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Artwork for Epic Universal Podcast

Epic Universal Podcast

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
Epic Universe
Universal Studios
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood
Disney
Wicked
Harry Potter
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando
Universal Parks & Experiences
Universal Pictures
Universal Studios Florida
How To Train Your Dragon
Dark Universe
Fast & Furious
Universal Horror Unleashed
Butterbeer
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Disney World
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill have a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. They share news of the day as well as behind-the-scenes stories in a breezy, conversational style. Better yet, listeners of this podcast are regularly invited to offer their input / join the conversation. So, get ready for some Epic fun.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes153Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsPlaces & TravelEntertainment NewsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Epic Universal Podcast

Latest Episodes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a busy Universal news week, from Universal Kids Resort pricing and seasonal operations to new rotating experiences planned for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. They also check in on Universal Studios Hollywood’s... more

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a serie... more

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the surprising Universal Pictures history behind Michael Jackson’s breakout acting role in The Wiz, exploring how the 1978 musical helped launch one of the most important creative partnerships in pop culture history... more

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack the surprising behind-the-scenes fallout that pushed Steven Spielberg away from Disney and deeper into Universal’s orbit, while also covering major changes coming to Universal Orlando. Plus, the duo explores the lost C... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Chris Cox
Award-winning mentalist, mind reader, co-host of The Case for with Chris Cox
The Case for with Chris Cox (podcast)
Episode: FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)
Brian Krosnick
Creator of Parklore, focuses on theme park design and history
Parklore
Episode: Charting the Future of Epic Universe with Parklore’s Brian Krosnick (Ep. 63)
Mike Aiello
Senior Director of Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort
Episode: Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57)
Matt Stone
Co-creator of South Park
South Park Creators
Episode: How the Creators of South Park Tricked A-List Celebrities to Roast Universal (and Drink Seagram’s) (Ep. 33)
Trey Parker
Co-creator of South Park
South Park Creators
Episode: How the Creators of South Park Tricked A-List Celebrities to Roast Universal (and Drink Seagram’s) (Ep. 33)
Carson Luter
Associate Project Manager at Universal Creative
Universal Creative
Episode: Introducing the Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey

Hosts

Jim Hill
Host with background as entertainment writer and universal news commentator; frequently introduces Universal lore and historical context.
Eric Hersey
Co-host and entertainment writer focusing on Universal news and park strategy; known for energetic, outsider perspective and insider commentary.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 146 ratings
  • OK FINE I’LL DO IT!

    Stop badgering! Geez! 🤣 But seriously my week isn’t complete until I listen to Jim and Eric talk about all things Universal. And Wicked. And Butterbeer…

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hootdad
    United Statesa month ago
  • Monster Cafe !!

    Love the show! Jim and Eric are fun to listen to and keep the show moving along at a great pace. Jim is an incredible source of history, facts, and amazing behind the scene stories of all things related to all theme parks! The show feels like you’re sitting around a table with good friends having fun times If you’re looking for ideas, I would love to hear the complete history of monster Café that used to be at Universal Studios Orlando. It felt more like a museum than a restaurant! And if you w... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Renfred
    United Statesa month ago
  • Epic Infotainment

    I started listening to this podcast for fiduciary reasons after I was hired to work at Epic Universe in order to learn more about my place of employment. It quickly turned into something I greatly looked forward to every Friday on my drive to work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ickbard
    United Statesa month ago
  • why?

    These dudes have no idea what they’re talking about 90% of the time. It’s very mansplainy just like most of Jim’s podcasts, but this one is somehow worse at spitting out falsities as if they’re facts.

    EDIT: On the latest you minimized Kristen Bell’s prolific career to her VO role as Anna and misnamed Ariana Grande. The respect for women is low, the male ego is high.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    littletroubleinbigchina
    United States2 months ago
  • As requested!

    I hope it helps your podcast to leave a review. I am a longtime listener…always listen to your shows and enjoy them immensely! Jim has such great knowledge that he shares and he always makes me smile. Also it has been fun listening to Eric discover Universal and he and Jim work so well together. Keep up the good work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Msdisney2
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Perceived enthusiasm and pacing are highlighted as strengths for keeping long episodes engaging.
Listeners praise the show for deep Universal coverage and thoughtful analysis.
Some critics want stronger expertise from the co-host(s) but still value the overall show quality.
Fans appreciate the hosts' dynamic and balance of news, history, and opinions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)
Q: How did the Cox family navigate the first full day with Express Passes and early entry?
They used Express Passes strategically to manage downtime and maximize rides, encountered several ride downtimes, and benefited from guest services' proactive recovery offers to keep their plans on track.
FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)
Q: What was your overall impression of Epic Universe after one year?
Chris Cox describes Epic Universe as the most technologically advanced new theme park in the world, exciting and immersive, though there are downtime issues and cost considerations that fans should weigh against the experience.
Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)
Q: What is the current status of Epic Universe expansion and permits around the park?
The hosts describe a flurry of permits and land movement, with multiple plots being studied as part of a broader expansion, and they highlight the ongoing speculation about what might fill those spaces, including potential IP-based attractions.
Charting the Future of Epic Universe with Parklore’s Brian Krosnick (Ep. 63)
Q: How do you ensure your projections for theme park developments are realistic?
Krosnick emphasizes the importance of considering existing structures and practical design principles in his speculative work.
Charting the Future of Epic Universe with Parklore’s Brian Krosnick (Ep. 63)
Q: What inspired you to start Parklore?
Krosnick shares that he wanted to provide a unique perspective on theme parks by combining deep history with forward-thinking design ideas.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Epic Universal Podcast

What is Epic Universal Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts cover Universal Parks & Experiences with a breezy, conversational style, balancing breaking park news, industry context, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Episodes frequently blend updates on new lands, ride openings, and events with deep-dive retrospectives on IPs, park history, and marketing strategy. A notable edge is the hosts' willingness to crowd-source perspectives and weave listener experiences into discussions, making it a solid fit for listeners who want both practical park intel and broader entertainment industry angles.

Where can I find podcast stats for Epic Universal Podcast?

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How many listeners does Epic Universal Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does Epic Universal Podcast have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Epic Universal Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Epic Universal Podcast:

1. The Disney Dish with Jim Hill
2. ParkStop Podcast
3. The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
4. Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast
5. The WDW News Today Podcast - without News Today

How many episodes of Epic Universal Podcast are there?

Epic Universal Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 153 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Epic Universal Podcast?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Epic Universal Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Epic Universal Podcast?

Recent guests on Epic Universal Podcast include:

1. Chris Cox
2. Brian Krosnick
3. Mike Aiello
4. Matt Stone
5. Trey Parker
6. Carson Luter

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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