Story First Podcast

Some people spend their whole lives searching for what they’re meant to do.Kira Lehtomaki knew at five years old.
In this archive conversation, Brian McDonald talks with Kira — lead animator on Judy Hopps (Zootopia) and animation supervisor on Zootopia 2 — about passion, discipline, and the lifelong drive to get better at your craft.
They revisit her path from a determined UW student to rising through the ranks at Disney, the power of mentorship, and the rare joy of doing exactly what you dreamed of, exactly where you dreamed of doing it.
It’s a heartfelt episode about obsession, gratitude, and never losing the curiosity that started it all.
Let’s get started.

Toby Cypress draws like he’s solving a puzzle — one decision, one shape, one problem at a time.
In this conversation, Brian McDonald sits down with the artist behind Land of the Dead to talk about the craft of visual storytelling: clarity, composition, influence, and the long road of learning how to actually see.
They dig into the early days at Comic-Con, the grind of art school, why fundamentals matter, and what it takes to develop a style that’s truly your own.
It’s a deep, generous look at the artistic mind — from discipline to discovery to the joy of finding the right collaborator at the right moment.
Let’s get started.

Claire Keane grew up surrounded by animation legends — but her journey is all her own.
As a visual development artist at Disney, she helped shape the look and heart of Tangled and Frozen. In this conversation, Brian McDonald and Claire talk about the beauty of imperfection, the importance of intuition, and how vulnerability leads to the most honest work.
They explore the tension between discipline and play, the courage to trust your instincts, and what it really means to “find the character” — both on the page and within yourself.
It’s a conversation about art, honesty, and the creative voice that never stops growing.
Let’s get started.

From Saturday-morning cartoons to Batter Royale, Leisl Adams has spent her life bringing stories to life—one drawing at a time.
In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with Leisl about the curiosity that fuels creativity, the discipline that turns passion into craft, and what it means to keep the fun in art even after it becomes your job.
They explore childhood imagination, mentorship, and the invisible work behind storytelling that makes characters—and artists—feel alive.
It’s honest, funny, and full of hard-won wisdom from a lifelong student of story.
Let’s get started.

What does it take to make audiences feel something?
Ronnie del Carmen — co-director of Inside Out and the artist behind the emotional opening of Up — joins Brian McDonald to talk about the courage it takes to create empathetic work.
They explore how vulnerability shapes storytelling, why authenticity hurts (and why it has to), and how the best stories reveal more truth about us than we expect.
It’s raw, deeply human, and a masterclass in emotional storytelling.
Let’s get started.

Before Pixar became a household name, Jeff Pidgeon was already there, helping define what it felt like to laugh in Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Up.In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Jeff to talk about the craft of storytelling, the spark of Star Wars that shaped a generation, and what it means to stay curious through decades of creative work.They reflect on the power of imagination, finding your people, and why the best artists never stop being fans first.It’s nostalgic, funny, and full of heart, everything you’d expect from two lifelong storytellers.Let’s get started.

Before he was Jimmy Fallon’s sidekick, Steve Higgins was shaping comedy history, from The Higgins Boys & Gruber to Saturday Night Live.In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with Steve about the roots of comedy, the rhythm of timing, and the quiet discipline behind making people laugh.They explore what makes a moment funny, how honesty fuels performance, and why the best comedians are really just great storytellers.It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of creative wisdom.Let’s get started.

Academy Award-winning VFX artist Todd Masters has spent his life shaping worlds you’ve seen but never noticed.From True Blood to Battlestar Galactica, his craft lives in the space between story and illusion.In this conversation, Brian McDonald explores how Todd’s approach to visual effects mirrors the heart of great storytelling, where the best work is often invisible, but deeply felt.Story First with Brian McDonald, where every story begins beneath the surface.

Welcome to STORY FIRST!Ever wonder what makes a story truly great?This week, Brian breaks down the concept of the Armature — the hidden spine that gives every story its strength. It’s the foundation that separates the stories we remember forever from the ones we forget tomorrow.If you’ve ever asked yourself why some films, books, or shows resonate so deeply, this episode is for you.Let’s get started.

Welcome to STORY FIRST!Today’s guest is Treva Silverman, Emmy-winning writer and one of the first women to break through in television comedy. From piano prodigy to sketch writer, Treva’s journey led her to the legendary Mary Tyler Moore Show, where her episodes helped define one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. In this conversation with Brian McDonald, Treva opens up about perfectionism, humor as survival, and the human honesty that makes comedy timeless. She shares stories of working with Carol Burnett, creating the character of Georgette, and collaborating with icons like James L. Brooks and Alan Burns. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who combined musical genius, sharp wit, and deep humanity to change the face of television. Let’s get started.