The Progress City Radio Hour: Recent Episodes
Progress City, U.S.A.
Hosts Jeff & Michael Crawford take you through a century of Disney history, with a focus on Walt Disney and his many works. From animation to live-action film to theme parks and Imagineering and beyond, we present deep dives into our monthly topics while also interviewing fascinating individuals who have contributed to the Disney legacy. With a look to the past, and an eye to the future, hop on the monorail and join us for a great big beautiful tomorrow!
Disney history, music, and more - broadcasting from beautiful downtown Progress City, U.S.A.
In this episode we're very happy to welcome Bob Gibbons to the Town Hall. Bob had a long and illustrious career at Kodak, where he worked as one of their liaisons to Disney when Imagineers were creating the Journey into Imagination pavilion for EPCOT Center. Bob worked closely with Tony Baxter and the WED team, and his stories of the process are sure to inform and entertain! Let's head back to the Dreamport - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this episode of the Radio Hour, we take a look at some past corporate sponsorships and how they've made a mark on the Disney experience over the years. We see how EPCOT Center's sponsor megadeals changed the park-going experience forever, and how Walt's star artists made some iconic television commercials in the 1950s. After examining how travel companies made their mark with Disney, we'll explore some beloved (or not) park corporate food alliances of the past. We'll be back after these important messages, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We return to our Town Hall for a chat with artist and Imagineer extraordinaire, Tim Kirk. Tim joins us to talk about his early Tolkien illustration work and his contributions to EPCOT classics such as Kitchen Kabaret, the Disney-MGM Studios and The Great Movie Ride, Sunset Boulevard and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and much, much more. Time to take a Head Trip - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Aloha! The Radio Hour is back with a look at some of Disney's brushes with the cultures of the south seas. We'll look at Walt's voyages to Hawaii, the creation of his Enchanted Tiki Room, and the many delights of the Tahitian Terrace. Come closer so you may see what magic there is in fantasy, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
For our 75th episode we again turn the clock back fifty years to visit Walt Disney World in 1975. It's a time of much activity at the resort, so we look at the state of EPCOT planning back then, take a visit to the new Lake Buena Vista Marketplace, and spend a day experiencing the best of what Walt Disney World had to offer fifty long years ago! Cash those travelers' checks and we'll meet you at the Chummery, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this episode of the Radio Hour we turn back time fifty years to the debut of Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland expansion of 1975! We take a look at the development of its three signature attractions - Space Mountain, the WEDway PeopleMover, and the Carousel of Progress. We also revisit a rather unusual television special meant to promote the arrival of Florida's First Mountain™. Now is the time, now is the best time, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour roasts the chestnuts and figgies the pudding for our 2024 Christmas episode! This year we're hosting two special guests to talk about their new books - former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Weis, and artist/director Steve Anderson! We delve into their fascinating projects, discussing Weis's long Imagineering career and Anderson's history of the Disney studio from 1966-86. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's autumn, one of our favorite seasons here in Progress City, and that means it's time to break out a number of festive traditions! In this episode we look at Disney's intersections with a number of fall favorites, including football and the state fair. We also take a trip to Sleepy Hollow for some autumnal spookiness with Ichabod Crane. From pigskin to pig races, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this town hall we're thrilled to welcome historians and authors Didier Ghez, J.B. Kaufman, and Ted Thomas. They join us to discuss their newest monograph, Walt Disney & El Grupo in Latin America, and the groundbreaking 1941 Disney voyage which inspired it. We examine the importance of Walt's many travels, and also take a look at what's next for the Hyperion Historical Alliance and its busy authors. Time to buy a new bookshelf - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Saludos amigos! In this episode the Radio Hour heads south of the border to look at Disney's connections to Mexico. We discuss Walt's ties to the country, early Mexican representation at Disneyland and in Disney films, examine the mighty churro, and explore EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion. History, music, and more - uts talahá ané exte Mexico yanchaħ uuchich, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this Town Hall we're thrilled to speak with Derric Johnson, founder and long-time leader of the Voices of Liberty at EPCOT's American Adventure pavilion. Learn about his early Disney experiences in the 1970s, special moments over the years with the Voices of Liberty, and his time directing the annual Walt Disney World Candlelight Ceremony. History, music, and more - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
To honor the recent passing of Disney Legend Richard Sherman, this special episode of the Radio Hour is a tribute to the iconic and unforgettable Sherman Brothers. We'll take a look at some of their lesser-known work, from their time before Disney to projects such as Tinpanorama and Summer Magic, to, yes, even SMASH FLOPS! History, music, and more - bring your tuppence, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Ahoy! We continue our nautical theme with the return of former Imagineering and Disney Development Company exec Bob Holland! Bob joins us to talk about the early days of the Disney Cruise Line, from the shipyards of Italy to Castaway Cay. Set sail for new magic - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour sets sail for a nautical exploration of one of Disney's best features - its boats! Our salty tales include the life of Disney Legend Admiral Joe Fowler, the origin of Disney boat attractions at Arrow Development, a glimpse of life aboard a FriendShip launch, the creation of Disneyland's Submarine Voyage, and a tribute to Miss Tilly! History, music, and more - cast off the bow line and gun it Mr. Baxter, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour returns to the slopes for more snowbound adventure! We have a wintry mix of tales including a trip to Switzerland with Walt to film on the slopes of the Matterhorn, a look at Disney's involvement in the 1960 Winter Olympics, and a conversation with Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer about their book, Disneyland On The Mountain, about the never-built resort at Mineral King. History, music, and more - fire up the fondue and grab that tow rope, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour mulls the wine and sets out the relish tray for our 2023 Christmas episode! This year we're hosting two very special historians and authors, Steven Vagnini and Foxx Nolte! We talk about their past, current, and future book projects, and take a look ahead at 2024. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Former Imagineering Show Writer Scott Hennesy returns in this month's Progress City Town Hall! In this episode Scott answers some lingering questions from last time before taking us to Tokyo to discuss his adventures there. From Juicy Lucy to Chandu, there's a lot to talk about. Pack your duffle - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month on the Progress City Town Hall we welcome former Imagineering Show Writer Scott Hennesy! Scott comes from a long Disney lineage, and in his time at Imagineering worked on such classic attractions as Kitchen Kabaret, Journey into Imagination, Cranium Command, and more. In this interview we talk about his history, his early Imagineering experiences, and some of his projects for Tokyo Disneyland. Cha-cha-cha, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Let's return to EPCOT Center for a patriotic extravaganza like no other! Join us for a look at the creation of the groundbreaking attraction The American Adventure, and the history of Americana-themed spectacles that preceded it in the 19th and 20th centuries. Then take your seat for a history of the beloved singing group Voices of Liberty! Grab those rose-colored bifocals and spare a dime - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center gathers one little spark of inspiration to make some memories! Follow Figment to the Dreamport as we explore the development of the classic attraction Journey into Imagination, and find out about previous Kodak promotions both at Disneyland and at the World's Fairs. And fire up the filmstrip because we're remembering the EPCOT Educational Media Company! Just an ordinary day, but all at once we're on our way - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We're riding on sunshine as we continue our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center with a look at a few of the faces of energy! Cross the bridge future bound as we explore the development of the classic attraction Universe of Energy, and find out about previous energy exhibits both at Disneyland and at the World's Fairs. And take an off-topic side trip to The Chummery for the dulcet tones of the Saltwater Express! Feel the flow cause here we go, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this Progress City Town Hall we welcome back animator and Audio-Animatronics programmer Davy Feiten for part two of our epic interview! This time we go into detail about the Country Bear Jamboree and its seasonal shows, plus more of Davy's work on attractions such as Visionarium. Put some pants on that bear, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month on the Progress City Town Hall we're thrilled to welcome audio-animatronics wizard Davy Feiten! Davy started his career as an animator before coming to Imagineering to work on EPCOT Center, where he programmed American Adventure, World of Motion, Universe of Energy, and more. In this interview we discuss those experiences, as well as his work on Splash Mountain and on attractions for Disneyland Paris. Watch out for those tapdancing dinosaurs, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's fun to be free as we continue our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center with a celebration of the fifth freedom - mobility! Heed the call of the open road as we talk about the development of the classic attraction World of Motion. Find out about sponsor General Motors, and their previous brushes with Disney and World's Fairs. And take a listen to the silliest souvenir video ever made. Free in mind, free in spirit, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
For this month's Progress City Town Hall we're pleased to introduce you to director, producer, and writer Bob Garner! A showbiz veteran, Bob was responsible for documenting Imagineering's work leading up to the opening of EPCOT Center. Among his many credits are the EPCOT preview center film, The Living Seas, the Captain EO preshow film, and much more. Tie down Mickey because Bob is in town, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We continue our 40th anniversary celebration of EPCOT Center with a look at the pavilion which today most holds true to its original intent - The Land! We'll look back at how the pavilion came to be, and some of the concepts which were abandoned along the way. We'll also talk about original sponsor Kraft, and how they had a presence at World's Fairs and with Disney long before EPCOT. We'll look at the pavilion's research under consultant Carl Hodges, and we'll revisit EPCOT musical muse Bob Moline. History, music, and more - make believe you're a tiny little seed and mayo up that salad loaf, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this episode we conclude our two-part Progress City Town Hall featuring veteran Imagineer and Disney Legend Doris Hardoon! In her long career, Doris worked on projects ranging from EPCOT to Shanghai and beyond. In part two of our talk we discuss her work on EPCOT galleries, the Autry museum, Port Disney, WESTCOT, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland and more - whew! Pack your bags for a round-the-world journey, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month we're happy to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall featuring veteran Imagineer and Disney Legend Doris Hardoon! In her long career, Doris worked on projects ranging from EPCOT to Shanghai and beyond. In part one of our talk we discuss her early life as a pop singer and model in Hong Kong, her early career in themed entertainment, and her work with Rolly Crump and others on EPCOT's The Land. Vacuum the wall carpet and I'll meet you at the potato stand, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We begin our 40th anniversary celebration of EPCOT Center with a look at the theme of its signature pavilion, communications! We'll look back in time to see the history of the Bell System's past offerings at World's Fairs and Disneyland itself, and talk with Imagineer Peggie Fariss about the level of research that went into the creation of EPCOT's Spaceship Earth. To top it off, we'll examine how Spaceship Earth developed from the "Future World Theme Show" to the attraction we know and love today. History, music, and more - hug a Phoenician and beware the electronic babble, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This is it, folks - our fiftieth episode! Can you believe it? To mark the occasion we're looking back at two fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the past, 1973's 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions and 1978's 50th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. History, music, and more - nifty at fifty, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This episode we're bringing you part two of our Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Peggie Fariss! Peggie started at Disneyland in 1965 as an attractions hostess, and in her amazing fifty-year career she worked on any number of fascinating projects. In part two of our talk we discuss more of her role in putting together EPCOT's planning conferences, her work helping create the Disney Gallery, the art of dealing with corporate participants, and her time at Disneyland Paris! Head for Ice Station Cool, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month we're very excited to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Peggie Fariss! Peggie started at Disneyland in 1965 as an attractions hostess, and in her amazing fifty-year career she worked on any number of fascinating projects. In part one of our talk we discuss the origins of Peggie's Disney career, her time in Florida previewing Walt Disney World in 1969, her role there as the resort opened in 1971, and her work helping develop EPCOT programming in the 1970s. Meet you at the Sunshine State Exhibitorium, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We're on the rails again as we continue our exploration of the production of the 1956 Disney feature The Great Locomotive Chase. Join us, Walt, and Fess in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina for a look at the locals Walt recruited to take part in the film, some of whom he tried to bring back to California with him! We also look back at the film's multiple premiere events, and Jeff speaks to Bill Kurtz III, whose grandfather was technical advisor for the film and who himself made an actual appearance on the Disneyland television show! History, music, and more - pop open a Coca Cola, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month we're doing something a little different on the Radio Hour, and taking a deep dive into the production of the 1956 feature The Great Locomotive Chase. This film was a passion project for Walt, who spent two weeks playing with trains on location in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. Join us and our third co-host Fess Parker for a look back at the production, the locomotives, and life on set along the Tallulah Falls Railroad - and for an in-depth assessment of just how handsome is Jeffrey Hunter anyway? History, music, and more - eat our dust Johnny Reb, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's time to hit the road for summer vacation, Disney style! We'll look at roadside Disney classics from Florida's welcome centers to Walt Disney World's preview center itself. We'll also hitch up our RVs at Disneyland's long-lost Vacationland campground. We revisit the Country Bear Jamboree Vacation Hoedown, and speak to artists Jason Grandt and Scott Tilley about their Little Golden Book about Disney's Orange Bird. History, music, and more - gas up the Airstream and grab all the brochures you can carry, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month, the Progress City Radio Hour is setting sail for adventure with tales from the golden age of scientific romances, and the grand old man himself Jules Verne! We'll look at the making of the 1954 Disney classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and revisit how that film was first represented at Disneyland with a movie set tour. We'll also look at Verne's other brushes with Disney, from Tokyo's Mysterious Island to Paris's Discoveryland. And to top it off, we'll visit the greatest unbuilt land of them all, the fabled Discovery Bay. History, music, and more - cast off the bowline Mr. Baxter, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month, the Progress City Radio Hour looks at some of the creative geniuses who have worked with the Disney studio over the years. From surrealist legend Salvador Dalí, who worked at Disney on the film Destino in 1946, to composer legends like Stravinsky and Prokofiev, many famous names sought to work with Walt in his heyday. We also look at notables of later years, such as Michael Eisner's stable of world-renowned architects and Ray Bradbury's influence on EPCOT Center! History, music, and more - prepare to step into the Schweitzer centrifuge, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this episode we welcome back veteran Imagineer Tim Delaney for part two of his town hall! We cover a lot of ground in this one, from EPCOT Center and The Living Seas to Discoveryland in Paris. There are also lots of personal stories about the boom days of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Hydrolators prepare for descent, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month we're happy to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Tim Delaney! Tim began at Disney in the 1970s, and worked on everything from Epcot Center to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and beyond. In this part of our talk we discuss how Tim was inspired by Walt's classic Tomorrowland television episodes, his early years at Imagineering, and some of the fascinating people he met along the way. Hop on the Moonliner and prepare for takeoff, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour turns forward the clock and jets into the new year with a visit to the great big beautiful Tomorrowland! We start off with a look at Walt's own Tomorrowland programs of the 1950s, and how they influenced the American space program. We'll also examine Walt's friendship with visionary architect Welton Beckett, tour the early entertainment offerings of the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, and look at abandoned plans for the EPCOT Future World Theme Center! History, music, and more - without this faceplate our blood would literally boil, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour spikes the eggnog and hoists the mistletoe for our second annual Christmas episode! This year our festive spectacular features visits from two of our Town Hall guests from 2021, legendary Walt Disney World performer Pat Terry, Jr. and renowned Disney horticulturalist Scott Girard. Author and historian Marcy Carriker Smothers also drops by to talk about her newest book about Walt Disney and Disneyland. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this episode we wrap up our trip back through time to celebrate Walt Disney World's fiftieth anniversary! The last installation of our multi-episode event examines the 1990s - a decade of many ups and downs for the resort and for Disney itself. Not for nothing was this period known as the Disney Decade - there's a lot to talk about and a lot of developments to cover, so buckle in! History, music, and more - everything announced today in this podcast will definitely be built, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Join us as we continue our journey through fifty years of Walt Disney World history! For this momentous occasion we're embarking on a multi-episode event which will take us through the decades to revisit moments from the resort's past. For part three we look at the 1980s - a decade of much change at Disney and at Walt Disney World. And we welcome Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to the family! History, music, and more - hullo, I'm Michael Eisner, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Our Walt Disney World golden anniversary celebration continues! For this momentous occasion we're embarking on a multi-episode event which will take us through the decades to revisit moments from the resort's past. For part two we explore the years between the resort's opening in 1971 and the debut of Epcot Center in 1982. It's a decade of expansion and of much promise, as well as much silliness. History, music, and more - let us take you on a moonlit ride, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's finally here - the golden anniversary of Walt Disney World! For this momentous occasion we're embarking on a multi-episode event which will take us through the decades to revisit moments from the resort's past - some significant and some decidedly less so. For part one we explore the years between the announcement of the "Florida Project" in 1965 and its grand opening in 1971. We also talk to Ron Miziker, the entertainment impresario who helped pull off those fantastic opening celebrations. History, music, and more - tune up the 1,076 trombones and prep the festoonery, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Walt Disney World and the man who made it possible, Roy O. Disney, we're putting out a Progress City Extra featuring some memories of Roy by people who worked with him. Included are clips from our Progress City Town Halls with Frank Stanek and Scott Girard, featuring some elements that have not been previously broadcast. We hope you enjoy these reminisces, and join us next week for the first of our fiftieth anniversary celebration episodes!
It's no secret we love Disney park music, so we're very excited to bring you our interview with long-time Walt Disney World banjoist and Disney Legacy Award winner Pat Terry, Jr. Pat started off at Disneyland before helping open Walt Disney World alongside his father, with whom he played for more than a decade before striking out on his own. Along the way he's had some fabulous experiences and got to meet some fascinating people. From the streets of New Orleans Square to the stage of Pioneer Hall - tune up folks, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour catches a blue-flagged motor launch for a look at the Vacation Kingdom via the waterways of Bay Lake! We remember an eccentric occupant of the area before Disney arrived, dig into the origins of Fort Wilderness, and explore Bay Lake's entertainment offerings of the 1970s. We also check in with legendary Walt Disney World entertainer Pat Terry, Jr. for some memories about the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. History, music, and more - peel some shrimp and tune your banjo, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this Progress City Town Hall we continue our discussion with veteran Disney landscaper and horticulturalist Scott Girard. Topics of discussion include Scott's influence on the landscapes of EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland, some of his projects outside Disney, and his time spent as head of Disney Horticulture in the 1990s. From the gardens of Canada to the forests of Japan - plant those tiddlywinks, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Landscaping is a fundamental part of the Disney themed experience, so we're thrilled this month to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Disney landscaper and horticulturalist Scott Girard. Scott started at Disneyland in 1964, and went on to become part of the team that helped create Walt Disney World. In this part of our talk we discuss those early experiences, including encounters with Walt and Roy Disney themselves. From the orange groves of Anaheim to the swamps of Florida - stay off those topiaries, kids, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour picks up our fife and drum for another celebration of the Fourth of July! In this patriotic episode we'll look back at how Disney parks celebrated the Bicentennial, and examine some very early concepts for Epcot's American Adventure. We'll also walk you through a lengthy televised spectacle of Americana from 1991. History, music, and more - strike up the band, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour sets sail down the mighty Mississippi for more wild west excitement in Frontierland! In part two of this month's episode we look at how Mark Twain influenced Walt Disney's youth. We'll also look at Frontierland dining options from Disneyland's past, hear a catchy ditty about Nature's Wonderland, and continue our retrospective tour of Walt Disney World's Frontierland! History, music, and more - send down another bag of golden corn, Klondike, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour hits the dusty trail in search of frontier adventure! In part one of our Frontierland episode we look at the musical legacy of some of Disney's western offerings and revisit the televised exploits of Texas John Slaughter. We also begin our trip back through time to Remember the Magic of Frontierland's past at Walt Disney World. History, music, and more - prepare for the wildest ride in the wilderness, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour wakes up the glee club and returns to the wilds of Adventureland! In part two of our Adventureland episode we examine the careers of two individuals who had a great influence on this land's history - Imagineer Harper Goff and horticulturalist Bill Evans. We'll also revisit the filming of the Disney classic The Swiss Family Robinson, and Jeff holds a Polynesian feast! History, music, and more - we're offering two heads for just one of yours, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour starts the show rolling and embarks on a safari into Adventureland! In part one of our Adventureland episode we look at the True-Life Adventures which first inspired this exotic land and Remember the Magic™ of some of the area's past offerings. We also look at the history and lore of the Orange Bird, and examine Walt Disney World's citrus ties. History, music, and more - wave goodbye to the people at the dock, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Here we return to our Progress City Town Hall two-part interview with Imagineer and historian Tom Morris. In part two of our talk we discuss a number of major projects that he worked on, most notably Disney Studios Paris, DisneyQuest, and Hong Kong Disneyland. We also discuss his huge new research project about the roots of Imagineering, and some of the important names you may never have heard about until now. History, music, and more - long live the theme park, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month, the Progress City Town Hall brings you a two-part interview with Imagineer and historian Tom Morris. Tom not only worked on a wide range of projects from EPCOT to Hong Kong Disneyland and beyond, but he's embarked on a major research project about the roots of Imagineering. In this part of our talk we discuss several of his early projects including World of Motion, Journey into Imagination, and a slew of Disneyland experiences. From Splash Mountain to Star Wars - follow Figment to the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour returns to Fantasyland in the second part of our 50th anniversary retrospective! This week we examine some unbuilt attractions from "The Fantasyland That Never Was" and continue to Remember the Magic™ of past Fantasyland offerings such as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Skyway. This month's special guest, historian and Imagineer Tom Morris, returns with more insight into the creation of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. History, music, and more - we're on our way to nowhere in particular, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour sprinkles some pixie dust and heads straight into the happiest land of them all! In part one of our Fantasyland retrospective we look at the European adventures which inspired Walt's storybook tales and Remember the Magic™ of some of Fantasyland's past offerings. This month's special guest, historian and Imagineer Tom Morris, also drops in with some insight into the design of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. History, music, and more - head for the second star to the right, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month's Progress City Town Hall continues with part two of our interview with designer and former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Eddie started at Disney in 1986 and rose to be Senior Vice President, Concept Design. In this episode we discuss his memories of Michael Eisner, talk about why someone leaves Imagineering, and analyze some of the issues facing the industry today. From one Progress City to another - make room for Shrunken Ed, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month's Progress City Town Hall features our interview with designer and former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Eddie started at Disney in 1986 and rose to be Senior Vice President, Concept Design. In our wide-ranging talk we discuss everything from the unique appeal of Knott's Berry Farm to what, exactly, he was cooking up in his Imagineering Concept Development Studio. From Six Flags Power Plant to Pooh's Hunny Hunt, from Herb Ryman to Tony Baxter - we have ignition, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour marches right down the middle of Main Street for a look at this area's influences and history! We'll examine what there is to see in Marceline, Missouri, take a trip with Walt to the 1948 Chicago Railroad Fair and Greenfield Village, listen to the soundscape of Main Street, and Remember the Magic™ of past Main Street offerings such as the Walt Disney Story and Penny Arcade. We even talk Main Street with this month's special guest, Eddie Sotto! History, music, and more - put on your Sunday clothes, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month's Progress City Town Hall features our interview with former Disney Imagineer and executive, Bob Holland. Bob got his start during the construction of Epcot Center and retired after 26 years as the Vice President of Resort Development. He talks us through many of his projects from the built to the unbuilt, and tells tales of an array of architectural personalities as well as Disney icons such as Michael Eisner and Dick Nunis. From Epcot to the Mediterranean Resort, from the Grand Floridian to Lava Lagoon - mind the muck wave, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour hops aboard the monorail for a tour of Walt Disney World's Vacation Kingdom in the early 1970s! We'll look at how the Walt Disney World experiment began with Denver's Celebrity Sports Center, explore how the Seven Seas Lagoon was developed, examine some unbuilt resort hotels, and Remember the Magic™ of past offerings at the Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Village Resort. History, music, and more - pour yourself a Monorail Pink and get your hula skirt ready, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour powders its wig for a look at Liberty Square and Disney's relationship to the presidency! We'll stroll the halls of history examining how Walt interacted with the presidents, look at how his Imagineers created the Hall of Presidents, recount important presidential moments at Walt Disney World, and Remember the Magic™ of Liberty Square's past. History, music, and more - buckle your breeches and summon the electors, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour strikes up the band and hits the parade route for a retro Christmas viewing party! In this trip down holiday memory lane we discuss a classic Progress City favorite, the 1986 Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade. See what the resort was like as it celebrated its 15th anniversary, as well as the 50th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. History, music, and more - open up the Jungle Berk and set sail on Herbie the Love Boat, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour decks the halls and dishes the figgy pudding for our very first Christmas episode! In this festive spectacular we welcome some very special guests including Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline and historian and author Jeff Kurtti. Our wacky neighbor Jay even drops in with some wintery film recommendations for the Disney fan. History, music, and more - dontcha kinda love December? It's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The latest installation of the Progress City Town Hall features our interview with Disney music producer and historian extraordinaire, Randy Thornton. Randy walks us through his career at the Disney studio, including some of his big projects and how he evolved the theme park soundtrack album. You'll also hear stories about the greats from Tutti Camarata to Annette to Richard Sherman, and get a hint at where he'd like to take Disney music in the future. Straight from the vaults in an undisclosed salt mine - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour keeps the hits coming and flips the disc for a new trove of musical treasures! We return to 1980's The Official Album of Disneyland/Walt Disney World, this time examining the musical influences and historical development of each track on side B. Our aural odyssey takes us from brass bands to America Sings to Mr. Lincoln, and features some clips from our interview with Disney Records impresario Randy Thornton. History, music, and more - come home Bill Bailey, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This episode of the Progress City Town Hall features our interview with musical maestro and entertainment producer extraordinaire Don Dorsey. Don walks us through his career of legendary entertainments, beginning in the days of America on Parade and culminating in EPCOT's iconic IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. You'll get the inside scoop on the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Electrical Water Pageant, Carnival de Lumiere, the original IllumiNations, Don's solo projects, and more. Coming at you in electrosynthomagnetic musical sound - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour warms up the hi-fi and spins a platter full of musical delights! We take a deep dive into side A of 1980's The Official Album of Disneyland/Walt Disney World, complete with in-depth looks at the musical influences and historical development of each track. From the Main Street Electrical Parade to the Country Bear Jamboree we hit all the stops, and feature a few choice clips from our interview with Disney musical legend Don Dorsey. History, music, and more - in high fidelity stereophonic electro-syntho-magnetic musical sound, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This episode of the Progress City Town Hall features our interview with themed entertainment veteran and former Imagineer Bob Baranick. Bob takes us from his days before Disney working on regional attractions such as the Six Flags Power Plant through his time as a model builder for Disneyland Paris's Phantom Manor and beyond. You'll hear tales of his stint as an art director at Disneyland, including many unbuilt attractions from the "Disney Decade" as well as legendary experiences such as the Indiana Jones Adventure. Memories and insights from an industry pro - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour grabs its musket and coonskin cap and heads off into the wilderness! We have a wide frontier of adventure awaiting you including the life and lore of Davy Crockett, a visit to Frontierland circa 1956, a trip through Marc Davis's unbuilt Fort Wilderness attraction Adventure House, a stop at Trail's End, and a bit about a never-built Frontierland attraction from former Imagineer and veteran designer Bob Baranick. History, music, and more - butter up the cornbread and set down the mighty Mississippi, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This episode continues the Progress City Town Hall featuring part two of our interview with long-time Disney executive Frank Stanek. In this episode, Frank takes us from the construction of Walt Disney World through his time leading the development of the Tokyo Disneyland project, and gives us a rare insight into the transition from Ron Miller's time at Walt Disney Productions to the dawn of the Eisner age. More tales from a legendary career - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Join us for our inaugural Progress City Town Hall, part one of our interview with long-time Disney executive Frank Stanek. In Frank's 25 years at Disney he went from part-time pancake flipper at Disneyland to corporate vice-president of research and planning, and along the way influenced such projects as the 1964/65 New York World's Fair, Mineral King, Walt Disney World, and Epcot. He also led the development of the Tokyo Disneyland project. Later he joined Universal as their president of international business development, and he was the 2013 recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Award – Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements. Tales from a legendary career - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour concocts a wintry mix to bring you Christmas in August! We have an avalanche of snowy fun with a look at Walt's history with skiing, a musical trip down an Arctic river with Marc Davis's unbuilt Enchanted Snow Palace, a journey through Epcot's proposed Switzerland pavilion, a Disney figure skating fantasy from 1992, and a tidbit about Mineral King from longtime Disney executive Frank Stanek. History, music, and more - turn down the air conditioning and stoke the fire, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour forgets to set its alarm and groggily awakes from a prolonged snooze. We shake off the cobwebs and tackle our new format with a timely look at Disney patriotism with stops under the Liberty Tree, a stroll down Liberty Street, and a trip back to 1988 with the Walt Disney World 4th of July Parade. History, music, and more - look in our eyes to see Old Glory wavin', it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Passage: Matthew 7:24-29
Concluding this heavenly masterpiece of a sermon, Jesus talks about those who "hear and do these words" are the ones who have really heard the voice of God.
In this message, we ask the question, "So what now?" What are these words of God and how should they impact me?
The crowds reacted with overwhelmed astonishment, but it didn't mean that they really listened to and obeyed the words of Jesus. So, life depends completely on the authority and wisdom of God's Word.
What are you building your house on?
Passage: Matthew 7:15-27
As Jesus is coming to the last illustrations of his sermon, he draws a very distinct line between those who are his followers and those who are not.
To help us understand what it means to be true followers of himself, Jesus exposes what it looks like to be a false follower. What is necessary to be in Christ? How do I know if I'm included? And what does it look to stay in Christ? We seek to share the good news of Jesus in answer to these questions.
Passage: Matthew 7:13-14
Similar to Moses who once stood before the people and called to them to choose life, Jesus now stands on the mount calling to God's new people with the same bold, exclusive choice.
Two crowds, two roads, two gates, two destinations -- but one, single choice. So, get in! You're being called.
Passage: Matthew 7:12
Often referred to as the Golden Rule, this special verse is less about rule-keeping than it is about the power for grace-living. Indeed, it is all about loving others as we are loving God, and loving others is the distinguishing mark of the new people of God.
But how do we do this all the time? And how much should we love ourselves or practice self-forgetfulness? What does Jesus expect of me? We seek to answer these questions and relate the good news of the Gospel to them in this message.
Passage: Matthew 7:6-11
Prayer is the constant, righteous, and treasured activity of God's new people in relationship with Jesus. But do we recognize it's value and how precious it is? Why is it so hard to pray? In this message, we explore these two questions and see how prayer connects us to the Father and the good Father to the world around us.
Passage: Matthew 7:1-5
The Gospel of Jesus forms a new people who please God in their everyday lives. Beginning in Matthew 7, Jesus commands his followers to never judge others. But what does it mean to judge? Is there more Pharisee in us than we can often see? Do I see people as God sees them? And how does the Gospel liberate a critical, judging heart?
These questions and more are all dealt with in this message as we learn what it means to be the new people of God in a world that despises one another.
Passage: Matthew 6:24-34
"Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness -- and all these things will be added to you." v. 34
This is our third message on how the Gospel of Jesus remedies an anxious life. Together, we explore the understanding of the words kingdom and righteousness and show how Jesus presents these as the remedy for anxiety and the evidence of his new people.
note: we apologize that the recording of the introduction sermon on anxiety is not available at this time.
Passage: Matthew 6:24-34
In this second message of three on anxiety, we begin to ask the questions, "Where does anxiety come from and how did we get here? What are we chasing and what are we trying so hard to protect?" And then, we apply the Gospel through exploring how God knows not only all of my needs but also my deepest need. What does it mean to trust him and not to "chase"? In the new Adam of Jesus Christ, God's new people gain his perspective on this world. And this lets us live to honor him and enjoy all that he has made without anxiety ruling over our lives. There is good news for anxious people!
note: we apologize that the recording of the introduction sermon on anxiety is not available at this time.
Passage: John 2; various
The Bible is replete with the metaphor of wine to symbolize joy. And, to take the metaphor further, Bible presents us with good wine, bad wine, & divine wine centered all around joy obtained through justice.
This message was shared in Italy at the time of the annual grape harvest to emphasize the meaning of gospel joy.
Passage: Various from Philippians
Paul demonstrates with his life and at his own personal sacrifice, how much joy it is to walk in Christ-centered friendships.
Passage: John 15
The key word treated in this message is how to "abide". The scene is Jesus at his last supper just hours before his death. And instead of fret or fright, Jesus is communing with his disciples in joy. He states that his mission is to transmit his joy into their lives; the lives of his friends. How do I know if I really have friendship with God? It will impact every area of my life, including how I treat and serve others.
This kind of friendship with God makes Christians unique. Joy is the good-tasting fruit of having a friendship with God. Therefore, the friends of God have a rich, vibrant, and joy-filled message to share with Italy and beyond.
Note: the actual teaching begins around 9:20 in the recording. We left a portion of the first few minutes of "family discussion" in the recording as we shared our mutual impressions and understandings about joy. You may be able to relate to some of the discussion.
Passage: Luke 15
After a few months absence and with strong jet lag, Rob began a new series on the subject of true and living joy. Italy earnestly needs to see and taste the joy that only God can gift to this land. This joy in God is extremely contagious and we pray it will "go viral."
However, it can only be obtained through sincere repentance. Often, people think of repentance as something miserable, but listen to what God the Father thinks of it in the way Jesus presents how God celebrates and parties. The joy of God is gloriously attractive. Are you in the festa or not?
This is the message of grace and joy that we seek to bring to the sadness and emptiness of the land.
Passage: John 1
From the time when Jesus first calls his disciples, his calling gives the model, the invitation, and the wonder of being a follower of Jesus united together with others on the same journey.
Passage: Hebrews 3 An introduction to Hebrews and a re-focus on Jesus as our leader and greater Moses.
While celebrating this Resurrection Sunday, Dr. Tim Chester of the Crowded House Network in England came and gave us an extraordinary look at Hosea 5 and 6 in connection to the Resurrection of Christ.
In this message, Pastor Tim walks us through the destruction of the people of God before looking at their resurrection all in the gracious and glorious plan of God. Sharing our love of God's community, Tim brings us to how the Resurrection works into the building of Christian community and the fulfillment of the pleasure of God.
Following the account of the betrayal of Jesus in Luke 22, Pastor Rob takes us through the different kinds of betrayal that Jesus experienced as well as what we experience.
However, Jesus has a glorious way of healing all betrayal which comes through a party and a celebration. Take a deep look at Judas, Peter, yourself, and then Jesus.
Brother Neil came to Serenissima to teach a church-planting residential on the theme of Gospel Change. Neil graciously stayed-on and preached for us on Sunday morning about the Extreme Grace of God from Romans 5.
Neil is a pastor in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife and four children. The Lord wonderfully blessed our time together and this message is both inviting to people who don't yet know God's grace and encouraging for those who do. Enjoy it and be blessed.
Passages: Luke 10 and James 1
Continuing from our series "What Is a Christian?" The response to that question in this message is a Christian is one who counts the cost and passionately chooses Christ anyway.
Passage: Luke 10: the Good Samaritan
In our "What is a Christian?" Series, we explore a lawyer who asks what he has to do to be accepted by God. However, he doesn't like the answer that Jesus gives him. So, what does it really mean to love God fully and our neighbors? Who's my neighbor? And what if I don't even like them?
Passages: John 3 and 8
What is a Christian? Today's response from the Bible is a Christian is one who actively deals with sin before God.
People define being a Christian in a myriad of different ways. But at the foundation of being a Christian, there is an active recognition and devotion to dealing with humanity's main problem of sin. In this message we learn to look to the cure and stay in the presence of Jesus where there is safety.
The Progress City Radio Hour returns from the wilderness with the third episode of our Original Trilogy. More discussion than dissertation, this episode finds the Progress City gang recapping recent events and discussing our last trip to Walt Disney World. News, music, discussion and more - you are not the first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour faces the sophomore slump with bravado in our second episode. We continue our examination of Disneyland through the eyes of two Walt Disney World veterans, and stop by EPCOT Center for a look - and listen - at the history of Horizons. We tip our hat to Disney's animated "Robin Hood", and open the Progress City mailbag for the first time. News, music, discussion and more - please step onto the moving platform, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
On this inaugural episode of the Progress City Radio Hour, we look at the first visit to Disneyland by two Walt Disney World veterans. The Sherman Brothers "Meet the World", Phil Hartman encounters aliens, and we all get a dose of HARD FACTS. News, music, discussion and more - welcome, foolish mortals, to the first episode of the Progress City Radio Hour!