The world famous Themed Attraction Podcast!
For your listening and podcasting pleasure, we introduce you to some of the best and brightest of the theme park world with our podcast content. Available on iTunes and YouTube now. More episodes added regularly.
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Join us in person at IAAPA Expo! We’re hosting a Themed Attraction Podcast Meet & Greet and you’re invited. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 5:00 PM Electrosonic Booth #2069, IAAPA Expo Showfloor Come say hello to Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin, Barry Hill, and Nate Naversen. We’ll be there to shake hands, swap stories, and connect with fellow theme park…
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In this episode of Themed Attraction Podcast, Freddy and Mel sit down with Barbara Bouza, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering. Barbara shares her journey from architect to creative leader, reflecting on her time guiding Imagineering through the pandemic, collaborating with visionary leaders, and championing global perspectives in design. From Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic…
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Our guest this episode is Johnny Davis, a master of storytelling and immersive experience design. Johnny is the Senior Creative Director at Storyland Studios and a lifelong storyteller dedicated to crafting experiences that forge emotional connections. From the thought-provoking Poverty Encounter to the action-packed Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., Johnny has a knack for bringing stories to life in ways that inspire, engage, and…
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Our guest this episode is Roger Tofte, the visionary dreamer and doer behind Oregon’s Enchanted Forest. We were honored to sit down with Roger Tofte, the legendary creator of Enchanted Forest, a whimsical wonderland nestled in the Pacific Northwest that has been enchanting visitors for generations. Starting with a dream for his kids in the 1960s, Roger…
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Our guest is Patrick Kling, a powerhouse of creativity and innovation in themed entertainment. Patrick is an unstoppable creative force whose work spans interactive attractions, immersive theme park lands, and even a 20,000-square-foot ice sculpture experience chilled to a crisp 9 degrees! With a career that’s taken him through Nickelodeon and SeaWorld parks, Patrick’s passion for storytelling and design…
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Our guest is Theron Skees, a visionary creative executive with 30+ years in themed entertainment. A veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering, he has led multi-billion-dollar projects worldwide, bringing brand storytelling to theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships. Inspired by Star Wars, Theron’s journey began in film before shifting to theme parks, working on EuroDisneyland and…
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In this episode, we sit down with Jeanette Lomboy, Vice President, Executive Producer, Creative, at Walt Disney Imagineering. Jeanette has led the development of some of Disney’s most beloved modern experiences, from the serene beauty of Aulani to the immersive worlds of Pandora – The World of Avatar and Avengers Campus. Her journey from Disneyland…
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Our guest this episode is audiovisual visionary and Global Ambassador, Chris Conte. Chris is a legend in audiovisual technology design with over 30 years of experience creating immersive, location-based experiences. As Global Ambassador for Electrosonic, Chris has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the world’s most iconic projects, including theme parks, museums, theaters,…
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Our guests this episode are collaborators on the new book How Does Disney Do That?: How Disney Makes Us Feel and Why It Matters, James Warda and Theron Skees. Many books cover Disney, but James Warda and former Imagineering executive Theron Skees take a unique approach: exploring “why” and “how” Disney creates such powerful, emotional…
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Our guest is Architect and Theme Park Master Planner, Kevin Blakeney. In this episode, we’ve invited master planner and landscape architect, Kevin Blakeney to join us. Kevin’s been on the frontlines of planning and area development for the top themed attraction lands people are talking about today. We’re talking about Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland,…
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Our guest is Theme Park Developer, DeLisa Guerrier. With her husband Elde, DeLisa Guerrier personally oversees commercial, residential, and industrial developments in and around Nashville, with a focus on investing in emerging neighborhoods. She’s also dedicated to children’s causes and is a key player in Nashville’s philanthropic circles. And in the spirit of Walt Disney,…
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There’s no shortage of big ideas when you’re with our guest today, Creative Executive Jason McManus. Jason’s journey has taken him around the world from Disney’s magic factory to the themed entertainment frontier of the Middle East bringing the seeds of ideas to fruition in some of the most innovative projects we can think of.…
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Today, we’re focusing on “designing with purpose” with my friend and mentor, Anthony Esparza. Anthony is an expert in creating unforgettable guest experiences. With a career spanning SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and more, he’s known for infusing every project with purpose. Join us for our second interview with Anthony as we explore…
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Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the project management realm. Our guest today is Jeff Burton, a former WED Enterprises Imagineer who has played a pivotal role in some of the most renowned attractions worldwide, such as Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Euro Disney, and Sea World. Jeff, a second-generation Imagineer, is celebrated…
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Our guest is Dark Ride master designer, John Wood of Sally Dark Rides. John is truly a pioneer and innovator in the theme park industry, and most specifically in the design, development and execution of some of the world’s most iconic dark rides. John co-founded Sally Dark Rides 45 years ago to turn his clients…
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Our guest is show control engineer, Linda Alcorn. Linda is a groundbreaking Theme Park show control engineer with over 40 years of experience bringing some of our favorite experiences to life. Linda, the first female electronic engineer at WED, played a pivotal role in shaping iconic projects like EPCOT and pavilions in Canada, France, and…
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Come See Us LIVE at IAAPA 2023 This quick episode gives you all the details of our LIVE Episode Recordings during IAAPA! Come visit the Storyland Studios Booth #1373 at 11am on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (11/14-17) to listen in on LIVE recordings of the Themed Attraction Podcast. Jeffrey Burton – Former WED Imagineer: Tuesday…
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Our guest is Architect and Theme Park Master Planner, Jeff Damron. Jeff is a 30+ year veteran of themed entertainment and destination design providing his expertise as an architect, designer and master planner in theme park projects, hotels, resorts, casinos, and many other mixed-use projects where people can live, work and play. Most recently he…
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Our guests are David and Valeria Beaudry of Beaudry Interactive. This dynamic duo of dynamic experiences have developed the technology to bring to life in voice and personality some of our most beloved walk-around characters in parks today, including that tallest of yellow friends, Big Bird. They were honored with a TEA Thea Award for…
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Our guest today is Theme Park Art Director, Daniel Kerscher. Daniel Kerscher is an Art Director for theme park projects worldwide with decades of experience ranging from Landmark Entertainment and the TAA Group. Most recently, he spent 6 years guiding the art direction at Europa-park and Mack Rides contributing his brilliant creativity in one of…
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Our guest is TEA Master and founder of The Bezark Company, Adam Bezark. His storied career from WDI to Landmark Entertainment Group allowed him opportunities to conceive and design monstrous IP attractions such as Jurassic Park: The Ride, the JAWS ride, and Terminator 2:3D for Universal. For WDI, he co-directed the beloved IllumiNations nighttime spectacular…
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Our guest this episode is Danusia Rogacki, Creative Services Manager at Canada’s Wonderland. Danusia is a long-time Canada’s Wonderland native, who started her career in Halloween haunts and park operations. Steeped in the park’s rich traditions, she now gives creative direction to the park’s themed offerings and seasonal special events. Connect with Danusia Rogacki on LinkedIn…
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In this episode of the Themed Attraction Podcast, our guest is Sina Bahram, the founder of Prime Access Consulting, and one of the Themed Entertainment Association’s first ever Catalyst Award recipients. Sina’s inclusive design firm helps attraction designers implement accessible solutions that make knowledge, culture, and technology available to the widest possible audience. Connect with…
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Our guests are Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts, Mike West from Universal Creative, and John Wood of Sally Dark Rides. They share their perspectives on ride capacities and THRC. Connect with Bob at BRCweb.com, Mike via his company’s LinkedIn “Innovative West,” and John at SallyDarkRides.com. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design…
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Our guest is Vince Kadlubek, founder and former CEO of Meow Wolf. Meow Wolf was started by Vince and several friends as a collective of artists who wanted to create art installations people could not only view, but walk into. And now it’s grown into a company of experiential arts who have built three of…
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Our guest is Christian Hope, Vice President of Paramount Studios Theme Parks & Resorts. Christian has contributed concept designs in development of world-class attractions here in the US and around the world. His concepts have resulted in some of the most visited location-based entertainment sites around including Disneyland Paris, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and The…
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Our guest is Tony Bruno, former VP of the Disneyland Resort Hotels & the Downtown Disney District. Under his guidance, over 4000 cast members operated The 4 Diamond Grand Californian Hotel & Disneyland Hotel – as well as the 49 unique brands that comprise Downtown Disney. Today he leads Hospitality Development at Storyland Studios helping…
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Ben Thompson is a global themed entertainment and marketing strategist who spent the last 20 years in leadership roles at global monoliths like Mars Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and the Merlin Group, where he was responsible for opening 4 LEGOLAND®️ Parks and 40 location-based entertainment sites worldwide. Ben is now the Chief Strategy Officer…
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Our guest is Walt Disney Imagineering designer and art producer, Doris Hardoon. Doris joined the company for the Epcot project in 1979 helping to develop the China Pavilion. She lent her unique cultural perspective to international projects with Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Her crowning glory is found at Shanghai Disneyland, where she developed the…
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Jason Surrell is the Executive Creative Director at Storyland Studios. He was previously the Senior Creative Director on Universal’s newest theme park projects, Universal Studios Beijing and Epic Universe, as well as a creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Jason is an amazing storyteller, whether it be in the shows, attractions, or books he’s written.…
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Brandon Kleyla made his mark as a production art director for Universal Creative and Walt Disney Imagineering, bringing his love of spatial storytelling to two of the most detailed and beautiful dive bars on the planet, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Resort, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Walt Disney World. “Trader…
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In this episode, Joe Pine is going to help us trace the history and evolution of the world’s economies to what the themed entertainment industry currently knows as the “Experience Economy.” Besides being one of Mel’s thought leadership heroes, Joe Pine’s work has influenced much of his design philosophy and consequently many of the experiences…
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Our guest needs no introduction…because he’s always at the end of the show! Dr. Barry R. Hill, our very own show producer and designer, is the author of Imagineering an American Dreamscape: Genesis, Evolution, and Redemption of the Regional Theme Park. This book tells the long-overdue story of the regionals and the strong-willed individuals behind them—where they came…
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Our guests are two of the industry’s leading feasibility experts, the father/son duo Don and Doug Stewart of Economic Consulting Services. In the themed entertainment world, we like to think we build the impossible. But the impossible is not always feasible. The “Walt Disneys” of the world rely on experts like Don and Doug who…
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Joe Lanzisero is a 30-year Disney veteran who began his career in Disney animation and made the switch to Imagineering where he eventually became known as the theme park land expansion guy—think Critter Country & ToonTown in Anaheim, and Toy StoryLand, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point in Tokyo. Today, Joe is Executive Vice President at Zeitgeist…
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Eddie Sotto is a fixture in the themed entertainment industry best known for his contributions at Walt Disney Imagineering. He creative directed dozens of attractions at Disney Parks, including Main Street USA at Disneyland Paris, Mission: Space at Epcot, and the first ever trackless dark ride, “Pooh’s Hunny Hunt” at Tokyo Disneyland. Eddie’s work extends…
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Crawford from WhiteWater West in beautiful Vancouver BC, the award-winning slide and water ride design firm responsible for many of the most incredible “immersive” (pun intended) attractions on the planet. Jesse is a sales engineer which means his work has taken him around the world to help theme parks…
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Our guests today have thought hard on how to tell great stories within a museum context and have the battle scars to prove it. John Kelton and Jon Taylor are veteran museum exhibit designers leading creative projects that educate while they entertain. They’re also buddies in real life so that means they’re a lot of…
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Get ready for fun! In this interview we are going head-to-head with one of the themed entertainment industry’s top “playologists,” Denise Chapman Weston of Infinite Kingdoms. Like many in this industry, Denise has been thinking up ways to create fun for other people since she was just a kid. She’s developed tons of innovative attractions,…
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Let’s go behind the temporary wall barriers into the construction zone with Dr. Jesse Kamm. Jesse is a 20 year veteran in the construction industry, leading teams as a construction manager, project manager and general contractor on projects inside and outside of the theme park berm. He is also a scholar with degrees in Engineering…
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Our guest this episode is the Chief of Guest Experiences at Carnival Cruise Line, Anthony Esparza. At Carnival, Anthony navigates the fun on the surface of the ocean, and before that he took guests deeper as the Chief Creative Officer for SeaWorld Parks. Anthony is as comfortable on land as he is at sea having…
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Mike West is Senior Director and Executive Producer for Universal Parks and resorts around the world. With the first 25 years of his career spent at WDI, and a second half underway at Universal, Mike is one of those guys you can’t help but geek out over. All the while he hasn’t lost his joy…
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Kevin Sherbrooke is an AIA Licensed architect and show set designer who lives at the intersection of creative, blue sky concepts and the rigid structure of architectural design. Kevin’s background gives him a unique perspective on the ins and outs of an industry on the move. You can see his work in familiar environments and…
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Our guest this episode is Senior Project Director for Miziker Entertainment, Sean Chung. Sean is part of a new generation of brilliant creatives making waves in themed entertainment these days. Sean has an amazing story that runs parallel to the story of modern China’s own transformation into the world’s fastest growing theme park and tourism…
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Our guest is Creative Director and project consultant, Chris Lange. Chris began his career in a scenic fabrication workshop in Germany before being tapped to design and implement an impressive string of major tourist attractions worldwide. Chris has been Creative Director for Merlin Entertainments, Mack Solutions, and the Genting Group. He’s led projects in California, Malaysia,…
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We’re taking a different route through the design jungle today as we interview a friend of the show, author Lou Prosperi. Lou isn’t our typical guest, but you’ll soon see why we asked him to join us. Lou develops curriculum for a large enterprise software company during the day. But his secret super power is studying…
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To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, we tracked down former Creative Director for Walt Disney Imagineering, Tom Morris. Tom knows a little something about building theme parks and attractions. So who better to dig up the archaeology of Disneyland’s eeriest e-ticket attraction. We explore the rumors, true and preposterous, of…
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Howdy! This episode features show designer, writer, and music director for themed attractions from sea to shining sea, Mr. Rick Bastrup. Rick made his mark in regional theme parks and family fun centers for the past 30+ years. His time in the industry allowed him opportunities to work with legends like Ira West and Technifex…