Epic Universal Podcast Podcast By Jim Hill Media Podcast Network cover art

Epic Universal Podcast

Epic Universal Podcast

By: Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
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About this listen

 Eric Hersey & Jim Hill have a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. They share news of the day as well as behind-the-scenes stories in a breezy, conversational style. Better yet, listeners of this podcast are regularly invited to offer their input / join the conversation. So, get ready for some Epic fun.Copyright Jim Hill Media 2025 Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58)

    Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58)
    Jul 4 2025
    In this explosive Fourth of July episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey ride the rails of ghostly New England folklore and land in the middle of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights house reveals. From Norwegian monsters and homicidal dolls to the surprise announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, this episode is packed tighter than a holiday fireworks box. Then, Jim takes us on a moonshot-level deep dive into Apollo 13—the real mission, the Ron Howard film, and how a $25 model rocket and a bottle of Avian became movie magic. Along the way, they cover: The “Ghost Train” of New Boston, New Hampshire Universal’s new horror experience heading to Chicago All the newly announced HHN houses (creepy dolls, cursed villages, and more) Pizza Moon’s controversial to-go box policy Jim’s breakdown of Apollo 13, its real-life mission, and the making of the film Whether you’re into horror houses or lunar modules, this episode has something for every theme park nerd, history buff, and movie geek. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57)

    Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57)
    Jun 27 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielberg fandom, and why he always tries to sneak Bruce the Shark into his projects. Plus, Jim and Eric cover the latest on Halloween Horror Nights 34 and the mysterious Vegas haunt getting ready to open. • Mike Aiello’s origin story—from hard hats at Mel’s Diner to Universal Creative• What it was like to skipper Jaws the Ride 88 times a day• How a scareactor role led to decades of Halloween Horror Nights magic• Halloween Horror Nights’ gothic theme and original house reveals• The new “cool zone” inside the old Sinbad Theater• Why Jaws still scares—and what Spielberg got right by leaving it alone From creative tributes to personal milestones, it’s a heartfelt and fang-filled conversation with one of Universal’s biggest fans turned insider. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56)

    How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56)
    Jun 20 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding in plain sight. Abbott & Costello’s rise from burlesque to box office saviors How Who’s on First became a studio-saving sensation Fast & Furious coaster car reveal—and Orlando’s unexpected pivot The Dragon’s Father’s Day box office fire and epic synergy New Halloween Horror Nights house starring Jason Voorhees A mysterious old bathroom with Jaws-sized history From the backlot to the ballfield, it’s one of the most unexpected—and most entertaining—episodes yet. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
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