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. 4h ago

    Soundstaged: Ep. 2 - Disney vs. Universal: The Battle to Build Hollywood East

    In 1981, Universal executive Jay Stein pitched an ambitious plan to turn Orlando into Hollywood East, but a meeting at Paramount Pictures would help spark one of the most contentious rivalries in theme park history. In Episode 2 of Soundstaged, Eric Hersey explores how Michael Eisner's arrival at Disney intensified the battle to build competing movie studio theme parks in Central Florida. From the spectacular opening of Disney-MGM Studios to Universal's groundbreaking partnership with Nickelodeon, both companies discovered that attracting tourists was much easier than attracting actual television productions. And as Disney struggled to keep its soundstages busy, an unlikely opportunity was beginning to take shape involving Hulk Hogan and professional wrestling. HIGHLIGHTS • The Jack Webb Bungalow Meeting: How Jay Stein's 1981 proposal to Paramount Pictures became the center of a decades-long dispute involving Michael Eisner and Universal's plans for Orlando. • The Battle for Hollywood East: Disney and Universal race to establish competing movie studio theme parks, with accusations of stolen ideas and corporate pressure fueling their rivalry. • Disney-MGM Studios Opens: The ambitious 1989 grand opening promised guests a working Hollywood studio, but keeping real film and television productions on the lot proved challenging. • Universal's Nickelodeon Advantage: How a groundbreaking production agreement brought Double Dare, Legends of the Hidden Temple, and other popular television shows to Universal Studios Florida. • The Search for Real Hollywood: From Superboy and The Mickey Mouse Club to Let's Make a Deal, both parks experimented with television production as Disney searched for a way to keep its soundstages active. HOSTS • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: https://strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Website: https://www.jimhillmedia.com SUPPORT Support the show and access the complete Soundstaged series, bonus episodes, and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Written and Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES 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

    Soundstaged: Ep. 2 - Disney vs. Universal: The Battle to Build Hollywood East

  2. 4h ago

    VisionQuest Connects Marvel’s First Heroes to Doomsday

    Jim Hill and Dan Graney trace the connections between VisionQuest and Marvel’s earliest heroes, from the original Human Torch to the Invaders. They also discuss Avengers: Doomsday news and promotional tie-ins, then check in on Star Wars and DC. Their VisionQuest discussion includes spoilers through episode seven. NEWS • Avengers: Doomsday writing credits, Peggy Carter storylines, and promotional clues. • Dunkin’ and Jack in the Box join the Doomsday campaign, while WWE heads to Walt Disney World for a crossover event. • VisionQuest brings the original Human Torch into Vision’s family tree and revisits Age of Ultron. • Unconfirmed Alpha Flight and X-Force rumors, a Star Wars and Marvel comics crossover, and DC casting speculation. FEATURE • How Timely Comics introduced Namor, the original Human Torch, and Captain America. • The All-Winners Squad and Roy Thomas’s later creation of the World War II team the Invaders. • How Marvel’s Golden Age characters found their way into the MCU. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | 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 Be Our Guest Vacations is an EarMarked by Disney travel agency at the Platinum level and a Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner. Their team can help plan hotels, theme park tickets and dining reservations at no additional cost. Start planning at BeOurGuestVacations.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

    VisionQuest Connects Marvel’s First Heroes to Doomsday

  3. 1d ago

    Pixar’s New Leaders and the Future of Animation Studios

    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor survey a changing animation landscape, from Pixar’s leadership transition to the future of studios under the Skydance umbrella. They discuss The Cat in the Hat’s opening weekend, Don Hall’s return to Disney, and the pressures facing original animated films. They also consider the controversy surrounding AI in a Dior holiday short. NEWS Godzilla Minus Zero tops the box office as The Cat in the Hat arrives in theaters. Jonas Rivera and Jonathan Garson take on new leadership roles at Pixar. Don Hall returns to Disney, while Jim and Drew discuss the future of Skydance Animation. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s slate and the challenge of making original films theatrical events. A Dior holiday short prompts a debate about AI and hand-drawn animation. HOSTS Jim Hill: Instagram @JimHillMedia | X @JimHillMedia | JimHillMedia.com Drew Taylor: Instagram @drewtailored | X @DrewTailored | DrewTaylor.work FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Be Our Guest Vacations offers free planning services for Disney and Universal vacations, including help with hotels, park admission, and dining reservations. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. JimHillMedia.com/sponsor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 2d ago

    Disneyland’s Skyway: The Used Ride That Took Guests Above the Park (Ep. 609)

    Jim Hill and Len Testa share Walt Disney World road and dining updates, a runDisney survey, and listener questions before taking a ride through the early history of Disneyland’s Skyway. Jim explains how Walt acquired a used aerial ropeway and what happened when its manufacturer saw it operating in Anaheim. NEWS New roundabouts near the Grand Floridian and the World Drive North project. The Grand Floridian Cafe reopens with new menu items. Universal’s Earl the Squirrel heads to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A runDisney survey and listener questions. FEATURE How a tight expansion budget led Walt Disney to buy used attractions for Disneyland. The European origins of the Skyway and its 1956 opening. The manufacturer’s concerns about the original installation and the changes that followed. How the Skyway’s early buckets evolved and what Jim and Len will explore next. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes at patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Disneyland’s Skyway: The Used Ride That Took Guests Above the Park (Ep. 609)

  5. 5d ago

    How Universal’s Studio Tour Became a Theme Park (Ep. 127)

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest theme park attendance figures and what they could mean for Epic Universe and Universal’s other parks. They discuss construction around Universal Orlando and Hollywood, and how Comcast is responding to a softer quarter. Then Jim traces the story of MCA, Lou Wasserman and the decisions that turned a working studio tour into a major tourist attraction. NEWS What the latest attendance report says about Epic Universe and Universal’s parks. Comcast’s financial outlook and the challenges facing its theme park business. Construction and possible changes at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Hollywood. WWE’s upcoming events at ESPN Wide World of Sports. FEATURE How MCA and Lou Wasserman reshaped Universal and expanded its studio tour. The connection between a story from McHale’s Navy and the Universal backlot. Why Wasserman’s plans included a visitor attraction alongside a working movie studio. HOSTS Jim Hill – @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.comEric Hersey – @erichersey | https://strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNewsYouTube: @jimhillmediaTikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey – https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations offers free, personalized help with hotels, theme park tickets and more. Visit https://beourguestvacations.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=epicjhm and mention the Epic Universal Podcast. Interested in sponsoring a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network? Visit https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Universal’s Studio Tour Became a Theme Park (Ep. 127)

  6. 6d ago

    Disney’s Battle of the Books and a Very Pooh Christmas (Ep. 124)

    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey compare books revisiting Disney leadership and look at Disney merchandise headed for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They discuss how a listing for Disney running shoes helped uncover a theft investigation, and share holiday finds from Winnie the Pooh. Jim also traces the making of A Day for Eeyore and why animator Ron Clements asked to have his name removed from its credits. NEWS • Bob Iger’s upcoming memoir joins books by Bob Chapek and Robbie Whelan examining Disney leadership. • A listing for Disney-themed Brooks shoes draws attention to an investigation into stolen merchandise. • Sorcerer Mickey joins the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with Disney merchandise celebrating the occasion. • A new Roo joins the original Winnie the Pooh toys on display at the New York Public Library. FEATURE • Jim follows Disney’s Winnie the Pooh featurettes from the Honey Tree to A Day for Eeyore. • Why an outside studio animated A Day for Eeyore, and why Ron Clements asked to be removed from its credits. • How a request for a new merchandise character helped bring Lumpy the Heffalump to the screen. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: Patreon.com/JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Be Our Guest Vacations can help plan a Disney or Universal vacation, find deals and handle the details at no additional cost. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. JimHillMedia.com/sponsor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Disney’s Battle of the Books and a Very Pooh Christmas (Ep. 124)

  7. 6d ago

    Disney Park Pet Peeves: Please Don’t Recite the Pre-Show

    Lauren and Eric Hersey tackle the Disney guest habits that can turn a great attraction into an exercise in patience. A discussion of crowd control and pre-show changes at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind leads to a bigger debate about line cutting, amateur comedians, and fans who insist on reciting the Ghost Host’s entire spiel. They also compare the pre-shows worth watching and ask whether a few alternate scripts could keep repeat visitors engaged. Plus, where’s the line between capturing a vacation memory and blocking everyone else’s view? HIGHLIGHTS Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue tests and the pre-show edit aimed at cutting off shouted jokes. From Runaway Railway to Rise of the Resistance, which Disney pre-shows still hold up on repeat visits? Haunted Mansion recitations and loud ride conversations: when participation becomes a distraction. Flash photography, phones held overhead, and the struggle to see fireworks behind someone’s shoulders. Respecting Cast Members and fellow guests without turning every park visit into a rules debate. HOSTS Lauren Hersey: Instagram @lauren_hersey_ | X @laurenhersey2 Eric Hersey: Instagram @erichersey | X @erichersey | Strong Minded Agency FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited and produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. JimHillMedia.com/sponsor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Disney Park Pet Peeves: Please Don’t Recite the Pre-Show

  8. 6d ago

    Soundstaged: Ep. 1 - How WCW's Biggest Crisis Led to Walt Disney World

    In the summer of 1996, WCW brought the chaos of the New World Order to Walt Disney World, complete with backstage brawls, baseball bats, and a visit from the Orlando police. But how did professional wrestling end up inside Disney-MGM Studios in the first place? In the debut episode of Soundstaged, Eric Hersey traces the rise of Vince McMahon's WWF, the collapse of wrestling's territorial system, and the financial struggles that nearly brought World Championship Wrestling to its knees. From Ted Turner's acquisition of WCW to Eric Bischoff's bold plan to reinvent its television production, this is the story of how a struggling wrestling company began its unlikely journey to the Most Magical Place on Earth. HIGHLIGHTS • WCW Invades Disney: Revisit the infamous 1996 New World Order backstage attack at Disney-MGM Studios featuring Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Savage.• The Death of Wrestling's Territories: How Vince McMahon transformed the WWF into a national entertainment powerhouse and left regional wrestling promotions struggling to survive.• The Fall of Jim Crockett Promotions: Ric Flair, Starrcade 1987, and the financial disaster that helped bring one of wrestling's most influential companies to the brink of bankruptcy.• Ted Turner Buys WCW: Why the media mogul purchased Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988 and how years of executive turnover threatened the company's future.• Eric Bischoff's Big Idea: How a former wrestling announcer proposed a radical change in WCW's television production that would eventually lead the company toward Central Florida's theme parks. HOSTS• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: https://strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia• Website: https://www.jimhillmedia.com SUPPORTSupport the show and access the complete Soundstaged series, bonus episodes, and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSWritten and Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIESIf 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

    Soundstaged: Ep. 1 - How WCW's Biggest Crisis Led to Walt Disney World
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.7K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jim Hill Media 2026
  • Show Website
    The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

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