How Mary Poppins Rewrote Disney History: A Conversation with Todd James Pierce (Ep. 74)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 20 November 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Disney merch meets Disney history this week as Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the newest releases tied to Zootopia 2 before shifting gears into a deep dive on one of the most pivotal films in studio history. Then, Disney historian and author Todd James Pierce joins the show to share how Mary Poppins reshaped the future of the company — with behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard. NEWS The newest Zootopia 2 merch drops at Disney Store and World of Disney, from Judy Hopps Loungefly to new plush and spirit jerseys. Box-office expectations for the Zootopia sequel as it heads into Thanksgiving weekend. A first look at Disneyland’s odd and delightful new souvenir guide. Disney’s unexpected collaboration with Formula One. FEATURE Interview: Todd James Pierce — The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney How the 1964 classic became the studio’s turning point during Walt’s most ambitious era. Julie Andrews, Hayley Mills furniture, and other wonderfully strange details from Todd’s research. Why Mary Poppins helped fund the expansion that made Walt Disney World possible. The years-long archival detective work that went into Todd’s book. Walt’s evolving creative priorities — and how this single film changed everything. Guest Todd James Pierce Website: toddjamespierce.com Podcast: Disney History Institute Books: Three Years in Wonderland, The Life and Times of Ward Kimball, The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney Hosts Jim Hill X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia Instagram: @JimHillMedia Website: jimhillmedia.com Lauren Hersey X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ Patreon Support the show and get exclusive content!https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor UnlockedMagic.com — your trusted source for the best Walt Disney World ticket deals, including savings on special event nights like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Make your next Disney trip a little more magical at UnlockedMagic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey Harry.
0:00.7	Hello mate.
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0:28.9	Gamblerware.org.
0:30.0	Welcome back to I want that to the podcast where Disney merch meets Disney history.
0:35.3	I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill and as always I'm joined by the lovely Lauren Hersey.
0:41.2	Hi, Jim. How's it going?
0:42.6	It's going reasonably well, thanks largely to you and your husband.
0:49.4	We had some technical issues here at Stadler Hill earlier today.
0:53.8	You know, the Dixie Cup and String I
0:56.2	used to connect with the Internet broke. But Lauren and Eric talked me off the ledge. So,
1:03.2	in theory, I'm fine until it doesn't work again and then I'm going to throw myself off the roof.
1:09.0	Well, let's not do that because we've got a lot to get to on today's show, and we need you here intact.
1:14.4	Okay.
1:14.9	Okay.
1:15.3	So, um, okay.
1:15.6	So, um, okay.
1:17.8	On today's episode, we are taking a look at, uh, the Zootopia 2, uh, merch collection out ahead of the, uh, film heading theaters, heading theaters here pretty soon in November.
	...

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