In this episode of Disney Junkie: Magic & Myth, Host Jennifer conjures up the whimsical world of Disney’s 1963 gem, The Sword in the Stone. Often overlooked in the Disney canon, this film brings the legend of King Arthur to life through the eyes of a young boy named Wart and his eccentric mentor, Merlin.

Jennifer and Producer Brennon dive into childhood memories of the film, revisit its standout musical moments, and unpack the cultural weight of Arthurian legends—from Excalibur to the Holy Grail. They explore how the film’s themes of mentorship, destiny, and imagination still resonate, while celebrating the charm of 2D animation and the Sherman Brothers’ unforgettable score.

You’ll also hear about the historical roots of King Arthur, the broader legacy of Merlin in myth and pop culture, and why The Sword in the Stone remains such a unique entry in the Disney lineup—especially as the last animated feature released during Walt Disney’s lifetime.

In this episode of Disney Junkie, Host Jennifer and Producer Brennon dig into the revolutionary world of 101 Dalmatians — a film that marked a turning point in Disney history and in animation itself.

Jennifer walks through the story’s evolution from Dodie Smith’s original novel to Bill Peet’s historic solo screenplay (the first of its kind at Disney), and breaks down why Cruella De Vil remains one of the studio’s most unforgettable villains — thanks in part to Betty Lou Gerson’s spine-chilling vocal performance.

They also go deeper on themes of animal cruelty, adoption ethics, and how this seemingly sweet story about puppies carries surprising real-world relevance. Plus: how the film revived Disney’s animation department and why 101 Dalmatians became a blueprint for modern animation to come.

In this episode of Disney Junkie, we take a deep dive into Disney’s Sleeping Beauty—a film celebrated for its breathtaking artistry, but rooted in some of the darkest folklore in the Disney canon.

Host Jennifer Miller is joined by Ashley Mayfield, co-executive director at Synergy and Bloom and a specialist in holistic trauma recovery, to explore the myths and legends that shaped Sleeping Beauty long before Disney softened the story. From medieval European versions to Charles Perrault’s retelling, we unpack how themes of power, passivity, and violation have followed this fairy tale for centuries—and what that says about the societies that told it.

We also examine how Disney transformed those origins into a visual masterpiece, pairing Tchaikovsky’s score with Eyvind Earle’s bold, stylized animation, and introducing one of Disney’s most iconic villains: Maleficent. The conversation extends into modern reinterpretations, including Maleficent’s shift from villain to victim, and how reclaiming narrative mirrors real-world trauma healing.

Blending film history, mythology, psychology, and energy work, this episode invites listeners to look beyond the spinning wheel and fairytale kiss—and reconsider why Sleeping Beauty continues to enchant, unsettle, and endure.