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Stories of the Magic, Episode 13
Interview Guest: Tom McGlinchey
(The sound in this episode is a bit wonky. We recorded in person and with the equipment I have, this is the best audio quality we could get. Hopefully I’ll have a better recorder soon.)
(Also, there’s a little bit of “behind the magic” as it relates to characters. Just so you know.)
In this episode of Stories of the Magic, I’m honored to bring to you my interview with Tom McGlinchey. Tom started as a Disneyland Cast Member, then moved into the corporate area as an accountant. From there he moved into a division that I’d never heard of before this interview, the Walt Disney Special Events Group. I think you’re going to be very interested in his journey, his stories, and what he has to share.
Tom talks about:
- How he got started working for Disney;
- Working Tomorrowland attractions in the mid-1980’s;
- How working CircleVision helped him overcome a fear;
- Why he transitioned from working in the park to a corporate position, and how much “Disney” was there outside the park;
- A unique experience he had as part of the premiere of The Rock…on site at Alcatraz;
- Why he left Disney, and if he was planning to do so;
- His interest working for Disney while he was growing up;
- The moment it dawned on him that he was “living a dream”;
- What he enjoyed most about working for Disney;
- His thoughts on some of the changes to Disneyland, especially Tomorrowland;
- What he’d like to do if he went back to working for Disney;
- What he never gets asked (until now);
- Why he currently works for Provision Ministry Group and Co:Mission Foundation;
- What inspires him;
- His advice to you to start living your dream.
Find Tom (the companies he works for, anyway):
Podcasts Spotlighted in this Episode:
Here is the video for the CHOC Walk. Remember, you can sponsor me and support Children’s Hospital of Orange County here.
I want to hear from you, so please email me, leave a comment below, or call the Listener Feedback line at (734) 23-STORY.
If you call in, don’t worry about having to sound perfect. If you ask me to, I’ll edit out any mistakes so you sound as good as you possibly can. You’re even welcome to start your entire story over again and I’ll use the “take” you want!
If you want to submit a story anonymously, for whatever reason you may have, email it to me and tell you me you wanted it shared that way. I’ll read it on the podcast, but keep your name private.
Thanks for listening!
Music and voiceovers provided by Rick Moyer.
