Making the Fan The Parallels Between Rabid Fandoms and Religions w/ Jodi Eichler-Levine
Taking a non-traditional exploration of fandom, today’s episode features Jodi Eichler-Levine, who studies the parallels between classic religions and fan cultures. After learning of Jodi's research from her a Twitter-trending analysis on “Disney adults” or “Disney-files”, David and Jodi take a deeper dive into the principles that Disney has utilized to create evangelists of their brand and the strategies and tactics brands can adapt to their organization to inspire their own fanatics.
—--
Show Notes
3:52 The Foundation of Jodi’s Research
6:00 The 3 Parallels
7:28 Story
12:11 Core Memories with Disney
14:41 Transitioning Into the Story Through Theme Parks
16:00 Ritual
19:43 Creating an Environment for Individual Rituals
22:41 The Emotions of Being a Fan
25:56 Merchandise and Souvenirs as an Amulet
30:20 Community and Collective Effervescence
33:07 Creating a Environment for Community
34:33 The Magic in runDisney Races
46:52 The Diversity of Disney Fans
49:39 Journeying to Marceline, Missouri, Walt Disney’s hometown
—---
For more information on the topics covered in this episode:
Follow Jodi on Twitter and check out her website
Once Upon a Time - the Twitter thread that started it all
“The Gospel According to Disney” by Mark Pinsky
Connect with Host, David Millay:
Connect w/ David Millay on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmillay/
Follow David on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/david.millay/
Follow David Millay on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DavidMillay