WDW Radio Podcast host Lou Mongello joins Ray Keating to hit on lessons learned from Walt Disney for the 800th episode of the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast.
In "Episode #800: Top Lessons Lou Mongello Learned from Walt Disney," Lou Mongello becomes the first guest interview with Ray Keating on the Daily Dose of Disney podcast.
Lou and Ray hit on their top 5 lessons that each learned from Walt Disney. Tune in here.
by Ray Keating
Commentary
DisneyBizJournal.com
October 27, 2023
What are you up to this weekend? I ask because early this month (at the end of September and start of October), I spent a Friday night, and all of Saturday and Sunday with 50 entrepreneurs in a hotel ballroom.
Sound boring? Quite the contrary, it was inspiring and invigorating.
Yes, it helped that the hotel just happened to be right outside Walt Disney World, and most of these entrepreneurs had some kind of connection to Disney, whether being a fan or having a link through their business.
But in reality, this gathering really had nothing to do with Mickey Mouse. It was about the lessons and takeaways, and the people. Lessons and insights didn’t just come from a great lineup of speakers, but also from the fellow entrepreneurs who happened to be seated at your table.
The annual gathering is called the “Momentum Weekend Workshop,” and it’s put together and hosted by Lou Mongello. In terms of entrepreneurial journeys, Mongello was a lawyer in New Jersey, who left legal work behind to follow his dream. He moved to the Orlando area, wrote books about Disney trivia, and has become a wildly successful Disney podcaster. And he is an entrepreneur who helps and coaches others who are at various stages of their own entrepreneurial journeys.
At Momentum this year, speakers covered a wide range of topics, including monetization, email newsletters, how to tell the story of you and your business via social media, search engine optimization, creating a media kit, bookkeeping basics, how artificial intelligence can make entrepreneurs more productive, the relationship economy, and much more.
Entrepreneurs are a fascinating and diverse bunch. If you doubt that, spend a weekend with them like I did. They’re serious about their businesses, of course. For the most part, they are an optimistic group. Indeed, if you’re starting up, operating, and owning a business, deep down in, you have to be an optimist. And they understand the importance of values and traits like perseverance, trust, persistence, serving others, offering value to customers, and sacrifice.
And yes, as I’ve discovered over the years, entrepreneurs often are generous. That is, most entrepreneurs, despite being wildly busy, tend to be generous with their time and energy in helping others who are looking to startup or are building their own businesses.
Oh yes, and when you’re in a hotel ballroom with 50 people for more than two days, it helps that entrepreneurs, or at least this assembly of entrepreneurs, also rank as fun, humorous, and joyful. For good measure, the life of the entrepreneur – especially the solo-preneur – can be lonely at times. It pays to find a network of other business owners to help with ideas, advice, and perhaps just being willing to listen when blowing off some steam – maybe over a few drinks or a nice meal. This Momentum group was clearly that as well.
Not a bad way to spend a weekend. There’s a reason why this was my third Momentum weekend, and I hope to attend more in the future. Thanks to entrepreneur and WDW Radio podcaster Lou Mongello for making this happen (check out all things Lou Mongello, including his Momentum gatherings, at www.loumongello.com).
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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.
The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Support the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating Podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1724143. Subscribe at the $8 or $10 levels , and get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. Remain a supporter and you'll get a FREE BOOK by Ray Keating every six months going forward. Thanks!
Consider books by Ray Keating, including…
• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 18 books in the series now.
• Order The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle editions and paperbacks via Amazon here and signed books here. And don’t forget the first book in this growing series, i.e., The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.
• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon.
• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.
• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.RayKeatingOnline.com.
Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.
by Ray Keating
News/Analysis
DisneyBizJournal.com
September 21, 2023
If you’re familiar with Disney and podcasting, then you know Lou Mongello, the host of the WDW Radio podcast. Lou not only is a Disney expert, but he leads the way on issues such as entrepreneurship, customer service and relationships, podcasting, and beyond.
Lou graciously was guest on my PRESS CLUB C Podcast to discuss his upcoming Momentum Weekend Workshop, and much more. Here’s the info, and please tune in…
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #121: Entrepreneurial Momentum with Lou Mongello – Ray talks with Lou Mongello about his Momentum conference, entrepreneurship, customer service, podcasting, and much more.
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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.
The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? (Keating is a Disney shareholder.)
Support Ray’s Kickstarter Campaign – “7 Exclusive Novels from Ray Keating – Limited-Release Thrillers, Mysteries, Historical Fiction and a Pinch of Science Fiction.” Get started on and/or don’t miss any Pastor Stephen Grant and Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and make sure you’re in on new series. Get all of the information for this Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/raykeatingnovels/7-exclusive-novels-from-ray-keating.
Consider books by Ray Keating, including…
• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 18 books in the series now.
• Order The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle editions and paperbacks via Amazon here and signed books here. And don’t forget the first book in this growing series, i.e., The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.
• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon.
• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.
• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.RayKeatingOnline.com.
Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.
by Ray Keating
Review
DisneyBizJournal.com
July 9, 2023
Not too long ago, I was chatting with Lou Mongello, host of the awesome WDW Radio Podcast. And referencing his enjoyment of Disney, he said (and I’m paraphrasing), “Ray, Disney bought my childhood.” He was pointing to purchases made by the company covering Marvel Comics, Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
I knew where Lou was coming from. My love for reading took root as a child in the pages of Marvel Comics featuring Captain America. As a result, Captain America always has and will hold a special place in my life.
As for Star Wars, yes, I was a fan since my teens, with the big, mythic storytelling of George Lucas capturing me. However, I admit that my love for science fiction originally sprang from Star Trek.
And Indiana Jones? When Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theaters, I was just turning 18. And along with It’s a Wonderful Life, Raiders took my appreciation for movies to a much deeper level. There was so much to learn from classic Hollywood in terms of storytelling, including that a breathtaking action-adventure movie could do a great deal in terms of characters as well.
And as a writer today, I remain influenced by Indiana Jones, Captain America, Star Trek, and Star Wars, along with authors like Ian Fleming and Tom Clancy.
Having said all of this, during my current Indiana Jones adventure with the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, I came across a shirt online that seemed specifically designed for me.
On my Facebook feed, I stopped scrolling one day on an ad from something called “Hubcloset.”
There it was – a shirt featuring Indiana Jones and Captain America! Wow.
The shirt cost just under $28, and with a few clicks, the deed was done. Upon arrival, I found the button down shirt to be comfortable and true to its online presentation, that is, with Indiana Jones and Captain America standing next to each other clearly during World War II. Indy says, “Cap.” And Captain America answers, “Doc.”
Am I the only one who would like to see the adventure that Indy and Cap were on here?
Alas, I don’t expect that to happen. But I have the shirt.
Previously…
“My Indy Adventure, Part I: Visiting the Indiana Jones Den of Destiny” by Ray Keating
“My Indy Adventure, Part II: Indiana Jones and the Hawaiian Shirt” by Ray Keating
“My Indy Adventure, Part III: Indiana Jones and the Search for the Comfy T” by Ray Keating
“My Indy Adventure, Part IV: New Reviews of Raiders, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” by Ray Keating
“My Indy Adventure, Part V: Indiana Jones and the Search for Disney Movie Profits” by Ray Keating
“Movie Review – My Indy Adventure, Part VI: Angst and Enjoyment for ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’” by Ray Keating
Plus…
“‘Indiana Jones: Adventure Series’ Has ‘For Fans, By Fans’ Feel” written and photographed by Jonathan Keating
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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.
The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Consider books by Ray Keating…
• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. You can order the latest book in the series – Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Get the signed books here, or paperbacks and Kindle editions right here. AND pre-order For Better, For Worse: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – Kindle editions or signed books.
• Order The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle editions and paperbacks via Amazon here and signed books here. And don’t forget the first book in this growing series, i.e., The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks at RayKeatingOnline.com or paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions at Amazon.com.
• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel. Signed paperbacks and/or paperbacks, hardcovers and the Kindle edition at Amazon.
• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.
• Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York – signed books or at Amazon.
• Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know is available at Amazon in paperback or for the Kindle edition, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.
Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.
by Ray Keating
Review
DisneyBizJournal.com
November 3, 2022
Should you eat at Connections Eatery in EPCOT? Absolutely!
That was the unanimous opinion when I was a guest on Lou Mongello’s WDW Radio Podcast to discuss the food offerings at Connections Eatery at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. I was fortunate to be invited to join Lou, as well as Victoria Nicolette Gist and Claire Casarotto, for the live review.
It certainly is different going from trying a dish, jotting down notes, pondering the food, and then pulling it together for an article to giving your opinion in the moment right after swallowing. Hopefully, I didn’t talk with my mouth full. I also hope that I made sense, and added some value to the insights offered by Lou, Victoria and Claire. It certainly was great fun doing the podcast with them.
I won’t spoil it, but I liked just about everything we tried … and we tried a great deal of food. Tune in at WDW Radio Podcast with Lou Mongello.
As Lou put it: “Join me at the table at Connections Eatery in EPCOT’s World Celebration as we review this quick-service location that brings together people and flavors from around the world. Thanks to Victoria Nicolette Gist, Claire Casarotto from The Great British Mickey Waffle, and Raymond Keating for joining me this week!” And thanks, Lou.
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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.
The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Just published is Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”
Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution
Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4
Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here.
Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.
Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.
by Beth Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
April 12, 2021
Have you ever dreamed of grabbing a snack with your favorite theme park vloggers and writers, and just immersing yourself in discussions about your most-loved theme park sights and sounds? This may be your chance. Round up your family, make yourself comfy on the couch, and unwrap a few Mickey Bars or make a faux Dole Whip, and enjoy listening to the men and women who take theme park fandom to new heights.
More than three dozen top theme park experts will be getting together virtually at the very first “Parks Con” from April 26-April 28, 2021, in what is being billed as “the world’s largest virtual gathering of parks fans, like you.” The event will uncover fun behind-the-scenes stories, share hidden secrets of the parks, delve into the best ride strategies, and help you with planning for your next theme park vacation, including figuring out how to find the best food and drinks.
The three day event will begin at 10 AM (Pacific time) each day, and offer a different panel each day of ten or more of “your favorite theme park experts, superfans, and legendary designers.” Each panelist’s presentation will remain up for 24 hours for viewers to enjoy.
“Parks Con ‘21” is free to watch live, but you can also purchase an all-access pass that will give you advance access to the site; lifetime access on a special membership site so you can watch the presentations whenever you’d like; a limited edition Parks Con ’21 t-shirt; a Parks Con SWAG Pack full of goodies including pins, stickers, and lanyards; and more. An early bird, discounted price of $147 is available until the start of Parks Con, with the price going up to $177 during the event, and a $197 price tag to register after the event has aired. For a special add-on to the all-access pass, you can also grab the $27 PDF file of all the notes, tips and tricks from 15+ hours of presentations so you don’t have to scramble to take notes of your own as you are listening.
Kicking off the event will be Disney Legend Tony Baxter, and the three days of panels will be broken up into “Florida Parks” on Monday, “California Parks” on Tuesday, and “International Parks” on Wednesday. Other experts appearing at Parks Con include Lou Mongello of WDW Radio; Stephanie and Danny Shuster of WDW Magazine; Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider; and Matt Roseboom of Attractions Magazine, among the more than three dozen panelists. The event will be hosted by Jason Klein, the host of Magical Masterclass.
For more information about the event, a complete list of the speakers, and to sign up for your free ticket, go to ParksCon21.com. You can also purchase the all-access pass at the site. Early registrants will get advance emails with fun sneak peeks and contests to help build excitement for the first ever Parks Con as it gets closer.
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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.
Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!
by Ray Keating
Review
DisneyBizJournal.com
February 12, 2021
Hey, I get the idea that Walt Disney World is a great place to go to with your significant other, including for some romance. After all, my wife and I did spend our honeymoon at Walt Disney World.
But given that Valentine’s Day is upon us, what about some ideas for romantic spots and things to do at Disney World? After all, many of us guys need all the help we can get.
Well, obviously, the two people to turn to for such insights would be WDW Radio podcast host Lou Mongello and his guest, Tim “Bananas” Foster from Celebrations Magazine.
Wait. What? Who?
No offense to Lou and Tim, but among the many talents of these two Disney experts, being aficionados of all things romantic might seem like a bit of a stretch, to be generous. At least that’s what I thought. But tuning in to Episode #619 of the WDW Radio podcast titled “Top Ten Romantic Places, Spaces, and Things to Do in Walt Disney World,” I was pleasantly surprised.
If you’re unaware, these two guys have rocked some great “Top Ten” Disney episodes of this podcast over the years, and they actually ace this one. So, if you’re looking for some good ideas for romantic spots and things to do at Walt Disney World, listen to Lou and Tim.
Who would have thought it? Yep, life is full of surprises.
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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.
The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Keating’s new book Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.
You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York from Amazon or signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know.
Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!
