LBX Collective

Ever fantasized about jet-setting with your four-legged friend in a lap of luxury? Bark Air is making that dream a reality, and we've got the scoop on how they're transforming pet travel into a first-class experience. From bespoke check-in services to in-flight pampering complete with doggy passports, your pooch might just rack up more frequent flier miles than you. We chat candidly about the lengths pet owners go to spoil their furry pals, and the genius of tapping into the pet industry's gold mine. 

Switching from opulence in the sky to raucous fun on the ground, we reminisce about the classic bingo hall before it got a nightclub makeover. Climb Ball Legends is turning heads and raising pulses with its blend of gaming and physical activity, suitable for all ages. Then, we share our bewilderment and amusement at Bingo Loco's wild take on the pastime, complete with dance-offs and confetti canons. As we wrap, remember to capture your weekend adventures and share them with us—your snapshot could be the star of our next episode. Happy Memorial Day weekend, and here's to living large and playing even larger!

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Prepare to be whisked away to the whimsical world of the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City, where holiday magic is just the beginning. Feel the joy as we explore each corner of this festive fairy-tale come to life, from the twinkling lights of the Christmas market to the ice-skating rink that beckons with a chilly embrace. Every detail is designed to enchant, with workshops, celebrity appearances, and a live countdown of romantic milestones that could spark your very own Hallmark moment. This chapter is a love letter to the spirit of the season and an invitation to make your holiday unforgettable.

Dive into the digital revolution with us as Mattel teams up with Outright Games, bringing to life video game adventures for Matchbox, Monster High, and Barbie enthusiasts. Witness how these iconic toys transcend the playroom to conquer the realm of pixels and interactive storylines. Reflecting on Mattel's storied history with the Intellivision console, we consider the challenges of shifting from tangible playthings to virtual escapades. Join us as we analyze how major players like Mattel and Hasbro are crafting new dimensions for their beloved franchises and invite you to follow along for more ground-breaking journeys and heartwarming tales.

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Embark on an enlightening excursion with Bob Cooney, the maverick shaping the frontiers of virtual reality and location-based entertainment. His odyssey, from an Inc 500 launch to the dizzying heights of a NASDAQ IPO, exemplifies a life dedicated to the art of the possible. As Bob navigating from the charms of France, pulls back the curtain on the complexities of VR distribution, revealing the inception of the VR Arcade Game Summit. His tale intertwines with his weekly webinar escapades on location-based VR, where serendipitous encounters with developers and the unexpected triumph of , the virtual trade show, underscore the power of innovation in times of adversity.

In a landscape where the virtual intertwines with the visceral, Bob's and my experiences converge in a symphony of technological evolution. We tackle the production hurdles of live news amidst Melbourne's stringent lockdowns, and reflect on the burgeoning metaverse, VR, AR, and AI – a cornucopia of acronyms that hold the key to future realities. Our dialogue orbits around the gravitational pull of community and communication as catalysts for growth within the VR industry, while I unpack my method of staying on the crest of the tech wave through a relentless pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

The episode unfurls a tapestry of personal transformation, tracing Bob's path from New York's turbulence to a life unshackled by the past. He shares the profound symbology of his tattoos and the wisdom distilled from "The Four Agreements," weaving a narrative that champions empathy in innovation. As we wrap up, the mission is clear: to harness the transformative essence of VR in reshaping perceptions and fostering personal evolution. So, tune in, share, and subscribe for a journey that promises to expand minds and inspire action as we traverse the fascinating landscape of virtual reality. Goodbye, everyone – and remember, keep kicking ass in all you do.

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We’re not just clowning around; Chuck E. Cheese's partnership with Comic Relief US for the Red Nose Day campaign is a testament to the joy of giving back. This episode will have you considering the impact of laughter on philanthropy and the crucial role of corporate social responsibility. We also step into the enchanting realm of Hole in Wand Mini Golf in Chester, UK, and share how this magical mini-golf experience is casting spells of joy and community connection.

The backboard is heating up with Adam from Arcade Heroes as we relive the slam-dunk nostalgia of NBA Jam in our Wednesday Arcade Corner. We're swishing through the details of the new NBA Jam-like arcade game that's reviving the high-flying excitement with the legendary voice of Tim Kitzrow. From analyzing the current game's roster and features to Raw Thrills' slam into the sports arcade game scene, this conversation is a full-court press of enthusiasm and anticipation. Don't miss out on our play-by-play before the game hits arcades for testing, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

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Step onto the greens of innovation as we unveil the wonders of Cornhole Golf, the brainchild of Joe Vivirito and his son Joey! This episode tees off at Mars Bethel, where a celestial blend of mini-golf and cornhole awaits, complete with UFOs and otherworldly challenges. We share the vibrant atmosphere of this patent-pending game, its captivating layout, and the enthusiastic reception from the community at its grand opening. Prepare to be whisked away on an escapade that reshapes the gaming landscape, offering a glimpse into the potential future of leisurely sports.

Then, immerse yourself in our exploration of gastronomy and leisure as we uncover the magic behind a new wave pool, an innovation set to bring oceanic waves to your backyard. But that's only the beginning; hold onto your forks as we saunter through the theatrical rebellion against fine dining norms at Absurdities. Here, a six-course meal is merely the first course of an evening that transports you through whimsical spaces, ending in a secretive, speakeasy-style bar. As your hosts, CB and BW, we're wrapping up with a flourish, leaving you with a promise of more heart-pumping content that'll inspire you to surf the next wave of entertainment, whether it's on a board or with a beanbag in hand.

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This marks an important point in the history of our news and views service. A momentous period of some thirty years covering developments in the digital Out-of-Home Entertainment landscape, as well as being instrumental in offering observations that have, in their way, shaped these developments. We now look at this landmark in the service’s progression. 

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Are we merely peddling coins for play, or do we aim to craft memories that resonate beyond the arcade's flashing lights? Together with Kevin Williams, we navigate the shifting landscapes of the amusement industry, where the thrill of potential earnings is coloring the canvas of our gaming experiences. As we unravel Dave and Buster's trailblazing app that marries high scores with high stakes, we confront the traditional business model with a bold reimagining that could redefine the arcade experience.

The specter of gambling looms large in the realm of family entertainment centers, stirring a media maelstrom over children and the lure of skill-based gaming machines. This episode peels back the layers of this delicate debate, exploring our industry's metamorphosis from mechanical slots to the digital era's interactive marvels. Virtual reality, immersive gaming, and the dancing shadows of international gambling laws provide a backdrop against which we discuss the urgent need for crystal-clear definitions and a moral compass to steer us through these uncharted waters.

Artificial intelligence: the silent partner in our entertainment tapestry, weaving threads of innovation through marketing, customer service, and data analysis. We probe the delicate balance AI strikes between efficiency and authenticity as it permeates every aspect of our industry, from the creative spark that ignites new game ideas to the operational gears turning behind the scenes. Our discussion takes you on a journey through AI's transformative potential, challenging us to harness its power responsibly as we sculpt the future of entertainment in the arcade and beyond.

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Get ready to light up your night and transform your golf game!  We celebrate the 30th anniversary of Kevin Williams' Stinger Report and then hit the links with a twist as we explore the allure of night-time par 3 golf courses—like the brand new grass clippings course in Tempe—perfect for urbanites seeking after-hours swings under the stars.
Then we zoom into the fast-paced fusion of entertainment and sports venues. Thrill to the imaginative collaboration between Bandai Namco Group and BMO Stadium, where arcade games and Gashapon capsules enhance the stadium experience, albeit with a touch of exclusivity. And for those craving a dash of whimsy, we reveal the magic behind the first-ever Pixar Putt Putt pop-up in the U.S., promising an 18-hole course inspired by beloved Pixar characters, poised to make a splash at The Wharf in Washington D.C. 

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Check out  Lark's Entertainment new playground, where classic shuffleboard meets the digital dazzle of arcade games—a symphony of fun that I can't wait to critique for you. Plus, there's chatter about the company's leap into franchising, a golden ticket for aspiring entrepreneurs to clone a proven success story. 

Feast your imagination on a beach-themed inflatable paradise, an escapade that begs the question of its lasting charm. We'll sift through the sands of its business model, pondering the pitfalls and potential of its dining dilemma. Then, plunge into the splashy spectacle of the CineSplash 5D theater, a novel feast for the senses that defies the sun's glare. As we navigate the snags of exclusivity and profit in such attractions, remember: the secret sauce to keeping the crowds craving more is a relentless pursuit of innovation and diversity in experiences. Your journey through the latest entertainment industry marvels starts now, with every detail poised to captivate your curiosity.

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Prepare to be whisked away into a world where adventure meets safety innovation! This episode takes you on a journey through the latest in family entertainment and cutting-edge safety technology. We start with an electrifying exploration of Five Wits in Syracuse and Boda Borg's thrilling expansion into Germany. Then, we tackle the controversy surrounding Dave and Buster's in Nevada, where the lines blur between gaming fun and underage gambling concerns.

As the conversation evolves, we delve into the heartbeat of family entertainment centers and their eclectic mix of attractions. Hear our take on creating spaces that cater to all, from axe-throwers to arcade enthusiasts. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. We'll also share groundbreaking insights on Walltopia's One More Life safety flooring. Learn how our crash test dummy, Damian, played a vital role in a drop test analysis that could potentially rewrite safety standards in climbing facilities and beyond. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a guardian of safety, this episode promises to evoke both excitement and a deeper reflection on the industry's future.

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