Toon My Heart

2025 was quite a year for Bible-based animated films, with Angel Studios' and Sunrise Animation Studios' "David" closing out the year, following in the footsteps of Angel's Easter epic "The King of Kings" and the traditionally animated "Light of the World"-- and overtaking both of them to become the highest-grossing faith-based animated film of all time. But is it worthy of such a distinction? In this "First Impressions" episode of Toon My Heart podcast, host Tracy Herold takes a quick look at both the strengths and shortcomings of this family film depicting David's rise to the throne, including iconic scenes like his battle with Goliath, beautiful musical numbers, and moments of genuine emotion.Referenced in this episode: David creator Phil Cunningham on 30-year journey to 'the best animated film of 2025': https://joynews.co.za/david-creator-phil-cunningham-on-30-year-journey-to-the-best-animated-film-of-2025/Make a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheartInterested in sponsoring an episode, or have any questions or comments to share? Email [email protected]!Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com

Almost 90 years ago, Walt Disney made history by producing the first cel animated feature film ever, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. While movie industry insiders and even those closest to him had doubted his vision, Walt and his studio staff persevered in creating an undisputed masterpiece, and managed to change the course of film and animation history in the process. In this episode of Toon My Heart, host Tracy Herold is joined by guest Dr. William Brunson, pastor, John Maxwell coach, and author of the new book Faith, Leadership, and Walt: Leading with Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Possibility. Dr. Brunson shares anecdotes about Walt's leadership and vision casting as we discuss the artistry and depth found within his first feature film. We discuss how Walt's Christian faith was reflected in this and other movies and projects; debate whether the original Disney princess is really the helpless "damsel in distress" that she's often made out to be; talk about how she displays characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit and how this contrasts with the Evil Queen's vanity, envy, and other "works of the flesh"; consider which characters can be seen as Christ figures within the fairy tale story; bring up other Biblical symbolism found within the movie, such as the "forbidden fruit" of the poison apple; and appreciate how Snow White's quiet strength, faithful waiting, gentle kindness, and patient resilience can serve as an example to us all.Buy Faith, Leadership, and Walt on Amazon.comFind Dr. Brunson's other books on his Amazon.com author pageVisit DeeperPurposeCoaching.comVisit his church at vhmc.orgAlso mentioned in this episode: Saving Cinderella: What Feminists Get Wrong About Disney Princesses and How to Set it Right, by Faith MooreMake a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheartInterested in sponsoring an episode? Email [email protected]!Thanks to the following folks on X for sharing their comments for this episode: @cookiesthin, @DesertofReelPod, @IntellectricMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com

The 2026 Academy Awards show is coming up in just a few days. While you've probably seen, or at least familiar with, some of the animated film nominees, such as Sony Animation's K-Pop Demon Hunters (the favorite to win the Oscar) and Disney's Zooptopia 2, let's take a look at a few of the nominees that you may have missed-- and that may be worth checking out.In the Best Animated Feature Film category, we have Arco-- a traditionally animated sci-fi fantasy out of France, featuring time travel, robots, and a tale of friendship and connection-- and Little Amelie or the Character of Rain-- another French film full of stunning 2D animated visuals, based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Amelie Nothomb, about the daughter of a Belgian diplomat growing up in Japan.In the Best Animated Short Film category, the 3D animated Forevergreen offers a stop-motion-like aesthetic inspired by wood carvings, and an overtly Christian story about a little bear and the tree that cares for him, inspired by Jesus' parable of The Prodigal Son.Watch Forevergreen on YouTube for a limited time at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4EPW7JUMTMLearn more about Toon My Heart: https://linktr.ee/toonmyheartMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com

Special guest Tim Ingle, creator of the Bearly Biblical animated series on Loor.tv-- and coming soon, the Bearly Biblical trading card game-- returns to Toon My Heart to talk about The Little Troll Prince: A Christmas Parable. This 1987 Christmas television special with a very explicitly Christian message, produced by Hanna-Barbera and backed by the International Lutheran Laymen's League, carries a lot of nostalgia for host Tracy Herold. But despite airing on Cartoon Network for many years in the '90s, many people today have never even heard of The Little Troll Prince-- and Tim was one of them! Without nostalgia goggles, will he still find things to appreciate in this traditionally animated musical holiday special? In this final "Forgotten Christmas Specials" episode for 2025, we discuss the history of Hanna-Barbera, including the role that faith played in some of Joseph Barbera's pet projects; the uniqueness of a Christmas special that doesn't mention Santa once but does mention the Savior; how the themes of love, faith, heart transformation, and God's sovereignty are presented in story of the troll prince Bu; and our pros and cons and how we might choose to tell the story differently. Please follow @bearlybiblical on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok; follow @intellectric on X and @intellectricanimation on Instagram; and visit BearlyBiblical.comMentioned or referenced in this episode:The Gospel According to Hanna-Barbera on YowpThe Little Troll Prince on archive.orgCabbage Patch Kids First Christmas/The Little Troll Prince DVD on AmazonThank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.

Despite first airing in 1996, "Arnold's Christmas," also known as the "Hey Arnold! Christmas Special," was a new watch this year for Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold, suggested by this episode's special guest, Kevin T. Rodriguez, also known as iCritic. What starts out as a pretty typical Christmas episode for a kids' TV show turns out to be something deeper and much more special by the end. And the story behind it is just as compelling. Find out why this episode almost didn't make it to air on Nickelodeon thanks to story elements dealing with the Vietnam War; what Arnold, Helga, and Gerald all think the "true meaning of Christmas" is; how we think this secular Christmas special still conveys some deeply Christian themes about miracles, love, empathy, and bearing one another's burdens; and why-- whether you grew up watching this Nicktoon or not-- we think "Arnold's Christmas" is worth a watch.Mentioned in this episode:https://www.icritic.nethttps://www.youtube.com/@KevinTRodHey Arnold claymation shorts"Hey Arnold! Christmas Special" adBuy Me A Coffee (Donate)Toon My Heart TeePublic StoreThank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.

When you think of Disney and Christmas specials, the first one that comes to mind is likely Mickey's Christmas Carol, and for good reason. But five years before that short came out, Disney released another Christmas special called The Small One, directed by none other than Don Bluth, shortly before he left the company to form his own animation studio. Although it seems to have largely been forgotten by Disney, Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and special guest, artist and animator Monica Theiler both have fond childhood memories of watching this story of a boy seeking a new home for his beloved donkey and finding one more special than he could have ever imagined. And in this episode, we talk about what it shows us about true friendship, how to love like God does, and God's perfect plan and purpose for every "small one."Visit Monica Theiler and buy her books at artistmonica.comFind Monica's books on AmazonFollow Monica on Instagram @artistmonica, and Youtube @artistanimatormonicaAlso mentioned in this episode:Watch The Small One on Disney+The Small One: A Story for Those Who Like Christmas and Small Donkeys by Charles TazewellSomewhere Out There: My Animated Life by Don BluthThe Small One: A Good Samaritan by Katherine Brown Thank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.

Light of the World is the second animated film released in 2025 about the life of Jesus, so how does this traditionally animated project compare to the 3D-animated The King of Kings that came out earlier in the year? Produced by The Salvation Poem Project and with the talent of former Disney animators and directors and unique storybook-style animation provided by Lighthouse Studios, a joint venture between Cartoon Saloon and Mercury Filmworks, Light of the World tells the gospel story from the point of view of the Apostle John as a young teenager. Find out host Tracy Herold's initial thoughts upon seeing this film in theaters.Mentioned in this episode:The Salvation Poem Project: https://salvationpoem.comGavin Ortlund, "These A.I. Videos Raise a Theology Question": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiLDeIFqw2sThe Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast: https://bancroftbros.libsyn.comLighthouse Studios: https://lighthousestudios.ieLight of the World on Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/light-of-the-world-blu-ray/pd/044399?srsltid=AfmBOoqbNaHy2ec5a0wdJldsjdKRgBQUCjZVjT-_RmO3TnqpCP2_nFjPBuy Toon My Heart merch at teepublic.com/user/toon-my-heartDonate to Toon My Heart at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheartFollow @toonmyheart on Instagram, X, and FacebookOther links at linktr.ee/toonmyheartMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.comQuestions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected]

On this episode of Toon My Heart, host Tracy Herold is joined by animator Monica Theiler, founder of Moonglow Animation, to talk about Dreamworks' 2010 animated film How to Train Your Dragon. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell and brought to life by the writing/directing team of Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, who previously collaborated on Disney's Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon launched an incredibly long-lived franchise, encompassing sequels, TV shows, comics, an arena show, a theme park, and of course, Dreamworks' first live-action remake. But at its heart is a simple message about overcoming fear with love, and learning to love your enemies, just as Jesus Christ taught his followers in the Sermon on the Mount. We discuss how that message is brought to life through the story of Hiccup and Toothless' blossoming friendship on the Isle of Berk, as well as lots of other fun topics, including: the live-action remake trend; what the Bible says about dragons; the symbolism around weaponry in the film; how Hiccup reminds us of Jesus; and more!Find Monica Theiler at www.artistmonica.com, on Instagram @artistmonica, and on YouTube @artistanimatormonica Visit MoonglowAnimation.comAlso mentioned in this episode:G.K. Chesterton on dragons and fairy tales"How to Train Your Dragon: Behind the Scenes" by Tim Nasson"How to Train Your Dragon" by Matt Risley"Even How To Train Your Dragon's Live-Action Director Has Found The Movie Trend 'Disappointing.' Why He Made The Movie Anyway" by Sarah El-Mahmoud"How to Train Your Dragon Review: A Pointless Shot-for-Shot Remake" by Jonathan SimThe Plausible Impossible on Disney+"Tannin" entry from Strong's Concordance"Spurgeon Verse Expositions - Isaiah 43:18-43:28""BibleProject Guide: Dragons in the Bible"Thanks to the following folks on X for sharing their comments for this episode's discussion: @realpopchrissy, @KevinTRod, @_rockinmrmagic, @KerryStapp, @desertofreelpodMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com

Disney and Pixar's newest original animated film Elio hasn't had much success in getting audiences into the theater. But does that mean it's not worth watching? Find out why Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold believes this outer space adventure about loneliness, family, and finding a place to belong is worth seeing on the big screen, and how it even reminded her of the Biblical prophet Elijah and his encounter with God in 1 Kings 19. In this episode she also discusses elements of the animated sci-fi film that Christian parents might be concerned about or at least want to know of in advance, and offers some suggestions for discussions to have with your kids after watching the film.Buy Toon My Heart merch at teepublic.com/user/toon-my-heartDonate to Toon My Heart at buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheartFollow Toon My Heart on social media: @toonmyheart on Instagram, X, and FacebookOther links at linktr.ee/toonmyheartMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.comQuestions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected]

It's time for another special "Showtune My Heart" episode, in which "Toon My Heart" host Tracy and a guest discuss a song from an animated film, analyzing it through a Christian lens. Today's guest is writer, editor, and podcaster Faith Moore, host of the "Storytime for Grownups" podcast and author of the book Saving Cinderella: What Feminists Get Wrong About Disney Princesses and How to Set it Right. Faith's song choice is "So This Is Love" from Walt Disney's Cinderella, and she and Tracy discuss how to understand fairy tale symbolism, why princess stories still matter, some interesting parallels between the Cinderella story and the Biblical account of the life of Jesus, the importance of love in both fairy tales and in the Christian life, and how to become your true self.Find Faith Moore at faithkmoore.com and @faithkmoore on X.comBuy Toon My Heart merch at teepublic.com/user/toon-my-heartDonate to Toon My Heart at buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheartFollow Toon My Heart on social media: @toonmyheart on Instagram, X, and FacebookOther links at linktr.ee/toonmyheartMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.comQuestions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected]

Why did the highest-grossing film of 2024 strike such a chord with audiences and critics? To mark the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, host Tracy Herold welcomes back special guest Pastor Jay Nepomuceno, founder of a Christian mental health advocacy ministry called The Climb, to talk about Disney Pixar's Inside Out 2. All of our favorite emotions from the first Inside Out-- Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust-- are back, but as Riley enters puberty, they're joined by new emotions-- Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Nostalgia-- and a struggle for Riley's sense of self ensues. We discuss the fantastic pictures the film paints of how our brains work and the effects that anxiety can have on us, talk about the lessons we can learn from the movie about our mental health and sense of identity-- and how those lessons can be made more complete with the addition of Biblical truths-- and debate whether Anxiety is a villain or merely a protagonist, and how we can put her in her proper place either way. Find The Climb at theclimbministries.com and facebook.com/theclimbministries Buy Toon My Heart merch at teepublic.com/user/toon-my-heart Donate to Toon My Heart at buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Follow Toon My Heart on social media: @toonmyheart on Instagram, X, and Facebook Other links at linktr.ee/toonmyheart Also mentioned in this episode: "Inside Out 2 Was the Hit Pixar Needed, but the Laid-Off Employees Who Crunched on It Are Still Hurting" (IGN): https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-out-2-was-the-hit-pixar-needed-but-the-laid-off-employees-who-crunched-on-it-are-still-hurtingMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected]

Disney's Moana is the "No. 1 movie in streaming history" according to the Wall Street Journal, having been streamed for more than 1 billion hours! But it's also a story about gods, demigods, monsters, and spirits. Is it okay for Christians to watch such a film? Can we maybe even find glimpses of the gospel within it? Grab a boat snack and set sail with Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and special guest Tim Ingle, creator of the Bearly Biblical cartoon series, as we explore how the story of this unconventional "Disney Princess" echoes the Bible's story of creation, fall, and redemption, and demonstrates our need for a savior, serving as a great illustration of the idea espoused by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien that man-made myths (both ancient and modern) ultimately point toward and find their fulfillment in the "true myth" of Jesus Christ. Find Tim Ingle on social media: @intellectricanimation on Instagram, @intellectric on X Watch Bearly Biblical at loor.tv/project/bearly-biblical Buy Bearly Biblical merch at bearlybiblical.com Read Tim's animated movie reviews at cartoonsgotsaved.com Buy Toon My Heart and "True Myth" merch at teepublic.com/user/toon-my-heart Donate to Toon My Heart at buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Follow Toon My Heart on social media: @toonmyheart on Instagram, X, and Facebook Other links at linktr.ee/toonmyheart Also mentioned in this episode: "It's Disney's Biggest Surprise Hit--8 Year After Its Release" by Ben Cohen: https://www.wsj.com/business/media/moana-disney-streaming-movies-frozen-452ef412C.S. Lewis' letter to Arthur Greeves about the concept of "the true myth": https://www.cslewis.com/lewis-on-tolkien-3J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter: https://www.amazon.com/J-R-R-Tolkien-Biography-Humphrey-Carpenter/dp/0618057021"Myth Became Fact" from God in the Dock by C.S. Lewis: https://judithwolfe.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/2017/08/Myth-Became-Fact.pdfMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected]

The first of three Bible-based animated films coming out in 2025 came out just in time for Easter-- but is it any good? Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and her daughter share their thoughts on The King of Kings, the first full-length feature film from Korean director Seong-ho Jang of Mofac Studios, a creative retelling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ inspired by Charles Dickens' short book "The Life of Our Lord," featuring an all-star cast, including Kenneth Branagh, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Uma Thurman. Tracy discusses the history behind the source material, the arguments for and against depicting Christ on film, the positives that both kids and parents can get from the film's immersive storytelling, and some of the shortcomings Christian parents should be aware of as well. Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected] Follow @toonmyheart on Facebook, Instagram, and X toonmyheart.com linktr.ee/toonmyheart

Dav Pilkey's Dog Man series of graphic novels have proven extremely popular with children around the world, with more than 60 million copies published in 47 different languages. So it was only a matter of time before someone made a movie out of them. But does it live up to the source material-- and if so, will it prove as popular with parents as it is with their kids? In this Toon My Heart: First Impressions episode, host Tracy and her daughter Darcy-- one of Dog Man's biggest fans-- weigh in with their thoughts on this action-packed, silly, and surprisingly heartwarming animated adaptation from Dreamworks and explain why it's childishness is in fact its super power. Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected] Follow @toonmyheart on Facebook, Instagram, and X toonmyheart.com

In this episode, Tracy is taking a look at Disney's 2000 animated short film, "John Henry," about the black folk hero and his famous competition against a steam drill. And she's joined by the Burden brothers, hosts of "A Burden for the Times," a podcast all about clarifying conversations on culture and race. They discuss whether representation matters in media and how it can be done right, the real history behind the legend of John Henry, how this tale of self-sacrifice and leading others to a promised land reminds us of the Gospel, and more. Find out how director Mark Henn's faith shines through in this small but mighty animated film. Mentioned in this episode:A Burden for the Times podcast"A Black Hero Comes Up Short" by Jim Hill (Orlando Weekly): "American Legends (featuring John Henry)" by Ben SimonThe Tiara Talk Show: Interview with Director Mark Henn for 15th Anniversary of "John Henry""Mark Henn: Disney Animator on Frozen, Christian Faith and Fairy Tales" by Hannah Goodwyn (CBN)John Henry by Roark Bradford, illustrated by J.J. LankesSteel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend by Scott Reynolds Nelson"The Ballad of 'John Henry' Elicits Varied Feelings For Some Black Appalachian Residents" by Nicole MusgraveThe Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast: Mark HennThe Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast: Why We Left Disney "The Legend of John Henry" (1974)"John Henry and the Inky-Poo" (1946) (beginning at 43:40)Light of the World movieMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected] Follow @toonmyheart on Facebook, Instagram, and X toonmyheart.com

In each "Showtune My Heart" episode, Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and a special guest discuss one of their favorite songs from an animated movie from a Biblical perspective. In this episode, our special guest is Donnie Lakes, the host of another Christian podcast called The Ride of Your Life and founder of Ride of Your Life Ministries, which seeks to share the gospel with coaster and theme park enthusiasts. For our conversation, Donnie has chosen the most iconic song from Pixar's groundbreaking first feature-length computer animated film Toy Story: You've Got a Friend in Me, written and sung by Randy Newman. In the movie, of course, this song is about the friendship between Woody and Andy. But how can its lyrics also remind us of our greatest friend of all, Jesus, the friend who sticks closer than a brother, and what can it teach us about what it means to be good friends to each other and love one another as God commands? Mentioned in this episode: Ride of Your Life Ministries: https://www.rideofyourlifeministries.com@rideofyourlifeministries on Instagram, Threads & Facebook; @roylministries on XThe Ride of Your Life podcast S4E17, "Toons with Truth": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo_b5FULAnk&list=PL1qoFCW31dQ61FJZPTVMQovey_lWdlUQp&index=3"Toy Story: How Randy Newman Provided the Perfect Soundtrack": https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/toy-story-soundtrack-feature/"Randy Newman, The Musical Voice of Toy Story": https://www.npr.org/2019/06/21/734515413/randy-newman-the-musical-voice-of-toy-story"Quentin Tarantino refuses to watch Toy Story 4 because Toy Story 3 ended perfectly: 'I'm done!'": https://ew.com/quentin-tarantino-refuses-watch-toy-story-4-8702960Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Or do you have a song you'd like to discuss on "Showtune My Heart"? Email [email protected] Follow @toonmyheart on Facebook, Instagram, and X toonmyheart.com

"Small but mighty" is the theme of the day as Toon My Heart takes a break from feature-length films to examine the Disney short film "The Legend of Johnny Appleseed," part of 1948's Melody Time. Featuring the song "The Lord is Good to Me" sung by Dennis Day (who also narrates and does all of the character voices), and a character who carries a Bible, interacts with his guardian angel, and goes to Heaven, this short is one of the most open and positive portrayals of Christianity you'll find in any Disney film. But that doesn't mean that Christians should watch it uncritically. Host Tracy Herold discusses the responsibility we have when watching media depicting actual historical figures, such as John Chapman (also known as Johnny Appleseed), before launching into the lessons we can learn from this fictional Disney-fied version of Johnny Appleseed-- lessons about faith, determination, kindness, and how God delights in using the weak and foolish things of the world to do His work. Also featured in this episode is an interview with special guest Alison Bond of Kindness Through Letters Mission Project. Mentioned in this episode: Kindness Through Letters Mission Project (KTLM Project) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindnessthroughletters?mibextid=LQQJ4d Allison Bond's Paypal to donate to KTLM: https://www.paypal.me/alliebmusic23 KTLM Project Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/29PHSLW7U958Z?ref_=wl_share Heaven by Randy Alcorn: https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Randy-Alcorn/dp/0842379428 Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected] Follow @toonmyheart on Facebook, Instagram, and X toonmyheart.com

The latest episode of Toon My Heart: First Impressions is a family affair, with not just host Tracy and daughter Darcy weighing in, as usual, but also a very special guest-- their husband and father, respectively, Dave! Listen to find out what all three of us thought of the latest animated film from Dreamworks, The Wild Robot, how we felt about the changes made from the original book by Peter Brown, whether we cried or managed to hold it together, what Bible verses it reminded us of, and why we wholeheartedly recommend this movie not just for kids, but for filmgoers of every age and stage of life. Mentioned in this episode: "'The Wild Robot' Director Says Film's Painted Style Offers an 'Emotional and Immersive' Experience" by Peter DeBruge, Variety"'The Wild Robot' Turned Its Animators Into Painters" by Bill Desowitz, IndieWireMusic from Pixabay, by REDProductions

Welcome to the first episode of a new ongoing bonus series called "Showtune My Heart," in which Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and a guest will discuss a song from an animated film from a Christian faith perspective. In this episode, Tracy is joined by Kevin T. Rodriguez, also known as iCritic, to discuss the song "God Help the Outcasts," written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz for Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame. We talk about the story behind the song and how it almost didn't end up in the film, admire the accompanying animation, discover Bible passages that the lyrics reminds us of, discuss how Esmeralda's feelings and character are revealed in the course of the song, contrast it with the other "prayer" song from the movie (the villain Frollo's "Hellfire",) ponder whether it's true that "we all [are] the children of God," and more! Mentioned in this episode:https://www.icritic.nethttps://www.youtube.com/@KevinTRodHeidi Mollenhauer's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0597012/Romani Rants: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney) critiques and concerns: https://www.tumblr.com/romani-in-art/121214077396/romani-rants-the-hunchback-of-notre-dame-disney"Is everyone a child of God?" from Bible.org: https://bible.org/question/everyone-child-godMusic by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com If you have an idea for a song you'd like to discuss in a "Showtune My Heart" episode, please email [email protected]

Disney Pixar's Inside Out 2 is smashing box office records left and right, but is the sequel worth all the hype and a fitting follow up to the studio's beloved original "emotional rollercoaster" of a movie? Host Tracy and daughter Darcy weigh in with their thoughts (and feelings, of course) about 2024's first $1 billion box office film, and the return of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust, along with their new friends (or are they enemies?) Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui, in this "First Impressions" episode of Toon My Heart. Music by REDproductions, sourced from pixabay.com

Pixar is an animation studio known for producing films that tug on the heartstrings, but perhaps its most emotional movie-- quite literally-- is Inside Out. Now, with the release of Inside Out 2 just around the corner, Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold is taking a closer look at the original, and the lessons it has to teach us about emotional and mental health, with the help of special guest Jay Nepomuceno of The Climb ministry. In this episode, we discuss the Christian faith of director Pete Docter and how it impacts his work, the stigma surrounding depression and anxiety and how pastors and churches can help break it down, the ways in which Jesus Christ experienced and expressed joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust during his earthly life according to the Bible, the role these emotions have to play in our own lives, and much, much more! Mentioned in this episode:The Climb Ministries: https://theclimbministries.comThe Climb Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclimbministriesInterview with Pete Docter (Radix, archived): How Inside Out Director Pete Docter Went Inside the 11-Year-Old Mind by Lisa Miller (New York Magazine)It's All In Your Head: Director Pete Docter Gets Emotional in 'Inside Out' (Fresh Air, NPR)The Science of 'Inside Out' by Dacher Keltner and Paul Eckman (New York Times)Universal Emotions by PaulEkmanGroup'Inside Out' is a kids' movie without villains, princesses, or cool cars - and that's a good thing by Kristen Page-Kirby (Washington Post)Those 365 "Fear Not" Verses in the Bible by Rebecca Davis Is crying good for you by Leo Newhouse, LICSW (Harvard Health Blog)Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 6Music by REDProductions, sourced from Pixabay.com

Landing in theaters late in 2023, and now available on Peacock and other streaming networks, Migration flew under a lot of people's radar. But while the latest animated film from Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie didn't soar to the same levels of box-office success as those predecessors, both host Tracy and daughter Darcy (age 8) enjoyed it-- although for very different reasons. Listen to this short episode to find out why this quirky but lovable family of ducks made a good first impression on us.Music by REDProductions, sourced from Pixabay.comhttps://linktr.ee/toonmyheart

Disney's Wish didn't get a very warm welcome from critics or audiences when it came out in theaters last year, but does it have any redeeming qualities that might make it worth seeing now that it's out on streaming and blu-ray? In this bonus "First Impressions" episode, host Tracy and daughter Darcy (age 8) give their initial thoughts on Disney's newest musical fairy tale film and whether it might just be worth watching after all.Music by REDProductions, sourced from Pixabay.com.https://linktr.ee/toonmyheart

In this episode of Toon My Heart podcast, host Tracy Herold is talking about Bruno-- and the entire amazing Madrigal family! Disney's Encanto worked its way into the hearts of streaming viewers across the world when it landed on Disney+ on Christmas Eve 2021, with its relatable characters, way too catchy tunes, and unique setting and story. But is there something deeper behind this animated film's popularity? Tracy talks about the Biblical symbolism she sees in the movie, and explores how the theme of grace vs. works plays out as the story of Mirabel and her magical family unfolds. Mentioned in this episode: Jared Bush's Twitter/X account: https://twitter.com/thejaredbush (Note: In the podcast, one Tweet attributed to Byron Howard was actually from Jared Bush.) "Encanto is Disney's first Latino musical. How the filmmakers got Colombia right" by Tracy Brown (LA Times): https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2021-11-29/encanto-explained-disney-colombia-consultants "'Encanto's' Luisa Is Way Too Beefy For A Woman" by Jeff Wright (The Federalist): https://thefederalist.com/2022/02/04/encantos-luisa-is-way-too-beefy-for-a-woman-and-its-wrong Charles Spurgeon quote: https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/me/view.cfm?Date=02/03&body Music by REDProductions, sourced from Pixabay.com

One is the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time. The other is one of Jesus Christ's best known and most beloved parables. In this episode of Toon My Heart podcast, find out what Disney's The Lion King and the Bible's prodigal son parable have in common, and what both stories can teach us about guilt, identity, responsibility, and redemption. Join host Tracy Herold as she dives into the history behind one of Disney's most unexpectedly successful movies, shares what Bible verse always reminds her of Scar, contemplates whether Christians should follow "Hakuna Matata," and examines the journey of Simba on the Circle of Life to see what faith-related lessons we can learn along the way. Mentioned in this episode: "Was 'The Lion King' Copied From A Japanese Cartoon? Here's the Real Story": https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lion-king-kimba_n_6272316 Japanamerica: How Japanese Culture Has Invaded the U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/Japanamerica-Japanese-Culture-Invaded-U-S/dp/140398476X "The Circle of Life" (Biblical Geek, archived): https://web.archive.org/web/20190708064503/http://www.biblicalgeek.com/blog/2018/7/3/the-circle-of-life Music by REDProductions, Sourced from Pixabay.com

Is Disney's Tangled just a swash-buckling fairy tale romance movie, or can we look past the surface to find something deeper? Listen in to find out what Disney Animation's first CGI 3D princess, Rapunzel, along with Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert, a group of dreaming pub thugs, a feisty chameleon, and an intense horse can teach us about our need for community, our innate desire to know and be known, and the challenges we face in connecting with others. Of course, we'll also talk about what the Bible has to say about these topics, and we'll also hear wisdom from two lovers of both fairy tales and God, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein. Mentioned in this episode: "Tangled" entry in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangled "Eucatastrophe" entry in Tolkein Gateway: https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Eucatastrophe Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email [email protected] Follow @toonmyheart on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter toonmyheart.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Toon My Heart, in which we'll examine some of your favorite animated films in search of themes relevant to the Christian faith and traces of eternal truth. In this episode: What can Disney's classic animated movie Beauty and the Beast teach us about the perils of pride and the redemptive power of love? We'll talk about what the Bible has to say about both pride and love, and see how these attributes are reflected in the characters of the Beast, Belle, and Gaston. Referenced in this episode: "Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)" Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_and_the_Beast_(1991_film) "Beauty and the Beast: True Love or Stockholm Syndrome": https://snowwhitewrites.com/beauty-and-the-beast-stockholm "Glen Keane on Beauty and the Beast transformation sequence" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wrc8DCk520 Music by REDProductions, sourced from Pixabay.com