Episodes
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Episode 23 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features John Thurston. John Thurston is the author of Carnie King, a history of Patty Conklin and Conklin Shows. Hear the story of how a German immigrant, Joe Renker, landed in new Jersey and became the King of Canadian Carnivals. If you have not already, be sure to check out John's book, The Carnie King, on Amazon!
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Episode 22 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Jessica Underberg. Jessica is the CEO of the Erie County Fair in New York, one of the two largest county faisr in the nation, according to Carnival Warehouse’s annual Top 50 Fairs list. She grew up showing animals at the fair and later began working for the event, moving her way up to CEO. Hear how Underberg navigated the fair through some very difficult Pandemic times and see what she has in store for the event in the future.
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Missing episodes?
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Episode 21 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Avery Wheelock. Avery is the owner of Worldwide Safety Group, one of the largest safety consulting firms in the amusement industry. Avery got his start in the business on his family’s carnival and later branched out into the safety field. Hear Avery’s observations and tips and make sure you catch his safety column in Amusement Warehouse Magazine.
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Episode 20 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Mike Featherston. Mike is the owner of Gold Star Amusements and Gold Star Manufacturing. His carnival is in its 6th generation in the business, started by John and Carl Flank in the 1940s and later becoming Jack Thompson Shows. Featherston moved into the ride manufacturing and refurbishment business as well, producing Puppy Roll spin rides in the former Sellner Manufacturing plant and working to restore used equipment for his show and others.
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Episode 19 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Marla Calico. Marla is the retiring President and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). She has spent her career in the fair business as manager and later as the association’s top executive. At the IAFE, she created professional training for members, provided continuing education and navigated the organization through a global pandemic. Hear what she has accomplished and where she hopes the industry will go in the future.
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Episode 18 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features C.M. (Chris) Christ, former owner alone side his partner, Ward Hall, of the World of Wonders Sideshow. Chris tells us about his journey in the side show business and how the art has all but disappeared from the entertainment industry.
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Episode 17 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Danny Huston. Danny Huston is owner of North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the largest carnival company in North America. Danny talks about his journey from a small town in Indiana, working hard to make some extra money to his buying and operating one of the largest entertainment companies in the country.
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Episode 16 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Joel Golder of Palace Playland Amusement Park. Joel and his family operate Palace Playland, the only beach front amusement park in New England. Hear about how he came to purchase the park, his new coaster acquisition and plans for the future.
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Episode 15 of The Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Michael Coleman, the National Sales Manager for Zamperla USA. Michael has been involved in some of the biggest ride deals for amusement parks, FECs, and some carnivals. Hear about Zamperla's transition from a large kiddie ride manufacturer to a manufacturer of high end roller coasters and thrill rides.
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Episode 14 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Matt Wallsmith. Matt leads the South Florida Fair after serving many years as the organization's CFO. Learn what he has in store for the fair during his tenure and why he is the King of South Florida's Halloween scene.
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Episode 13 of Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Seth Jennings of Integrity Express Logistics. From his base in Tampa, FL he coordinates the moves of carnivals and vendors in the amusement industry. Learn what it takes to coordinate these big moves and how he sleeps on weekend with all that equipment moving down the road.
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Episode 12 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Jared Davis, President of Wisdom Rides of America. Davis’ family is responsible for bringing us some of the most iconic amusement rides like the Gravitron and its family of kiddie roller coasters. Jared purchased the company just before the pandemic, tune in to hear him explain how he has navigated the company through difficult challenges and what's in store for the future.
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Episode 11 of Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Steve Ianni, owner of Ianni Concessions. Steve has an extensive history in the carnival industry and recently in the amusement park business, mostly in the game arena. Steve, coming from a high ranking military family decided to join the amusement industry and he has made his mark with several shows and fairs over the years.
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Bob is the former leader of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) where he helped lead the organization into the modern era. Bob has an extensive amusement park background, working with Six Flags and he took some of that industry knowledge to the carnival industry when he joined the OABA. Bob has some great stories and insights -- don't miss this episode of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast!
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Doc is the curator of the Museum of the American Carnival in Gibsonton, FL. Doc has helped to create a first class attraction for carnival enthusiasts and historian and his knowledge of the history of the industry makes for interesting listening
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Episode 8 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Bobby McLamb of Artists & Attractions. Artists & Attractions is one of the largest full service entertainment management companies and agencies in the industry, specializing in quality entertainment for concerts, fairs, festivals, casinos, performing arts centers and and special events of all types. In this episode, Ron and Bobby discuss current entertainment trends in the fair industry.
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Tommy Coffing knows everyone in the mobile amusement business . If you want to know trends on rides used and new, what is going on with different carnival operators or manufacturers, Tommy is the man to know. In this episode we learn about Tommy's introduction to the business, his work with Conklin Shows and what trends he sees in the industry. Tommy has many stories and anecdotes which makes for a great Podcast!
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Danny Aguilar is the new manager of the Delaware State Fair after many years in the assistant role. Learn his approach to marketing the fair. Hear about his entertainment selections and why they matter and go behind the scenes to learn how they were the first state fair in the nation to open during the Pandemic.
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Our fifth podcast is with Frank Zaitshik, owner of Wade Shows, one of North America's largest traveling carnivals. Ranking #3 on the CarnivalWarehouse.com list of Carnivals Playing the Top 50 Fairs in 2024, through Frank's leadership, Wade Shows services many large events throughout the US including the New York State Fair, Oklahoma State Fair, Missouri State Fair, Florida State Fair, South Florida Fair, and many more.
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In Episode #4 of Amusement Warehouse Podcast, we will talk with Corky and Debbie Powers about their purchase and refurbishment of Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, SC and their plans for the park moving forward. The couple has invested lots of time and money into the venture and their plans for the future, including a new name for the park.
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