My family (aka The Fam)?  They get me.  They’re great to have as my support system for the whole Disney obsession sitch.  Unfortunately, they’re not always around, you know?  We have jobs and school (some have both).  So while I’m off making my contribution to the family coffers, bringing bacon and all that jazz, I’m pretty much alone out in the world with my Disneyness.  Or am I?

Turns out there are these way awesome little things called podcasts…particularly, DISNEY podcasts that can keep me company any time I’m jonesing for a hit of Disney!

I found out about Disney podcasts from a former coworker and fellow Disney fan for whom a Disney fix was equally as important.  That’s when I started to listen to The Dis Unplugged.  Shortly after that, I added Mouse Chat, then, yes, I admit it, I started trying new podcasts all the time, here and there, whenever I could score a quick fix.  After a while, I was totally addicted, but there are only 24 hours in a day, so I’ve had to pare them down to a few regulars.  I listen while I run, on my commute to/from work, during my lunch hour – any time I need a little dose o’ Dis.

You may enjoy some Disney podcast action already, but just in case you haven’t yet discovered the joys they have to offer….Here’s a list of my current Disney podcast subscriptions from iTunes and why I’m listening.  (I tried to list them in the order of length-of-time I’ve been subscribed.)

The DIS Unplugged (Orlando Edition) –  From the people who brought you the DisBoards!  Fair and balanced reviews, lively discussions, Disney news, and – my favorite part- a big budget and large team of experts – this means more than just Disney World info.  They go on Disney cruises, Adventures By Disney, visit Aulani, and more!  Listeners benefit from all that first-hand travel knowledge.  Bonus – there’s also a version for Disneyland fans.

Mouse Chat –  I’m a very loyal listener and don’t miss an episode.  I just like this group of Disney-lovin’ folks (Lauren, Chris, Lisa, Steve, and Bob) and how they interact with each other.  They talk general Disney, Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line most of the time.  Also fair and balanced with reviews – if they don’t like something – they say so!  I especially enjoy their Disney World dining reviews.  Good place for helpful tips for traveling with and without children.

WDW Radio – Lou Mongello is easy on the ears!  In general, my favorite episodes are the ones where he discusses a particular aspect of Disney World with Jim Korkis.  Unfailingly cheerful and positive in his love of Disney, Lou shares hidden gems, little-known facts and overlooked details – I always learn something new about Disney World in nearly every episode.  My all-time favorite episode is #338 where Ryan Wilson (Main Street Gazette) joins Lou for a talk about the past, present, and future of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – my dog isn’t named Henry Jones, Junior for nothing y’know.

Podcasts from Across the Pond!

Disney Dream Girls* (takes over where The Mini Minxes left off) – These ladies (Michelle and Jayne) are adorably fun, delightfully passionate, and creative in their contribution to Disney Podcast-dom.  If you missed the 12 days of Minxmas go back at catch every episode.  The Dream Girls got their own favorite Disney podcasts to record special episodes just for the holiday season.  Good times.

Dis After Dark*- These guys know how to have fun while discussing all things Disney.  Join them for a pint as they meet at the Mouse’s Head Pub for an evening of fun and frivolity – oh, and some pretty lively Disney debates.

*Let’s face it – The hosts and hostesses of these two podcasts could discuss routine maintenance on lawn tractors or the joys of cleaning gutters and I’d still listen – it’s the accents!  Sooooo lovely.  Take them for a listen – you’ll see what I mean.

Be Our Guest – Hailing from my home state of Missouri, fellow Tiger fan Mike Rahlmann and his co-hosts Rikki Niblett, Pam Forrester, and Debbie Robertson do an especially great job with their “Listener Questions” episodes.  Their listeners ask some pretty difficult stuff and the BOG experts provide excellent answers.

WDW Today – Short, sweet, and to the point.  The episodes might be brief in duration but they’re packed with fun.  Hosted by Matt Hochburg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, and Len Testa – some of the most legendary Disney experts around!   I like that many of the episodes are short enough that I can hear an entire show in the car on my way to the mall.  GREAT info here on runDisney events.  Is it just me or do these guys talk really fast?

Resort Loop – Tim and Bob!  Who wouldn’t love these two Disney super-fans who appreciate the amount of time and money that goes into planning and taking Disney World vacations – their tips can help you get the most of your investment!  They have a laid back, easy-going approach to talking Disney World with listeners.  I especially love episode 77 – I listen to the beginning over and over (they talk about ME!)  “Please stand clear of the doors.”

Enchanted Tiki Talk – Fun, funny Disney talk by a bunch of guys (Alan, Sean, and Keith) who just love the Mouse.  Jump on into the Tiki Hut now since these guys are just getting started (only 10 episodes to date).  Recently the Tiki Talk guys had Bill Farmer (Goofy!) on as a guest – be sure to catch episode 7!  Tune in and find out what #TikiOoze is all about!

Radio Harambe – Animal Kingdom fans – this is the podcast for you.  These guys (Dave and Safari Mike) are passionate about raising awareness concerning animal conservation.  They’re also chock full of fun and interesting facts and tips to help you get the most from your visits to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (and all the Disney parks).

3 Mom’s and the Mouse – Travel tips, advice, Disney discussions from a mom’s point of view.  I may not catch every episode (my children have flown the coop, after all) but these ladies have plenty of experience (as Disney vacation planners) to help you travel with your kiddos to The Happiest Place on Earth.

Brand New to my Disney Podcast Lineup:

Mighty Men of Mouse – Three guys with totally fictitious-sounding names (Kip Springfield, Russ Shuttlesworth, and Dutch Lombrowski) creatively discuss quite a wide variety of Disney-related topics.  Seriously thought provoking and super entertaining.  I’m hooked!

The Disney Nerds – Only around since September, 2013 – This show, hosted by Farrah, Tom, Jimmy, and Ed focuses mostly on Disney World attractions, activities, resorts and more.  I’ve only had time to listen to a couple of episodes, but I’m nerdy-enough to appreciate what their show has to offer.

You can download these to your phone absolutely FREE or listen online (live feeds and even live and recorded video are available for some).  Check iTunes or Stitcher or the podcasts’ websites for the ones you might like to try – Seriously, these are a great source of news, discussions, tips, reviews, debates, history, and humor – ALL of it DISNEY!  Don’t forget to rate and review on iTunes!

If I haven’t mentioned your favorite Disney podcast(s), I’d love to hear from you to find out what I’m missing!

Note:  Some Disney podcasts carry an “explicit” rating – that’s fine as those shows are directed towards an adult audience.  I absolutely do not enjoy listening to people discuss Disney when the talk is liberally sprinkled with the f-bomb and other obscenities for absolutely no reason.  I’m not a prude – been know to cuss a blue streak now and again myself, but if there’s a time and a place tone down your language, talking about Disney has got to be it – even if your audience is only adults.  Personally, I do not find those shows amusing or enjoyable – to each their own.  Rant over.