Amusement Warehouse Podcast

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.

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 with every major carnival over the years, and Francesco Ferrari of Preston and Barbieri. From bumper cars...

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 the tile of Superintendent Emeritus and he still helps with the planning and set up of the show. Learn i...

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 originally uploaded but was corrected on 2/12/25.

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 ideas to the US carnival world. Hear from Guy about how the company came to be one of the leaders of t...

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 events and his plan for the future.

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.

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 business, Otterbacher Manufacturing. In this episode, Gary shares some amazing and entertaining stories...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 podcast with an IAAPA hall of fame inductee.

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 !

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 ve...

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 Magazi...

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...

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 t...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...