<description>In this episode of Animation and Beyond, hosts Ezra and Julian dig into the block-buster world of Minecraft! 

They explore its origins, core gameplay mechanics, and explore its lasting cultural impact. They discuss what makes the game Minecraft such a powerful tool for creativity and world-building, and why its simple design has captured imaginations for over a decade. The conversation digs into the 2025 Minecraft movie, its cast, and how it connects to the gaming community. The episode concludes with the newly named trivia segment "I bet you didn't know” and personal updates from the hosts.

Recorded in November 2025.</description>

In this episode of Animation and Beyond, hosts Ez…

In this episode of Animation and Beyond, hosts Ezra and Julian dig into the block-buster world of Minecraft! 

They explore its origins, core gameplay mechanics, and explore its lasting cultural impact. They discuss what makes the game Minecraft such a powerful tool for creativity and world-building, and why its simple design has captured imaginations for over a decade. The conversation digs into the 2025 Minecraft movie, its cast, and how it connects to the gaming community. The episode concludes with the newly named trivia segment "I bet you didn't know” and personal updates from the hosts.

Recorded in November 2025.

S8:E4: Minecraft

<description>In this episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and Julian explore the connection between animated characters and the actors who inspire them. They look at how some characters are designed directly after real-life performers and how that differs from characters who are brought to life through voice alone.

Along the way, they highlight the influence of iconic performers like Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, break down the differences between voice acting and on-screen acting, and discuss how these choices shape character design and development. It’s a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how animation blends performance and personality to create unforgettable characters.</description>

In this episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and…

In this episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and Julian explore the connection between animated characters and the actors who inspire them. They look at how some characters are designed directly after real-life performers and how that differs from characters who are brought to life through voice alone.

Along the way, they highlight the influence of iconic performers like Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, break down the differences between voice acting and on-screen acting, and discuss how these choices shape character design and development. It’s a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how animation blends performance and personality to create unforgettable characters.

S8:E3: Animated Characters and the Actors Behind Them

<description>In this week’s episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and Julian crawl into the adorable (and occasionally chaotic) world of babies in animation. They chat about films with baby leads, explore the idea of forever babies, those cartoon kiddos who never grow up, and compare them with coming-of-age characters whose journeys allow them to evolve and mature on screen.

Ezra and Julian explore why baby characters are so lovable, the unique storytelling angles they bring, and how animated films use them to highlight family values and found-family dynamics. They also consider how these characters have evolved over time and what makes them such effective emotional anchors in their stories.

The episode wraps up with trivia, laughs, and a few thoughtful reflections on why animation just can’t quit its cutest characters!

Recorded October 2025</description>

In this week’s episode of Animation and Beyond, E…

In this week’s episode of Animation and Beyond, Ezra and Julian crawl into the adorable (and occasionally chaotic) world of babies in animation. They chat about films with baby leads, explore the idea of forever babies, those cartoon kiddos who never grow up, and compare them with coming-of-age characters whose journeys allow them to evolve and mature on screen.

Ezra and Julian explore why baby characters are so lovable, the unique storytelling angles they bring, and how animated films use them to highlight family values and found-family dynamics. They also consider how these characters have evolved over time and what makes them such effective emotional anchors in their stories.

The episode wraps up with trivia, laughs, and a few thoughtful reflections on why animation just can’t quit its cutest characters!

Recorded October 2025

S8:E2: The Babies... and Beyond: Some Characters Never Grow Up

<description>🪞Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the fairest of them all? After a long break, Animation and Beyond is back! Ezra and his new co-host Julian dive into the story that started it all — Snow White! From Disney’s 1937 classic to modern adaptations, join us for poisoned apples, quirky dwarfs, and a timeless tale as we break it down one bite at a time🍎</description>

🪞Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the fairest o…

🪞Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the fairest of them all? After a long break, Animation and Beyond is back! Ezra and his new co-host Julian dive into the story that started it all — Snow White! From Disney’s 1937 classic to modern adaptations, join us for poisoned apples, quirky dwarfs, and a timeless tale as we break it down one bite at a time🍎

S8.E1: Snow White! (Julian's first episode)

<description>On this episode, we're talking about the emotional rollercoaster of Inside Out! In this 2010's coming-of-age film, there's plenty to love. Plus, Mardy is saying goodbye to the role of Animation and Beyond cohost! Don't fret, though. Ezra will be back with a new cohost and the podcast will go on!</description>

On this episode, we're talking about the emotiona…

On this episode, we're talking about the emotional rollercoaster of Inside Out! In this 2010's coming-of-age film, there's plenty to love. Plus, Mardy is saying goodbye to the role of Animation and Beyond cohost! Don't fret, though. Ezra will be back with a new cohost and the podcast will go on!

S7.E12: Inside Out! (Mardy's final episode)

Animation, tech, video games, and more! From the quirky minds of Ezra Fields-Meyer and Julian Beuzieron, join us for a journey into the wonderful world of animation ... and beyond!

Animation... and Beyond!

Details

Recent Episodes