Join us as we chat with the production crew of the Anton Schwarzkopf documentary "Legacy of Schwarzkopf," (debuting 2024) and meet the team behind the masterpiece - Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Robert Ingle, and Scott Schaffer. 

Hear about their adventures and challenges filming on location to capture Schwarzkopf’s groundbreaking roller coaster designs! 

In This Episode: 

• [00:23] - Jessica Welcomes the Crew to Our Show 

Background:

• Pioneering German engineer Anton Schwarzkopf revolutionized roller coaster design with his iconic rides installed in parks worldwide. This documentary will showcase his lasting legacy.

Share feedback on this episode at [email protected]. ACE is a non-profit dedicated to the enjoyment, history, and preservation of roller coasters globally. Discover more at www.ridewithace.com. 

Get involved! Volunteering with ACE offers rewarding ways to share your passions and talents, including:

• Shaping the future direction of the organization

Podcast Volunteer Team: 

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner, John Davidson 

Our podcast team isn't just our fantastic co-hosts, John Davidson and Jessica Gardner. It's a group of enthusiastic volunteers who work behind the scenes to put everything together.

This week, we bring one of those behind-the-scenes ACE members to the forefront to talk about one of our favorite topics: theme park road trips and vacations!

Meet Liz Tan, your show notes author and world traveler. Liz chats with John about the many theme park trips she and her family have taken. From Legoland Malaysia and Hong Kong Disneyland to destinations closer to home like the Columbus Zoo, Dorney Park, Cedar Point, and more, Liz shares her experiences. She also discusses the joys of incorporating theme park trips into longer vacations and the flexibility of working remotely while enjoying different theme parks across the country.

In this episode, John and Liz define different types of theme park trips, including day trips, road trips, add-on trips, and destination trips. We would love to hear about your theme park road trips too!

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Meet Liz (hi!)

Join the team of ACE volunteers!

• Having an impact on the future of ACE

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Volunteer Team:

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner & John Davidson

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.

Feeling the Coaster Con blues? Don't worry! We've got you covered with a rundown of exciting July events happening in your region, guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping until we gather again for the next Coaster Con in Northern California. 

In this episode: 

[00:21] - Coaster Con Recap from Hosts Jessica and John 

Join the team of ACE volunteers.

• Having an impact on the future of ACE

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Volunteer Team 

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner & John Davidson

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 team, have concluded an unforgettable week at the thrilling Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina.

We're excited to bring you a plethora of riveting content from the final leg of the Con, featuring a diverse mix of our passionate ACE members and the dedicated park employees. 

In this episode: 

• [01:22] Pete Owens (Dollywood) 

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Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

• Having an impact on the future of ACE

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

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Podcast Volunteer Team 

Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson

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 (along with the majority of the vivacious "Ride With Us" podcast team) has set the stage at the dazzling Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

We're excited to be bringing you an abundance of thrilling content, featuring an eclectic mix of our enthusiastic ACE members and the dedicated park employees. 

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Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

• Having an impact on the future of ACE

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

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Podcast Volunteer Team 

Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson

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!

We kick off with a heartwarming visit to Give Kids the World Village, an enchanting 89-acre non-profit resort located in Kissimmee, Florida. This magical haven offers cost-free, week-long vacations to critically-ill children and their families hailing from all corners of the globe.

Our co-host, Jessica Gardner, chats with Brandon Thom, the Senior Director of Development at Give Kids the World Village, unveiling the heartening and inspiring stories behind this extraordinary initiative.

We then teleport to the vibrant Fiesta Village nestled within Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA, where Jessica meets with Creative Producer, Jim Clark, and Producer, Chris Do, amidst the jubilant atmosphere of the media event commemorating the grand reopening of this re-themed land. This not-to-be-missed conversation covers the reimagined attractions and tantalizing cuisines offered by the newly introduced restaurants.

Here's what awaits you in this episode:

• [01:35] - Meet Brandon Thom

Join the team of ACE volunteers!

• Having an impact on the future of ACE

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected].

Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).

Podcast Volunteer Team 

Hosts: Jessica Gardner & John Davidson

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: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood, and DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!

In this episode, our dynamic duo of co-hosts takes the stage. Jessica Gardner sets a new record by chatting with not one (1), not two (2), but three (3) SeaWorld Vice Presidents about Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. Join her in this live audio from the attraction's media day as she talks to Rob McNicholas, VP of Operations; Jeff Hornick, VP of Attractions Design and Development; and Clint Brinker, VP of Design and Engineering. 

We also have the pleasure of hearing from ACE Member Calista Ringas, sharing her thoughts and experiences about the epic opening day of Big Bear Mountain. And to wrap it up, co-host John Davidson interviews ACE Member Seth Angelili about the much-anticipated opening of DarKoaster.

Timestamps:

• [00:25] Rob McNicholas

Want to make a difference and join our team of ACE volunteers? By volunteering, you can shape the future of ACE, enjoy rewarding experiences, forge friendships in a close-knit group, and develop new skills or share your talents with ACE.

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Learn more about the American Coaster Enthusiasts, a non-profit organization, at ridewithace.com.

Podcast Volunteer Team: 

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner & John Davidson

In this week's episode, our podcast co-host, Jessica Gardner, sits down with ACE member and volunteer Rachel Hawkins (@rachello26) to chat about the recent Lone Star Coasterthon event held at Six Flags Over Texas. Rachel takes us through the logistics and excitement of this event and explains how it has gained popularity over the years. Tune in for all the exciting details!

Moving on, we have a fantastic lineup of upcoming ACE events to kick off  peak season for coaster enthusiasts:

• [0:50] Meet Rachel Hawkins

Don't forget to like and follow the ACE Facebook Page, as well as the regional pages that interest you. 

If you're passionate about roller coasters and amusement parks, consider joining the team of ACE volunteers. It's a great way to make an impact on the future of ACE, have rewarding experiences, develop friendships, and share your talents.

We value your ideas and thoughts about this podcast. Feel free to share your feedback via email at [email protected]. To learn more about the American Coaster Enthusiasts, visit ridewithace.com.

Podcast Volunteer Team:

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's captivating new book, "R is for Roller Coaster: An ABC Guide for Future Thrill Seekers."

This exhilarating read takes young riders and readers on an alphabetical journey; exploring coaster elements, physics, mechanics, engineering, and design. It's an adventure you won't want to miss! 

The book is packed with easy-to-digest definitions and stunning full-color photography, making it a perfect guide for young enthusiasts. It even includes a "My First Roller Coaster" log for them to complete!

• [01:30] Aimee's coaster history: Discover Aimee's personal connection with roller coasters and how her passion for them led her to write this incredible book.

Check out Aimee's Instagram: @risforrollercoaster, or send her an email: [email protected], and be sure to order your copy of "R is for Roller Coaster: An ABC Guide for Future Thrill Seekers!"

Join the team of ACE volunteers and make an impact on the future of ACE. By volunteering, you'll have opportunities for rewarding experiences, develop friendships, learn new skills, and share your talents with ACE.

We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization, American Coaster Enthusiasts.

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner & John Davidson

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 Weber, and Brand Activation Manager, Chris, for an inside look at attractions, park planning, construction, and theming. But that's not all - we also have a special interview with Steve Jackson, Director of Maintenance and Construction, where we dive into the logistics of coaster construction and Carowinds' transition to year-round operations.

This episode is packed with excitement, as we get the scoop on what Coaster Con attendees can expect to experience at Carowinds. 

Episode Timeline:

• [03:15] Unveiling the greatness of Fury 325

Join the team of ACE volunteers.

• Having an impact on the future of ACE

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Volunteer Team 

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner & John Davidson