Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 147 - "4"

October 24th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph talk more about the Goliath incident and the effects it's having on the industry as well as some Universal and Disney weirdness.

• PHP Remote Code Execution
• eMudhra Intermediate Certificates Compromised
• State report details Cedar Point Millennium Force coaster mishap
  • Another Six Flags Coaster Closes for Inspection After Piece of Car Breaks Off and Lands in Guest Area
  • Cedar Point roller coaster resumes regular operations after bracket comes loose from ride car
• Hersheypark opens Candymonium coaster following Six Flags coaster death | ABC27
• SeaWorld Orlando reopens Mako after temporary closure following Six Flags death
• Six Flags Reopens Goliath Coaster in California That Closed After Tragic Death at Georgia Park
• Achterbahn bei Rust: „Silver Star" im Europa-Park fährt trotz US-Unfall | swp.de
• Six Flags Stock Pressured After Roller Coaster Tragedy but More Turbulence May Be Ahead
• Six Flags renames Fright Fest show after fatal Georgia roller coaster fall
• Cobb County Press Conference
• Six Flags Mexico Updates and News 2026 | New Attraction Construction Begins
• Universal cites competitors' strategy and Epic Universe ride challenges as attendance falls
• Walt Disney World Confirms Major Reservation Change Effective October 26
• IAAPA Launches Insurance Program for Amusement & Attractions Industry

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Side Friction - Episode 146 - "Kankakee"

October 16th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph talk mostly about the incident that occured this week at Six Flags Over Georgia on Goliath and later change speeds to throw in a few stories and lots of rabbit trails to balance out the heaviness of the incident.

NOTE: Please be aware that this show was recorded on October 15th and since information is rapidly changing it's likely that some comments in the show are no longer valid. Additionally please keep in mind that there is speculation in our comments and those comments may or may not turn out to be true. We are not placing blame in any direction at this time because there is not enough information. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased and those who are emotionally struggling with the events.

• Goliath Incident
  • Major Crimes Unit Investigates Death at Six Flags Over Georgia
  • 1 dead, 4 injured in Goliath ride incident at Six Flags Over Georgia
  • Ryan: Goliath ride accident, speculation, and thoughts
  • Six Flags Over Georgia to reopen as planned Friday as Goliath coaster remains closed after fatal fall
  • New details on riders hurt in Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath incident
  • Crisis expert urges Six Flags to answer questions after fatal roller coaster fall
  • Terrifying safety loophole exposed after man is thrown to his death from roller coaster
  • Six Flags Over Georgia - Park Update
  • Restraints' efficacy is vital to Six Flags investigation: Ex-ride mechanic
• Other Coasters Closed
  • SeaWorld Orlando temporarily closes Mako after rider killed on similar Six Flags coaster
  • Hersheypark issues statement following fatal incident at Six Flags over Georgia
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg issues statement after fatal fall at Six Flags Over Georgia
  • La Ronde's Goliath roller coaster closed after death at Six Flags in Georgia
• Character.ai's Bankruptcy Documents Show the Economics of AI Don't Work
  • Your Chatbot Just Went Bankrupt. What Happens Now to Your User Data?
• Universal Orlando announces new Horror Make-Up Show featuring Blumhouse
• Dollywood Christmas Chapel Popcorn Bucket for Smoky Mountain Christmas Coming Soon Online
  • Holy Family Shrine
  • Lancaster, PA - Dutch Wonderland
• Bradley awards $2.9 million construction contract for waterpark infrastructure
• Aurora Park to open at Geauga Lake's former SeaWorld site on Oct. 25
• SeaWorld Wants to Make You Horny

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Side Friction - Episode 145 - "Six Flags Over North Ohio"

October 10th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back after a couple of weeks. Bob starts out the show remembering amusement park trips with his dad who passed away on Sept 25th and then it's back to covering the latest news stories and catching up on some big things that happened the last few weeks.

• More than 100 riders claim Six Flags ride led to brain injuries
  • Retiring X2
• This Major Amusement Park Just Made History with a Record-Breaking Solar Power Upgrade
• Activist JANA Partners is pushing Six Flags to hire a bank and explore a sale
• Could Cedar Point's name change? Owners float idea in recent survey
• Mom sues Universal Orlando, says Stardust Racers gave son permanent
• Universal Destinations & Experiences names new chief brand and commercial officer
• Disney Hires Its First CTO: Karandeep Anand, Former CEO of AI Chatbot Start-Up
• Rohde: Disney Will Completely Replace the Current Yeti, Not Fix It
• Firefighters respond to blaze at Playland's legendary Dragon Coaster
  • Rye Fire Fighters
• Lagoon's new 2027 coaster will be the first of its kind in the U.S.
• Shuttered South Jersey amusement park set to hit the auction block
• EQT to sell €1.7 billion stake in Spain's Parques Reunidos, Expansion says
• Castle Park in Riverside lays off more than 100 employees during makeover
• Judge signs off on contentious $15M sale of Glenwood Caverns (paywall)
• Roller Coaster Tycoon in Real Life
• The Block Zone Breeze
• It's Back!

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Side Friction - Episode 144 - "High Noon at The Potato Patch"

September 19th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about impending doom and a few news stories before getting into The Golden Ticket Awards where the expected, as well as some unexpected, disagreement appears.

• Uncontrolled AI could lead to 'silicon species' rivalling humans, warns Microsoft
• Anthropic staff warn of doom while company hunts spies, hackers and bioweaponeers
• Atlantic City's Iconic Steel Pier For Sale At $85 Million
• Former Fantasy Island property listed for $5 million as some passholders await refunds
• Even more Trimless Rides
• Fun Spot to bring rides from closed Atlanta park to Central Florida
• Roller coaster rescue at WA State Fair
• Vekoma Documentary
• Amusement Today, Golden Ticket Awards 2026
• Aquaticar Underwater Track Ride Details at IAAPA - YouTube
• Send Riley to Austria

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Side Friction - Episode 143 - "Ground Breaking"

September 12th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back after a week off to catch you up on the news including "ground breaking" news from Six Flags as well as some news from Dollywood, some happenings at small parks, and a few other odds and ends including some talk about Disney if you're into that sort of thing.

• Six Flags Introduces Flex Pay by Upgrade, Allowing Guests a New Way to Plan and Pay for Fun
• Six Flags Magic Mountain announces groundbreaking new 'Thrill Glider' coaster
• Six Flags buys ArieForce One roller coaster from closed Fun Spot America Atlanta
• Fun Spot America to auction equipment and assets from its Atlanta park on October 14, 2026
• Dollywood announces Dolly Parton tributes: New character, chapel area and exhibit
• Dolly Parton's sister pleads for end to 'AI garbage' posts after singer's death
• Efteling introduces new safety device for coaster riders with leg prostheses
• Clementon Park in NJ up for sale again
• Carolina Beach amusement rides could leave boardwalk next summer
• Special fund created for Kiddieland
• First look: Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios
  • Once Upon a Studio
• Plans for old Six Flags site in Maryland reignite concerns for Belt Woods
• Animal Actors Show Closing Permanently for New Experience at Universal Studios Florida
• Alabama Adventure owner charged in Hoover after police say he tried to choke girlfriend
• Museum Inspires Great Memories of Conneaut Lake Park
• Is Hersheypark closing down? Tidal Force closing

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Side Friction - Episode 142 - "Theme Park No. 1"

August 29th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph remember Dolly Parton who we unfortunately lost this week in a segment before moving into a normal format show which is kept very upbeat and entertaining.

• Remembering Dolly
  • Dolly Parton, Hardscrabble Storyteller Turned Global Entertainer, Dead at 80
  • 'It's sad to lose a really nice person': mourners flock to Dollywood after death of Dolly Parton
  • A biopic, a coffee brand and dog treats among Dolly Parton's business projects still to come
  • Quotes by Dolly Parton (Author of Run, Rose, Run)
  • Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
• 2 women suffer life-threatening brain injuries after riding famous Six Flags coaster, report says
  • Magic Mountain Settles Wrongful Death Suit
• Six Flags to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Arlington, Texas, Strengthening North American Operations
• Six Flags St. Louis officially rebrands to Mid America Adventure
• VAI Resort developer takes over Mattel Adventure Park
  • Another twist in the saga of Glendale's Mattel theme park
• Hersheypark Addresses Backlash Over 'Tactless' Ticket Prices Post After Dolly Parton's Death
• Saudi Arabia Goes Big on Dragon Ball Z. A $7 Billion Theme Park Deal Wil Be Built In France
• Kennywood parent company sued over alleged hidden online ticket fees
• Disneyland breaks ground on parking structure, transportation hub ahead of new attractions
• Lake Compounce welcomes new General Manager Daniel LLanas
• New filings in 'Leap-the-Dips' lawsuit ahead of pivotal hearing
• Vekoma Confirms Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Replacement Project

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Side Friction - Episode 141 - "Yeti, Set, Go!"

August 22nd, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph have tons of news to address in a way that probably only the 4 of them can. There's a lot going on this week so it's a longer show but it's entertaining the whole way through.

• NEW RIDE: Vala's Pony Express!
• Universal Studios to dampen 'disturbing' coaster screams with sound barriers
• Disney parks and cruises saw their best growth in two years despite a travel slowdown
• Expedition Everest Yeti Getting Fixed After Nearly 20 Years, Disney Confirms
• Disney World Reveals Villains Land, Maleficent Roller Coaster & Magic Mirror Dark Ride
• Monsters, Inc. Coaster Details, Will NOT Open With Land in Disney World
• Beloved 67-Year-Old Roller Coaster Takes Its Final Ride Before Closing Forever
• Switchback will live on
• Lost Island Theme Park Announces Forbidden Lair, First Ever RMC Family Shuttle Coaster
• Dolly Parton provides health update after skipping Dollywood ride opening
• On National Coaster Day, Hersheypark announces upcoming upgrade
• Miner's Mountain Express
  • Miner's Mountain Express POV!
• Austin's COTALand revs ahead with amusement park opening date revealed
• Donation agreement frees up money for Bay Beach Amusement Park fixes
• Six Flags Guest Miraculously Catches Shoe Hurtling Toward His Face on 70 MPH Roller Coaster in Viral Video

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Side Friction - Episode 140 - "Tilt-ulator"

August 15th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic discuss the out of nowhere news and then move on to the smaller stories in a shorter but entertaining episode.

• Groundbreaking Six Flags coaster closed after incident with rider
• Kennywood closing Thunderbolt coasterdown for renovation
• Kennywood's Jack Rabbit receives Centennial Coaster designation from American Coaster Enthusiasts
• Knott's Berry Farm closes loophole on unlimited dining pass
• Cedar Point's Corkscrew to receive special honor
• Public memorial service planned for longtime amusement park owner
• OT: Facebook is paying controversial creators to produce rage-bait content
• Dolly Parton will not attend opening event for new Dollywood ride
• Oaks Park Launches $40 Million, 20-Year Modernization Plan
• OLD: Ride Manufacturer RMC Merging With Larson International
• Tilt-A-Whirl! The Minnesota invention and State Fair staple turns 100
• As attendance falls, United Parks places a bigger bet on Howl-O-Scream

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Side Friction - Episode 139 - "You owe me a buck..."

August 8th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic discuss Bob's car drama and his trip and then get into the latest news.

• BAKUNAWA POV & Off-Ride - World's Tallest & Fastest Spinning Launch Coaster!
• Six Flags Great America announces Camp Timber Trail with Sky Hawk roller coaster
• Knott's reopens MonteZOOMa coaster after 4-year closure
• Busch Gardens keeps expanding its original mythology with Return to Corkscrew Hill
• Family-Owned Amusement Park Officially Closes Its Doors After Announcing 'Difficult Decision' to Shut Down After 36 Years
• Kumba, R.I.P.
• Amarillo Fire Dept. releases additional details on Wonderland incident
  • Scary incident details revealed after Texas roller coaster's 'wheel set failed,' appeared to derail with 18 'stranded' riders
• 'It sounds like bloody murder': Neighbors complain of screams from new Universal Studios coaster
• Power outage at Six Flags Magic Mountain delayed opening, park officials say
• All Disneyland restrooms closed as Anaheim hit with water pressure crisis

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Side Friction - Episode 138 - "Billy Bob's Fat Ones"

July 25th, 2026

Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph go way off the rails like they were Big Dipper at Blackpool. Buckle up for a very funny and entertaining show.

• Billy Bob's Wonderland
• Shut-down order lifted for Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds
• Big Dipper - Pleasure Beach Resort (Blackpool, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom)
  • Big Dipper Derail
  • Big Dipper Damage
• 2 arrested at Cedar Point for refusing to exit the Sky Ride when asked
• Universal reports 'softened' attendance at Orlando theme parks
• Video appears to show temporary wall falling on visitors at Universal Orlando
• See how Pixar, Marvel worlds and more come to life at Disney parks
• Coastersaurus Roars Back: Florida's Only Fully Wooden Coaster to Reopen Next Month at LEGOLAND Florida
• Iron Gwazi Money Back Scam
• 11Foot8
• Jack O' Lantern Spectacular to be moved to Kentucky Kingdom

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