Best Jim Sparrow Podcasts (2025)

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How Jack Sparrow Made It Into the Ride (and Why the Curse Wasn’t His) (Ep. 539) 52:59

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1d ago52:59

52:59

Len Testa and Jim Hill tackle a packed show, from new Eat to the Beat concert acts and Test Track Lightning Lane changes to a survey that hints at Disney bundling sports vacations with ESPN and Adventures by Disney. Then in the main segment, Jim unpacks the wild story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise—including how one clever Imag…

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Jurassic World Breaks Records, Elio Stalls, and Looking Back at 'The Mouse Factory' (Ep. 314) 55:07

13h ago55:07

55:07

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into a packed slate of animation and entertainment news—including box office wins, deep animation history, and Broadway updates: Universal celebrates a huge opening for Jurassic World Rebirth with $318M globally, while How to Train Your Dragon crosses the half-billion mark. Disney’s Lilo…

1
How Jack Sparrow Made It Into the Ride (and Why the Curse Wasn’t His) (Ep. 539) 52:59

1d ago52:59

52:59

Len Testa and Jim Hill tackle a packed show, from new Eat to the Beat concert acts and Test Track Lightning Lane changes to a survey that hints at Disney bundling sports vacations with ESPN and Adventures by Disney. Then in the main segment, Jim unpacks the wild story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise—including how one clever Imag…

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Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58) 1:03:48

5d ago1:03:48

1:03:48

In this explosive Fourth of July episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey ride the rails of ghostly New England folklore and land in the middle of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights house reveals. From Norwegian monsters and homicidal dolls to the surprise announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, this episode i…

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Toy Meets Tech: What Toy Story 5 Says About Disney’s Future (Ep. 54) 49:42

6d ago49:42

49:42

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and a new iPad-inspired character named Lilypad, this fifth entry isn’t just a sequel - it might be Disney’s most self-aware film …

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Lilo & Stitch 2 Announced, Elio Holds, and Akira’s Live-Action Deal Expires (Ep. 313) 37:24

8d ago37:24

37:24

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite (despite a case of post-Annecy crud) to cover a wide range of animation and industry news, including: Disney officially announces Lilo & Stitch 2 after the live-action original crosses $945M globally. Elio holds better than expected with a solid second weekend as it climbs past $42M …

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Rebuilding the Future: How Innoventions Replaced CommuniCore (Ep. 538) 49:23

9d ago49:23

49:23

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Disney news, including a major update to the dining reservation system, a rerouted parade to improve park flow, and the latest tweaks at Epic Universe. Then, Jim dives into the real story of how Epcot’s CommuniCore was shut down and transformed into Innoventions—Disney’s answer to a park in crisis. With budge…

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Rebuilding the Future: How Innoventions Replaced CommuniCore (Ep. 538) 49:23

9d ago49:23

49:23

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Disney news, including a major update to the dining reservation system, a rerouted parade to improve park flow, and the latest tweaks at Epic Universe. Then, Jim dives into the real story of how Epcot’s CommuniCore was shut down and transformed into Innoventions—Disney’s answer to a park in crisis. With budge…

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Manufacturing the Magic: Further Advancement in Animatronics 29:48

11d ago29:48

29:48

In the seventeenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continue their look back at the history of themed entertainment. This time around, they're joined by veteran Imagineer Joe Lanzisero, who looks back at how AA figures were developed for the Disney Parks. Throughout today's episode, listeners will learn about: How Ele…

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Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57) 47:02

12d ago47:02

47:02

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielber…

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Episode 38 - “Winging It Since 1982: A Bonus Chat with Jo Sparrow” 1:38:16

12d ago1:38:16

1:38:16

Send us a text Hey Everyone, and welcome to this special bonus ep of The Australian Adoption Podcast. This one’s a bit different - I’m flipping the mic and sharing an interview I did with Jo Sparrow on Adopt Perspective. We get into all of it - early care, family, reunion, identity, and what healing really looks like over time. Jo asks the kind of …

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The Poster Wars: How Aladdin, Fantasia, and Drew Struzan Shaped Disney History (Ep. 53) 55:07

13d ago55:07

55:07

In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to se…

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Customer Journey with Samantha Irwin 1:19:38

13d ago1:19:38

1:19:38

In this episode, we chat with Samantha Irwin—a former teacher and boutique hotel owner—about what she’s learned from leading teams and creating standout customer experiences. With years in the hospitality industry under her belt, Samantha shares practical advice on staff training, building a positive work culture, and making every customer feel see…

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Annecy, Disneyland Paris, and the Animation News You Missed While Drew Was in France (Ep. 312) 45:56

15d ago45:56

45:56

On this week’s jet-lagged edition of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor keep things quick but packed with insight. Drew is back from his travels—and despite the sleep deprivation, he’s ready to recap his time at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and his first-ever visit to Disneyland Paris. How Annecy 2025 addressed AI concerns a…

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Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis (Ep. 537) 55:04

16d ago55:04

55:04

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just …

1
Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis (Ep. 537) 55:04

16d ago55:04

55:04

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just …

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How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56) 51:56

19d ago51:56

51:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding i…

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Scents, Sweets, and Storytelling: How Disney Hooks You with Smell (Ep. 52) 53:30

20d ago53:30

53:30

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they di…

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Beauty and the Beast at 30, Elio Projections, and the Live-Action Dragon’s Box Office (Ep. 311) 55:57

22d ago55:57

55:57

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers the latest from the animation and box office world while Drew Taylor wraps up his trip to Annecy and Disneyland Paris. This week’s highlights include: Live-action How to Train Your Dragon opens to $197M globally, including a $83M domestic debut that surpasses every previous entry in the franchis…

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How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination Pavilion All Nearly Happened (Ep. 536) 1:06:20

23d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Fi…

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How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination Pavilion All Nearly Happened (Ep. 536) 1:06:20

23d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Fi…

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Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of Nickelodeon Studios (Ep. 55) 59:18

26d ago59:18

59:18

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this sum…

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The Cookie King of Disney Springs: Inside the Story of Gideon's Bakehouse with Steve Lewis (Ep. 51) 57:55

27d ago57:55

57:55

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative,…

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Staff Culture with Julie and Robin Cates 1:19:18

27d ago1:19:18

1:19:18

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Julie and Robin Cates from On the Pot in Salina, Kansas. With 23 years of experience under their belts, these two have figured out not just how to hire great team members—but how to keep them. They share what they look for in a new hire, how they run interviews, their training strategies, and why giving young p…

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Lilo & Stitch Still Soars, Dragon Whoppers Reviewed, and Fantasia’s Forgotten Soundtrack (Ep. 310) 45:21

28d ago45:21

45:21

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include: Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on? A live-action Tan…

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Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and Kodak Regrets) (Ep. 535) 1:02:29

30d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The…

1
Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and Kodak Regrets) (Ep. 535) 1:02:29

30d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The…

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

1M 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…

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

1M 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…