Q2 of the US economy was very kind to movie theaters who are still recovering from the pandemic. AMC's financial performance and the evolving landscape of cinema experiences suggests a rebirth for badly bitten sector. Thanks to A Minecraft Movie and other blockbusters, we are finally seeing the repurposing of movie theater. The hosts explore the importance of community and shared experiences in film, the role of content quality, and innovative strategies to engage audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for theaters to enhance the overall experience to attract viewers back, highlighting the significance of immersive and communal elements in the movie-going experience.

Takeaways

• The pandemic significantly impacted the experience sector, especially movie theaters.
• Improving the theater experience can lead to increased attendance.
• A Mindcraft Movie and other blockbusters created tremendous box office revenues.
• Content quality is crucial for drawing audiences back to theaters.
• Community experiences enhance the enjoyment of films.
• Innovative strategies can create shareable moments in cinema.
• Theaters need to focus on creating immersive experiences.
• Audience engagement is key to the future of cinema.
• Shared experiences can drive social media buzz and virality.
• The movie industry must adapt to changing viewer preferences.
• Designing for different viewing modes can enhance the cinema experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Economy
01:15 The Impact of the Pandemic on Movie Theaters
03:33 The Premiumization of Movie Experiences
05:34 Challenges of Movie Theater Experiences
08:17 The Success of Community-Driven Films
12:30 Creating Shareable Experiences in Theaters
16:46 The Role of Experience in Movie Theaters
20:45 Conclusion and Broader Implications

Read more

https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/amc-posts-narrower-loss-as-sales-surge-7c161073?st=pqPSLX&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

https://screenrant.com/a-minecraft-movie-chicken-jockey-scene-audience-reactions-explained/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO featuring Mo Gawdot, who predicts a dystopian future driven by technology and AI. The conversation explores themes of transformation, the value of work, and the implications of AI on jobs and society. The hosts critique Mo Gawdot's techno-extremism and emphasize the importance of hope and purpose in navigating the future. Using insights from The Experience Economy, from Experience Strategy, and human behavior, they argue for a bright future for those focused on customer's needs and desires

Takeaways

• Mo Gawdot predicts a 15-year dystopia followed by a utopia.
• Critique of techno extremism highlights the need for balance.
• Transformation is key to the future economy.
• Work provides purpose and meaning to individuals.
• AI will create new jobs, not eliminate them.
• Gawdot argues against hope and against innovation
• Embracing AI is crucial for future success.
• People are resources that drive innovation.
• Experience strategists need to develop a strategic point of view to thrive in the future

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Strategy Podcast
01:26 Mo Gawdot's Dystopian Predictions
02:54 Critique of Techno-Extremism
05:19 Transformation vs. Dystopia
10:24 The Role of Work in Human Dignity
14:41 AI and the Future of Work
18:59 Hope and Transformation
22:55 The Last Mile Issue in Automation
25:02 Future Skills for Experience Strategists

Read more

https://open.substack.com/pub/theexperiencestrategist/p/the-future-is-uncertain-and-bright?r=257bs3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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The Experience Strategy Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms for free.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of tourism in Italy, particularly focusing on the balance between local experiences and tourist demands. They explore the impact of consumer behavior on travel, the need for sustainable tourism practices, and the importance of transformational travel that benefits local communities. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for destinations to adapt to changing trends and the value of holistic travel experiences that respect both tourists and residents.

Takeaways

• In Europe, tourists are getting squirted by residents and Bezos and Sanchez's wedding makes locals mad.
• Italy's tourism faces challenges balancing local needs and tourist demands.
• The concept of slow tourism promotes quieter, more authentic experiences.
• Tourism should support local economies and respect residential areas.
• Consumer behavior in travel is increasingly influenced by social media.
• Destinations need to adapt quickly to changing trends and demands.
• Transformational travel can enhance community engagement and support.
• Tourist fees can help fund local infrastructure and services.
• A subscription model for travel experiences could foster repeat business.
• Travel experiences should cater to diverse traveler needs and preferences.
• Holistic travel experiences encompass cultural, environmental, and community aspects.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Vibrancy of Italy
06:14 The Challenges of Mass Tourism
12:11 Adapting to Changing Consumer Demands
18:10 Transformational Travel and Community Impact
23:17 The Future of Travel Experiences

Read more

https://fortune.com/2024/07/09/barcelona-residents-fed-up-with-tourism-squirting-visitors-with-water-guns/

https://www.tourism-review.com/italy-draws-visitors-with-its-fancy-experiences-news15039

https://www.businessinsider.com/glad-we-did-not-buy-one-dollar-italy-home-2024-12

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/20/style/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-wedding.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/travel/europe-tourism-protests.html

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https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

This episode builds on Dave Norton's article on Substack about Kate King's report in the Wall Street Journal: Can the French Reinvent America's Broken Department Store Model.

Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of retail, particularly focusing on the experiential model as exemplified by the French department store Printemps. They explore the differences between traditional American department stores and European models, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging experiences that encourage customers to linger. The conversation also touches on metrics for measuring success in experiential retail and highlights case studies like La Varia Leo bookstore, while critiquing Macy's for missing opportunities to connect with consumers.

Takeaways

• The American department store model is in decline.
• Experiential retail focuses on creating reasons for customers to stay.
• Time spent in a retail space correlates with increased sales.
• European department stores are thriving by offering immersive experiences.
• Retailers need to shift from product staging to experience staging.
• Metrics for success should include time well spent and revenue increases.
• Charging for experiences can turn marketing into a profit center.
• La Varia Leo bookstore successfully monetized its experience.
• Macy's has not adapted to the experiential retail trend.
• Retailers must innovate to compete with online shopping.

Sound bites

"It's about time well spent."
"You want to hang out there."
"Macy's has done none of this."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Economy
02:46 The European Retail Experience
11:30 Transformative Retail Experiences
19:58 Metrics for Success in Retail
23:35 The Future of Retail Experiences

Read more

https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/can-the-french-reinvent-americas-broken-department-store-model-ff719a4a?st=9K6WB8&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com/p/america-looks-to-europe-to-reinvigorate

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In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the economic power of experience strategy in various industries, focusing on an article in the Wall Street Journal on the Atlanta Braves and their innovative approach to sports business through the Battery Atlanta. They explore the concept of Disneyfication, where businesses create holistic experiences that enhance customer engagement and economic impact. The conversation also delves into the potential for reimagining healthcare facilities as experience-driven environments, emphasizing the interconnectedness of experiences, goods, and services in today's economy.

Takeaways

• The Atlanta Braves have revolutionized the sports business model through experience strategy.
• Experience economy prioritizes experiences over goods and services.
• The Battery Atlanta serves as a model for mixed-use development.
• Sports venues can act as anchors for surrounding retail and experiences.
• Disneyfication is a viable strategy for various industries.
• Healthcare can be transformed into experience-driven environments.
• Cities can become experience hubs to attract tourism and business.
• The economic impact of sports venues extends beyond ticket sales.
• Creating holistic experiences can lead to community engagement and economic growth.
• The experience economy is reshaping consumer preferences and business strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Economy Podcast
02:11 The Atlanta Braves: A Case Study in Experience Strategy
12:47 Disneyfication: Transforming Industries through Experience
15:14 Reimagining Healthcare and Other Industries: The Disneyfication of Everything
20:31 The Interconnectedness of Experiences, Goods, and Services

Read More:

https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/truist-park-battery-atlanta-a3698b69?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1

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In this episode, we dive into the intriguing world of integration therapies within Silicon Valley's tech culture. Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article, we discuss how psychedelics are becoming mainstream among tech workers, leading to the rise of integration therapists. These professionals help individuals process their experiences with substances like ayahuasca and psilocybin, aiming to combat burnout and unlock creativity. We explore the therapeutic potential and unintended consequences of this trend, including the phenomenon of workers leaving the industry after profound experiences.

Takeaways

• Psychedelics are becoming mainstream in Silicon Valley.
• Integration therapy is essential for processing psychedelic experiences.
• Many tech workers face existential crises after psychedelic use.
• Therapeutic use of psychedelics is viewed positively by some.
• Reflection is crucial for meaningful transformation.
• Journaling can enhance personal agency and clarity.
• Travel can provide new perspectives for personal growth.
• Integration helps sustain the benefits of transformative experiences.
• Companies can benefit from encouraging reflection among employees.
• The conversation around psychedelics is evolving and complex.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Psychedelics in Silicon Valley
02:09 The Role of Integration Therapies
05:57 Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics
09:57 Moral Perspectives on Psychedelics
14:10 Transporting vs. Transformative Experiences
18:20 The Power of Journaling and Reflection
21:44 Encapsulation and Integration in Transformation
23:57 Conclusion and Reflections on the Discussion

Read More:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/so-you-took-ayahuasca-the-therapist-will-see-you-now-eee7476b?st=8GRcX3&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the intersection of aging and technology, particularly focusing on how technology can be designed to support cognitive health as we age. They reflect on a personal article by Robert Fabricant in Fast Company that challenges the current approach to technology for the aging population, advocating for ambient adaptive technology that promotes dignity and agency. The conversation explores the need for AI design that accommodates cognitive decline, the importance of contextual awareness in technology, and the potential for transformational technology to enhance the quality of life for older adults.

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Takeaways:

• AI Technology should be designed for aging well.

• Cognitive decline requires specific support.

• Adaptive technology can enhance dignity in aging.

• Ideally AI should passively support people in cognitive decline

• Contextual awareness can improve how people engage with tool.

• Designing for accessibility benefits everyone.

• Transformational technology can maintain cognitive function.

• Data can empower users to understand their health better.

• The future of technology lies in integration with life systems.

Chapters”

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Strategy Podcast

01:17 Reflections on Aging and Technology

04:12 The Role of Adaptive Technology

12:03 Contextual Experience Design

15:52 Superpowers and Cognitive Support

20:39 The Future of Health Technology

23:54 Designing for Resilience vs. Performance

Read More:

https://www.fastcompany.com/91350804/why-im-wishing-for-different-technology-on-fathers-day

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In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss Airbnb's recent rebranding and its shift from a focus solely on home bookings to a more holistic approach that includes services and experiences. They explore the implications of this transformation for the travel industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, operational platforms, and the experience economy. The conversation highlights the potential for Airbnb to create unique, transformative travel experiences that resonate with customers' desires for connection and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Airbnb is evolving from just home bookings to offering services and experiences.

• Transformative travel is about creating lasting changes in identity and aspirations.

• Airbnb's operational platform can help travelers manage their entire itinerary.

• Authenticity in travel experiences is key to perceived value.

• Experience stacking allows for unique offerings that enhance customer engagement.

• The shift from a sharing economy to an experience economy is crucial for value creation.

• Vetting experiences builds trust and enhances customer satisfaction.

• Airbnb's community aspect deepens the travel experience.

• The future of travel will focus on personalized and bespoke experiences.

• Airbnb's approach could raise the standard for the entire travel industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Airbnb: A New Era in Travel
03:24 Transformative Experiences: Beyond Just Stays
06:16 Operational Platforms: The Future of Travel Itineraries
09:12 Authenticity in Travel: The Airbnb Advantage
14:50 The Shift from Sharing to Experience Economy
17:33 Creating Value Through Experiences
20:34 The Role of Trust and Vetting in In Destination Experiences
23:27 The Future of Airbnb and the Experience Economy

Read More:

https://news.airbnb.com

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