The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Duffy’s Rise, Disney Store Nostalgia, and the Secret History of the Disney Bear (Ep. 40)

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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go full collector mode with stories of forgotten plush, rare merch, and the unexpected international success of one very determined Disney bear.


  • The Return of Duffy – From Tokyo-exclusive meet-and-greets to his spot in Disneyland’s new cavalcade, Disney is going all in (again) on Duffy and his friends.
  • The Secret Origin of the Disney Bear – Before he was Duffy, he was an unloved plush at Once Upon a Toy—and Jim shares the wild backstory of how he became a phenomenon in Japan.
  • The Lost Legacy of the Disney Store – With a 38th anniversary celebration underway, Lauren and Jim reflect on the rise and fall of the beloved retail chain.
  • D23 Frustrations and Freebies – From vanishing magazines to exclusive shopping windows, Lauren makes her case for why members deserve more (and maybe a plus-one).
  • Collector PSA – If you love Disney merch history, Lauren recommends checking out Up for Auction, the CW series hosted by Chris Hardwick that’s loaded with rare finds.


    • This episode is full of deep cuts, hot takes, and a two-part Duffy deep dive that might just change the way you look at Disney plush. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!


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