I too have been disappointed in the podcast lately, I feel that the panelists are being censored and they are increasingly hesitant in expressing their views. I really like the panelists, but I don't like the way they are cut off when they are expressing their opinions.
This. Don't get me wrong, things change, and I do certainly expect the podcast to keep changing and evolving as time goes by. However, listening these days does feel different in a not-so-positive way. And before I go any further, this is just my .02 here. Feel free to add or disagree.
I've been listening since 2009, so I did miss out on the Bob years. Normally, I play the podcast during my commute/ on lunch breaks. Making time to watch isn't something I'm interested in, and the audio fits perfectly into my daily routine. Anyway, I'd been pretty happy with the different changes up until recently. I like Dustin's positive attitude, and Craig (50/50). Sometimes it's dry humor, and other times I catch the vibe that he might not want to be there. He'll sigh and read things. Doesn't come off well to me. BUT on the other hand, Craig also brings a unique point of view to the show that isn't always rose-tinted, and I really appreciate that. And I grew really partial to Shaun due to his enthusiasm for the parks and Disney culture. He was one of my favorites until he was gone. Not sure what happened there.
The team will change and grow, and that's fine. It's become a treat now to have either Pete, Kevin, John, Kathy, Cory, Julie, or Teresa in any combination on the show. I guess I'm partial to this version of the team because they were on when I started listening. Also, the conversations back then also felt more natural. Maybe it was because they knew each other better? Who knows, could be any number of reasons. The new team that's on now doesn't have that same history, and, I'll be blunt here- that same chemistry just isn't there. To me, it feels like some of the newer team members treat the show as a job. Do it and it's done. It's tighter and more scripted, and I'll also be honest here and say that I'm not a very big fan of Jenilyn. I don't like what she brings, and that's just my preference. Maybe the group will become tighter as time goes by. But if the crew becomes a revolving door, and people don't stay, there's little chance of that chemistry coming back.
I don't know. I'm not jumping to download the podcasts like I used to. I'm not going to stop listening just yet, but my interest has steadily wavered. I'm surprised someone was actually brave enough to post a thread like this. It's what I've been thinking, but keeping to myself. Now I know I'm not the only one.
