Inside Out 2 gets the therapy podcast treatment! Ariel, Stef, and Helen Garcia unpack anxiety, perfectionism, and growing up through the lens of Riley’s emotional evolution. From core beliefs to cultural grief—this episode has, well… all the feels.

Explore how tattoos, identity, and Disney fandom intersect in this episode featuring Dr. Jinxi Caddel. From storytelling through body art to cultural expression and healing, “Magical Ink” dives into the power of marking what matters—on skin and in spirit.

A celebration of queer identity through Disney media, this episode explores representation, nostalgia, subtext, and affirmations with guests Jodie Anders and Shalom. Join us for a heartfelt look at storytelling, visibility, and rainbow realness. 🌈✨

Ariel, Stef, and Chance Calloway explore Juneteenth’s significance, media representation, and Disney’s portrayal of Black characters. They discuss authentic representations, The Transformation Trope, and Black coding in Disney films, advocating for more diverse voices in future projects.

43: Ariel, Stef, and return guest Maria delve into the intricacies of hosting a play therapy conference at Disneyland, focusing on accommodations for dynamic disabilities. They discuss the unique challenges and rewards of planning such an event in a magical setting. They emphasize the importance of inclusivity, accommodations, and the evolving nature of disability services […]

42: Join Ariel, Stef, and their distinguished guests, Julia and Eric Lewald—writers and showrunners of the X-Men Animated Series. This episode explores the legacy of the original X-Men series, its cultural impact, and the exciting revival with X-Men 97. The Lewalds share the challenges and joys of bringing their beloved characters to life through personal […]

This episode focuses on 'Turning Red' and the film's profound themes of family, identity, mental health, and cultural nuances, celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Ariel and Stef explore Star Wars’ influence in therapy and education, share personal experiences from Disneyland’s Star Wars Nite, and discuss its cultural impact and community engagements.

It's Halfway to Halloween! How can you celebrate? Tune into our latest episode with Dan Connor as we discuss 'The Battle for Pumpkin King'. Discover how Jack’s adventures from friendship to rivalry offer lessons on life’s transitions. Don’t miss this enchanting conversation!

Ariel and Stef unpack the continuation of a beloved series with X-Men 97, exploring its impact from therapy to education. They discuss nostalgia's role in healing trauma and connecting with students, the nuances of characters like Rogue and Storm, and how X-Men's diversity and inclusion themes resonate today. Tune in for a journey through the past, present, and future of one of the most iconic superhero teams.

Embark on a journey through Disney’s culinary delights, from the treats at the Food and Wine Festival at California Adventure, unexpected finds at Disney Channel Nite, to the surprising food merchandise. They navigate the rising prices, sustainability efforts, and the art of indulging at Disney parks. This episode invites listeners to a broader conversation on food and fandom.

Ariel and Stef navigate Disney's groundbreaking move into developing a gaming metaverse. This episode explores the fusion of iconic Disney storytelling with the interactive world of gaming, highlighting the potential for new adventures and connections.

Unlock the healing powers of play with a Disney twist, revealing how childhood stories can foster adult healing, empathy through villains, and the importance of nurturing our inner child.

The hosts recount their enchanting evening at the Disney Animation Studios The Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Discover the magic of Disneybounding, the joy of a picnic under the stars, and the emotional resonance of live Disney music. An episode filled with nostalgia, insights, and reflections on creating inclusive and engaging experiences for all.

Explore the unique roles of Disney sidekicks as they dissect how these beloved characters from classics like 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Cinderella,' and 'The Lion King' relate to mental wellness. Engaging discussions reveal how these animated companions, could don the titles of emotional support animal or service animal. Unravel the therapeutic significance of these animal sidekicks, blending childhood nostalgia with a deeper understanding of mental health support.

Join cohosts Ariel and Stefanie on their journey for Dapper Day outfits. Immerse yourself in the world of Dapper Day at Disneyland as they explore everything from dressing tips and theme ideas to personal experiences and the pursuit of the perfect outfit pieces. Dive into discussions on vintage fashion, body acceptance, and privilege as they talk about stepping out in style.

Read the blog post for this episode for additional references and resources.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More #31: In this episode of Happiest Pod, join Ariel and Stef as they recount their magical evening at Disneyland’s After Dark event, Princess Nite. Held for the first time at Disneyland Park on March 7th and 9th from 9 PM to 1 AM, this special event transported guests into […]

#30: Pop culture conventions, where fans and geeks gather to celebrate their fandoms, are often the most anticipated experiences of the year. This year, Stef and Ariel were blessed with the opportunity to speak as panelists at both WonderCon and the mega San Diego Comic-Con. In this episode, they share the ups and downs of […]

#29: Ariel and Stef had the honor of interviewing the terrifying and regal Jessica who played Lady Tremaine at Walt Disney World. In this episode, we learn the joys, the frustrations, and the horrors of being a face character at the happiest place on earth. Read the blog post for this episode for additional references […]

#28: Ariel, Stef, and past host Josué team up for a second time to do a deeper dive into Disney’s Encanto. In this episode, themes of dysfunctional family roles, inner child archetypes, and how to inspire students and clients to discover their own inner talents. Episode 26 is part one of this two-part Encanto deep […]