Spirit of the Time Episodes

How do you time travel to all of the milestone moments in Tony Baxter‘s nearly five-decade career in one hour?
You don’t. So happy that Tony came back for part II.

Forty-seven-year Disney Imagineer, Disney Legend, Thea Lifetime Achievement recipient, and Main Street Window honoree responsible for creating some of Disney’s most beloved parks and attractions, Tony Baxter.

For nearly five decades, Tony Baxter has been the most famous theme park designer on earth. Starting as an ice cream scooper at Disneyland when he was 17, Tony moved north to WED Enterprises to join first generation Imagineers for the design of Epcot Center and to share his model for what became Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Over the decades, Tony’s inspired intuition, artistic talents, endless creativity, and unequalled attention to detail allowed him to create more successful Disney attractions than any Imagineer before, including Disneyland Paris, Disneyland’s New Fantasyland, Indiana Jones & the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, and Journey into Imagination. Plan now to journey back in time with our longtime colleague, friend, and mentor for what promises to be one of the most viewed Spirit of the Time Zoomcasts ever!

Forty-seven-year Disney Imagineer, Disney Legend, Thea Lifetime Achievement recipient, and Main Street Window honoree responsible for creating some of Disney’s most beloved parks and attractions, Tony Baxter.

For nearly five decades, Tony Baxter has been the most famous theme park designer on earth. Starting as an ice cream scooper at Disneyland when he was 17, Tony moved north to WED Enterprises to join first generation Imagineers for the design of Epcot Center and to share his model for what became Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Over the decades, Tony’s inspired intuition, artistic talents, endless creativity, and unequalled attention to detail allowed him to create more successful Disney attractions than any Imagineer before, including Disneyland Paris, Disneyland’s New Fantasyland, Indiana Jones & the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, and Journey into Imagination. Plan now to journey back in time with our longtime colleague, friend, and mentor for what promises to be one of the most viewed Spirit of the Time Zoomcasts ever!

40+ year former Walt Disney Imagineer who served as a creative leader on such classic attractions as The Great Movie Ride, Muppet*Vision 3D, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Midway Mania!, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and many, many more: Eric Jacobson.

If time is the most valuable thing that a man can spend, then Eric Jacobson has spent wisely. Eric began his Disney career as a Disneyland performer and moved on to WED Imagineering to help design and produce attractions and pavilions for EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland. He retired over four decades later as Senior Vice President Creative Development overseeing the Walt Disney World Resort including: The Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, water parks, multiple hotels, and other resort-wide entertainment experiences, and mentoring the Imagineers constructing Shanghai Disneyland. Plan now to spend your time equally as wisely as we invite this elusive creative leader aboard our time machine to hear first-hand accounts of his adventures, including recording Barack Obama for “The Hall of Presidents,” reinventing “Star Tours” with ILM, and presenting the legendary Gene Kelly with his animatronic figure for “The Great Movie Ride!”

Award-winning live entertainment producer with over $1 billion in produced live spectaculars and events over 40 years for Disney, Universal, and arenas and stadiums around the world, Mike Davis.

Mike Davis is the only immersive entertainment industry executive ever to spend two decades each leading live entertainment teams at both Disney and Universal. Across his 40- year career, Davis produced “Fantasmic” and “The Lion King Celebration”, earned 12 IAAPA Brass Ring awards for his productions at Universal Studios Japan, and oversaw all live entertainment for recently opened Universal Studios Beijing, including “The Untrainable” – named Best Theme Park Show in the World in 2021 and soon to receive a Thea Award. Beyond the berm, Mike’s love of sports came into play by producing halftime shows for Disney Pigskin Classic, overseeing entertainment for the NHL’s Mighty Ducks and MLB’s Anaheim Angels, and spearheading Disney’s presence in numerous Tournament of Roses Parades. Set your clocks now to join us as we journey back through the amazing career of one of our industry’s most celebrated live entertainment producers!

Oscar-nominated master storyteller, inventor, writer, producer, TEA Lifetime Achievement recipient, Bob Rogers, inductee into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, and founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts.

From “Impressions de France” (in the France Pavilion at Epcot) to “Rainbow War,” “Back to Neverland,” Space Center Houston, Mystery Lodge, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Heineken Experience and the Museum of the Bible, Bob Rogers has been one of the immersive entertainment industry’s most prolific creators and mentors, combining scholarship with showmanship for dozens of award-winning attractions and brand experiences worldwide. Join us as Bob boards our time machine to share insights gained from, his work on Epcot Center, world expos, the Disney-MGM Studios, international visitor centers, and his 42 years leading the talented team at BRC Imagination Arts!

Celebrated founder and president of Garner Holt Productions (the world’s largest animatronics company), philanthropist, and TEA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Garner Holt.

From designing and building haunted houses in his parents’ backyard, to creating Halloween exhibits at the local mall, to being handed the Audio-Animatronics torch by Walt Disney Imagineering, Garner Holt personifies the notion that dreams really do come true. Join us as Garner climbs aboard our time machine for a journey through his entrepreneurial history, stopping to talk about his greatest projects, his collection of antique vehicles (and trains), and his inspiring Education Through Imagination program.

Iconic former Disney Imagineer, Chief Experience Architect for Virgin Galactic, Recipient of the TEA Lifetime Achievement Award, and Explorer’s Club Member, Joe Rohde.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Aulani Resort, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!, and The Adventurer’s Club at Pleasure Island are just some of the signature themed entertainment experiences created by veteran former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. Join us as we transport Joe to one of the few places he hasn’t traveled — back in time — to explore his early beginnings, how he became an Imagineer, the stories behind his greatest achievements, how he envisions the future of space tourism, and of course, how the whole earring thing started!

Location-based entertainment art director, illustrator, and attraction designer, David Damron.

The minds behind the magic aren’t always the names you know. Case in point is location-based entertainment art director, illustrator, and attraction designer David Damron, who has spent 40+ years behind the scenes, conceiving, designing and illustrating hundreds of theme parks, attractions, resorts, restaurants, and retail experiences. His projects have included Shanghai Disneyland, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, Lotte World (Korea), Land of Oz (Kansas City), Paramount Hotels, and hundreds more, including many with our co-host Ryan Harmon, including Gold Rush City, The Vans Experience, Top Gear World, and the Marvel Superhero Superstore! Set your clocks now to join us as one of our industry’s most unsung heroes climbs aboard the Time Machine to share stories you’ve never heard about some of your favorite parks and attractions — many still on David’s drawing table!

Former executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering and 2022 Disney Legend, Rob’t Coltrin.

What do Mystic Manor, Radiator Springs Racers, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin all have in common? These beloved Disney rides were all conceived over the past 32 years by former Walt Disney Imagineering executive creative director Rob’t Coltrin. A “storyteller, writer, choreographer, artist, designer, theatrical showman, engineer, musician, architect and scientist – all wrapped up into one,” according a colleague, Rob’t will be the 18th passenger to climb aboard our time machine for an hour-long journey through his illustrious career. Don’t let the change to daylight savings time spoil your opportunity to join us for this exciting episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast!

Former Disney Imagineer, writer, set designer, inspirational speaker, and the voice and vision of Universal’s Epic Universe, Steve Tatham!

From the Jungle Cruise to the comedy stage, architecture school to theme park design, Steve Tatham has spent over 30 years walking the path of creative leadership. And boy, are his feet tired! Set your pocket watch to join us for the 16th timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast as we invite longtime Disney Imagineer and current Vice President/Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative aboard our time machine to relive milestone moments in his illustrious career in Los Angeles, Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, and Osaka – and his current role as the voice and vision of what could be America’s last major theme park — Universal’s Epic Universe — scheduled to open in 2025!

Former Disney landscape architect & co-author of “Women of Walt Disney Imagineering,” Becky Bishop!

Fall into our sixteenth timely and timeless journey as we welcome Becky Bishop aboard the time machine! If you’ve been to any Disney theme park since 1987, then you’ve certainly enjoyed Becky’s area development and landscape masterpieces. Following in the footsteps of her mentor, Disney Legend Bill Evans, Becky spent three decades creating immersive outdoor environments for Disney parks and resorts worldwide, combining signature Disney storytelling with site programming, functional requirements, operational and entertainment needs to create harmonious guest experiences that fuse nature and culture. Becky is also one of 12 women to reflect on their trailblazing theme park careers in the new book, “Women of Walt Disney Imagineering.” Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear tales from the trenches from the woman who was literally in the field of new Disney parks, lands, and attractions. Don’t forget your mud boots and bug spray!

CEO of THG Creative, former SVP Attraction Development for Universal Studios, and tall cool one, Phil Hettema!

Polish your time travel goggles and prepare for our fifteenth timely and timeless adventure — this one journeying through the spectacular 40+ year career of TEA Lifetime Achievement recipient Phil Hettema. After working at Disneyland providing costumes for projects created by previous passenger Ron Miziker, Phil was one of the initial members of Universal Creative (with previous passenger Bob Ward), where he rose to SVP of Attraction Development and oversaw the creative development of all major attractions and shows, including Terminator 2: 3D, Jurassic Park, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Backdraft, and masterplans for five Universal parks. As an encore, Phil founded The Hettema Group, where he lead a world-class team to create such projects as One World Trade Center, the High Roller Observation Wheel, and Beyond All Boundaries. Today, Phil is the CEO of THG Creative, continuing to share his brand of uniquely creative and impactful designs around the world.

Entertainment designer, writer, director, producer, author, TEA Lifetime Achievement recipient — and the creator of the Disneyland Main Street Electrical Parade — Ron Miziker.

They say that time is what we want most, but what we use worst. And then there’s Ron Miziker, a man who has dedicated every minute of his 80+ years to creating major world spectaculars, extraordinary experiences, and memorable TV specials around the world. From Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade to two Super Bowl half-time shows, founding The Disney Channel to producing and directing live events for the Olympics, World Expos, major corporations, American presidents, and the Pope, Ron Miziker has become one of America’s foremen showmen — and has a story for every show! RSVP now for our journey through a career that is equally as spectacular as the productions of our esteemed passenger, Ron Miziker!

American painter, illustrator, and celebrant of idealized 1950s, 60s, and 70s architecture, fashion, cocktails, tikis, and lavish lifestyles, Josh Agle (aka SHAG)!

Lost time is never found again, unless you’re enjoying the art of American painter and illustrator Josh Agle, aka SHAG — the lucky 13th guest on The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast. Based in Southern California, Josh’s distinctive style draws from commercial illustration of the past five decades, but is imbued with an attitude and sly sense of humor which is unmistakably of our time. His work celebrates consumerism and consumption in vividly colored, sharply rendered paintings, as well as celebrates beloved theme parks, films, television shows, and music from the mid 20th century. In 2005, he collaborated with Disneyland to create a large collection of stylized art to celebrate the park’s 50th anniversary, including a park map, Hawaiian shirts, t-shirts, bags, mugs, and posters depicting every land and major attraction. RSVP now for this exciting journey back in time where we’ll discover how Josh Agle became SHAG!

Thea Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, strategic planner, master planner, designer, and Co-Founder of Universal Creative: Bob Ward!

Time flies like an arrow and fruit flies like a banana. So set your smartwatch now for the 12th timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast, featuring passenger, 50-year industry veteran, and Thea Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bob Ward. Bob spent 20 years as an SVP at Universal Creative and is responsible for such beloved projects as Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios Japan, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Beijing, as well as Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus World, Samsung Everland (Korea) and Qiddiya (Saudi Arabia)!

Walt Disney Imagineering interior designer, author, and the daughter of Disney Legend X. Atencio, Tori McCullough.

Time waits for no one, so plan now for the 11th timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast, featuring 40-year Walt Disney Imagineering interior designer, co-author of the new “Women of Imagineering” book, and the daughter of legendary Imagineer X. Atencio, Tori McCullough. Tori’s vast portfolio of interior design projects include resorts, restaurants, and retail stores at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Shanghai Disneyland!

Concept designer, art director, illustrator & former Walt Disney Imagineer: Chris Runco

The time is now to prepare for the tenth timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast, featuring passenger Chris Runco — former Walt Disney Imagineering concept designer, art director, and illustrator responsible for such beloved experiences as Typhoon Lagoon, Grizzly River Run, the Monsters, Inc. dark rides in both Tokyo and Anaheim, Harambe Village and Pagnani Forest Trail, Pirate’s Lair on Disneyland’s Tom Sawyer Island, and the design of first-time Star Tours pilot Rex (now Oga’s Cafe’s in-house DJ).

There’s no time like the present to enjoy the ninth timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast, featuring passenger Jerry Rees: writer, director, artist, animator, and guardian of story, character, emotion and human connection across all emerging technologies. (Oh, and the mind behind the media for 22 beloved Disney attractions, including “Back to Neverland,” “ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter” and “Mystic Manor”)!

Prepare to blast-off on the eighth timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast, featuring passenger Ali Rubinstein, Co-CEO & Chief Creative Officer of Meow Wolf and 22-year Disney Imagineer with executive creative director and executive producer credits on Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland!

Prepare to blast-off on the seventh timely and timeless episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast, featuring passenger Tim Kirk – five-time winner of the prestigious Hugo Award for science fiction and fantasy illustration and the principal designer (along with his brother) of Tokyo DisneySea, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year!

Passenger Rick Rothschild climbs aboard to chat with us about his beginnings, his incredible career, and what he’s doing now! He was Walt Disney Imagineering’s very first “show producer” and one of themed entertainment industry’s most talented, respected, and accomplished creative directors.

We are sure most of you has experienced the groundbreaking work of Rick Rothschild, be it The American Adventure, Captain EO, Pleasure Island, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Alien Encounter, Storm Rider, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, SeaRider, Soarin’ Over California, or the FlyOver attractions in Vancouver, Bloomington, Reykjavik, and Las Vegas! He was also just announced as a TEA Master for 2021!

Our passenger, Gordon Hoopes, was WED Enterprises (Disney) architect/planner – who just turned 82! Ryan and Joe celebrated EPCOT’s upcoming 40th anniversary (2022) with the man who was there, led the project, and designed it’s iconic attraction, Spaceship Earth!

Spirit of the Time: Episode 4 with Peggie Fariss – the former Disney Imagineer who was the show producer for the Disney Gallery, did the amazing historical research for Spaceship Earth, managed sponsorship branding for Disney parks around the world, and led Walt Disney Imagineering at Disneyland Paris!

Zeitgeist Design & Production presents Spirit of the Time: Episode 3 with passenger Jim Steinmeyer. Jim is the author of a number of books about magic history and illusion design. He’s a former Disney Imagineer, the writer and producer of A&E’s 4-hour documentary “The History of Magic”, a contributing editor to “Magic” magazine, and a former two-time president of the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood. Join us on our travels!

Second episode with passenger John Murdy. Ryan and Joe takes us back in time of John’s amazing career and into the future of what he may have planned!

Spirit of the Time’s inaugural voyage took place on April 30, 2021. Drivers Ryan Harmon and Joe Lanzisero spend some time in the machine with legendary former Disney Imagineer Tom Morris! **The time machine was acting up this day so there may be a few small glitches to watch out for!