Coaster Talk Podcast
227 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★ - 10 ratingsA weekly fun filled theme park and roller coaster podcast. With your host James Barber, Timmy Jung, and Bob Mertz you'll never miss out on the latest news, construction updates, and speculation on new and up and coming attractions coming to the amusement park industry!
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Episodes
Episode #76: Random Lawsuits & Random Coasters
June 07, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBMore and more parks are opening, and this week brings another hand full of parks releasing their opening dates. Kings Island also has plans to sue the Ohio Heath Department. Something far more intriguing though, is that Carowinds GM has come out with a claim that states her park wants to transition into a year round park format. Also speculated on is what Adventureland is building for their 2021 addition. Later on in the show, the guys partake in another installment of their RCDB random ro...
Episode #75: Stop That Screaming
May 31, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 38.6 MBWe seriously hope you're not listening from Japan, this week we discuss how Japanese Parks are proposing the idea of banning screaming, shouting, or cheering in the parks - and if you aren't too keen on that idea then maybe a Skunk Ape would help you better follow their absurd rules. Also in the theme park news is what Cedar Point's Tony Clark is teasing us with. Lastly, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Tampa, Universal Orlando as well Frontier City, and Disney are all planning on reopening! We a...
Episode #75: Stop the Screaming
May 31, 2020 12:00We seriously hope you're not listening from Japan, this week we discuss how Japanese Parks are proposing the idea of banning screaming, shouting, or cheering in the parks - and if you aren't too keen on that idea then maybe a Skunk Ape would help you better follow their absurd rules. Also in the theme park news is what Cedar Point's Tony Clark is teasing us with. Lastly, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Tampa, Universal Orlando as well Frontier City, and Disney are all planning on reopening! We a...
Episode #75: Stop The Screaming
May 31, 2020 12:00We seriously hope you're not listening from Japan, this week we discuss how Japanese Parks are proposing the idea of banning screaming, shouting, or cheering in the parks - and if you aren't too keen on that idea then maybe a Skunk Ape would help you better follow their absurd rules. Also in the theme park news is what Cedar Point's Tony Clark is teasing us with. Lastly, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Tampa, Universal Orlando as well Frontier City, and Disney are all planning on reopening! We a...
Episode #74: Wait, Masks Are Loose Articles?
May 24, 2020 19:25 - 1 hour - 35.3 MBThis week we talk Universal, Volcano at Kings Dominion, and face masks. James and Bob start off the show the show discussing Universals plan to reopen. As well as South Carolina permitting attractions in their state to reopen. The last bit off news covers the first of it's kind in North Carolina, alpine coaster opening. Later on, Holiday World has stated that masks may be considered "loose articles" when the park reopens. That sparks some controversy from the fellas. Lastly, the gu...
Episode #74: Mask Management
May 24, 2020 19:25This week we talk Universal, Volcano at Kings Dominion, and face masks. James and Bob start off the show the show discussing Universals plan to reopen. As well as South Carolina permitting attractions in their state to reopen. The last bit off news covers the first of it's kind in North Carolina, alpine coaster opening. Later on, Holiday World has stated that masks may be considered "loose articles" when the park reopens. That sparks some controversy from the fellas. Lastly, the gu...
Episode #73: Opening Optimism
May 17, 2020 19:57The fellas are looking forward to parks reopening! This week, we have quite a hefty list of CONFIRMED park opening dates. Sadly, some parks have had to cancel events/experiences that they believe can't take place either due to or safety or profitability. The park chosen to be highlighted this week is Kings Dominion! Listen to the guys try and capture the essence of their home park. To conclude the show they have a major debate, that you the audience helped to decide the victor of, is Peanuts...
Episode #73: Opening Again
May 17, 2020 19:57 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBThe fellas are looking forward to parks reopening! This week, we have quite a hefty list of CONFIRMED park opening dates. Sadly, some parks have had to cancel events/experiences that they believe can't take place either due to or safety or profitability. The park chosen to be highlighted this week is Kings Dominion! Listen to the guys try and capture the essence of their home park. To conclude the show they have a major debate, that you the audience helped to decide the victor of, is Peanuts...
Episode #72: Screwed By SeaWorld
May 10, 2020 18:57 - 1 hour - 43 MBSeaWorld recently announced their plan of compensation for their pass holders, and James and Bob as platinum pass holders aren't too happy. Also, Cedar Fair announced some new details about opening their parks. Later on in the show a heated debate arises out of thin air, while discussing Kings Island, the guys argue whether or not Peanuts is a relevant IP. Finally to end it all, they discuss why and who their favorite coaster engineer/designer is.
Episode #72: Screwed by SeaWorld
May 10, 2020 18:57SeaWorld recently announced their plan of compensation for their pass holders, and James and Bob as platinum pass holders aren't too happy. Also, Cedar Fair announced some new details about opening their parks. Later on in the show a heated debate arises out of thin air, while discussing Kings Island, the guys argue whether or not Peanuts is a relevant IP. Finally to end it all, they discuss why and who their favorite coaster engineer/designer is.
Episode #71: A Possible Return to Normality
May 03, 2020 17:18 - 2 hours - 70 MBAccording to an article Disney and Universal could both be opening in phases. We discuss this and what regional parks could do to open up safely and healthily. Also in the news is the rumored B&M Surf Coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando. If that isn't exciting enough Dollywood is the park we discuss this week. We list the parks history and talk about our experience at this fantastic destination. As the show closes out we list our top 5 restraints and answer the question: will B&M multilooping...
Episode #70: Clint Novak & A Park Back From the Dead
April 26, 2020 22:17 - 2 hours - 80.7 MBThis week a "coaster celebrity" joins the show for an interview. Clint Novak is the guest on this week. Listen in as the guys talk to him about how Covid-19 is affecting his park and his personal life. In other news, Indiana Beach is no longer closing! The guys are so excited to discuss the how/why behind the whole process. Also in the discussion this week is Anton Schwarzkopf and what we think an ideal top 3 should look like.
Episode #69: Stories from Inside the Parks
April 19, 2020 22:51 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBFinally, some news to talk about! Cedar Fair has extended their passes through 2021, Indiana Beach looks to be back, and SeaWorld pulls a bit of a controversial move. Also in the shows discussion is Kentucky Kingdom - a small little park with a great coaster collection! Stories of James's and Bob's favorite park memories are then shared, and to finish of the show the guys talk about which coaster plays in the YouTube intro.
Episode #68: Name that Coaster!
April 13, 2020 03:05 - 52 minutes - 29.6 MBJames and Bob are joined by two contestants this week, Daniel and Timmy as they two face off in the epic game show "Name that Coaster"! James and Bob also discuss the historic and well-known park Kennywood. Along with talking about if people are involving themselves in more or less coaster content during their self isolation....
Epiosde #67: Let's get Random
April 05, 2020 20:15 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBOn this weeks show - Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the park we preview. Then, Coaster Craze is where we get a bit "crazy" this week. Using the random coaster generator on RCDB, we talk and poke fun at all the weird and wacky rides that we find! To conclude, we list off what we believe to be the top 5 most historically significant roller coasters still in operation.
Epiosde #67: Let's get Random!
April 05, 2020 20:15On this weeks show - Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the park we preview. Then, Coaster Craze is where we get a bit "crazy" this week. Using the random coaster generator on RCDB, we talk and poke fun at all the weird and wacky rides that we find! To conclude, we list off what we believe to be the top 5 most historically significant roller coasters still in operation.
Episode #66: The Best of the Chains
March 31, 2020 15:02 - 1 hour - 38.4 MBIn this somewhat wacky episode of Coaster Talk, the guys first talk about the park Knoebels in the new segment "Park Preview". They then go on to talk about the best park and rides from ever major theme park chain in the world - some speculation and some actual experience. To close of the show they speculate when they think the parks will start to reopen.
Episode #65: Battle of the Ages - CHAMPIONSHIP
March 23, 2020 02:29 - 51 minutes - 29.5 MBBob and James are pretty tired of the coronavirus, but it's time to talk about how seriously it could be affecting the theme park industries future. To get off that topic though, the Battle of Ages Championship is finally here! See what year is the greatest for coasters.
Episode #64: Battle of the Ages - Round of 4
March 16, 2020 03:21 - 1 hour - 35.4 MBThe Corona Virus is on the lose! Theme parks are being impacted severely. Listen in as Bob and James talk how they think the theme parks will be altered because of this illness. Some good news though, is that the Battle of the Ages Round of 4 has concluded. We know have just 2 years left in the search for the best coaster year of all time!
Epiosde #63: Battle of the Ages - Round of 8
March 08, 2020 20:15 - 1 hour - 49 MBJames is back from Texas! Listen in to his recap of a fantastic trip! In other news: Kings Dominion is getting a 4D Freespin, Palace entertainment is on the move, and Pantheon trains are now on the track! Of course, finishing off the show we talk about "the Battle of the Ages" as we narrow it down to just FOUR coasters!
Episode #62: Battle of the Ages - Round of 16
March 02, 2020 17:10 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBIn the discussion on this episode is South Dakota's RMC Raptor, Dollywood's 2020 investment, and Kings Dominion's future. Also covered is something we all do, instead of attempting to enjoy the park, we're too concerned with "credit hunting". Lastly, the results of the round of 16 are realized - it's a great show this week!
Episode #61: Battle of the Ages - Round of 32
February 23, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBIndiana Beach and Martin's Fantasy Island have both been closed, listen in as James and Bob speculate the reasoning and motives behind these closures. In other news, Cedar Fair's yearly earnings are great and Skyline Park is no longer going operate “Sky Dragster”. The guys discuss this as well. Finally, the round of 32 of the "Battle of the Ages" has concluded. Hear the countdown to the discovery of the best "coaster year" of all time.
Episode #60: Battle of the Ages - Round of 64
February 17, 2020 03:01 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBThe guys talk about Kennywood's GM leaving unexpectedly, Six Flags being sued, their upcoming theme park trips, and give a full in depth analysis of the results from the Battle of Ages round of 64!
Episode #59: The Battle Begins...
February 07, 2020 04:55 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBThe show this week is centered around two things: East Coaster 2020 and the new tournament the guys are doing, Battle of the Ages! Through this competition the goal is to find out the greatest coaster year of all time! And the best part is, the audience decides everything!
Episode #58: Determining a Giga
January 27, 2020 06:57 - 1 hour - 41.8 MBSome enthusiasts claim Giga status must only be claimed by rides that have full circuit layouts, others think differently. Listen in as James and Bob debate their points while also discussing the news of the week and giving a trip report from Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
Episode #57: What's the Verdict on Trimbrakes?
January 20, 2020 04:39 - 1 hour - 52.6 MBSix Flags is having a rough time, SeaWorld looks to be continuing in it's chain-wide expansion, and Jersey Devil looks to be taking a late start...listen is as the guys discuss these things and many other industry related topics. Most importantly, their feelings toward trimbrakes!
Episode #56: We Wanna be Theme Park Testers!
January 12, 2020 21:33 - 1 hour - 36.5 MBJames and Bob have found the dream job, a Theme Park Tester. Who wouldn't want $3000 dollars and all their travel costs covered? The guys also discuss “Gangster Granny: The Ride”, the widow of an amusement park ride, and countdown their top FAVORITE night rides!
Episode #55: 2019; A Year in Review
January 06, 2020 03:58 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBBob and James talk the news of the industry, while also discussing whether or not they found 2019 to be a successful year in the parks.
Episode #54: We're Back Baby!
November 30, 2019 23:51 - 1 hour - 88.1 MBAfter around 2 months of no podcast (sorry) James, joined by Bob, happily welcomes you back to the show! This week, topics include the American Dream Mall, Cedar Point, and Holiwood Nights!
Episode #53: Theme Park Plans!
September 22, 2019 18:50 - 30 minutes - 49.1 MBListen in as James discusses the theme park news of the week, then tells you all about his upcoming theme park plans!
Episode #52: The Golden WHAT Awards?
September 17, 2019 03:55 - 39 minutes - 60.2 MBJames talks Golden Ticket Awards this week, and as one of the largest polls in the enthusiast community, he will be the judge of them being correct or not.
Episode #51: Getting Caught Up!
September 07, 2019 01:51 - 43 minutes - 66.8 MBJames is back! The Podcast has had some technical difficulties these past weeks, but finally it makes its return. Listen in as James talks about all he's missed in the amusement industry.
Episode #50: Night Rides and the Media Sucks!
July 26, 2019 18:13 - 33 minutes - 37.3 MBJames counts down his top 15 all time favorite night rides and goes on a rant about how the media poorly portrays the Amusement Industry! He also fills you in on the weekly theme park news and discusses the wooden VS steel coasters.
Episode #49: Favorite Parks
July 19, 2019 23:31 - 49 minutes - 55.7 MBJames goes into depth on what he thinks about all the amusement parks and theme parks he's been to. Along the way he also discusses huge news in the industry and this weeks "Brake Run" weekly poll.
Episode #48: Our 30 Favorite Coasters!
July 14, 2019 17:14 - 2 hours - 155 MBBob once again joins James, this time to discuss their top 30 favorite coasters! Also included in the podcast is amusement industry news, polls, and a discussion of the guys top 5 bucket list parks around the world!
Episode #47: Holiwood Nights 2019!
June 14, 2019 20:48 - 59 minutes - 68.1 MBSpecial guests Timmy and Bob discuss the 2019 roller coaster event "Holiwood Nights!" They also talk about Funland of Fredericksburg and their 2019 addition of Thunder Speedway.
Episode #46: Up next, Holliwood Nights!
May 29, 2019 03:44 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBAgain joining the show is Bob! Listen in as James and he discuss various theme park news story's, recent trips they both went on, and the upcoming trip they're going on, HOLLIWOOD NIGHTS!
Episode #45: Fight for Virginia
May 01, 2019 04:14 - 27 minutes - 30.4 MBTopics on this weeks episode include Yukon Striker, my Carowinds trip, and the fight for the best park in Virginia.
Episode #44: Cedar Fair, Park Trips, and Japan!
April 21, 2019 00:09 - 1 hour - 106 MBBob is back! Listen in as he and James discuss the big news in the amusement industry, discuss new for 2019 coasters, talk about their 2019 trips so far, and debate over the best Japanese theme park!
Episode #43: Harry from CoasterBot!
March 16, 2019 00:40 - 33 minutes - 37.7 MBHarry Davies of the Youtube channel CoasterBot joins the show. Together James and he discuss amusment park news, play a game, and discuss RMC Gwazi Vs. Steel Vengeance!
Episode #42: An RMC, A Paint-job, and a Poll
March 12, 2019 03:00 - 47 minutes - 41.7 MBAn RMC is coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Listen in as James and Daniel talk about the new attraction, along with their 2019 trips, and what's better Airtime or Inversions!
Episode #41: Marathon Mayhem
March 07, 2019 04:29 - 56 minutes - 51.2 MBEver marathon a roller coaster? We have! Listen in as James and his friend Bob discuss their most marathoned coasters, along with industry news, and more.
Episode #40: Cedar Fair Sadness
February 25, 2019 18:22 - 54 minutes - 49.2 MBBob joins the show once again, this time to talk of Bobbejaanland and Canada's Wonderland. The highlight of the show for sure is when James and Bob discuss Cedar Fair's financial position, and what it could mean for the company. Along with that they talk about the better coaster, Steel Force or Phantom's Revenge. To close out the episode they leave listeners with the battle of independent parks vs. chains.
Episode #39: The Virginian Blues
February 17, 2019 17:48 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBDespite the Intamin launch coaster coming to Busch Gardens, Virginian enthusiasts are mad. Join James and Bob as they talk about amusment park news around the world. However, the highlight of the show is a depressing topic, VOLCANO IS NO MORE!
Episode #38: Theming Matters!
February 10, 2019 02:01 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MBDid Nickelodeon do a good job at naming their rides? What's the better chain Cedar Fair or Six Flags? Does theming a ride or park really matter? ALL of these questions are answered on this episode of Coaster Talk!
Episode #37: Debate of the Credits!
February 02, 2019 00:26 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBBob, a good friend of James's, comes on the show. Together they discuss some of the biggest news in the amusement industry, if Arrow or Schwarzkopf is the better manufacturer, and then they debate what determines a roller coaster a "new" credit.
Episode #36: A MAJOR Disagreement
January 26, 2019 07:02 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBJames talks of the Jurassic Park coaster rumored for Universal Orlando, a recent rumor about Busch Garden's Gwazi, and his 2019 plans! However, the title of the podcast finally makes sense as the ending of the podcast comes. In the last few minutes. James discuses why floorless conversions of standup roller coaster are NOT new credits!
Episode #35: First Episode of 2019!
January 19, 2019 17:24 - 34 minutes - 31 MBJames has Alex, from ZeroGCoasters on the show. They discuss the big industry news, an ACE event James recently went to, and the 2019 attractions that most excite the Coaster Talk audience!
Episode #34: A Coaster Talk Christmas
December 30, 2018 02:38 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBJames wishes you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy holidays! However, that's not really what the podcast is about, he discusses Elitch Gardens, Six Flags, and Carowinds news. Then goes on to a 2020 coaster confirmation. Ending the show he lists some of the BEST coaster elements, chosen by the audience!
Episode #33: IAAPA Innovation!
November 26, 2018 01:22 - 43 minutes - 38.3 MBJames gives us the run-down of some new attractions/products around the industry, then discuses the big products unveiled at IAAPA, and closes the show off debating who the greatest roller coaster engineer is!