The Radio Free Disneyland Podcast returns after a long hiatus! Includes interview with legendary producer Don Hahn!

Our Avuncular Guide to the heavens above. Image © Disney

Yuri Gagarin - The Elvis Presley of the Space Race.

Laika (Russian: Лайка; c. 1954 – 3 November 1957) was a Soviet dog who became one of the first animals in space, and the first animal to orbit the Earth. Who's a good girl!?

Act 1: Reach For The StarsGagarin

Recording:     GagarinArtist:             Public Service BroadcastingAlbum:           Gagarin (Extended Single)

A great British band that combines live playing with sound and film documentary, reminds us who got to space first.

Daylight Express to Lutz

Recording:     Daylight Express to LutzArtist:             Alexandre DesplatAlbum:           The Grand Budapest Hotel Original Soundtrack

A real favorite during station Vodka tastings.

Dancing In The Moonlight

Recording:      Dancing in the MoonlightArtist:              Yonder Mountain String BandAlbum:            Love. Ain't Love

The original version of the song was released by the Franco-American One-Hit-Wonders: King Harvest. Where were you in '72?

Ikea

Recording:       IkeaArtist:              Jeff BridgesAlbum:             Sleeping Tapes

This service should be available any minute!

Atomic Number

Recording:      Atomic NumberArtist:              Case/Lang/VeirsAlbum:            Atomic Number

Stay in school kids!

Super group Case, Lang and Veirs work up the numbers. 

Recording:      Future PeopleArtist:              The Alabama ShakesAlbum:            Sound & Color

These are the Future People!

The Alabama Shakes really do. ©2015/Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC

Act 2: Build ItHeinz Haber, Werner Von Braun, and Willie Ley. The Holy Trinity of German Disney Scientists.

Wernher Von Braun

Recording:     Wernher von BraunArtist:             Felix JanosaAlbum:           Die bosen Lieder des Tom LehrerSome international suspicion lingered about Von Braun and his cohorts. And you have to admit, nothing is funnier than a Tom Lehrer song in German.

Don Hahn Talks About The Disney Space Program(s)Don Hahn has produced some of the most successful animated films in history, including The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, the first animated film to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. He currently is Executive Producer of the Disneynature films, and owns his own film production company, Stone Circle Pictures.Yesterday's Tomorrow is a valentine to an era of optimism, relaxed lifestyle, and innovative design; a large-format book, illustrated with rarely seen art and photography of the mid-20th century reflecting the unique style that Walt Disney and his artists contributed to the era.Click the book cover to purchase Don Hahn's Yesterday's Tomorrow - Disney's Magical Mid-Century at Amazon.Mission Control

Recording:     Mission ControlArtist:             Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams & Benjamin WallfischAlbum:           Hidden Figures- Original Score

RedstoneRecording:     RedstoneArtist:             Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams & Benjamin WallfischAlbum:           Hidden Figures- Original Score

 Planetarium

Recording:     PlanetariumArtist:            Justin HurwitzAlbum:           La La Land - Original Score

Lift Off

Recording:     Lift OffArtist:             Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams & Benjamin WallfischAlbum:           Hidden Figures- Original Score

He may be a Nazi Rocket Scientist, but he's OUR Nazi Rocket Scientist. Image © Disney

Hallo Spaceboy

Recording:     Hallo SpaceboyArtist:             David Bowie (With The Pet Shop Boys)Album:           Nothing Has Changed