Monday, August 01, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #339 - Disneyland Custodial Lead Jennifer Smith

We welcome former Disneyland Custodial Lead Jennifer Furfaro Smith, our co-worker we affectionately knew as “Foof.” She was one of the main Leads in the early days of cleaning up Fantasmic! and helped open Disney California Adventure. She also shares stories of meeting celebrities during her almost-24 years at the Resort.

The Sweep Spot is a podcast focusing on the Disneyland Resort, now weekly, with a Topical Episode every two weeks, alternating with a Current Events Episode the other weeks.
Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen, are your hosts. Once per month, you can join a live chat as we record Current Events episodes by joining the Patreon for The Sweep Spot..
For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 
http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, July 22, 2022

The Sweep Spot - Disneyland Current Events as of July 22, 2022

We catch up on the latest at the Disneyland Resort. Once per month, you can join a live chat as we record these episodes by joining the Patreon for The Sweep Spot..
The Sweep Spot is a podcast focusing on the Disneyland Resort, now weekly, with a Topical Episode every two weeks, alternating with a Current Events Episode the other weeks.
Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen, are your hosts.
For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 
http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Monday, July 11, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #338 - Disneyland Landscape Architect Scott Girard

We welcome Scott Girard, who started working on the Disneyland Monorail and Railroad before moving on to other Attractions. He went on to be an Imagineer in Landscape Architecture, working on Big Thunder Mountain, New Fantasyland, and Videopolis. He also worked on the opening of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland. Plus, we catch up on the latest at the Disneyland Resort, as always, and we have our Patreon supporters to joining us via live chat.

The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, June 24, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #337 - Disneyland Influencer Bruce Kimbrell

We welcome Bruce Kimbrell, who knew he wanted to work at Disneyland as a young boy, and went on to work at Disneyland and the Disney Institute for a total of 40 years. He shares stories about working in Attractions, interacting with celebrities, creating “Walt Disney and You,” and how you can see his name at Disneyland City Hall. Plus, we catch up on the latest at the Disneyland Resort, as always. Join our Patreon to join us for live chats as we record our Disneyland Resort Current Events segment.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

How To Listen To The Sweep Spot Podcast

Please give us a listen! We are the NUMBER ONE Disneyland podcast hosted by two former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen! The highest rated! The most downloaded! The most acclaimed!

(If you don't know what a podcast is, in our case, it is basically an audio recording you can access online. It's as easy as clicking to listen to it as it "streams." You can also download the file to listen any time you want.)

The Sweep Spot Podcast is a show that focuses on the past, present, and future of Disneyland. Each main episode typically catches you up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, and then we have a "main topic" that might involve one or more of the following: 

  • the history of an attraction or other Resort feature
  • what Disneyland was like in a specific year
  • an overview of a "land"
  • interviewing an author, former cast member or Imagineer
  • trip reports
  • and more!
Since we - Lynn and Ken - were Disneyland Day Custodial Sweeping Foremen and annual passholders for many years, we often include our personal experiences and insights from working and playing there.

Our magical travel and vacation planning partners, ConciEARS, often provide a quick overview of what is happening at other Disney destinations.

Those main episodes are usually released every two weeks.

Mini episodes are much shorter and usually deal with one topic, such as an interview or Lynn's thoughts related to something about Disneyland. These were generally released on the weeks we didn't release a main episode.

Both our main episodes and our mini episodes are currently FREE! However, you can get a monthly BONUS episode and join us in a written chat monthly as we record our Current Events segment by supporting the podcast by a certain amount via Patreon. The podcast costs us money to produce and provide, since we need equipment, online storage, and more. 

The first place new episodes will appear will be our official archive, where you and stream episodes and download episodes. Once you go to that archive, listening is as easy as clicking on an episode. Bookmark this archive!

The Sweep Spot can also be found on various podcast platforms, if you'd prefer to listen through these: 

So, subscribe or follow there, and/or bookmark us on your favorite platform. Also, it would be great if you could post a review of the podcast on those services, or leave comments, if you can.

If you like visiting Disney fan websites, we're there, too! Bookmark us at MiceChat or LaughingPlace and comment on the episodes there.

This is our YouTube Channel - subscribe to us there!

If those options still aren't enough, you can find us on the iHeart and Audacy apps, Spotify, and TuneIn if you like using those.

This is our Facebook Group, where you can discuss the podcast with other listeners. 

This is our official website, where you can find everything related to the show.

We have some clothing, mugs, and more with graphics that Disneyland fans will love.

You can e-mail the show at TheSweepSpot at gmail dot com

The Sweep Spot Podcast is an UNOFFICIAL Disneyland podcast, meaning it is in no way associated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company or any entity thereof.

Friday, June 10, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #336 - Disneyland Custodial with Wendy James

We welcome Wendy James, who worked in Sweeping an Disneyland Park in the early 1990s, then returned to sweep in Disney California Adventure in the early 2000s. Plus, we catch up on the latest at the Disneyland Resort, as always, with our Patreon supporters joining us in a live chat.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, May 27, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #335 - Disneyland Monorail & Imagineering with Val Usle

We welcome architect and author Val Usle, who was a Disneyland Monorail driver starting in 1975 until he became an Imagineer. He was involved with projects at Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Disneyland Paris. He has two books available: Theme Park Project Management and Theme Park Sustainability. Plus, we catch up on the latest at the Disneyland Resort, as always.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Thursday, May 12, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #334 - Disneyland Changes with Show Writer Rick West

Rick West returns to chat about the changing conditions of theme park design and operation, especially at the Disneyland Resort. Rick is a Show Writer for theme parks and was a Ride Operator on the west side of Disneyland. He also created several acclaimed Theme Park Adventure publications on attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Tarzan’s Treehouse. He is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Midsummer Scream.

The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, April 29, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #333 - Disneyland 1962 with Jim Korkis

Disney author and historian Jim Korkis joins us to discuss what was happening at Disneyland in 1962! Jim always brings great stories. We also catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, April 15, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #332 - Disneyland Trip Planning with Katie and Erin

Rope Drop & Park Hop Podcast hostesses Katie and Erin share their tips for having a great Disneyland visit. They are two moms from Boise, Idaho who really love the Happiest Place on Earth! We also catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, with our Patreon supporters joining us.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, April 01, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #331 - Disneyland 1966 Ambassador Connie Swanson

Connie joins us to talk about being one the first Disneyland Ambassadors, being a Tour Guide, Walt Disney, and more! We also catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Monday, March 21, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #330 - Disneyland Mickey's Toontown

Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland is undergoing a 30th Anniversary enhancement and expansion. We discuss the past, present, and future of Toontown, and what it was like for us to work there. We also catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, with our Patreon supporters joining us.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Monday, March 07, 2022

My Ranking of "Weird Al" Albums

I decided it was really important to rank the studio albums of "Weird Al" Yankovic, my favorite performance artist. 

Rather than counting them down, I'll just get right to it. I'll give some explanation and caveats after the list.

1. Poodle Hat
2. Bad Hair Day/Mandatory Fun (tie)
4. Polka Party
5. Even Worse
6. Alpocalypse
7. In 3-D
8. Running With Scissors
9. UHF
10. Dare To Be Stupid
11. Off The Deep End
12. Weird Al Yankovic (debut)
13. Alapalooza
14. Straight Out of Lynwood

It's not a surprise to me that Poodle Hat was number 1. I love every song on that album. What did surprise me is that I ranked SOL lower than Alapalooza, which I had, until now, figured was my least favorite. Both Poodle Hat and Polka Party were less appreciated albums by critics and music buyers, but Polka Party is number 4 on my list. I'm not sure what this says about me.

Friday, March 04, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #329 - Disneyland Ride Operator David Schwab

We welcome David, who was a Disneyland Attractions Host from 1970 to 1979, working many iconic attractions, some of them long gone now. We also catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, February 18, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #328 - Disneyland Imagineering Memories with Josh Shipley

We welcome theatrical actor and director, and former Imagineer Josh Shipley to discuss things he helped design for Disneyland and his time at Walt Disney Imagineering, which was from 1996 to 2017.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, February 04, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #327 - Disneyland 1952 with Historian Jim Korkis

Disneyland, as a company, originated in 1952, but Disneyland as an idea existed before that, and got rejected by a city council. Historian and author Jim Korkis discusses these facts with us on this episode. Hear all about the plans that were rejected and more about the origins of Disneyland.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Friday, January 21, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #326 - Disneyland Night Custodial 1971-1984 with Chuck Vaughn

Chuck Vaughn joins us to talk about his time being an hourly cast member, and then a Supervisor, in Disneyland Night Custodial from 1971 to 1984. His stories include training Tokyo Disneyland opening cast members and a special assignment at Imagineering.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.


Tuesday, January 11, 2022

The Sweep Spot Ep. #325 - From Disneyland Custodial to Disney Corporate with Tim East

Tim East recently retired as Executive Director, Risk Management at The Walt Disney Company, but he started in Disneyland Custodial Bussing in the fall of 1974, transferred after a couple of years to Sweeping, moved on to Safety in 1982 to supervise places like First Aid before moving on to Worker’s Comp. Along the way, he found his wife at a popcorn stand.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

The Sweep Spot Ep. #324 - Walt’s Disneyland Author Marcy Carriker Smothers

Marcy Carriker Smothers returns to talk about her latest book, Walt’s Disneyland. Her admiration for Walt Disney is clear in our discussion. Plus, we catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.


Wednesday, December 01, 2021

The Sweep Spot Ep. #323 - Disneyland 1981

Our friend David Smith joins us as we discuss Disneyland as it was in 1981, 40 years ago! What was going on then? We talk about it. Plus, we catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.


We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The Kingdom: Night, Day, Past and Present.


The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.

For more information and to order books, visit our official website: 

http://www.TheSweepSpot.com

There are many easy and free ways to listen to The Sweep Spot in addition to clicking below.