Coaster Talk Podcast

A 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!

Episode #206: The Final Ride 05/28/2023

Episode #206: The Final Ride Thank you all for five wonderful years, we hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we did. It's unfortunately time we pack it up and head home, but not before we give you one last kick-ass episode. SHOW NOTES: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26984667

Episode #205: Big Bear Mountain We're Coming For You! 05/21/2023

Episode #205: Big Bear Mountain We're Coming For You! In this week's episode, James and Timmy hold down the fort while Bob deals with work. The two of them discuss the latest news in the industry, including a big retheme at Universal Orlando, another big fight breaking out at a major park, and another wooden coaster receiving titan track. In the second half of the show, James and Timmy discuss their sporadic trip to Dollywood, which includes a review of the all-new Big Bear Mountain! We hope that you all have fun with this episode with all the fun we had making it! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26902497

Episode #204: Darkoaster...Exists! 05/14/2023

Episode #204: Darkoaster...Exists! In this week's jam-packed episode, the hosts cover the weekly news, including some updates about some new parks, Six Flags park updates, and a teaser about Top Thrill Dragster. The second half of the show is a review of the brand-new DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Strap in for this week's episode, it's filled with fun conversation! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26817066

Episode #203: FIAT and the Florida IDIOT 05/07/2023

Episode #203: FIAT and the Florida IDIOT In this week's episode, the hosts cover all of the political news out of Orlando and lots of industry announcements coming from all around the country. The second half topic this week is a discussion regarding year-round operation at regional parks. This week has some great arguments and feels just like a classic Coaster Talk Podcast episode so make sure to enjoy! /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26729541

Episode #202: Disney Is On Fire! 04/30/2023

Episode #202: Disney Is On Fire! This week's news includes lots of coverage of the latest happenings in Florida, including news from both Disney World and Universal as well as some coverage of other parks such as Lagoon and Dollywood. The second half of the show includes some discussion of the latest (rumored) closure at Kentucky Kingdom. There's plenty of great conversation in this week's episode so make sure to enjoy! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26678292

Episode #201: Would You Like Some BBQ? 04/23/2023

Episode #201: Would You Like Some BBQ? We are back to our normally scheduled program with this week's show as we start our way into the two hundreds. This week has plenty of banter and arguments as we talk about some of life's most puzzling questions like the pronunciation of "BBQ." In the second half of the show the hosts discuss the latest RMC retrack and talk about last week's weekly poll. This week is a fun one so make sure to enjoy! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26607357

Episode #200: A Walk Down Memory Lane 04/19/2023

Episode #200: A Walk Down Memory Lane It's our 200th episode! Join us as we take a stroll down our archive, listening back to our 'best' and 'worst' moments. /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26584590

Episode #199: Twerk for Torque 03/30/2023

Episode #199: Twerk for Torque In this week's show, the hosts cover some news from this last week that includes news from Disney, Kennywood, and several political topics that tie into the theme park industry. The second half of the show includes discourse on titan track and hybrid coasters. Make sure to sit back and enjoy this week's episode! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26397897

Episode #198: Mutually Assured Trim Brakes 03/26/2023

Episode #198: Mutually Assured Trim Brakes In this week's episode, nukes come up an odd amount of times...nonetheless it is an entertaining show this week without question. The first half contains a lot of catching up that we have to do, from missing a week with Florida. Then, the second half is time to tackle a huge controversy in the coaster community: trim brakes. Their purpose and the confirmation bias that seems to exist around them in the community are looked at extensively. Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26323446

Quick Update from Universal Orlando! 03/19/2023

Quick Update from Universal Orlando! There will be no “official” show released this week as the three hosts were at Universal Orlando together. Hopefully this quick update for you guys is just as entertaining to listen to as it was to record! Make sure to look out for next week, when we get return back to our normal recording schedule! /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26265942

Episode #197: Everybody Gets a Penny Press! 03/12/2023

Episode #197: Everybody Gets a Penny Press! On this week’s show, it’s a battle of the soundboards and Bob fights for control of the show against James and Timmy! The hosts cover this week’s news topics including a Lake Compounce update, a Disney rumor, some changes to the Universal parks logos, and much more! In the second half of the show James, Bob, and Timmy discuss Bob’s latest trip to an event, CoasterBash, and also discuss their trip to Florida this upcoming week. Make sure to buckle up and enjoy episode, it’s quite a ride! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26200755

Episode #196: ChatGPT Joins the Show! 03/05/2023

Episode #196: ChatGPT Joins the Show! On this week's show, the three hosts cover the news that has occurred over the last week in the theme park industry, including all of the new additions to the Six Flags chain, lots of construction updates, and updates coming out of Winter Chill Out. In the second half, the guys have an interview with ChatGPT, which leads to many hilarious answers and fun discussion! Make sure to tune into this week's show as it is a fun one! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26112327

Episode #195: Everything Looks Like a Surf Rider! 02/26/2023

Episode #195: Everything Looks Like a Surf Rider! In this week's episode, the hosts cover this week's news, which includes some more changes to Velocicoaster's operations, some new patents from Intamin, and Bob goes on a furious rant while discussing some more Orlando Free Fall news. The second half of the show includes some discussion about the latest Horror Night Nightmares Speculation Map, which Bob is absolutely thrilled about! This week's show is a fun one so make sure to buckle up and enjoy! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/26037927

Episode #194: Dragster's Mobile Ordered Spike 02/20/2023

Episode #194: Dragster's Mobile Ordered Spike In this week's episode, things get back to normal as the hosts stay on topic (for the most part). This week's news includes some rides in Six Flags closing, a ride outside of Six Flags being closed, and a big update on Top Thrill Dragster. In the second half the guys talk about Bob's recent trip to Universal Orlando, and he actually has some complaints about the resort for once! This week is back to more of a normal episode. but it is still really fun! Make sure to sit back and enjoy this week's episode! Make sure to share your favorite moments with us for our 200th episode Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25982568

Episode #193: Off the Rails 02/12/2023

Episode #193: Off the Rails This week's show is certainly "off the rails!" There's plenty of conversation that occurs about this week's news, which includes lots of news out of Cedar Fair, some Disney news, and a special event coming out of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The second half topic this week is a recap of Bob's visit to the Eastcoaster event. This week was a fun episode, and just as off-topic as last week's show, so sit back and enjoy it! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25886703

Episode #192: The Twitter Museum is at Indiana Beach 02/06/2023

Episode #192: The Twitter Museum is at Indiana Beach In this week's trainwreck of an episode, Timmy is back, and some topics are very loosely discussed. Heavy emphasis on the "loosely." The hosts can't stay on topic for more than a few minutes for this episode, so the conversation derails very quickly and frequently. The second half of the show leads to talking about Timmy's California visit, at least for a short while. This episode is very chaotic, so make sure to buckle up and enjoy this week's show! Show Notes: Cedar Fair Parks Start to Drop Fast Lane Plus: *Parks Without Fast Lane Plus*: , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25807134

Episode #191: This is a Golden Horse?! 01/29/2023

Episode #191: This is a Golden Horse?! In this week's episode, Timmy is out again so the classic duo of James and Bob cover this week's news. This week's news includes some changes to VelciCoaster's operations, some drama in Mack Rides, and a new coaster that looks familiar... In the second half Bob and James discuss the Friedman Doctrine and how it relates to the theme park industry. This episode is a fun one so make sure to enjoy! Show Notes: Mack Rides Social Media /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25758549

Episode #190: What to Talk About...? 01/22/2023

Episode #190: What to Talk About...? Such a wacky episode of Coaster Talk ahead! The first half is the same as per the uge, but what's in store for the second? WE DON'T KNOW! That's right, the second half was miscellaneous discussion on everything roller coasters and anywhere between! It was good fun, so where ever you're listening at sit back and enjoy yet another fun episode of the show. Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25683717

Episode #189: New Year, Same Us! 01/15/2023

Episode #189: New Year, Same Us! Welcome back to a new episode of Coaster Talk Podcast! On this week’s show, there is a TON of news that we have to cover, seeing that we missed almost a month’s worth of news! During the second half of the show, James and Timmy talk about their latest trip, which was to Texas, trip reports included! We hope that you guys enjoy this show as much as we enjoyed recording it, this was a fun one! SHOW NOTES: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25693578

Episode #188: Discord, Where is the News? 12/18/2022

Episode #188: Discord, Where is the News? Discord tried to withhold the news from us this week, dont worry Bob and James got you covered. Despite Timmy running out this week, listen in as the two discuss Universal going through massive changes, rides opening (and closing), and Carowinds falling apart. There's a lot to unpack; buckle up and enjoy the ride! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25376778

Episode #187: The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives... Might be a Big Lie 12/12/2022

Episode #187: The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives... Might be a Big Lie A HUGE THANKS TO THOOSIE MOB FOR LETTING US USE THEIR SONG IN THIS WEEK'S SHOW! WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO In this week's episode, the three guys talk about some news coming out of Universal Studios Orlando, a coaster element in someone's backyard, some news about Cedar Fair parks, and other exciting news stories! In the second half, James and Timmy discuss their experience with the Holiwood Nights ticket system, and Bob joins the discussion and hypothesizes some other ways that ticketing can be done. This show is a great one, with a fun mid-roll song, so make sure to give this week's episode a listen! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25251312

Episode #186: Bob's Here, Bob's Out, Bob's Back 12/05/2022

Episode #186: Bob's Here, Bob's Out, Bob's Back In this week's episode, there is a ton of news to cover, with topics such as an update from the Orlando FreeFall accident, Bob Iger returning to Disney as CEO, and some new attractions that have been announced in this past week! In the second half of the show, the drama is covered that has occurred within the last two weeks, including some that Bob got into on Twitter! Make sure to grab a snack and sit back and enjoy this week's episode! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25150164

Episode #185: The Cheese Stands Alone 11/21/2022

Episode #185: The Cheese Stands Alone Wowza, IAAPA sure didn't provide much news, but it sure did produce a whole lotta ride vechicals! Listen in to the first half where we (back to James & Bob minus Tim this week) discuss the surprisingly lack of content from the trade show in Orlando, instead focusing on news from an array of other sources. Then, IAAPA does take a spotlight for the second half, but in an uncoventional way. It seems the biggest things happening at the Expo this year was train reveals. And while some rocked, others weren't so 'gouda'. Show Notes: Front Car/Ride Vehicle Reveals /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/25037919

Episode #184: Here Comes...Zamperla? 11/14/2022

Episode #184: Here Comes...Zamperla? Completely out of left feild to most, Zamperla will be assembling/refurbishing the new Intamin (aka a relocated accelerator) at PNE Playland. While that is already odd enough, this plays into an even more curious rumor the guys will talk at large about this week. So much more fun to listen to aswell this week...sit back and enjoy. Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24964740

Episode #183: Outside the Magic! 11/07/2022

Episode #183: Outside the Magic! In this week's episode, James and Timmy torment Bob with a soundboard, so be prepared to be tormented as well with the same four sounds throughout the show! This week's news includes a brand new RMC, a brand new park, and some news coming out of Universal Studios Orlando. In the second half of the show, the guys talk about a certain online public, which has quite ridiculous articles most of the time. This week's show is quite funny, especially with the soundboard fun, so sit back and enjoy this week's show! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24890694

Episode #182: The Topics Derailed 10/31/2022

Episode #182: The Topics Derailed James, Timmy, and Bob discuss the weekly news in the amusement park industry. This include a train derailing at Silver Dollar City, a new model from Intamin, and some news coming out of Joyland. In the second half of the show, they finish up the argument that caused last week's poll and talk about favorite surprises on rides in the spirit of Halloween (though they do *derail* a bit). This week is another fun one, so enjoy the show! Show Notes: - - - /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24825465

Episode #181: Marathoning, it Depends... 10/26/2022

Episode #181: Marathoning, it Depends... The three amigos are here to talk about the week's latest news including a new coaster to Sea World Orlando, a funny interview with the new CEO of Six Flags, and Sea World marketing being Sea World marketing yet again. The second half of the show really steps the humor up a notch with the conversation turning to attendance at this year's haunt events and what constitutes a marathon. This show is quite an entertaining one so sit back, grab something to drink, and enjoy this week's show! Show Notes: - and announce year-round operation. announces the fall season for 2023 Multiple Cedar Fair parks are being sponsored by Progressive insurance: , , and /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24801459

Episode #180: Coming to You Live from Florida! 10/19/2022

Episode #180: Coming to You Live from Florida! In this week's special episode, James and Timmy come to you live from Florida's best haunts! These include Busch Gardens Tampa, SeaWorld Orlando, and of course Halloween Horror Nights! Hopefully, you have as much fun listening as we did on the trip, so sit back and enjoy this week's episode! /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24711798

Episode #179: Pimp My Magnum 10/17/2022

Episode #179: Pimp My Magnum On this week's episode, the three hosts talk about this week's happenings in the amusement park industry such as an update about the Orlando Free Fall drop tower, an Intamin prefab receiving actual care and maintenance, and a possible new coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. In the second half of the show, the hosts forage through some funny yelp reviews, and there are some quite entertaining ones! Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy this week's episode. Show Notes: / / / /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24620757

Episode #178: "I Want to See Their Feces!" 10/03/2022

Episode #178: "I Want to See Their Feces!" In this week's show, the three amigos talk about the impact of Hurricane Ian on Orlando, some new SeaWorld coasters, and much more! There's a lot of news that has happened over the past week so we're here to help you catch up on all the events that have occurred. In the second half of the show, we play RCDB roulette, which is always a fun time! So sit down, relax, and enjoy this week's episode! Show Notes: /episode/index/show/coastertalkpodcast/id/24537933

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