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

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 21 November 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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/ Follow Us 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

Transcript

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0:45.3	Welcome back to the Epic Universal podcast. I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill, and this is the podcast where we cover the latest universal news, rumors and history. And as always,
0:55.9	I'm joined by Eric Hersey. And it's say, right? Finally today, the wicked for good is out in
1:03.0	theaters, right? Yeah, but that doesn't stop us from being contractually obligated to talk about
1:07.2	them for the next three months. Okay. So just, I mean, I literally, I can't escape them.
1:13.9	I went into Dunkin' Donuts just this past week, and they had this lovely little collectible tin, I want to say, in pink and green, that, you know, that I could have munchkins in.
1:29.0	And of course, that's smart.
1:31.1	It was.
1:31.8	It was.
1:32.2	But it was one of these things just walked in, really here?
1:35.2	And then I looked behind the woman at the counter and there were the green donuts and there
1:39.1	were the pink donuts.
1:40.0	And it's like, wow.
1:41.6	They, Universal just did not miss a trick this time.
1:47.2	You know, and I fully expect to walk out of the house and look, you know, up in the sky and see like the wicked witch writing, you know,
	...

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