Beyond Thundera Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with JP aka Thundercats Classics from Instagram to talk all things ThunderCats, the passionate fanbase across Latin America, rare collectibles, fan art, future conventions, and the lasting legacy of one of the greatest animated series of all time.We dive deep into why countries like Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and across South America still celebrate ThunderCats with giant exhibits, custom ThunderTank builds, conventions, murals, and multi-generational fandom that rivals — and may even surpass — the U.S.In This Episode We Discuss:✅ Why ThunderCats remains HUGE in Latin America✅ Incredible fan-made ThunderTank replicas & mall exhibits✅ Multi-generational fans discovering the show through family✅ Why classic 80s cartoons still connect with kids today✅ The future of ThunderCats in America✅ JP’s amazing ThunderCats-inspired artwork✅ Secret upcoming officially licensed ThunderCats products✅ Collectibles, customs, sneakers & fan culture✅ Could a ThunderCats convention happen next?JP also shares details about his transition from fan artist to officially working on ThunderCats-related projects, plus his incredible vision for an older, battle-hardened Lion-O “What If?” universe.If you love ThunderCats, 80s cartoons, nostalgia, action figures, retro animation, Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, collectibles, fan art, or cartoon history, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.COMMENT BELOW:Which country has the strongest ThunderCats fanbase?Would you watch a new ThunderCats series?What character should JP redesign next?Like | Comment | Subscribe for more ThunderCats content, retro cartoons, interviews, collectibles & fandom deep dives!

What happens when legendary animation writer Grant Moran joins the show to talk ThunderCats, Batman: The Animated Series, Bobby’s World, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, and Hollywood writing secrets — all while revealing an incredible charity auction helping refugee children?In this powerful and entertaining interview, Grant shares how he founded Kepyr.org, a nonprofit supporting displaced children around the world through creativity, storytelling, and healing. Plus, he reveals the ThunderCats 2026 charity art auction, featuring one-of-a-kind original artwork from major artists.We also discuss Grant’s career in animation, including behind-the-scenes stories from:✅ ThunderCats legacy & fandom✅ Batman: The Animated Series early development✅ WayneHead and working with Damon Wayans and the Wayans family✅ Bobby’s World secrets✅ Howie Mandel behind the scenes✅ Hollywood writing careers & branding✅ Animaniacs era stories✅ Supporting refugee children through artThis is a must-watch for fans of 80s cartoons, 90s animation, ThunderCats collectors, comic art collectors, Batman TAS fans, animation writers, and pop culture lovers.🔥 Visit Kepyr: Kepyr.org🔥 ThunderCats Charity Auction runs in June🔥 Rare collector items + exclusive signed artIf you love animation, comics, and inspiring real-world causes — this episode is for you.👉 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews with animation legends and pop culture icons.

Go behind the scenes of the original ThunderCats with recording staff insider John Crenshaw!In this episode of Beyond Thundera, we dive deep into the making of the iconic 1980s animated series ThunderCats with John Crenshaw, a key member of the recording and editorial team. From cutting quarter-inch tape to directing voiceover sessions on the fly, John shares what it was really like working on one of the most beloved cartoons of all time.Discover how a small, tight-knit crew managed to produce a massive hit series, often working extreme hours and wearing multiple hats to get episodes completed. Jon reveals the intense behind-the-scenes process of recording dialogue before the digital age, the pressure of production, and the unique bond shared among the cast and crew.We also explore:The real role of a recording engineer and editorial staff in animationHow ThunderCats was made with a surprisingly small teamStories about working with voice actors and production leadsThe challenges of analog audio editing and tape splicingLife after ThunderCats, including Jon’s career in music and audio engineeringTouring with major artists and transitioning from musician to studio professionalIf you're a fan of ThunderCats, animation history, voice acting, or behind-the-scenes production stories, this is a must-watch conversation packed with rare insights and firsthand experiences.

What makes ThunderCats timeless? Why does it still resonate over 40 years later? In this episode of Beyond Thundera Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Hunter and David Hale from the Radical Retro Rewind Podcast and discuss the legacy of one of the most iconic 80s animated series ever created.Ryan and David share how their love of ThunderCats began in childhood and evolved into a powerful bond as brothers, eventually leading to the creation of their podcast during the pandemic. What started as a way to reconnect turned into a celebration of 80s pop culture, nostalgia, and the stories that shaped a generation.We also explore:How ThunderCats created lifelong connections across the worldThe emotional impact of 80s cartoons during difficult timesBehind-the-scenes reflections on classic episodes and charactersWhy ThunderCats stands apart from other animated shows of its eraThe power of nostalgia in building community and meaningful relationshipsThis episode is packed with personal stories, and thoughtful discussion that longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate.Subscribe for more episodes of Beyond Thundera Podcast, where we go beyond the nostalgia and into the stories behind the legacy.Listen to Radical Retro Rewind Podcast:(Link here)Be sure to Follow on Radical Retro Rewind Podcast on Instagram:IG - @radicalretrorewindpodcast Subscribe to them on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@radicalretrorewind?Learn more about Ryan & David’s ThunderCats stories on Peter Lawrence’s ThunderCats of the Day official site: https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/ryan-and-david-hunter-thundercats-of-the-day/

In this in-depth interview, Jeri Craden shares her incredible journey from voice actor and storyteller to becoming a writer in the world of 1980s animation, including her path to working on ThunderCats.During a time of economic uncertainty in the early 1980s, Jeri made the bold decision to leave Canada and pursue opportunities in New York—facing intense competition, limited opportunities, and the challenge of starting over while supporting her family.What followed is a powerful story of persistence, creativity, and timing.In this episode, Jeri reveals:How she broke into the animation industry during the 1980s recessionHer early career in Canada working with studios like NelvanaThe reality of auditioning for voiceover work in New YorkHow she connected with Rankin/Bass and earned her opportunityThe surprising shortage of animation writers at the timeWhat made her stand out in a competitive industryHer lifelong passion for singing, storytelling, and writingJeri also reflects on her childhood influences—from performing on television at a young age to writing stories and songs—and how those early passions shaped her creative career.This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the human story behind ThunderCats and the determination it took to become part of such an iconic series.Jeri Craden featured ThunderCat of the Day on Peter’s official website - https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/thundercat-of-the-day-jeri-craden-aka-jerelyn/

What if the true story behind ThunderCats was never fully told?In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with James Gauthier, a close personal friend of legendary creator & Head Writer Leonard Starr, to uncover the real origins of one of the most iconic animated series of all time.Joined by ThunderCats and SilverHawks writer and show-runner Peter Lawrence, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how ThunderCats was built from the ground up—and how Starr’s contributions shaped everything fans know and love today. Inside this episode:How ThunderCats was created in just days from a simple conceptThe origin of Mumm-rRa and other iconic charactersBehind-the-scenes stories from Starr’s personal life and careerHis work beyond ThunderCats, including Annie and graphic novelsThe truth about credit, legacy, and how he was treated behind the scenesFirsthand memories from someone who knew him bestJames shares rare, personal stories—from hearing the ThunderCats theme song for the first time on a cassette tape to visiting Starr’s studio during the creation of the series.This is more than an interview. It’s a deep look into the mind and legacy of the man who defined ThunderCats.Whether you’re a lifelong fan, collector, or just discovering the series, this episode brings you closer than ever to its true origins.Listen now and discover the foundation of ThunderCats like never before.

In this episode of Beyond Thundera, we explore the world of ThunderCats collecting, toy collecting psychology, and the powerful role of nostalgia in fandom. From rare figures and vintage merchandise to the thrill of the hunt, we break down what drives collectors and why these items mean so much.We discuss:* The emotional connection to childhood toys* How 80s and 90s nostalgia fuels today’s collector market* The excitement of finding rare ThunderCats figures and collectibles* The “treasure hunt” feeling behind toy collecting* How collecting can become addictive—and where to draw the lineWhether you’re into ThunderCats toys, vintage action figures, 80s cartoons, or pop culture collectibles, this episode gives you a deeper look into the collector mindset.If you grew up with ThunderCats or are rediscovering it today, this conversation will hit home.Join the conversation:What’s the one item you’re still hunting for?

What was it really like working behind the scenes on the original ThunderCats?Writer, dialogue director, and Rankin-Bass insider Matthew Malach discusses Rankin-Bass, classic episodes, and how the legendary cartoon was made. In this episode of Beyond Thundera, hosts Sean “Buddha” McKeone and ThunderCats writer & show-runner Peter Lawrence sit down with Matthew Malach, who played multiple key roles in the production of the iconic Rankin-Bass animated series.Matthew Malach worked on ThunderCats in several capacities including dialogue directing, post-production with the recording staff, and writing memorable episodes such as The Zaxx Factor, Helpless Laughter, The Shifter, and The Key of Thundera. In this conversation, he shares how he first became involved with Rankin-Bass Productions, his early connection to producer Jules Bass, and his experiences working inside the studio during the creation of one of the most beloved cartoons of the 1980s.Matthew also discusses the personalities behind Rankin-Bass, including Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., the creative process behind producing ThunderCats, and what it was like working on animation projects during that era. Along the way, the conversation explores the unique behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and personal experiences that helped shape the ThunderCats universe fans know and love.If you're a fan of ThunderCats, 80s animation, Rankin-Bass productions, or animation history, this is a must-watch episode filled with rare stories and firsthand insights from someone who helped bring the series to life.Subscribe for more interviews and deep dives into the world of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, TigerSharks, and the creators behind these legendary shows

What did it take to create the ICONIC sound of 80s animation? In this episode of Beyond Thundera, hosts Sean”Buddha” McKeone and ThunderCats writer & show-runner Peter Lawrence sit down with musician, sound designer, and voice actor Pete Cannarozzi to uncover the behind-the-scenes story of how the soundscape of ThunderCats and SilverHawks was brought to life.You’ve heard his work hundreds—if not thousands—of times. From performing keyboards on the unforgettable theme intros, to building the original sound-effects libraries used throughout the episodes, Pete helped define the sonic identity of a generation of animation.We also discuss:* Working alongside composer Bernie Hoffer and the orchestral recording process* Creating sound effects from scratch before animation was even finished* Collaborating with producer Lee Dannacher during early development* The surprising workflow of 1980s television audio production* Voicing Copper Kidd and contributing creatively beyond music* Pete’s long-running career as organist for the New Jersey Devils* How analog-era experimentation shaped the sound fans still love todayIf you’ve ever wondered how those thunderous whooshes, explosions, and soaring synth lines were made, this is a must-watch deep dive into the craftsmanship behind the classics.THUNDERCATS, HOO!Thundercat of the day - Pete Cannarozzi:https://www.gpeterlawrence.com/pete-cannarozi-thundercat-of-the-day/Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThunderCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharkswww.thundercatstoyguide.comPeter Lawrence official websitewww.gpeterlawrence.comBe sure to Follow the Beyond Thundera Podcast on Instagram:@beyondthunderapodcast

In episode 3 of the Beyond Thundera Podcast , we sit down with illustrator Kyle Lambert, the artist behind some of the most recognizable imagery in modern entertainment.Best known for his work on Stranger Things, Kyle has also created artwork for hit series like The Boys, Gen V, and One Piece — but his journey started the same way many of ours did: as a fan of ThunderCats.Kyle shares:* How ThunderCats influenced him as a young artist* His path from fan to professional illustrator* What it’s like creating key art for major streaming series* A behind-the-scenes look at the creative process for iconic postersThis episode is about fandom, creativity, and how the things we loved growing up can shape the careers we build.👉 Subscribe for new episodes👉 Like & share to help spread the word👉 Comment belowTHUNDERCATS, HOO!Kyle Lambert Official website:www.kylelambert.comFollow Kyle Lambert’s official Instagram:@kylelambertartistFollow Kyle Lambert’s collecting instagram:@actionfigurecreativeHall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThunderCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharkswww.thundercatstoyguide.comPeter Lawrence official websitewww.gpeterlawrence.comBe sure to Follow the Beyond Thundera Podcast on Instagram:@beyondthunderapodcas

Got a question or something you want us to revisit? Drop it in the comments, message us on social media, or join the discussion. Your input directly influences future episodes!New full episodes release weekly — with more creators, cast, and behind-the-scenes voices from the world of classic animation.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming guest interviews and deep-dive discussions.Thanks for going Beyond Thundera with us!Start from Episode 1 here: https://youtu.be/cri1xsM0SOg

Episode 2 of the Beyond Thundera Podcast. In this episode of Beyond Thundera, we sit down with legendary ThunderCats writer Chris Trengove, the creative mind behind fan-favorite episodes like The Super Power Potion, Wolfrat, Turmagar the Tuska, and Catfight. Join hosts Sean McKeone and series show-runner Peter Lawrence as they explore the origins of these iconic stories and what it was really like writing for the classic 1985 ThunderCats series.Chris shares never-before-heard insights into developing characters, naming creatures like Turmagar, collaborating with Rankin/Bass, and how his early career—from London advertising to wildly unexpected day jobs—helped shape the storytelling discipline required for animation writing. The conversation also dives into why ThunderCats continues to resonate with fans more than 40 years later, blending action, mythology, and life lessons that audiences only fully appreciate as adults.Whether you're a lifelong fan, collector, animation historian, or rediscovering Third Earth, this episode goes deep into the creative process behind one of the most beloved animated series of the 1980s.Topics Discussed:* Writing classic ThunderCats episodes and characters* The creation of Wolfrat and Turmagar the Tuska* How real-world experiences shaped animation storytelling* The Rankin/Bass production era and writing under tight specs* Why ThunderCats still connects with audiences decades later* The balance between action, mythology, and moral storytelling in 80s animationIf you enjoy behind-the-scenes animation history, be sure to subscribe and continue the journey Beyond Thundera.👉 Subscribe for new episodes👉 Like & share to help spread the wordTHUNDERCATS, HOO!Chris Trengove’s official site https://www.christrengove.comHall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThundeCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharkswww.thundercatstoyguide.comPurchase Hall of Omens titles BigBadToyStore (BBTS):Hall of Omens: The Unofficial Ultimate Guide to ThunderCats Toys and Beyond -https://www.bigbadtoys...Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThundeCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharks:Standard Cover:https://www.bigbadtoys...Exclusive Kyle Lambert Coverhttps://www.bigbadtoys...Peter Lawrence official websitewww.gpeterlawrence.com

Welcome to a special Beyond Thundera Podcast Interlude — a new mini-episode format where we pause, reflect, clarify, and dive deeper into the conversations behind the mic.In these occasional interludes, Hall of Omens author, Sean Mckeone and ThunderCats original series writer/show-runner Peter Lawrence revisit topics from previous episodes and explore the creative thinking behind the stories, characters, and production of the classic 1980s animated phenomenon.This Episode 1 Interlude explores:  What "logic" really means in fantasy storytelling  Avoiding the dreaded "wait... how did that happen?" moment in animation  How writing for action-adventure cartoons balances realism, absurdity, and fun    Behind-the-scenes insights into the surprisingly small creative team  Clarifications from Episode 1 and fan-driven follow-ups • Why YOUR questions help shape future episodes

Welcome to the debut episode of the BEYOND THUNDERA Podcast!Hosted by Sean “Buddha” McKeone (author of Hall of Omens: The Unofficial Ultimate Guide to ThunderCats Toys and Beyond & Hall of Omens: Thunder-Verse! The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide To ThundeCats, SilverHawks, & TigerSharks) and Peter Lawrence (ThunderCats, SilverHawks & TigerSharks writer and showrunner), Beyond Thundera celebrates the world of ThunderCats — from the animated series and toys to the fans who’ve kept the legend alive for over 40 years.In this first episode, Sean and Peter discuss:* Their personal history with ThunderCats* Why the series continues to resonate with fans* How fandom has evolved — and what keeps ThunderCats timelessBeyond Thundera is more than nostalgia. It’s about community. Upcoming episodes will feature conversations with fans, creators, voice actors, artists, and collectors who love ThunderCats, SilverHawks, TigerSharks, and classic animation.If ThunderCats was part of your childhood — or still is — you’re in the right place.👉 Subscribe for new episodes👉 Like & share to help spread the word👉 Add to your playlist THUNDERCATS, HOO!