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Artwork for Connecting with Walt

Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World

The DIS
Walt Disney
Disneyland
Disney Animation
D23 Expo
Disney
Walt Disney World
Fantasia
Disney Parks
Walt Disney Company
Epcot
Animation
Disney Films
Milt Kahl
Indiana Jones Adventure
Disney History
Imagineering
Epcot Center
Disney Cruise Line
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Mary Poppins

Connecting with Walt is a podcast focusing on the life and creations of Walt Disney. Episodes include the history of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney movies, and more! Hosted by Michael Bowling and Tom Bell, the show is a tribute to the man who made it all happen, Walt Disney, and his brother, Roy.

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PublishesWeeklyEpisodes394Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for Connecting with Walt

Latest Episodes

With Disney Cruise Line and their new ship the Disney Believe in the news this week, we decided to rewind back to 2022 and a three-part interview Michael did with the late Jim Korkis discussing the history of Disney Cruise Line. Author and historian ... more

At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, there was a tease about a future update coming to Spaceship Earth in Epcot. After digging WAY back in the official Connecting with Walt archives, we found a three-part series where Michael and Craig share the hi... more

With the recent update at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event regarding Animal Kingdom's Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, we thought it might be fun to take a look back at last year's shows about the history of the Indiana Jones Adventu... more

In this episode, Michael and special guests Suzette, Patty & Louella wrap up their discussion of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (D23 Expo), with their thoughts about the show floor including shopping, giveaways, and pavilions, including Imagineer... more

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Recent Guests

Jim Korkis
Disney historian and author of Hidden Treasures of the Disney Cruise Line
Disney historian and author
Episode: REWIND: Hidden Treasures of Disney Cruise Line
Tom Morris
Disney legend and former Imagineer
The Walt Disney Company
Episode: Walt Disney Family Museum Events: Learning From the Masters
Frank Oz
Influential performer, director, and storyteller
Independent; worked with Jim Henson Co.
Episode: Walt Disney Family Museum Events: Learning From the Masters
Colin Ayers
Guest co-host
Episode: The Rainbow Road to Oz
Michael Campbell
Historian and author of Walt Disney's Trains, A Grand Circle Tour Through His Life and Legacy
Author, Historian
Episode: Walt Disney's Love of Trains with Michael Campbell
Diane Disney Miller
Mentioned in discussion as Walt's daughter; not a guest on this episode
Disney Family Museum (indirectly)
Episode: Walt Disney's Love of Trains with Michael Campbell
Mary Jo Malata-Willi
Friend of the hosts and listener guest
Episode: The Invisible Magic: How Imagineers Engage the Senses
John Canemaker
American independent animator, animation historian
Mary Blair talks guest
Episode: Walt Disney Family Museum Events: Mary Blair & Mary Poppins
Maggie Richardson
Niece of Mary Blair, co-executor of the Mary Blair estate
Mary Blair estate
Episode: Walt Disney Family Museum Events: Mary Blair & Mary Poppins

Hosts

Michael Bowling
Host and Disney historian focused on Disney history and related media
Tom Bell
Co-host and producer with a focus on Disney history and parks

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 970 ratings
  • What a gem!

    I have been listening to this gem for 2 years now and it's like being told a bedtime story bringing comfort and stirring memories of the past! I never miss an episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Disneyland history
    United States7 months ago
  • Unfortunately, lost its charm

    I’m trying really hard to enjoy this - the way I did when Craig was on, but I get so frustrated with the constant talking over each other, John interrupting without even knowing what he’s going to say - he’ll interrupt then pause for like 10 seconds so there’s so much dead air in every episode. What was easily my favourite podcast has become one I begrudgingly try to listen to just incase it gets back to its charming self. Michael does a fantastic job as always but the chemistry is non existent ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    MissMoonmoose
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Disneyland Reunion

    I love when the Disneyland podcast team comes back together. I learn sooo much from these shows. I vote for more of these!! Please!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SB Fan😊
    United Statesa year ago
  • All the facts

    I love that this podcast shares so much history about Walt Disney, his family, and the parks. I have learned so many facts. Keep up the good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Whistle while I work
    United States2 years ago
  • Disneys history podcast

    This is 1 of the best podcast i ever heard

    You guys did a fantastic job

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sam gels
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some criticism notes pacing and sound balance in certain episodes.
Fans highlight guest variety and strong host chemistry.
Listeners praise thorough research and engaging storytelling.

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Notes from the EdgeGamut Podcast Network
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Modern WisdomChris Williamson

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Walt Disney Family Museum Events: Mary Blair & Mary Poppins
Q: Did Mary Blair influence how her conceptual designs were used in films, according to the talk?
Yes, the speakers explained that Blair's concepts were adapted but presented with challenges, including balancing flat, modern design with the need for three-dimensional animation, and her work was especially prominent in films like Cinderella and It's a Small World.
Walt Disney Family Museum Events: Mary Blair & Mary Poppins
Q: What was Mary Blair's favorite film or piece that Mary created, according to the guests?
The guests indicated Mary Blair's Alice in Wonderland sequences, particularly the dream-like Alice sequence, and Cinderella moments as standout pieces that captured her distinctive style and emotional impact.
A Tribute to Roger Allers with Don Hahn
Q: What did Roger teach you about navigating a creative life?
Roger taught a fearlessness about exploration and living a bigger creative life.
A Tribute to Roger Allers with Don Hahn
Q: Was Roger consciously seen as a mentor?
Roger's mentorship was intuitive; he led by example rather than in a traditional, hierarchical manner.
A Tribute to Roger Allers with Don Hahn
Q: How would you describe Roger's artistic voice? What did he bring uniquely to a project?
Roger's artistic voice was about personal moments related to the human condition, focusing on deep emotional connections.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Connecting with Walt

What is Connecting with Walt about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show offers thoughtful explorations of Walt Disney's life, work, and the broader ecosystem around his creations. Episodes blend historical context, production anecdotes, and park-era storytelling to illuminate how Disney's ideas shaped theme parks, films, and lasting cultural impact. Listeners tend to be Disney history enthusiasts and professionals who value well-researched storytelling, with frequent discussions of Imagineering, museum perspectives, and archival sources. A notable strength is the ability to pair archival detail with accessible narrative, often featuring guest experts and historians to deepen the conversation. Potential sponsors and guests may appreciate the steady focus on legacy, environment-driven storytelling, and ... more

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How many episodes of Connecting with Walt are there?

Connecting with Walt launched 10 years ago and published 394 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Connecting with Walt?

Recent guests on Connecting with Walt include:

1. Jim Korkis
2. Tom Morris
3. Frank Oz
4. Colin Ayers
5. Michael Campbell
6. Diane Disney Miller
7. Mary Jo Malata-Willi
8. John Canemaker

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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