Advertise on podcast: The League of Extraordinary Storytellers

What if Creative and Finance are not opposing forces—but essential partners in delivering the same promise? In Episode 22 of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Lou Pizante of The Experientialists about the economics beneath extraordinary experiences. Drawing from a career spanning finance, law, entrepreneurship, operations, real estate, and experiential entertainment, Lou reframes one of the industry’s oldest tensions: Creative versus Finance. Their conversation explores capital as a design material, why Finance should say “not like this” instead of “no,” the X-Stack framework, multidisciplinary fluency, imaginative consent, and why physical shared experiences may become even more valuable in an increasingly digital world. At the center is a simple idea: the creative promise creates demand—but the business must be designed so that promise can endure.

What changes when audiences stop watching the story—and start living it? In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Jasmin Jodry, an award-winning Creative Director and global experience designer working across themed entertainment, immersive storytelling, technology, performance, and worldbuilding. Jasmin explores the idea of storyliving—designing experiences where guests participate, make choices, and become emotionally invested in the story. The conversation also examines multidisciplinary collaboration, business strategy, technology, return on experience, global creative leadership, and the growing potential for entertainment to create meaning, connection, and human transformation.  🎧 Listen now to explore how intentional experience design can shape not only what people see—but what they feel, remember, and carry forward.

What happens when a story becomes something you can step into? In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Francine Boon and Victor van Doorn of Sherlocked, the Amsterdam-based experience design studio behind award-winning immersive adventures, escape rooms, museum experiences, and city games. The conversation explores play, mystery, realism, audience participation, environmental storytelling, emotional design, and the business of creating experiences that blur the line between fiction and reality. Francine and Victor share how Sherlocked designs moments of wonder, why adults need permission to play, and how immersive experiences can help people return to the real world seeing it differently. 🎧 Listen now to explore how curiosity, craft, and human behavior come together in great immersive experience design.

Great opportunities often begin with one person opening a door. In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Roberta Perry, business development strategist, founding member and past international president of the Themed Entertainment Association, and longtime leader in the global attractions industry. Roberta shares her unconventional journey from restaurants and nightclub entertainment to technology, themed entertainment, and industry leadership. The conversation explores relationship-building, collaboration, business strategy, storytelling, technology, and why serving a professional community is more powerful than simply networking within it. 🎧 Listen now to discover how relationships, courage, and a willingness to say yes can shape both a career and an industry.

What makes an Audio-Animatronics character feel alive? In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Doug Griffith, creative leader, animator, concept designer, educator, and subject matter expert in Audio-Animatronics animation. Doug shares insights from his decades-long career at Walt Disney Imagineering, including the early WED Enterprises days, EPCOT, Tokyo Disneyland, Alien Encounter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bear Musical Jamboree, and the evolution of digital tools in character design. The conversation explores themed entertainment, character animation, robotics, storytelling, believability, the Uncanny Valley, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the future of animatronics in experience design. 🎧 Listen now to explore how artistry, technology, and imagination come together to create characters audiences believe in.

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, I speak with Dave Hoffman, former Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Development Executive with a 35-year career in themed entertainment. Dave shares insights on experience design, storytelling, and creative leadership, including his work across Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort. The conversation explores collaboration, guest experience, operational design, and the balance between creative vision and business realities.

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Lyndsey Archer, former Walt Disney Imagineering designer and Founder of Studio Archer. Lyndsey shares how experience design creates emotional connection, how art and interior architecture evolve into immersive environments, and what it takes to lead collaborative teams across global projects. The conversation explores storytelling, brand experience, themed entertainment, entrepreneurship, and the role of emotional design in the Experience Economy.

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Jason McManus, Principal and Executive Creative Director at TAIT and former Walt Disney Imagineering creative leader. Jason shares how experience design creates emotional connection, why creative directors must communicate across disciplines, and how the themed entertainment industry continues to evolve globally. The conversation explores storytelling, theme park design, guest experience, the Experience Economy, emerging technologies like AI, and the growing influence of immersive design across industries including healthcare, hospitality, and education.

Season 2 opens with experience design pioneer Pigalle Tavakkoli. From immersive theatre to global education and consulting, Pigalle shares how experiences move beyond spectacle to create internal transformation—shifting how people feel, think, and act. We explore the evolution from design thinking to experience thinking, the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, and why the future of organizations depends on intentional, human-centered experiences.

For the Season 1 finale, Theron Skees talks with James Wallman, CEO of the World Experience Organization, about the future of experiences and their growing role in culture, business, and human behavior. James shares insights on why experiences matter more than ever, how the Experience Economy continues to evolve, and why “transformation” represents the next major opportunity for creators and organizations. This episode explores meaning, memory, identity, and the systems behind designing experiences that truly impact people. A thoughtful conversation for anyone shaping the world through story, design, and human connection.

How do you lead when creativity and commerce collide? In this episode, Tony Mancini—a veteran of Disney, MGM Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands—joins host Theron Skees to explore how story, brand, and business come together to create unforgettable guest experiences. From his “six P’s” framework to his philosophy of excellence over perfection, Tony shares insights that reveal how collaboration, accountability, and design discipline shape the future of experiential environments.

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron speaks with Joseph Pine, co-author of The Experience Economy and one of the most influential thinkers in business today. They explore how The Experience Economy continues to shape industries—from theme parks and retail to technology and hospitality—and why emotional connection and intentional design remain the ultimate differentiators. Joe also shares his insights on the next evolution: The Transformation Economy, where businesses guide people toward meaningful personal change.

In Episode 10 of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, I sit down with Peter Weishar, Founding Director of the Themed Experience program at UCF, to explore the frontlines of themed entertainment education. Peter shares his journey from graphic design and gaming to pioneering academic programs that prepare the next generation of storytellers and experience designers. We talk about collaboration, mentoring, and the critical role of technology and creativity in shaping the industry’s future. If you want to understand where tomorrow’s innovators are coming from—and how they’re being equipped—this conversation is for you.

In Episode 9, I sit down with former Imagineer and current UT Austin educator Mk Haley for a candid look at what it really takes to build a lasting career in themed entertainment. We talk about reframing your existing skills, thriving in a project-based world, and embracing new technologies like AI. Whether you're a seasoned creative or just breaking in, Mk’s insights offer clarity, inspiration, and a clear-eyed view of what’s next for our industry.

From iconic Disney attractions to expansive universes like Marvel and The Simpsons, Jason Surrell has helped shape some of the most enduring stories in themed entertainment. In this episode, he reflects on a career rooted in discipline, collaboration, and creative vision. Listeners will gain practical insight into how great stories are structured—and why consistency and clarity are the unsung heroes of world-building.