Dr. Jeffrey Barnes, also known as Dr. Disneyland, delves into the enchanting history and life lessons of Walt Disney. Dr. Barnes, an author and professor, shares his unique experiences growing up as a military child, his transformative journey to Disneyland and his eventual deep dive into Walt Disney’s remarkable story of resilience and creativity.

Author of The Wisdom of Walt and Life Lessons from Walt, Dr. Barnes muses on the evolution of Disney parks, the impact of storytelling and the current business challenges and strategies of the Disney brand.

He is blunt in his assessment of the Jimmy Kimmel incident with ABC and Disney+ and doesn’t shy away from discussing Disney’s corporate leadership and post-pandemic pricing strategies. “Not consumer-friendly, not family-friendly,” he says.

Dr. Barnes also shares personal anecdotes and powerful insights on creativity, overcoming obstacles and the enduring magic of Disney that continues to inspire generations. Tune in to explore the rich tapestry of Disney's legacy and how its lessons can be applied in everyday life.

Books by Dr. Jeffrey Barnes

The Wisdom of Walt

Life Lessons from Walt

Contact Jeff Barnes and find links to buy his books at his website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Disneyland

04:02 Memorable Family Vacations - The Land of Oz and Disney World

05:21 Loving Disney World and the Comedown on First Visit to Disneyland

07:29 Walt's Story

10:37 Reinterpreting Disney World as an Adult

14:20 Bucket List Disney Parks Around the World

14:57 How Jeff Likes to Travel

16:29 How did the book come to be?

18:59 Diagnosed with life-threatening brain tumor

21:37 Second Brain Tumor

22:11 Is Disney for the Wealthy Only?

24:52 Post-Pandemic Pricing at Disney

25:40 Disney Corporate Leadership

27:38 Disney, Bob Iger and Jimmy Kimmel

31:11 Disney as Reflection of American Society Through the Decades

38:53 Roy Disney and Financial Restraints

41:32 Advice for Visiting Disney the First Time

43:49 How the Magic Is Made

45:27 Leadership Lessons from Walt

47:27 Consulting at Disney

Places Mentioned

Disneyland

Disney World

Storybook Mansion

Riverside, California

Florida Panhandle

Orlando, Florida

Boone, North Carolina

Kansas City

Los Angeles

Griffith Park

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disney Seas

Disneyland Paris

Euro Disney

Glendale

Fort Huachuca

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

St. Petersburg, Florida

Marceline, Missouri

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Sylvina Lanusse, a mixed-media artist and host of Walking for Inspiration, takes us on an engaging journey across continents and through the layers of her rich artistic process. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the tranquil shores of Vancouver Island, Sylvina has woven her love for the ocean and nature's elements into every piece of art she creates. Her recent Italian adventure adds yet another color to her palette, as she shares how the Vatican's marble floors sparked her creativity. Sylvina's story is not just about art, but about the emotional landscapes of migration, the bittersweet nature of farewells and the surprising connections formed along the way.

In this episode, we also explore the poignant themes of immigration and belonging. Sylvina opens up about how a generous benefactor changed the trajectory of her life, enabling her to study abroad and refine her artistic voice. We delve into the heartache of losing her parents, of losing her canine companion Polo and the intricate feeling of having multiple homes across the world. Art emerges as a sanctuary for Sylvina, a space where creativity transcends geographical borders and offers solace amid life's upheavals.

Silvina reflects on how the spontaneity of migration has shaped her path, leading her to find stability and opportunity in Canada—it’s a story of resilience, creativity and connection.

CHAPTERS

[00:00:34] Introduction to Silvina Lanusse

[00:02:11] Early Life and Family Background

[00:04:31] Beach Memories and Sensory Experiences

[00:07:51] Walking for Inspiration and Artistic Sensitivity

[00:09:58] Travel Adventures and Cultural Connections

[00:15:45] Benefactor's Support and Artistic Journey

[00:19:41] Finding Community Through Art

[00:22:11] The Art Is My Lifeline

[00:26:26] The Bond with Polo

[00:28:14] Coping with Loss

[00:29:30] Walking for Inspiration

[00:31:10] Shaped by Migration

[00:34:38] Choosing Canada Over the U.S.

[00:37:35] Embracing the Artist's Life

[00:39:09] Reflections on Immigration

[00:42:56] Connecting with Silvina

Contact Silvina: @silvinalanusseart

Website: https://www.silvinalanusseart.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvinalanusseart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvinalanusseart

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart

Walking for Inspiration – Silvina's video podcast on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Chip Walter, celebrated science journalist and author, National Geographic documentary filmmaker and former CNN bureau chief, embarked on an awe-inspiring journey with his wife, Cyndy, crafting a once-in-a-lifetime global expedition amid the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 720 days, they achieved the extraordinary feat of traveling around the world sans jets, spanning 125,000 miles across six continents and 41 countries through a medley of transportation modes, including buses, ferries and even camels. Chip shares tales from his adventurous childhood in Pittsburgh, where his curiosity and love for exploration first took root, and how these passions eventually led him to a career in journalism.

Selling their home to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, Chip and Cyndy’s odyssey began in Newfoundland and took them through diverse landscapes, from the American West to Baja, to Santa’s Workshop in Finland and the deserts of Morocco, to Egypt, South America and on to Antarctica. What began as a fluke is now a comprehensive chronicle in 37 journals and a blog, Vagabond Adventure (vagabond-adventure.com), filled with videos, photos, postcards and near-daily posts. These experiences serve not just as travel logs but as reflections on the pressing issues of our time, such as climate change. A firm believer in the power of storytelling, Chip brings to light the urgency for advocacy and action.

Travel, in its purest form, serves as a transformative force, a theme Chip passionately elaborates. Immersing themselves in varied cultures and societies over two years, Chip and Cyndy discovered the profound ability of travel to break down racial barriers, expand one’s worldview and instill humility. Chip articulates with vivid anecdotes how true engagement with the world cultivates not only appreciation but also a deeper understanding of humanity. This episode promises to inspire listeners to step out of their comfort zones and explore the tapestry of unfamiliar cultures, enriching lives while making us more interesting and compassionate individuals.

Chip’s blog:

https://vagabond-adventure.com/

Find out where Chip and Cyndy are now at Polar Steps:

https://www.polarsteps.com/

Chip's books and more:

https://chipwalter.com/

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Paul Island and Benef Verell, two co-hosts of the travel podcast Rhythm & Roam, share their stories about travel, relocation and how they came to start their own podcast with their friend Trecia Cooke.

How did Paul and Benef get the travel bug? Benef recounts her Midwest upbringing and how family trips, mostly within the region, laid the groundwork for her future wanderlust. It wasn't until she joined the military, in an unexpected journey to West Point, that her travel experiences truly expanded, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring new places. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood travels that were mostly confined to the New York tri-state area and Florida.

From there we explore the intricate ways in which family, culture and unexpected paths influence travel and career choices. Paul recalls how his older sister's dreams of London inspired further exploration and a career in the military, expanding his own travel horizons. We touch on the cultural roots that influence aspirations, such as Paul’s Jamaican and British connections, and Benef’s Afghan roots. The conversation offers insights into the interplay of family influences, cultural backgrounds, and how these elements shape unexpected life paths.

The conversation turns to the impact of cultural diversity and identity on travel experiences. Benef and Paul share their encounters with stereotypes, “traveling while Black and biracial,” and the cultural expectations they’ve confronted while traveling and living abroad.

Laced with humor and canny insights, their stories highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences, the benefits of solo travel and the unique travel styles that lead to memorable journeys.

LINKS

Rhythm & Roam

https://rhythmandroam.com/

Ireland episode with Paul and Benef

https://rhythmandroam.com/episode/the-ireland-trip-that-made-us-question-everything

Passport Knuckle Ride: Staying Sane While Traveling in a Crazy World (Pocket Travel Guide)

https://rhythmandroam.com/book

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

In this episode of Moving Along, host Christi Cassidy interviews Barry Maughan, a former chief of English to Africa for the Voice of America and the author of Beneath the African Sun (Outback, 2025). Barry shares his memoir and travelogue of living in Ethiopia during the early 1970s and his extensive journey with his wife, Suzanne, from Egypt to South Africa in a VW Combi camper bus named Bridget. The discussion also delves into his nearly 25-year career in Washington, D.C., his childhood in Australia, and the serendipitous events that shaped his life and travels. They explore the power of serendipity, the importance of embracing opportunities, and the value of travel (especially for children) in broadening one's perspective. Barry reflects on his significant journalistic experiences, including covering the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the devastating famine in Ethiopia, and his heartfelt insights on race, class and the role of family in African cultures. The conversation further touches on the vital role of the Voice of America in Africa and his concerns about its recent dismantling.

Bio

Barry Maughan is a lifelong writer and was an international broadcaster and journalist for more than forty years. During that time, he plied his trade on four continents, including stops in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the United States. His major news coverages included the coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974, and the devastating drought and subsequent famine in Ethiopia’s northern province of Wollo. The last 24 years of his career were spent at the Voice of America in Washington, D.C., where he retired as chief of the English to Africa service. Since his retirement, Barry has kept busy writing about his extensive travels and life experiences. Find out more and contact Barry: https://barrymaughan.com

00:36 Introduction to Barry Maughan

01:46 Barry's Early Life and Love for Travel

08:07 The Serendipitous Meeting in Egypt

10:01 Exploring Egypt and Heading South

17:40 Life and Work in Ethiopia

23:35 Challenges and Adventures in Africa

28:35 Navigating Language Barriers in Ethiopia

28:56 The Petrol Station Dilemma

31:03 Travel Adventures in Kenya

32:43 Cultural Insights and Family Values in Africa

39:34 The Voice of America

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Barbara Johnson is an acclaimed author who shares a personal journey back to Ireland that was sparked by the tragedy of her partner’s sudden death. Kathleen’s Irish ancestry led her to discover her own heritage, and many cousins who live still in the northwest of Ireland. Barbara recounts her experiences growing up in a military family, which fostered a love for travel and her emotional journey as she buried Kathleen's ashes in Ireland with her family. The episode dives into themes of loss, travel and the challenges and healing involved in relocations and transitions late in life, touching upon Barbara's thoughts about moving to Ireland and her reflections on writing. Barbara says, "Kathleen used to say her heart was in New York, her body in Maryland, but her soul was in Ireland."

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram