Best Midnight Report Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 31- Midnight Minus One: A People-Led Map to Restore Democracy and Everyday Prosperity. 26:39

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28d ago26:39

26:39

What if the fastest way to rescue democracy isn’t through endless arguments about abstractions, but by fixing the problems families face every day? Henry R. Greenfield takes a clear-eyed look at why trust has collapsed—nostalgia that romanticizes the past, decades of offshoring and short-term corporate thinking, and institutions that reward power o…

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Disney’s Numbers Are In: What the 2024 TEA Attendance Report Tells Us (Ep. 555) 56:12

7h ago56:12

56:12

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss Disney’s newest attraction update — Soarin’ Across America, debuting at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure in 2026 — and what it means for the company’s strategy ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. They also break down the just-released TEA Global Attendance Report and what the latest theme park numbers…

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“What if”… Andre The Giant Won The WWF Title At WrestleMania 3! 1:09:40

2d ago1:09:40

1:09:40

THE PODCAST VERSION WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE EVERY SATURDAY MORING, AT 7AM ON ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS! SEARCH HAMIN MEDIA GROUP @HaminMediaGroup Professor liked the “ what if” episode last week that he had to do another.... and this time it’s something that’s been pondered so many times and the boys will put their booking hats on.... what if Vince fo…

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U.S. Has Now Taken Out 10 Alleged Drug Boats, Killing At Least 43 46:30

2d ago46:30

46:30

The US Treasury Department announced on Friday that it is sanctioning Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of playing a “role in the global illicit drug trade.” Also sanctioned are Petro’s wife and son, and Colombia’s interior minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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A Midnight Phone Call. A Missing Movie. Decades of Questions. 51:16

7h ago51:16

51:16

Here at the Center for Investigative Reporting, we excel at finding things: government documents, contact information, the misdeeds people have tried to hide. It’s serious work that we use for serious tasks—but that gave us an idea. What would happen if we used these skills for things that are less about accountability and more about joy? If we tur…

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Manufacturing the Magic: Disney at the Fair 19:32

2d ago19:32

19:32

In the 25th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid journey to Flushing Meadows. There, they shine a spotlight on the four attractions that the Imagineers created for the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair. Including the two that Disney Legend Bob Gurr designed. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What …

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U.S. Deploys World's Largest Warship To Latin America 45:19

2d ago45:19

45:19

In a major escalation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sends the country's newest, biggest aircraft carrier toward Latin America, while the president considers targeting cocaine facilities inside Venezuela. Plus, if you thought TikTok was soul sucking for your kids, wait till you see what this new avalanche of online "AI slop" is capable of. Learn m…

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NBA Stars Charged In Scheme Rigging Bets & Mafia-Backed Poker Games 45:45

3d ago45:45

45:45

Portland Trail Blazers head coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA journeyman Damon Jones are among 34 people indicted in connection with two separate federal gambling investigations announced by the Eastern District of New York on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch…

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How a Budget Cut Created Back to the Future’s Lightning Strike Moment (Ep. 74) 51:34

3d ago51:34

51:34

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate Back to the Future Day by revealing how one of cinema’s most iconic moments, the lightning strike finale, was born from a Universal Studios budget cut. Plus, the duo unwrap the latest holiday news from Universal Orlando and Hollywood, discuss a controversial new “pay-per-ride” Express Pass test, and share updates …

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White House East Wing Completely Demolished 45:28

3d ago45:28

45:28

The East Wing of the White House, and the 123 years of American history it embodied, is now reduced to rubble. This comes as the cost of the ballroom, and with it opportunities for donors to curry favor with the President rise. Perspective from former Trump campaign adviser David Urban, former senior adviser to President Obama David Axelrod, and CN…

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Federal Workers Form Line At Food Bank Amid Shutdown Pain 46:39

4d ago46:39

46:39

Furloughed government workers speak out about the effects of the shutdown on their everyday lives. Missing paychecks are taking a toll while they try to balance everyday expenses, insurance payments, rent, and even college tuition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy CNN Podcasts

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The Magic Behind Bedknobs and Broomsticks: How Disney’s Forgotten Fantasy Took Flight (Ep. 70) 1:00:34

4d ago1:00:34

1:00:34

This week, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dust off one of Disney’s most underappreciated classics, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. From its wartime origins and lost Mary Poppins connections to Angela Lansbury’s iconic role and Disney’s merchandising mysteries, the duo uncovers how this effects-filled musical became both a box-office sleeper and a cult favori…

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Trump Defends East Wing Demolition 45:14

4d ago45:14

45:14

President Trump is defending the demolition of the White House’s East Wing. Months ago, he said the construction "won’t interfere with the current building." We're Keeping Them Honest. Plus, presidential historian and Rice University history professor Douglas Brinkley gives his take on the extensive project to build a ballroom. Learn more about you…

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Al Letson at No Kings: Hope, Fury, and Inflatables 24:28

5d ago24:28

24:28

More To The Story: On October 18, roughly 2,700 No Kings demonstrations took place around the US. Organizers estimated that 7 million protesters came out to denounce what they described as America’s slide toward authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. That’s right where More To The Story’s Al Letson found himself this weekend. Al spoke with …

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Shutdown Day 21: Some In GOP Say Trump Needs To Get Involved 41:30

5d ago41:30

41:30

Lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement to pay federal workers. GOP Sen. Ron Johnson introduced a bill that would only pay those who are being asked to continue working through the weekslong shutdown, while Democrats are pushing for all federal workers to be paid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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After Hours at Disney: Magical Bonus or Midnight Money Pit? (Ep. 4) 29:45

5d ago29:45

29:45

In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most exclusive experiences: after hours hard ticket events. From Boo Bash to Jollywood Nights, are these late-night parties packed with unique perks, or are they just overpriced parades, cocoa, and chaos? Chris Cox and Len Testa present both sides while Ju…

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Keeping Them Honest: Easy Money? 45:39

5d ago45:39

45:39

New reporting that the President is asking the Justice Department to pay him $230 million in taxpayer money for prosecuting him. With one catch, top Justice officials have to sign off on it. The good news for the president: he appointed them, and one's his former defense attorney in the case. Plus, the co-author of Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts…

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Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Send Troops To Portland 46:50

6d ago46:50

46:50

A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling Monday will allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in Portland — an important legal victory in a showdown over presidential power that’s happening on multiple fronts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy CNN Podcasts

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From Disneyland to “Charlotte’s Web”: The Sherman Brothers’ Forgotten Tunes (Ep. 329) 53:53

6d ago53:53

53:53

This week on Fine Tooning, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill explore how Disney’s most beloved songwriting duo—the Sherman Brothers—found new creative life after leaving the Mouse House in 1968. From the heartfelt melodies of Snoopy Come Home to the timeless charm of Charlotte’s Web, Jim revisits how their music carried Disney’s spirit into other studios’ a…

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Politico Reports On Racist Text Messages Allegedly Sent By Trump Nominee For Whistleblower Office 45:04

6d ago45:04

45:04

He's up for a big job in the Trump administration but perhaps not for long: a new report of deeply disturbing text messages allegedly sent by Paul Ingrassia to a group of fellow Republicans. The Senate's top republican, Majority Leader John Thune, has just weighed in. Plus, with French authorities racing to find several priceless treasures before t…

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When Disney Becomes the Classroom: Teaching Magic, Strategy, and Imagination (Ep. 554) 1:17:42

7d ago1:17:42

1:17:42

This week, Len and Jim welcome Dr. Jill Peterfesso from Guilford College to talk about her new book Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning. The conversation explores how Disney is studied in college classrooms, how its mix of “magic and strategy” reveals deeper lessons about creativity and culture, and why professors…

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“What if”… Brock Lesnar Never left The WWE in 2004! 1:10:38

9d ago1:10:38

1:10:38

THE PODCAST VERSION WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE EVERY SATURDAY MORING, AT 7AM ON ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS! SEARCH HAMIN MEDIA GROUP @HaminMediaGroup Most “What Ifs” the PWR does involve hypothetical bookings that aim to alter the course of history. However, this one takes a unique turn as we engage in a freestyle discussion. The PWR boys contemplate the …

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Trump Insists: “I’m No King” Ahead Of Nationwide Protests 45:47

9d ago45:47

45:47

Amid an ongoing government shutdown and Trump’s push to deploy National Guard troops to American cities, millions are gearing up to protest his administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy CNN Podcasts

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Exposing a Global Surveillance Empire 50:18

9d ago50:18

50:18

In June, a sharp-suited Austrian executive from a global surveillance company told a prospective client that he could “go to prison” for organizing the deal they were discussing. But the conversation did not end there. The executive, Guenther Rudolph, was seated at a booth at ISS World in Prague, a secretive trade fair for police and intelligence a…

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Trump Commutes Prison Sentence Of Ex-Rep. George Santos 45:13

9d ago45:13

45:13

Expelled from the House, convicted of fraud, sentenced to prison, and now George Santos is getting sprung by a president who says he was "somewhat of a rogue." Plus, after meeting with Ukraine's president, and talking by phone with Putin, President Trump now says that both sides should claim victory and stop the fighting where they are. Learn more …

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Trump Reacts To Bolton Indictment 46:29

10d ago46:29

46:29

John Bolton, President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser-turned-adversary, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland on Thursday. Bolton, the third high-profile Trump political enemy to be indicted in less than a month, now faces eight counts of transmission of national defense information and 10 counts of retention of national…

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What If Comcast Buys Warner Bros.? Theme Park Dreams and Streaming Wars (Ep. 73) 51:08

10d ago51:08

51:08

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the big “what if” shaking up Hollywood - what happens if Comcast makes a play for Warner Bros. Discovery? From potential streaming mega-mergers to a theme park fan’s ultimate fantasy lineup, the guys imagine a world where Harry Potter meets Batman on the Universal backlot. Why Warner Bros. turned down Paramount’s $4…

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Ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted 45:14

10d ago45:14

45:14

Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton was indicted today on charges of mishandling classified information, the third critic of the President to be federally charged in less than a month. Plus, Chef José Andrés on the lifesaving work his group is doing in Gaza, with Hamas gunmen seeking retribution against Palestinians they accuse of co…

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White House Budget Chief Threatens 10,000 Layoffs 45:48

11d ago45:48

45:48

The Office of Management and Budget director warned that layoffs could climb “north of 10,000.” A memo was circulated in September that instructed agencies to prepare for mass layoffs in the event of a shutdown. This as Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez signaled at a CNN town hall that an end to the shutdown is far, …

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From Boo Buckets to Big Macs: Inside Disney’s Golden Era with McDonald’s (Ep. 69) 1:13:11

11d ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to unwrap the fascinating (and sometimes funny) story of Disney’s long-running partnership with McDonald’s. From the birth of the Happy Meal to fry carts in Frontierland, this episode explores how two of the world’s biggest brands became the ultimate marketing duo - and what…

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Trump Confirms He Authorized Covert CIA Actions In Venezuela 50:02

11d ago50:02

50:02

After the U.S. conducted yet another strike on a boat alleged to be trafficking drugs off the coast of Venezuela, the President confirms he authorized a CIA action inside Venezuela, and now he says he'll stop drugs from there by sea and by the land. Plus, a new report on racist texts by members of Young Republican groups , and the Vice President's …

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How a Climate Doomsayer Became an Unexpected Optimist 32:14

12d ago32:14

32:14

More To The Story: Bill McKibben isn’t known for his rosy outlook on climate change. Back in 1989, the environmentalist wrote The End of Nature, which is considered the first mainstream book warning of global warming’s potential effects on the planet. His writing on climate change has been described as “dark realism.” But McKibben has recently let …

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Red Sates Face Major Obamacare Price Hikes If Subsidies Expire 47:11

12d ago47:11

47:11

The government shutdown clock ticks up while the countdown to higher health costs closes in, including for states that voted for Trump. Will Congress find any way out? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy CNN Podcasts

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Avengers vs. X-Men? The Russo Brothers Might Be Teasing It (Ep. 2) 1:04:17

12d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack the latest Marvel headlines from New York Comic Con and beyond, starting with James Gunn’s near-miss MCU to DCU crossover featuring Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. From “Deadpool Batman” hitting comic shelves to clues about the next Avengers film, the guys trace what’s real, what’s rumor, and what it all means for the Marvel…

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Media Outlets Refuse To Sign Pentagon's New Press Access Rules 45:23

12d ago45:23

45:23

An ultimatum from Defense Secretary Hegseth to reporters: sign this pledge or lose access to the Pentagon. Find out which news organizations refused to sign and why. Plus, CNN investigates how scammers are stealing millions of dollars from victims using crypto ATMs and see how the companies who own those machines are fighting as they try to claw ba…

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Episode 35- Why Switzerland Works: Local Power, Global Calm. with Marc Finaud 50:16

13d ago50:16

50:16

What does a country look like when trust is designed into its politics, not wished for? We wrap our Switzerland series with diplomat and longtime Geneva resident Marc Finaud to explore how a small, multilingual federation turned subsidiarity into a superpower—building prosperity, safety, and civic calm from the commune upward. Instead of top‑down d…

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Palestinians Celebrate Release Of Nearly 2,000 Prisoners 45:53

13d ago45:53

45:53

For the first time in more than two years, Hamas and its allies are not holding any living hostages in Gaza. Meanwhile, 1,718 Palestinian detainees who were being held in Israel without charge were released on Monday and returned to Gaza. Israel also released 250 Palestinians serving long-term sentences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc…

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Inside the Animation Is Film Festival with Matt Kaszanek (Ep. 328) 49:19

13d ago49:19

49:19

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor welcome special guest Matt Kaszanek, Program Director for the Animation Is Film Festival, to talk about what fans can expect at this year’s event at the TCL Chinese Theatre. From exclusive screenings and panels to the state of the animation industry, this episode dives deep into the heart of Hollywood’s celebration of anima…

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Trump: This Is A "Historic Dawn Of A New Middle East" 45:37

13d ago45:37

45:37

A historic day, more than two years in the making as hostage families are reunited with their loved ones. In Gaza, more than 1,700 held without charges by Israel, were released. Families are now reunited in the hopes that the war is now truly over. Plus, former President Obama sounds off on President Trump's second term, and how he says the guardra…

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From Pleasure Island to Pints of Guinness: Disney’s Nightlife Reinvented (Ep. 553) 58:39

14d ago58:39

58:39

Jim Hill and Len Testa uncover how a single Irish pub reshaped Disney Springs. From the forgotten Pleasure Island Jazz Company to the birth of Raglan Road, this episode reveals how one restaurant sparked a renaissance in Disney dining. Plus, the guys tackle Disney’s latest round of price increases, Universal’s updated safety policies, and a listene…

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Episode 34- Guns, No Drama: Switzerland’s Wild Plot Twist. Switzerland Part 3 17:56

15d ago17:56

17:56

Doors left unlocked. Three national languages in daily use. Half the households owning long guns—and still, one of the lowest homicide rates in the developed world. We went to a small village in the Swiss Alps to understand how Switzerland turns this paradox into a durable way of life, and what the rest of us can learn from it. We walk through the …

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Pro Wrasslin’ Reflection Episode 197: WCW Halloween Havoc 1994 1:24:58

16d ago1:24:58

1:24:58

THE PODCAST VERSION WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE EVERY SATURDAY MORING, AT 7AM ON ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS! SEARCH HAMIN MEDIA GROUP @HaminMediaGroup It’s time to go episodic again, and the professor is craving his intense fix. We journey back to August 1999, where we witness a classic ECW Hardcore episode. What was supposed to be a celebration leading up…

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Trump Admin Lays Off 4,000+ Federal Workers Amid Shutdown 45:55

16d ago45:55

45:55

More than 4,000 federal employees received layoff notices Friday as part of the Trump administration’s broad effort to reshape the government while it remains shutdown, according to a court filing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy CNN Podcasts

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Immigrants on the Line 50:32

16d ago50:32

50:32

Mackenson Remy didn’t plan to bypass security when he drove into the parking lot of a factory in Greeley, Colorado. He’d never been there before. All he knew was this place had jobs—lots of jobs. Remy is originally from Haiti, and in 2023, he’d been making TikTok videos about job openings in the area for his few followers, mostly other Haitians. Wh…

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Sheriff: 19 Dead Or Missing After Massive Blast Levels TN Plant 45:08

16d ago45:08

45:08

The latest on a massive blast at a military explosives plant in Tennessee that officials say has left 19 dead or missing, and law enforcement is treating it as a crime scene.Plus, the Trump administration following through on its threat to lay off federal employees during the shutdown. Tonight, the President saying he's targeting people who are "De…

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Trump Foe Letitia James Indicted After Trump’s Pressure 46:16

17d ago46:16

46:16

New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted Thursday in Alexandria, Virginia, as President Donald Trump’s Justice Department continues to pursue charges against his political opponents. James has been under investigation since May over a 2023 mortgage she took out to buy a home in Norfolk, Virginia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

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How Transformers Replaced Murder, She Wrote at Universal Studios (Ep. 72) 57:52

17d ago57:52

57:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey crack open the story behind how Transformers: The Ride 3D bulldozed its way into Universal Studios Florida—literally replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. Along the way, they cover everything from Universal’s new Fanta horror crossover to coaster policy changes, Simpsons rumors, and a surprising Zelda connection …

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DOJ Charges NY AG Letitia James, Who Sued Trump For Fraud, With Fraud 45:12

17d ago45:12

45:12

Letitia James, a longtime foe of President Trump, has been indicted by the same DOJ prosecutor targeting James Comey. Plus, celebrations in Gaza and Israel, and now we've learned 200 U.S. troops will be sent to help oversee the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire resolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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Trump: Israel & Hamas Signed Off On “First Phase” Of Ceasefire Deal 46:32

18d ago46:32

46:32

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire framework that will allow for the swift release of all hostages held in Gaza, Israeli withdrawal to an agreed point and the release of some Palestinian prisoners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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The Retail Giant That Almost Sponsored The Great Movie Ride (Ep. 68) 52:25

18d ago52:25

52:25

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap a holiday-sized story about Disney’s long, complicated relationship with Sears—from Mickey Mouse watches in the 1930s to the retail giant’s near-sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios. Plus, the duo dives into the rare blue Disney name tag, Wicked-branded cleaning products, and the Jim Henson Com…