The League of Extraordinary Storytellers

Episode 17 - Dave Hoffman

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, I speak with Dave Hoffman, former Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Development Executive with a 35-year career in themed entertainment. Dave shares insights on experience design, storytelling, and creative leadership, including his work across Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort. The conversation explores collaboration, guest experience, operational design, and the balance between creative vision and business realities.

Episode 16 - Lyndsey Archer

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Lyndsey Archer, former Walt Disney Imagineering designer and Founder of Studio Archer. Lyndsey shares how experience design creates emotional connection, how art and interior architecture evolve into immersive environments, and what it takes to lead collaborative teams across global projects. The conversation explores storytelling, brand experience, themed entertainment, entrepreneurship, and the role of emotional design in the Experience Economy.

Episode 15 - Jason McManus

In this episode of The League of Extraordinary Storytellers, Theron Skees speaks with Jason McManus, Principal and Executive Creative Director at TAIT and former Walt Disney Imagineering creative leader. Jason shares how experience design creates emotional connection, why creative directors must communicate across disciplines, and how the themed entertainment industry continues to evolve globally. The conversation explores storytelling, theme park design, guest experience, the Experience Economy, emerging technologies like AI, and the growing influence of immersive design across industries including healthcare, hospitality, and education.

Episode 14- Pigalle Tavakkoli

Season 2 opens with experience design pioneer Pigalle Tavakkoli. From immersive theatre to global education and consulting, Pigalle shares how experiences move beyond spectacle to create internal transformation—shifting how people feel, think, and act. We explore the evolution from design thinking to experience thinking, the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, and why the future of organizations depends on intentional, human-centered experiences.

Episode 13: James Wallman

For the Season 1 finale, Theron Skees talks with James Wallman, CEO of the World Experience Organization, about the future of experiences and their growing role in culture, business, and human behavior. James shares insights on why experiences matter more than ever, how the Experience Economy continues to evolve, and why “transformation” represents the next major opportunity for creators and organizations. This episode explores meaning, memory, identity, and the systems behind designing experiences that truly impact people. A thoughtful conversation for anyone shaping the world through story, design, and human connection.