Keys To The Kingdom

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Keys to the Kingdom is an unprecedented, eight-part docuseries exploring the peculiar backstage life of theme park characters, performers, and fans. Hosted by recovering theme park employees Matt Gourley (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Superego, Drunk History) and Amanda Lund (Earios Co-founder, The Complete Woman, New Girl), each installment promises insider secrets, stories of absurd guest interactions, and fascinating tales of workplace minutiae. Brought to you by Earios in conjunction with Tradecraft Media. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Lund & Matt Gourley


    • Nov 27, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 9 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Keys To The Kingdom podcast is a captivating and insightful exploration of the theme park industry, offering behind-the-scenes stories and perspectives from those who have worked in these magical environments. From the beginning melody reminiscent of dragon quest orchestral music to the informative hosts, this podcast keeps listeners engaged while maintaining an air of mystery. The chemistry between Matt and Amanda, the duo hosts, is charming, and their disguised princess voices add a delightful touch. It's like staying up at 3am watching behind the scenes footage for Nickelodeon studios or an abandoned area - interesting and intriguing.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the in-depth look into the operations and behind-the-scenes aspects of theme parks. For those fascinated by the inner workings and atmosphere of these parks but may not be amusement park enthusiasts themselves, this podcast offers a unique window into that world. The interviews are engaging, providing a deep dive into experiences and stories that give listeners a deeper understanding of what it's like to work in an amusement park. The hosts' storytelling abilities are top-notch, creating a warm and friendly environment for listeners.

    On the other hand, one downside to this podcast may be its limited appeal to those who aren't interested in theme parks or behind-the-scenes operations. While it can be entertaining even for non-enthusiasts due to its engaging hosts and storytelling style, some may find it hard to connect with the subject matter if they don't share an interest in amusement parks or have personal experiences working there.

    In conclusion, The Keys To The Kingdom is an outstanding podcast that offers an inside look into the world of theme parks through entertaining storytelling and engaging interviews. It appeals to both amusement park enthusiasts and those curious about what goes on behind closed doors at these magical destinations. With its charming hosts, informative content, and entertaining stories, this podcast is definitely worth a listen for anyone interested in learning more about theme park life.



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    Latest episodes from Keys To The Kingdom

    Happily Ever After

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 32:42


    Does the fairly tale ending really exist? For the fan, for the theme park worker, for your intrepid hosts? In the season finale of Keys to the Kingdom, Matt and Amanda aim to find out. Guests include Erich Schwartzel, Mark McConville, Rebecca Martens, Nick Pettigrew, Jim Gourley, and Marion Lund. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Be Our Guest

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 32:23


    Sometimes just being a theme park fan is a story in itself. In this episode, Matt and Amanda not only speak to guests about their strange and scarring experiences, but they themselves revisit their origins in an attempt to rate the major theme parks. Guests include Sarah Campbell, Josh Dean, Michael Bowes, Todd Levin, and Andy Daly as The Walker. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Scare-actors

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 31:35


    Halloween season in the theme park world is a very spooky time. Not since Burning Man, the Renaissance Faire, or Woodstock '99 has there been a more lusty gathering of lovable weirdos and questionable characters. In this episode, Matt and Amanda speak with all types, from monster to manager, within the spooky season performer world. Guests include Cherry Blossom, Drew McWeeny, Mark Gagliardi, Rebecca Lumianski, Eric Martin, Scott Aukerman, and Brandon Adams. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 32:35


    These guys do it all: act, sing, dance! But if they're not careful, they may find themselves stuck in the theme park world forever and ever. On the other hand, if they're not careful, they may find themselves without a job in this ever-evolving workplace, losing vital stability, premium benefits, and what amounts to a pretty cushy career. Guests include Gale Brennan, Grandma Agva, Mark Gagliardi, Cherry Blossom, and Rebecca Lumianski. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    We Need to Talk About the Fans

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 33:58


    The Theme Park Fan is its own species, one that runs the gamut from harmless enthusiast to harmful obsessive. In this episode, Matt and Amanda will share stories of guests from both extremes, and everywhere in between. Guests include Taran Killam, Jodi Eichler-Levine, Epaulette Babe, Jake Fite, and Molly Hawkey as Flora. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    acast taran killam molly hawkey
    Breaking the Rules

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 31:32


    What about those rare theme park employees and guests that don't dutifully follow the rules? On this episode of Keys to the Kingdom, we're talking with the bad boys, the rebels, the wayward fuzzies and the defiant fans that stand up to the system despite the consequences. Guests include Nader Shokair, Rebecca Lumianski, Jeff B. Davis, Maria Blasucci, Sona Movsesian, Mark Felt, and Drew McWeeny. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    kingdom keys acast mark felt drew mcweeny sona movsesian maria blasucci jeff b davis
    The Good, the Bad, and the Fuzzy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 32:41


    The theme park fuzzy. Costumed head-to-toe in a fur-covered, foam-lined, portable sweat lodge. Why do they do it? For money? For honor? Matt and Amanda seek to find out as they talk to a menagerie of chipmunks, donkeys, and of course, mice. Guests include White Glove 1, White Glove 2, Scott Aukerman, Jeff B. Davis, and Space Ranger. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Operation Petticoat

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 38:44


    What is it like to don the silken glove, sparkling tiara, and massive cultural burden of the world's most beloved princesses? Former theme park princess Amanda Lund and former theme park performer Matt Gourley sit down to speak with a diverse collection of past and present princesses, culture experts, and one very sad prince. Guests include Deep Skirt, Ruby Rose, Kristen Meinzer, Jessica Lesaca, and Epaulette Babe. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Introducing Keys to the Kingdom

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 2:53


    Have you ever wondered what it's like to work as a beloved theme park princess? To toil a full day in the sun, dressed head-to-toe in a fuzzy costume? To be stalked by obsessed and sometimes crazed fans? Hosted by Amanda Lund and Matt Gourley and with first-hand accounts by a diverse gathering of characters, actors, and entertainers, Keys to the Kingdom reveals what it's like to step out into the magical world of make-believe and into the hard-reality of the theme park performer lifestyle. Get 8 full-length, bonus companion episodes featuring numerous extended and unheard interviews and more at https://plus.acast.com/s/keystothekingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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