Welcome to Insights into History. In this opening episode the host explains the podcast's mission: to look past the familiar headlines and famous names and tell the deeper, often overlooked stories that shape how we understand the past.

Hear how a single object or place — from the Resolute desk to local taverns, shipwrecks, and forgotten military sites — can reveal larger narratives, and get a quick roadmap of the eight topics coming in season one.

The episode also explains the show’s approach, the host’s background, and how listeners can share feedback or suggestions to help shape future seasons.

Michelle and Joe pull back the velvet rope on what really makes a Disney Treasure cruise hit—or miss—and it’s not the itinerary, it’s the transformation. One minute it’s “meh” with low expectations and decision-paralysis (so hyped they barely do anything at first), and the next it’s an all-out conversion story where they finally crack the code: stop chasing everything, start choosing what actually feels good. Then the real stars walk onstage—Mario, the head waiter who goes from “iffy first night” to full-on dinner magician and personal food guide, and Veronica, the photographer who turns a stiff photo line into a fun, hype session so good she’s practically hunting them down for round two.

And just when you think it’s only heartfelt shout-outs, the episode swerves into a late-night, blink-and-you-miss-it kind of magic: a live band that playfully traps them for “just one more song,” and a Haunted Mansion Parlor vibe that isn’t a bar so much as a living show—with Jimmy and Philip turning guests into co-stars until the whole place feels like a secret club that anyone can join if they’re willing to lean in. The kicker? They loved it enough to drop a deposit and book the next cruise fast—because even with cheaper lines out there, they’re chasing that same lightning-in-a-bottle feeling… while already worrying the next, shorter sailing (and a different ship) might not bring the same kind of after-dark chaos and community.

Michelle and Joe pull back the velvet rope on what really makes a Disney Treasure cruise hit—or miss—and it’s not the itinerary, it’s the transformation. One minute it’s “meh” with low expectations and decision-paralysis (so hyped they barely do anything at first), and the next it’s an all-out conversion story where they finally crack the code: stop chasing everything, start choosing what actually feels good. Then the real stars walk onstage—Mario, the head waiter who goes from “iffy first night” to full-on dinner magician and personal food guide, and Veronica, the photographer who turns a stiff photo line into a fun, hype session so good she’s practically hunting them down for round two.

And just when you think it’s only heartfelt shout-outs, the episode swerves into a late-night, blink-and-you-miss-it kind of magic: a live band that playfully traps them for “just one more song,” and a Haunted Mansion Parlor vibe that isn’t a bar so much as a living show—with Jimmy and Philip turning guests into co-stars until the whole place feels like a secret club that anyone can join if they’re willing to lean in. The kicker? They loved it enough to drop a deposit and book the next cruise fast—because even with cheaper lines out there, they’re chasing that same lightning-in-a-bottle feeling… while already worrying the next, shorter sailing (and a different ship) might not bring the same kind of after-dark chaos and community.

In this no-holds-barred cruise edition of Missing the Magic, Michelle and Joe break down their recent experience aboard a Disney cruise with their signature blend of optimism and tough love. Michelle brings the pixie dust, Joe brings the straight talk, and together they tackle everything from Disney’s confusing feedback system to overcrowded theaters, long dinner lines, accessibility concerns, and an adult-only area that was anything but relaxing.

But it’s not all grumbling—there are still moments of magic, standout cast members, and helpful tips for navigating the chaos. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Disney veteran, this episode offers honest commentary, a few laughs, and practical takeaways to help you set expectations and get the most out of your next voyage. If you’ve ever thought, “This could’ve been better,” you’re not alone—and you’re in good company.

In this no-holds-barred cruise edition of Missing the Magic, Michelle and Joe break down their recent experience aboard a Disney cruise with their signature blend of optimism and tough love. Michelle brings the pixie dust, Joe brings the straight talk, and together they tackle everything from Disney’s confusing feedback system to overcrowded theaters, long dinner lines, accessibility concerns, and an adult-only area that was anything but relaxing.

But it’s not all grumbling—there are still moments of magic, standout cast members, and helpful tips for navigating the chaos. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Disney veteran, this episode offers honest commentary, a few laughs, and practical takeaways to help you set expectations and get the most out of your next voyage. If you’ve ever thought, “This could’ve been better,” you’re not alone—and you’re in good company.

Step aboard the Disney Treasure with Michelle, the pixie-dust optimist, and Joe, the delightfully grumpy realist, as they take you on a laugh-filled walkthrough of the ship itself. From the jaw-dropping Aladdin-themed Grand Hall (complete with a rub-able magic lamp and a $35,000 crystal Aladdin-and-Jasmine statue they absolutely are not bringing home) to Jungle Cruise–themed lounges, cat-filled jazz bars, and a ship that’s basically a floating Disney art museum, they share what wowed them, what surprised them, and what they totally meant to see but never did. Along the way, they talk live music, trivia nights, Halloween theming, coffee and beer hacks, and why Scat Cat became their quiet little hideaway while Skipper Society felt more like a busy hallway with drinks.

They don’t shy away from the misses, either—like the too-small Quiet Cove adult area, awkward guest services lines that looked like mystery queues to nowhere, confusing excursion cancellation rules, and shops clearly designed for the 1% (but not necessarily for people who still want to, you know, get their souvenirs home in one piece). Sprinkle in talk of spas, salons, whiskey tastings in the barbershop, shuffleboard on deck, missed chances to tour the kids’ club, and even rumors of a stowaway cat who scored a free cruise and a new life in the Bahamas, and you’ve got an episode that’s part review, part rant, and all real-talk Disney cruise vibes.

Step aboard the Disney Treasure with Michelle, the pixie-dust optimist, and Joe, the delightfully grumpy realist, as they take you on a laugh-filled walkthrough of the ship itself. From the jaw-dropping Aladdin-themed Grand Hall (complete with a rub-able magic lamp and a $35,000 crystal Aladdin-and-Jasmine statue they absolutely are not bringing home) to Jungle Cruise–themed lounges, cat-filled jazz bars, and a ship that’s basically a floating Disney art museum, they share what wowed them, what surprised them, and what they totally meant to see but never did. Along the way, they talk live music, trivia nights, Halloween theming, coffee and beer hacks, and why Scat Cat became their quiet little hideaway while Skipper Society felt more like a busy hallway with drinks.

They don’t shy away from the misses, either—like the too-small Quiet Cove adult area, awkward guest services lines that looked like mystery queues to nowhere, confusing excursion cancellation rules, and shops clearly designed for the 1% (but not necessarily for people who still want to, you know, get their souvenirs home in one piece). Sprinkle in talk of spas, salons, whiskey tastings in the barbershop, shuffleboard on deck, missed chances to tour the kids’ club, and even rumors of a stowaway cat who scored a free cruise and a new life in the Bahamas, and you’ve got an episode that’s part review, part rant, and all real-talk Disney cruise vibes.

Michelle and Joe take a deep dive into the Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Treasure, exploring its nautical Haunted Mansion storyline, standout effects (like the aquarium and changing portraits), and the themed drinks and merch that made the room a must-see.

They highlight the immersive bartenders (especially Himmi and Philip), the interactive shows that play over an hour, photo ops, and tips for getting the best experience—sit at the bar, bring your MagicBand Plus, and plan to go during the quieter evening window.