First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by writer, director, and producer Matt Dearborn!

Matt shares stories from his impressive career in children's and family television, including creating the hit Disney Channel series Even Stevens and the Disney XD comedy Zeke and Luther. He was also executive producer on Phil of the Future and Fast Layne. Beyond Disney, Matt reflects on his time at Nickelodeon, where he co-produced The Secret World of Alex Mack and served as co-executive producer on Romeo! and Just for Kicks. From developing memorable characters and stories to working behind the scenes on some of television's most beloved youth-oriented shows, Matt takes us through the creative process and the experiences that shaped his career.

Taping date:

February 1, 2025

Edited by:

Miles

https://www.youtube.com/@Miles02109

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

Also this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by executive producer Sheri Singer!

Sheri's career in television began behind the scenes as an associate producer on The Phil Donahue Show before moving into producing on Days of Our Lives. She later founded Just Singer Entertainment and became one of the key creative forces behind many beloved Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs), including the Halloweentown movies, The Luck of the Irish, Double Teamed, Right on Track, Go Figure, Cow Belles, Read It and Weep, and many more. Following her Disney Channel years, Sheri has continued producing television movies and bringing new stories to audiences. We discuss her journey through the television industry, the process of adapting real-life stories for the screen, and the making of some of Disney Channel's most memorable films. We also talk about working with talented performers including Debbie Reynolds, Ryan Merriman, Brie Larson, Aly & AJ, Jason Dolley, Olivia Holt, and many others throughout her career.

Special thanks to Paul Hoen for connecting us!

Taping date:

April 13, 2026

Edited by:

Chris Bixby (Co-Host)

https://www.instagram.com/chris.b2000/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

First up this week on Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, we're joined by actress and author Kathy Garver!

Kathy's remarkable career began at a young age, including an appearance in The Ten Commandments. She is best known for her role as Cissy Davis on the classic television series Family Affair, a role that made her a household name, and later lent her voice to Firestar in the animated series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. In this episode, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Family Affair, discussing the show's enduring legacy and why Kathy believes it continues to resonate with audiences decades later. We also explore her latest book, Romancing With The Stars, which uncovers classic Hollywood relationships and shares fascinating untold stories from the entertainment industry's golden age.

Purchase a hard cover or soft cover copy of Kathy's book, Romancing with the Stars:

https://www.kathygarver.com/buy/romancing-with-the-stars-inspiring-hollywood-love-stories-nt9w7

https://www.kathygarver.com/buy/romancing-with-the-stars-inspiring-hollywood-love-stories

Connect with Kathy:

https://www.kathygarver.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kgcissy/

https://www.facebook.com/kathygarverfanpage/

Taping date:

May 22, 2026

Edited by:

Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)

https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreations

https://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreations

https://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/

https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/

Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team:

https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/

Listen to the audio version wherever you find your podcasts:

https://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow