Amusement Warehouse Podcast
by Amusement Warehouse
Amusement Warehouse Podcast is the official podcast of AmusementWarehouse.com, CarnivalWareouse.com, and AmusementParkWarehouse.com. Each week we interview professionals from the amusement industry covering fairs, carnivals, concessions, history, and amusement parks. Tune in weekly or subscribe. You wont wan't to miss a single episode.
Episodes
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61 - Kirk Slaughter & Scott Munz, Oklahoma State Fair
Episode 61 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Kirk Slaughter and Scott Munz of the Oklahoma State Fair. Learn which one introduced Valerie Bertinelli to Eddie Van Halen and who was almost on the cover of a ZZ Top album! We also talk about the Oklahoma State Fair and all they have going…
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#60 - Andrea Wiesenmeyer, Colorado State Fair
Episode 60 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Andrea Wiesenmeyer, the new manager of the Colorado State Fair. Her journey went through Iowa, where she worked at the Clay County Fair to Idaho, where she worked at a smaller fair but learned the industry from the bottom up. Hear her plans…
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#59 - Adam Heffron, Ohio State Fair
Episode 59 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Adam Heffron, the General Manager of the Ohio State Fair. His father, Mike Heffron managed the Minnesota State Fair and Adam grew up on the fairgrounds there. Hear Adam’s thoughts on the fair industry and see how he will be spending one of…
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#58 - Kyle Robinson, Florida Strawberry Festival
Episode 58 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Kyle Robinson, leader of the team at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The Berry Fest is one of the US’s most unique events, combining agriculture, a full midway, entertainment and headline music entertainment, all run by a non-profit...
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#57 - Patrick Ball, York State Fair
Episode 57 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Patrick Ball, the new CEO of America’s oldest fair, the York State Fair in York, Pennsylvania. He comes to the fair with varied management and interim management background. Hear his thoughts on this American institution and how he balances...
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#56 - RC Cole, Cole Shows Amusement Company
Episode 56 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features RC Cole of Cole Shows Amusement Company. RC has built his company from a small operation with his father to the largest show in the State of Virginia. RC works in both rural and urban areas and he brings a unique perspective to operations...
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#55 - Stephen Shimp, Georgia National Fair
Episode 55 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Stephen Shimp, Executive Director of the Georgia National Fair. Stephen took the helm of one of the newest large events in the country and has overseen remarkable growth. The Georgia National Fair consistently ranks on CarnivalWarehouse.com’s...
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#54 - Darren Torr, Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC)
Episode 54 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Darren Torr, President of Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC). Darren Torr is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience across various industries, currently serving as President of Rocky Mountain Construction Group Inc since...
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#53 - Patty Sullivan, Eli Bridge Company
Episode 53 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Patty Sullivan of the Eli Bridge Company. The Sullivan name is synonymous with the Ferris Wheel from the early days of the industry to the present. Hear about Eli Bridge’s storied history and why they are still a force in the amusement…
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#52 - Paul Muller, O.A. Finance
Episode 52 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Paul Muller of O.A. Finance. Paul has spent years in the finance business, providing loans to prospective buyers and is also a Deacon in the Catholic Church and serves as a chaplain for the outdoor amusement business.
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#51 - Dr. Jay Aguilar, Chance Rides
Episode 51 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Dr. Jay Aguilar of Chance Rides. Jay goes over Chance’s history, their entry into the amusement business and expansion and their re-entry into the mobile amusement market.
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#50 - Michael Wood, Wood Entertainment
Episode 50 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Michael Wood of Wood Entertainment. Michael has a storied history in the carnival business. He has owned a carnival and operated as an independent ride operator for many years at some of the largest fairs in the US including the State Fair of...
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#49 - Kent Yelverton, North Carolina State Fair
Episode 49 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Kent Yelverton, the manager of the North Carolina State Fair. He grew up on a farm but received his degrees and professional experience in Engineering. He worked with the fair when it was under the direction of Wesley Wyatt and upon Wyatt’s...
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#48 - Harry Mason, Brass Ring Amusements
Episode 48 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features carnival owner Harry Mason. Harry is the owner of Brass Ring Amusements which is made up of two shows including Midway of Fun in California and Silver State Amusements in Nevada. He started with Butler Amusements after working with them on a...
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#47 - Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair
Episode 47 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Rebecca Clark, manager of the Illinois State Fair. From a journalism background, she now brings her unique perspective and skills to one of the US’s largest events. Under Rebecca's leadership, in 2024, the Illinois State Fair ranked #24 on...
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#46 - Lee Stevens, IISA Carnival Museum
Episode 46 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features carnival industry veteran, Lee Stevens. Lee is the new Executive Director of the IISA Carnival Museum in Gibsonton, Florida. Hear his plans to bring the museum to a wider audience and learn about his illustrious career in the circus business.
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#45 - Pete Downs, Waterloo Tent & Tarp
Episode 45 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Pete Downs, President of Waterloo Tent and Tarp, the largest manufacturer of canvas for the amusement industry. Pete’s designs revolutionized the industry and helped make it the entertaining, colorful world it is today.
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#44 - The Skerbeck Family
Episode 44 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features members of the Skerbeck Family, including Bill and Joe Skerbeck, and their mother Arlene Altenburg. Both families represent two Michigan based carnivals, Skerbeck Family Carnival and Skerbeck Entertainment Group. The Skerbeck family has deep...
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#43 - Rob Berk, Berk Concession Supplies
Episode 43 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Rob Berk, founder of Berk Concession Supplies. Berk Concession Supplies has changed the way we drink and eat at a fair or event. Replacing boring colorless cups with vibrant, themed alternatives, Berk has made buying a concession more fun for...
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#42 - Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair
Episode 42 features Jaime Parr, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair.
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#41 - Tony Sanders, Old Tucson Entertainment
Episode 41 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Tony Sanders, the General Manager of old Tuscan Entertainment. Old Tucson Entertainment owns Old Tucson Amusement Park, an amusement and movie studio just west of Tucson, Arizona. The park is unique in that it is a working film studio filled...
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#40 - Wayne Kunz, Century 21 Shows
Episode 40 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Wayne Kunz. Wayne has seen it all. Starting on his father’s Century 21 Shows, he played leading roles on Bluegrass Shows and North American Midway Entertainment. Wayne played the Seattle World’s Fair with his father’s Sky Wheel during a...
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#39 - Nate Janousek, Fun Biz Concessions
Episode 39 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Nate Janousek, co-owner of Fun Biz Concessions. Fun Biz provides food concessions at some of the countries top fairs including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, State Fair of Texas, Minnesota State Fair, The Cheyenne Frontier Days, and many...
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#38 - Nancy Smith, South Carolina State Fair General Manager
Episode 38 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Nancy Smith, General Manager of the South Carolina State Fair. Nancy worked her way through the ranks before becoming general manager at the retirement of her mentor, Gary Goodman. Hear about Nancy’s involvement in the industry and her plans...
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#37 - Greg Chiecko, Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)
Episode 37 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Greg Chiecko, the President and CEO of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), the largest trade organization for the carnival industry. Greg came from the fair side of the industry, and has been working with stakeholders to ensure…
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#36 - Bob Cassata, Bob's Space Racers (BSR)
Episode 36 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Bob Cassata, founder of amusement game builder, Bob's Space Racers (BSR). Hear how Bob took a garage project and turned it into the worlds leader of gaming for amusement parks, FECs and carnivals.
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#35 - Gibtown Special Part 2: Al Rosenberg, Johnny Doolan, & Francesco Ferrari
In episode 35 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast, we feature three interviews direct from the 2025 IISA Trade Show in Gibtown. Our second installment includes includes Al Rosenberg of Triangle Poster who has seen it all in the industry— Johnny Doolan an independent ride operator who has worked…
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#34 - Gibtown Special Edition #1: Tom Arnold, Phil Wilson & RD Thomas
Episode 34 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast is a special edition, recorded live from the IISA Trade Show in Gibtown. Our first edition features Tom Arnold, Phil Wilson and R.D. Thomas. Tom Arnold and his family have been a driving force behind the IISA and the trade show in general. Tom holds…
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#33 - Wayne Pierce, Adventure Law
Eposide 33 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Wayne Pierce of Adventure Law. Wayne has spent his career fighting for the amusement industry through legislation and legal actions. Wayne share his immense knowledge of the industry during this episode. Please note, the incorrecr audio was...
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#32 - Guy Leavitt, Ray Cammack Shows
Episode 32 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast welcomes Guy Leavitt. Guy, along with his wife Charlene, operate Ray Cammack Shows on the west coast, one of the top carnivals in the industry. RCS is known for its unique rides, amazing customer service programs, midway amenities, and introducing new...
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#31 - Jeremy Parsons, Iowa State Fair
Episode 31 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Jeremy Parsons of the Iowa State Fair, now in his second year as manager. It has been Jeremy’s lifelong dream to become the manager of this iconic event. Hear about his journey from fan to teacher to head of one of the nation’s most beloved...
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#30 - Danny Brown, Browns Amusements
Episode 30 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Danny Brown, owner of Brown's Amusements of Arizona. From his start as a concessionaire, Danny and his wife, Sherry, have grown the show into a powerhouse, playing Arizona, Utah, Colorado and several other states.
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#29 - Gary Otterbacher, Lifetime Products
Episode 29 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Gary Otterbacher, CEO of Lifetime Products, a leading bunkhouse manufacturer. Gary spent his life in the business, first working for his father’s carnival and then heading out on his own to start a premier food and game trailer manufacturing...
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#28 - 2024 Year in Review
In episode 28 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast, Ron Weber and Matt Cook, along with Amusement Warehouse writer Timothy Herrick, review review the events of 2024 and discuss where the industry is headed in 2025.
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#27 Jim Mills, Select Shows
Episode 27 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Jim Mills, owner and operator of Select Shows of Canada. They are one of the largest carnival in Central Canada, operating 2-3 units at a time. Learn about the show’s rich history and how they will be navigating the future.
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#26 - Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair
Episode 26 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair. In this episode, learn how Renee came to be the CEO of a legendary state fair, how she came to get there and what her plans are for the fair’s future.
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#25 - Jimmy Drew, Drew Exposition
Episode 25 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features veteran carnival owner, Jimmy Drew of the James H. Drew Exposition. Jimmy is a second generation showman who grew up in the industry and talks about his history in the business.
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#24 - Tim O'Brien, Amusement Industry Journalist & IAAPA Hall of Fame Inductee
Episode 24 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast features Tim O’Brien. Tim needs no introduction to those in the amusement industry. A long-time writer and editor for Amusement Business Magazine, Tim became the go to source for amusement parks throughout the country. Hear Tim’s stories in a great...
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#23 - John Thurston, Author of The Carnie King
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...
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#22 - Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair
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...
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#21 - Avery Wheelock, Worldwide Safety Group
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.…
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#20 - Mike Featherston, Gold Star Amusements
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...
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#19 - Marla Calico, President of the International Assoc. of Fairs & Events (IAFE)
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...
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#18 - CM (Chris) Christ - World of Wonders Amazement Sideshow
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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#17 - Danny Huston, North American Midway Entertainment (NAME)
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...
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#16 - Joel Golder, Palace Playland Amusement Park
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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#15 - Michael Coleman, Zamperla USA
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…
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#14 - Matt Wallsmith, South Florida Fair
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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#13 - Seth Jennings, Integrity Express Logistics
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...
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#12 - Jared Davis, Wisdom Rides of America
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...
About this show
Amusement Warehouse Podcast is the official podcast of AmusementWarehouse.com, CarnivalWareouse.com, and AmusementParkWarehouse.com. Each week we interview professionals from the amusement industry covering fairs, carnivals, concessions, history, and amusement parks. Tune in weekly or subscribe. You wont wan't to miss a single episode.
Hosted by
Amusement Warehouse