Insights Into Entertainment Joseph and Michelle Whalen

Prepare to embark on a gripping journey through the riveting world of gaming! We've got a spectacular lineup with detailed insights into the Game of the Year nominations, including the renowned Zelda games - Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. As we navigate these contrasting worlds, we'll explore the unique gameplay mechanics that set them apart and discuss why Nintendo games continuously captivate audiences of all ages. But who will take home the coveted award?    Hold on tight, because we're not done yet. We're diving headlong into Baldur's Gate 3, a game that’s transformed the landscape with its innovative gameplay and mesmerizing narrative. We’ll explore the implications of the choices players make and how they reverberate through the game, causing thrilling consequences. Then we'll shift the spotlight to Resident Evil 4 and Super Mario Wonder, analyzing the unique facets that make them stand out in their Game of the Year nominations. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour of gaming, there lies a somber reality - layoffs. Despite the industry’s explosive growth, many have faced the harsh reality of job loss. Together, we'll uncover the factors contributing to these troubling events and discuss their far-reaching impact on the industry. Can better market preparation help avoid such drastic measures? We'll be dissecting this and much more in this truly insightful episode. So, plug in your headphones and join us for an epic ride through the exhilarating and sometimes sobering world of gaming.

With writers and actors on strike, box office numbers struggling to rebound after the pandemic, and missteps with streaming costing studios billions, what could Hollywood possibly do to save the day?  Maybe have a firesale and make some money, or at least that’s what Bob Iger is looking to do.  But before we see our heroes on the picket lines or the unemployment lines we first saw them on the silver screen in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and we’ve got our thoughts on that and more coming up in this episode of Insights Into Entertainment.

After a long hiatus we’re back with a revamped studio and some interesting experiences to share. The first was from our trip to Niagara falls. Then a new convention came to town. And then we’ll wrap up with thoughts on a few of our favorite shows coming to an end.

After a long hiatus we’re back with a couple events we attended and a brief Disney discussion. First we’ll talk about our experience at the Disney 100 Exhibition at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Then we’ll discuss our time and our treasures from this year’s Zolocon. Finally we’ll talk about some of the impact of Bob Iger’s to Disney.

Chapek is out, Iger is in at Disney again. What impact will that have on the company, the parks and the material coming out of the media giant? After 11 seasons the Walking Dead comes to an end, kind of. We'll take a look at the impact the show has had over the last decade and where the zombies are going next. Finally we'll recap some of the seasonal events and pop culture shows we've been able to start enjoying again and hope to bring much more in the new year.

As previously promised on the podcast, this week we bring you our review of the current state of Disney parks in Florida.  Having spent a week down in somewhat sunny, often rainy and oppressively hot Florida we’ve had a chance to see if Disney has been able to bring the magic back. We’ll take a look at the resort, the amenities offered and the service. Then we’ll take a look at the technology Disney is trying to throw at it’s guests to justify some of the drawbacks and costs. Finally we’ll talk about our experience at three of the four parks and where they stand compared to previous visits.