With all of the Disney news that has come out in the past few months, it might have gone a bit under the radar that Pixar recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as a company. And Pixar in particular has established an incredible musical legacy, not in the traditional “Disney Musical” sense, but by using compositions and songs to drive the narrative of its films and maximize their emotional impact.

So, what better way to celebrate Pixar’s 40th than with a discussion of the best Pixar music? And who better to do that with than our pal Tim Foster for Celebrations Press, who shares my love—and emotional fragility—for Pixar movies and songs. So, in keeping with Tim’s patented Top 10 list format, we present to you our Top 10 Pixar songs.

Please check out Tim, Celebrations Magazine, and incredible keepsake books at celebrationspress.com

We all know how Disney music makes us feel, but there is another, underlying question—why does it make us feel this way? Today we are joined by John Powell, who has written two books on the psychology of music, to help us understand the power of music and musical techniques that create such powerful emotional and physical responses in us.

You can find John's books on Amazon here and here. And check out the classical guitar piece he wrote, performed by Alexandra Whittingham on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-7ohzLQKg4?si=psJFdruumcQnHcpD

Please follow us on IG @musicbehindthemagic, join of FB group at facebook.com/groups/musicbehindthemagic, or on YouTube at @musicbehindthemagic.

As we celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast, what better way to celebrate than with an incredible, legendary guest. Marc Shaiman, who has composed music for everything from Hairspray to City Slickers and from South Park to Mary Poppins Returns, has just published his memoir: Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, and he shares so many amazing stories, and even plays some of his work for us.

You can buy Never Mind the Happy on Amazon and bookstores nationwide. You can also follow Marc at marcshaiman.com and on Instagram @marc_shaiman.