About this episode
Jodi Benson (aka the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid) joins us in the kitchen today to celebrate Disney’s World Princess Week! From her early days on Broadway in Smile and Crazy For You to her iconic voice work in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and the Toy Story franchise - that’s right, she voiced the one-and-only Barbie - Jodi takes on a journey under the sea to explore all her favorite Disney memories. Stick around for an exciting conversation on her legacy, the importance of Disney Princesses, Broadway, and even some heart-wrenching stories of the late Howard Ashman and how Jodi is determined to keep his memory alive. Episode Breakdown: 0:00 – Introduction 1:45 - Jodi Benson is here 3:00 - Performing origins 8:30 - Early broadway days 12:00 - Auditioning for “The Little Mermaid” 16:30 - Finding Ariel’s voice 17:30 – Being coached by Howard Ashman 18:30 - “Part of Your World” controversy 21:30 - Creating Ariel and The Little Mermaid 23:30 - Working with Howard Ashman and Alan Menken 25:00 - Howard Ashman’s passing and legacy 31:30 - ”The Little Mermaid” live-action 33:30 - Jodi and Hallee’s relationship 35:00 – Jodi at the live-action premiere 36:00 - How “The Little Mermaid” continues to live on 41:00 - Favorite “Part of Your World” performances 45:00 - Performing with her daughter 47:00 – Voicing “Barbie” and other iconic voices 49:00 - World Princess Week 52:00 - Game time! 56:00 - Final thoughts and goodbyes Follow Jodi Benson: Instagram: @jodibenson TikTok: @jodi.benson Follow the hosts: @AnthonyGargiula @Jonathantilkin @CounterMelodiesShow Listen and Watch: https://pods.to/countermelodies Credits: Executive Producer / Showrunner / Editor: Louis Gargiula Consulting Producer: Renée Colvert