Episode 5 - Mike Quinn and David Barclay - CONversations with Craig
Release Date: 05/05/2025
The Birdcage
Matinee Heroes
THE BIRDCAGE Young engaged couple Val and Barbara bring their wildly different families together for one tense dinner. To win over Barbara’s ultra-conservative father, Val’s gay, club-owning dad Armand hides his drag queen partner Albert and pretends to embody straight-laced American values. But as the evening unravels, keeping up appearances gets hilariously out of hand. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Liz Serna talk about they gay 90’s, despicable children, the sexiness of Christine Baranski and the movie “The Birdcage” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:58 Craig,...
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The Conversation
Matinee Heroes
THE CONVERSATION A meticulous surveillance expert begins to unravel when a routine wiretap reveals a conversation he doesn’t fully understand—but can’t ignore. As his paranoia grows, he’s forced to question what’s real, what’s hidden, and whether he’s complicit in something far darker than he imagined. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about paranoia, Christmas cookies, clogged toilets and the movie “The Conversation” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 0:51 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew introduce June Hackman month by discovering which Gene...
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Episode 6 - Star Wars BTS - Now it Can Be Told - CONversations with Craig
Matinee Heroes
Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig lifts the curtain on the unsung crew who brought the original Star Wars trilogy to life—Jawas, model-makers, second-unit directors, and yes, Yoda’s actual right hand. From childhood desert shoots to Harrison Ford with a saw, this panel had it all. Jawa Justice League: Three OG Jawas—Tim Donaldson, Andrea Wickman, and Fraser Diamond—recall what it was really like filming in Death Valley, sweating through robes, carrying disassembled droids, and surviving desert wildlife. Ford v. Falcon:...
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How To Train Your Dragon
Matinee Heroes
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON On the Viking Isle of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. When an ancient threat endangers both dragons and humans, their bond becomes the key to survival. Together, they must rise above fear and forge a new path toward peace and leadership. Craig, Elisabeth and Guest Rob Ervin discuss parenting, the Minions, finding your place and the movie “How to Train your Dragon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!! Show Notes 1:05 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob talk about cartoons and The Minions. 19:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss...
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In Memoriam - Loretta Swit 1937-2025
Matinee Heroes
IN MEMORIAM: LORETTA SWIT 1937-2025 Today, May 30th we lost past guest Loretta Swit. As is tradition. we’re replaying a episode we did on the original MASH that included my panel with Loretta and her cast mate Jamie Farr during last years Retro Expo on July 13th 2024. I was fortunate enough to meet Lorreta twice. The first time was in Tampa Bay and was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with her, Jamie and Jeff Maxwell. The way she would dote on Jamie who is 90 himself and has limited mobility was so cute and at Retro Expo, she hustled down the entire...
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Kung Fu Panda
Matinee Heroes
KUNG FU PANDA Po may be the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he secretly dreams of becoming a kung fu legend. When the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung threatens the Valley, Po is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Under Master Shifu’s training, he embarks on a high-kicking adventure to stop Tai Lung’s evil plans. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Riley Brown discuss fanboys, self-belief vs destiny, cryptic mentors and the movie “Kung Fu Panda” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:54 Craig, Elisabeth and Riley talk about cartoons and fandoms. ...
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Fantastic Mr Fox
Matinee Heroes
FANTASTIC MR. FOX After years of playing it safe, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and returns to his wild ways, stealing from the ruthless farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. His actions put his family and their animal friends in danger, forcing them to hide deep underground. Now, Mr. Fox must use all his cleverness to outsmart the farmers and save his community. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Movies that Make Us hosts Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz to discuss quirkiness, Wes Anderson, sex shops and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth,...
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Episode 5 - Mike Quinn and David Barclay - CONversations with Craig
Matinee Heroes
Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig dives deep into the foam, felt, and freakishly fun world of movie puppetry with two absolute legends: Mike Quinn and David Barclay. These are the guys who’ve literally had their hands inside Yoda—yes, literally—and helped bring the most beloved alien puppet in cinema history to life. From The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi to The Dark Crystal and Little Shop of Horrors, Mike and David have been at the heart of some of the biggest (and weirdest) creatures ever to hit the screen—and yes,...
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Chicken Run
Matinee Heroes
CHICKEN RUN When a flashy American rooster struts into the coop, the hens think he might just be their ticket to freedom. But when the farmers roll in a chicken-pie making machine, escaping becomes a lot more urgent—and they’ll have to hatch a new plan to get out alive. Time is running out, and the flock will need brains, bravery, and a little bit of luck to pull off the ultimate breakout. Craig and Elisabeth talk about rural business plans, deceptive fowls, 90s cartoons and the movie “Chicken Run” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:19 Craig and Elisabeth talk about the...
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Goon
Matinee Heroes
GOON A soft-spoken bouncer is recruited to a struggling minor league hockey team after showcasing his raw fighting skills during a brawl. Thrown into the brutal world of professional hockey, he battles opponents, wrestles with his own insecurities, and struggles to earn the respect of hardened teammates, all while trying to understand what he’s truly fighting for. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Great F’n Movies, Casa Bonita, the Jack Reacher of hockey and the movie “Goon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:49 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Denver's Casa...
info_outlineRecorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig dives deep into the foam, felt, and freakishly fun world of movie puppetry with two absolute legends: Mike Quinn and David Barclay. These are the guys who’ve literally had their hands inside Yoda—yes, literally—and helped bring the most beloved alien puppet in cinema history to life. From The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi to The Dark Crystal and Little Shop of Horrors, Mike and David have been at the heart of some of the biggest (and weirdest) creatures ever to hit the screen—and yes, they even pulled out a Yoda puppet mid-panel. You’ve never seen a conversation get this real.
- The Secret Life of Yoda: Mark Hamill helped launch David’s career after meeting him in a London toy store, while Mike snuck onto The Muppet Show set using cigarettes and chocolate.
- Audrey II's Gym Routine: It took eight weeks—and some torn muscles—to shoot one song for Little Shop of Horrors with the massive Audrey II puppet.
- Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Performing Muppets live is no joke—just ask Mike, who once took a couch to the head mid-show.
“Yoda in Return of the Jedi? That was me. Just the right hand. But hey, sometimes that’s all you need.” – Mike Quinn
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