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.