Best ToughPigs.com Podcasts (2025)

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - The Ballad of Rodeo Rosie 1:19:50

Play Pause

4h ago1:19:50

1:19:50

As everyone knows, Rodeo Rosie is really a rose. But does anyone really know Rodeo Rosie? And is she even worth knowing at all? This week on A Prairie Dawn Companion, Becca and her special guest, composer and writer Rachel Garrett Steele, are saddling up to figure out if Rodeo Rosie is...good. What does she say about culture's fascination with the …

1
6.03: The Muppets Get Funky 1:18:02

1d ago1:18:02

1:18:02

We're talking about Minutes 05-06 of Muppets From Space, in which the Muppets begin their morning routine to "Brick House." With special guest J.D. Hansel of the classic cartoons podcast Stick to Shorts! PLUS: Are the Muppets actually a good family? What would Clifford's alarm clock look like? Who is this old man Muppet? Pepe's big-screen debut! An…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 301, The Bells of Fraggle Rock 40:33

4d ago40:33

40:33

In which Cantus returns and Gobo learns a holiday lesson. PLUS: More Fraggles in winter wear! Puppets doing puppetry! Beth’s maybe someday Fraggle Rock tattoo. Sinterklaas clog lore and calling out Bezos. Another B&E from Traveling Matt.

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - Of Smartness and Tinas 1:06:18

6d ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In 1973, Sesame Street introduced a new Muppet character named Tina. In 1974, Sesame Street introduced a second new Muppet character named Tina. In this episode, Becca and guest Drake Lucas talk about both Roosevelt Franklin's friend Smart Tina and the sometimes-smart Tina Twiddlebug, in an episode that is less confusing than it sounds. While neith…

1
6.02: Gonzo Is DOOMED 47:37

8d ago47:37

47:37

We're talking about Minutes 03-04 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo is denied admittance to Noah's ark and knocks Rizzo out the window. With special guest Roz Strand! PLUS: Is this the Muppet mid-life crisis movie? What's the best cut of Amadeus? Pee-wee Herman has a good dream! Is Rizzo's Santa joke worthy of the Muppets? And a cool 1950s stop…

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - Prairie Dawn and Character Development with Stephanie D'Abruzzo 1:43:53

15d ago1:43:53

1:43:53

In 1971, a new pink, blonde little girl joined Betty Lou on Sesame Street. That's right, it's finally time for Prairie Dawn! And while Betty Lou faded to the background, Prairie Dawn stuck around and still appears on the show over 50 years later. Why did one work rather than the other? Well if anyone can help Becca answer that question, it's Stepha…

1
6.01: Is Muppets From Space Good? 44:17

15d ago44:17

44:17

New season, new movie! We're talking about Minutes 01-02 of Muppets From Space, in which the movie begins and Gonzo chases Noah's ark. PLUS: How does this movie compare with The War with Grandpa? The Muppet sci-fi movies that DIDN'T get made! Kermit and Piggy living in sin! Should we watch Buddy? And Y2K apocalypse-mania! Hosted by: Anthony Strand …

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - The Symbolic Annihilation of Granny Fanny Nesselrode and Friends 1:28:57

20d ago1:28:57

1:28:57

Becca's got an endless alphabet purse full of obscure female Muppets and arcane media criticism terms in this episode of A Prairie Dawn Companion! Join Becca Petunia and her special guest, Kristi O, as they talk about Roosevelt Franklin's mother, a little girl named Frannie, and the unforgettable oddball Granny Fanny Nesselrode. Featured in this ep…

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - A Conversation with Fran Brill 58:12

27d ago58:12

58:12

Look, we'll cut to the chase: in this episode, Becca Petunia talks to the queen of Muppet performers, Fran Brill. She was Prairie Dawn! She was Zoe! She was also Roxie Marie but that's less important to most of you! Becca and Fran talk about her entire career and the joys and challenges of bringing so many beloved characters to life. Come on, what …

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - Betty Lou, Transmedia, and the Smurfette Principle 1:35:14

1M ago1:35:14

1:35:14

Becca Petunia takes a close look at Sesame's first recurring female character, softhearted Betty Lou. Not only that, but she is joined by fan favorite recurring ToughPigs guest, puppeteer Stoph Scheer (The Creatures of Yes, Puppet Up, Muppets Mayhem)! Featured in this episode are discussions of drag performances, monsters, and the importance of mer…

1
A Prairie Dawn Companion - Sesame Street's Origins and Androcentrism 37:45

1M ago37:45

37:45

Welcome to A Prairie Dawn Companion, the new podcast from ToughPigs.com! On "A Prairie Dawn Companion," Becca Petunia applies a feminist lens to the history of Sesame Street. Although Sesame always prioritized diversity, it is well-known that prior to the 1990s, the show did not devote much time to its female Muppets. As a lifelong Sesame superfan,…

1
BONUS: Muppet Treasure Island Sing-Along Video 40:42

4M ago40:42

40:42

We're talking about 1996's Muppet Treasure Island Sing-Along direct-to-video special, in which Kermit learns about pirate life through the magic of song. PLUS: A public domain medley! The Muppets pay homage to The Muppet Show! Mad Monty's feet! Square One Television! And who is Big Snort? Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe Produced & Edited by: R…

1
Lisa Henson and the Mystery of Kermit's Birthday 26:50

5M ago26:50

26:50

As we all know, May 9th is Kermit the Frog's birthday. Except... maybe it isn't? This is a Muppet mystery that's begging to be solved. To get to the bottom of this, we're chatting with someone who knows a thing or two about the frog: CEO of The Jim Henson Company, Lisa Henson! In honor of Kermit's (alleged) birthday, the anniversary of Sam & Friend…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Bonus episode! Season 2 Wrap-Up 52:21

5M ago52:21

52:21

We’re wrapping up season 2 with listener questions, corrections, additions, and letters that make us cry. PLUS: Dennis Lee fighting crime in Russia, malfunctioning gaggles, and Beth’s “Tickle Me Elmo” story.

1
Nina West and The Scripted Muppet Caper 45:29

5M ago45:29

45:29

This past February, The Muppet Script event brought celebrities, comedians, and musicians together for a live (and livestreamed) script reading of The Muppet Movie, with proceeds going to charity. It was such a hit, they're doing it again! The Scripted Muppet Caper is coming to Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles on May 5th. And like the first show, …

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 224, The Invasion of the Toe Ticklers 52:18

5M ago52:18

52:18

In which Fraggle Rock is overrun with fuzzy caterpillars and Mokey learns nothing. PLUS: Sprocket does a Scooter Fist! Kava = dirt wine? Missed opportunity for a cowboy song. Millinery lesson time! Eldritch jellyfish butterflies!

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 223, Boober's Quiet Day 49:02

6M ago49:02

49:02

In which Sidebottom is back, steering Boober through lying, beast sitting, and baloobius reading. PLUS: Is this a prequel to “A Muppet Family Christmas”? Julia & Adam’s Mountain Veggie Goats Tales Corner. Beast on a leash! Traveling Lady = Stevie Nicks? Bleeped Walt Whitman.

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 222, Doozer Is as Doozer Does 41:02

6M ago41:02

41:02

In which Wrench is peer-pressured into “flooping” and gets a dangerous case of hiccups. PLUS: We hope our NSA agents are enjoying this. Is flooping drugs?? Gaslight, gatekeep, girl boss. Carpenter Beetle Jesus? Bandages cure everything!

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 221, Wembley and the Great Race 40:35

7M ago40:35

40:35

In which Wembley gets caught in the middle of Gobo's and Red’s competitiveness. PLUS: MIA Fraggles is now a running gag. Fraggles can spell in English? What’s the deal with Dimpley, Noble, and Rumple? Shout out to the Fraggle with the acoustic soundboard! “Rumple still wins” = Rumplestiltskin?

1
Catching Up with Noel MacNeal 50:20

7M ago50:20

50:20

Muppet performer Noel MacNeal is getting ready for his live cabaret show - "Hey, This Was Really Fun!" - and what a great opportunity for us to sit down with the man behind the Bear for a chat about everything he's been up to lately. Listen in as Noel tells us about performing, directing, making his off-Broadway debut, and his love of Big Birds and…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 220, A Cave of One's Own 1:16:04

7M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

In which Red and Mokey go from best friends to roommates to enemies to best friends again. PLUS: We plot Roz’s takeover of Movin’ Right Along. #OhMyGodTheyWereRoommates. “Feeeed me, Mokey!” Commit to the knit! That’s not very Live, Laugh, Love of you, Mokey. Featuring special guest Roz Strand!

1
The Muppet Script - A Star-Studded Livestream Benefit 36:42

8M ago36:42

36:42

When a crisis hits, Muppet fans are known to band together to help the world. After the devastating wildfires in California, Muppet fan (and ToughPigs contributor) Matt Wilkie decided to gather some of his Muppet fan friends - including some celebrities - for a special fundraiser called The Muppet Script. On Sunday, February 9th, these folks will b…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 219, Doomsday Soup 55:15

8M ago55:15

55:15

In which Boober accidentally creates a magical but dangerous concoction. PLUS: Julia & Adam’s Mountain Goats Corner. Wembley’s Scooter Fist™! Our request for a Fraggle MIA music video. What is the invisibility property of radishes? Oppenboober or Boobenheimer?

1
The Great Muppet Fandom Panel - Winter, 2025 Edition 1:28:52

8M ago1:28:52

1:28:52

The Great Muppet Fandom Panel is back! After a year-long hiatus, our podcast featuring Muppet fans talking over each other about the biggest headlines in the Muppet world. This uber-topical episode covers topics like the state of Sesame Street, the impending Muppets Rockin' Roller Coaster, drama in the fandom world, Muppet amigurumi, and so much mo…

1
Fraggle Talk: BONUS Episode - Fraggle Rock LIVE! 24:58

8M ago24:58

24:58

Get ready, because the Fraggles are coming to your town! Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE kicks off its cross-country tour this week, and we have SO many questions about the show. So who better to ask those questions to than the show's writer, director, choreographer, and Fraggle expert John Tartaglia?? Listen to our bonus episode of Fraggle Tal…

1
5.48: Is Muppet Treasure Island Better Than Taxi Driver? 1:04:47

8M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

We're talking about Minutes 97-100 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which the movie is over! PLUS: Who are these country singers? Let's hear it for the chargehands! The Creature Shop meets Miyazaki! Critical reviews from professionals and amateurs! And we play Blank Check's Box Office Game! Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe Guest: Nobody Produced &…

1
5.47: The Rats Strike It Rich 57:13

9M ago57:13

57:13

We're talking about Minutes 93-96 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which rats retrieve treasure and Long John makes a "funny" new friend. With special guest Joe Hennes! PLUS: Do people know the word "penultimate?" Green Goblin's kid-friendly pranks! Who is "Dabe Goelz?" Are there only four human pirate crew members? Meet Shecky the Tiki! And Historica…

1
5.46: JOLLY BOAT UNSAFE - DO NOT USE 26:21

9M ago26:21

26:21

We're talking about Minutes 91-92 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Jim and Long John say their final goodbyes. With special guest Erik Browne! PLUS: The screenwriter loves compasses! Tim Curry makes an Ice Cube-style exit! Three ghosts visit Captain Smollett! Elephants don't have wheels! The peak era of DVDs! And Jim skips captain school! Hosted…

1
5.45: Long John's Daring Escape 27:52

9M ago27:52

27:52

We're talking about Minutes 89-90 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Jim catches Long John Silver attempting to escape. With special guest Brian Jay Jones, author of Jim Henson: The Biography! PLUS: Moral lessons are uncool! What's the purpose of a sleeping cap? Joyful triumph and emotional devastation! Shipping Sam the Eagle and a parrot! And boo…

1
Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Berry Christmas! 1:10:45

9M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

It's been a wild ride, but our Bear in the Big Blue Podcast podcast miniseries is coming to a close (for now). And what better way to end things than with a holiday party! Yes, it's Christmas (and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and something about a Winter Berry) in the Big Blue House! Joining us for this family gathering is ToughPigs' own Anthony Strand, co…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 218, The Day the Music Died 45:07

9M ago45:07

45:07

In which Gobo must write the Glory Song and save the Ditzies. PLUS: We are not going to Fraggle fancast Rent. Engage the Infinite Shenanigans Engine! A host fight worse than Red Vines vs Twizzlers? Possibly the most majestic mustache of all time. Featuring special guest Morgan Roe of the Zeitgeist Radio podcast!…

1
Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Becca's Faves 1:03:07

9M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Oh hi there! Welcome back to Bear in the Big Blue Podcast! We've got a sparkly new episode just for all you Toileteers, as we cover mistakes, computers, and going to the bathroom. All the hits! With special guest Danny Horn - founder of ToughPigs, host of The Fantastic Miss Piggy Podcast, and the brain behind Muppet Pictures! Episodes referenced in…

1
5.44: The Raddest Thing Kermit Does 45:38

9M ago45:38

45:38

We're talking about Minutes 87-88 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which the Muppets continue their swordfights and gunplay. With special guest Cameron Garrity! PLUS: Boingy boingy flip jump! How do puppets get tattoos? Is there a live animal in this scene? Are frogs really slippery? And the paradox of bare-chested Muppets! Hosted by: Anthony Strand &…

1
Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Time For Some Quiet Time 49:07

10M ago49:07

49:07

Welcome back to Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - the podcast where we watch Bear in the Big Blue House and talk about it a lot! This week, we're highlighting the coziness of Bear, which is especially prevalent in these times when we can all really use a bit of quiet time. Joining us is special guest Eli Lee! Episodes referenced in this podcast: Episo…

1
5.43: Action and More Action! 56:33

10M ago56:33

56:33

We're talking about Minutes 85-86 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Muppets fight pirates! With special guest Noah Ginex! PLUS: Sweetums is Paul Rudd! Did Beaker push Rizzo? Why is Gonzo saying these things? Why do people say "Uncle?" Why do people say "Cowabunga?" And Sam the Eagle on the Starship Enterprise! Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 217, "Fraggle Wars" 1:38:31

10M ago1:38:31

1:38:31

In which Mokey is captured and the World's Oldest Fraggle declares war. PLUS: Dead rat king or clump of hair? Can Junior grow Atomic Sour Warheads? Background rock-carrying shenanigans. How many light bulbs? Mokey the wedding planner. Featuring special guest JD Hansel! (Content warning at the beginning of the episode)…

1
Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Welcome to the Blue House 58:58

10M ago58:58

58:58

Introducing BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE PODCAST, a podcast miniseries from ToughPigs.com! Join Becca Petunia and Joe Hennes as they dive deep into the classic Henson series "Bear in the Big Blue House". For our first episode, Becca explores what she loves about the show, while Joe meets the residents of the Big Blue House for the very first time.…

1
5.42: Muppet Swashbuckling 24:54

10M ago24:54

24:54

We're talking about Minutes 83-84 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which the crew (and the figureheads) of the Hispaniola rescue Kermit and Piggy. With special guest Kelly Gravlin! PLUS: Jim becomes the captain! Piggy flaps her arms! Sam fights with two swords! How long has Maroon 5 been around? This movie vs. standardized tests! And what would the "M…

1
Fraggle Talk: Back to the Rock - Ep. 213 "Hope and Socks" 1:26:44

10M ago1:26:44

1:26:44

As season 2 of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock comes to an end, so does season 2 of our companion podcast series FRAGGLE TALK: BACK TO THE ROCK. While we wait patiently for news about a potential third season pickup, we're wrapping things up with the season finale "Hope and Socks." Joining us to say "goodbye for now" are Executive Producers John Tar…

1
5.41: Kermit's Eyes Are BULGING 54:48

10M ago54:48

54:48

We're talking about Minutes 81-82 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Kermit and Piggy finish "Love Led Us Here" and pirates mess around with treasure. With special guest Iris Strand! PLUS: The Statue of Liberty is a blobfish! Does Kermit need a haircut? Do Fisher Price puppets smell funny? Long John is Scrooge McDuck! What does "back to Blighty" m…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 216, Junior Sells the Farm 55:17

10M ago55:17

55:17

In which WanderMcMooch cons Junior into selling the castle, but Mokey and Red help him turn the tables. PLUS: Sonic the Capitalist Frog! The weird things we ate as kids. Dan Garza’s very sweet headcanon. Do Gorgs have capitalism? New Solemn Oath just dropped! Featuring very special guest Dan Garza from Back to the Rock!…

1
Fraggle Talk: Back to the Rock - Ep. 212 "Letting Go" 1:23:51

10M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Welcome back to FRAGGLE TALK: BACK TO THE ROCK, and the penultimate episode of Back to the Rock season 2! But we can't let go just yet - not before we have a chance to talk about the episode "Letting Go". This week, we're excited to welcome puppeteers Donna Kimball (Mokey) and Jordan Lockhart (Wembley) back to the podcast! PLUS! Bumping the lamp! A…

1
5.40: It's Hard to Sing Upside-Down 58:56

10M ago58:56

58:56

We're talking about Minutes 79-80 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Kermit and Piggy sing "Love Led Us Here" upside-down. With special guest Roz Strand! PLUS: A pretty cool death trap! Loving Tim Curry even when he's a villain! Is Kermit quoting Madonna or not? Watching FernGully at Buffalo Wild Wings! Piggy spins around! And can camels swim? Hos…

1
Fraggle Talk: Back to the Rock - Ep. 211 "Lost and Found Fraggles" 1:52:46

11M ago1:52:46

1:52:46

After a short hiatus, FRAGGLE TALK: BACK TO THE ROCK is back with the final three episodes of season 2! Starting with "Lost and Found Fraggles," in which every Fraggle gets a doppelganger. Perhaps there's even two of YOU! Trippy. With special guests puppeteers Aymee Garcia (Ma Gorg, The Trash Heap) and Kira Hall (Measure Doozer, Leader)! Plus! Whic…

1
5.39: Boogie, Boogie, Boogie... BOOGIE! 46:52

11M ago46:52

46:52

We're talking about Minutes 77-78 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which the ghost of Sam Arrow scares the pirates and Captain Smollett hangs out. With special guest Staci Rosen! PLUS: The officers' "Pirate-Busters" uniforms! Knitting is not needlepoint! Batman Honeydew! Watch out for the bogeyman! WHAT did Jim say?! What if Piggy were in love with so…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 215, Manny's Land of Carpets 1:01:25

11M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In which a gift from the Wish-Granting Creature invites the Fraggles to different wondrous lands, creating a schism between them. PLUS: Very special guest Dan Garza from Back to the Rock! Should Junior start a union? Manny’s Mattress Palace! The DC Tangent. Gobo has big Moses energy. Gillis is back! “Follow the Road” = ordering at IHOP. The Great T…

1
5.38: Pirates and Ladies and Romance (and Innuendo) 33:47

11M ago33:47

33:47

We're talking about Minutes 75-76 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Long John demands to know where the treasure is! With special guest Jennifer Garlen! PLUS: Absolute filth! Do pigs need commitment? The benefits of reimagining Ben Gunn as a lady! Pigs flee from boom-boom sticks! A plethora of shopping channels! And island goddesses through histo…

1
5.37: Piggy the Jilted Bride 44:17

11M ago44:17

44:17

We're talking about Minutes 73-74 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Mr. Arrow is alive and Kermit & Piggy talk about old wounds. With EXTREMELY special guest Leslie Carrara-Rudolph! PLUS: How does a Muppet row a boat? Saying the movie title out loud! Is this a romantic comedy? Is Benjamina Gunn from France? Some words are funnier than others! And…

1
Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 214, The Secret of Convincing John 43:10

11M ago43:10

43:10

In which Wembley seeks Convincing John’s help to cure his wembling. PLUS: A perfect satirical skewering of toxic positivity. Shout-out to Chidi from The Good Place. Patreon Adventure Time side quest! Did we finally find a seam in the worldbuilding??

1
5.36: The Gift of the Black Spot 57:30

11M ago57:30

57:30

We're talking about Minutes 71-72 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Long John Silver talks his way out of a death sentence. With EXTREMELY special guest Leslie Carrara-Rudolph! And a SURPRISE guest who worked on the movie! PLUS: Pirate character development! Scenes within scenes! Muppet eyelid technology! A movie full of Muppet communities! Long …