Insights Into Things

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 46 ”Greasing the Lines at Disney”

In this holiday themed episode we take a look at the experimental new ride queing system Disney is using to manage crowds with the new Rise of the Resistance ride at Galaxy's Edge in Orlando Florida. We also talk about Bob Iger's olive branch to Martin Scorsese regarding the on going tumult surrounding the famed directors opinion of Disney's superhero movies. We'll then look at a heart warming story of a fan's gift to Olivia Newton-John and we'll talk a bit about the much anticipated return of season 4 of The Expanse on Amazon Prime Video before winding down with a few holiday themed Insightful Picks of the Week and a very special holiday project our hosts have been working on for a few weeks as a present to all of our loyal audience.
We'll be back in the New Year after a brief hiatus over the holidays with more great podcasts!
We wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy holiday and a wonderful new year.

Insights Into Teens: Episode 46 ”Santa Claus”

This week we take a break from our more serious topics to celebrate the holidays and explore the nature and origins of Santa Claus. From a 3rd century monk named Saint Nicholas to the familiar depiction given to us by Thomas Nast to the classic portrayal in Clement C. Moore's poem all the way up to the familiar department store Santa's kids line up to talk to every year we look at Santa through the years. We also compare Christmas traditions from around the world and look for similarities that link them all together. Ultimately we address the burning questions of "Is Santa Claus real" and "Do you believe in Santa Claus". We close with a very special creative presentation from all of our hosts for this joyous holiday.
Thank you to all of our viewers over these past 46 episodes. We'll be taking a brief hiatus and will be back after the new year with more great podcasts. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 45 ”The Faith Is Strong With This One”

How do you direct a show like The Mandalorian and somehow convince your children ages 6 and 11 to keep Baby Yoda a secret? We talk about how Bryce Dallas Howard accomplished this very thing. We'll also take a look at the issues surrounding merchandise for the show and we'll talk about the opening of the new Rise of the Resistance ride in Walt Disney World.
In Entertainment News we'll look at how Tiffany Haddish is embracing her Jewish identity. We will grudgingly acknowledge the honor bestowed upon "The Irishman" by the National Board of Review who apparently think there's an overall shortage of Mafia movies and that we needed yet another Martin Scorsese Mafia movie with the same actors playing all too similar roles as so many others.

Insights Into Teens: Episode 45 ”Eating Disorders”

This week we follow up on some of the things we discussed in last weeks Body Image podcast when we discuss Eating Disorders. We highlight two specific disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. We look at some of the common symptoms and learn the signs to watch out for so that we can help out those who might be suffering from these afflictions.
 
We also take a look at a typical teen diet, some of the challenges facing teens with meal scheduling and nutrition. We learn that despite what we might consider unhealthy eating habits that each of us is unique in our dietary needs and that we can not look at our eating habits from meal to meal. We have to look at our eating habits as a long term dietary regimen to ensure a healthy lifestyle

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 44 ”All About The Space”

This week the show is unintentionally space themed as we talk about some accomplishments of The Mandalorian, an impressive Star Wars merchandise auction, and a feel good Star Wars story about what Disney is doing for a dying fan. In our Entertainment News this week we look at the latest Star Wars The Last Jedi trailer that's less a trailer and more a summation of the journey and intro into what the new movie symbolizes, then we have a return of the alien everyone fell in love with in the '80s and a space faring couple who had called it quits but appear to be back together again.

The Night Before Christmas

From our family to yours, enjoy this holiday classic narrated by our show hosts.

Insights Into Teens: Episode 44 "Body Image"

What is body image and what is the significance of negative or positive body image? We'll discuss this as well as the common causes of body image issues, the impact it has on a developing teen and at what age the issue of body image begins to play a part in our children. We'll also look at the warning signs of negative body image, look at some interesting statistics on body image and offer some helpful hints on how to help your teens deal with negative body image.

Insights Into Tomorrow: Episode 2 "Video Game Monetization"

We take a deep dive into the effect but sometimes controversial monetization strategies of videos games. We'll look at the various types of monetization outlets, strategies and pro's and con's of each methodology. We'll also take a briefly look at the history of video games and how they've traditionally been monetized in the past before we look at today's modern crop of video games and how developers are making money on them. We'll explore concepts such as subscriptions, micro-transations, free to play, advertising and much more. We examine traditional retail as well as digital distribution models and how to fit into the evolving technology available to game manufacturers. An examination of past game companies and where their business models failed gives us a glimpse into today's strategies and money making decisions. Finally we'll look at the future of gaming monetization. From the economics of the current models and how they align with other similar subscription based industries to the government regulation that micro-transactions and loot crates are forcing various legal entities around the world to investigate for potential violations of gambling ordinances. We look at the direction of the video game industry and how it's going to impact us in the coming years not just in the video game industry but across the board.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 43 "Hacks Honors and Baby Yoda"

Disney+ continues to struggle with service outages and now accounts being hacked while the stars of Frozen get their own stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We find out why we can't yet buy the adorable "Baby Yoda" from the new Mandalorian series and John Williams is back with his 71st Grammy nomination 58 years after his first. In Entertainment News we hear from Aquaman's Willem Dafoe on the state of superhero movies, Michael Jackson's accusers are back in the news with their appeals and sad news that one of our favorite shows and past Insightful Pick of the Week Mindhunter won't be coming back anytime soon. We'll finish up with our Insightful Picks of the Week, a programming note and a teaser for a special presentation we're working on for the holidays. Another week and another great podcast.

Insights Into Teens: Episode 43 "Fall Winter Activities"

This week we take a fun look at things to do in the fall and winter season. We'll look at outdoor activities we can do during the cold months as well as indoor activities that we can do. We'll also take a look at activities we can do in the fall and winter that help to teach our children important life skills. Then we'll talk about the fall and winter family traditions that we have, what holidays we celebrate and a little about how we celebrate those holidays.