Animation ... and Beyond!

Get ready for a wild ride as Ezra and Julian hop straight into the bustling metropolis of Disney's Zootopia! We’re breaking down Judy and Nick's unlikely buddy-cop dynamic, exploring Judy's paw-sitively inspiring feminist journey, hunting down our favorite hidden Easter eggs, and unpacking the roaring critical and box office success of this modern classic. Plus, we explore the franchise's ever-expanding universe - from the wild success of the new hit sequel, Zootopia 2, to its leap into theme park lands and merch! It’s an episode packed with fascinating facts and fun... fur real! 🐰🦊 Record in January 2026

Ever wonder what was left on the cutting room floor? ✂️ This week on Animation & Beyond, Ezra and Julian are going "Beyond the Box Office" to explore the wild world of director’s cuts and extended editions. They are diving into how a few extra scenes can totally reshape a story—from the epic marathons of Lord of the Rings to the fan-fueled Justice League. They discuss the "tug-of-war" between directors and producers and how streaming is finally letting filmmakers have the last word. Grab your popcorn and let’s get into the "missing" magic! 🍿

In this episode of Animation and Beyond, hosts Ezra and Julian dig into the block-buster world of Minecraft! They explore its origins, core gameplay mechanics, and explore its lasting cultural impact. They discuss what makes the game Minecraft such a powerful tool for creativity and world-building, and why its simple design has captured imaginations for over a decade. The conversation digs into the 2025 Minecraft movie, its cast, and how it connects to the gaming community. The episode concludes with the newly named trivia segment "I bet you didn't know” and personal updates from the hosts. Recorded in November 2025.

In this episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and Julian explore the connection between animated characters and the actors who inspire them. They look at how some characters are designed directly after real-life performers and how that differs from characters who are brought to life through voice alone. Along the way, they highlight the influence of iconic performers like Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, break down the differences between voice acting and on-screen acting, and discuss how these choices shape character design and development. It’s a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how animation blends performance and personality to create unforgettable characters.

In this week’s episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and Julian crawl into the adorable (and occasionally chaotic) world of babies in animation. They chat about films with baby leads, explore the idea of forever babies, those cartoon kiddos who never grow up, and compare them with coming-of-age characters whose journeys allow them to evolve and mature on screen. Ezra and Julian explore why baby characters are so lovable, the unique storytelling angles they bring, and how animated films use them to highlight family values and found-family dynamics. They also consider how these characters have evolved over time and what makes them such effective emotional anchors in their stories. The episode wraps up with trivia, laughs, and a few thoughtful reflections on why animation just can’t quit its cutest characters! Recorded October 2025

🪞Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the fairest of them all? After a long break, Animation and Beyond is back! Ezra and his new co-host Julian dive into the story that started it all — Snow White! From Disney’s 1937 classic to modern adaptations, join us for poisoned apples, quirky dwarfs, and a timeless tale as we break it down one bite at a time🍎

On this episode, we're talking about the emotional rollercoaster of Inside Out! In this 2010's coming-of-age film, there's plenty to love. Plus, Mardy is saying goodbye to the role of Animation and Beyond cohost! Don't fret, though. Ezra will be back with a new cohost and the podcast will go on!

On this episode, we're talking about the world's most gluttonous cat! Your furry, orange, comical friend, Garfield, is returning to the screen with a new movie, and we're celebrating by going over his long history of shows, films, games, merch, and more!

This week we've got a special episode...and interview with the Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner for the series "Angry Birds: Mystery Island," Eric Rogers!

On this episode, we're talking about our favorite canine family....the Heelers! Specifically, Bluey, the protagonist of the adorable childrens' show. Join us to enjoy Bluey's song, friends, and family values!

Our favorite Spanish-speaking, Swiper-stopping, map-minding, adventure-adoring explorer, Dora, is back with a new 3D-animated TV show. On this episode, we're talking about Dora's early years as a 2D cartoon, her live-action film, franchise, characters, and more!

If there's something strange in the neighborhood....it might be one of the ghosts from this classic franchise, which got a new sequel out this year! We're talking about the old and new movies, shows, and games brought to LIFE since the original Ghostbusters film premiered.

Spin and kick back through your memory to this legendary movie franchise from the mid-2000s to celebrate its third sequel which just came out! We're discussing Awkwafina, the Kung Fu Panda video games, movies, shorts, and overall impact in our newest episode!

This week, we're discussing the raunchy, adult comedy series "Family Guy." The R-rated show is wildly successful, as is its creator, Seth MacFarlane. It's bound to make you cringe and crack up!

Join us as we dive into the camp song-turned-franchise, Baby Shark! We're talking about viral videos, the Baby Shark characters, and the mew movie which came out in December!

Back in December, you may have heard about the newest installment of the animated series of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" movies. The film disrupted the order of the books and made things about Christmas, but we loved it nonetheless. Like all of the stories in this series, it was awkward, entertaining, relatable, and hilarious!

In honor of the movie "Wonka" released recently, we're talking about Roald Dahl's most successful story and its variations! Charlie and the Chocolate factory is a story full of imagination, magic, and CANDY, and we think it's delicious!

Happy New Year! To kick off this season, we are talking about a classic claymation film that just got a sequel....Chicken Run! Don't miss the new movie in theaters, and be sure to learn about claymation with us in this episode!

Happy Holidays to you and yours from Animation and Beyond! One of the holidays coming up is Christmas, and what better way to enjoy Christmas than to reminisce about the hilarious Christmas film "ELF!?" We enjoyed discussing our favorite moments, lines, and actors from the film on this episode. We will be back in the new year!

This episode, we're talking about the cunning character of Robin Hood. Robin Hood has been around a long time, but is probably most famous in the early Disney film of the same name! Join us as we discuss recycled animation, animal characters, and more!

"Trolls - Band Together" is out in just a few days, and we couldn't be more excited! With familiar music, plus one ~new~ song by N Sync, it is bound to be another epic addition to the Trolls franchise, which we're talking about in this episode!

Whether it's a camera with terrifying powers, or a yeti that comes to life, the children's book series GOOSEBUMPS is sure to fright! The franchise's newest TV series came out just in time for Halloween last week, don't miss it! And in celebration, we're talking about the books, films, and more!

On this episode, we're talking about the rescue pups who are celebrating their 10th anniversary! With a second feature film out just recently, PAW Patrol is captivating kids everywhere!

This episode, we're celebrating the action-packed 2000s franchise, Spy Kids! The new, fifth installment of Spy Kids came out last earlier this month, don't miss it!

In this episode, we're talking Tiny. Tiny Toons, that is! Our mini, loony friends got a reboot earlier this month! Catch them at Looniversity on Cartoon Network!

A few weeks ago, Ezra and his dad visited the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco! This week, Ezra is recapping everything he learned, (or re-learned) at the museum.

S6.E16: Haunted Mansion! by Animation... and Beyond!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage-- okay, you get it. The song is catchy. We're thrilled to talk about these vigilante turtles, who have a new movie out now!

Longtime fans are out of this world about the new season of Futurama just released on Hulu! To celebrate, we're discussing the unique adult cartoon.

No introduction needed... you've already heard that the first live-action BARBIE movie is out! We're talking about the famous doll and the franchise she became. The Barbie movie is in theaters right now!

Our action-packed hero is back after a long hiatus with the fifth Indiana Jones movie! To celebrate we are talking about the legacy of this iconic character and franchise!

This week, we're covering a few of our favorite movies that warn against environmental harm in an entertaining way!

After an extra week off, we are BACK discussing a unique and wild adventure film which viewers of all ages love. Be sure not to miss the sequel, Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse, which just came out!

For the second week in a row, we're UNDER THE SEA! In honor of the highly-anticipated, live-action remake coming out next week, we're talking about the movie that led the Disney Renaissance with its success!

This week, to honor its 20th anniversary, we're talking about the Pixar film that really made a SPLASH!

And we're off to Neverland! In honor of the new live-action movie coming out on Disney+ next week, we're reminiscing about our green-glad, ever-young friend Peter Pan!

This week we are talking about 100 years of Disney, with special guest Jordan!

This week, we're talking about our favorite Italian plumber... the red-capped character with a franchise so massive you can't escape it. And next month, MARIO is getting his own animated movie!

Wrapping up its final season last year, "Arthur" holds a place in our hearts as a long-running, classic TV show and book series. We discuss the show's theme song, characters, and more!

This episode we discuss Ezra's special trip to Disney World to celebrate (late) his 25th birthday! We talk about audio-animatronics, rides, shows, and even hear snippets from a couple of conversations Ezra had with Tiana and Ariel!

Prick! We're talking about the old classic, Sleeping Beauty, this week in celebration of the animated film's anniversary!

Happy New Year! And welcome back to a new season of Animation and Beyond. To kick off season six, we're talking about the revolting children of Mathilda!

With all-star casts, a creative plot, and plenty of laughs, the three Night at the Museum movies are classics. Now, there's a fourth one out...and it's animated!

S5.E38: The Santa Clauses! by Animation... and Beyond!

We're back! We do apologize for the sound quality in this episode, as some technical issues made Mardy sound kind of like a robot... but we couldn't abandon our espisode about Disney's "ENCHANTED!" The live-action and animated movie with a sequel that just came out!

It's time for a classic... this week, we're talking about ALADDIN! The iconic Robin William's film from Disney's Renaissance era, with returning guest co-host Jordan!

Uh-Oh! It's the colorful four friends from our earliest memories of TV, back for a SECOND revival! Next week, the Teletubbies are getting a comeback, so this week, we're getting nostalgic.

Did you watch this lovable blue pup's show as a kid? ...................... Cool! We did, too! This interactive show stood out among kids' shows and got a revival a few years ago. And now Blue, Josh, and the former hosts are getting a movie and we are BARKING with excitement!

This week, to honor the release of a new stop-motion animated Halloween film, we are talking about Henry Selick and his spooktastic experiences!

This week we have a guest, Jordan Wolleben! Jordan, Ezra and Mardy discuss the teeny tiny movie "A Bug's Life." Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound