x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Join Jim Hill and co-hosts Len Testa, Drew Taylor, Brian Gaughan, Eric Hersey, and Lauren Hersey as they talk about the multi-faceted Walt Disney Company - including Pixar, Lucasfilm and Disney Studios - as well as Universal Studios and the world of collectibles.

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

29:48

Manufacturing the Magic: Further Advancement in...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/28

In the seventeenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continue their look back at the history of themed entertainment. This time around, they're joined by veteran Imagineer Joe Lanzisero, who looks back at how AA figures were developed for the Disney Parks.Throughout today's episode, listeners will learn about: How Electro the Robot wowed folks at the 1939 New York World's Fair How "Project Little Man" influenced the creation of "Great Moments with Mr

en

47:02

Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/27

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielberg fandom, and why he always tries to sneak Bruce the Shark into his projects. Plus, Jim and Eric cover the latest on Halloween Horror Nights 34 and the

en

55:07

The Poster Wars: How Aladdin, Fantasia, and Drew...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/26

In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to sell stories and spark emotion.Jim explains how Fantasia’s box office flop turned into a midnight movie cult hit, while Lauren shares her family’s New

en

45:56

Annecy, Disneyland Paris, and the Animation News You...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/24

On this week’s jet-lagged edition of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor keep things quick but packed with insight. Drew is back from his travels—and despite the sleep deprivation, he’s ready to recap his time at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and his first-ever visit to Disneyland Paris.How Annecy 2025 addressed AI concerns and global animation trends Jared Bush’s surprising hint at the return of hand-drawn animation at Disney Highlights from Annecy’s

en

55:04

Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/23

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just 100 days that introduced churros, challenged norms, and (almost) ran over some tourists. New Indiana Jones-themed play area replaces Animal Kingdom’s

en

51:56

How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/20

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding in plain sight.Abbott & Costello’s rise from burlesque to box office saviors How Who’s on First became a studio-saving sensation Fast &

en

53:30

Scents, Sweets, and Storytelling: How Disney Hooks...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/19

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they dig into scented merch like candles, oils, and the plushie line that smells good enough to eat.How scent became a secret weapon in Disney park

en

55:57

Beauty and the Beast at 30, Elio Projections, and the...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/17

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers the latest from the animation and box office world while Drew Taylor wraps up his trip to Annecy and Disneyland Paris. This week’s highlights include:Live-action How to Train Your Dragon opens to $197M globally, including a $83M domestic debut that surpasses every previous entry in the franchise. Disney’s Lilo & Stitch nears the billion-dollar mark, with over $858M earned just four weeks after release. Pixar’s Elio faces a soft

en

66:20

How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/16

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Figment almost got replaced by Michael Jordan—and how one flubbed line at an NBC upfront helped create The Golden Girls. Updated Monstropolis plans

en

52:48

Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/13

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this summer’s biggest park updates, movie tie-ins, and a few theme park throwbacks that might be making a comeback.Why Nickelodeon built a studio in

en

51:25

The Cookie King of Disney Springs: Inside the Story...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/12

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s favorite bakery. The music major turned baker who built Gideon’s from scratch—literally How a

en

45:21

Lilo & Stitch Still Soars, Dragon Whoppers Reviewed,...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/10

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include: Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on? A live-action Tangled revival is gaining momentum, possibly hitting theaters in 2029. Burger King’s How to Train Your Dragon menu gets taste-tested,

en

62:29

Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/09

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The show ends with Part 2 of the wild saga behind Journey into Imagination’s 2002 reopening, featuring a side of Art Linkletter, Henry Fonda, and bitter

en

56:56

Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/06

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots.How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T. Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the

en

61:57

Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/05

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them.Jim adds historical perspective on why certain designs return year after year and what makes drinkware one of the most profitable (and divisive) types of merch in

en

56:17

Pixar’s Elio Revealed, Coco 2 Confirmed & Live-Action...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/03

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially on the way—with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning—though its release date may be in flux.They also dive into the mixed reactions to

en

52:16

Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/02

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion. Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely want to return Universal's newest theme park later in the day Film Fight -- How Disney worked out a truce between Kodak & Polaroid back in the

en

53:52

Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/30

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment.How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal The story

en

50:02

Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/29

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial. From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the

en

54:31

Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/27

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including:Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases. Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation. First look at Zootopia 2 – A mysterious villain, new districts, and plenty of fan theories sparked

en

1,325 results

Similar Podcasts

The Daily Horoscope

The Daily Horoscope

The Michael Decon Program

Michael Decon

Kalimera Koveos

Andrea Koveos

The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

Smarter leben

DER SPIEGEL