In this episode of Disney Junkie, we take a deep dive into Disney’s Sleeping Beauty—a film celebrated for its breathtaking artistry, but rooted in some of the darkest folklore in the Disney canon.

Host Jennifer Miller is joined by Ashley Mayfield, co-executive director at Synergy and Bloom and a specialist in holistic trauma recovery, to explore the myths and legends that shaped Sleeping Beauty long before Disney softened the story. From medieval European versions to Charles Perrault’s retelling, we unpack how themes of power, passivity, and violation have followed this fairy tale for centuries—and what that says about the societies that told it.

We also examine how Disney transformed those origins into a visual masterpiece, pairing Tchaikovsky’s score with Eyvind Earle’s bold, stylized animation, and introducing one of Disney’s most iconic villains: Maleficent. The conversation extends into modern reinterpretations, including Maleficent’s shift from villain to victim, and how reclaiming narrative mirrors real-world trauma healing.

Blending film history, mythology, psychology, and energy work, this episode invites listeners to look beyond the spinning wheel and fairytale kiss—and reconsider why Sleeping Beauty continues to enchant, unsettle, and endure.

In this episode of Disney Junkie, we uncover the surprising and unsettling real-world history behind one of Disney’s most romantic classics, Lady and the Tramp. While the film is remembered for spaghetti dinners and puppy love, its origins trace back to true crime journalism, personal trauma, and a search for redemption.

Host Jennifer Miller explores how journalist Ward Greene—who covered the infamous Leo Frank case—channeled his experiences into writing Happy Dan, the Cynical Dog, a story rooted in empathy, injustice, and healing. That narrative eventually merged with Walt Disney’s own personal inspiration to become Lady and the Tramp.

We also dig into the film’s groundbreaking production as Disney’s first Cinemascope animated feature, the voices and music that brought the dogs to life, and Peggy Lee’s lasting influence on Disney history. From courtroom tragedy to canine romance, this episode reveals how light can emerge from darkness—and how storytelling can transform even the heaviest histories into something enduring and heartfelt.

In this episode of Disney Junkie, we take flight into the fantastical world of Disney’s Peter Pan—a film that blends childhood wonder, adventure, and deeper psychological layers. Host Jennifer Miller is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Deidre Darling Shea for a thoughtful exploration of the story’s timeless appeal and hidden complexities.

Together, they unpack the origins of J.M. Barrie’s famous tale, from the author’s own tragic childhood to the real-life inspiration behind the Lost Boys. They explore how the characters of Neverland—like the temperamental Tinker Bell and the fearsome Captain Hook—mirror emotional development and the push-pull of growing up.

Deidre offers insight into the psychology of imagination, childhood fantasy, and the desire to stay young forever, while Jennifer reflects on how Disney’s adaptation helped shape generations of viewers’ perceptions of youth and identity.

The conversation also navigates the more complicated aspects of Peter Pan, including its cultural depictions and the long-standing debate around separating art from its creator.

Whether you grew up dreaming of flying off to Neverland or questioning the meaning behind the boy who wouldn’t grow up, this episode invites you to look at Peter Pan with a new perspective.

Stay tuned for our next episode as we head into the romantic streets and social undertones of Lady and the Tramp, only on Disney Junkie.