Peanuts Worldwide and The Press Democrat—Charles (“Sparky”) Schulz’ hometown newspaper for more than 40 years— has announced the launch of a new podcast that celebrates Sparky’s beloved comic strip and offers surprises for even diehard Peanuts fans.
Titled You Don’t Know Peanuts, the podcast features insightful interviews, untold stories, challenging trivia and ‘love letters’ from fans around the world sharing the ways Peanuts was a part of their lives.
The hosts, two lifelong Peanuts devotees and experts—Melissa Menta, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications for Peanuts Worldwide, and David Templeton, a playwright, author and arts and entertainment journalist for the two-time Pulitzer-winning The Press Democrat—will introduce listeners to creators and other members of the Peanuts universe who offer insights never collected in one place before.
The first episode, which was released on November 19, features a conversation with Will Coss, Vice President and Executive Producer for Macy’s Studios—the team responsible for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Coss offers astounding behind-the-scenes stories about the many Snoopy balloons that have been favorites in the parade for more than 56 years.
Future episodes will feature Jason Mendelson (son of legendary Peanuts writer/producer Lee Mendelson) with making-of stories from the classic animated specials; Marissa Nance of Native Tongue Communication discussing Franklin’s origin story; artist Eli Sudbrack on the Peanuts Global Artist Collective; and Hallmark archivist Samantha Stephens on the Peanuts brand’s history with Hallmark. Charles Schulz’ widow, Jeannie Schulz, will also appear as a guest on the podcast.
“For more than 20 years I’ve been honored to work on the phenomenon known as Peanuts, created by the incredible genius Charles Schulz,” said Menta. “Something I have learned through the years is that there is so much depth to Peanuts that most people don’t know. It’s wonderful to be able to share these stories with the world now.”
“I’ve been a devoted fan since childhood, when I had surgery and received a ‘comfort Snoopy’ who became my companion for years,” said Templeton. “So it’s a joy for me to work with Melissa—probably the most knowledgeable Peanuts fan alive!—to share the stories behind Charles Schulz’ brilliant creation.”
To see behind-the-scenes photos, listen to the podcasts, or submit your Peanuts love story, head to http://www.youdontknowpeanuts.com/ “You Don’t Know Peanuts” can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you find your podcasts.
