The Themed Attraction Podcast

<article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; background-color: inherit;" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="9108b3f3-e373-4b0c-9e38-7cd461e2356d" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> <p class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling" dir="auto">Join us in person at IAAPA Expo! We’re hosting a <b>Themed Attraction Podcast Meet &amp; Greet</b> and you’re invited.</p> <p class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling" dir="auto"><b>Wednesday, November 19, 2025<br /> 5:00 PM<br /> Electrosonic Booth #2069, IAAPA Expo Showfloor</b></p> <p class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling" dir="auto">Come say hello to <b>Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin, Barry Hill</b>, and <b>Nate Naversen.</b></p> <p class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling" dir="auto">We’ll be there to shake hands, swap stories, and connect with fellow theme park fans, makers, and industry pros.</p> <p class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling" dir="auto"><b>See you at the Electrosonic booth on Wednesday at 5pm!</b></p> </article>

<p dir="ltr">In this episode of <i>Themed Attraction Podcast</i>, Freddy and Mel sit down with Barbara Bouza, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering. Barbara shares her journey from architect to creative leader, reflecting on her time guiding Imagineering through the pandemic, collaborating with visionary leaders, and championing global perspectives in design. From <i>Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind</i> to <i>Tiana’s Bayou Adventure</i>, she opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and the lasting impact of people-first leadership in themed entertainment.</p> <div>Connect with Barbara on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bouzaarchitect/" data-outlook-id="f7bef8eb-4cd4-4d6c-933f-8ff53176d17b">Instagram</a> or shake hands with her on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-bouza-faia-ba5b493/" data-outlook-id="3765eec5-415b-4294-a525-638f7b215a8e">LinkedIn</a>.</div> <div>Show hosts: <a href="http://melmcgowan.com/">Mel McGowan</a> &amp; <a href="http://freddymartin.net/">Freddy Martin</a></div> <div>Show design &amp; production: <a href="http://www.rivershorepress.com/">Barry R. Hill</a></div> <div> <p>Theme music composed by <a href="https://rwatson.com/">Rob Watson</a>, closing music by the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/island-dreams/415635907">Lost Dogs</a>.</p> <p>Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse <a href="http://www.themedattraction.com/">www.themedattraction.com</a> for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!</p> </div>

<p>Our guest this episode is Johnny<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="outlook-search-highlight">Davis</span>, a master of storytelling and immersive experience design.</p> <p>Johnny is the Senior<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="outlook-search-highlight">Creative</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Director at Storyland Studios and a lifelong storyteller dedicated to crafting experiences that forge emotional connections. From the thought-provoking<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Poverty Encounter</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to the action-packed<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.</i>, Johnny has a knack for bringing stories to life in ways that inspire, engage, and resonate.</p> <p>With his unmatched ability to guide projects from concept to completion, Johnny has left his mark on some of the industry’s most iconic experiences—many of which remain under wraps for now. Join us as we explore his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="outlook-search-highlight">creative</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>journey, the art of storytelling, and what it takes to craft meaningful, immersive experiences.</p> <p>Connect with Johnny at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a title="http://storylandstudios.com" href="http://storylandstudios.com/">StorylandStudios.com</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and give him a high five on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-davis-06148aa/" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-davis-06148aa/">LinkedIn</a>.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Show hosts: <a href="http://melmcgowan.com/">Mel McGowan</a> &amp; <a href="http://freddymartin.net/">Freddy Martin</a></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Show design &amp; production: <a href="http://www.rivershorepress.com/">Barry R. Hill</a></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Theme music composed by <a href="https://rwatson.com/">Rob Watson</a>, closing music by the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/island-dreams/415635907">Lost Dogs</a>.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse <a href="http://www.themedattraction.com/">www.themedattraction.com</a> for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!</p>

<p style="font-weight: 400;">Our guest this episode is Roger Tofte, the visionary dreamer and doer behind Oregon’s Enchanted Forest.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">We were honored to sit down with Roger Tofte, the legendary creator of Enchanted Forest, a whimsical wonderland nestled in the Pacific Northwest that has been enchanting visitors for generations. Starting with a dream for his kids in the 1960s, Roger spent seven years building the park with his own hands, crafting everything from storybook trails to an alpine coaster and a beloved dark ride.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Joined by his daughter Susan Vaslev, Roger shares the incredible story of how this hidden gem came to life, the family legacy that keeps it thriving, and why, even in his 90s, you’ll still find him giving new life to his park.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Take a journey into the world of creativity, perseverance, and fairy tales with Roger Tofte and Enchanted Forest.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more about Roger Tofte, the Walt Disney of the Pacific Northwest, at <a href="https://www.enchantedforest.com/">enchantedforest.com</a> and book tickets for your next road trip.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Show hosts: <a href="http://melmcgowan.com/">Mel McGowan</a> &amp; <a href="http://freddymartin.net/">Freddy Martin</a></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Show design &amp; production: <a href="http://www.rivershorepress.com/">Barry R. Hill</a></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Theme music composed by <a href="https://rwatson.com/">Rob Watson</a>, closing music by the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/island-dreams/415635907">Lost Dogs</a>.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse <a href="http://www.themedattraction.com/">www.themedattraction.com</a> for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!</p>

<p>Ou<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>guest is Pat<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ick<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="outlook-search-highlight">Kling</span>, a powe<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>house of c<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eativity and innovation in themed ente<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>tainment.</p> <p>Pat<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ick is an unstoppable c<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eative fo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ce whose wo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>k spans inte<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>active att<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>actions, imme<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>sive theme pa<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>k lands, and even a 20,000-squa<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>e-foot ice sculptu<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>e expe<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ience c<span class="outlook-search-highlight">hill</span>ed to a c<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>isp 9 deg<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ees! With a ca<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ee<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that’s taken him th<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ough Nickelodeon and SeaWo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ld pa<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ks, Pat<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ick’s passion fo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>sto<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ytelling and design shines th<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ough in eve<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>y p<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>oject.</p> <p>As the Co-Founde<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the Big B<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eak Foundation, he’s also leading the cha<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ge to b<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eak down ba<span class="outlook-search-highlight">rr</span>ie<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>s and c<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eate a mo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>e inclusive futu<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>e in location-based ente<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>tainment. Join us as we explo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>e Pat<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ick’s c<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eative jou<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ney, his g<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>oundb<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eaking wo<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>k, and how he’s making a diffe<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ence both in the indust<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>y and beyond.</p> <p>Connect with Pat<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ick at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a title="http://bigbreakfoundation.org" href="http://bigbreakfoundation.org/">bigb<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>eakfoundation.o<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>g</a>, watch Pat<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>ick’s TETV video<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a title="https://www.youtube.com/@ThemedExperienceTV" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ThemedExperienceTV">inte<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span>views on youtube</a>, o<span class="outlook-search-highlight">r</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>shake hands with him on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickklingcreates/" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickklingcreates/">LinkedIn</a>.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Show hosts: <a href="http://melmcgowan.com/">Mel McGowan</a> &amp; <a href="http://freddymartin.net/">Freddy Martin</a></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Show design &amp; production: <a href="http://www.rivershorepress.com/">Barry R. Hill</a></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Theme music composed by <a href="https://rwatson.com/">Rob Watson</a>, closing music by the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/island-dreams/415635907">Lost Dogs</a>.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse <a href="http://www.themedattraction.com/">www.themedattraction.com</a> for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!</p>