Best Ruby Spears Podcasts (2025)

1
S10E09 Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series 1:25:15

10h ago1:25:15

1:25:15

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A community of imaginary creatures band together to teach lessons of sharing, caring and interdependency. No, not “The Smurfs”. No, not “Care Bears”. Boy, the 80s were full of this trope. Here now is the story of how this Fraggle-tastic show came to Saturday Morning. Is it possible to dance your cares away?…

1
Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (Walt Disney TV Animation, 1989) 1:37:43

3d ago1:37:43

1:37:43

To follow up DuckTales, did Disney think bigger? Nope, they thought smaller. Rodent size, in fact, by returning Chip and Dale to prominence with a 65 episode run of high adventure in tiny spaces. It's pompous feline crime bosses, nefarious cults centered around soda, and one lady mouse that some people are still strangely fond of, all in this episo…

1
SPECIAL - The Banana Splits Adventure Hour 1:55:28

4d ago1:55:28

1:55:28

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A dog, a monkey, a lion and an elephant walk into a bar… No, wait. They form a band. Thank goodness, the other one ends in the missionary position. I mean, with them being in position to become missionaries. You know what, let’s start over. Okay, so here’s the story: Someone dropped some ‘shrooms and watche…

1
S10E08 Lazer Tag Academy 1:11:03

16d ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: Kids from the future must partner with their ancestors in the 1980s to fight a super powerful criminal. Which sounds like just the thing kids should be doing. Then again, in the 1980s, we were allowed to go out all day and do whatever as long as we were back before dark. And that was in the day and age of M…

1
Dog City (The Jim Henson Company & Nelvana, 1992-1994) 1:34:36

17d ago1:34:36

1:34:36

Detective work in the cartoon world is a dog-eat-dog racket. Ace Hart, Private Eye, he'd know. This animated German Shepherd deals with every case thrown at him by his animator Eliot Shag, and even has the nerve to talk back if it's not going so great. Yup, it's a fusion of animation and puppetry courtesy of Nelvana and the Jim Henson Company with …

1
Transformers Animated (Cartoon Network Studios & Hasbro, 2007-2009) 1:21:35

24d ago1:21:35

1:21:35

After post-apocalyptic beasts, a cosmic trilogy and a successful feature film, the Transformers return to animation like never before! Quite literally as Transformers Animated has as much in common with shows like Ben 10 and Teen Titans as it does past iterations of the franchise. And yet it worked so very well, becoming one of the more loved itera…

1
S10E07 The Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show 2:02:03

30d ago2:02:03

2:02:03

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A group of characters in their 50s get together to have comedic adventures and explore life. No, not “The Golden Girls”. Though Foghorn Leghorn would make an awesome Dorothy. Hmmm… Warner Bros, what’s stopping you from producing a Looney Tunes / Golden Girls remake? Oh, that’s right. Your taxes. Here now is…

1
Gay Purr-ee (UPA, 1962) 59:49

1M ago59:49

59:49

It's the only animated appearance by Judy Garland! It's the movie that got Chuck Jones fired from Warner Bros! It's... a box office flop. Gay Purr-ee is a fascinating movie both by its circumstances and the fantastic artwork that went into it, and Krissi helps James on a journey to 1890s Paris through the eyes of a starstruck Mewsette. Best enjoyed…

1
S10E06 Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears 1:06:40

1M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A pack of legendary bears inhabit a royal forest. They’ve stayed hidden from humans for a thousand years, but are found now because… it’s convenient for the show? Here now is the story of how this bouncy show came to Saturday Morning. What was the origin of this show? Did the studios have a village creature…

1
Q*Bert (Part of the Saturday Supercade, Ruby-Spears, 1983-1984) 1:06:49

1M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

The filthiest language ever on Saturday mornings! Q*Bert hopped out of the arcades and into a pastiche of Happy Days courtesy of Ruby Spears, for a cartoon that was... just kind of mostly there. Atari Archives creator and frequent Retronauts host Kevin Bunch joins Pemmy, Krissi and James to talk about the game, the show, and the circumstances surro…

1
S10E05 Pink Panther and Sons 1:06:06

2M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A non-verbal pink cat has two sons to carry on his family name: Panther! Unlike their dad, they’re not into stealing diamonds, Peter Sellers, or the Inspector. They’re about having fun in the 80s, hanging out with their friends the Rainbow Panthers, and being part of the Marvel Universe. [beat] You didn’t k…

1
World War 2 Propaganda (Multiple Studios, 1942-1945) 1:06:35

2M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

Is this trip really necessary? Or rather, is this podcast a little too of the moment?? Well, half of it, anyway. The animation industry became pitchmen for rationing, selling war bonds and other ways to help our men and women overseas during World War 2, while also taking every pot shot the Hayes Code would allow them to at the fascist powers we we…

1
S10E04 Pryor's Place 1:01:32

2M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A very adult comedian, one of the writers on “Blazing Saddles”, gets a Saturday Morning show aimed at kids. It was only a few years after he set himself on fire, and after he became one of the highest paid actors ever. He was still a box office success, so… who gave him a kid’s show? Here now is the story o…

1
Bailey's Comets (DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, 1973) 57:09

2M ago57:09

57:09

Would you believe that in 1973, Evel Knievel wasn't done in by a motorcycle accident but a bunch of bumbling roller skaters? Bailey's Comets, another DePatie-Freleng production conceived by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, attempted to out-do Wacky Races in every regard. More characters! More teams for these characters! More outlandish situations! More mem…

1
S10E03 The Biskitts 55:41

3M ago55:41

55:41

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: Imagine a village of little creatures that are hidden from humans. They have their own way of speaking, and there are very few girls. If it sounds like a recipe for success, it was… Just not for this show. But it worked like gangbusters for their cousins from Belgium. Here now is the story of how this dog-g…

1
Frankenstein Jr. and the Impossibles (Hanna Barbera, 1966) 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

Rally Ho and away we go! As Hanna Barbera entered their first, brief action/adventure phase, their old comedic roots would still be showing with this particular series at the same time. Thus you had the boisterous Ted Cassidy-voiced Frankenstein Jr bellowing his way through madcap monster battles while the Impossibles took on various eccentric crim…

1
S10E02 The Scooby & Scrappy / Puppy Hour 1:27:23

3M ago1:27:23

1:27:23

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A pack of dogs travel the world in search of the boy they love. While they knew where he was going, they divert to exotic locations and have the adventures that only happen on Saturday Morning. They didn’t get togo to space, so I give them extra points. Here now is the story of how this barking mad show cam…

1
Garfield and Friends Part 2: US Acres (Film Roman, 1988-1994) 1:11:40

3M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

In-between Garfield's own segments was US Acres, a short subject series based on Jim Davis' other, less widespread comic series. The tales of Orson, Roy, Wade, Bo, Lanolin, Booker and Sheldon got pretty popular as part of the show, outlasting the comic they were based on by a good few years, and giving the show's team vehicles for more gags that wo…

1
Tony J on Willie Moore Jr Show 4:37

4M ago4:37

4:37

Exciting news! I was honored to be interviewed on The Willie Moore Jr. Show alongside my good friend AJ Joiner! The interview airs nationwide TODAY at 4 PM EST—tune in on 100.9 in Charlotte, 102.5 in Atlanta, and over 30 other Urban One major markets! Willie Moore, Jr. words inspired me in ways I can’t fully express, and I’m truly grateful to God f…

1
S10E01 Trollkins 58:59

4M ago58:59

58:59

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: Imagine a village of little creatures that are hidden from humans. They have their own way of speaking, and there are very few girls. If it sounds like a recipe for success, it was… Just not for this show. But it worked like gangbusters for their cousins from Belgium. Here now is the story of how this troll…

1
Garfield and Friends, Part 1: The Title Tabby (Film Roman, 1988-1994) 1:01:03

4M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Arguably the magnum opus of both Jim Davis and Mark Evanier, Garfield and Friends entertained audiences and pushed cartoon writing into some genuinely funny places it hadn't really gone since the heyday of Jay Ward. It's held up remarkably well, and our hosts look at four of their favorite short segments that star the fat cat himself. Tune in for U…

1
SPECIAL - The Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire 1:24:07

4M ago1:24:07

1:24:07

Send us a text Back in 1989, we all got the warm and fuzzy feels when Christmas came around. It was a time to reflect before the year ended, binge Christmas movies, and think of others. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. And then it got even more wonderfuller. There was a new family on the block, and they believed in spouses lying to…

1
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Lee Mendelson Film Productions, 1965) and Christmas Comes to Pacland (Hanna-Barbera, 1982) 1:25:11

4M ago1:25:11

1:25:11

Tis the season for hot chocolate, presents under the tree, goodwill to all men and women, and... colorful ghost monsters?? It's the timelessness of A Charlie Brown Christmas, contrasted with the VERY "of its time" Christmas Comes to Pac-Land. One of these aired for years upon years on network TV until just very recently. One of these was reran at 3…

1
116 SPECIAL - The Christmas Toys of 1989 39:02

5M ago39:02

39:02

Send us a text Let's take a deep dive into yesterday and check out the Christmas Toys of 1989. What were your favorites? Did they make the list? Find out with all the nostalgic goodness you can handle, including great memories, and commercials. If you were a kid then, you'll feel like a kid again after listening. If you weren't there, sit back and …

1
Darkwing Duck (Disney Television Animation, 1991-1992) 1:48:15

5M ago1:48:15

1:48:15

This is the podcast that quacks in the night! This is the iOS update that makes your phone too hot to handle! This is the Darkwing Duck episode! A breakaway hit for the Disney Afternoon that is still much loved to this day, we're joined by Cary Woodham to talk about two of our favorite episodes, Comic Book Capers and Life, the Negaverse and Everyth…

1
115 SPECIAL - This is America, Charlie Brown 39:02

5M ago39:02

39:02

Send us a text Happy Thanksgiving! Let's spend it with the Peanuts gang and ride the Mayflower to the new world. Believe it or not, it's something of an accurate look at the journey to America. Minus the small pox and the horrors of history that followed. Take a deep dive into this CHARLIE BROWN special that ISN'T the typical holiday special. Happy…

1
The Biskitts (Hanna-Barbera, 1983) 48:41

5M ago48:41

48:41

Sometimes a good idea on paper turns sour in the execution. The Biskitts, a show with a strong resemblance to the Smurfs at first glance, could have easily been its own thing if it played more into the Robin Hood-esque outlaw aspects of the characters hiding treasure from a greedy despot and helping others. Instead we get repetitive slapstick, stil…

1
S09E10 Superman 1:05:47

6M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A savior from another place comes to Earth. He’s got powers. He’s got looks. He’s got a way with words that leads him to be an ace reporter. Oh, and he flies, deflects bullets, and probably never uses his x-ray vision like he was in “Porky’s”. Probably. Here now is the story of how this up, up and away show…

1
Be Cool, Scooby-Doo (Warner Bros. Animation, 2015-2018) 1:18:24

6M ago1:18:24

1:18:24

Like, Scooby and the gang get a whole lot more talkative and a lot sillier in this one, man! Swinging the pendulum in the direction of comedy after the darker Mysteries Incorporated, Be Cool was advertised as a more back to basics approach, but only in terms of storytelling. Between one daffy take on Daphne Blake and the major increase in gags per …

1
S09E09 The New Archies 53:56

6M ago53:56

53:56

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: Kids from the 40s coasted on some big network nostalgia into our living rooms. If they had only made a no holds barred cartoon of “Riverdale”, that would have been progress. Here now is the story of how this funny book show came to Saturday Morning. Who created Archie and the gang? How was this show progres…

1
Beetlejuice (Warner Bros & Nelvana, 1989-1991) 1:25:27

6M ago1:25:27

1:25:27

It's showtime! Just in time for Halloween and in the wake of his massively successful comeback movie, Beetlejuice fever is running wild once more, so what better time to revisit the characters' kid friendly incarnation in animation? Nelvana, with Tim Burton himself helping develop the show, brought the Ghost with the Most to ABC Saurday mornings an…

1
S09E08 Galaxy High School 1:00:09

7M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: Two humans get kicked out of school on Earth, and are given a last chance at the edge of the galaxy. Can they make the grade? Can an Earth jock survive in higher gravity? Can a bookish girl become homecoming queen in an alien jungle? Do I have to ask these questions? Hmmmm… Here now is the story of how this…

1
The Smurfs (Hanna-Barbera, 1981-1989) 1:32:10

7M ago1:32:10

1:32:10

9 seasons, 101 little blue fellows, and one nearly inescapable cultural force. The Smurfs, straight out of Belgium and the pen of creator Peyo, sang and played while evading Gargamel to the delight of 80s kids and no doubt the annoyance of their parents. Behind the Hanna-Barbera created cartoon is a long history of comics and other animations exten…

1
S09E07 Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling 1:11:36

7M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: The heroes and heels of the wrestling world came together on Saturday Morning to rock n roll. We laughed, we cried, and we Junk Yard dogged. Here now is the story of how this rock ‘n’ wrestling show came to Saturday Morning. How did this show come together? How were the Three Stooges involved in the creativ…

1
S09E06 Kidd Video 1:02:21

8M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A band with four members get sucked into a magical land fueled by music. That’s right, we’re finally at YELLOW SUBMARINE: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Except they made a lots of changes. Like Ringo is now named Whiz, and George is named Carla. But other than that, it’s kinda the same Here now is the story of how th…

1
S09E05 Pole Position 58:24

8M ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A brother, a sister and another sister team up with their Uncle-Doctor to be a family of spies. And they use race cars and super computers to put the enemy out of business. Because that makes all the sense and none of the dollars! Here now is the story of how this high octane show came to Saturday Morning. …

1
Danger Mouse (Cosgrove Hall, 1981-1992) 1:05:19

8M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

He's courageous! He's amazing! He's... a mouse in a London pillar box. Danger Mouse protects the world from the criminal activities of Baron Silas Greenback and various other would-be world beaters alongside the hapless helper Penfold, all with the stiff upper lip we associate with our friends from across the pond. Running for over a decade in its …

1
S09E04 The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show 51:46

8M ago51:46

51:46

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: An earnest group of children survived the funny pages for 30 years and were given a Saturday Morning show. They just glossed over hits of same sex relationships, domination and stalking. Here now is the story of how this comic strip show came to Saturday Morning. Who created this sincere group of characters…

1
Sport Billy (Filmation, 1980, US Broadcast in 1982) 1:00:28

8M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

A semi-major FIFA mascot who came from a comic book isn't the craziest choice for a cartoon subject, but Sport Billy did not deserve to be saddled with the bizarrely bad acting of Lane Scheimer. A mid-season replacement on NBC in 1982, the show would be the last Filmation product that network would pick up for their Saturday morning schedule. No am…

1
Project 2025: Department of Education - Special Guest Dr. Ruby Mendenhall 55:24

9M ago55:24

55:24

In this episode, Tony Jackson, The Real Money Coach, kicks off the new Project 2025 - Know The Facts series. Tony, Michelle Mitchell, and special guest Dr. Ruby Mendenhall will explore the potential impact of Project 2025’s plans for the Department of Education on African-American communities. 🎙️ Dr. Mendenhall, a leading expert in sociology and Af…

1
S09E03 Flash Gordon 59:29

9M ago59:29

59:29

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: A football player from the 1930s blasts off of Earth and lands on Mongo. He’s on a mission to make sure worlds don’t collide. And they don’t! But our hero encounters Robin Hood-wannabas, lion men, kittenish princesses, and all the magical “Masters of the Universe” background sparks he can handle. Here now i…

1
Gumby (Premavision/Clokey Productions, 1956 through 1989) 58:50

9M ago58:50

58:50

No dammit necessary, he's Gumby! The little clay fellow who could go anywhere, do anything, and wound up in all sorts of messes because of those very attributes. With friends Pokey, Prickle and Goo, Gumby's adventures enchanted generations, inspired numerous stop motion artists to come, and could quickly go from adorable to WILD in a heartbeat! Joi…

1
S09E02 The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam 1:10:34

9M ago1:10:34

1:10:34

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: Singing supers attend a super school, and mythical gods favor a single family with the ability to grow up fast. Heroes learn to be good, villains learn to be bad, and someone should get Mr. Sampson a t-shirt. Here now is the story of how this double super show came to Saturday Morning. Who created Shazam? W…

1
Laff-a-Lympics (Hanna-Barbera, 1977-1978) 1:27:52

9M ago1:27:52

1:27:52

Heavens to athlete's foot! With 20 years under their belt, Hanna Barbera plunged into their character archive to assemble three teams to compete in a pastiche of Battle of the Network Stars in Laff-a-Lympics. Just getting there, though, was a long, winding race to rival any carrying of the Olympic torch! Pemmy, Krissi and James line up on the track…

1
S09E01 The Many Reruns of Scooby-Doo 1:14:27

10M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

Send us a text Okay, so here’s the story: If a story works once, it should work over and over again. Because… why the hell not? Here now is the story of how these Scooby-doobie-doo shows came to Saturday Morning. And also why. Who were some of the legends behind the Scooby mythos? “Scooby-Doo Classics”? Never heard of it. “Scooby’s Mystery Funhouse…

1
Robin Hood (Walt Disney Feature Animation, 1973) 1:22:59

10M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

Oo De Lally, this movie had a wild and winding history to its making! Robin Hood is arguably the cult sensation of the various Disney feature films, not nearly as big as the Silver Age and Rennaissance Age hits that sandwich its release, but still much adored by those who grew up with it. Linwood Knight joins James and Krissi to break down why the …

1
104 SPECIAL - The Miner 49er - The Ruh-Roh Podcast 42:45

10M ago42:45

42:45

Send us a text A group of teenagers took a wrong turn and fell into a mystery in the Ghost Town of Gold City. Join host Rubington Spears as he takes you though the crime, the suspects, the evidence and the SHOCKING revelation of Who Done It! Enjoy this very special crossover with RUH-ROH: A "TRUE CRIME" PODCAST.…

1
Tiny Toon Adventures (Warner Bros Animation/Amblin Entertainment, 1990-1992) 1:20:54

10M ago1:20:54

1:20:54

They're tiny, they're tooney, they took the fight right to Disney for syndicated dominance! Tiny Toon Adventures brought Warner Bros' animation division back to top form, with the help of Steven Spielberg and a host of talented writers, artists and voice actors. Krissi and James are joined by friend of the podcast Meiou to discuss the wild comedic …

1
103 SPECIAL - The Crusader, the Creator and the Cap'n 1:02:30

11M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Send us a text Our story opens with a creator that makes a crusader and it all leads to a Cap’n. Confused? This is the story of a legendary animator who became the grand-daddy of all TV cartoons to come. Not only that, but his talent lent itself to cereal promotion. TV cartoons? Cereal? Two great tastes that taste great together… and brought togeth…

1
Bugs Bunny Part 1: The Hunting Trilogy (Warner Bros, 1951-1953) 57:22

11M ago57:22

57:22

Duck season! Rabbit season! Elmer season! Podcast season!! Arguably three of the most memorable Looney Tunes shorts ever created, Rabbit Fire, Rabbit Seasoning and Duck! Rabbit, Duck! have made generation after generation laugh hysterically. Pemmy and Krissi are happy to be along for the ride as James tries to find something, ANYTHING new to say ab…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ruby Spears Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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