The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
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The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

  1. 5h ago

    Frozen Pajamas, Darth on the Hearth, and Disney’s Missing Tornado

    Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill explore how familiar favorites find new life, from Frozen’s latest merchandise push to Darth Vader’s holiday makeover. Lauren takes a closer look at Frozen Fan Fest, pajama-clad Anna and Elsa, and the Christmas joke becoming “Darth on the Hearth.” Jim shares highlights from his visit to the Land of Oz before revealing how a two-minute licensing limit cost the Great Movie Ride its tornado. Along the way, they discuss oversized Olaf hats, Oz at the Sphere, and the enduring appeal of the Yellow Brick Road. NEWS Frozen Fan Fest returns with a storybook-style YouTube adventure, new pajamas, and American Girl’s Anna and Elsa baby sets. Walt Disney World’s holiday merchandise includes plaid apparel, a miniature Christmas monorail, festive Buzz Lightyear, and a towering Olaf hat. “Darth on the Hearth” turns a Star Wars holiday joke into merchandise, with Lauren exploring what the trademark filing might suggest for its future. The Wizard of Oz gets new attention at the Sphere and on broadcast television, while Disney’s Hallmark holiday pop-up arrives at Disney Springs. FEATURE Jim visits Autumn at Oz on Beech Mountain and walks the restored Yellow Brick Road through the seasonal Land of Oz park. How Disney’s agreement to recreate two minutes of The Wizard of Oz shaped the Great Movie Ride’s finale. Why a planned tornado gave way to Fantasia, and how Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway finally brought a twister into the building. From classic-film collectibles to retro park T-shirts, Oz’s appeal keeps the merchandise moving. HOSTS Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning your next getaway to Disney or Universal? Be Our Guest Vacations can help with hotels, theme park tickets, dining reservations, and the details of your Central Florida vacation. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team knows both destinations. Their vacation planning services come at no additional cost to you. Visit Be Our Guest Vacations to start planning. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill unpack Frozen Fan Fest, Star Wars holiday merchandise, and the Wizard of Oz scene cut from the Great Movie Ride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Frozen Pajamas, Darth on the Hearth, and Disney’s Missing Tornado

  2. 5h ago

    Disney's AI Takeover: Magic Shots, Layoffs, and the Human Touch

    Disney is bringing artificial intelligence into nearly every corner of its business, but how much AI is too much magic? This week, Lauren and Eric Hersey explore the debate surrounding Haunted Mansion PhotoPass Magic Shots, Disney's growing use of AI in employee performance reviews, and the company's ongoing restructuring and layoffs. They also examine AI-powered vacation planning, Disney+ search, shopping recommendations, and new technology designed to improve theme park operations. From helpful innovations to concerns about replacing human creativity, they're asking where Disney should draw the line. HIGHLIGHTS • Haunted Mansion Magic Shots: New PhotoPass images transforming guests into stone busts spark debate over possible generative AI use, artistic ownership, and Disney's creative standards. • AI in Employee Reviews: Disney reportedly encourages employees to use approved AI tools to prepare performance evaluations and goals, raising questions about efficiency and authenticity. • Disney Layoffs and Restructuring: Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw challenges Dana Walden about Disney's repeated workforce reductions and the company's push toward a more unified operation. • AI-Powered Vacation Planning: Disney explores personalized vacation planning tools while Eric and Lauren question whether AI can match the expertise of experienced travel advisors. • AI Across Disney's Businesses: New AI applications include Disney+ and ESPN search, Disney Store shopping recommendations, streaming advertising tools, ride safety systems, and animal monitoring at Kilimanjaro Safaris. • Efficiency vs. Creativity: Where should Disney embrace AI to simplify operations, and where does automation threaten the work of artists, animators, and other creative professionals? • Digital Performances and Voice Replication: A Gene Wilder-inspired AI voice in a Netflix game show sparks discussion about performer consent, legacy characters, and the future of voice acting. • Finding Disney's AI Boundaries: From improving attraction safety to generating new entertainment, the hosts debate which uses of AI enhance the Disney experience and which go too far. HOSTS • Lauren Hersey - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 • Eric Hersey - Instagram: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Strong Minded Agency FOLLOW • Website: JimHillMedia.com • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: @JimHillMedia • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited and Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Disney's AI Takeover: Magic Shots, Layoffs, and the Human Touch

  3. 1d ago

    Blade, Superman Lives, and the Comic Book Movies That Never Were

    Jim Hill and Dan Graney open the case files on comic book movies that never made it to theaters, from Mahershala Ali’s Blade to Nicolas Cage’s Superman Lives. Their new recurring feature explores the creative clashes, production delays, and unlikely detours behind some of Hollywood’s most intriguing superhero projects. They also discuss Avengers: Endgame’s box office rematch with Avatar, the latest Avengers: Doomsday speculation, and Marvel’s New York Comic Con television and animation reveals. Plus, a spoiler-filled look at the Lanterns finale, Sean Gunn’s work beyond Rocket, and the latest Star Wars chatter. NEWS Avengers: Endgame’s encore run sparks another round of box office competition with Avatar, while Doomsday merchandise fuels new Doctor Doom theories. Jim and Dan sort through Doomsday casting chatter, Loki’s potential next chapter, and unconfirmed Secret Wars production rumors. Marvel’s New York Comic Con panel brings discussion of Daredevil: Born Again, Zodiac, Marvel Zombies, X-Men ’97, and VisionQuest. The hosts unpack the Lanterns finale with spoilers, discuss Clayface’s horror direction, and reflect on Sean Gunn’s on-set work as Rocket. Ahsoka, Timothy Zahn, and a Star Wars/Marvel crossover round out the conversation. FEATURE Why Blade earns a place in the hosts’ new “Comic Book Movies That Never Were” series after years of development. The unrealized Batman project that could have paired Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy, plus an early Batman sequel concept. Kevin Smith’s Superman Lives script, Jon Peters’ giant-spider demand, and the Nicolas Cage and Tim Burton production that never took flight. How George Miller’s Justice League Mortal became another ambitious superhero team-up that never reached the screen. HOSTS Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery - Facebook: /thehubbubbery - thehubbubbery.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning your next Disney or Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations can help with hotels, theme park tickets, dining reservations, cruises, and more. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team can help you plan your getaway at no additional cost. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and tell them Jim and Dan sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim Hill and Dan Graney explore unmade superhero films, Avengers: Doomsday speculation, and Marvel’s New York Comic Con reveals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Blade, Superman Lives, and the Comic Book Movies That Never Were

  4. 2d ago

    Woody Woodpecker, Walter Lantz, and the Last Man Standing in Animation

    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take a trip through animation history as they explore the life and legacy of Walter Lantz, the creator of Woody Woodpecker. Following Drew's visit to Lantz's historic Toluca Lake home, Jim traces the animator's unlikely career, from inheriting Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to becoming one of the last producers of theatrical cartoon shorts. Along the way, they discuss Disney's latest Netflix licensing strategy, the London Film Festival premieres of Wildwood and Ray Gunn, and the return of Coco to the concert stage. Plus, why Lantz's greatest contribution to animation may have been keeping his artists employed long after other studios had moved on. NEWS • Wildwood and Brad Bird's Ray Gunn make their London Film Festival debuts, with Tom Waits lending his voice to both animated features. • Disney licenses all five Ice Age films to Netflix ahead of Ice Age: Boiling Point, while keeping major franchises like Frozen and Toy Story exclusive to Disney+. • Pixar's Coco hits the road with a live-to-film concert tour as Disney continues developing a theatrical sequel. • The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away prepares for its exclusive U.S. engagement in Los Angeles in 2027. • Forgotten Island continues its theatrical run as Wildwood and The Cat in the Hat prepare to enter the family animation market. FEATURE • Drew visits Walter Lantz's restored Art Deco home in Toluca Lake, where the legendary animator lived for decades. • Jim explores how Lantz inherited Oswald the Lucky Rabbit after Walt Disney lost the character, sparking a decades-long professional friendship and rivalry. • From Andy Panda to Woody Woodpecker, Lantz built an animation studio that followed industry trends while giving generations of artists steady work. • Why Walter Lantz Studios outlasted Disney and Warner Bros. in theatrical cartoon production, finally closing its doors in 1972. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a fall getaway to Orlando? Be Our Guest Vacations can help you book hotels, theme park tickets, dining reservations, and more for both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team knows the ins and outs of both destinations. Best of all, their vacation planning services come at no additional cost to you. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and tell them Jim and Drew sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 3d ago

    When the Grand Californian’s Soundproofing Worked Too Well

    Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack Disney’s latest price increases, from annual passes and tickets to the quick-service meals taking a bigger bite out of vacation budgets. They also check out Monstropolis menu reveals, holiday ride soundtracks, and a Bluey survey that may hint at Animal Kingdom’s plans for next summer. Then Jim continues the history of Disneyland’s DVC resorts with the Grand Californian, the architect who once worked in its parking lot, and the soundproofing that solved one problem only to create another. NEWS• Disney’s annual-pass and ticket increases tell a different story from the sharper jumps in quick-service food prices.• Monstropolis previews eyeball fish cakes, ramen, and the mysterious Blort soda.• Holiday music is coming to Guardians of the Galaxy, Alien Swirling Saucers, and the Muppets’ ‘Obligatory Holiday Overlay.’• A Bluey guest survey prompts a discussion of Animal Kingdom’s summer 2027 entertainment plans.• Len shares a report from Universal Nights at Epic Universe, including short waits and included snacks. FEATURE• Jim remembers architect Peter Dominick, whose Disney resorts include Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Grand Californian.• The unbuilt Cypress Point Lodge helps explain the site and history of Wilderness Lodge.• Building the Grand Californian meant balancing park views, Downtown Disney, the monorail, and resort amenities.• Coaster screams led to extra soundproofing for the Grand Californian’s villas, followed by an inventive solution for guests who could see World of Color but couldn’t hear it. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.View transcript here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORTSupport the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSORPlanning a Walt Disney World vacation? Get started with Be Our Guest Vacations. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim and Len explore the Grand Californian’s design challenges, its DVC villas, and Disney’s latest price increases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    When the Grand Californian’s Soundproofing Worked Too Well

  6. 6d ago

    The Shrek That Almost Was: Chris Farley and DreamWorks’ Early Gamble

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey catch up on Universal news, from a Wicked celebration at CityWalk to the closure of Po Live in DreamWorks Land. They also look at the international push for Shrek 5 and wonder whether more Shrek could return to Universal’s holiday parade. Then Jim traces DreamWorks Animation’s rocky early years and the version of Shrek that nearly starred Chris Farley, with a very different cast and creative direction. NEWS • Halloween Horror Nights’ 35th anniversary brings a commemorative coin to the public, and Jim previews his upcoming Orlando visit.• CityWalk Orlando’s free Oz-tacular Spectacular celebrates Wicked on October 24 with characters, costumes, and a Yellow Brick Road dance party.• Po Live closes in DreamWorks Land, prompting discussion of the area’s future and speculation about Universal’s wider plans.• Universal builds an international campaign for Shrek 5, while Eric asks whether Shrek’s holiday parade presence could make a comeback. FEATURE • Jim revisits Antz, The Prince of Egypt, and The Road to El Dorado as DreamWorks searches for its first breakout animated hit.• Jeffrey Katzenberg’s rivalry with Disney helps set the stage for Shrek’s irreverent approach to fairy tales.• Steven Spielberg’s early Shrek plans included hand-drawn animation and a proposed Bill Murray and Steve Martin pairing.• Chris Farley, Eddie Murphy, and Janeane Garofalo form an early Shrek cast before Farley’s death leaves the production facing a painful decision. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a Universal getaway? The travel professionals at Be Our Guest Vacations can work with you one on one to find the right hotel, park admission, and extras for your budget, priorities, and travel style. Mention that Eric and Jim at the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Shrek That Almost Was: Chris Farley and DreamWorks’ Early Gamble

  7. Oct 8

    Bob Chapek, Disney Store Closures, and the Pop-Up Comeback

    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into Bob Chapek's memoir, Behind the Castle Walls, and his account of reshaping Disney Consumer Products. They examine his franchise-first strategy, his claims about Disney Store profitability, and the store closures that followed during his time as CEO. Then Jim reports from the limited-time Disney Store at New Jersey's Westfield Garden State Plaza, comparing its merchandise and atmosphere with Lauren's visit to the Pittsburgh location. Along the way, they consider whether these pop-ups signal a retail comeback or a deliberately fleeting shopping experience. NEWS • The Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Store opens at Disney Springs, bringing another limited-time shopping experience to Disney fans.• Disney's consumer-products restructuring moves licensing and publishing closer to the entertainment teams creating its stories and franchises.• Jim visits New Jersey's limited-time Disney Store as he and Lauren consider how its retail partnership could shape future pop-ups. FEATURE • Lauren breaks down Chapek's shift from product categories to franchise teams, while Jim asks how much Frozen contributed to the division's growth.• The hosts examine Chapek's account of improving merchandise, raising prices, limiting discounts, and returning the Disney Store to profitability.• Disney's 2021 store closures raise a central question: why did the executive who championed the stores' turnaround later oversee their retreat?• Jim compares the New Jersey and Pittsburgh pop-ups, including location-specific merchandise, their anticipated January closing windows, and the uncertainty around further expansion. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com• Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a Disney or Universal getaway? Be Our Guest Vacations can help with hotel reservations, theme park tickets, dining reservations, and the details that make a Central Florida vacation easier to plan, all at no additional cost to you. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com to start planning your trip. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim and Lauren examine Bob Chapek's consumer-products claims and explore what Disney's limited-time stores reveal about the future of Disney shopping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Bob Chapek, Disney Store Closures, and the Pop-Up Comeback

  8. Oct 8

    Are Disney Annual Passholders Still Worth It?

    Bob Chapek’s new book has reopened one of Disney Parks’ trickiest debates: just how valuable are annual passholders? Lauren and Eric break down the math behind Disneyland Magic Keys and Walt Disney World annual passes, including Disney’s latest price increases, break-even points, crowding concerns, and the difference between loyal locals and once-in-a-lifetime vacationers. They also examine whether Disney risks alienating its biggest fans by focusing too heavily on per-visit spending. NEWS • Walt Disney World raises annual pass prices for the fourth consecutive October, including another increase for the top-tier Incredi-Pass. • Disneyland leaves Magic Key prices unchanged while increasing select ticket and Lightning Lane prices. • Bob Chapek’s new book revisits Disney’s concerns over annual passholders, park capacity, and per-guest spending. • Chapek says some Disneyland annual passholders once visited as many as 200 days per year. • Disney’s past comments about a more “favorable guest and ticket mix” raise new questions about how the company values passholders. • Lauren and Eric compare Disneyland and Walt Disney World annual pass economics, including how many visits it takes to break even. • Disneyland’s regional audience helps explain why annual passholders can have a much larger effect on crowding and capacity. • The hosts debate whether frequent passholders may still generate more annual revenue than higher-spending vacation guests. • Annual passholders also serve as unofficial Disney marketers, sharing park experiences and helping fuel interest among friends and family. HOSTS • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Eric Hersey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Are Disney Annual Passholders Still Worth It?
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About

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.6K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jim Hill Media 2026
  • Show Website
    The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

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