Best Escaping The Bucket Podcasts (2025)

1
Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien Film, and the Birth of E.T. (Ep. 54) 56:56

15h ago56:56

56:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots. How Nig…

1
Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch That Keeps Coming Back (Ep. 50) 1:01:57

1d ago1:01:57

1:01:57

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them. Whether yo…

1
Cats - "Memories. All Alone In The Moonlight" 56:22

4h ago56:22

56:22

We're back with Season 5! Mita and Nadeem harvest the energy of AI to pick this seasons movies. For episode one, AI picked the so-bad-it's-good movie, "Cats" for the next movie review. Mita talks "Mission: Impossible" and Nadeem somehow manages to talk about "Rocky Aur Rani" once again.By Moves To Watch Before The End Of The World

1
Pixar’s Elio Revealed, Coco 2 Confirmed & Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Sparks Debate (Ep. 309) 56:17

4d ago56:17

56:17

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially…

1
60 | Breech Births, Goat Mentors, and When to Intervene During Kidding 16:06

1d ago16:06

16:06

Hi friends! We’re in the thick of kidding season, and today I’m sharing about a new kidding experience I had a couple days ago, assisting a doe with a posterior (breech) kid. We’ve had lots of breech kids before, but never one that I couldn’t safely get the back legs repositioned, so this was a new one. Goats never stop teaching me new things. I’m …

1
Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an Express Pass? (Ep. 534) 52:16

5d ago52:16

52:16

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion. Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely wa…

1
Dads, Grads & Escaping the Pad 30:14

2d ago30:14

30:14

Send us a text In this episode of The Imperfect Prophet, I, Wonder Wendy, take you on a nostalgic journey through my father's wartime letters, uncovering the strength that shaped our family. As June brings graduations, vacations, and reflections, I share stories that highlight the importance of cherishing memories and embracing the lessons passed d…

1
Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53) 53:52

8d ago53:52

53:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lastin…

1
Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the Wild Story of the Tencennial (Ep. 49) 50:02

9d ago50:02

50:02

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial. From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting …

1
Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story 5 Adds Conan, and Epic Universe Impressions (Ep. 308) 54:31

11d ago54:31

54:31

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including: Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases. Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during D…

1
59 | Get Ready for Kidding: Last Minute Details that Support a Successful and Fun Kidding Season 11:46

11d ago11:46

11:46

Hi friends! Today we’re talking about getting ready for kidding. We’ve already done the early preparations – ordering tags, making sure we have the needed supplies on hand, and now it’s time to get everything organized and in place so we’re ready when that first kid is born soon. We’ll talk about the details – the little things that make caring for…

1
From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and the Accidental Origins of Toontown (Ep. 533) 59:26

12d ago59:26

59:26

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown. Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quic…

1
Rituals to Reset- Take a Mental (and Physical) Spa Day 25:26

9d ago25:26

25:26

Send us a text Wonder Wendy here, ready to guide you through the art of pressing pause and embracing peace. I've been there—feeling overwhelmed, battling that incessant "manic monkey mind," and yearning for a moment of peace. In this episode, I share the importance of establishing personal rituals, like my cherished morning coffee time, to create p…

1
Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52) 51:56

15d ago51:56

51:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park. Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous brand…

1
Why Disney Bought the Mighty Ducks and the Angels (Ep. 48) 52:02

16d ago52:02

52:02

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go. Also in this episode: Trash can …

1
Gumby Turns 70, DreamWorks Eyes Cocomelon, and Peppa Pig Teams Up with Walmart (Ep. 307) 45:34

18d ago45:34

45:34

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include: The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids. Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box offi…

1
Get Back in the Water! Reconnecting Through Open Water Swimming with Jenn Yorzyk-Triger 54:59

17d ago54:59

54:59

Send us a text Have you ever watched open water swimmers glide through the waves at sunrise and thought, I should be out there? Same. As someone who’s been swimming most of my life, I often feel the pull of the ocean—but also the comfort of just being at the shoreline, soaking in the peace and calm. In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend…

1
58 | Don’t Make This Mistake When Choosing Your First Livestock Animals: Focusing on Breed Only 16:44

18d ago16:44

16:44

Hi friends! Today we’re talking about within-breed variation and how it affects the way you select your livestock. This will help you avoid a common mistake when choosing your first animals – focusing on breed only. Getting clear on your goals, deciding what traits are important to you, and asking questions to figure out if the livestock you’re loo…

1
Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That Guests Don’t Want to Ride Twice (Ep. 532) 1:08:15

19d ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones. The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbac…

1
Golden Girls, Gravity & Taking Flight 26:09

16d ago26:09

26:09

Send us a text "Thank you for being a friend..." and a listener of The Imperfect Prophet: A Podcast for Women Who Wonder. Today, we're diving into a heartfelt episode of overcoming obstacles and embracing strength, urging you to use your challenges as springboards for positive change. We'll explore the resilience and power of women throughout histo…

1
Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t) (Ep. 51) 50:40

22d ago50:40

50:40

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today…

1
The Original Stitch Was a Criminal Mastermind? Plus Emporium Updates and Disney Castle Color Confusion (Ep. 47) 56:29

23d ago56:29

56:29

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backsto…

1
Lilo & Stitch Controversy, Frozen 3’s Castle Reveal, and Fox Doubles Down on Adult Animation (Ep. 306) 41:36

25d ago41:36

41:36

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a wide range of animation news and commentary while Drew Taylor is away covering the global premiere of Mission: Impossible 8. Topics include: Controversy around Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch – Director Dean Fleischer Camp shares concept art of Pleakley in a dress after Disney reportedly ve…

1
57 | The Ideal Weight and Age for Butchering Meat Goats to Get Premium Quality Meat 16:03

22d ago16:03

16:03

Hi friends! Today we’re answering a listener question about butchering meat goats. What is the best age and size to butcher, and how to feed them so the meat quality is amazing. We’re going to talk about commercial weight and age standards or, rather, the lack of standards, and what I have found works really well to meet our goal of premium quality…

1
The $25 Disaster: Why Disneyland’s Light Magic Parade Failed Spectacularly (Ep. 531) 55:30

26d ago55:30

55:30

Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems fo…

1
MOTHER'S DAY SUCKS 21:27

24d ago21:27

21:27

Send us a text It's Wonder Wendy here, and today we're diving into the complex emotions that Mother's Day can stir. Mother's Day isn't always a day of joy and celebration for everyone. For many women, especially those navigating postmenopausal life, dealing with infertility, or coping with the loss of a child, this holiday can bring a mix of emotio…

1
Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the Rise and Fall of Triceratops Encounter (Ep. 50) 59:52

29d ago59:52

59:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida we…

1
Disney and NASA: The Surprising Space Race Story Behind Mission: SPACE (Ep. 46) 55:47

30d ago55:47

55:47

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—…

1
Simpsons Renewed Through Season 40, Thunderbolts Tops the Box Office, and Disney’s Broadway Plans (Ep. 305) 46:54

1M ago46:54

46:54

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation and entertainment industry news, including: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad each get renewed for four more seasons—an unprecedented move ensuring job security and a pipeline of adult animation through the end of the decade. Marvel’s…

1
56 | True or False? Goats are Escape Artists (Hint: The Answer Is in Your Management Strategy) 13:51

1M ago13:51

13:51

Hi friends! Last week we talked about building fence for goats, and today we’re talking about how to manage your goat herd so that they respect your fence. Goats are notorious for challenging fences, usually by jumping or shimmying under, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m going to share what we’ve learned about dealing with problem goats, and…

1
How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530) 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Hol…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Escaping The Bucket Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen