Podcasts by ACE - Ride With Us

Hersheypark’s Comet, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and Illuminated Integration from 2023-12-09T17:58:45

IAAPA Expo 2023 was a whirlwind of activity for your podcast team. From setting up the ACE booth before the show began to doing interviews with anyone and everyone we could, we were on the show ...

Legacy of Schwarzkopf – Documentary Team Highlights from 2023-12-01T17:27:42

Legacy of Schwarzkopf – Documentary Team Highlights

Fellow ACE members and documentarians Robert Ingle, Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, and Scott Schaffer are currently filming the...

IAAPA Expo 2023: The Final Day and Expo Recap (featuring Storyland Studios and RMC) from 2023-11-25T17:04:57

The ACE Ride With Us Podcast team had a busy week at the IAAPA Expo. We’ve had a great time walking the show floor, meeting theme park industry partners and spending time together. Bringing our ...

IAAPA Expo 2023: Days 2 and 3 – More Updates from the Show Floor from 2023-11-17T15:15:18

Join our host Jessica Gardner as she recaps Days 2 and 3 of the exciting IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando, Florida, with guest co-hosts Doug Perry, ACE’s Social Media Manager, and Corey Wooten, our podca...

IAAPA Expo 2023: Day 1 - Coaster Train Reveals, Announcements and Excitement from 2023-11-15T12:01:25

As many seasonal parks begin their winter hibernation, the theme park community is keeping busy this month with the IAAPA* Expo in Orlando.  Most members of our intrepid podcast team will be at ...

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 with Jo Pools from 2023-11-11T20:19:49

As our podcast team prepares to head to Orlando for the IAAPA Expo, co-host John Davidson took a moment to look back on the IAAPA Europe Expo in Amsterdam that took place this September.

...

First Drop: Gotham City Escape, Toutatis and Primordial from 2023-11-03T15:41:11

A chill is in the air these days and many beloved seasonal theme parks are now closed for the season. While we’re hunkering down for the winter, it’s a good time to remember some new rides that ...

Steel Yourself: Iron Menace is Coming to Dorney Park from 2023-10-28T12:00

Coaster enthusiasts may know Dorney Park as a charming trolley park that grew from a salmon hatchery in the 1860’s into a park, then into a theme park. Today, it’s known as the home of historic ...

Phoenix Phall Phunfest&November Events Rundown from 2023-10-21T16:43:03

This week’s episode covers two important topics: the Phoenix Phall Phunfest at Knoebels Amusement Park and the ACE Events Rundown for November 2023. 

The first segment has co-host John Da...

Recapping the 2023 ACE Fall Conference from 2023-10-14T17:58:32

Over 200 ACE members from around the world gathered in Utah for the 2023 ACE Fall Conference.

The group first visited Lagoon Park (We talked about Lagoon Park in a

This ...

Coaster Con 45 - Part 3: The Final Loop and ACE Event Rundown for July 2023 from 2023-06-29T16:22:10

Can you believe it? We're in the heart of theme park season and Coaster Con 45 is now just a memory! Join us as we revisit the unforgettable thrills of this grand event one last time.

Fee...

Coaster Con 45 - Part 2: Live From Carowinds from 2023-06-26T15:39:14

Coaster Con 45 - Part 2: Live from Carowinds

Coaster Con 45 has finally drawn to an exhilarating close! Our dynamic co-host, Jessica Gardner, along with the vibrant "Ride With Us" podcast...

Coaster Con 45 - Part 1: Live from Dollywood from 2023-06-21T00:00:05

Coaster Con 45 - Part 1: Live from Dollywood

The week we've all been eagerly anticipating is finally here – it's time for Coaster Con 2023!

Our radiant co-host, Jessica Gardner (al...

It Takes a Village... or Two! Give Kids The World Village and Knott’s Fiesta Village from 2023-06-20T13:27:18

It Takes a Village... or Two!

In this week's episode, we explore the profound truth behind the saying, "it takes a village," as we journey to two exceptional and unique villages!

W...

The First Drop: Opening the Season with Pipeline, Big Bear Mountain, and DarKoaster from 2023-06-06T11:19:39

As the weather warms up and parks and water parks open for the season, we're thrilled to share three (3) exciting new attractions at several parks. Get ready for a wave of thrills with Pipeline:...

Lone Star Coasterthon and ACE Event Rundown for June 2023 from 2023-05-26T18:23:59

In this week's episode, our podcast co-host, Jessica Gardner, sits down with ACE member and volunteer Rachel Hawkins (@rachello26) to chat about th...

R is for Roller Coaster: An ABC Guide for Future Thrill Seekers from 2023-05-19T21:18:31

About the Episode

Join us for an exciting discussion as author and ACE member, Aimee Carver, joins our co-host Jessica Gardner. Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of coasters with Aimee'...

[Minicast] Countdown to Coaster Con 45: Behind the Scenes at Carowinds from 2023-05-11T15:25:27

Join us for a thrilling episode as our podcast project manager, Corey Wooten, broadcasts from his home park, Carowinds!

He sits down with Carowinds' Director of Communications, Courtney W...

The Art and Science of Coaster Construction from 2023-05-04T16:30:25

Constructing a new roller coaster is no small feat, and the anticipation surrounding the arrival of each new coaster often leads to extensive tracking and speculation on social media in the week...

What to Expect at Coaster Con 45: Essential Advice from ACE’s Events Director from 2023-04-27T16:07:35

Ride With Us: Episode 75 

The moment many ACE members have been waiting for has arrived! Listen

Brake Run Helix with Artist EJ Hill from 2023-04-06T12:00

More elusive than the credit for the kiddie coaster at your local theme park is EJ Hill’s art installation Brava! which is part of a larger art installation called Brake Run Helix at MASS MoCA. ...

[Minicast] Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Scream Break from 2023-04-01T09:00

It’s no secret that Halloween Haunt events are a big draw for theme park visitors. As the darkness falls over the parks, many eager scare-ready visitors pass through the gates and into the Haunt...

The First Drop: TRON: Lightcycle/Run, Mission Ferrari and Aquaman: Power Wave from 2023-03-23T12:00

With construction finished or nearing completion on so many long-anticipated new coasters, our roving band of reporters are out in the field and around the world, riding these new attractions an...

Eastcoaster and ACE Event Rundown for April 2023 from 2023-03-16T12:00

Finally! The park gates are about to open for the first time and a world of park adventures are about to begin anew. Before that first drop, we’ll take a minute to cover a recent off-season ACE ...

Spring Theme Park Offerings 2023 from 2023-03-09T12:00

This year, more theme parks than ever have stayed open year-round.  Kings Dominion, Carowinds, California’s Great America and other regional parks have offered new-this-year limited hours throug...

Melanin Coaster Network from 2023-03-02T16:33:28

If you haven’t heard of the Melanin Coaster Network yet, here’s your chance!  This group was founded in February 2022 as a way for coaster enthusiasts of color to come together and share their p...

ACE Europe with Jo Pools and ACE Event Rundown for March 2023 from 2023-02-24T19:48:24

ACE may stand for American Coaster Enthusiasts but we’re actually worldwide! ACE Europe is growing rapidly; learn more about the European coaster-riding scene and the upcoming Viking Tour from A...

Creating A Photographic Journey of Kings Island from 2023-02-16T12:00

In this episode, co-host John does a deep dive with Barry Hill and Kings Island superfan John Keeter from Rivershore Creative about creating Kings Island: a Photographic Journey. Kings Island op...

The First Drop: Prairie Screamer, Defiance, and Super Nintendo World from 2023-02-09T12:00

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground!  From California to Colorado and Texas, the First Drop: Part Two looks at a new coaster, a relocated coaster and a brand new themed land.

ACE Content Rundown from 2023-02-02T12:00

ACE members, your membership includes access to a wide variety of amazing content!  In this episode, we discuss some of the many ways ACE volunteers work to bring that content to you and how you...

No Coaster Con and ACE Event Rundown for February 2023 from 2023-01-26T12:00

Winter and the off season for many parks may be upon us but the ACE events continue throughout the year.  Join us for a rundown of John’s visit to No Coaster Con, which was held on January 14, 2...

Building a Backyard Coaster from 2023-01-19T12:00

In this episode of the ACE Ride with Us podcast, we had the opportunity to talk to two coaster enthusiasts who took on an awesome task – building roller coasters in their backyards!

First...

Brake run chat with ACE President Elizabeth Ringas from 2023-01-12T12:00

Join us for a brake run chat with ACE President Elizabeth Ringas. 2023 marks ACE’s 45th year and Elizabeth has lot of plans for the organization's future.  

In this episode, Jessica and E...

Moving a Coaster with Steve Thomas from 2023-01-05T12:00

In this episode, we meet with with Steve Thomas, Amusement Park Director at Traders Village in Grand Prairie, TX.  Traders Village saved the Prairie Screamer roller coaster when the Scandia Amus...

Holiday 2022 Event Rundown from 2022-12-29T12:00

Welcome to the ACE Ride With Us holiday rundown.  

In this episode, we discuss upcoming ACE events, cover the many holiday events that co-hosts John and Jessica attended, share deals on s...

Print My Ride from 2022-12-15T12:00

In this episode, we meet coaster enthusiast, artist and entrepreneur Matthew Schmotzer.  He joins host John Davidson to introduce our listeners to Print My Ride Detroit, which creates some impre...

IAAPA Expo 2022 Show Floor Day 4 from 2022-11-18T20:11

In this episode, we review Day 4, the final day of the IAAPA Expo 2022 and have a conversation with ACE President Elizabeth Ringas.  

We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and though...

IAAPA Expo 2022 Show Floor Day 3 from 2022-11-17T20:10

In this episode, we review Day 3 on the IAPPA Expo 2022 show floor.

We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast: podc...

IAAPA Expo 2022 Show Floor Day 2 from 2022-11-16T23:01:22

In this episode, we review Day 2 of the IAAPA Expo 2022.

We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast: podcast@aceonli...

IAAPA Expo 2022 Show Floor Day 1 from 2022-11-15T22:02:09

In this episode, Jessica and John review their first day on the IAAPA Expo 2022 show floor. 

We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast: Indiana Beach for the weeke...

Happy Halloween from 2022-10-31T02:00

Welcome to the ACE Ride with Us Happy Halloween Podcast

In this episode, Jessica and John review the parks they visited during the 2022 Halloween season.

You can review all of the ...

COTALAND with Matt Hughey from 2022-09-29T12:00

Today, we have Matt Hughey to get the latest details on COTALAND.

In this episode we talk about: [01:30] What is Circuits of America? https://c...

Halloween is already HERE from 2022-09-22T12:00

Welcome to the comprehensive ACE Ride with Us Podcast Halloween episode, where we meet with the Cedar Fair Tricks and Treats creative team, learn about Hersheypark Dark Nights and have some High...

Just John from 2022-08-25T19:00

Welcome to the August 2022 ACE Ride with Us Minicast, where get to know our new co-host John Davidson.

ACE Members : find John on the ACE Discord server @ParksWithPoints

Thanks aga...

Just Jessica from 2022-08-11T12:00

Welcome to the August 2022 ACE Ride with Us Minicast, where get to know our new co-host Jessica Gardner.

[0:40] ACE origin story

[2:62]The Theme Parkettes

Podcast Listen

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind strategies&SeaWorld Interview from 2022-05-21T00:24

Join Kris and his co-hosts for this month, Jessica Gardner and John Davidson as they discuss the best ways to guarantee a ride on the soft-opened Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster a...

Ep. 34 - (Minicast) Interview with John Moore from 2022-05-05T07:00

On this month's minicast, we sit down with ACE member John Moore, who speaks about his experience discovering the coaster community and how he follows his passion for coasters despite the challe...

Ep. 33 - New Coasters, Backyard Coasters&Coaster Con! from 2022-04-22T09:03:01

This month, we talk about the new attractions opening up across the country and sit down with Sean LaRochelle and Will Pemble, two backyard coaster creators to discuss their latest collaboration...

Ep. 32 - (Minicast) Interview with Amber Lightbody, ACE Southwest Regional Rep from 2022-04-08T06:30

On this month's minicast, we sit down with ACE Southwest's Regional Rep, Amber Lightbody who talks about the importance of volunteering and what drives per passion for coasters. 

Ep.31 - RIP Blue Streak and Interview with Don Helbig of Kings Island from 2022-03-18T11:49:57

This month, we sit down with Kings Island's Don Helbig, who talks about major updates to the park during the off-season, and what fans can expect from a re-profiled Beast. 

Plus, we'll ha...

Ep. 30 - (Minicast) Fireside Chat with ACE President, Robert Ulrich from 2022-03-10T05:30

In this month's minicast, we sit down for a "fireside chat" with ACE's President, Robert Ulrich. Learn about what's coming up for ACE as well as how you can help get more involved!

Ep. 29 - (Minicast) Interview with Endless Surf’s Anthony Marinakis from 2022-02-10T05:00

On this month's minicast, Podcast Team Member John Davidson (of ACE Great Lakes Region) sits down with Anthony Marinakis, Creative Director and Lead Venue Designer at Endless Surf. Now you might...

Ep. 28 - Roller Coasters are Good for your Health from 2022-01-13T05:00

This month, we sit down with Dr. David Lewis, a Psychologist from Great Britain, who gives us the health benefits of riding coasters, including superhuman strength?!? We'll also chat about the n...

Ep. 27 - Holiday Events and Interview with Anthony Schwartz from 2021-12-25T00:30

This month, ACE Southern California Regional Rep. Derek Perry joins us to talk about holiday events at parks. Plus, we sit down with Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver, Anthony Schwartz who shares h...

Ep. 26 - IAAPA Expo and an Interview with WGN‘s Marcus Leshock from 2021-11-18T06:00

It's finally IAAPA Week! Tens of thousands of industry professionals have descended on Orlando for the biggest trade show in the amusement industry. Kris and Elizabeth discuss the show and some ...

Ep. 25 - Spooky Season and an Interview with Jeffrey Siebert of Six Flags Fiesta Texas! from 2021-10-15T06:59

On this month's episode, we sit down with Park President of Six Flags Fiesta Texas (and long-time ACE friend) Jeffrey Siebert to talk about his new B&M dive coaster coming in 2022, as well as why t...

Ep. 24 - New Ride Announcements and Golden Ticket Award Results! from 2021-09-28T07:00

On this month's episode, we have ACE Communications Director, Elizabeth Ringas sit in to discuss all of the newly announced attractions coming in 2021. We'll also sit down with Amusement Today's Ti...

Ep. 23 - (Minicast) Looking Back at Coaster Con 43 from 2021-08-16T05:00

For this month's minicast, let's listen in as ACE Member and Podcast Producer, Bryant Yeager takes us back to June and the epic event that was Coaster Con 43. Enjoy!

Ep. 22 - Coaster Con Recap and Guy Nelson of Dynamic Attraction Group from 2021-08-02T06:00

Coaster Con has officially come and gone, so Clint and Kris take a few minutes to look back at the event, plus look forward to many others coming up real soon in the event rundown!

Plus, ...

Ep. 21 - Coaster Con and the Crider Family from 2021-06-01T06:00

Clint and Kris get pumped for Coaster Con, discuss Give Kids the World and the upcoming ACE Elections. Plus, Andrew sits down with the Crider Family to discuss their love of the thrill. 

...

Ep. 20 - (Minicast) Coaster Potpourri from 2021-04-21T06:00

Clint and Kris sit down to discuss some of their thoughts on all of the new attractions scheduled to open this year! Which one do you think will be your favorite? 

Got a podcast idea or t...

Ep. 19 - The A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Challenge! from 2021-03-24T09:35:38

Do you think you're an expert in industry acronyms? Put your knowledge to the test as you play along with Kris and Clint! Plus, we’ll learn about Bowling Green State University’s Theme Park Managem...

Ep. 18 (Minicast) Coaster Family: The Tilsley's from 2021-02-16T21:47:32

Join us for this minicast as we sit down with ACE member Chris Tilsley, who talks about how he and his wife share their love of thrill rides while they manage all that travel with their children...

Ep. 17 - "Class Action Park" documentary from 2021-02-02T13:19:46

This month, Andrew sits down with the director / producer of "Class Action Park," Seth Porges, to hear about why they made the film. Plus, Clint and Kris discuss some of the more legendary stori...

Ep. 16 - (Minicast) Meet Your ACE Executive Committee: Treasurer, Cheri Armstrong from 2021-01-05T11:13:33

This episode, we sit down with ACE's Treasurer, Cheri Armstrong as she talks about what it takes to keep our organization running smoothly. Plus, we learn about all the other facets of ACE that ...

Ep. 15 - Coasters and the Holidays; Interview with Dan Leavelle (Midway Mayhem) and Sarah Anderson (G-Force) from 2020-12-14T05:00

The holidays are upon us and what better way to put aside the year that was with some great theme-park related trips and gifts! Plus, we sit down with Dan Leavelle of Midway Mayhem and Sarah Anders...

Ep. 14 - (Minicast) Coasters Run in the Family - The Zachary's from 2020-11-18T11:27:02

Andrew Locke sits down with the Zachary Family to talk about how they became roller coaster enthusiasts as well as how their love of thrill rides has brought them closer together.

Ep. 13 - (Minicast) Meet Your ACE Executive Committee: Communications Director, Elizabeth Ringas from 2020-11-02T05:00

We sit down with ACE Communications Director, Elizabeth Ringas to chat about her journey in ACE, why the organization needs a communications position and what she loves most about volunteering!<...

Ep. 13 - (Minicast) Meet Your ACE Executive Committee: Communications Director, Elizabeth Ringas from 2020-11-02T05:00

We sit down with ACE Communications Director, Elizabeth Ringas to chat about her journey in ACE, why the organization needs a communications position and what she loves most about volunteering!

Ep. 12 - Spooky Season and Parks During a Pandemic from 2020-10-19T06:00

So is Spooky Season completely canceled or just modified where you live? Plus, we'll hear from ACE Member, Bryant Yeager, who gives us his trip report from his home park, Six Flags Over Texas, d...

Ep. 11 - (Minicast) Meet Your ACE Executive Committee: President Robert Ulrich from 2020-09-22T13:56:21

We sit down with ACE President, Robert Ulrich to discuss how he found the club, how much work goes into serving as the leader of the largest non-profit enthusiast organization in the world (a LO...

Ep. 11 - (Minicast) Meet Your ACE Executive Committee: President Robert Ulrich from 2020-09-22T12:56:21

We sit down with ACE President, Robert Ulrich to discuss how he found the club, how much work goes into serving as the leader of the largest non-profit enthusiast organization in the world (a LO...

Ep. 10 - (Minicast) Which parks manage their lines the best? from 2020-08-31T06:00

It's our first mini-cast! Clint & Kris discuss the scourge of all roller coaster fans: line jumpers! What's the worst experience they've ever had? What parks do the best at curbing these rule br...

Ep. 10 - (Minicast) Which parks manage their lines the best? from 2020-08-31T05:00

It's our first mini-cast! Clint & Kris discuss the scourge of all roller coaster fans: line jumpers! What's the worst experience they've ever had? What parks do the best at curbing these rule br...

Ep. 9 - A History of Indiana Beach and an Interview with Dollywood’s Pete Owens from 2020-08-10T17:00

In this month's episode, Clint & Kris recover from the insanity that was Coaster Con at Home. We'll also learn about the unique history of Indiana Beach as they re-open from the ashes.

Fi...

Ep. 8 - World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month, Coaster Family&Interview with Tom Rebbie of PTC from 2020-06-01T08:00

This month, we celebrate World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month - and the approach of Coaster Con at Home!

We'll hear about another of ACE's Coaster Families and we'll speak with the one...

Ep. 7 - Planning a Road Trip&Interview with IAAPA's Susan Storey from 2020-05-15T06:00

This month, as we continue to navigate these uncertain waters, we discuss ways to plan the perfect coaster road trip. Whether to fly or drive, hot or cold, bugs or cheerleaders?!? We break down ...

Ep. 6 - Passing Time while Sheltering-in-Place, plus ACE Event Updates from 2020-04-18T01:43

An unprecedented and historic shutdown of the amusement industry will be our only topic this month. COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the worldwide economy and on the places that bring us...

Ep. 5 - What's a Media Day? Plus a Coaster Family and Tom Zeliff of No Limits from 2020-03-02T23:24:05

Spring is nearly upon us, which means parks are slowly opening back up! 

This month, we'll dispel myths about media days; why they aren’t exactly ERT sessions and why ACE members...

Ep. 4 - Winter Off-Season&Ride Entertainment Interview from 2020-01-19T02:30:46

This month, we'll sit down with Adam Sandy and Mark Rosenzweig of Ride Entertainment. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to sell roller coasters for a living, this interview is a can't...

Ep. 3 - Coaster Gifts, plus Coaster Studios&Koaster Kids from 2019-12-20T01:04:21

Join us this month as we discuss the rise in holiday events at parks, sit down with Taylor Bybee of Coaster Studios and Logan Joiner of Koaster Kids to discuss why they started their online coas...

Ep. 2 - What is IAAPA? Plus Knoebels&why rides retire from 2019-11-12T10:49:09

In this episode, we discuss the IAAPA Expo - what it is and what it's not - and why it's become the biggest gathering of amusement industry professionals in the world.

Plus, we sit down w...

Ep. 1 - Welcome to our Podcast&RMC Interview from 2019-09-02T17:04:27

Welcome to the premiere episode of Ride With Us, the official podcast of the American Coaster Enthusiasts!

In this episode:

• Who is ACE and what will I hear in these podcasts?...
  Listen

Ride With Us - Preview Episode from 2019-08-28T21:09:23

Welcome to the preview of the ACE Ride With Us Podcast!  Join Clint and Kris as they introduce themselves and the future of this exciting new endeavor of the American Coaster Enthusiasts!