The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a nostalgic journey through Universal’s lesser-known history, focusing on the Ma & Pa Kettle film series and its unexpected impact on Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they also dive into the latest Universal news and rumors. Highlights include: The Ma & Pa Kettle Film Legacy: How these quirky, small-town charac...

In this episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down a massive week in animation news, including: Disney’s shocking decision to cancel the Tiana series for Disney+ and why the studio is stepping away from long-form streaming content. Ne Zha 2’s unprecedented box office run – How the Chinese animated film crossed $2 billion and is climbing the list of the highest-grossing films ever. Jon Favreau’s...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal new details about the Indiana Jones ride planned for Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas land, including early concept art, ride storylines, and how Imagineering is staying true to Maya culture. Plus, Len shares insights from an archaeology conference where Disney presented these plans to Maya experts. Indiana Jones Ride Concept Art – A closer look at the Ma...

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest news about Epic Universe as team member previews begin, along with rumors about the highly anticipated Wolfman coaster. Plus, they explore Universal’s expanding horror offerings and what’s next for theme park fans. Highlights include: Epic Universe Team Member Previews: What early reactions reveal about th...

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the secrets behind Disney’s gift shops and why you’re always tempted to buy merch after every ride. From Mattel’s influence in the 1990s to the psychological tricks Imagineers use to boost sales, you’ll never look at a Disney gift shop the same way again. • The 57-Second Rule – How Disney learned that you need to see merch wi...

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the 97th Academy Awards. They then offer up a tribute to the late great publicist & animation champion, Fumi Kitahara Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: When is “Ne Zha 2” expected to blow through the $2 billion barrier at the worldwide box office Which produced-by-Marvel-Animation series just got renewed for a fifth sea...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by award-winning journalist Neil O’Brien to explore the most under-reported period in Disney’s history—the years between Walt’s death and Michael Eisner’s arrival. Neil’s new book, "After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company," uncovers how Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law and former CEO, helped shape the...

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Jim Henson’s Muppets found their way to Universal Pictures with The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal. Plus, they cover the latest Universal Studios news, from Super Bowl ads to Epic Universe food reveals. Highlights include: The Great Muppet Caper at Universal: How Universal Pictures got involved with Jim He...

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey uncover the fascinating history of why Disney fans always exit through a gift shop. From strategic design choices to corporate sponsorships, Disney has perfected the art of making sure you leave with a little extra magic in your bag. The Origins of Exit Gift Shops – How early Disney parks positioned stores for maximum spending. Mattel’...

In this episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the latest in animation news, including: Ne Zha 2’s historic box office run – How the Chinese animated epic became the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, surpassing Frozen 2. Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King and DreamWorks’ Dog Man hit digital – What their home release means for the industry. The rise of adult animation – Robot Chicken cele...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill, joined by former Imagineer Jim Shull, dive into the fascinating history of Buffalo Junction, the resort Disney almost built between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Inspired by Disneyland Paris, this Wild West-themed destination was set to include a working railroad, frontier town-style hotel, and a live Buffalo Bill Wild West show—so what happened? Buffalo...

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey continue their deep dive into The Muppets’ surprising relationship with Universal Studios, exploring how Jim Henson’s creations almost found a home with the studio long before Disney. Plus, they cover the latest Universal news and updates. Highlights include: The Muppets & Universal: How The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Cry...

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to discuss Disney’s long-lost currency, exciting new merch releases, and how Disney fans keep the magic alive through collectibles. The History of Disney Dollars – How Disney once printed its own money, why it disappeared, and whether it could make a comeback. Pin Trading’s 25th Anniversary – The latest mus...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into the biggest stories in animation, including: The live-action How to Train Your Dragon – Drew shares behind-the-scenes details from his visit to the Universal lot, where he sat in the editing bay with director Dean DeBlois. The Academy Awards race heats up! With the Oscars just two weeks away, The Wild Robot and Flow battle for Bes...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Hollywood Studios’ unannounced Villaintines Day event, Disney’s history of lost resort projects, and Universal’s wild new food lineup for Epic Universe. Villaintines Day at Hollywood Studios – How Disney surprised guests with an unannounced villains-themed event, complete with rare character greetings and themed giveaways. Cypress Point Lodge: The Disne...

In this February 2025 episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan cover the latest developments in the Star Wars universe and beyond: Is Ryan Gosling joining the galaxy far, far away? A deep dive into Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars movie and what it means for the franchise. The surprising transformation of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—how Disney Imagineering is repurposing the...

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating history of The Muppets and their surprising connection to Universal Studios. Plus, they cover the latest Universal news and updates. Highlights include: The Muppets & Universal: How The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal were distributed by Universal, raising the question—did Universal almost hav...

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating history of The Muppets and their surprising connection to Universal Studios. Plus, they cover the latest Universal news and updates. Highlights include: The Muppets & Universal: How The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal were distributed by Universal, raising the question—did Universal almost hav...

In this Valentine’s Day episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into all things Disney love, from dream weddings to magical merch and one of the strangest Disney proposals ever. New Cinderella 75th Anniversary Merch – Cakeworthy’s latest collection celebrates the Disney classic with stunning apparel and accessories. Disney Weddings and Vow Renewals – What does it cost to say “I...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down one of the biggest nights in animation as The Wild Robot dominates the Annie Awards, winning eight major categories. They also dive into the frustrating fate of Coyote vs. Acme, the Warner Bros. live-action/animated film that was shelved despite glowing reviews. Plus, they discuss Dog Man’s unexpected second-week box office drop...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dive into the history of Fort Wilderness and River Country, including the expansion that almost happened and how Disney’s first water park became a fan favorite before shutting down. Plus, Jim continues the story of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge and why it never made it off the ground. River Country’s Rise and Fall: How Disney’s first water park became wild...

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a deep dive into the history of How to Train Your Dragon and how it became one of DreamWorks’ most beloved franchises. Plus, they break down all the latest Universal news! First-Time Viewing Experience: Eric shares his reaction to watching How to Train Your Dragon for the first time and how it changed his excitement for E...

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill, Lauren Hersey, and special guest Eric Hersey dive into the surprising crossover between Disney and the biggest sporting event of the year—the Super Bowl. The origins of the legendary "I'm Going to Disneyland" phrase and how it all started with Jane Eisner’s brilliant idea. Michael Eisner’s deep love of sports and how it led to Disney owning The Mighty...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: Dog Man’s impressive $36M opening weekend and what it means for DreamWorks Animation. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the fascinating history behind Splash Mountain’s reimagining. Will Ferrell’s viral Buddy the Elf moment at an LA Kings game and his surprising reason for rejecting Elf 2. Updates on The Simpsons’ upcoming season and exc...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the surprising history of annual passes—how Disneyland accidentally created a theme park membership program and what Disney might have in store next. Plus, Jim continues the saga of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the resort that made it to the concept art phase but never to reality. The Origins of Annual Passes: How Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Club s...