The Themed Attraction Podcast

McGowan, Martin & Hill
  • 4.9 (76)
  • VISUAL ARTS

Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts.

  1. 11/16/2025

    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!

    2 min

  2. 09/18/2025

    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. 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!

    1h 6m

  3. 07/17/2025

    58: Johnny Davis

    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!

    1h 6m

  4. 07/03/2025

    57: Roger Tofte

    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!

    53 min

  5. 06/26/2025

    56: Patrick Kling

    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!

    1h 24m

  6. 05/24/2025

    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!

    1h 11m

  7. 04/24/2025

    54: Jeanette Lomboy

    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 commitment to authentic storytelling. And here’s the twist: we recorded this conversation live on the IAAPA Expo show floor—complete with 3D glasses and a massive 3D video screen! Join us for this one-of-a-kind, immersive interview as Jeanette shares behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights, and the magic behind the experiences that transport millions of guests to worlds beyond imagination. Connect with Jeanette on Instagram or shake hands with her 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!

    55 min

  8. 02/13/2025

    53: Chris Conte

    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 in Las Vegas. Chris’s unparalleled expertise and innovative approach to AV design and project development have set a gold standard in the industry. Connect with Chris and explore the cutting edge of audiovisual technology atelectrosonic.com and 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!

    1h 2m
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4.9
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts.

Information

  • Creator
    McGowan, Martin & Hill
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 Themedattraction.com / Storyland Studios
  • Show Website
    The Themed Attraction Podcast