The Feels, the Vibes, the Disney Magic: 400 Episodes In

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, we celebrated the 400th episode of The Dillo’s Diz Podcast.

Since then, I’ve been reflecting on the last seven and a half years. Of course I tried not to let any of that show while we recorded, despite some of our friends submitting sweet congratulatory messages that had me crying and laughing all at the same time.

The podcast is essentially two siblings chatting about Disney and pop culture. Simple enough, right? For me, it was a lot tougher.

Who wants to hear our stories?

Who is going to laugh at the silly things our parents said when we were kids?

Who will get that we just want Disney to be what it was in 1992?

Apparently, there were people that wanted all of those things because it has grown into a community, a creative outlet, and an adventure I never thought I’d be on.

Over the past 7.5 years, I’ve learned so much. On the technical side, I’ve figured out how to record, edit audio and video and navigate the crazy world of social media. It's not always perfect, but we embrace the chaos and imperfection in the finished product.

Personally, the podcast has pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I’ve learned how to tell stories that mean something to me which ended up being stories that resonated with others too. Every once in awhile I even say my opinion...while also never wanting to make a decision or choice.

I've made great friends along the way. This is not something I ever thought of as a possibility but it's been an amazing gift. I’ve connected with people I never imagined I’d have the chance to talk to. People that affected my childhood, people that connected Frank and I and guests whose experiences and insights have inspired me. Those conversations and connections have taught me about the power of community, about listening, and something I already knew: Disney isn’t just about parks and attractions. it's about people, relationships, and memories. Something as simple as sharing a thought out loud, into a microphone has opened the door to new friendships and experiences.

The biggest marker of time hasn’t just been the episodes but it’s also been my kids. When this podcast started, they were so little. They've grown so much and and their experiences of the parks have changed...in the best way. Their love for it is awesome to see. They want to learn more about the parks, love doing trivia and also love to ask when we're going back. Who can blame them?

Even though I know how much they love it, I had a random thought the other day. I was thinking and hoping that they can feel the magic of the parks like I have. It's a feeling you can't explain. I think I usually just refer to it as 'the feels' or 'the vibes.' But it's truly a thing of 'if you know you know.' The nostalgia I have for the parks from when I was young and the magic I continue you to feel now, I'd wish that same feeling on anyone.

Four hundred episodes later and that feeling is still here for me. Stronger than ever!

Thank you to those that have listened to the podcast, followed on social media, subscribed on YouTube and read this blog. Thank you to the friends we've made for always being so supportive. Thank you to our guests for being so inspiring.

Special shout out to Frank for saying "Let's just talk about The Great Movie Ride closing and see what happens."

-Jen