Ryan Dosier – Nearly every day for the past five years and nine months I’ve found myself sitting in front of my computer screen, staring at the blank canvas of a Blogger or WordPress post, wondering what’s next. What is the next article? Who is the subject of the next Weekly Muppet Wednesday? Who else can I bug for an interview? I’ve always taken a sort of odd comfort in not knowing exactly what was next.
And now I’m sitting here and for once I do know what’s next, but I don’t know how to write about it. But here goes nothing: After today, I will no longer be involved in the day to day operations of The Muppet Mindset. I am leaving at the request of my new employer… The Walt Disney Company. I have taken a job as Social Engagement Strategist for the Muppets. I now get to be directly involved with the Muppets, a dream I’ve had for over a decade, and I could not be happier.
But at the same time, I could not be more at a loss. The Muppet Mindset has defined me for nearly six years and saying farewell will not be easy. I’m floundering for the words I need to really say goodbye. To me, The Muppet Mindset is much more than a website; it’s my baby. I’ve poured countless hours into this thing and I’m so unendingly proud of what it has become. The things I’ve gotten to do because of this site still blow my mind, and the fact that it’s propelled me to my dream job literally does not feel real to me.
Anyway. That’s enough about me, now I need to thank the people who have gotten me here. (Please don’t play me off.)
First and foremost I have to thank Bill Barretta. Bill has been my unyielding support system for nearly a year and is directly if not entirely responsible for my new job. To Bill I am eternally grateful and forever thankful. I also need to thank Bill’s wife Cristina who has been tireless in her support of me. I also have to give a shoutout their son Jackson who gives me so much joy.
Major thanks also go out to my endlessly supportive parents and family, my brilliant, lovely, wonderful girlfriend, my unbelievable friends Peter Linz, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Matt Vogel, Steve Whitmire, and David Rudman, plus Bob McGrath, Emilio Delgado, Martin Robinson, Leslie Carrara Rudolph, Paul Rudolph, Louis Mitchell, Joe Bailey, Bonnie Erickson, and so many others who were so supportive, everyone who has helped me make The Muppet Mindset what it is: my great friends Mitchell Stein, Joe Hennes, Ryan Roe, Lisa Alexander, Matthew Drapper, Jamie Carroll, Dave Hulteen, Chris Stulz, Matt Wilkie, Michael Wermuth, Kyle Mahoney, John Papovitch, Max Jessop, Ed Castle, Kieran Moore… and so many, many others. I’m positive I’ve missed people, but I don’t want to ramble… so to everyone who has been a fan, contributor, or supporter of The Muppet Mindset these past six years, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.
I know I’ve rambled a lot… but I feel like I still have so much more to say. But I’ll cut to the chase and announce what you’re all probably wondering. What will happen to The Muppet Mindset? Well… nothing. As in, if all goes well, nothing will change. I’m so happy to announce that my friend Jarrod Fairclough will be taking my place on the site starting on Monday. I have nothing but the highest praise for Jarrod and I’m so excited to see what he does with the place… as long as he doesn’t touch my snow globe collection. Jarrod will be assisted by loads of people, but the core Mindset team will consist of Mitchell Stein, Kyle Mahoney, and John Papovitch as well as Jarrod. Good luck to everybody and extreme thanks to Jarrod for agreeing to take on this crazy load.
Well… that about does it, I guess. All my thanks goes out to my dear friends and supporters and everyone who has ever visited this little site. I appreciate you all more than I can ever express. Thank you. I will try my very hardest to make you all proud as I work for the Muppets. And… I’m sure there’s more that I could say, but I think I’ll turn to the Muppets for advice here…
“Much more to say, foolish to try, it’s time for saying goodbye.”
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com
The Muppet Mindset 
Thank you for all your hard work over the years, and congratulations on your new job! You’re showing us that dreams can come true. Can you give Kermit a hug for us when you get a chance?
That is fantastic! Good for you, Ryan! Do us Muppet fans proud as you help our beloved frogs, pigs, bears, and weirdos on to new heights!
I haven’t commented in ages or really talked with my much in a long time – but I had to at least say something today – I am so proud of you Ryan, you have worked SO hard for this and I always knew you’d be working for Disney and the Muppets someday. I always knew I’d be like “hey, I knew that guy when he was this cute kid posting stories on this little Muppet fan site” You will be amazing and I truly wish you all the best!
Congratulations Ryan!! It’s a well earned job and a well earnt rest from the site. I don’t think I’ve missed a day visiting this site and will continue to do so. It is a staple for us Muppet fans and I am personally so greatful for all your hard work and ecstatic to see your efforts rewarded in such a fantastic way!! Well done!!
Oh my gosh Ryan congrats on this dream job! YOU HAVE EARNED IT! Yaaaayyyyyayaayyyyy! *kermitartflail*
So happy for you. That’s amazing and congrats. Here’s to your new job. (flails Kermit arms) YAAYYYYYYYY!
Congrats Ryan! Now maybe you can help me make my dream come true of getting a Muppet as a guest on my internet talk show, The Pedal Powered Talk Show! Put in a good word for me!
Congratulations!
Well done, Dosier! That’s terrific! We’ll miss your commentaries a lot, but hope you’ll find some way to drop in on the Mindset sometime and update us (in a vague sense, if necessary) on how you’re doing. Yearly updates! Safe travels, and good luck getting gargling gargoyles into the next production.
Hi Ryan, I’m a huge fan of your blog as much as I am of the Muppets. I just heard about your retirement and I am very sad. But congrats for your new job! I really hope you get to do more Muppety stuff and I wish you well.
From your number one fan,
Ruby
Sufferin’ Succotash! First Joe Heines (partly), than Ryan Dillion, now Ryan Doiser! The Muppet fans are starting to take over! Am I jealous?
You’ll be working with good people Ryan. I tip my hat to you!
I’m glad to have been part of your historical record of Muppetdom!
Gabriel
Always loved reading your posts. From one Cast Member to another, Welcome to the team!
Man, I was so bummed when I first started reading this post, but all my sadness has been replaced with such excitement! You did it! You, sir, are an inspiration. I’m so glad I was able to contribute to this site while you were part of it. Best of luck with your bright future, and don’t be a stranger.
Many congratulations to you Ryan! Best of luck with this new adventure in your life!
Talk about bittersweet news, wow! We will miss your smiling face around here, Ryan, but I’m delighted to hear of the new job at Disney. Good on you and all the best!
I am caught dead center between Yaaayyyy!, and Noooo! Okay, not dead center. I’m definitely leaned much more heavily towards Yaaayyy, but you will be missed here.
There are numerous capable, and talented Muppet fans who make the Muppet Mindset a great blog, there is no denying that. You are different Ryan. You are me, us, our voice. You speak with a sense of love, wonder, knowledge and understanding that few manage to capture. It is a gift you have my friend, and one that Disney is lucky to have.
On a more personal note, you have very literally given us, the fans, an outlet to express our enthusiasm for the Muppets. From the Great Muppet Surveys, and Muppet Fan Testimonials, to your mentioning of my own Muppets Role Playing Game fan project years ago (can’t thank you enough), you let us be heard (or seen…read…you know what I mean).
Very happy for you Ryan, and encouraged that we can follow our dreams.
Congrats, and enjoy. You earned it, and deserve it.
-Adam
AD
Barking Alien