Under the Influence

In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of technology, power, and politics. The conversation kicks off with AI and how its potential has been hijacked by corporate interests. Instead of shorter workweeks and higher wages, productivity gains are being funneled into layoffs and stock buybacks.

Drawing on history from Ford’s $5 workday to the rise of unions after WWII, we explore how technology once lifted living standards, and why that balance has broken down. Both major parties, now captured by trickle down economics, have left communities behind. Case in point: Mingo County, West Virginia, where the collapse of coal jobs opened the door to economic despair and the opioid crisis.

But there’s a flip side. New polling shows broad support for progressive economic populism across party lines: fair wages, stopping price gouging, taxing the wealthy, and even government as employer of last resort. The public is less focused on culture wars and far more concerned with economic fairness and security.

The episode closes with a vision: building an independent, worker centered movement that transcends party politics. Instead of “trickle down,” imagine “trickle out” prosperity radiating through families, small businesses, and communities.

Walt Disney’s Legacy, Animatronics, and the Parks’ Future

In this part two of this discussion, we explored the legacy of Walt Disney, the role of animatronics in preserving that legacy, and the ongoing tension between honoring tradition and chasing the present moment in the parks.

Walt at the World’s Fair and Beyond

We began with a look back at the 1964–65 World’s Fair. Attractions like the Sky Dome Spectacular and the fusion of technology with storytelling made it more immersive than even Galaxy’s Edge today.

Should Walt Be an Animatronic?

The debate centered on whether Walt Disney himself should appear as an animatronic figure. While the current Disneyland version has been criticized as looking awkward (“like Mike Lindell”), there’s a case to be made for a more flawless, respectful version. Possible placements:

* The American Adventure: Originally conceived with three hosts, Walt would be the natural 20th-century figure alongside Franklin and Twain.

* Carousel of Progress: Walt could appear here, tied directly to his vision of progress.

But a key point: Walt would never have wanted to talk about himself. Any depiction must reflect his humility and vision, not ego.

Walt the Man: Visionary or Narcissist?

We wrestled with the question of whether Walt was narcissistic. Arguments for: he renamed the studio from “Disney Brothers” to “Walt Disney.” Arguments against: he surrounded himself with people smarter than him, paid his top animators more than himself, and valued the best idea over personal pride. Ultimately, Walt’s confidence, hubris, and stubbornness may look like narcissism, but his collaborative instincts set him apart.

Museums, Change, and Context

One recurring frustration: the way Walt’s quotes are cherry-picked. “Disneyland will never be a museum” gets trotted out as a license for endless change. But context matters, he said that in 1957, when the park was just two years old. Today, after decades of history, Disneyland is in many ways a museum and that’s not a bad thing. As one great articulation put it: it’s a museum with rides.

The Essence of Disney Parks

Main Street functions as a living museum of Americana, and the parks are meant to transport us to worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. The danger today is injecting “the present” into them, whether through corporate branding, Pixar tie-ins, or leadership focused on short term gain.

The Takeaway

The tension remains: protect the legacy, or bend to the present? Walt’s own approach suggests the answer is balance, change only when it elevates. If new animatronics, lands, or films don’t surpass what came before, they risk diminishing the very magic they’re meant to carry forward.

Disney, Pixar, and the Future of Storytelling

This week’s conversation with Joshua L. Harris turned into a deep dive on Disney, Pixar, and the creative state of the parks and animation. What started as catching up after a few months quickly shifted into a critique of how storytelling has changed and not always for the better.

D23 and the “Non-News” Approach

D23 rolled around without any groundbreaking announcements. Aside from Jody Benson being named ambassador, Disney largely avoided big reveals. In today’s climate, no news might actually be good news. Fans and YouTubers may clamor for announcements, but Disney seems wary of committing to projects that could backfire.

Pixar: From Fables to Formulas

The heart of the conversation was Pixar’s evolution. Once groundbreaking with films like A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, and Ratatouille, the studio is now seen as formulaic. The critique:

* Too many sequels.

* Outsourcing and declining visual/detail quality.

* Stories that feel like they could just as easily be live-action, which goes against Walt Disney’s principle that animation should do what live action cannot.

Recent examples like Soul and even elements of WALL-E were held up as evidence of a studio losing its creative edge.

The Disney/Pixar Power Struggle

We also looked back at the corporate history:

* Eisner clashed with Pixar over sequels, trying to pass them off as “originals” under contract.

* Toy Story 2 was nearly a direct to video release.

* Bob Iger rebuilt the relationship by strategically courting Steve Jobs, even admitting in his memoir how he manipulated the deal.

* From the start, Iger saw Pixar as a sequel machine and that legacy persists.

Parks, Lands, and Longevity

Turning to the parks, Monsters, Inc. Land became the flashpoint. Outsourced animation means details like Sully’s fur will be flattened out to save time and money. More broadly, there’s a shift away from building attractions meant to last for generations. Instead, lands are increasingly designed as 15-year placeholders, not timeless experiences.

The Big Takeaway

Pixar and Disney once defined imagination through innovation and craftsmanship. Today, the conversation highlights a creative crossroads: will the focus remain on formula, short-term returns, and disposable content, or can Disney rediscover its commitment to timeless storytelling?

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In this episode, Royce sits down with entertainment industry veteran and multi-hyphenate creative Marlene Sharp — a producer, talent manager, former Disney and Sega executive, and lifelong advocate for neurodivergent talent. They talk about her work in animation, licensing, and brand management for icons like Power Rangers, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Pink Panther, as well as her passion for creating career opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent artists.

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Join Don and Royce as they dive into the fascinating world of animatronics and the timeless allure of dinosaurs. From Don's early days writing quiz questions for a radio show to his adventures in the world of animatronics, this episode is packed with stories of innovation, creativity, and the challenges of bringing prehistoric creatures to life. Discover how Don's journey led him to collaborate with Spielberg on Jurassic Park and his vision for the future of dinosaur experiences. Whether you're a fan of dinosaurs, technology, or just great storytelling, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire.

Please check out our Sponsors:

Ready to spice up your kitchen this year? Reach out to Colleen Herman www.pamperedchef.com/pws/colleenherman

If you live in Florida, contact R.K. Law today to make an appointment, and safeguard the future of those you love. Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get your first 3D Printer for under $300 at Flashforge.com

Support this Podcast directly at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThemeParkFactory