The Coaster101 Podcast

This week we embarrass ourselves by revealing our biggest theme park blind spots. This includes both parks that we really should have visited by now but haven't as well as specific coasters we haven't checked off yet (for one reason or another).

Let us know what your biggest amusement industry blind spots are, or tell us how ashamed of us you are! Email podcast@coaster101.com, or find us on social media @Coaster101...

This week on the Coaster101 podcast, we're joined by Jefferson Richardson of Kentucky Kingdom and Chris Foshee of Worlds of Fun, two of the most prolific theme park tweeters in the game. Learn more about how they got their starts in the industry, what goes through their mind when creating content like the world's first Strata Waterslide or a video completely comprised of Stock Video footage to sell a theme park, and their upcoming (we think?) rap album...

This week on the Coaster101 Podcast we kickoff what we hope will be an ongoing series featuring close looks at the home parks of the Coaster101 team. We're starting with our resident Carowinds expert, Andrew Stilwell. We get into a bit of Carowinds history, as well as Andrew favorite rides, favorite foods, and tips for first time visitors...

This week Andrew and Eric are joined by Coaster101 founder John Stevenson. While our normal hosts have been stuck in lockdown and haven't been to any parks this summer, John's been to a bunch! So he's joining us to recap his visits to Dollywood, Kings Island, Kentucky Kingdom, and Six Flags St. Louis. We get some comparison of the parks safety procedures and crowds, and get into some ride talk (so it's not all bad)...

This week Andrew, Shane, and Eric are chatting defunct coasters. For all kinds of reasons roller coasters get closed down. Sometimes that's tragic, sometimes that's great, and sometimes we don't care at all. We talk about coasters we miss, coasters we wish we'd had a chance to ride, and coasters that we don't miss at all (or wouldn't mind seeing get removed).

Send your feedback to and ask us questions at podcast@coaster101...

With the pandemic keeping us from riding rides, we've been writing a lot about roller coaster history on the website. This week on the podcast, we dive into our recent list of the oldest roller coasters in every state (https://c101.co/2FzjNFb), and talk about some of our favorite rides from our list of the best operating roller coasters over 50 years old (https://c101.co/311oW0G).

Send any feedback to and ask us questions at podcast@coaster101...

This week, we’re talking about one of America’s most unique themed destinations, Give Kids The World. Andrew is joined by GKTW President Pamela Landwirth and Director of Development Steven Amos to learn more about the history of the Village, how they’re operating in times of COVID-19, and how we can all support GKTW through their annual “Coasting For Kids” event. For more information about Give Kids The World, be sure to visit their website at www.gktw.org...

This week we shift from discussing rides to our other favorite thing at theme parks: FOOD! We discuss both some theme park restaurant mash-ups we'd love to see, as well as our Mount Rushmores of theme park restaurants and dishes.

Let us know your favorite theme park eats at podcast@coaster101.com, or find us on social media @Coaster101. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode!

Thanks to JM Music Designs for providing our music...

This week we're finally off the topic of coronavirus and park re-openings, and instead we're just chatting roller coasters. Eric, Andrew, and Shane get into a lengthy discussion about coasters that we think are overrated and underrated...

This week Kyle is back on the show to talk about his visit to Kennywood for their re-opening, with thoughts on their new Dark Ride, Old Mill, and Jack Rabbit at 100 years old.

You can find more on the Old Mill at Coaster101.com, and find us on all social media platforms @Coaster101. Send any podcast feedback to podcast@coaster101.com, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode!

Thanks to JM Music Designs for providing our music...