The Loma Prieta Earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area on October 17, 1989. The quake and the community galvanization that followed birthed a mystical protector forged from iron. His family still lives on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, but where? This is the tale of the Bay Bridge Troll. This story was originally reported for the KQED podcast …

Swipe through the modern phenomenon of app-based romance. Featuring VidaSelect CEO Scott Valdez, and a true story about a San Francisco Grindr-hookup that sparked a relationship. Hosted & Produced by Christopher J. Beale and Josh Taylor

Why do we make New Year’s Resolutions? You’ll discover that this tradition has evolved over time. In this episode, Christopher Beale and Josh Taylor dive into the history of New Year’s resolutions, Auld Lang Syne, Methodist watch night services and popping champagne! Plus, our guest Peter Fenton (Author of Abandon All Hope) shares a personal story …

An Unpacked bonus featuring an announcement about the future of the podcast, and Christopher is at California's Great America with a short story about how the pandemic changed one person's approach to the job they love. - Thanks to California's Great America, Alaina Duffield, KALW, Lisa Morehouse, Abukar Adan, and Josh Taylor. - Follow us on Twitch…

Unpacked will return! In the meantime check out episode one of Christopher Beale's new podcast Stereotypes - Straight Talk from Queer Voices. Listen and subscribe! - Everyone’s coming out is different. Some folks can’t come out, and for many — when we finally do — we discover that there are more questions on the other side. Meet Rae, a gender non-b…

Last weekend - San Francisco’s LGBTQIA community gathered to mourn with the Asian community, to speak and - in San Francisco’s long tradition of activism...to march. "Enough is Enough!" - Michael Nguyen (GAPA) - To see photos from the event, and read the written version in Outword Magazine, click here. To read the print version in 3 minutes on Medi…

If there is one piece of good news about the COVID-19 Pandemic its that more people recover from COVID-19 than die from it. In the state of California, so far, 40,000 people have died from COVID-19. But that’s out of more than 3 million diagnosed cases. Those people who recover, and quarantine...eventually return to work. That got me thinking - wha…

How does coffee go from the field - to your cup? Is coffee addictive, and how can YOU positively impact the people who grow it? What's the difference between 'local' coffee and Starbucks? On this episode, Josh Taylor on how to navigate the complicated world of coffee. - - - For more information on Christopher's work head to ChristopherJBeale.com, f…

The Glass Fire - which as of writing this has burned more than 60,000 acres near California’s wine country - is displacing entire communities. Whole families forced out of their homes with no idea when they’ll be able to return - or if they’ll have a home to return to. This is the story of one such family waiting for answers. - LINKS Napa Valley Re…

From Lake Berryessa in California to Big Fish Lake in Minnesota - two big fish stories, 3 acts, 30 minutes. Click here for a written transcript of the episode. Act 1 - The First Attempt An educational but completely empty-handed fishing trip to Lake Berryessa. "I think I'd like to lose a finger." - Tom Act 2 - Grandpa Hal Mark recounts the final fi…

After two nights of demonstrations against police brutality that ended in riots and looting - Oakland protesters took to the streets Sunday to take back the narrative, Black Lives Matter. Special thanks to Youth Radio Media and their volunteers, to my neighbor for the up-close video of the looting, and to the demonstrators on Sunday for allowing me…

The story of a San Francisco man recovering from a confirmed case of COVID-19. "My heart starts beating so fast Wednesday night. Really, Really, Really fast. I get this numbness all over my body. My legs are falling numb. I have a hard time getting up. And I'm like, Oh my God. This is it. I’m gonna die." - Armando Zambrana To get tested for COVID-1…

The Zayner family’s house is one of those spaces where people are always coming and going on the weekends. Come as you are...B.Y.O.B and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. With a pool in the backyard for epic summer’s out under the sun, this place is my little slice of paradise outside the city. It’s ground-zero for family hangs. COVID-19 has moved this lar…

This morning was so unusual I had to share it with you. I witnessed a crime here in Oakland and it shook me. "I just witnessed my first crime in Oakland, like right in front of me, I saw it. I tried to help." - Christopher J. Beale Have you ever witnessed a crime? Share it with me at (213) 935-0513. If you have helpful information about the crime f…

Meet Adam Green, an Oakland High School teacher who, thanks to coronavirus, has a unique problem. How do you teach music to 140 students...from home? SOURCES: NBC Bay Area San Francisco Chronicle Special thanks to the Oakland Public Library and Skyline High School. - Support the work of Unpacked, and Theme Park Pulse on Patreon for as little as $1 …

Coronavirus is changing everything here in California. Our jobs. Our commutes. Our religious and social practices. Social isolation will probably be the phrase that defines 2020, and we’re only 3 months in. As people begin to practice social distancing and adjust to this new normal...I am feeling a pull to do something. I know I need to help, I wan…

Would you move across the state for something you really wanted, and really believed in? What if if came with a 3 hour commute...each way? Plus - a brief history of migration and gentrification, from a reluctant gentrifier in Oakland. I hope you enjoy this bonus episode of Unpacked, and I'll talk to you in 2020! - Kory SOURCES/MENTIONS: Mix 96 & No…

On this episode of Unpacked, the true story of a trip to London, and Oxford. When Amanda finds herself spending the night in a centuries old house, she alone has an encounter with the spirit world that was way too close for comfort. Happy Halloween from Unpacked! - This episode is based on the real-life experience of Unpacked listener Amanda Garcia…

Bret Iwan and Kory answer your questions as we bring Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt to a close! - To see photos of Bret's house, follow his design business on Instagram, @BungalowModern. You can follow Bret at @Bret_Iwan, and follow Kory at @KoryOnTheRadio! Follow Jack at @JackKMilliken! - This episode was written and hosted by Jack Millike…

Bret Iwan spends a decade establishing himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse! But, finds himself in a creative rut, when an old hobby from his childhood sparks creativity and dreams of the future! We follow Bret & Cory into Disneyland for the premiere of Fantasmic 2.0 and visit Bret's home on the finale of Bret, Mickey & Walt. To see photos of Bret'…

Kory recorded hours of audio with Bret Iwan for this series, and not all of it made it into the final production. Jack produced this fun story about a buffalo named Buffy! Hear the finale of Unpacked presents Bret, Mickey & Walt now on Patreon! This bonus adapted, written, recorded and sound designed by Jack Milliken. Editing by Kory. ©No Midnight …

We are back with the finale of Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt on September 30th. This week we're presenting a look at a Patreon bonus that teases a really cool thing we discover about Bret on Episode 3! To support our work for as little as $1 a month on Patreon, and pick up cool bonus material and perks click here! ©No Midnight Media, All r…

When a death rocks Disney Character Voices, Bret Iwan goes from potential understudy, to Mickey Mouse, almost overnight. Why does Mickey sound different sometime?! Bret remembers Russi Taylor and finally opens up about Mickey #5. BONUS: Why Is Bret Up Before The Sun? The beginning of this episode features a clip of a 2004 interview with Wayne Allwi…

A young Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse) plays Fantasmic in the backyard with his kid brother and discovers a unique talent. “Hey, that kind of sounds like him.” - Bret Iwan Always a creative, Bret would grow up to be a successful artist until a random email would change his entire future, and that of the most iconic cartoon character of all time. Special …

In one week, we'll begin to share Bret Iwan's fascinating story. In this bonus, Kory shares one of his favorite sections of episode one! If you would like to listen to episode one right now, head to our Patreon and join us for as little as $1 a month! Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt premieres August 26th.…

Last week on Theme Park Pulse, Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse) joined us to reflect on the life of Russi Taylor, the longtime voice of Minnie Mouse. Over the weekend, Kory hosted a panel with Bret at StocktonCon 2019 and they officially announced this new "Mickey-series" to the world! Bret, Mickey & Walt premieres Monday, August 26 on Unpacke…

Beginning August 26, Kory takes us inside the home, mind, and Bret Iwan...the current official voice of Mickey Mouse! How does a suburban, 90s kid with big dreams grow up to be the voice of the most iconic cartoon character of all time? We'll find out when Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt!

A scandal that almost took down the game show industry, a look behind the scenes at the resulting changes, and the heartwarming story of a little girl's unshakeable will to have her own shiny red bike on this episode of Unpacked! Special thanks to Louis Goldberg, producer on the TLC show "Outdaughtered," and to Sarah and Laura Mills for sharing the…

This week on Unpacked….three people experience the deadly and destructive force of fire...in three completely different ways. - Special thanks to Jay Sherer from The Story Geeks podcast for his voiceover work, Zac Stuart-Pontier (Crimetown & The Ballad of Billy Balls) for the story advice, and to our subjects Alesia Dobson, Gary Meloni and John Mor…

Hear the first 4 minutes of next week's all-new Unpacked! We return on May 20th with three exciting stories! Sign up for our mailing list to keep in touch: http://eepurl.com/gi_Ghj Check out our new Walt & Friends t-shirt here: https://bit.ly/2Ex7Z1Y For all of the other things (support, merch, bios, past episodes) head to UnpackedPodcast.com Voice…

This week we present episode one of Josh Taylor's cool new pod called Modern Mouse, and an update on the next all-new Unpacked! Sign up for our mailing list to keep in touch: http://eepurl.com/gi_Ghj Check out our new Walt & Friends t-shirt here: https://bit.ly/2Ex7Z1Y For all of the other things (support, merch, bios, past episodes) head to Unpack…

Jack breaks down his story, from the last episode, on a fun bonus episode of Unpacked!

A high-school media competition takes a young podcaster on an 8 hour journey into Seattle’s underground rap scene. BONUS CONTENT: Behind the scenes of Jack's story! This episode features the song "No Cut" by Seattle artist Reno Red. Unpacked is a production of No Midnight Media.

Some more discussion around last week's Unpacked, and the reveal of next week's all-new Unpacked! Recorded 3/28/19

We are trying something new and stepping outside of just theme park related content. It's time for us to look to the future and broaden our horizons. There will still, of course, be theme park related content when we find a great story, but Unpacked will look at so much more now. With one mantra in mind...REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES...NO LIMITATIONS.…

Unpacked returns with all-new episodes on April 1st (this is not an April Fools joke), and Kory shares his feelings as he prepares to take on a whole new type of storytelling! Sign up for our mailing list to keep in touch: http://eepurl.com/gi_Ghj Check out our new Walt & Friends t-shirt here: https://bit.ly/2Ex7Z1Y For all of the other things (sup…

Two years ago today we launched the No Midnight Podcast, the show that would evolve into two unique podcasts. Theme Park Pulse & Unpacked. This week - we take a look back. For all of the other things (support, merch, bios, past episodes) head to UnpackedPodcast.com Voicemail: (213) 935-0513 Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Unpacked is a production of…

Disney Legend Bob Gurr shares his memories of former Disney CEO Ron Miller, who passed away last weekend. Learn the story of this fascinating, and often under-appreciated member of the Disney family. To make a donation to The Walt Disney Family Museum's Ron & Diane Disney Miller Memorial Fund, click here. "You may not know his name, but if you’re a…

Kory dropping in to share a little peak at what we are working on for the next all-new episode of Unpacked! It's probably not something you've ever thought about - but we think about it all the time as podcasters. It's called Public Domain, and we are busy unpacking that...now. The song in this episode is "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith. Check out NPR…

Behind the Scenes of Kingdom Hearts 3 with audio from Quinton Flynn (Axel), and Derek Stephen Prince (Vexen)! Panel audio recorded before a live audience at SacAnime. Audio remains property of SacAnime and No Midnight Media and may not be rebroadcast without express permission. - For all of the other things (support, merch, bios, past episodes) hea…

What would you ask the voices of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, or Max...if you could ask anything? We (and about 800 of our friends at SacAnime) got that opportunity, and this week...we unpack that! BONUS: Full 'Mickey & Friends' SacAnime Panel Audio Panel audio recorded before a live audience at SacAnime on January 5, 2019. Audio remains property of SacAni…

While we work on the next all-new Unpacked, we wanted to share this cool audio from our SacAnime panel where Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy, shares a cool story about meeting Muhammad Ali! - For all of the other things (support, merch, bios, past episodes) head to UnpackedPodcast.com Voicemail: (213) 935-0513 Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Unpacke…

Kory and Adam take a nostalgic look back at the heyday, and demise of Pleasure Island! Featuring a look back at Kory's 2010 Attractions Magazine article, and insight from former Executive VP of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort, Lee Cockerell. BONUS: Notable Arrests at Walt Disney World + more with Lee Cockerell --- For all of the other t…

We just wanted to stop by and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and remind you that our all new season debuts on January 7th! - For all of the other things (support, merch, bios, past episodes) head to UnpackedPodcast.com Voicemail:(213) 935-0513

Kory & Adam welcome you to Unpacked! The new season debuts January 7 right here on this feed! Please leave reviews and ratings...invite your friends and join us right here on 1/7/19. For more information, head to UnpackedPodcast.com ----------------------------------------------- GET IN TOUCH: Twitter | Instagram | Website | Email Kory | Email Adam…

This week on Unpacked we take you along as we visit the Lucasfilm campus, and the Walt Disney Family Museum, with it's Nine Old Men exhibit! Plus - our friend Bill Butler from Garner Holt Productions tells us the story of the museum's tiki bird...which he designed! Special thanks to the Walt Disney Family Museum for the access, and hospitality. ---…

DISCLAIMER: In an early edit of this episode we incorrectly named John Wise in a piece of the story, this has been updated to correctly identify John Zovich. Depending on your download settings, you may still hear the incorrect version. We apologize for any inconvenience. Kory takes us through his journey to find a story to tell, and ends up in the…

In October of 1947, Walt Disney traveled to Washington DC to testify on communist influence in Hollywood. Not only did Walt have a lot to say on the subject, he came to Capitol Hill ready to name names! This week, we unpack that! BONUS: "Der Fuehrer's Face" starring Donald Duck (watch-a-long) Big thanks to Angie from Modern Mouse Boutique & Network…

Walt Disney was part of an American generation, sometimes called the Greatest Generation, who put a LOT of value in patriotism. This week...we’ll take a look at the attractions Walt’s patriotism would inspire on Unpacked. Special thanks to Matt Roseboom from Attractions Magazine for allowing us to use their video of President Obama's Hall of Presid…

Without conflict, there is no story. Without a good villain to cause that conflict, there is no hero. From Pete, to the Evil Queen, to Yzma and stops in between, this week The Evolution of Villainyon Unpacked with Kory & Adam. This episode was written by Adam Vargyas, recorded and produced by Kory on Sunday, October 22, 2018 exclusively for the No …