The Man Who Made Universal Explode: Jay Stein And The Birth Of The JayBang (Ep. 78) Epic Universal podcast

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The Man Who Made Universal Explode: Jay Stein and the Birth of the JayBang (Ep. 78)

Epic Universal Podcast

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On this episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal Orlando updates before turning to a deep-dive tribute to Jay Stein — the visionary who transformed Universal’s backlot tour into a spectacle factory and helped define the studio’s signature “JayBang” style of themed entertainment.

NEWS

NBC’s Wicked: One Wonderful Night special sparks strong reactions as Universal’s cross-promotions continue everywhere from Dunkin’ to TV tie-ins.
New 2026 Universal Orlando ticket options clarify how multi-day guests can access Epic Universe more than once.
Reddit reactions and critic reviews paint a wide spectrum of opinions on Universal’s latest TV musical marketing moment.
Preparations continue around Orlando as fans look ahead to more detailed Epic Universe rollouts.

FEATURE — A TRIBUTE TO JAY STEIN

How a 26-year-old studio problem-solver was handed one directive: “Fix the tram tour.”
The creation of the very first “JayBang”: the 1968 Flash Flood, sending 20,000 gallons of water rushing past the tram.
The shift from generic “movie magic” to effects pulled straight from current Universal Pictures releases.
The Eiger Sanction–inspired glacier tunnel illusion, which evolved into one of the most memorable tram finales ever built.
Why Jay Stein’s fingerprints can still be felt across every fireball, near-miss shark, collapsing bridge, and runaway vehicle in Universal’s attraction lineup.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

Patreon

Enjoying the show? Your support helps us bring more insider history, analysis, and interviews to the feed. Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

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Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

YouTube: @jimhillmedia

TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, where listeners can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets — including select after-hours events.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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