S3 E9: How Disney Grants Life Changing Wishes with Make-A-Wish

In this episode of the Life at Disney podcast, we’re taking listeners behind Disney Week of Wishes, celebrating The Walt Disney Company’s long‑standing relationship with Make‑A‑Wish and the life‑changing impact of wish granting for kids facing critical illnesses and their families. Disney is the world’s largest wish granter with Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day. Joining the conversation are Sarah, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Disney Entertainment, and Anam, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, who both play a key role in bringing these once‑in‑a‑lifetime wishes to life. Together, they share how Disney grants wishes every hour of every day and what it takes behind the scenes to create deeply personal experiences that only Disney can deliver. The episode explores the full journey of wish granting, from coordinating entertainment‑based wishes like film premieres, talent meet‑and‑greets and Disney on Broadway experiences, to executing a one‑of‑a‑kind wish for a young animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Sarah and Anam reflect on the collaboration required across the company; and how storytelling, creativity and care guide every step of the process. Listeners will also hear how Disney Week of Wishes brings employees together across the globe, including a look at the creative process behind a new short‑form brand film inspired by a real wish experience. Throughout the conversation, Sarah and Anam share the moments that stay with them most, the responsibility that comes with being chosen as a wish partner, and how they “remember the why” behind this transformative work. Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast and follow Disney Careers for more stories from the people building purpose‑driven careers across The Walt Disney Company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices