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Published by Disniversity Podcast
The podcast crash course through the history of Disney's animated classics, by film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today. Note: This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.
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Stop the press! Before the Comeback Era continues, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers present a bonus episode – discussing the big news, revelations, and early footage from D23, the Disney Expo in Anaheim, California. Not only was the 2026 show packed with looks ahead at Disney Animation (and Pixar, and the theme parks and more) but Ben was there IRL, and has returned with tales to tell of every exciting thing he saw. Get ready for discussions of Frozen III’s first footage, the return of Oswald The Lucky Rabbit, the next Disney animated feature Hexed, an unlikely Heinz collab, and much, much more. Next up: Winnie The Pooh (2011) Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
See those lanterns in the sky? That means one thing: film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back, and ready to let down their (metaphorical) hair with 2010’s Tangled. And they’re joined by a guest who may rank among the Four Favourites: Letterboxd’s Ella Kemp! Together, they discuss the film that set the template for Disney’s 3D princess movies, debating the film’s musical strengths, its top-tier animal sidekicks, its status as an adventure movie, and the mind-games of Mother Gothel. Plus: the Top Trumps deck speaks on the film’s MVP, Ella comes with major Letterboxd stats, Sam goes deep on the extended lore of the spin-off series, and Ben poses a big question: is this Disney’s Taylor Swift era? When will this pod begin? As soon as you press play. Next up: Winnie The Pooh (2011) Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Pucker up, people! The Comeback Era truly begins as film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture to the Bayou in 2009’s The Princess And The Frog. And they’re not alone, joined by special guest Kelechi Ehenulo to talk Disney’s brief return to 2D animation, its intentional evocation (and interrogation) of classic fairytale movie tropes, and the impact of the studio’s first Black princess. Plus, they dig into the absolutely stacked jazz-influenced soundtrack, the 1920s-influenced animation style of Almost There, the delicious legacy of Tiana’s beignets, the history of frog-kissing in folk stories, and why it’s a bit like Widows and Sinners. Next up: Tangled Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Don’t call it a comeback! Or, do – because film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back with a new batch of episodes, following Disney into The Comeback Era. And before things kick off properly with The Princess And The Frog, here’s a little warm-up episode teeing up where we left off, where this next batch of films takes us, and covering some very important business: we have a new live show coming up, so get your tickets now! Ben is going to D23 soon! And is Minions & Monsters better than Toy Story 5? See you very soon for our next proper episode… Next up: The Princess And The Frog Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Bonjour! In a very special (and very long-awaited) episode of Disniversity, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a closer look at one of the cornerstones of Disney’s businesses and creative experiments: the theme parks. And what better way to do that than go to Disneyland Paris? Back in August 2023, a field trip expedition took us into the heart of ‘EuroDisney’ (as it was once known). Follow us as we wander around the parks, chatting away about the iconic rides, how Disney translates its features into physical form, all the delicious snacks, our childhood Disneyland memories, and an increasing obsession with Lightning McQueen. Lightning! Lightning! Lightning! Enjoy, and we’ll see you soon for the Comeback Era. Next up: The Princess And The Frog Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Strap in, everyone: Aunt Gertie has arrived for Christmas! Yes, as the big day rolls around, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers are here for a rare catch-up with the core Disney gang, unpacking three festive tales in 1999 video hit Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas. Along the way, they explore Huey, Dewey And Louie’s existential nightmare; Goofy and Max’s existential nightmare; and Mickey and Minnie’s existential nightmare. Merry Christmas everyone! Oh, and brace yourself: Sam unveils his maniacal plan to stop Christmas once and for all. Well, for a few years at least. Next up: Disneyland Paris special Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
The hallowed halls of Disniversity aren’t quite ready to re-open for the Comeback Era – so for now, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers are taking a first trip into the post room to answer your listener questions. You sent in tons of Qs – on Disney, animation, academia and beyond – so here are the long-awaited As. Will Disney ever go 2D again? Who should appear in an Avengers-style line-up of Disney characters? And what is Sam’s job, really? All that, plus Ben yearns for a new Flubber, there’s repeated use of the word ‘chicanery’, and prepare for the ultimate showdown: Mr. Bug Goes To Town vs. Uncle Stiltskin. Next episode: Another special episode. Coming soon: The Princess And The Frog! Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Zootropolis 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
STUDY GROUP: Goodbye To Disney’s Weirdest Era What the hell was that all about? As we leave The Wilderness Years (aka the Oddbod Era, aka the Freak Era) behind, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers reflect on the long and winding road of movies that encompass the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s biggest identity crisis. In this Study Group episode, we try and summarise what the Wilderness Years actually was, and why it’s one of the studio’s most fascinating eras (despite giant fluctuations in quality) – plus, we rank every film from this era, update our overall Disniversity rankings, and decide what the next era of the show will be. We have a title, and a list of films – listen to the episode to find out what’s coming next. Plus, we return to the Dinosaur Song Factory one last time, and Sam delivers a bonus nugget of personal lore related to Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Buckle up for incoming bangers: the future has arrived! Next episode: Mystery project, and possible mailbag episode. Then – The Princess And The Frog! Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Moana 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
This is it: the end of the Wilderness Years road. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers close out an era in Disney history with 2008’s action-packed pup adventure Bolt. Together, they discuss the ways in which the studio finally figured out their approach to making 3D CGI movies, unpick the unconventional production of the fictional ‘Bolt’ show, ponder whether it all amounts to animal cruelty, explore how the film borrows from Toy Story and The Matrix, and talk the casting of John Travolta. Plus, Sam gets into some deeply meta Nemo lore, and Ben becomes obsessed with the character the film always needed: Gidget. Next up: Study Group! (then, The Princess And The Frog) Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Moana 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
What’s up, Goobs. As the Wilderness Years draw towards an end, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers go back to the future with 2007’s time-travelling oddity Meet The Robinsons. And they’re joined by special guest Al Horner, who has his very own peculiar history with what might be *the* defining Wilderness movie. Together, they discuss the oddest Robinsons, discover the joy of ‘crogs’, and discuss Walt Disney’s vision of a ‘great big beautiful tomorrow’. Plus, Sam unpicks the insane lore of the spin-off game, there’s a spot of actual time travel, and Ben ponders the big question: who, exactly, is Pete Robinson? The future has arrived! Next up: Bolt Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Moana 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
When is a Disney movie not a Disney movie? When it’s this one! Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers stop for an important detour on the Wilderness Years path to discuss 2006’s haunting reverie, The Wild – a film released by Disney, that counts in the UK’s numbered DVD ordering of Disney movies, and yet wasn’t animated by the studio itself. Joined by friend of the pod Jon Hornbuckle (who previously helped us dig into the mystery of The Wild’s status in Disney canon), we discuss how the film came to be part of Disney’s legacy, why its plot is so similar to Madagascar, and – most importantly – why the hell it looks like that. It’s a shorter episode than usual, but a film that simply had to be acknowledged as the final stretch of Wilderness beckons. Next up: Meet The Robinsons Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Moana 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Ho ho hello! It’s almost Christmas – so what better time to talk An Almost Christmas Story, Disney’s heart-swelling new animated short film, from acclaimed director David Lowery? Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture to snowy NYC for a tale of a lost owl and a lost girl, who might just find the meaning of Christmas together in the big city – with a handful of folk songs along the way. We talk the film’s cardboard-styled animation, the real story of the Rockefeller tree owl, and get down to the ultimate question: what truly makes something a Christmas story? Watch the film on Disney+, enjoy the pod, and we’ll see you in the new year for the final stretch of the Wilderness Years era. Next up: The Wild bonus episode Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Moana 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
DON’T PANIC! No, the sky isn’t falling – it really is a brand new episode of Disniversity, as film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers step boldly into a whole new dimension in 2005’s Chicken Little. And they’re joined by steadfast podfriend Tom Nicholson to talk this most pivotal (and, spoiler, terrible) of Walt Disney Animation Studios movies. Together, the intrepid trio tackles all the big questions: What happens when Disney goes full-Shrek? Are burps ever funnier than farts? And what the hell is ‘Chicken Little’? Plus, Tom queries Turkey Lurkey’s rise to power; Ben declares war on Morkubine Porcupine; and Sam reveals why Chicken Little might just be the most important Disney film of all time. Next up: The Wild bonus episode (and maybe a festive treat) Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Moana 2. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Cowboy hats on, people – the Wilderness Years is taking film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers back to the Wild West, in 2004’s Home On The Range. And it marks a major milestone in Disney (and Disniversity) history: the end of 2D animation. Well… for a bit, anyway. As they rock up to the saloon, the duo talk the legacy of ‘Yeehaw Disney’, break down how genres are constructed, and discuss Michael Eisner’s dramatic exit from his Disney tenure. Plus, Sam reveals his mission to witness every cast member from Cats (2019) in the flesh; Ben becomes desperate for a film titled ‘Cowboy Ghosts’; and Sam signs up for OnlyCows. Hopefully this episode is an udder delight. Next up: Chicken Little Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
As the winding road of the Wilderness Years stretches on, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a quick pit-stop to mark a major point in the timeline: the end of Disney’s straight-to-video sequel era. Together they look back on the best, worst, and most egregious entries in the non-canonical canon, from the time-twisting Cinderella saga, to the deeply meta Lion King-verse, and beyond. RIP, home-entertainment exclusives – we hardly knew ye, (or, maybe knew ye better than ye deserved). Next up: Home On The Range Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.
The trail through the Wilderness Years continues into the American wilds, as film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers discover the true meaning of brotherhood – and bears – in 2003’s Brother Bear. Along the way, they discuss a lesser batch of Phil Collins songs; unpick the odd morality at play in the film’s depiction of nature; and discover what happens when brothers become bears, bears kill brothers, bears become brothers, brothers kill bears, and every other possible combination of that you could possibly imagine. Plus, there’s much talk of those ‘hilarious’ moose, Sam gets into the deeply unsavoury questions of animal attraction posed by Brother Bear 2, and we wave goodbye to the straight-to-DVD era. Next up: Bonus special on the straight-to-DVD sequels. Then, Home On The Range! Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Avast, me hearties! Disniversity is back on the map – and film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are hoping to find hidden riches in 2002’s Treasure Planet. Our intrepid heroes are joined by animation (and particularly anime) lover Kambole Campbell, zord-ing up with the crew to talk the legacy of Disney pirate stories, farting slug-men, and the Anakin Skywalker-coding of Jim Hawkins. Plus, we discuss the pirate-to-sci-fi ratio of the film’s genre mashup, Sam unspools a wild Dracula-centric dream about much-desired Treasure Planet toys, and the ultimate question is pondered: exactly how long is this John Silver? Next up: Brother Bear Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Is this thing on? Is anybody out there? When film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers set out into the Wilderness Years of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, little did they know they’d be heading into their own wilderness year of sorts. But fear not: Disniversity is alive, and it’s back, back, back! Just before the pod proper begins again, here’s a big life update talking all the important stuff: Sam’s wedding, Ben’s baby, and – most importantly – the Beetlejuice tie-in Fanta. Thank you, sorry, and we love you all. Next up: Treasure Planet. At last. Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Right then, let’s do this one last time: three ghosts, one bad man – and this time, not a Muppet nor a Mickey in sight. With the festive season upon us once again, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers gather to tackle the Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Come of Scrooge retellings – Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture madness-fuelled 2009 version, Disney’s A Christmas Carol. Prepare for discussions of Jim Carrey’s malleable face, the wildest variants of the three ghosts yet, front-flipping Bob Hoskins, a deeply unnerving Bob Cratchit, a brief history of Zemeckis’ ImageMovers Digital, and the terrifying presence of Ignorance and Want. It’s a wild ride of a film – Merry Christmas from Disniversity, and we’ll be back in the new year. Next up: Treasure Planet Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Ladies, gentlemen, Stitches and glitches – it’s finally time. At long last, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers blast off to Hawaii for 2002’s beloved Lilo & Stitch. But will it live up to the hype? (Spoiler: Absolutely yes.) For this episode, our duo are joined by very special guest Maria Lewis – author, TV writer, podcaster and more – to bask in the glory of Ohana, discussing the film’s affecting human story, its presentation of Polynesian culture, the meaning of ‘good’ and ‘bad’, terrible ’00s Elvis covers, and violent memes. Plus, Ben gets some mysterious voicemail messages from Disniversity alumni, Sam goes ultra-deep on a vast Lasting Legacy, and Maria talks the importance of the Oceanic Story Trust. It’s a big, buoyant conversation on a film we’ve been desperate to cover for years now – so go ahead, and get stuck right in. Next up: A Christmas Carol (2009, Robert Zemeckis). Then, Treasure Planet. Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Wish. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 11, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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