ACE - Ride With Us
Society & Culture
About
The official podcast of the American Coaster Enthusiasts! Join us as we talk all things roller coaster and see the amusement industry from an insider’s perspective.
Episodes
- Inside Zamperla with Adam Sandy
Jessica Gardner sits down with Adam Sandy, Roller Coaster Sales and Marketing Director at Zamperla, to explore how modern roller coasters are designed, built, and evolving. From the massive undertaking of Top Thrill 2 to the growing import…
- Six Flags Great Adventure's Next Chapter: Boardwalk Upgrades, Wild Safari & a Mysterious Purple Coaster
Ryan Eldredge, Regional Manager of Public Relations for the East Region at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation oversees communications for Six Flags Great Adventure and Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. In this revealing episode, he chats w…
- From Concept To Launch: Building Galacticoaster at Two LEGOLAND Parks
The offseason is over and coaster season is back! The Ride With Us Podcast returns with a brand-new season and a brand-new original theme song created by The Perry Twins. In this episode, host Jessica Gardner heads to both LEGOLAND Florida…
- 12 Interviews of IAAPA Expo 2025
On the 12 Days of Christmas, the Ride With Us Podcast gave to you… 12 interviews from IAAPA Expo! Our latest episode features Jessica Gardner and Rachel Hawkins talking with parks and manufacturers straight from the show floor, sharing wha…
- Remembering Six Flags America
As Six Flags America prepares to close its gates for the final time, the ACE Ride With Us Podcast takes a heartfelt look back at the park’s incredible legacy. Correspondent Bob Randolph chats with Brichette Reid and B. Derek Shaw to share…
- Celebrating Coaster History in California at Preservation Conference 2025
Let’s look back at the 2025 ACE Preservation Conference, where members gathered in California for three unforgettable days celebrating the history and preservation of classic parks and roller coasters. From the thrills of Six Flags Magic M…
- Legacy of Schwarzkopf - The Final Cut!
In this special episode, join the team behind ACE’s latest documentary, The Legacy of Schwarzkopf , ahead of its official debut on YouTube. Go behind the scenes as Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Scott Schaffer and Bob Randolph shar…
- Coaster Con 47 Recap - Thrills Across The Midwest!
Coaster Con 47 Recap - Thrills Across the Midwest! Coaster Con 47 rolled through the Midwest in June 2025, and it was a ride to remember! This six-day adventure took the American Coaster Enthusiasts to Six Flags Great America in Illinois,…
- Universal's Epic Universe: Part 2
We continue our deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025. Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first-time…
- Universal's Epic Universe: Part 1
Time to take a deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025. Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first time g…
- ACE Spring Conference 2025 Recap
ACE Spring Con 2025 took place this year in Virginia! ACEers visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion. Host Jessica Gardner, Correspondent Gerik Gooch and ACE Assistant Regional Rep from North Central, HaeKyung Thompson were t…
- Marathoning Coasters
This episode is all about ACE members marathoning roller coasters! Kalin Profitt talks about getting 10,000 rides on Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Mike Cameron shares the journey to 25,000 rides on Renegade at Valleyfair! 1:57…
- A Lifetime of Themed Entertainment with Rick Rothschild
At the 2025 Themed Entertainment Awards Gala, the THEA’s, the Buzz Price Life Achievement Award Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements was awarded to Rick Rothschild. Our host Jessica Gardner was granted an impromptu sit-down…
- Celebrating Black History Month: Getting to Know Our Blusiasts
In this celebration of Black History Month, Gerik Gooch moderates a roundtable with four fellow ACE members who are Blusiasts: Black enthusiasts. Airtime Myke, Duwena Tillman, James Mason and Alan Franklin share their stories, reveal their…
- Coastin' Into 2025: A Look Ahead
Jessica Gardner joins fellow members of the podcast team, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a discussion about upcoming coaster events, new roller coasters being built and theme parks opening in 2025. In this episode, the team br…
- Read With Us: Author Bill Shea
Author Bill Shea has written a charming book that tells a story that might be familiar to coaster enthusiasts! Billy's Grandpa Joe is taking him to his favorite amusement park but when Billy wakes up, he sees nothing but rain. Tension moun…
- IAAPA Expo 2024 Part 2
The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed ful…
- IAAPA Expo 2024 Part 1
The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed ful…
- 2024 ACE Preservation Conference Recap
ACE’s Preservation Conference marked the end of an amazing summer of conferences, regional events and informal meetups. We round out the summer with a mega episode that recaps 2024’s final national ACE event. Join us as correspondents/prod…
- History of Worlds of Fun
Since Worlds of Fun opened in 1973, it has delighted visitors to the Kansas City, MO location ever since. It’s home to many historic rides and has a rich history. ACE members had a chance to visit the park during the 2024 Preservation Conf…
- First Drop: Voltron Nevera, Fire In The Hole, Iron Menace, The Bobcat
Tim Baldwin, John Davidson, Doug Perry and Derek Perry talk about four fantastic new roller coasters to open in 2024. Learn all about Voltron Nevera at Europa Park, Fire In The Hole at Silver Dollar City, Iron Menace at Dorney Park and The…
- Hearing the Ride with Devin Flannery
Onboard audio can add so much to an already exhilarating roller coaster experience. Join correspondent John Davidson for his conversation with Devin Flannery, Solutions Architect at Alcorn McBride Inc. They take a deep dive into Devin’s jo…
- Coaster Con 46 Part 3: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Baynum Solutions
We're wrapping up our coverage of Coaster Con 46 with a recording of a very special night at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Members of the Canfield family share their experiences owning and running the park, the ACE Northern California Re…
- Coaster Con 46 Recap
It's hard to believe that Coaster Con 46 has come to a close. Whether you attended the conference or followed along from home, our recap episode has something for you. Join the podcast team for a lively discussion of the week's events. Der…
- Live From Coaster Con 46
Coaster Con 46 is finally happening! Hundreds of enthusiastic ACE members converged on Northern California for this epic event. Join our podcast team for a series of episodes about their experience. This first episode takes you into a spec…
- Happy Father's Day
We’re celebrating Father’s Day (and the start of Coaster Con) with a fun conversation for all coaster enthusiasts – two dads chatting about roller coasters, theme parks and their kids. Join correspondent John Davidson as he and Robert Mora…
- Rick Bastrup: Adventures of a Theme Park Designer
Creating an attraction is far more than installing track and building a station. Theming and ride design are easy to overlook, but they can add so much more to the experience. Correspondent Bob Randolph meets with Rick Backstrup, president…
- ACE Spring Conference Recap and June Events
The ACE Spring Conference took place from May 17-19, 2024 at Kings Island in Ohio. ACE members from across the world joined in the fun, which included morning and evening ERT (Exclusive Ride Time), behind-the-scenes tours, informal takeove…
- Live at the 2024 ACE Spring Conference
The ACE Spring Conference took place May 17-19, 2024 at Kings Island in Ohio. ACE members from across the region and across the country joined in the fun, which included morning and evening ERT, behind-the-scenes tours, informal takeovers,…
- Gilroy Gardens and Coaster Con
Join us for a pre Coaster Con roundup with your ACE Northern California Regional Rep team. The group has planned some great events around the big event. Listen in as Liz Tan, Robert Ingle, Paul Asente and Brian Christensen join podcast cor…
- ACE Celebrates Volunteers and Upcoming Events
The heart of ACE is driven by two separate and vital things: volunteers and donations. This episode celebrates two of our amazing volunteers, takes a deep dive into the dollars and concludes with a May Events Rundown. First up, Communicati…
- Kings Island: Spring into Summer with Chad Showalter
With Kings Island now open for the 2024 season, it’s a great time for Bob Randolph to check in with Chad Showalter, Director of Communications at Kings Island. Their discussion covers the topics enthusiasts want to know about – everything…
- Women Love Coasters and ACE Cares
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, join us as we highlight two women with one important thing in common: a love of roller coasters and theme parks. First up is Brichette Reid, ACE member and founder of Women Love Coasters. She and…
- Summer at Cedar Point: An Interview with Tony Clark
Coaster enthusiasts and park visitors around the world know the name Cedar Point. This Sandusky, Ohio theme park has been thrilling visitors since 1870. Today, it’s the second-oldest amusement park in North America and is home to 68 rides,…
- Dollywood and Upcoming Events
As the seasonal parks start to emerge from their winter hibernation, it’s time to celebrate with some upcoming ACE events! This episode covers all of the events on the horizon with a special focus on Dollywood’s media day. Production Manag…
- March Updates: The Latest Roller Coaster News
ACE Social Media Manager Doug Perry joins his twin brother, ACE Communications Director Derek Perry to recap some of the most exciting roller coaster and theme park news for the upcoming year! Between roller coaster opening dates, name cha…
- Love Is in the Air: 'Ride With Us' Valentine's Special with Sky Elements and Speed Dating for Coasters
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which realistically means one thing to coaster enthusiasts: theme park season is just around the corner! However, whether you’re celebrating this day or eagerly anticipating your next theme park adventure, this…
- ACE Election Q&A Plus the Latest News on Fire in the Hole
It’s almost that time of year again – time for ACE elections and summer in the theme parks! This episode covers both of these critical summertime topics. In our first segment, co-host Jessica Gardner talks with current ACE President Elizab…
- Brick by Brick: A Deep Dive Into LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida is a unique park with a rich history. It began as Cypress Gardens and became LEGOLAND in 2011 after the original park closed. Home to three adorable hotels, a water park and the Peppa Pig theme park, this park has a lot t…
- Coasting Around the World: Planning the 2024 ACE International Trip
Coasting Around the World: Planning the 2024 ACE International Trip ACE’s Journey to Central Europe is happening this July and Jessica Gardner talks to three of the members of the International Trip Committee who are planning this epic adv…
- Looking Back at the Past Year and Ahead to 2024
Now that 2023 is but a memory, your podcast team is pausing for a moment to recap many of the amazing ACE events that happened during the year. Podcast producer Derek Perry joins his brother/ACE social media manager Doug Perry for a rousin…
- Vekoma Rides: Good Gravy, Tilt Coaster, Super Boomerang and More (IAAPA Expo)
Vekoma Rides: Good Gravy, Tilt Coaster, Super Boomerang and More (IAAPA Expo) The show floor has been wiped clean, but the memories of IAAPA Expo 2023 continue as co-host Jessica Gardner interviews the team from Vekoma. Jessica talks with…
- Hersheypark’s Comet, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and Illuminated Integration
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 floor from start to finish. This episode brin…
- Legacy of Schwarzkopf – Documentary Team Highlights
Legacy of Schwarzkopf – Documentary Team Highlights Fellow ACE members and documentarians Robert Ingle, Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, and Scott Schaffer are currently filming the next ACE documentary, exploring the multitude of ro…
- IAAPA Expo 2023: The Final Day and Expo Recap (featuring Storyland Studios and RMC)
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 listeners along for the ride has been a real…
- IAAPA Expo 2023: Days 2 and 3 – More Updates from the Show Floor
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 podcast’s Production Manager. This episode also…
- IAAPA Expo 2023: Day 1 - Coaster Train Reveals, Announcements and Excitement
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 the Expo, ready to share highlights with you.…
- IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 with Jo Pools
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. ACE Europe Regional Representative Jo Pools joins co…
- First Drop: Gotham City Escape, Toutatis and Primordial
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 opened this summer with this First Drop. This…
- Steel Yourself: Iron Menace is Coming to Dorney Park
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 rides like the Whip, some relocated rides fro…