In this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Disney, we have a conversation about the past, present, and future of The Walt Disney Company. We'll discuss how our guests’ love of Disney inspired their research, what Josh D'Amaro's leadership could mean for the Disney Parks, and some of the biggest upcoming park projects, including new attractions and lands. We'll also explore Disney's renewed interest in entertainment-education, the impact of politics and media on the company, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, streaming, and changing audience expectations may shape Disney over the next decade. Finally, our guests will share their upcoming Disney adventures, research projects, and what's next for them in the world of Disney scholarship.

I am joined by Dr. Antares Leask and Dr. Bee Eldridge, Disney Scholars, and friends of mine!

In this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with horror, Horror has long been one of the most misunderstood genres in entertainment. While many people see it simply as a source of scares, horror films often serve as powerful reflections of the societies that create them. They explore our deepest fears, comment on politics, culture, mental health, and social issues, and challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths through compelling storytelling. Joining me today is Dr. Ahmad Hayatt, Professor of Media and Horror Fan.

In this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with children's media, we explore the lasting impact of children's stories and the powerful role they play in shaping how we learn, communicate, and understand the world. From classic fairy tales and beloved animated films to today's digital creators and streaming platforms, children's media has long been a source of both entertainment and education. But as technology continues to evolve, so do the ways young audiences experience stories and connect with the characters they love. Joining me as cohost today is Dr. Dori Koehler, Cultural Mythologist

In this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Comedy, we explore the unique relationship between comedy, communication, and learning. While humor is often seen as a source of entertainment, it has long served as a powerful tool for educating audiences, challenging assumptions, and encouraging conversations about issues that might otherwise be difficult to discuss. From stand-up comedy and satire to viral memes and social media content, comedy continues to shape how people understand the world around them. Joining me as cohost this episode is Comedian and Communication expert Chris Ford.

In this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One With Short Form Media, we explore one of the biggest transformations in modern media: the rise of short-form content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have fundamentally changed how audiences discover information, consume entertainment, and engage with stories. As attention increasingly shifts toward content measured in seconds rather than minutes, we ask what has fueled this change and what it means for the future of communication. Joining me this episode is Associate Professor of Film and Video Production at Johnson C Smith, Sitara Sadler.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with film, we discuss that while movies are often viewed as a form of entertainment, they also serve as important tools for learning, shaping the way audiences understand history, culture, politics, and the world around them. Our discussion examines how film can educate viewers even when teaching is not its primary purpose and how the rise of streaming platforms has transformed the ways people consume, engage with, and learn from media. We also take a deeper look at the political and social dimensions of film, particularly within the horror genre. Joining me this episode is Professor of Media and Film History, Brian Shelton.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Nostalgia, our conversation explores why fantasy remains one of the most enduring and beloved genres across generations, as well as the creative process behind building worlds that feel both magical and authentic. We also examine the current state of fantasy storytelling, discussing emerging trends that are shaping the genre while considering the timeless elements that fans never want to lose. Additionally, we tackle the increasingly relevant question of nostalgia in modern media: is nostalgia-driven content simply a marketing strategy, or does it represent creators responding to genuine audience desires? Joining me this episode is fantasy and sci fi author, as well as professor, Slator Hamilton.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Rivalry, we’re not getting heated, but we discuss how rivalry can be healthy, unhealthy, and even violent. We discuss how interests in studying rivalry led to creating The Perspective Files. Together, we examine why rivalries are so compelling, how they become part of personal and group identities, and the ways they foster community among fans. We also tackle the darker side of competition, exploring when healthy rivalry crosses the line into toxic fandom. Joining me to open this season is a friend of the show, Dr. Cody Havard, fandom and rivalry scholar, and maybe a little surprise discussion from inner dialogue!