Disney Junkie – Magic & Myth

Jennifer Miller

Disney Junkie – Magic & Myth is your deep-dive into every Disney animated film—in order. Hosted by Jennifer Miller, each episode uncovers the stories, history, myths, and magic behind the movies. From Snow White to The Princess and the Frog, we explore what made these films iconic (or underrated). Whether you’re nostalgic or discovering them for the first time, this podcast brings the pixie dust and the deep cuts. New episodes drop twice a month—subscribe and follow the journey.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Ep. 16 – The Jungle Book: Kipling’s Legacy and Disney’s Final Walt-Era Classic

    In this episode of Disney Junkie: Magic & Myth, Jennifer and her producer, Brennon dives into the vibrant world of The Jungle Book — the final animated film Walt Disney was personally involved in before his passing. Together, they revisit childhood memories of watching the film on VHS before unpacking its origins in Rudyard Kipling’s original 1890s stories. From Kipling’s complicated ties to British imperialism to Disney’s decision to transform darker source material into a lighthearted, music-driven adventure, this episode explores how myth becomes magic through adaptation. They also discuss key character changes — like Kaa’s shift from ally to antagonist — and the groundbreaking voice performance of Phil Harris as Baloo, which helped redefine animated character acting. Touching on cultural context, legacy, and lasting influence, Jennifer leads a thoughtful look at how The Jungle Book became a timeless story about friendship, belonging, and identity — and a fitting sendoff to Walt’s creative era.

    1h 11m

  2. 11 FEB

    Ep. 15 – Mary Poppins: A Spoonful of Symbolism in Disney’s Magical Masterpiece

    In this episode of Disney Junkie: Magic & Myth, we open the umbrella and soar into the timeless wonder of Mary Poppins. Host Jennifer is joined by her daughter Emma to dive into the heart of Disney’s 1964 classic—unpacking its origins, themes, and lasting legacy. From the pages of P.L. Travers’ novels to Walt Disney’s groundbreaking live-action and animation hybrid, Mary Poppins is more than just a magical nanny tale. It’s a layered story about family, imagination, and personal transformation. Jennifer and Emma reflect on their childhood experiences with the film, while Brennon shares how it fueled his love for musicals and Dick Van Dyke’s charm. Together, they explore evolving perspectives—from watching the film as kids to now understanding the complexity of Mr. Banks and the emotional weight behind scenes like “Feed the Birds.” They touch on the famous “Bert Theory,” draw parallels to modern mythic characters like Pennywise and Dumbledore, and celebrate Julie Andrews’ unforgettable debut. Packed with symbolism, nostalgia, and a sprinkle of critical analysis, this episode celebrates the enchanting power of Mary Poppins and the enduring message that a little magic—and a lot of heart—can change everything.

    1h 15m

  3. 28 JAN

    Ep. 14 – The Sword in the Stone: Merlin’s Magic, Arthurian Myth & Disney’s Unsung Classic

    In this episode of Disney Junkie: Magic & Myth,  Host Jennifer conjures up the whimsical world of Disney’s 1963 gem, The Sword in the Stone. Often overlooked in the Disney canon, this film brings the legend of King Arthur to life through the eyes of a young boy named Wart and his eccentric mentor, Merlin. Jennifer and Producer Brennon dive into childhood memories of the film, revisit its standout musical moments, and unpack the cultural weight of Arthurian legends—from Excalibur to the Holy Grail. They explore how the film’s themes of mentorship, destiny, and imagination still resonate, while celebrating the charm of 2D animation and the Sherman Brothers’ unforgettable score. You’ll also hear about the historical roots of King Arthur, the broader legacy of Merlin in myth and pop culture, and why The Sword in the Stone remains such a unique entry in the Disney lineup—especially as the last animated feature released during Walt Disney’s lifetime.

    1h 2m

  4. 15 JAN

    Ep. 13 – 101 Dalmatians: How a Xerox Machine & Cruella de Vil Saved Disney Animation

    In this episode of Disney Junkie, Host Jennifer and Producer Brennon dig into the revolutionary world of 101 Dalmatians — a film that marked a turning point in Disney history and in animation itself. Jennifer walks through the story’s evolution from Dodie Smith’s original novel to Bill Peet’s historic solo screenplay (the first of its kind at Disney), and breaks down why Cruella De Vil remains one of the studio’s most unforgettable villains — thanks in part to Betty Lou Gerson’s spine-chilling vocal performance. They also go deeper on themes of animal cruelty, adoption ethics, and how this seemingly sweet story about puppies carries surprising real-world relevance. Plus: how the film revived Disney’s animation department and why 101 Dalmatians became a blueprint for modern animation to come.

    1h 13m

  5. 31/12/2025

    Ep. 12 – Sleeping Beauty: Unraveling the Magic, Myth, and Trauma Behind the Fairy Tale

    In this episode of Disney Junkie, we take a deep dive into Disney’s Sleeping Beauty—a film celebrated for its breathtaking artistry, but rooted in some of the darkest folklore in the Disney canon. Host Jennifer Miller is joined by Ashley Mayfield, co-executive director at Synergy and Bloom and a specialist in holistic trauma recovery, to explore the myths and legends that shaped Sleeping Beauty long before Disney softened the story. From medieval European versions to Charles Perrault’s retelling, we unpack how themes of power, passivity, and violation have followed this fairy tale for centuries—and what that says about the societies that told it. We also examine how Disney transformed those origins into a visual masterpiece, pairing Tchaikovsky’s score with Eyvind Earle’s bold, stylized animation, and introducing one of Disney’s most iconic villains: Maleficent. The conversation extends into modern reinterpretations, including Maleficent’s shift from villain to victim, and how reclaiming narrative mirrors real-world trauma healing. Blending film history, mythology, psychology, and energy work, this episode invites listeners to look beyond the spinning wheel and fairytale kiss—and reconsider why Sleeping Beauty continues to enchant, unsettle, and endure.

    1h 40m

  6. 31/12/2025

    Ep. 11 – Lady and the Tramp: The True Crime Roots of a Disney Love Story

    In this episode of Disney Junkie, we uncover the surprising and unsettling real-world history behind one of Disney’s most romantic classics, Lady and the Tramp. While the film is remembered for spaghetti dinners and puppy love, its origins trace back to true crime journalism, personal trauma, and a search for redemption. Host Jennifer Miller explores how journalist Ward Greene—who covered the infamous Leo Frank case—channeled his experiences into writing Happy Dan, the Cynical Dog, a story rooted in empathy, injustice, and healing. That narrative eventually merged with Walt Disney’s own personal inspiration to become Lady and the Tramp. We also dig into the film’s groundbreaking production as Disney’s first Cinemascope animated feature, the voices and music that brought the dogs to life, and Peggy Lee’s lasting influence on Disney history. From courtroom tragedy to canine romance, this episode reveals how light can emerge from darkness—and how storytelling can transform even the heaviest histories into something enduring and heartfelt.

    1h 29m

  7. 10/12/2025

    Ep. 10 – Peter Pan: The Lost Boys, the Dark Origins, and the Man Behind the Myth

    In this episode of Disney Junkie, we take flight into the fantastical world of Disney’s Peter Pan—a film that blends childhood wonder, adventure, and deeper psychological layers. Host Jennifer Miller is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Deidre Darling Shea for a thoughtful exploration of the story’s timeless appeal and hidden complexities. Together, they unpack the origins of J.M. Barrie’s famous tale, from the author’s own tragic childhood to the real-life inspiration behind the Lost Boys. They explore how the characters of Neverland—like the temperamental Tinker Bell and the fearsome Captain Hook—mirror emotional development and the push-pull of growing up. Deidre offers insight into the psychology of imagination, childhood fantasy, and the desire to stay young forever, while Jennifer reflects on how Disney’s adaptation helped shape generations of viewers’ perceptions of youth and identity. The conversation also navigates the more complicated aspects of Peter Pan, including its cultural depictions and the long-standing debate around separating art from its creator. Whether you grew up dreaming of flying off to Neverland or questioning the meaning behind the boy who wouldn’t grow up, this episode invites you to look at Peter Pan with a new perspective. Stay tuned for our next episode as we head into the romantic streets and social undertones of Lady and the Tramp, only on Disney Junkie.

    1h 22m

  8. 26/11/2025

    Ep. 09 – Alice in Wonderland: Exploring the Surreal Genius and Shadows of Wonderland

    In this episode of Disney Junkie, we take a closer look at Disney’s 1951 animated classic Alice in Wonderland—a film that initially baffled audiences but went on to become one of the studio’s most enduring cult favorites. Host Jennifer Miller unpacks the chaotic charm and complicated legacy of Alice, tracing its origins back to Lewis Carroll’s surreal 19th-century novel. From oversized mushrooms and vanishing cats to tea parties with no point at all, Alice in Wonderland invites us into a world where nothing makes sense—and that’s exactly the point. We explore how Disney’s version blended pieces from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass into a whirlwind of visual experimentation, musical nonsense, and emotional unpredictability. And we ask: What does this story actually say about childhood, imagination, and growing up? Joined by producer Brennon and recurring guest Doug Gaskell—a retired psychologist and film historian—Jennifer dives into the psychological side of Wonderland, including how nonsense and surrealism can serve childhood development. We also confront the more uncomfortable aspects of Lewis Carroll’s life and legacy, raising important questions about the complicated line between art and artist. Whether Alice is a nostalgic fever dream or a film you’ve always struggled to understand, this episode invites you to take another look at the madness—and maybe even make peace with it.

    1h 10m
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About

Disney Junkie – Magic & Myth is your deep-dive into every Disney animated film—in order. Hosted by Jennifer Miller, each episode uncovers the stories, history, myths, and magic behind the movies. From Snow White to The Princess and the Frog, we explore what made these films iconic (or underrated). Whether you’re nostalgic or discovering them for the first time, this podcast brings the pixie dust and the deep cuts. New episodes drop twice a month—subscribe and follow the journey.

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