Type: Meet Our Neighbors

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about the work you do at Fred Rogers Productions.

As the Director of Business Intelligence, I help our organization gather, organize, understand, and use data for all sorts of things! Another aspect of my role is helping develop systems and processes so everyone at our organization can operate as smoothly as possible based on their individual needs and the needs of FRP. I truly think of myself as a helper, and I love being involved in so many different projects across all our departments.

What data point have you discovered that you want everyone to know?

Asking a data person their FAVORITE data point? That’s unfair! While I can’t pick just one, I will say my favorite data points generally are those that we get to look at broadly for long periods of time because it demonstrates how significant our reach and impact truly is. For example, since I started at FRP in June 2024, our video content has been viewed over 2 billion times across PBS KIDS platforms domestically, and our games have been played nearly 500 million times!

Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on since you’ve been here?

I thoroughly enjoy projects that make everyone’s life easier when they are done!  For example, I’ve worked closely with our finance team over the past year improving functionality within one of the systems they use. Watching that project start at “this is one of our biggest pain points” to “this gives us EXACTLY what we needed” is very energizing for me! I also enjoy working on projects that have a tie-in to strategy and future impact. Simply compiling data and telling stories with data is certainly important, but finding data points or process improvement opportunities that are non-obvious and allow us to do things differently provides the opportunity for our organization to make a greater impact than we already do.

What is your favorite PBS show, past or present?

I am a father of two girls who are 6 and 4, so PBS KIDS is a constant in our household. Growing up I vividly remember watching Arthur every day after school before starting my homework! Currently, we really explore the whole PBS KIDS catalog in our house, but are currently bingeing Odd Squad, Alma’s Way, America’s Awesome Kids, and Tiny Time Travel. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and kids, working out, working on my baseball card collection, listening to music, and cooking. As everyone with children can attest, life can be pretty chaotic at times. So, when the rare chance comes for some down time, you’ll also find me posted up on the couch watching sports or random documentaries!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little about how you work with the Fred Rogers Productions team.

As the line producer, I am responsible for running the budget and the day-to-day logistics of the series. Metaphorically, it's a bit like being a pilot: I book the flights for the passengers, create and follow the flight path, and then adjust and reroute that flight path during the journey when needed. Basically, I secure all passengers for a safe takeoff, flight, and landing with zero turbulence.

 Do you have a favorite episode you've worked on?

I am sworn to secrecy because it’s an episode that hasn’t aired yet! What I can say is that it's about family, tradition, and spending time with your loved ones however that may be!

 What were your favorite TV shows growing up?

Growing up there were three, and I now realize were a reflection of my personality: Mr. Dressup satisfied my love for art and creativity. Ernie's drawing segments were my absolute favorite! Then there was Sesame Street that was feeding my right brain by exercising mathematics and language, creating the foundation of skills I still use today. And finally, the most important of all, my HEART, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with life lessons about kindness and love.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

I love spending time with my family! Whether it be hiking, a beach day, a weekend road trip, or just at home having a movie night, I love the time we spend together and cherish every second.

Anything else you'd like to mention?

I still pinch myself sometimes because it's a dream to be able to work with such wonderful people that I grew up watching and learning from. Six-year-old me could have never dreamed of being a part of something that brings such value to our children. Thank you for watching, and cheers to more and more Daniel Tiger and his wonderful Neighborhood!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about how you work with the FRP team. 

My work with the magical Fred Rogers Productions team always begins with the character of Jeff Mouse! I consult on production design, character mockups, story proposals, episode outlines, and scripts, with the goal to assist in creating authentic disability representation. I was even fortunate to work on the new Donkey Hodie game, “Rainbow Tree Treasures.” This is the first PBS KIDS game to feature a playable character who uses a power wheelchair.

For Jeff Mouse, it was so important from the start that the movement of the character’s power wheelchair felt authentic. And then, of course, the power wheelchair itself has to function well within the extraordinary world of Donkey Hodie. The excellent production designers, puppetry artists/performers, and the team of producers made creative adjustments along the way that rendered such a fantastic result! As the development progressed and Jeff’s presence in the Donkey Hodie universe increased, my creative mandate naturally shifted, too.  I found myself drawing even more from my life to help make Jeff feel as authentic as possible. It truly has been one of my greatest privileges.

Do you have a favorite project or episode you’ve worked on?

One of the first things I worked on was the episode with the Penguins. I remember talking about power wheelchairs and their horns during a meeting. When I saw Jeff beep his horn at the Penguins, it was such a magical moment. I knew an entire generation of young disabled kids would be brought so much joy seeing themselves represented. And of course, Jay Thomas Manuel starring as Jeff Mouse, too— what a dream scenario!  

What’s something you wish parents and caregivers knew about Jeff’s character on Donkey Hodie?

Jeff Mouse was originally inspired by a real-life disability activist named Jeff Erlanger. Jeff appeared on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when he was 10 years old and went on to advocate for equitable treatment of disabled people before his passing in 2007. We—as disabled people—belong to a long line of individuals like Jeff that came before us and fought for a better life and a better future. Jeff Mouse is a part of that wonderful tradition. It is my belief that disabled people throughout history have changed the world. For parents and caregivers, Jeff is a wonderful representation of that. My hope and sneaky suspicion is that more change is coming.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up (bonus points for PBS KIDS mentions!)?

The fabulosity of Mrs. Frizzle, and inherent genius of Lily Tomlin, makes The Magic School Bus one of my all-time faves! 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

 Recently, I found out that I'm a soft summer. So currently, I am obsessively Googling color schemes that suit my season. Apparently, soft summer people look good in dusty, hazy, muddy colors. So you might catch me crying in a random aisle at J.Crew. I love bright oranges and reds—so send me prayers and good vibes!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

What’s your favorite unexpected thing you’ve come across in the archive?

So many times Fred Rogers and the non-profit organization he started (Family Communications Inc., today called Fred Rogers Productions) would be recognized for its efforts on behalf of children. Invariably, many organizations would think they were being original when they presented Fred with a sweater as a sort of gag gift before handing him the actual award. This happened so many times, and each time Fred would graciously react as if that had never happened to him before.

How extensive is the archive? What sorts of things are in there?

We have very close to thirty thousand assets (video, images, and documents) in our archive. We have historical assets such as episodes from Fred’s Canadian series, as well as the local series he and Josie Carey did live on WQED in the 1950s. We also have many of his speeches and the interviews he gave over the years. I tell people I have a great job. I get to hang out with Fred Rogers.

 What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on here?

Getting to write four episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: “Daniel Gets a Shot,” “It’s Time to Go,” “Looking for Snowball,” and “Daniel Wants to be Alone,” which celebrates the attributes of being an introvert. 

 What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I’m working on my first novel, which takes up most weekend mornings. I like to spend time with my four children and two grandsons. At the end of the day, I look forward to evening walks at North Park with my wife, Alice, and our dog, Yeti.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about the work you do at Fred Rogers Productions.

As a non-profit, one of our primary marketing channels is social media (for all six of our shows!), but my role encompasses all types of marketing: digital, event, email, working directly with PBS stations all across the country – licensing, and even some fundraising. I’m also fortunate to lead the promotion of our many unique programs outside of our show productions, like our Writers’ Neighborhood fellowship!

 

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on here?

It’s hard to pick one, but I curated a large collection of  supportive social media messages for the Protect My Public Media campaign. Engaging with parents and fans to help build the connection to a cause rooted in everything we do was extremely rewarding. This campaign had echoes of Fred Rogers’ testimony before Congress back in 1969, and it brought me closer to my partners at PBS KIDS, my station colleagues, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as we all rallied together. I was very proud to be a part of it and to have the opportunity to make such a direct impact.   

 

What is your favorite PBS show, past or present?

Arthur, Arthur, Arthur. I watched Arthur until around  8th grade, partially because I had a little brother. But I have vivid memories of my dad watching it with us and genuinely enjoying it, which is not always the case for parents! There are so many iconic episodes that still live rent free in my head. I also weirdly sing the theme song to Between the Lions way too often; I think it’s brilliant! Currently, I would say Wild Kratts or Alma’s Way are my faves. I would’ve really enjoyed Alma as a child, and I do still love learning about “creature powers!”

 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I am your typical jack of all trades, master of none type. I grew up horseback riding, which is my biggest passion, but I am also a hobby beekeeper and chicken keeper. I play plenty of video games with my brothers, play soccer with my sister, watch a lot of K-dramas, and do all sorts of creating. I’m currently very into stained glass and working on my first lamp. I don’t enjoy being very busy and probably need to cut down on some of the extracurriculars, but I do really enjoy learning new things! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about how you work with the FRP team.

I am the gatekeeper for all creative submissions at Fred Rogers Productions. If you have a show to pitch, I’m your first contact. I take pitches, scout for ideas and talent, review materials, and guide concepts through development, working with writers, graphic artists, and educational consultants. It’s so fantastic when you discover that special project.

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on here?

The Writers’ Neighborhood fellowship program. When I joined the company, our chief creative officer, Ellen Doherty, shared her dream of a fellowship to help emerging writers find their footing, build their brands, and connect with others. I feel lucky to have helped shape it from the start, diving into the research. With Brandea Turner as program director, the fellowship accelerated, and our fellows have thrived—a success that continues to inspire me.

What is your favorite PBS show, past or present?

Not many may know/remember it, but one of my favorites was High Feather. It was a live-action program (only 10 episodes) produced by the New York City Education Department, set at a NY state sleepaway camp, featuring diverse kids learning about health, fitness, social interaction, and more. It reminded me a lot of my beloved grammar school and was definitely in the back of my mind when I started working at age 14 at summer camps.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love wandering the streets of New York City, hunting for treasures at flea markets and vintage shops—a passion I inherited from my parents. My dad collected vintage telephones and quirky finds, while my mom adored old kitchenware and paintings. I’m also obsessed with Japanese and Korean stationery products, especially notebooks, so I’m always on the lookout for new shops to explore. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about how you work with the FRP team.

When developing a new show, I am often asked to write a curriculum to help the team understand the educational components that could come into play in the series. I then review outlines and drafts of the scripts in order to ensure that the message being portrayed to children comes at the most impactful moment and is clear enough for young children to understand. Lastly, I show preschoolers the programs to find out what they think! Children always tell me the truth and have fantastic ideas for how to make a character better or a scene funnier. Their feedback is always pure gold!

Do you have a favorite project or episode you’ve worked on?

This is a hard choice, but one of my favorite episodes was the Donkey Hodie episode called “Duck Duck’s Broken Bookcase.” In this episode, Duck Duck learns that girls can do everything boys can do and challenges a stereotypical message that was portrayed in an old book. We pulled in media literacy consultants to help with this episode as well because teaching girls and boys that they are capable of anything can really change the trajectory of a child’s life.

What’s something you wish parents and caregivers knew about our series?

Parents should know that the FRP team takes their work incredibly seriously. Every single word that a character says has multiple people considering if it is the right one to use in the scene in order to benefit their children. We care if every word, and every image, and every voice intonation is clear, accurate, articulate, educational, and funny!

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

I was a TV junkie and loved a lot of different shows for different reasons. Sesame Street was my first—Ernie, Super Grover, The Count—who doesn’t love them? It also didn’t hurt that they had a hilarious baby monster named Natascha that I of course adored. But I also watched a lot of Bugs Bunny, and Foghorn Leghorn always made my mom laugh. When he came on, my sisters and I would call out, “The chicken is on TV!” My mom would come running and watch that segment with us. That was truly special.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

When I was in third grade, my grandmother taught me how to knit. More recently, I used YouTube to relearn how to knit and am in the process of knitting myself a sweater. I also have two kids and love going to watch their soccer and lacrosse games. I used to coach lacrosse and up until last year, I played on an adult lacrosse team as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I founded the Black Cowboy Coalition in 2021 after I discovered there were not many stories about the Black cowboy and agricultural community. I started sharing my own experiences and stories from my grandfather. That evolved into building a directory of Black cowboys located all over the country and creating an outlet to tell their stories that weren’t otherwise being told.

Tell us about how you worked with FRP on the “Cowboy Howard” episode.

I assisted as a script advisor, helping ensure the story accurately reflected both past and present Black cowboy history. It was exciting to be involved in important details, from using accurate language and historical references to selecting Mr. Reeves from several similar animated characters. We added thoughtful touches to his character, the horse, Cowboy Howard’s attire, and many other elements throughout the story. Being part of this episode became a core memory for me, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. 

What do you think is special about this episode?

This episode is so relatable because the production team used real information. The Alma’s Way team truly tried to understand and represent the culture. They really took the time to write a story that could relate to the community and relate to everyday boys and girls that are aspiring to be cowboys.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

Growing up, we didn’t have cable, the internet, or all the choices children have today. So PBS was my go-to station, where I watched everything from Sesame Street to Ghostwriter, which was my absolute favorite (I can still remember the theme song!). I loved how the children solved mysteries and crimes with the help of a very special ghost, and I thought it was the coolest show ever. It inspired me to start writing at a young age, and I was truly devastated when the show was canceled.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors with my children. It’s always fun when we take our miniature pony (Strawberry Shortcake) along for the ride. She happily jumps into our pick-up truck, sticks her head out the window, and feels the breeze as we drive along quiet country roads. We absolutely love spontaneous, fun-filled adventures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to Fred Rogers Productions.

I’m a Pittsburgh native who dreamed of working in TV since high school. After majoring in video production at Ohio University, I headed to Los Angeles and spent over 15 years working in the entertainment industry. When the chance to join FRP came along, I was thrilled to come home. I also help lead our Accessibility Employee Resource Group, which is something I’m really passionate about. 

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on here?

My favorite project has been partnering with the wonderful team at the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) to create American Sign Language (ASL) videos. I’m thrilled that this work helps make our series accessible to more people and introduces kids to the beautiful language of ASL. 

What is your favorite PBS show, past or present?

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will always hold a special place in my heart. When we lived in Los Angeles, my daughter and I watched it all the time. It reminded me of the wonderful lessons Mister Rogers taught us. I especially loved the live-action interstitials. They gave me a glimpse of Pittsburgh, my hometown, and made me feel connected even while living across the country. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love spending time with my husband and our two daughters. You’ll find us hunting for treasures at local thrift stores, riding bikes, or roller skating together. And when the weather is cold there’s nothing better than cuddling up on the couch for a good movie or TV show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about the work you did for Many Ways to Show You Care. 

My production company, Vinegar Hill, served as the production and post-production company on the project. We partnered with the team at FRP to find each of the incredible families featured in the films. From there, we assembled the crew, facilitated filming with each family, and edited all of the stories. I served as the director on the project. I worked closely with the brilliant storytellers at Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) to shape the creative vision for the series. On set, I conducted the interviews you see in the films, directed the scenes of the families spending time together, and collaborated with our amazing crew to ensure everyone left the film shoots feeling valued and respected. After production wrapped, we edited the films.

What was your favorite thing about working on this project?

First and foremost, getting to meet the incredible families featured in the films– talk about inspiring. Beyond that, I absolutely loved collaborating with the film crew and the FRP team. Everyone on set was there because we believed in the power of these stories.

Did working on this project change how you viewed caregiving in any way?

Absolutely! Seeing the ways these families sacrifice for one another on a daily basis was incredibly moving. It’s genuinely changed the way I parent my kids. Since working on this project, I’ve started telling them, “We all have a role to play in this family.”

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love hanging with my wife and our kids. I also enjoy writing, painting, and drinking iced coffee.