The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
Join Jim Hill and co-hosts Len Testa, Dustin Fuhs, Drew Taylor, Aaron Adams, Michelle C. Valladolid, Dan Zehr and Brian Gaughan 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.
Episodes
Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well the 25th anniversary re-release of “Star Wars – Episode One: The Phantom Menace.”
They also share Ahmed Best’s conflicted memories of portraying Jar Jar Binks
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
According to Josh Gad, which specific brand of cookie is repeatedly visually referenced within the “Star Wars” universe
How many Star ...
Mark as Played
May 16, 2024 • 33 mins
In the premiere episode of this new podcast series, Noe & Shelly Valladolid explore the origins of themed entertainment. To be specific, how early trade fairs led to the first amusements.
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
How gunpowder, tea, and paper from China shaped Europe
How Rome got the secret of Silk
Privileged fairs in Medieval Europe
Christmas markets that still operate today
And the earliest forms...
Mark as Played
May 15, 2024 • 43 mins
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up “Exploding Kittens.” They then take a look at Mark Dindal’s career as the director of full-length animated features
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
What was the one-and-only film to be produced by Turner Feature Animation
Why is the Henson family reportedly not all that fond of Pixar’s “Monsters Inc”
How many “Garfield” TV specials were ...
Mark as Played
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about what happens next with Disneyland Forward now that the Anaheim City Council has officially approved this project. They also discuss what Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed at the Company’s most recent earnings call.
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
How long will the WDW version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad be down for rehab
What’s interesting about Dis...
Mark as Played
Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest “Despicable Me 4” trailer.
They then review what Universal Parks & Experiences just revealed about Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World.
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
What new variety of Butterbeer-based treat is now available for purchase at the Universal Parks
Why was “Yoshi’s Adventure” reportedly not built as part of Phase One of U...
Mark as Played
May 7, 2024 • 56 mins
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the series finale for that Lucasfilm Animation production, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” They then talk about how pleased Paramount+ is with the debut of its “Knuckles” mini-series
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
Where did the “Bluey’s Big Play” traveling stage show make its North American debut
When will “The Fairly OddParents: A New Wi...
Mark as Played
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest news coming out about the Epic Universe project. They also talk about why Bay Lake Tower is undergoing a year-long refurbishment in the not-so-distant future
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which crime figure from the 1930s inspired Ma Beagle & the Beagle Boys
How is Fort Wilderness’ remote location reportedly impacting DVC sales for the cab...
Mark as Played
May 4, 2024 • 64 mins
Star Wars Day, Disney-Henson Complex History and Rare Muppet Collectibles
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey start this week’s show by discussing the latest
developments in the "Disneyland Forward" project and what this means for future expansions.
They talk about Star Wars Day Merch and share the deep and complex history
between Disney and the Jim Henson Company, highlighting how this relationship
has evolved over the years.
In This Episo...
Mark as Played
April 29, 2024 • 64 mins
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by congratulating Israel Perez & the team at WDW’s Victoria & Albert’s for the Michelin star they were just awarded.
They then welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a discussion of WDSP’s upcoming “Alice & the Red Queen: Back in Wonderland” show
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
Why – when WDW Cast Members finally get to preview “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” – they may ...
Mark as Played
April 27, 2024 • 43 mins
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up Pixar Fest (which starts this weekend at Disneyland Park).
They then look ahead to which studios will be doing presentations at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival & Market
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
How many Disney-related items are coming up for bid at Van Eaton Galleries’ next big event, “The Joel Magee Auction: Part Two”
Wh...
Mark as Played
April 26, 2024 • 57 mins
Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the tram accident that happened this past weekend at Universal Studios Hollywood.
They then take a close look at the perks annual passholders will be able to enjoy at the Universal Orlando parks starting in May.
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which Universal horror classic got transformed from a silent film to a sound picture in 1929
Why...
Mark as Played
April 25, 2024 • 54 mins
Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by revisiting the whole did-Greedo-shoot-first issue.
They then talk about what the last few episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” seem to be setting up
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
What honor will George Lucas be receiving at this year’s Cannes Film Festival
Where can Disneyland visitors view that theme park’s “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks display
W...
Mark as Played
April 22, 2024 • 52 mins
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts at Universal Orlando. They then look back at Disney’s reaction to Mattel’s 1972 announcement of its Circus World theme park project
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
How many times will Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights be presented this year
What’s the name of the bay that the “World of Frozen” is built alon...
Mark as Played
April 20, 2024 • 49 mins
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up "Ultraman: Rising.” They then discuss which animation studio is soon to be honored with a Palme D’Odr at this year’s Cannes Film Festival
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which character in Pixar’s “Up” did Peter Docter’s daughter Elizabeth voice
What does the future potentially hold for the “Bluey” animated series
Which Pixar film was “B.O.O,” DreamWor...
Mark as Played
April 19, 2024 • 49 mins
Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about the merch locations that are being readied for the WDW version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.”
They then discuss how Disney helped promote the U.S. Forest Service’s fire prevention program
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
When did Walt Disney Animation Studios finally shut production of shorts for theatrical release
What did Rankin-Bass produce a...
Mark as Played
April 15, 2024 • 55 mins
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by deep-diving into the changes the Disney Parks are about to make to their DAS policy.
They also continue their look back at WDW’s Tomorrowland
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
How many episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” has Ice-T appeared in to date
What were Disney Legend John Hench’s concerns about the version of World Showcase that was almost built next to WDW’s TT...
Mark as Played
April 14, 2024 • 53 mins
Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the M3gan horde became the break-out hit at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. They also discuss Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova & Terra Luna resorts
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
What role did Michael Eisner play in setting Paramount Pictures’ “King Kong” remake in motion back in the mid-1970s
Why did Universal Pictures insist that ce...
Mark as Played
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by looking back at how Walt Disney Studios did effects back in the 1960s. They also talk about the version of “Toy Story 3” that Circle 7 Studios had in development
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
When will “Kung Fu Panda 4” be available for viewing on digital platforms like Amazon Video & iTunes
How far back did the release date of Disney’s live-a...
Mark as Played
April 8, 2024 • 50 mins
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how the Shooting Gallery at WDW’s Magic Kingdom will soon close to become a DVC lounge. They also take a look back at Tomorrowland in this same theme park circa late 1971 / early 1972.
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which then-husband & wife team were originally supposed to play the leads in Disney’s never-produced “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” sequel
W...
Mark as Played
April 5, 2024 • 41 mins
In Episode 4 of "I Want That Too," where we venture into the world of Disney merchandise, with a special focus on the Tiki culture found within the Disney universe. Join entertainment writer Jim Hill and co-host Lauren Hersey as they uncover the stories behind Disney collectibles, explore the history of the Enchanted Tiki Room, and dive into the resurgence of Tiki culture among Disney fans and collectors.
In This Episode:
The Sign...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.