Toon My Heart

Toon My Heart

by Tracy Herold
Animation and MangaChristianity
Season 1
Father's Day Special: Favorite Animated Dads, with Matt Williams and Bobby Benavides
Happy Father's Day! To celebrate, this special episode of Toon My Heart features two special guests (and dads): Matt Williams, aka Rockin Mr Magic of Jeek Nation, home of the best conversations combining sports and geek; and pastor and comedian Bobby Benavides, host of the "Taking Up Your Time" comedy special and podcast. Matt and Bobby join host Tracy Herold to talk about some of our favorite animated dads: Goofy from Disney's A Goofy Movie, Chief Benja from Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon, and Marlin from Finding Nemo. We discuss the challenges of fatherhood that we see reflected in each of these characters' journeys, from Goofy's struggle to connect with his teenage son, to Chief Benja's preparing his daughter for trials while also encouraging her to strive to be a peacemaker, to Marlin's learning to overcome his anxiety and let his son go and grow. Bringing in both personal experience and Biblical wisdom, Matt and Bobby use these characters as a springboard to share their thoughts and advice for fellow dads. Find Matt Williams and Jeek Nation at https://linktr.ee/JeekNation Find Bobby Benavides and "Taking Up Your Time" at https://bobbybcomedy.com Thank you to the following people on X for sharing some of their favorite animated dads for inclusion in this episode: @myne_ehrenwood, @CookiesThin, @DeniseKT052951, @TorYHarbin, @King__Julian7, @animetangles Make a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Interested in sponsoring an episode, or have any questions or comments to share? Email toonmyheartpodcast@gmail.com! Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
S1 · E30
Jun 21, 2026
54:22
Mother's Day Special: Favorite Animated Moms, with Katie Leigh and Shayla Huber
Happy Mother's Day! To celebrate, this special episode of Toon My Heart features two special guests (and moms): Author Shayla Huber, whose latest book is titled "10 Things I Hate About Motherhood: Exchanging the World's Perfection for God's Peace and Presence;" and voiceover actor Katie Leigh, who has played a multitude of characters, including Baby Rowlf on Muppet Babies, Sunni Gummi on Adventures of the Gummi Bears, Dumbo on Dumbo's Circus, and Connie Kendall in Focus on the Family's audio drama series, Adventures in Odyssey. Shayla and Katie join host Tracy Herold to talk about some of our favorite animated moms: Mrs. Brisby from Don Bluth's The Secret of NIMH, Chicha from Disney's The Emperor's New Groove, and Roz from Dreamworks' The Wild Robot. We discuss how each of these mother characters reflect the joys and the challenges of motherhood, the qualities we admire in them, and the lessons we can take from them-- and all ultimately in light of what the Bible tells us about motherhood, love, sacrifice, and the grace and guidance God provides for his mother sheep. Find Shayla Huber at shaylamariehuber.com Follow Shayla on TikTok @shaylahuber30, Instagram @shaylamariehuber, and Facebook @shaylamariehuber Find Shayla's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shayla-Huber/author/B0D2P3BR61 Find Katie Leigh at katieleigh.com Follow Katie on Instagram @katieleighvo, Facebook @katieleighvo Watch the Tell Ya Later podcast on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts Find Katie's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Katie-Leigh/author/B01CYX2E36 Also mentioned in this episode: AdventuresInOdyssey.com Thank you to the following people on X for sharing some of their favorite animated moms for inclusion in this episode: @alec_behan, @thetangles, @rozemyne_rmr, @Cookiesthin, @Kitsulie, @p1eak1ey, @TDWilli140173, @diamond_jemgirl, @MilesRi80520690 Make a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Interested in sponsoring an episode, or have any questions or comments to share? Email toonmyheartpodcast@gmail.com! Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
S1 · E29
May 9, 2026
47:22
First Impressions: David
2025 was quite a year for Bible-based animated films, with Angel Studios' and Sunrise Animation Studios' "David" closing out the year, following in the footsteps of Angel's Easter epic "The King of Kings" and the traditionally animated "Light of the World"-- and overtaking both of them to become the highest-grossing faith-based animated film of all time. But is it worthy of such a distinction? In this "First Impressions" episode of Toon My Heart podcast, host Tracy Herold takes a quick look at both the strengths and shortcomings of this family film depicting David's rise to the throne, including iconic scenes like his battle with Goliath, beautiful musical numbers, and moments of genuine emotion. Referenced in this episode: David creator Phil Cunningham on 30-year journey to 'the best animated film of 2025': https://joynews.co.za/david-creator-phil-cunningham-on-30-year-journey-to-the-best-animated-film-of-2025/ Make a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Interested in sponsoring an episode, or have any questions or comments to share? Email toonmyheartpodcast@gmail.com! Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
S1 · E28
May 1, 2026
12:04
First Impressions: Pixar's Hoppers
With a strong opening weekend and continuing box office success, Disney and Pixar's Hoppers has risen above a sea of sequels and remakes to prove that original concepts can still spell success for animation studios. Directed by Daniel Chong of We Bare Bears fame, the film's zany premise about a girl who transfers her mind into a robot beaver in order to talk to animals has won over the majority of both critics and general audience member who have seen it. But how should Christians approach this seemingly environmentalist film. Host Tracy Herold examines whether Christians should oppose or embrace environmentalism, how we should relate to the rest of God's creation and to each other, and whether there's more to Hoppers than meets the eye in this latest "First Impressions" episode of Toon My Heart. Make a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Interested in sponsoring an episode, being a guest, or just have any questions or comments to share? Email toonmyheartpodcast@gmail.com! Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
S1 · E27
Apr 24, 2026
10:57
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Finding Joy in the Waiting, with Dr. William Brunson, author of "Faith, Leadership, and Walt"
Almost 90 years ago, Walt Disney made history by producing the first cel animated feature film ever, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. While movie industry insiders and even those closest to him had doubted his vision, Walt and his studio staff persevered in creating an undisputed masterpiece, and managed to change the course of film and animation history in the process. In this episode of Toon My Heart, host Tracy Herold is joined by guest Dr. William Brunson, pastor, John Maxwell coach, and author of the new book Faith, Leadership, and Walt: Leading with Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Possibility. Dr. Brunson shares anecdotes about Walt's leadership and vision casting as we discuss the artistry and depth found within his first feature film. We discuss how Walt's Christian faith was reflected in this and other movies and projects; debate whether the original Disney princess is really the helpless "damsel in distress" that she's often made out to be; talk about how she displays characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit and how this contrasts with the Evil Queen's vanity, envy, and other "works of the flesh"; consider which characters can be seen as Christ figures within the fairy tale story; bring up other Biblical symbolism found within the movie, such as the "forbidden fruit" of the poison apple; and appreciate how Snow White's quiet strength, faithful waiting, gentle kindness, and patient resilience can serve as an example to us all. Buy Faith, Leadership, and Walt on Amazon.com Find Dr. Brunson's other books on his Amazon.com author page Visit DeeperPurposeCoaching.com Visit his church at vhmc.org Also mentioned in this episode: Saving Cinderella: What Feminists Get Wrong About Disney Princesses and How to Set it Right, by Faith Moore Make a donation of any amount to support Toon My Heart podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email toonmyheartpodcast@gmail.com! Thanks to the following folks on X for sharing their comments for this episode: @cookiesthin, @DesertofReelPod, @Intellectric Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
S1 · E26
Apr 15, 2026
1:15:47
First Impressions: Arco, Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, and Forevergreen
The 2026 Academy Awards show is coming up in just a few days. While you've probably seen, or at least familiar with, some of the animated film nominees, such as Sony Animation's K-Pop Demon Hunters (the favorite to win the Oscar) and Disney's Zooptopia 2, let's take a look at a few of the nominees that you may have missed-- and that may be worth checking out. In the Best Animated Feature Film category, we have Arco-- a traditionally animated sci-fi fantasy out of France, featuring time travel, robots, and a tale of friendship and connection-- and Little Amelie or the Character of Rain-- another French film full of stunning 2D animated visuals, based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Amelie Nothomb, about the daughter of a Belgian diplomat growing up in Japan. In the Best Animated Short Film category, the 3D animated Forevergreen offers a stop-motion-like aesthetic inspired by wood carvings, and an overtly Christian story about a little bear and the tree that cares for him, inspired by Jesus' parable of The Prodigal Son. Watch Forevergreen on YouTube for a limited time at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4EPW7JUMTM Learn more about Toon My Heart: https://linktr.ee/toonmyheart Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
S1 · E25
Mar 15, 2026
15:41
Forgotten Christmas Specials: The Little Troll Prince, with Tim Ingle
Special guest Tim Ingle, creator of the Bearly Biblical animated series on Loor.tv-- and coming soon, the Bearly Biblical trading card game-- returns to Toon My Heart to talk about The Little Troll Prince: A Christmas Parable. This 1987 Christmas television special with a very explicitly Christian message, produced by Hanna-Barbera and backed by the International Lutheran Laymen's League, carries a lot of nostalgia for host Tracy Herold. But despite airing on Cartoon Network for many years in the '90s, many people today have never even heard of The Little Troll Prince-- and Tim was one of them! Without nostalgia goggles, will he still find things to appreciate in this traditionally animated musical holiday special? In this final "Forgotten Christmas Specials" episode for 2025, we discuss the history of Hanna-Barbera, including the role that faith played in some of Joseph Barbera's pet projects; the uniqueness of a Christmas special that doesn't mention Santa once but does mention the Savior; how the themes of love, faith, heart transformation, and God's sovereignty are presented in story of the troll prince Bu; and our pros and cons and how we might choose to tell the story differently. Please follow @bearlybiblical on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok; follow @intellectric on X and @intellectricanimation on Instagram; and visit BearlyBiblical.com Mentioned or referenced in this episode: The Gospel According to Hanna-Barbera on Yowp The Little Troll Prince on archive.org Cabbage Patch Kids First Christmas/The Little Troll Prince DVD on Amazon Thank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.
S1 · E24
Jan 1, 2026
55:06
Forgotten Christmas Specials: Arnold's Christmas, with Kevin T. Rodriguez (iCritic)
Despite first airing in 1996, "Arnold's Christmas," also known as the "Hey Arnold! Christmas Special," was a new watch this year for Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold, suggested by this episode's special guest, Kevin T. Rodriguez, also known as iCritic. What starts out as a pretty typical Christmas episode for a kids' TV show turns out to be something deeper and much more special by the end. And the story behind it is just as compelling. Find out why this episode almost didn't make it to air on Nickelodeon thanks to story elements dealing with the Vietnam War; what Arnold, Helga, and Gerald all think the "true meaning of Christmas" is; how we think this secular Christmas special still conveys some deeply Christian themes about miracles, love, empathy, and bearing one another's burdens; and why-- whether you grew up watching this Nicktoon or not-- we think "Arnold's Christmas" is worth a watch. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.icritic.net https://www.youtube.com/@KevinTRod Hey Arnold claymation shorts "Hey Arnold! Christmas Special" ad Buy Me A Coffee (Donate) Toon My Heart TeePublic Store Thank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.
S1 · E23
Dec 24, 2025
52:39
Forgotten Christmas Specials: The Small One, with Monica Theiler
When you think of Disney and Christmas specials, the first one that comes to mind is likely Mickey's Christmas Carol, and for good reason. But five years before that short came out, Disney released another Christmas special called The Small One, directed by none other than Don Bluth, shortly before he left the company to form his own animation studio. Although it seems to have largely been forgotten by Disney, Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and special guest, artist and animator Monica Theiler both have fond childhood memories of watching this story of a boy seeking a new home for his beloved donkey and finding one more special than he could have ever imagined. And in this episode, we talk about what it shows us about true friendship, how to love like God does, and God's perfect plan and purpose for every "small one." Visit Monica Theiler and buy her books at artistmonica.com Find Monica's books on Amazon Follow Monica on Instagram @artistmonica, and Youtube @artistanimatormonica Also mentioned in this episode: Watch The Small One on Disney+ The Small One: A Story for Those Who Like Christmas and Small Donkeys by Charles Tazewell Somewhere Out There: My Animated Life by Don Bluth The Small One: A Good Samaritan by Katherine Brown Thank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.
S1 · E22
Dec 15, 2025
40:18
First Impressions: Light of the World
Light of the World is the second animated film released in 2025 about the life of Jesus, so how does this traditionally animated project compare to the 3D-animated The King of Kings that came out earlier in the year? Produced by The Salvation Poem Project and with the talent of former Disney animators and directors and unique storybook-style animation provided by Lighthouse Studios, a joint venture between Cartoon Saloon and Mercury Filmworks, Light of the World tells the gospel story from the point of view of the Apostle John as a young teenager. Find out host Tracy Herold's initial thoughts upon seeing this film in theaters. Mentioned in this episode: The Salvation Poem Project: https://salvationpoem.com Gavin Ortlund, "These A.I. Videos Raise a Theology Question": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiLDeIFqw2s The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast: https://bancroftbros.libsyn.com Lighthouse Studios: https://lighthousestudios.ie Light of the World on Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/light-of-the-world-blu-ray/pd/044399?srsltid=AfmBOoqbNaHy2ec5a0wdJldsjdKRgBQUCjZVjT-_RmO3TnqpCP2_nFjP Buy Toon My Heart merch at teepublic.com/user/toon-my-heart Donate to Toon My Heart at https://buymeacoffee.com/toonmyheart Follow @toonmyheart on Instagram, X, and Facebook Other links at linktr.ee/toonmyheart Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email toonmyheartpodcast@gmail.com
S1 · E21
Dec 1, 2025
16:36
1 of 3