Puppet Tears, ep 078 — Brian Jay Jones

08/25/21 • 102 min

Here to discuss his decades as a writer and biographer, Puppet Tears welcomes Brian Jay Jones. He has written best-selling biographies on iconic artists such as Washington Irving, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), and George Lucas. His 2013 book, Jim Henson: The Biography was written with the cooperation of the Henson family, who granted Jones unprecedented access to the Henson Archives.

We talk with Brian about his journey in creating his acclaimed "book shelf," his admiration for Jim Henson's "creatively restless" work ethic, and how he is forever intertwined with the legacy of his subjects. He also shares the Muppet myths he was most excited to bust in the Jim Henson biography. PLUS: find out which part of the book was his personal gift to the Henson family!

For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BrianJayJones

Release date: August 23, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BrianJayJones

Release date: August 23, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Previous Episode

Puppet Tears, ep 077 — ToughPigs.com

On this episode, we're celebrating 20 years of ToughPigs.com with the help of Joe Hennes and Ryan Roe! As co-owners of the site, as well as editor-in-chief and head writer, respectively, Joe and Ryan have overseen the evolution of ToughPigs from a little-known fan blog to a robust media outlet for all kinds of Muppet related content.

They each host their own podcast for ToughPigs. Joe oversees The Muppet Fan Podcasts with ToughPigs.com, currently celebrating with a retrospective series ToughPigs at 20. Ryan is the host of Movin' Right Along, where he and Anthony Strand re-visit Muppet movies two minutes at a time; that show is wrapping up its third season, covering The Muppets Take Manhattan.

We talk to Joe and Ryan about the formative moments in ToughPigs's history, how they quantify a successful Muppet production, their experience in breaking the news Matt Vogel's casting as Kermit following Steve Whitmire's departure from Disney, and detail their plans to celebrate 20 years of "Muppet Fans Who Grew Up." PLUS: what Broadway standard did Adam and Cam have to clear so this interview could happen?

For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/ToughPigs

Release date: August 9, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Next Episode

Puppet Tears, ep 079 — Haley Jenkins

On this week's show we're joined by one of puppetry's rising stars — Haley Jenkins! Haley currently stars in the title role of PBS Kids's Donkey Hodie, based on characters from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. She has also performed on Helpsters, The Pee Wee Herman Show Live on Broadway, Sesame Street, where where she originated the role of Karli.

We talk with Haley about first finding bravery on the stage in high school, how her time in the Disney College Program ultimately led her to Sesame Street, and how all of her experiences in puppetry have informed her work as Donkey Hodie. We also talk about Haley's experiences Zari, the Muppet from Afghanistan's Sesame co-production Baghch-e-Simsim, for appearances in the United States! PLUS: find out her celebrity name-drop who never forgets to send a "happy birthday" text !

For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/HaleyJenkins

Release date: September 6, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity