Synergy Loves Company: How Disney Connects to Everything

Explore the early days of Disney’s foray into video games, focusing on the company’s collaboration with Sierra On-Line during the 1980s. The episode covers the background of Disney’s interest in emerging technology under CEO Ron Miller, the animation studio’s response to the home video and gaming boom, and how Sierra On-Line grew from a family-run business into a leader in graphic adventure games....

This episode has been previously recorded Some elements have been edited for the audio format! Join Eric LIVE for a celebration of Synergy Loves Company—and Disney’s ever-expanding web of brand magic! From Mickey Mouse on Formula 1 cars, to Star Wars teaming up with Coca-Cola, to Marvel popping up on your breakfast table with General Mills—we're unpacking the latest in Disney's corporate crossover...

Its the story of how Disney embraced synthesizers and electronic music technology throughout its history. Topics covered include the early days of electronic sound with the Teleharmonium and magnetic tape, how Disney used tape to control the original audio-animatronics, the evolution of synthesizers from Bob Moog’s invention and the theremin, and the music of early electronic artists like Perry &a...

Pick-it-up! Pick-it-up! Pick-it-up! I've got a ska-tastic surprise for you, Disney fans! Ever wondered how the upbeat rhythms of ska music have danced their way into the magical world of Disney? Get ready to discover the unexpected connections between these two seemingly different universes. In this video, we'll explore the three waves of ska and how they've intersected with Disney's history. From...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric is joined by Shaun Jex, author of "Dreaming in Digital: The World of Disney Video Games," to explore the extensive history of Disney’s involvement in the world of video games. They discuss the origins of Disney games, starting with the early Nintendo Game & Watch releases, and trace the evolution through classic titles like DuckTale...

Explore Five Incredible Disney Imagineering Projects Hiding in Everyday Places Outside the Parks. You'll discover how Disney's Imagineers contributed to public spaces like the Houston Airport with the Wedway PeopleMover, the space-age Encounter Restaurant at LAX, and their work in children’s hospitals with interactive and comforting environments. Eric discusses Port Discovery Children’s Museum in...

Eric dives into the surprising story of how the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers became part of the Disney family. From Haim Saban’s early days as a music producer to building Saban Entertainment, we cover his work in cartoon music, partnerships with Deac, successful shows like X-Men: The Animated Series, and the process of adapting Super Sentai into Power Rangers for American TV. We explore the evolu...

The Incredible World of DiC meets the Wonderful World of Disney On this episode of Synergy Loves Company, Eric explores the surprising connections between DIC Entertainment and Disney, focusing on how beloved cartoons like Inspector Gadget ended up as Disney properties. The episode covers DIC’s origins in France, the company’s partnerships with prominent animation studios, and its expansion into t...

Check out these Libraries in Disney Parks, in the Walt Disney Company, and in your own Community! Amanda Pemberton (Main Street Library) joins Eric to explore the fascinating intersection of Disney and libraries in Real Life. In honor of National Library Week, they explore Disney libraries and library-like spaces in the Parks, in the Studio, and of course, you can find Disney in Libraries in your...

Jim Varney Tops Mickey Mouse at the Indy 500 and Michael Eisner gives Ernest a Job. In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric takes you on a nostalgic journey exploring the fascinating connections between Disney and the beloved character Ernest P. Worrell, created by Jim Varney and John Cherry. Eric uncovers the surprising Disney synergy behind Ernest's rise to fame, his multi-movie deal...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, Eric dives into the fascinating history and connections between Disney and Marriott. Discover how theme parks like Disneyland inspired similar ventures worldwide, including Marriott's own Great America parks. Explore the beginnings of Marriott as a root beer stand and its evolution into a global hospitality giant, drawing parallels with Disney's expansion....

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric explores Disney's history with construction, focusing on their longstanding partnership with Tishman. From the challenges faced during Walt Disney World's construction to the collaboration on Epcot in the early 1980s, the episode delves into Disney's decision to work with Tishman to bring this ambitious theme park to life. Eric discusses Tishman'...

Long Before Pixar, Marvel, LucasFilm, 20th Century Fox and even ABC disney Acquired Arvida!  In this episode of "Synergy Loves Company," we delve into the intriguing history of Disney's first major acquisition under CEO Ron Miller, Arvida. We explore how this acquisition came about as a defensive strategy against corporate raider Saul Steinberg and how it ultimately led to Miller's ousti...

Explore the unique connections between filmmaker David Lynch and Disney in this episode of Synergy Loves Company. Eric dives into Lynch's cinematic career, highlighting key works like "Eraserhead," "The Elephant Man," "Blue Velvet," and his television masterpiece "Twin Peaks." During which he rubbed shoulders with some Future Disney CEO’s. Discover Lynch's n...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric delves into Disney's efforts to promote healthier eating with the Mickey Check, now known as the Disney Check. We explore the program's origins in 2005 when the FDA revised dietary guidelines and childhood obesity was declared an epidemic. Eric discusses how Disney introduced nutritional guidelines informed by the FDA, starting with kids' meals i...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric delves into the fascinating connections between Hallmark and Disney, exploring their parallel beginnings and shared history. Discover how both companies, with humble origins in Kansas City, rose to create expansive global legacies that bring magic and memories into millions of homes. Eric discusses Walt Disney's journey to Hollywood, JC Hall's po...

In this episode of "Synergy Loves Company," Eric and guest Bethanee from Park Swagger Tees dive into the quirky world of "Mickey Unwrapped," a 1994 Disney album mixing iconic characters with hip hop tunes. They explore the surprising and sometimes risqué lyrics sung by Minnie Mouse, and critique songs like "Ducks in the Hood" and "DJ Goof." The episode highl...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric takes listeners on a journey through the intertwined legacies of Whitney Houston and Disney. Starting with Whitney's iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance, Eric explores her rise to stardom and her transition to the silver screen with films like "The Bodyguard" and Disney's "The Preacher’s Wife." He delves into her work as a prod...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric delves into the fascinating connection between Disney and GoPro. Discover Disney's historical relationship with cameras, from the early days of the Alice Comedies using Bell and Howell cameras to the revolutionary multiplane camera in classic animations like Snow White. Learn about GoPro's origins with Nick Woodman and how it became a staple in c...

In this episode of "Synergy Loves Company," host Eric is joined by returning guest, Author, Jamie Hecker to explore the intersection of Disney and U.S. presidencies. They discuss the importance of civic duty and voting, highlighting both presidential and local elections. The conversation delves into the historical connections between Disney and American presidents, from Walt Disney's adm...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric explores the intriguing connections between Prince and Disney in the final installment of the eighties pop trinity trilogy. Dive into the Minneapolis music scene of the seventies that shaped Prince's musicianship and his perfectionist approach, drawing parallels to Walt Disney himself. Discover Prince's appearances on Muppets Tonight and his work...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, Eric dives into the connections between The King of Pop Michael Jackson and Disney. Starting from Michael's early days with the Jackson 5 and their cover of "Zip A Dee Doo Dah," to their appearance on Sandy in Disneyland, and Michael's solo career participation in Disneyland's 25th and 30th anniversaries. Discover how Michael's admiration for Dis...

In this 50th episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric launches a new miniseries exploring the holy trinity of 1980s pop music: Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince. In this episode, Eric delves into Madonna’s early life and career beginnings, including her formation and departure from the band The Breakfast Club and her slight connection to the hot mess that is Disney Channel's Mother Goose Roc...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, Dr. Cody Havard joins host Eric to delve into the world of Disney fandom. They discuss the influence of family in shaping fan behavior, the unique bond between being introduced to Disney and becoming a fan, and the strong emotional attachment fans have to the brand. From Disney's size as an entertainment company and its acquisitions, to who wants to take D...

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric explores the experiences of visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney World within a few months of each other. He delves into topics like the blessing of size, comparing the parks, and how each park offers a unique experience. In trying to capture the vibes of the parks on both coasts, Eric also draws analogies between the parks and music albums, makin...