"I Want That Too" Podcast Episodes
Aug. 6, 2025
How Walt Disney Turned Orange Juice and Peanut Butter into Theme Parks (Ep. 59)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan pe...
July 30, 2025
Nine Parks, Five Hotels, and a Whole Lotta Merch (Ep. 58)
Lauren returns from an epic summer road trip across nine parks and five hotels, with stories (and shopping bags) in tow. She and Jim break down: The best-kept secret for scoring free Disney water park access How the new night...
July 23, 2025
When Bugs Bunny Snuck Into a Disneyland Board Game (Ep. 57)
In this packed episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey tackle everything from the ZOMBIES 4 merch drought to the 52-item Haunted Mansion collection and the bittersweet farewell line for Animal Kingdom’s Dinosa...
July 16, 2025
From TV Screens to Main Street: Walt’s Media Master Plan (Ep. 56)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a full dose of Disney merch, from the long-awaited debut of the Starlight Dream the Night Away parade to a viral collector toy that's creeping its way into the parks. Lauren breaks dow...
July 9, 2025
The $10,000 Buzz Lightyear and the Real Story Behind Toy Story's Merch Empire (Ep. 55)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey continue their Toy Story series with a deep dive into the franchise's merchandising legacy—and how a scrappy unknown toy company landed the rights that Mattel and Hasbro turned down. From the earlie...
July 2, 2025
Toy Meets Tech: What Toy Story 5 Says About Disney’s Future (Ep. 54)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and ...
June 25, 2025
The Poster Wars: How Aladdin, Fantasia, and Drew Struzan Shaped Disney History (Ep. 53)
In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist ...
June 18, 2025
Scents, Sweets, and Storytelling: How Disney Hooks You with Smell (Ep. 52)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode...
June 11, 2025
The Cookie King of Disney Springs: Inside the Story of Gideon's Bakehouse with Steve Lewis (Ep. 51)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. F...
June 4, 2025
Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch That Keeps Coming Back (Ep. 50)
For the 50th episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir ...
May 28, 2025
Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the Wild Story of the Tencennial (Ep. 49)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—ak...
May 21, 2025
Why Disney Bought the Mighty Ducks and the Angels (Ep. 48)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ...
May 15, 2025
The Original Stitch Was a Criminal Mastermind? Plus Emporium Updates and Disney Castle Color Confusion (Ep. 47)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robo...
May 8, 2025
Disney and NASA: The Surprising Space Race Story Behind Mission: SPACE (Ep. 46)
This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attracti…
May 1, 2025
The Secret World of Property Control and the History Behind Gertie the Dinosaur (Ep. 45)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclus...
April 24, 2025
Colin Egglesfield on Super Soap Weekend, Surviving Cancer, and Soap Star Fame at Disney (Ep. 44)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey sit down with actor and author Colin Egglesfield ( All My Children , Something Borrowed ) to revisit one of Disney’s most passionate fan events: Super Soap Weekend. Colin shares what it was like to ...
April 17, 2025
The Story of Frozen Orchids on Main Street & Easter Eggs - in Disney Classics (Ep. 43)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey hop into the season with stories of springtime mishaps, Disney merch drops, and a full breakdown of the difference between spoilers and Easter eggs (the movie kind, not the chocolate kind). The infa...
April 10, 2025
The Rise and Fall of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! (Ep. 42)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie with new Loungefly backpacks, wild Powerline-themed hats, and a deep dive into the film’s fan-favorite status. Then, they break down some of Disney’s ...
April 3, 2025
Epic Universe Merch, Figment’s Flattening, and Duffy’s Cherry Blossom Comeback (Ep. 41)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the colorful world of theme park merchandise—from Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival to Universal’s Epic Universe rollout—and spotlight a pastel plush line...
March 27, 2025
Duffy’s Rise, Disney Store Nostalgia, and the Secret History of the Disney Bear (Ep. 40)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go full collector mode with stories of forgotten plush, rare merch, and the unexpected international success of one very determined Disney bear. The Return of Du...
March 20, 2025
The Lawsuit That Changed Disney Animation Forever: Lady and the Tramp’s Legal Fight (Ep. 39)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the drama surrounding Disney’s latest projects, from the controversial Snow White live-action remake to a major legal battle over Lady and the Tramp . ...
March 6, 2025
The 57-Second Rule: How Disney Makes You Spend More After Every Ride (Ep. 38)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the secrets behind Disney’s gift shops and why you’re always tempted to buy merch after every ride. From Mattel’s influence in the 1990s to the psychol...
Feb. 27, 2025
Exiting Through the Gift Shop: The Psychology Behind Disney Merch (Ep. 37)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey uncover the fascinating history of why Disney fans always exit through a gift shop. From strategic design choices to corporate sponsorships, Disney has perfected...
Feb. 20, 2025
How Disney Printed Its Own Money and Why It Disappeared (Ep. 36)
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to discuss Disney’s long-lost currency, exciting new merch releases, and how Disney fans keep the magic alive through collectibles. ...