PLAY PODCASTS
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Episode 30

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

America: The Story of the USA · Liam Heffernan

January 2, 202432m 22s

Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (op3.dev) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.

Show Notes

It all started with (a now public domain) Mickey Mouse, but today Disney is a cultural behemoth. A global household name. Walt Disney is synonymous with childhood, nostalgia, and joy. Recently, their multi-billion dollar empire continues to grow, with a string of high-profile and big money acquisitions. So is the magic still there? And why does everyone love Disney?

Special guests:

  1. Janet Wasko, an author and professor in Communication Research at the University of Oregon, whose book Understanding Disney was a huge resource for me during my time as an American Studies student.


In this episode, Janet and I discuss how Disney has become so embedded in childhood, and how many adults grow up with such a Disney obsession. We also look at recent acquisitions of Star Wars, Marvel and Fox, and consider how Disney manage to keep growing without losing their magic.


Additional resources:

BOOK: Understanding Disney by Janet Wasko

ARTICLE: Steamboat Willie enters the public domain


If you love this, you might also like:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?


Contact us: [email protected]

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email [email protected] and let's talk.