The League of Extraordinary Storytellers

What makes an Audio-Animatronics character feel alive? In this episode of  The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , Theron Skees speaks with Doug Griffith, creative leader, animator, concept designer, educator, and subject matter expert in Audio-Animatronics animation. Doug shares insights from his decades-long career at Walt Disney Imagineering, including the early WED Enterprises days, EPCOT,...

In this episode of  The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , I speak with Dave Hoffman, former Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Development Executive with a 35-year career in themed entertainment. Dave shares insights on experience design, storytelling, and creative leadership, including his work across Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort. The conversation explores collaboration, guest ex...

In this episode of  The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , Theron Skees speaks with Lyndsey Archer, former Walt Disney Imagineering designer and Founder of Studio Archer. Lyndsey shares how experience design creates emotional connection, how art and interior architecture evolve into immersive environments, and what it takes to lead collaborative teams across global projects. The conversation e...

In this episode of  The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , Theron Skees speaks with Jason McManus, Principal and Executive Creative Director at TAIT and former Walt Disney Imagineering creative leader. Jason shares how experience design creates emotional connection, why creative directors must communicate across disciplines, and how the themed entertainment industry continues to evolve globall...

Season 2 opens with experience design pioneer Pigalle Tavakkoli. From immersive theatre to global education and consulting, Pigalle shares how experiences move beyond spectacle to create internal transformation—shifting how people feel, think, and act. We explore the evolution from design thinking to experience thinking, the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, and why the future of organizat...

For the Season 1 finale, Theron Skees talks with  James Wallman , CEO of the World Experience Organization, about the future of experiences and their growing role in culture, business, and human behavior. James shares insights on why experiences matter more than ever, how the Experience Economy continues to evolve, and why “transformation” represents the next major opportunity for creators and org...

How do you lead when creativity and commerce collide? In this episode,  Tony Mancini —a veteran of Disney, MGM Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands—joins host  Theron Skees  to explore how story, brand, and business come together to create unforgettable guest experiences. From his “six P’s” framework to his philosophy of excellence over perfection, Tony shares insights that reveal how collaboration, accou...

In this episode of  The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , Theron speaks with  Joseph Pine , co-author of  The Experience Economy  and one of the most influential thinkers in business today. They explore how The Experience Economy continues to shape industries—from theme parks and retail to technology and hospitality—and why emotional connection and intentional design remain the ultimate diffe...

In Episode 10 of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, I sit down with Peter Weishar, Founding Director of the Themed Experience program at UCF, to explore the frontlines of themed entertainment education. Peter shares his journey from graphic design and gaming to pioneering academic programs that prepare the next generation of storytellers and experience designers. We talk about collaboration...

In Episode 9, I sit down with former Imagineer and current UT Austin educator Mk Haley for a candid look at what it really takes to build a lasting career in themed entertainment. We talk about reframing your existing skills, thriving in a project-based world, and embracing new technologies like AI. Whether you're a seasoned creative or just breaking in, Mk’s insights offer clarity, inspiration, a...

From iconic Disney attractions to expansive universes like Marvel and The Simpsons, Jason Surrell has helped shape some of the most enduring stories in themed entertainment. In this episode, he reflects on a career rooted in discipline, collaboration, and creative vision. Listeners will gain practical insight into how great stories are structured—and why consistency and clarity are the unsung hero...

Are we ready for what’s next? In this episode, I talk with industry veteran Louis Alfieri about how technologies like AI are changing the way we tell stories, design experiences, and build across borders. It’s a thoughtful conversation on creativity, collaboration, and the mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly transforming world.

What makes a creative process truly great?  Join me as I host Joe Lanzisero, a visionary force behind some of Disney’s most beloved experiences. In this episode of  The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , Joe reflects on his journey from animation to Imagineering, the importance of “plusing” ideas, and how blending creativity with practicality results in unforgettable experiences. Tune in for s...

In this episode of the League of Extraordinary Storytellers, host Theron Skees interviews Melody Matheny, an attraction designer with over 24 years of experience in the theme entertainment industry. They discuss Melody's career journey, the importance of networking, the significance of creating memorable experiences for guests, and the balance between creative and technical skills. Melody emphasiz...

In this episode of the League of Extraordinary Storytellers, host Theron Skees engages with Chris Lattner, a trailblazer in immersive storytelling and escape room design. They explore the journey of storytelling from role-playing games to creating highly themed immersive adventures. Chris shares insights on the importance of detail in themed environments, collaboration among multidisciplinary team...

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers , host Theron Skees sits down with Francisco Nunez, president of Frank N Design, to explore the intersection of architecture, technology, and themed experience design. They discuss Frank’s journey from the Dominican Republic to the world of themed entertainment, the role of 3D visualization in translating creative vision into reality, and...

In this episode, I sit down with Stacy Barton, a brilliant writer, performer, and experience designer with over 25 years of expertise in themed entertainment. From her work with Disney and SeaWorld to her passion for live entertainment, Stacy shares how performers bring immersive worlds to life, turning beautifully designed spaces into dynamic, interactive experiences. We dive into the collaborati...

In this inaugural episode of the League of Extraordinary Storytellers, host Theron Skees interviews Craig Russell, a veteran of Disney Imagineering, about his journey and insights into the themed entertainment industry. The conversation covers Craig's extensive experience in designing and executing theme parks, the importance of collaboration and leadership in creative projects, and the challenges...