You Don’t Know Peanuts - The Untold Stories

Melissa and Damian speak with Liz Conyngham, the former brand director of Peanuts Worldwide to learn more about the process of licensing; working with Sparky, and how products featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang end up on the shelves of our stores.

Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss the longstanding partnership with the Peanuts brand, as well as the 50th anniversary of the classic special, It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown. 

Melissa and Damian chat with Darren Irby from the American Red Cross to talk about the multiple campaigns that Peanuts and the nonprofit have teamed up for; the Gen Z turnout, and why Snoopy and the Peanuts gang were the right choice for a collaboration. 

Melissa and Damian kick off this new season with a conversation with Chris Bracco, the executive vice president creative director of the Charles M. Schulz studio, who dives into all things Peanuts in the world of watches. The trio discusses the partnerships with brands such as Omega, Timex, and Bamford; the process of designing and approving product, and how the Apple Watch faces came to be. 

In this holiday bonus episode, our hosts speak with the senior director of special events and creative for ICE!, an immersive holiday experience that features the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas. 

This week Melissa and Damian speak with Derrick Bang - whose book, 50 years of happiness: A tribute to Charles M. Schulz, is the reference guide for Peanuts employees to gain even deeper knowledge of the brand. We dive in to all things Peanuts, as well as Derrick's other works that encapsulate the world of the iconic comic strip. 

Snoopy is one of the most beloved characters in all of comics. Known for his many personas and lovable energy - he is truly one of a kind. In this episode, we speak with Judy Sladky, the woman who has been appearing as the beagle for over 40 years, who  shares what it is truly like to "be" Snoopy. 

In honor of the release of the official book celebration of the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, Creative Director Emeritus of Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, Paige Braddock, joins us to talk about her contributions to the book, as well as the history and the legacy of Schulz's art. 

Long before the viral puffer coat plush, Snoopy was turning comic fans into committed collectors. In this episode, Peanuts Collectors Club President Kathy Magrane talks to Melissa and Damian about some of the world’s most famous beagle’s biggest fanatics and the ultimate Peanuts party: Beaglefest. 

From seven newspapers to worldwide acclaim, plain white tee to famous zigzag, Snoopy on four paws to an upright Joe Cool, the story of Peanuts’ evolution is the story of all of our lives. At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, a panel of behind-the-scenes experts and famous followers—including Snoopy mega-fan Alec Baldwin—share their insights on Charles Schulz’ unparalleled achievement.

How did a knack for growing a brand-new berry turn into a major American theme park?  Why did a child-scaring mascot lead to a long-running relationship with Charles Schulz and the Peanuts gang?  And who cemented that link through ice-skating?  We talk with Ken Parks from Knott's Berry Farm to find out more...

That catchy Christmas song, the time Snoopy went up again the Beatles and other stories about the “Peanuts” music everyone loves

Snoopy returned to space on the first launch of the Artemis rocket as the official Zero Gravity Indicator.  Hear from NASA Launch Director Charlie Blackwell Thompson about having a special Snoopy plush made specifically to ride on the first launch - it's not nearly as simple as it sounds!

After years of planning, "Project Cashew" is finally revealed — not as a plan for world domination but as a plan to increase kindness and appreciation. We learn about a new partnership with Starbucks, lovely Peanuts mugs and, if you live in France, where you can get a "Charlie Brownie."  Intrigued yet?

Which spacecraft were named "Charlie Brown" and "Snoopy"?  How many Snoopy dolls have flown in space?  What is the NASA "Silver Snoopy" award?   We talk to Silver Snoopy recipient and former NASA Flight Controller (and Snoopy super-fan) Ginger Kerrick about the long history between NASA and Peanuts.

We explore the influence of the Peanuts comic strip on the world of fashion with Lynn Downey, former Levi’s archivist and author. Why did Charlie Brown have that zigzag pattern on his shirt, and how did Lucy's outfits change in the 1970s? Downey takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming “Snoopy in Style” exhibition in Paris, celebrating 75 years of Peanuts' lasting impact on the fashion industry.

We talk with Rob "Boots" Boutilier about how he started in animation, his trip to NASA on behalf of Peanuts, his work on The Snoopy Show and Camp Snoopy on AppleTV+ and how they managed to get Snoopy's "voice" recorded for shows.  We also talk about his experiences at the Schulz Museum and the one thing you'll never see.