Dreamfinders

Welcome to the final bi-weekly episode of "Dreamfinders." With this episode, the podcast has interviewed 50 guests. It's been quiet a ride and the fun is not over just yet! Rick Harper’s work for Disney has certainly left an…Impression. Starting in the model shop at WED, Rick soon moved his way up into the design department and then later was asked to helm the now classic EPCOT French Pavilion film “Impressions de France.” Rick was kind enough to chat with host Nathan Hartman about assisting Claude Coats with Space Mountain, how he and John Hench would get in trouble during board meetings, and that time he hung over the side of the Eiffel Tower’s elevator as it made its way to the top. A message from Nathan: "You know, it’s not as fun to go to theme parks by yourself and the same can be said about theme park podcasts. I’m so glad you’ve joined me on this journey. Your support has meant everything and I’ll always be grateful." Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Hayden Evans loves to illustrate the soul of people and places. Through his use of bold lines and colors he attempts to capture the essence of what things are. In that way, it’s no surprise that Hayden loves a place that does the same thing for genres and stories - Disneyland. As a Cast Member, Hayden worked on such legendary attractions as the Jungle Cruise, the Tiki Room, and the Disneyland Railroad. Hayden sits down with Nathan Hartman to talk about how growing up near Yellowstone National Park inspired him as much as Disneyland, the times he fought off spiders as a Jungle Cruise Skipper, and how he got to propose to his wife around nine hundred and ninety-nine happy haunts. Check out all of Hayden's great work at www.haydenevansart.com Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

For almost 30 years, Kevin Brassard beat up Nazis, stole ancient artifacts, and ran from explosions. Quite the day job. As the very first Indiana Jones at Hollywood Studios “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” Kevin was trained by film stunt legends and now teaches the next generation of actors who take up the fedora and whip. Kevin chats with Nathan Hartman about how his love of Indy started well before he played the role, what his favorite moment is in the show and how the Stunt Spectacular has an surprising connection with Space Mountain. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today * Kevin's photo by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda of the Orlando Sentinel Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand why people love Disney, but, if you are one, it certainly can give you a unique perspective. Aerospace engineer Mary Kate Smith has worked for the likes of NASA and Lockheed Martin, but in her spare time you’ll find her flying through the stars over on Space Mountain. In fact, Mission Space even played a key role in her graduate dissertation. But if you think that’s nerdy, you don’t know the half of it as Mary Kate also matched wits with chemists and bioengineers as a contestant on the reality TV show “King of the Nerds” Mary Kate was kind enough to talk with me about her reality TV experience, the future of space exploration, and what kind of Disney theme park nerd she believes herself to be. Contact Nathan: * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today * Kevin's photo by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda of the Orlando Sentinel Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Brandon Kleyla, better know as Trader Brandon to fellow tiki lovers and friends, has always been obsessed with the intricacies of pop-culture and, over time, he’s become a part of it himself. From acting on Nickelodeon shows at Universal Studios Florida as a kid to creating a feature documentary on Indiana Jones fan culture, Brandon’s career has more twists and turns than a pulp adventure novel. Eventually, it all lead him to Disney Imagineering where he became one of the main creative forces behind both Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Grog Grotto as well as set decorator for such places as Pandora: the World of Avatar. A unique episode, host Nathan Hartman was arranging to interview Brandon around the time the quarantine began and, since he was having people on his Instagram feed to chat anyway, he invited Nathan on to interview him live. So fair warning, the audio is a little different this time around, but well worth your time. Brandon chats with Nathan about his time as a Jungle Cruise Skipper, what it’s like working with Joe Rhode, and they deep dive into all things Indiana Jones. Keep up with Brandon... * traderbrandon.com * Twitter - @BrandonKleyla * Instagram - trader_brandon Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Attraction preshows are an interesting aspect of theme park storytelling. They’re the first act of a ride’s story, giving us the background and mood we need to know as we fill in all the available space and wait for our chance at adventure. And some of these become quotable favorites for generations. Today’s guest is uhhhh…one of these. Actor David Danipour portrays Dr. Stevens in Pandora: Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom and has quickly become a recognizable part of the land. A fan favorite to some and an oddity to others, David’s performance grounds an extraordinary experience and has helped change exactly what we think a preshow can be. David sits down with Nahtan to talk about getting lost at Disneyland when he was young, making his way through the Los Angeles comedy scene, and working on shows like The Good Place and Westworld. Keep up with David on Instagram, Twitter or his YouTube Channel. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Ray Spencer found out early on that his talent as a conceptual designer could be put to use, not for creating office buildings and shopping malls, but experiences. Since then he’s never looked back. With a career that spans decades of work, fleshing out ideas for places like the Field Museum in Chicago to Kennedy Space Center, Ray finally found himself an Imagineer at Disney where he helped implement some of the biggest changes in the reimagining of California Adventure. Ray sat down with host Nathan Hartman to talk about his love of trains, the creative reworking of Sunshine Plaza into Buena Vista St. and how he brought the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost back from the dead. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

To love Disney parks is to also love good design. The immersive nature of the parks depend on it. But while many may just take it in without giving it much thought, others look at every detail. Today’s guests on Dreamfinders, Rob Yeo and Andy Sinclair Harris, are those kind of people. Both amazing designers and Disney nerds, Rob and Andy have found their place inside of Disney fan culture. Rob is known for his amazing Disney inspired designs and collaborations with other them park fans while Andy spent several years an Imagineer, working extensively on Hong Kong Disneyland. Both were kind enough to chat with host Nathan Hartman about being British Disney nerds, working on designs for liquor and Time Lords and their brand new podcast The Sorcerers Lounge. Check out Rob and Andy's Websites! * Rob Yeo - robyeodesign.com * Andy Sinclair Harris - andysinclairharris.com Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Randal Kleiser grew up with a poster of Disneyland above his bed. He knew every square inch and when he finally got to go, he knew exactly where everything was like he’d been there a thousands times. That passion for Disney eventually helped foster a love of filmmaking and, years later, Randal would have his own attraction at Disneyland that kids would be seeking out - Honey I Shrunk the Audience. The director of such hits as Grease, Flight of the Navigator, and Honey I Blew Up the Kid, Randal has had an amazing career that spans both decades and technology, as he continues to push the boundaries of what filmmaking can be. Randal chats with host Nathan Hartman about his college years with his roommate George Lucas, working with wolf dogs out in the wild on White Fang, and just how they pulled off those special effects in Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Keep up with Randal at randalkleiser.com Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

A staple of the classic “Disneyland” experience, steam trains can take you anywhere from New Orleans to Toontown and its bell and whistle are a constant presence throughout the park.For many, their fascination with trains and theme parks are intricately linked, thanks in no small part to Walt Disney’s own love of both. Today’s guest, Michael Campbell is one of those people, but in ways far beyond a normal hobbyist. The foremost scholar on all things Disney trains, Michael has not only curated exhibits on the subject for the Walt Disney Family museum and others, but helped renovate Walt’s very own hobby barn so visitors could tour it. Michael was kind enough to chat with host Nathan Hartman about the origins of his Disney train passion, how locomotives inspired Walt throughout his life and directly lead to Disneyland, and how he came to have an engine from the Fort Wilderness railroad in his very own backyard. Check out Michael's company at aye-five.com. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

When David Price was a child, he, like many of us, found himself playing about as his father worked elsewhere in the room. But what David didn’t realize at the time was that all those maps and plans hanging around the office were helping his dad, Buzz Price, determine the best place to construct a little theme park called Disneyland. Not only did Buzz help Walt Disney make that determination, but he also acted as a feasibility advisor for Disney World, EPCOT, and many other theme park and entertainment complexes throughout his life. Honored as a Disney Legend and with his own window at Disneyland, Buzz Price not only changed the lives of theme park fans, but many artists with his work in the formation of both CalArts and Ryman Arts. David spoke with Nathan Hartman about his book all about his father, “Buzz Stories at Thirty Thousand Feet,” and the impact of his father’s legacy. You can pick up his book on Amazon or visit thebuzzway.com to preview the first chapter and order the book there. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Shawn Rosell isn’t trying to be like every other vlogger who loves Disney and in fact, after moving away from Orlando, he knew his channel couldn’t just be park visits like so many others. These days, it’s a mix of short films, Disney opinions, thoughts on life and his unique perspective of being a black vlogger who began his Youtube journey in a theme park culture that is predominantly white. Shawn sat down with host Nathan Hartman to chat about being a shy guy who has found himself not only on the theater stage, but in the wrestling ring, how he found his voice as a vlogger, and his thoughts on Disney’s relationship with black culture. Make sure to check out Shawn's Youtube Channel. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Gijs Van Winkelhof has always had an ear for a good Disney song. Having taught himself how to play piano at 3, Gijs has spent his life at the keyboard, plucking away at any song after listening to it once or twice. Like many of us, he’s found himself humming Disney theme park music long after leaving the ride, but, thanks to his creative talents, he can replay them at any time. That's what he does for hundreds of fans a week on his live stream and as a piano player for the Disneyland Hotel in Paris. Gijs spoke with Nathan about playing at Carnegie Hall, being a rock star at Tomorrowland (well a different kind of Tomorrowland) and he plays for us some of his favorite Disney theme park tunes, including lots of classic Epcot! Check out all Gijs is up to on his youtube at Gijs Music or his website gijsmusic.com. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

We’ve all taken journeys to visit places that connect us with moments in history we love. For many Disney fans, that can include Walt’s home town of Marceline and, of course, his original theme park - Disneyland. But those places only bookend Walt’s life - leaving many experiences in between. That’s where Christopher Tremblay comes in. A Disney fan with a passion for Walt’s life, Tremblay has authored Walt’s Pilgrimage - a guide book that covers all the places in America that were important to both Walt professionally and personally. Tremblay chats with Nathan about his Disney-centered college course that was the foundation for the book, his own experiences as a Cast Member in the Disney College Program, and what drives him even now to dig deeper into the life of Walt Disney. Make sure to check out Walt’s Pilgrimage and all Christopher's other Disney books on Amazon and learn more at his website - waltspilgrimage.com Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.

Adam Kreutinger makes magic one stitch at a time. Through his passion of puppet making, he has both created a slew of lovable characters and shared his creative process on his Youtube channel, even in real time, for all who have interest. But when Adam was tasked with creating a certain dragon of royal purple pigment, he connected with Disney nerd culture in a brand new way. Adam sat with me to chat about creating a puppet version of Figment that is both reminiscent of old, but also vibrantly unique, how he incorporates his puppet friends inside his art classes as a teacher, and how proper puppet making can really put a spark of life in a characters eyes. You can check out all of Adam's awesome puppet work at adamkreutinger.com or his Youtube Channel. Contact Nathan * Twitter – @somestuffisaid * Instagram – @somestuffisaw * Email – dreamfinders@wdwnt.com Credits: * Podcast Artwork - JP Tanner * Editor - Shannen Michaelsen * Quality Control - Ben Harris * This podcast is distributed by WDW News Today Find us on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Stitcher, or your favorite podcatcher using our RSS feed.