The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
All content for The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network is the property of Jim Hill Media Podcast Network and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
The Man Who Made Universal Explode: Jay Stein and the Birth of the JayBang (Ep. 78)
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
58 minutes
3 weeks ago
The Man Who Made Universal Explode: Jay Stein and the Birth of the JayBang (Ep. 78)
On this episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal Orlando updates before turning to a deep-dive tribute to Jay Stein — the visionary who transformed Universal’s backlot tour into a spectacle factory and helped define the studio’s signature “JayBang” style of themed entertainment.
NEWS
NBC’s Wicked: One Wonderful Night special sparks strong reactions as Universal’s cross-promotions continue everywhere from Dunkin’ to TV tie-ins.
New 2026 Universal Orlando ticket options clarify how multi-day guests can access Epic Universe more than once.
Reddit reactions and critic reviews paint a wide spectrum of opinions on Universal’s latest TV musical marketing moment.
Preparations continue around Orlando as fans look ahead to more detailed Epic Universe rollouts.
FEATURE — A TRIBUTE TO JAY STEIN
How a 26-year-old studio problem-solver was handed one directive: “Fix the tram tour.”
The creation of the very first “JayBang”: the 1968 Flash Flood, sending 20,000 gallons of water rushing past the tram.
The shift from generic “movie magic” to effects pulled straight from current Universal Pictures releases.
The Eiger Sanction–inspired glacier tunnel illusion, which evolved into one of the most memorable tram finales ever built.
Why Jay Stein’s fingerprints can still be felt across every fireball, near-miss shark, collapsing bridge, and runaway vehicle in Universal’s attraction lineup.
Hosts
Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com
Patreon
Enjoying the show? Your support helps us bring more insider history, analysis, and interviews to the feed. Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia
Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, where listeners can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets — including select after-hours events.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
