What are your top moments of the 2015 podcasts?

[TheMaxRebo]

In watching the 2-part year in review podcasts I was first struck that, wow, Pete really did lose a lot of weight!

After that I was also struck by how many great moments they were and how may heavy and heady topics get covered on the podcast

I thought it might be fun as a hiatus topic to think of our favorite moments spanning the podcasts - might highlight some things that others missed out on.

I know one of my favorites was the episode that Pete, John, and Keven were not there for and the team covered Disney removing both Bill Cosby's bust from DHS and the Confederate Flag from the Americas Pavilion. Thought there was good conversation and got to hear different points of view on the topic. Also was nice the next episode when Pete was back and defended his team against some nasty comments that were made regarding that episode - always nice when a boss has your back like that!

I also liked the episode where they discussed the letter some children had written to Disney indicating they thought the Jungle Cruise ride was racists and needs to be changed. This was covered in the "best of" video during Pete's Rant section - though I think it was more of a group discussion than a rant in the truest sense. Just thought it was a good, healthy dialogue on political correctness and also thought Pete's openness about being honest on some biases he has was great - and made me think of some biases I probably have and impact my reaction to different things. Kinda cool for a podcast about Disney to do that

Speaking of biases, my top memory is definitely the Hershey meet - for all the great discussion during the podcast, but also because I was there in person (and actually chimed in with comments during the podcast)

Anything else stand out to people? What were your top moments?

 

[samsteele]

The Whale Ornaments in the Tree was my hands-down favourite! I haven't laughed that hard in ages. And you know, that episode really showcases Teresa's incredible wit and intelligence. When I watched the year-in review podcast, I noticed it was T who kicked it off. Whether it was intentional or just a stream of consciousness thing, you can clearly hear her say at the very beginning, "They hang a whale from the tree? What is that?" And then the hilarity immediately ensued. At the end of the giggles you can watch her say, "Who started that? John?" My admiration for Teresa was already huge but that sly stroke of comic genius just put it right over the top. Teresa can more than hold her own with that table. When I watched that 2nd part of the year-in review yesterday, it made me think . . . who's the genius now? Love, Teresa. One smart cookie.

My other top picks are:

• Craig's post-hummus. Just genuine and innocently funny

• Connecting with Walt . . . Michael is incredible. And Craig's enthusiasm is the perfect foil. I think that work will have legs and will become a classic in its own right

 

[SorcererHeidi]

My memory is like Swiss cheese, so trying to remember them on my own will be a futile project, but I just wanted to thank you for starting this topic, as I will enjoy reliving them again as I read through all of your posts!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The Whale Ornaments in the Tree was my hands-down favourite! I haven't laughed that hard in ages. And you know, that episode really showcases Teresa's incredible wit and intelligence. When I watched the year-in review podcast, I noticed it was T who kicked it off. Whether it was intentional or just a stream of consciousness thing, you can clearly hear her say at the very beginning, "They hang a whale from the tree? What is that?" And then the hilarity immediately ensued. At the end of the giggles you can watch her say, "Who started that? John?" My admiration for Teresa was already huge but that sly stroke of comic genius just put it right over the top. Teresa can more than hold her own with that table. When I watched that 2nd part of the year-in review yesterday, it made me think . . . who's the genius now? Love, Teresa. One smart cookie.

My other top picks are:

• Craig's post-hummus. Just genuine and innocently funny

• Connecting with Walt . . . Michael is incredible. And Craig's enthusiasm is the perfect foil. I think that work will have legs and will become a classic in its own right

I noticed the same thing when Theresa asks "who started this?" and I was thinking "wait a minute, you did!"

Anything with the Craigshunary was great - also just love when Craig reacts to something odd/crazy Ryno says with a pause and "ok then, moving on"

The connecting with Walt series was phenomenal and loved how into it Craig was - almost like he was representing all of us just eager to absorb all Micheal was saying.

Also would add the Disneyland 7 in 7 and all the coverage from D23 - especially the yeoman' work it seemed like Craig was doing

 

[samsteele]

Also would add the Disneyland 7 in 7 and all the coverage from D23 - especially the yeoman' work it seemed like Craig was doing

Craig more than earned his paycheck on that D23 assignment. He was brilliant and worked his fingers to the bone. I know those videos generated tons of online praise and every bit of it was so well deserved. A lot of attention was earned well outside of the DIS community and the Boards. All of the DIS crew stepped up on D23. Really exceptional work.

All of the 7 in 7s the DIS have generated are golden. I had no idea how much work went into these until I took a hard second look. I just see the slick, professional end product. I'm no film student and like 99% of viewers, can't comprehend how hard it is to shoot and edit these things. Bravo to the DIS!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Yup - The Team always shines, but did an exceptional job with the 7 in 7's, and the D23 coverage, for sure! Was going to hold off doing laundry until tomorrow - been raining for like a week here now, and supposed to continue for the next week, so might as well get wet walking to/from the laundry room now as wait for tomorrow. At least I have my "Best of 2015" podcast Part 2" to watch while I do it - I use them as a motivator for myself!

 

[samsteele]

At least I have my "Best of 2015" podcast Part 2" to watch while I do it - I use them as a motivator for myself!

Sorry for any spoilers, Heidi! Just pretend you didn't read it here.

 

[KingLlama]

All the D23 stuff was outstanding. Favorite DIS stuff of the year.

Selfishly, my favorite moments were when I got a "Caption Contest" comment read during a Tuesday show earlier in the year. And when I cracked Craig up during a Universal show and he read my chat comment aloud during the show.

But again, that's just me being selfish, per usual.

 

[samsteele]

I remember those shout-outs! Well deserved. Go Llama

 

[TheMaxRebo]

All the D23 stuff was outstanding. Favorite DIS stuff of the year.

Selfishly, my favorite moments were when I got a "Caption Contest" comment read during a Tuesday show earlier in the year. And when I cracked Craig up during a Universal show and he read my chat comment aloud during the show.

But again, that's just me being selfish, per usual.

Haha - makes me thing how excited I was when Dustin read one of my questions/ comments credited to "Phil .... I'm not even going to try to pronounce his last name"

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Sorry for any spoilers, Heidi! Just pretend you didn't read it here.

Nope, nothing spoiled, no worries. Without rambling on, I have to say, in general, my favorite moments are always when anybody (and especially everybody!) gets uncontrollable giggles, especially on camera. Like with the whole "SeaWorld Christmas" thing. I watch those moments over and over, giggling the entire time. Feels so good when your insides feel good. And they, and you all doing that for me, are what keep me coming back for more!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Oh - I just thought of a fave, even with my limited brain power and memory! It was Pete and Dustin being chased by some "killer chickens" while in Hawaii - I've tried to find it on YouTube by putting in some search terms, but haven't found it yet - but - when/if I do, I will definitely share! I remember watching it, and calling co-workers to watch - MANY times!! Pete was HILARIOUS in that one!!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Found Pete's description of "The Killer Chickens of Hilo" - starts at about 1:49:08, which is funny enough. However, after I post this, I'm going to try/find the FB page he references to see the actual video - hope I can find it, and you all can join me in laughing REALLY hard! It's Pete's "running commentary" of them being "chased by the killer chickens" that cracks me up - telling Dustin "don't you run away from me", "get the fat one", and saying "excuse me, pardon me" to the chickens - PRICELESS!!
http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/08/22/beyond-aulani/

Yes - FOUND it!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10202632709598637

 

[buccikulju]

Well, highlights for me include all the "specials": Free Form Friday, Pete's solo shows, and Connecting with Walt. I have to say the Connecting with Walt segments gave me a much greater appreciation of Craig. (Although he NEEDS to stop saying "whenever" in place of "when"! Craig!!!) I personally like doing away with the separate "segments" and just keeping the show going.

I love the chemistry between everyone and almost don't care what they are talking about as long as Kevin and John are there to be smarter, more on point, muppet guys in the balcony, and as long as Ryno and Stephen are there to be the cute younger brothers cheering up sullen Craig, and there's at least one of the kick-a$$ DIS women or two to keep those boys in line. Edited to add: And of course PETE. That's a given. (But the team does a great job when Pete is away.)

 

[Princess Jes]

(Although he NEEDS to stop saying "whenever" in place of "when"! Craig!!!)

He's explained this once or twice in the past, it's a dialect thing, not a poor grammar thing.
In the area he grew up in, it was common for people to say "whenever" when they actually mean "when". He cant help it, it's a natural thing.

I personally love the Universal show because it is so laid back and so many shenanigans and laughs happen, tangents, picking on one another etc. I love it. It reminds me of how my friends and I interact, and while I love the structure of the Orlando show, I also love the randomness of the Universal show.

 

[SarahDisney]

I have to say ... the end of today's solo show is one of my top moments from the year. Pete almost made me cry. I love that he's so passionate about what he does and the people on his team, and I think it's amazing that even after all these years he still feels fortunate for what he has had the opportunity to build.

 

[samsteele]

"The Killer Chickens of Hilo"

Thank you, Heidi! I missed this one so a great surprise to unwrap here on this thread. And you know, you can never run. Never. Triggers the chase impulse in critters. But likely in this case, the chickens see humans and just associate them with feeding time. Dustin was right to point out the rooster. That sucker had some spurs on him. We had a rooster named Henry when I was a kid. He was just a bantam but boy he could put those spurs to use whenever he or his girls were threatened. I always kept a wide birth.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Thank you, Heidi! I missed this one so a great surprise to unwrap here on this thread. And you know, you can never run. Never. Triggers the chase impulse in critters. But likely in this case, the chickens see humans and just associate them with feeding time. Dustin was right to point out the rooster. That sucker had some spurs on him. We had a rooster named Henry when I was a kid. He was just a bantam but boy he could put those spurs to use whenever he or his girls were threatened. I always kept a wide birth.

Glad you enjoyed it, Sam. Like I said, always gives me a chuckle. I used to take care of a neighbor's chickens when she went away when I lived in the country for awhile, and that rooster was NASTY - did NOT like me coming and getting his women's eggs! I used to have to carry a broom around for protection with him when I went into the chicken coop.

 

[Grumpy247365]

I think they hit on all of my favorites, but I remember one show where they were goofing on the new food at Peco's Bill. Pete's reaction to the food pictures was hilarious.