Episode 455: Walter Magnuson Talks About Legends and Lore, Steering the Passion, and Providing Reassurance
In this episode, Walter Magnuson, executive director of the Winchester Mystery House, shares the attraction’s rich history, from Sarah Winchester’s legendary nonstop construction to its evolution into a world‑renowned haunted tour. He draws on his Disney background to discuss how he steers his team’s passion, builds a caretaker culture, and creates guest experiences that balance lore with reassurance. Magnuson also highlights recent initiatives, such as new self‑guided paranormal tours, seasonal events, and partnerships with archives and entertainment groups. The conversation underscores the power of storytelling and leadership in preserving historic attractions while keeping them fresh for repeat visitors.
Episode 453 - Melissa Felder Talks About Purpose-Driven Organizations, People-Powered Experiences and Future of Cultural Attractions
In this episode, Melissa Felder, a veteran cultural‑attraction executive, discusses how purpose‑driven missions and people‑powered experiences elevate visitor satisfaction and loyalty. She traces her three‑chapter career—from consumer goods to tech startups to leading the California Academy of Sciences—highlighting how aligning...
Episode 452: Kathleen McDonough and Derek Williamson Talk About Recruitment Technology, Drawing a Line in the Sand with AI, and...
In Episode 452, co‑founders Kathleen McDonough and Derek Williamson of EverRecruiting discuss how hiring has become a numbers‑driven, inefficient process, especially in service‑focused industries where frontline managers are asked to use clunky recruiting software. They argue that the surge of...
Episode 451: Mike Whincup Talks About Modular Attractions, Profitability Through Efficiency and Trends in Inflataparks
In this episode, Mike Whincup, chief ride designer and marketing director at Galaxy MultiRides, discusses the company's modular attraction system, which lets operators swap themed inflatables on a single platform to keep venues fresh and cost‑effective. He explains how modularity...
Episode 449: Ben Thompson Talks About Story-Led Experiences, Connecting IP to Operators and Being a Lifelong Learner
Ben Thompson, CEO of Storyland Locations, discusses how storytelling underpins every aspect of his career—from his early love of narrative, through roles at Mars, Disney, and Merlin, to building story‑led attraction experiences that connect licensed IP with operators. He explains...
Episode 448: Marc Dixon Talks About Technology in Attractions, AI’s Purpose in the Industry, and Learning to Take Risks
In this episode, Marc Dixon, co‑founder and Managing Director of Study Academy USA, shares his unconventional career path from ride‑photo installations in the 1990s to senior roles at Kodak, Pixel, and various tech startups, highlighting how calculated risk‑taking propelled his...
Episode 447: Anthony Sabo Talks About Maintenance and Operations, Figuring Out the Nuts and Bolts, and Dad-Based Leadership
In Episode 447, VP Anthony Sabo of the Columbus Zoo shares his journey from teenage game attendant to maintenance manager, operations leader, and now senior executive, emphasizing the value of cross‑functional experience in rides and maintenance. He explains how his...
Episode 446: Elizabeth Lugo Talks About Tourism in Mexico, Creating a Culture of Learning and 18,000 Collaborators
In this episode, COO Elizabeth Lugo shares the 30‑year evolution of Grupo Xcaret from a modest 350‑person operation to a tourism powerhouse with 18,000 collaborators, eight parks, multiple hotels, zip‑line and water‑park attractions, and a fleet of ferries and yachts....
Episode 445: Kevin Williams About the Next Phase of Immersive Technology, Transmedia, and Embracing Your Audience
In this episode, former Disney Imagineer Kevin Williams discusses the evolution of immersive technology—from historic techniques like Pepper's Ghost to modern XR—and how it fuels the rise of transmedia experiences in location‑based entertainment. He highlights emerging trends such as competitive...
Episode 444: Marah Rodriguez Talks About Life’s Twists and Turns, Listening and Empathy, and Women in Leadership
In Episode 444, regional VP of sales Marah Rodriguez shares her winding career path—from lifeguard to water safety, a stint in HIV prevention with the Red Cross, and back into the attractions industry with Mobaro—highlighting how listening and empathy have...
Episode 443: David Contreras Talks About Architecture as Entertainment, Balancing Fantasy and Reality, and Developing Leaders
In this episode, David Contreras, COO and founder of Pistol Consortia, shares how his architectural practice blends entertainment design with the rigor of healthcare projects, emphasizing the emotional journey guests experience when entering a space. He discusses the challenges and...