The Hyperion Hub

Latest Episodes:

Episode 297: Chef Art Smith Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

We’re honored to welcome world-renowned Chef Art Smith!

He joins us from the Peoria Riverfront Museum to share unforgettable stories from a career that has taken him from cooking for governors and popes to serving some of the world’s biggest celebrities. As Art says, “Food without a story doesn’t taste that good.”

We also talk about his beloved Disney Springs restaurant, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, where guests can enjoy his signature Southern cuisine, and his cookbook, Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family from Hyperion.

Come hungry for a great conversation as we serve up one of our most delicious episodes yet!

Hosts John Alois, Shawn Degenhart and John Redlingshafer would love to hear from you! Email or send a recorded audio message at podcast@thehyperionhub.com. Find us on social media. The Hyperion Hub is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063622463796 https://www.instagram.com/hyperion_hub/ https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FHubHyperion

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Episode 296: Guests From The Walt Disney Hometown Museum Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

We welcome the magic of Marceline, Missouri on this week’s Hyperion Hub.

From the Peoria Riverfront Museum, we’re joined by Kaye Malins and Sumner Nesbitt of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum to explore the town that helped shape Walt Disney’s imagination.

Kaye shares her incredible firsthand story of hosting Walt during his return visit to Marceline in 1956, while Sumner discusses his journey from Main Street U.S.A. at Walt Disney World to the original Main Street in Marceline, where he now serves as the Operations Manager of the museum.

Join us as we discover the people, stories, and history behind Walt’s hometown!

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Episode 295: Author JB Kaufman Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Hyperion Hub, acclaimed Disney historian and author JB Kaufman joins us from the Peoria Riverfront Museum to discuss his latest work, Worlds to Conquer: The Art and Making of Walt Disney’s Fantasia.

Discover the fascinating story behind Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animated masterpiece as JB shares insights from his definitive new book and explores the creative process that brought audiences into the world of classical music through animation.

Thanks for joining us at The Hyperion Hub!

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Episode 294 Author Marcy Carriker Smothers Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

If you spot Marcy Carriker Smothers at Disneyland or in Marceline, Missouri with her laptop open, chances are she’s working on her next Disney-inspired bestseller.

The author of Eat Like Walt and Walt’s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney joins us this week from the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Marcy was in town for the fantastic American Animation: Art on Screen event.

Thanks for joining us at The Hyperion Hub! 🎙️

Hosts John Alois, Shawn Degenhart and John Redlingshafer would love to hear from you! Email or send a recorded audio message at podcast@thehyperionhub.com. Find us on social media. The Hyperion Hub is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063622463796 https://www.instagram.com/hyperion_hub/ https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FHubHyperion

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Episode: 293 Disney Legend Karen Dotrice Part 2 Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

🎙️ it’s our pleasure to once again welcome Disney Legend Karen Dotrice to the Hyperion Hub.

The original Jane Banks shares more wonderful stories from the set of Mary Poppins.🌂 Karen discusses why Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece continues to resonate with modern audiences. She also reflects on her return to Cherry Tree Lane for the filming of Mary Poppins Returns.

Plus a small piece of Burbank has come to Florida with the opening of the new Animation Courtyard at Disney Hollywood Studios.

No need to save up your tuppence for this practically perfect episode of The Hyperion Hub!✨

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Episode 292: Disney Legend Karen Dotrice Part 1 May 27, 2026

Show notes

🎙️This week on The Hyperion Hub, we’re joined by the original Jane Banks herself, Disney Legend Karen Dotrice!

Karen shares unforgettable stories from the set of Mary Poppins, including memories of working with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, the Sherman Brothers and more. She grew up in an acting family so this was nothing new for her, but little did she know as an 8-year old she was part of something so special and long lasting.

Also this week, we remember legendary voice actor Tom Kane.

Hosts John Alois, Shawn Degenhart and John Redlingshafer would love to hear from you! Email or send a recorded audio message at podcast@thehyperionhub.com. Find us on social media. The Hyperion Hub is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063622463796 https://www.instagram.com/hyperion_hub/ https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FHubHyperion

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Episode 291: Podcaster/Author Dan Zehr Part 2 May 20, 2026

Show notes

It’s the return of Jedi Dan Zehr! We’re previewing the newest Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu! We’ll share our thoughts.

Dan is a high school teacher who finds a way to incorporate Star Wars and Marvel into his mythology class. We’ll chat about that, the second season of Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ and more this week on The Hyperion Hub!

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Episode 290: Podcaster/Author Dan Zehr Part 1 May 13, 2026

Show notes

Sensing a mysterious presence? That’s probably the newest episode of The Hyperion Hub.

Jedi Master Dan Zehr from Coffee with Kenobi joins us to talk about the phenomenal new Star Wars animated hit, Maul: Shadow Lord.

We also discuss Dan’s Disney College Program experience and share which Disney villains we’d love to see explored more on screen.

May the force be with you and welcome to The Hyperion Hub - Your meeting place for all things Disney!

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Episode 289: Catching Up With Our Disney Views May 06, 2026

Show notes

We have information on the upcoming Midwest Disney Event, American Animation: Art on Screen at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in Peoria, IL June 4-7. It’s a Disney film fest and more. Go to peoriariverfrontmuseum.org for all the current information. 🎥

Shawn Degenhart has updates on the Mary Poppins study score he’s working on for his next release.🌂

😎Get ready for a busy summer in the parks with a ton of fun in the sun! We have details and more.☀️

Pull up and chair, pop on your headphones and join us at The Hyperion Hub!

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Episode 288: Band Director Jim Tallman Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Longtime Washington (IL) Community High School band director Jim Tallman joins us to share stories from 30 years of leading student musicians to the Disney Parks. He’ll tell us what it really takes to make those magical performances happen.

We’re also serving up our picks for top restaurants and underrated spots to eat across the parks.

Maestro, if you please, cue the episode and enjoy the sweet sounds of The Hyperion Hub!

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