Idle Prattle

HERCULES (1997) - Part 2 - Welcome back to the land of Ancient Greece as we discuss one of the most fun and energetic Disney soundtracks of all time. Plus things get intense as we debate our love and hate of a certain "Anti-Princess," and whether or not she should become an official Disney Princess.

HERCULES (1997) - This week we arrive to Chris's favorite film as we discuss the first Disney film based off of a myth. We talk about the swirly animation, the wild origin story, and the oddly lukewarm reception to this renaissance gem. Was this movie under-appreciated at the time? Should it be held in higher regard now? Join as we discuss these thoughts and more!

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1996) - Part 2 - This week we are joined by a very special guest - Abigail's mom, Helga! (That's "Momma Bo" to you!) With her music expertise, we dive deep into the songs and score of "Hunchback" - as well as talk about Romani representation and the religious exploration throughout the film.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1996) - Part 1 - Join the prattlers as they discuss the darkness of one of Abigail's favorite movies. We touch on some serious plot points as well as talk about how the animation team managed to recreate Notre Dame so accurately!

POCAHONTAS (1995) - Part 2 - This week we round the riverbed into rocky waters as we discuss the incredible, breathtaking music and the questionable impact of this film. We get into matters of how Disney portrays (and doesn't portray) real life historical events and whether or not that scars this film's legacy. This episode features a segment with special guest Nicole W.

POCAHONTAS (1995) - We kick off the second half of the Renaissance by talking about the beautiful artistic journey of "Pocahontas." We discuss the stunning animation and talk about our favorite characters, all while digging through our history books to point out the wild historical inaccuracies throughout the film.

On October 1, 2020, we held hands, held our breath, and clicked "upload" to our very first episode. A full year (and 51 episodes!) later we take a moment to reflect on our favorite moments, play some fun games, and reveal our hopes for the future of the podcast. Thank you to everyone who has joined us this past year - here's to another year of podcast magic! Love, Abigail, Chris & Eli

It's Mailbag Time! This week we answer your questions and read comments from listeners while revisiting the first half of the Disney Renaissance. Listen as we cover The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

This week we discuss Broadway's "The Lion King," the extremely meta Prequel/Sequel "The Lion King 1 ½" and many other projects within the Lion King's expanded universe... With shout outs from previous guest Francesca F. and Broadway actor Ramon Reed.

THE LION KING (1994) - Part 2 - We are once again joined by Francesca F, but this time we discuss her favorite film! Join in as we talk about the incredible music, whether or not the "color blind" cast has a place in 2021, and why Whoopi Goldberg is all over the Disney Company.

THE LION KING (1994) - Welcome back to another Disney love-fest as we discuss one of the biggest animated features of all time. Listen as we talk about the brilliant animation, rediscover how a film that takes risks can pay off, and how a children's movie can still address deep and powerful topics.

BONUS! Get ready for Eli's best day ever as we talk about BOTH Aladdin sequels. The Return of Jafar (1994) and The King of Thieves (1996). This loose and fun episode covers both the bad and the good as we talk about the first ever Direct-To-Home-Video Sequels and finish the story of the ~drama~ surrounding Robin Williams!

ALADDIN (1992) - Your second wish has been granted - More Aladdin! What starts off as a rave review of the stellar voice cast and award winning music turns into a deep and difficult conversation on whether or not this film holds up. Join us as we have a few laughs (and yes, a few tears!).

ALADDIN (1992) - Your first wish has been granted! In part one of our discussion we talk about the movie that became a cultural phenomenon and kicked off a winning streak for the Disney Company. As we discuss Eli's favorite movie, we touch on the stellar animation and the true legacy that Aladdin left behind.

BONUS! In this shortened episode we discuss the 2017 Beauty and the Beast live action remake! We'll talk about the changes we loved, the ones we hated, and why Disney loves to continuously tout their "first gay character."

BEAUTY & THE BEAST (1991) - In Part 2 we are once again joined by guest Jordan Hart! Listen along as we discuss the epic score and the no skip soundtrack. Then hear us talk about this films representation of women and whether it holds up as a love story today.

BEAUTY & THE BEAST (1991) - In the first half of our enchanted discussion we are joined again by Jordan H. to discuss what many consider to be the pinnacle of Disney Animation. Abigail gushes over her all-time favorite film, as we talk about the insane animation, which character fits our personalities best, and the awards legacy this film still holds.

THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (1990) - In this episode we discuss the first ever Disney sequel, it's complete lack of Australian characters, and the innovative new animation technology used to create it.

THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989) - In Part 2 we discuss how this film is a Queer story, whether or not it can be viewed in a feminist frame, and how Disney depicts "beauty" and body image. Listen along as we play some new games, dish on the voice cast, and seriously debate which song is the best from the film...and maybe of all time?

THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989) - Welcome to the Renaissance! In the first half of our under-the-sea discussion we gush over this historic film and how it has effected all of our lives! Listen along as we talk about our favorite moments, the history of this film, and the genius of Howard Ashman. (Please excuse any sappiness along the way)

It's Mailbag Time! This week we answer your questions and read comments from listeners while revisiting each of the 4 Dark Age films. Listen along as we talk about Abigail and Chris's "Dark Age Feud," Discuss a wild secret about Disneyland after dark, and get ready to begin the Disney Renaissance! Please fill out our audience questionnaire so we can hear all your thoughts on the podcast so far and...

OLIVER & COMPANY (1988) - This week we are joined by special guest Lauren Parker as we discuss the most 80's cartoon ever created. Chris puts on his nostalgia glasses as we talk about this film's amazing "lost" soundtrack, the concept of racist caricatures, and which cat is really the cutest of them all... (hint: According to Lauren, her name is Maggie). Join us as we finish out the Dark Age w...

THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE (1986) brings the story of Sherlock Holmes to Disney in a unique way! This week we discuss the big steps that the company takes in animation, the behind the scenes turmoil due to the new management at Disney, and whether or not Ratigan is the most underrated villain yet!

THE BLACK CAULDRON (1985) is a Disney movie... we promise! This week we discuss the rocky journey of how this film was made (and subsequently buried) by the Disney company, whether or not the film is accessible to a wide audience, and how it represents women. Join along as Abigail and Chris ~feud~ over which famous character Gurgi most resembles and Eli discusses his new favorite line of dialogue...

BONUS! In this episode we discuss the only sequel of Disney's Dark Age: The Fox and the Hound 2 (2006). Tune in to hear about this "midquel" and the unexpected and beloved star of the film: Reba McEntire!