Congrats To Jim...And His Wonderful One-Year Old Baby!

 If you know Jim Christian, you know certain things about him. You know he's a passionate individual--passionate about many things. He loves the theater. He loves music. He loves laughing. He loves creating magic and getting the most out of those he directs and teaches...

And he loves Disney...all things Disney.

So, when I heard Jim was going to start a podcast about all things Disney, I knew certain things. I knew he'd make it as professional and entertaining as possible. I knew he'd try and share his love of Disney to as many people as possible. I knew he'd have wonderful guests and he'd make those guests's experience as fun as possible--for both them and the audience.

And I knew he'd stick with it.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Jim's podcast, That Old Mouse Magic Podcast. If I missed any episodes, it wasn't many. There's much I've learned about Disneyland, Walt Disney World, the other theme parks across the globe, and the other Disney venues, cruise ships, resorts, etc. I've learned about which rides are the best, a lot of history behind the parks, the rides, and the food. And I'm not a self-described "Disney geek" and still enjoy the stories and the memories of others.

The hardest part of any venture is dedication. Jim is a busy man. I'm sure there's other things he could do--other things that also bring joy to people, but he's continued pushing out episodes, doing interviews, even creating an online store for his show. And it doesn't sound like he's slowing down a bit.

Congratulations Jim! May you keep that magic flowing.

Because Of A Thought I Had In 2017...A Podcast Was Made In 2020

Life is funny, sometimes. I know, you only have to look at a news website or turn on cable news nowadays and things don't seem funny, but just the opposite.

Still, there are people out there making art and trying to make the world the best place possible--current events, be damned. One of these people is Jim Christian. Today, as I listened to his latest installment of his podcast, That Old Mouse Magic, I smiled.

I smiled because had a thought that came to me back in 2017 not happened, this particular podcast would most likely not have existed. And because of that, as I listened to the conversation unfold between the interviewer and interviewee, I smiled even more knowing I had a part to play.

In 2017 I was one of a number of Salt Lake Comic Con panelist submitting ideas to the powers that be to see if our ideas could be chosen for the convention. More importantly, I submitted panel ideas to see if I could attend another con as a panelist. Not every idea submitted gets chosen, so you have to "up your game" to get the attention of the programming director for each show.

I remember approaching that particular comic con with a new idea--I was going to pitch Disney topics (I think I pitched four or five for that show...). The reason I pitched so many is because I wanted the con patrons to experience the "Disney Force of Nature" that is Jim Christian. I corresponded with him and he expressed his interest in doing the panels so I pitched panel idea after panel idea. Thankfully, several of my ideas were chosen. The name of one of the panels: Why Do We Love All Things Disney?

When details of the panels were announced, I was chosen as the panel moderator. Other than Jim, I didn't personally know the other panelists, but one was a popular podcaster Holly Frey from the Stuff You Missed in. History Class podcast--one of my personal favorites. The panel came and went and it was a huge success (you can read my blog post form 2017 about the panel by clicking: HERE). I counted my self blessed to be included with so many amazing Disney junkies.

Fast forward almost three years. Jim has begun an incredible podcast of his own and he had as his guest for the latest episode Holly Frey. In their discussion they mentioned the comic com where they first met. They have since vacationed at Walt Disney World together and hearing about their experiences made my day.

Life is funny, sometimes. Sometimes we have no idea the repercussions of our actions--be they good or bad--but sometimes, like today, I saw a direct impact of one of my ideas and how people's lives were--not necessarily changed--but affected by a simple thought. Good job, Jim and Holly! Let me know if you want to do another Disney panel at our next con, and I'll pitch it. Who knows what'll happen? I'm sure it'll bring more smiles to my face, and maybe to others as well.

That Old Mouse Magic Podcast...A New Way To Get Your Disney Fix

There are many out there that are experiencing withdrawals. Their addictions cannot be satisfied in the time of Covid. They frit and fumble, they moan and mumble, and they yearn for the time when they can, once again, be gratified.

I'm not talking about things most people think about when they hear the word "addicted." 

I'm talking about Disney.

Yes, we have the movies, and the app, and pictures of vacations past, but for many, the inability to visit the parks, the resorts, even the cruises cause them angst. I know it's not a replacement, but help is on the way.

In the form of a new podcast, That Old Mouse Magic.

Jim Christian, a walking Disney encyclopedia, is your host and guide. If you know Jim, you understand there's not a better person for these roles. His love of the Disney universe is infectious, and I know he'll bring that attitude and experience to each episode.

The podcast is new, only three installments, but more are coming. Even if you don't know Mr. Christian, if you love Disney, subscribe. You won't be disappointed. And it may just help with the addiction many of you have.

Our "Why Do We Love All Things Disney?" Panel...Went Swimmingly!

As days separate today from the last day of the most resent Salt Lake Comic Con, I see fewer pictures on social media and less talk about what an amazing experience it was. It's as if the experiences are little by little put away, stored like so many cosplay costumes in drawers, boxes, or disassembled all together.

But some memories remain, both good and bad. I remember for this year's con, I was exhausted much of the time (that's happening more and more as I get older...). I remember having to leave early to go to a side job. But what I remember most was the last event I attended on the con's last day, a panel I submitted entitled, Why Do We Love All Things Disney?

And it went great!

When a panel idea is submitted, you never know if it's going to actually take place. There are many great panel ideas that don't make it. When I found out, not only was it chosen, but I would be a part of it--that's a good feeling. Better still, when I researched who else would be on the panel, I became more excited.

I knew Jim Christian and I knew how great he'd be on the panel--if you know Jim you know he's Mr. Disney. I also knew of another panelist, Holly Frey, a nationally-recognized podcaster and self-admitted Disney fanatic. One of the best parts of doing panels is getting to know those with whom you share a stage. I met for the first time Saturday afternoon fellow panelists Valerie Cameron-Walker, Aaron Evans, and Scott Renshaw. We had writers, filmmakers, podcasters, directors, actors all represented. It was a great line-up.

Usually when I moderate a panel I count on getting through about 1/2 hour of discussion, then the audience helps bail me out. On this particular panel, I didn't think we'd get to the audience. I knew Jim could speak for hours on Disney without breaking a sweat. Turns out I was right. The panelists had enough amazing stories about all things Disney, we filled the fifty minutes with home run-worthy Disney content.

I'm hoping the others felt good about our panel. And I hope those attending left the room feeling like they learned about not only us on the panel, but more about themselves as well.

Centerpoint Theatre's "Beauty And The Beast"...It Brought Back The Memories

This afternoon we loaded up the van and saw Centerpoint Theatre's production of Beauty & the Beast. I knew I would enjoy it--the music alone is fantastic. But what I didn't anticipate was the memories that flooded back to me.

In 2005, the incomparable Jim Christian and Rodger's Memorial Theatre (the forerunner to Centerpoint...) put on the same show. My son and I were fortunate enough to be cast, and we had a Gaston that could have walked right into Disneyland and played the part.

I was casts as an ensemble member and D'Arque.

Oh, and a cheese grater.

My son was cast as Chip.

Here's what he looked like then...

And what he looks like now.

My son and I did a lot of shows when he was younger. He kept acting in school doing mostly Shakespeare productions. Tonight my son and I both watched the show together. I watched new friends in the show and it reminded me of all the wonderful friendships I made in that show eleven years ago.

People go to the theatre (or a movie, or a sporting event...) for many reasons. They mostly go so they can feel something, excitement, fear, joy, pain, basically anything. This afternoon I went to a great show and reminisced. Amazing things happen both on stage and in the audience. I've been lucky enough to experience these things from both sides.

To Jim, On His Birthday...

When you write a daily blog, it's difficult to stay uni-topical, at least it is for me. So to fill the digital pages of this blog, I write about several things, photography, writing, my family, my day job (though, I try to avoid writing about that subject--it may be too exciting for some audiences...), and other things I find interesting.

Occasionally, I write about people that I admire, sometimes my friends, sometimes not, but always people I respect and in some way deserve recognition. You might think writing about people you admire would be easy, a simple exercise in putting how you feel on the blog. And sometimes it is--the words flow.

But, there are times when the thought of writing about a particular person makes me a little nervous, which brings me to Jim Christian.

Now, it's not that Jim makes me nervous, far from it (except, of course, when I haven't studied my script, blocking, or choreography...). But the thought of choosing the right words to describe him seems daunting. However, since to day is his birthday, it's about as good a time as ever to write about my friend.  

I borrowed the first picture from the Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's website. The show he directed and which I am a cast member, Peter Pan, is currently playing. Jim's directed a lot of shows at various theaters across the state and country.

But more importantly, he's directed a lot of people. I spoke with a cast member at the show last night who said Jim directed her in a show when she was in high school. The experience changed her life. She decided to apply for and ultimately complete a degree in the arts at Weber State University where Jim is the Director of Music Theater Studies. Everyone who knows Jim (at least, everyone I know...) has a story about the man and the effect he's had on their life. I first met him back in 2000 when he was the musical director of the first show I did at the old Rodger's Memorial Theatre. Since then I've been in several of Jim's shows and I've never regretted a single minute doing it.

The above picture is so appropriate because he is a director. He directs more than shows, he directs people. He sees something in us that we might now see in ourselves. He teaches us to be not just the best actors and performers we can be, but the best people we can be. 

Today Jim spent his birthday with loved ones in a hallowed place. Pictures of his day were posted on social media and we all shared in his joy. That's the effect he has on people; he brings out the joy in us and makes us want to share it with the world. 

Happy birthday, Jim...as great a director and performer, he's an even better person. Here's to many, many more!

Top photo used without permission from Centerpoint Legacy Theatre website. Bottom photo used without permission from Jim's Facebook account. Both photos can and will be removed if asked to do so.