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The Themed Attraction Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by McGowan, Martin & Hill
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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- 2 days ago1h 18m
61: Jon Storbeck
In this episode of Themed Attraction Podcast, Freddy and Mel sit down with Jon Storbeck, former Vice President and General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm. Jon traces his journey from cold-calling his way into Disneyland and starting on the Tomorrowland Skyway to nearly 33 years of Disney leadership and eventually guiding Knott’s. Along the way, he shares hard-earned lessons about frontline teams, reinvesting in the guest experience, and balancing progress with preservation. It’s a candid look at stewardship and what it takes to keep the magic alive. Connect with Jon Storbeck on LinkedIn. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!
- Oct 14, 202658 min
60: Bob Rogers
In this episode of the Themed Attraction Podcast, Freddy and Mel sit down with Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts. Bob traces his journey from performing magic at Disneyland to creating beloved experiences like Impressions de France and Back to Neverland, sharing colorful lessons from mentors Marty Sklar, Buzz Price, and Don Iwerks. With warmth, wit, and some surprising Disney stories, he reveals why the best attractions do more than entertain: They connect the heart of a subject with the heart of an audience and help visitors leave changed. He also introduces Deep Story, his practical new guide to creating transformational visitor attractions. Connect with Bob @BobRogersCreates on Instagram, shake hands with him on LinkedIn, and order Deep Story atBobRogers.com/deep-story. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!
- Nov 16, 20252 min
IAAPA Meet & Greet 2025
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 fans, makers, and industry pros. See you at the Electrosonic booth on Wednesday at 5pm!
- Sep 18, 20251h 6m
59: Former WDI President Barbara Bouza
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 Rewind to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, she opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and the lasting impact of people-first leadership in themed entertainment. Connect with Barbara on Instagram or shake hands with her on LinkedIn.
- Jul 17, 20251h 5m
58: Johnny Davis, Senior Creative Director at Storyland Studios
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 resonate. With his unmatched ability to guide projects from concept to completion, Johnny has left his mark on some of the industry’s most iconic experiences—many of which remain under wraps for now. Join us as we explore his creative journey, the art of storytelling, and what it takes to craft meaningful, immersive experiences. Connect with Johnny at StorylandStudios.com and give him a high five on LinkedIn. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!
- Jul 3, 202552 min
57: Roger Tofte, Oregon’s Enchanted Forest
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 spent seven years building the park with his own hands, crafting everything from storybook trails to an alpine coaster and a beloved dark ride. Joined by his daughter Susan Vaslev, Roger shares the incredible story of how this hidden gem came to life, the family legacy that keeps it thriving, and why, even in his 90s, you’ll still find him giving new life to his park. Take a journey into the world of creativity, perseverance, and fairy tales with Roger Tofte and Enchanted Forest. Learn more about Roger Tofte, the Walt Disney of the Pacific Northwest, at enchantedforest.com and book tickets for your next road trip. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!
- Jun 26, 20251h 24m
56: Patrick Kling, Big Break Foundation
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 shines through in every project. As the Co-Founder of the Big Break Foundation, he’s also leading the charge to break down barriers and create a more inclusive future in location-based entertainment. Join us as we explore Patrick’s creative journey, his groundbreaking work, and how he’s making a difference both in the industry and beyond. Connect with Patrick at bigbreakfoundation.org, watch Patrick’s TETV video interviews on youtube, or shake hands with him on LinkedIn. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!
- May 24, 20251h 10m
55: Theron Skees
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 leading Tower of Terror in Paris. His career has taken him across the globe, balancing creative challenges with personal sacrifices, including relocating his family. Join us as Theron shares insights on immersive design, innovation, and the power of storytelling in creating unforgettable experiences. Connect with Theron at The Designer’s Creative Studio designerscs.com, get his book, Creating Memorable Worlds: A Journey Into Themed Experience Design at rivershorepress.com, then give him a firm handshake on LinkedIn. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!
About The Themed Attraction Podcast
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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