Life at Disney

Celebrate 25 years of Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Downtown Disney District with the cast members who were there from the very beginning. In this episode of the Life at Disney Podcast, host Lisa sits down at Disneyland Resort with three opening-day cast members to reflect on what it was like to help launch a second gate, a landmark hotel and a brand-new shopping district.

Julianna, Greg and Richelle share memories from opening day, behind-the-scenes stories from pre-opening preparations and the unique energy that comes with building something entirely new. From welcoming the very first guests and navigating uncharted territory to creating unforgettable moments that still resonate today, their experiences offer a rare look at a once-in-a-lifetime chapter in Disneyland Resort history.

The conversation also explores how those early experiences shaped long-term Disney careers, the power of mentorship, and what makes Disneyland Resort’s culture so special. As the resort continues to grow and evolve, these cast members reflect on the pride of seeing what began 25 years ago turn into the immersive experiences guests know and love today.

Subscribe to the Life at Disney Podcast and follow Disney Careers on social media for more stories from the people who create the magic every day.

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Go behind the scenes of Disney’s social media storytelling with the creative minds shaping some of the company’s most beloved digital content. In this episode of Life at Disney, host Josiah connects with content creators from across The Walt Disney Company to explore how Disney shows up on social, from viral TikToks to live Broadway moments and streaming launches.

Joining the conversation are Taryn from Hulu, Gabi from Disney on Broadway, and Dom from Disney Parks, each offering a unique perspective on what it takes to create engaging, authentic content while representing one of the world’s most iconic brands. Together, they break down how an idea moves from brainstorm to post, how teams collaborate across lines of business and how creators adapt trends while staying true to Disney storytelling.

Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast and follow Disney Careers on social media for more stories from the dreamers, doers and innovators shaping the magic at The Walt Disney Company.

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Explore the future of career growth at The Walt Disney Company with this special episode of the Life at Disney podcast. Host Nzinga welcomes Dayana (Sr. Manager, Talent & Growth Marketing & Engagement, People & Culture), Alberto (Vice President, Global Content Strategy & Operations, Disney Entertainment), and Mina (Manager, Decision Science Products, Corporate) for an inspiring conversation about the Disney THINKfluencers, a groundbreaking initiative designed to democratize knowledge, foster internal mobility, and spark innovation across the company.

Listeners will hear the origin story of THINKfluencers, learning how Dayana and her team built a platform where employees become content creators, mentors, and catalysts for change. Discover how this skilling initiative connects talent across business units, locations, and disciplines, enabling practical, contextual learning and real-time skill sharing. Alberto and Mina share their experiences as inaugural THINKfluencers, highlighting the power of collaboration, mentorship, and learning from peers to drive both personal and organizational growth.

The episode features real-world examples of innovation in action, from leveraging machine learning to building global content strategies and fostering a culture of curiosity. The guests reflect on Disney’s commitment to investing in talent at every stage, the importance of internal mobility, and the unique culture that encourages employees to dream big, build relationships, and pursue new opportunities.

Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast and follow Disney Careers on social media for more stories from the dreamers, doers, and innovators shaping the future of work at The Walt Disney Company.

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Step into the heart of Disney’s creative process with this special holiday episode of the Life At Disney podcast, where host Lisa welcomes Jenise (Sr. Manager, Brand Marketing, Corporate) and Paige (Executive Producer, Marketing, Disney Entertainment) for an inspiring conversation about the making of “A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever.”

This episode explores the spirit of collaboration that defines Disney storytelling, revealing how diverse teams, from brand marketing to visual effects, unite to bring new holiday magic to life. Watch the short here: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/best-christmas-ever-taika-waititi/

Listeners are invited behind the scenes to discover how original characters like Doodle are imagined and realized, and how creative risks and shared passion shape every frame. The episode also reflects on the emotional impact of Disney’s legacy, the joy of audience reactions and the enduring memories forged during production. Special guest Adam Droy of Untold Studios offers a unique perspective on blending classic animation with cutting-edge technology.

Tune in for a festive blend of career journeys, creative insights and the timeless magic of Disney storytelling. 

Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast and follow Disney Careers on social media for more stories from the dreamers, doers and innovators shaping the magic at The Walt Disney Company.

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Go behind the launch of the highly anticipated new ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service. Hear from three ESPN employees as they share what they’ve learned along the way and how they contributed to this exciting launch.

Our host Nzinga sits down with Creative Director Kynna, Digital Video Producer II Rob and Customer Relationship Management Coordinator Carly to explore the creativity, collaboration and innovation that powered the debut of ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of sports streaming, the inner workings of a global media powerhouse or how innovation happens at the intersection of technology, creativity and fandom. The guests reflect on what makes ESPN unique: a culture that rewards passion and growth, the thrill of working for an industry leader and the power of sports to unite and inspire. Whether you’re a sports fan, a creative professional or someone interested in digital innovation, you’ll find valuable insights into what it’s like to build a career at ESPN and The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast and follow Disney Careers on social media for more stories from the dreamers, doers and innovators shaping the magic at The Walt Disney Company.

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Welcome back to the Life At Disney podcast! Join our hosts Nzinga, Lisa and Josiah as they take you behind-the-scenes with an exciting lineup of the people and teams who bring the magic to life. From ESPN to Disney Parks to The Walt Disney Studios and more, this season we’re connecting with the storytellers, dreamers and doers who are building their careers and making an impact. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a moment of what it’s like to Be Part Of The Story. 

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The Disney College Program Podcast has a new home!

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Meet Tasia and Tyreah, two alumnae of the Disney College Program HBCU

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Meet Kylea and Andre, two Disney College Program participants with creative backgrounds and big dreams of continuing their careers with Disney after their programs.

Welcome to season five of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company.

Andre works as a seater at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Kylea extended her program and works in VIP Tour Support. They discuss why they decided to apply for the Disney College Program, their career goals, soft skills they have learned on their programs and more!

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Chris, a Disney College Program participant studying marketing, joins Kayla, a Disney College Program alumna working in marketing, to talk about how their programs have helped them on their career journeys.

Welcome to season five of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company.

Chris started in merchandise at the Creations Shop in EPCOT, but due to his desire to learn, passion for his work and persistence, he landed a new role as a logistics specialist since recording this episode! Kayla is started as a character attendant in Magic Kingdom and now works as a manager within the Talent Acquisition Marketing team. Though they completed their programs over ten years a part, both Kayla and Chris agree that their Disney College Programs made a big impact both personally and professionally.

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