Taking a non-traditional exploration of fandom, today’s episode features Jodi Eichler-Levine, who studies the parallels between classic religions and fan cultures.  After learning of Jodi's research from her a Twitter-trending analysis on “Disney adults” or “Disney-files”, David and Jodi take a deeper dive into the principles that Disney has utilized to create evangelists of their brand and the strategies and tactics brands can adapt to their organization to inspire their own fanatics.  

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Show Notes

3:52      The Foundation of Jodi’s Research

6:00      The 3 Parallels

7:28      Story

12:11   Core Memories with Disney

14:41   Transitioning Into the Story Through Theme Parks

16:00   Ritual

19:43   Creating an Environment for Individual Rituals

22:41   The Emotions of Being a Fan

25:56   Merchandise and Souvenirs as an Amulet

30:20   Community and Collective Effervescence

33:07   Creating a Environment for Community 

34:33   The Magic in runDisney Races

46:52   The Diversity of Disney Fans

49:39   Journeying to Marceline, Missouri, Walt Disney’s hometown 

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For more information on the topics covered in this episode: 

Follow Jodi on Twitter and check out her website

Once Upon a Time - the Twitter thread that started it all 

“The Gospel According to Disney” by Mark Pinsky

Disney Pin trading

Connect with Host, David Millay:
Connect w/ David Millay on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmillay/
Follow David on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/david.millay/
Follow David Millay on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DavidMillay