Insights Into Things

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 72 ”Resetting the Mountain Erasing the Saga”

We're back this week after an unplanned break with a full show. In Disney Detective we talk about the major changes coming the Splash Mountain. Then we'll examine the delays with the previously planned July 17th reopening of Disneyland. We'll finish up with a look at a recent lawsuit victory for Disney regarding accessibility and it's Fast Pass system.
Star Wars Insights takes a look at the many pseudonyms of Mark Hamill and his cameos throughout the later Star Wars projects that Disney has undertaken. We'll examine a new book that suggests there was only one Jedi who could have stopped the rise of the Empire. We'll finish up with some wild speculation and some connecting of the dots that suggest Disney might have a way to erase the much maligned sequel trilogy and start over.
Entertainment News will talk about a much loved Marvel Cinematic Universe star who will not be making an appearance in the final season of Agents of SHIELD despite the current time traveling story line being a perfect opportunity for the crossover. And Disney World Rival and Comcast owned Universal Orlando plans on moving forward with its Halloween celebration despite Disney's cancellation of their own version of the event in the COVID-19 conditions.
Then we'll finish up with a couple of great Insightful Picks of the Week in this Independence Day themed show. Another great podcast coming at you this week!

Insights Into Teens: Episode 72 ”Teens and Religion”

This week we take a deeper look into Madison's beliefs and religious upbringing. We'll take a look at the religious background of her parents, talk about the religious holidays we celebrate and how we celebrate them. We'll also talk about what religious services we attend and our overall beliefs from a larger picture standpoint.
Our second segment address statistics on religion and teens. How important is religion to different age groups. What benefits people gain from their faith as well as some of the unexpected consequences of religion on peoples lives.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 71 ”The Dark Side of Cancellations”

This week Disney Detective investigates attempts by unionized Disneyland employees to delay the planned July 9th opening of the park for safety reasons. Disney World cancels all occurrences of the "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for 2020 due to social distancing concerns. Disney World begins testing a new hand-off security back check at Disney Springs that could revolutionize mass security scans for public facilities.
Star Wars Insights will delve into the bad news of Star Wars Celebration 2020's cancellation and when we can expect to see the popular fan convention return. We also take a peak behind the scenes to see what the Adam Driver inspired back story for his character Kylo Ren might have been in a special Father's Day related story.
Entertainment News takes a look at a scheduling change and the extension of eligibility window for the 93rd Academy Awards. We'll also explore plans for San Diego Comic-Con to move to a Virtual Convention format free for all to experience the unique event along with exclusive merchandise and much more.
We'll wrap up with our Insightful Picks of the Week. This week we'll highlight The Great Debate from Syfy and World War II: Total War on Amazon Prime. Stick around at the end for some after thoughts on upcoming convention news as well.

Insights Into Teens Episode: 71 ”Q&A Series: Existential and Philosophical Questions”

This weeks set of questions get's deep. We talk about hypothetical, existential, philosophical and religious questions. From conversation starters such as "would you rather live at the beach or mountains" to philosophical questions like "is it ever ok to lie" we've got a load of unanswered questions. We'll talk about surviving the Zombie Apocalypse to what would you like to be famous for. We'll ask the difficult questions like "do adults automatically deserve respect" right down to "what do you think is the meaning of life".
It's a fun filled question and answer session that takes down paths we didn't originally expect to go when preparing for the show. Madison reveals surprisingly complex, mature and well reasoned answers to some of the more subject questions that teens and adults alike are asked and find difficult to answer. It's an enjoyable discussion that gives some real insights into the teenage mind.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 70 ”A Splash of Soccer”

Disneyland Resort releases details of it's reopening plan starting on July 17th, the parks 65th anniversary. Disney saves another sport, this time Major League Soccer will be housing it's next active tournament at ESPN's Wide World of Sports. And Disney faces backlash over Splash Mountain and it's "Song of the South" based theme.
In Entertainment News we take a look at the trademark battle brewing between the United States Space Force and Netflix's Space Force for international merchandising. Then we'll close out the show with two great Insightful Picks of the Week. Michelle will talk about the Amazon Prime documentary "Bettie Page Reveals All'. Joe highlights the Netflix documentary "History 101".

Insights Into Teens: Episode 70 ”School Refusal”

Anxiety, stress and fear in a teenager can lead to an unwillingness or inability to attend school. This week we discuss what School Refusal is. We'll look at the symptoms and warning signs to look for. We'll investigate some of the common causes of School Refusal. And we will look at some of the ways that parents and guardians can help their children overcome some of these issues.
Teenage years are stressful in nature. Add to that the social awkwardness associated with school, the expectations of performance in school and the random variables of bullies, peer rejection, family conflict and underlying anxiety disorder and you have a perfect storm. Supporting our children and ensuring they have an outlet to work through these issues is key. We'll talk about this and much more in this week's episode.

Insights Into Tomorrow: Episode 6 ”Artificial Intelligence”

Is Artificial Intelligence the future of human development or the potential downfall of human civilization?
What is the state of Artificial Intelligence today?
What are the pro's and con's of artificial intelligence?
We address these and many other questions in this episode of Insights Into Tomorrow. We'll take a look at the four different levels of Artificial Intelligence and where today's rudimentary AI has the potential of going.
Then we'll ask the tough questions about AI. Should we allow AI to develop self awareness? Should AI be able to make life and death decisions? Will AI rob humans of jobs and safety.
There are a lot of questions and a lot of concerns about AI that need to be asked and answered before we get too far down the rabbit hole and reach a point of no return.

Insights Into Entertainment” Episode 69 ”The Happiest Place in the NBA”

It's official, Disney saves the NBA season. Or at least some form of an NBA season that will be played out at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Florida. We also have an update on when Disneyland in California will reopen and the rules surrounding that reopening. And finally in Disney Detective we take a look at an update on our much anticipated Marvel shows WandaVision and Falcon and Winter Soldier.
Star Wars Insights take a walk down memory lane with a peak at how the original triology could have looked much different had different casting calls been made. Can you picture Al Pacino at Han Solo? Or William Katt as Luke Skywalker. It would certainly have been a very different movie. Then Jon Favreau gives us an update on Season 2 of the Mandalorian to get us through these dark times.
In Entertainment News we'll take a look at Don Henley and his appeal to Congrats to change copyright law. As innocent as this may seem there could be far reaching consequences affecting every aspect of the internet, especially independent podcasters like us. We'll watch the development of this story with great interest.
We'll finish up with a couple of great Insightful Picks of the Week as we always do for another great show.

Insights Into Teens: Episode 69 ”Q&A Series:: School Interests and Activities”

In another of our question and answer series we talk about school, interests and activities. We'll explore what aspects of school Madison enjoys the most, what classes she's learning the most in, her favorite part of school and much more.
We'll also talk about her hobbies, what video games she's playing, her collecting hobbies, the music she likes to listen to and much more. We were joined this week by a viewer from Estonia who took advantage of the opportunity to pose some of their own questions in a unique two way conversation.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 68 ”Star Wars...Nothing But Star Wars”

Disney Detective uncovers plans for the phased Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores and we've finally got official dates for the staggered reopening along with service restrictions and other precautionary measures being taken.
Star Wars Insights takes a look at how Stormtroopers are helping to encourage social distancing at Disney Springs. Ahmed Best, known for the iconic role of Jar Jar Binks returns to the Star Wars universe with a new game show. We'll also look at the expected delays to the next phase of the Star Wars Universe Star Wars: The High Republic.
In Entertainment News the awards shows are at it again with more ridiculously restrictive rules and their selective interpretation of those rules. Apparently the Gold Globes takes issue with Pedro Pascal wearing a helmet for his role in The Mandalorian and is under threat of being declared just a voice actor and ineligible for any Globe awards for acting. We'll bash the Golden Globes a bit for this idiotic move.
Then we'll move on to our Insightful Picks of the Week with a couple of good ones including a new satirical role for Steve Carell.