The Themed Attraction Podcast
Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts.
Episodes
July 17, 2025 • 65 mins
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...
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July 3, 2025 • 53 mins
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...
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June 26, 2025 • 84 mins
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 pr...
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May 24, 2025 • 70 mins
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...
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April 24, 2025 • 55 mins
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 ride operator to shaping entire parks is a testament to her passion, creativity, and...
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February 13, 2025 • 61 mins
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, and even groundbreaking spectacles like the Sphere i...
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November 4, 2024 • 73 mins
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 connections. Through conversations with former Imagineers, cast members, and fans, James uncovers...
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September 19, 2024 • 44 mins
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, Toy Story Land, Galaxy’s Edge, Universal’s Beijing Resort, and fresh off...
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August 22, 2024 • 56 mins
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, she’s building her own dream land to make others’ dreams a ...
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July 25, 2024 • 53 mins
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.
So grab your favorite beverage and get ready for Themed Attraction Podcast interview with Jason McManus.
C...
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June 17, 2024 • 55 mins
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 his vast expertise in attractions, resorts, live entertainment, a...
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June 6, 2024
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 for his contributions in shaping the landscape of family entertainment and the global attractions ...
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April 18, 2024 • 44 mins
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 dreams into rideable realities, with thrilling adventures, IP branded attractions, and unique storytelling experiences wor...
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February 29, 2024 • 37 mins
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 China. Her journey continued at Disney Studio in Burbank, supporting EXPO '86 projects, and l...
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November 10, 2023 • 1 min
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 11/14 @ 11AM
Linda Alcorn McBride – Former WDI Imagineer & Disney’s first female engineer: Wednesday 11/...
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November 8, 2023 • 57 mins
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 came on board as one of Mel’s Storylanders as the Senior VP of Architecture, Master Pl...
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October 12, 2023 • 58 mins
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 this technology which is making authentic interactive environments a reality in parks and experien...
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March 30, 2023 • 48 mins
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 the world’s premier themed destinations.
Connect with Daniel on Instagram @themeparkdes...
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December 15, 2022 • 78 mins
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 at Epcot, and he was the show writer for Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle ...
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October 26, 2022 • 66 mins
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 or at Canada’s Wonderland.
Show hosts: Mel McGowan & ...
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