reminisces about fan events, such as screening Xenon where fans actively engaged and celebrated the films.

Stu Krieger (49:24): “At the screening, fans were singing along and participating just like at a Rocky Horror Picture Show event. It was magical.”

He expresses his gratitude for the enduring support from fans and the profound connections formed through these movies.

Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode by thanking Stu Krieger for his invaluable insights and heartfelt stories. They express their eagerness to continue exploring more of his work in future episodes.

Host 1 (60:20): “Stu, thank you so much for joining us and sharing all these incredible stories. We look forward to having you back as we continue to revisit your amazing films.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stu Krieger on Authenticity in Smart House
  [05:02]: “With Smart House, it was about reconfiguring relationships and underlying issues. I wanted to ensure the father and son dynamics felt real and relatable.”

• Stu Krieger on Avoiding the "Dumb Dad" Trope
  [09:02]: “My personal mandate was, I'm not going to do a dumb dad. He has to be a fully dimensional character who has his own needs and struggles.”

• Stu Krieger on Collaborating with Paul Hoen
  [26:29]: “Working with Paul was an instant love affair. We have a shorthand that makes the collaboration effortless and productive.”

• Stu Krieger on Adapting True Confessions
  [22:04]: “Adapting a diary-format novel required transforming internal thoughts into visual storytelling. We introduced the concept of a video diary to bridge this gap.”

• Stu Krieger on the Impact of Proof Point
  [48:50]: “People told us how meaningful the movie was, especially in portraying a character with a disability in a respectful and authentic manner. That’s the best reward.”

• Stu Krieger on Industry Integrity
  [36:05]: “I can’t do this. It’s not right.”

• Stu Krieger on Legacy and Reboots
  [56:45]: “A legacy movie should honor the original characters and their journeys. Cutting corners or altering the core essence can alienate the fan base.”

Conclusion

This episode of Pod Meets World offers a profound look into the creative mind of Stu Krieger, shedding light on the delicate balance between storytelling and authenticity. From crafting heartfelt characters in Smart House to navigating the complexities of adapting novels and addressing sensitive subjects in Proof Point, Stu’s experiences provide invaluable lessons for aspiring writers and passionate fans alike. As Stu transitions towards retirement, his legacy continues to inspire and shape the landscape of DCOMs, ensuring that these beloved stories remain timeless.