Peanuts Worldwide and The Press Democrat—the hometown newspaper of Charles “Sparky” Schulz for over 40 years—have announced the launch of an exciting new podcast designed to celebrate Schulz’s iconic comic strip while surprising even the most devoted Peanuts fans. Titled You Don’t Know Peanuts, the podcast promises a mix of compelling interviews, previously untold stories, challenging trivia, and heartfelt “love letters” from fans around the globe, sharing how Peanuts has touched their lives.
“For more than 20 years I’ve been honored to work on the phenomenon known as Peanuts, created by the incredible genius Charles Schulz,” says 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.”
The podcast is hosted by two lifelong Peanuts devotees: Melissa Menta, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Peanuts Worldwide, and David Templeton, a playwright, author, and arts and entertainment journalist with The Press Democrat. Together, they guide listeners through fascinating conversations with creators and other key members of the Peanuts universe, offering unique insights and behind-the-scenes stories never before collected in one place.
This exciting new podcast takes you deep into the heart of the Peanuts universe, uncovering untold stories and offering a fresh perspective on the beloved comic strip. From the creation of iconic characters to the magic of the TV specials, you’ll discover how the Peanuts gang has shaped culture and charmed fans around the globe.
“I’ve been a devoted fan since childhood when I had surgery and received a ‘comfort Snoopy’ who became my companion for years,” says 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’s brilliant creation.”
As the only official Peanuts podcast, each episode explores fascinating topics: the origins of your favorite characters, the surprising story behind Snoopy’s friendship with Woodstock, Charles Schulz’s love of sports and how it shaped his work, and much more! Hear firsthand accounts from those who lived the Peanuts legacy and get the behind-the-scenes stories you’ve always craved.
The debut episode, released on November 19, features a special interview with Will Coss, Vice President and Executive Producer at Macy’s Studios, the team behind the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This episode sets the stage for what promises to be a delightful journey through the world of Peanuts, full of nostalgia, discovery, and the timeless charm of Schulz’s beloved characters.
Future episodes of You Don’t Know Peanuts will feature insightful conversations with key figures connected to the Peanuts legacy. Jason Mendelson, son of the legendary Lee Mendelson—the producer behind the timeless holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas—will share personal stories and behind-the-scenes details about his father’s incredible contributions to Peanuts’ television history.
The podcast will also explore the cultural significance of Peanuts, including a discussion with Marissa Nance of Native Tongue Communication about the origins of Franklin, the groundbreaking character introduced during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Nance will provide insights into how Franklin came to represent diversity and inclusion in the Peanuts universe, shedding light on Schulz’s thoughtful approach to addressing social issues through his comic strip.
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. Episodes will be released weekly.
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