Music Behind the Magic

About Music Behind the Magic

A podcast celebrating the magic of Disney songs, scores, and soundtracks--from the movies to the parks. Join us in exploring the music of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel with new topics and interviews every week. Let's create some magical, musical pixie dust! Visit www.musicbehindthemagic.com, Instagram @musicbehindthemagic, and join the Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/musicbehindthemagic

Publisher

Jonathan Goodman

Category

leisure · music · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 May 2024

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

64 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   The History and Impact of Disney Music with Jon Burlingame

   The use of music in Disney movies has evolved over the years. While always present, its use as a narrative device and emotional touchstone has shifted from the background to the forefront, depending on what “Disney era” (Golden Era, Silver Era, Bronze Era, Renaissance, or Revival) the movie was made. Of course, while Disney has a particularly strong emotional connection to us, the best film (and television) music helps navigate and guide the audience journey, and there is a long and incredible history of music in both film and TV. With that, we are joined today by Jon Burlingame, the leading authority on the subject of movies for film and television. I saw Jon at D23, where he moderated an amazing discussion called “The Art of the Score” with Michael Giacchino, who as most listeners of this podcast will know, is one of my favorite composers. And Jon was gracious enough to join us and share his knowledge and expertise about the history and impact of Disney music across the years. It was a wonderful conversation, and I could have spoken to him for several more hours, so I am sure you will enjoy it. Please follow Jon at jonburlingame.com and find his latest book "Music for Primetime" as well his other works on Amazon or at your favorite book store.

2. 

   4 Oct 2026

   The Skywalker Symphonies: John Williams and the Music of Star Wars with Frank Lehman

   Over the course of the 9 episode Skywalker Saga, John Williams created a comprehensive, wide ranging symphonic masterpiece, brilliantly conceived and meticulously constructed. To do a deeper dive around the musical (and psychological) elements of those scores, we are joined by Frank Lehman, a professor of Music at Tufts University who has just released his latest book The Skywalker Symphonies: John Williams and the Music of Star Wars. You can order Frank's book on Amazon, at Oxford University Press, or at your favorite bookseller. And you can find Frank at www.franklehman.com

3. 

   13 Sept 2026

   The Jungle Cruise: History, Jokes, and Music with Tim Foster

   The Jungle Cruise is one of Disney fans’ most beloved attractions. And while many people love the theming, the mechanical animals, and the scenery, the jokes and puns are usually what keeps us coming back for more. But this ride has a long and storied history, starting with its debut as an opening day attraction at Disneyland in 1955 and at Walt Disney World in 1971. It just so happens that there is a brand new book out detailing the attraction’s history, called Jungle Cruise: The Definitive History, and it is written by none other than our very good friend Tim Foster from Celebrations Press. Tim joins us to talk about the attraction, it’s history and hidden gems, the jokes, and of course, the music. You can order the book, any of his other wonderful books, or subscribe to Celebrations Disney magazine and celebrationspress.com. (https://celebrationspress.com)

Who has been a guest on Music Behind the Magic

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Shaun Jex
• Dan Romer
• Brett Nachman
• Dr Carissa Baker
• Ron Fish

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

69

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Music Behind the Magic

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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