It’s a Zootopia rewatch with the Disney Moms Gone Wrong crew, plus guest James from Distance Nerding, and it goes way deeper than “buddy cop movie with animals.” The group talks about why Judy Hopps’ optimism is both her superpower and her blind spot, how Nick Wilde’s “fox” label shapes his whole identity, and why the movie’s take on bias lands even harder as an adult. Along the way there’s plenty of fun (yes, the DMV sloths), a bunch of parenting and education perspective, and a final Hall of Fame vote to see if Zootopia earns first ballot status.

00:00 Intro and New Year energy, meet the panel and guest James from Distance Nerding
02:45 Why Zootopia still hits: big themes hiding inside the comedy
04:58 First impressions, rewatches, and what stood out this time
08:18 Fun opener: if you lived in Zootopia, what animal are you?
12:46 The DMV sloth scene and why that gag never gets old
13:31 Judy Hopps: delusional optimist or relentless overachiever?
17:48 Disney Dad corner: Nick Wilde’s charm and the “Carrots” dynamic
18:45 Rapid-fire round: Judy vs Nick, city vs nature, quick picks
20:04 Reflection questions: labels, stereotypes, and expectations
21:59 Real-world parallels: judging people by neighborhoods and reputation
25:38 Education and parenting angle: where bias shows up for kids (including neurodivergent students)
29:50 Mentorship and community: what “breaking the mold” looks like in real life
37:12 Accountability talk: what a real apology looks like when you unintentionally cause harm
38:52 Sequel hopes: what fans want from Zootopia 2 and expanding the world
40:24 Lightning round: best friend pick, city rules, and who you’d rather hang with
42:29 Parenting closer: supporting big dreams while preparing kids for real-world bias
44:17 Bullying, standing up for others, and what happens when it gets complicated
49:33 Easter eggs and pop culture nods (including the Breaking Bad-style references)
52:50 Hall of Fame criteria: cultural impact, emotional depth, and soundtrack staying power
54:38 Hall of Fame vote, wrap-up, and where to find Distance Nerding

• Zootopia’s “anyone can be anything” message lands harder when you focus on how bias survives even in a so-called utopia.

• Judy’s confidence is inspiring, but the conversation highlights how good intentions can still cause harm if you’re not paying attention.

• Nick Wilde is a clean example of how labels can become a script people feel forced to live out.

• The parenting talk centers on balancing encouragement with honesty: build big dreams, but don’t pretend bias and stereotypes are not real.

• Relationships and mentorship matter, especially in schools and communities where kids feel boxed in early.

• The movie’s humor (DMV, puns, background jokes) is a big reason it stays rewatchable.

• The group agrees Zootopia’s cultural footprint is huge, which makes the Hall of Fame debate feel easy.

• “Happy new Year! I’m so excited to be back and to chat with you guys.”

• “Like, if it’s not a spicy, it’s not for me.”

• “Movie I love? I love Zootopia.”

• “Banger banger.”

• “Absolutely. 100% all the way around.”

• “It’s a absolute yes for me and all three categories. And Shakira’s hips don’t lie.”

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