Podcasts about holiday world

This week opens on sad news: Dick Knoebel, the iconic owner of Knoebels's Amusement Resort, has passed away. He was one of the true greats of the family-owned park world. Mike and EB share a piece of an interview they did with him back in 2006, on the midway in front of the Phoenix, and talk about why Knoebels still feels different from every other park in the country — and why that's exactly what he wanted. From there, the news picks up: Fury 325 at Carowinds is back up and running after the park caught a foundation issue on one of its support columns during a routine inspection. Holiday World is extending Friday Night Live hours and adding two brand-new fall operating dates in November. And Mike and EB spend a solid chunk of the show gawking at a Heritage Auctions listing selling off actual Disney park memorabilia — a customized Big Thunder Mountain bench going for over $10,000, a Tomorrowland trash can pushing $2,000, and a Twilight Zone Tower of Terror chandelier that might, weirdly, be the one item on the list actually worth the price. Then there's the story the guys can't stop speculating about: Silver Dollar City has pulled its mine-train coaster Thunderation to make way for what it's calling the largest investment in the park's history, wrapped in an elaborate in-universe press release about a fictional 1880s mining company "returning to work" beneath Marvel Cave. Given the ride's footprint sits right next to the park's real cave tour entrance, Mike and EB dig into what an actual underground attraction at Silver Dollar City could look like — and why the August 14th reveal might be the most interesting theme park announcement of the year. The back half is a trip report showcase: a live in-park report on the brand new Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas, a visit to a certain small, deranged-millionaire-built park in Georgia, Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom, a listener's 150th ride on Wrath at California's Great America, and a family day at Lake Winnepesaukah that ends with a first roller coaster credit for a very lucky three-year-old. Also, there's some 80's pop nostalgia that you won't want to miss.

Kumba's days are officially numbered.In Episode 272 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon discuss the latest theme park news and announcements from the first half of July 2026.Busch Gardens Tampa has confirmed that Kumba will permanently close following its final day of operation on August 2. We look back at the legendary B&M coaster, discuss its impact on Busch Gardens Tampa, and talk about what could eventually replace it.We also dive into the latest Halloween announcements from both Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Halloween Horror Nights continues its 2026 rollout with the Hellraiser haunted house, Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir, and new scare zones including Sideshow of Decay. SeaWorld Orlando has also started revealing what's waiting for guests at Howl-O-Scream 2026.Plus, we discuss Universal Nights at Epic Universe, the return of UOAP Nights, and Holiday World's newly announced record-breaking water coaster.Then it's time for the Rumor Report, including speculation about a possible major Space Mountain refurbishment at Magic Kingdom and the last two remaining houses yet to be announced at HHN.ThrillLedger, the new theme park ride and visit tracker from Vacationeers Media Group. Track your park visits, log your rides and wait times, count your coaster credits, unlock achievements and see your theme park stats all in one place.

Holiday World is a place where holidays can be celebrated all-year round, and on the heels of the 4th of July Holiday, the park recently announced a new-for-2027 to Holiday World's "4th of July" Section - a new MACK Rides water coaster called Cannonball.Andrew is joined on the podcast this week by Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications for and 4th-Generation Owner of Holiday World. There's Cannonball talk, for sure, but there's so much more going on at Holiday World - beyond the world-class wooden coasters, award-winning water park, and free parking, soft drinks and sunscreen that make Holiday World a must-visit family destination.We talk about Holiwood Nights, embracing the absurdity of giant gravy boats and neighborhood swimming pools becoming settings for new attractions, how the "blue sky" process often devolves into a "yes, and" improv session, and the manifestation of inviting Nick Offerman to Cannonball's opening day! (We told you, it's a great conversation!)You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merchThanks to JM Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmentgrp.com

Sometimes the roller coaster world hands you a story so absurd you don't even need a punchline — you just need to read the facts out loud. This week on Coaster Radio, the original theme park podcast, Mike and EB dig into the sudden, bulldozer-bound death of one of the best roller coasters in America: Fun Spot Atlanta is closing on August 2nd, taking Arie Force One — an RMC hybrid barely four years old that regularly cracks top-five lists nationwide — down with it. No, it's not relocating. No, someone can't just "cut out the footprint" and paste it into their backyard. This thing is probably headed straight for the scrapyard, and the guys break down what made this coaster great and if there's any hope at all of it being saved.   From there, it's a genuinely stacked news week (there were two episodes' worth of stories backed up, and it shows): a viral video of a kid tumbling out of Disneyland's Tiana's Bayou Adventure that had half the internet convinced it was AI-generated, Pirates of the Caribbean's brand-new projection-mapped skeleton animatronic (and a pretty compelling argument for where Imagineering should have actually put it), Holiday World's all-American 2027 addition Cannonball — a family water coaster that splashes straight into a themed community pool — and a deep dive into the very mixed reviews rolling in from Universal's newly opened Kids Resort in Texas.   After the break: Six Flags Over Texas delays Tormenta, Cedar Point is selling literal chunks of Magnum XL-200 track for $300 a slice (and they're already sold out), Halloween Horror Nights brings Hellraiser to Hollywood and Orlando, Six Flags Great Adventure unveils its boardwalk-themed Shoreline Pier, and Knott's Berry Farm's long-dead Montezuma the Forbidden Fortress is back and testing with a powerful launch. And because it's the Fourth of July, the show closes out with the 20th-ish annual Coaster Radio tradition: the Sparktacular Explosaloosa, live from EB's back deck — now with video.

Live from Holiday World in Santa Clause, we open up with Tague Davis announcing he is returning to Louisville, then we touch on some other baseball and World Cup headlinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring in Jon Lintner to talk about the week for Lou City and then touch on some shakeups in the local media and coverage of the teams. A new ride is revealed at Holiday World to end the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.Today FM's Cathal Minogue joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

The guys are on vacation, but the show must go on! We recorded this listener question episode just before heading out, covering everything from the best back-to-back coaster combinations to which IP should come to the parks next, whether Disney would ever tear down the Matterhorn, and which rides sound way better than they actually are. Plus, EB shares two fun stories from a recent Kentucky Kingdom visit — including a station crew member who had absolutely had enough, and a Flying Fox scavenger hunt with a surprisingly solid prize.

This week's guest is Al Keller. He is the head of sales for Holiday World and Splashin' Safari.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allie in Group Therapy thinks her friend might be the victim of a catfish because no one has met her BF of 2 years! Then we discuss the house rules your pets have made for YOU! Plus Sandy and the billing department play Little Kid or Drunk Adult for Holiday World and Splashin' Safari tickets!

We're back.. and we MIGHT talk about coasters! Missing Marc and Tom, Marcus is joined by Andrew from C101 to talk about Holiday World, all the Disney, Vekomas coming in, Japan, man.. actual coaster stuff! Well also Marcus' bullshit but yes coaster stuff!

What's better than a theme park podcast? A theme park podcast recorded while a tornado is actively threatening to rearrange EB's house. Welcome to another completely unhinged episode of Coaster Radio, where we somehow manage to discuss the future of Disney Imagineering, a legendary wooden coaster's potential comeback, and the glorious grit of America's boardwalk parks while EB monitors live storm tracking from his studio. We kick things off with some big news: Adobe has announced a collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to bring AI-powered pre-visualization tools to the theme park design pipeline. The idea is to take Imagineering's massive archive of concept art and accelerate the development process — from blue sky sketch to 3D model, faster than ever before. Sounds exciting, right? Well, EB has thoughts. A lot of them. Speaking of attractions, Hershey Park's legendary Tidal Force — one of the most spectacular splash zones in the history of boat rides — is closing after 32 years this September. Alabama Adventure is teasing a big announcement that fans hope means the long-dormant Rampage wooden coaster is finally coming back, possibly with RMC treatment. Universal Epic Universe is debuting a brand new nighttime spectacular called Celestial Goodnight featuring seven million LED lights and 350 fountains. And Dollywood's Night Flight Expedition has been pushed back to August — which opens the door for Holiday World, who appears to be announcing their single biggest investment ever on July 1st at 8:45 AM, and all signs point to a Mack rocking boat ride coming to Boulder Canyon in 2027. Then we pivot to the second half of the show — a full celebration of boardwalk parks and the beautiful, gritty, chaotic joy of beach amusement. Mike's heading to Ocean City, Maryland for vacation, and we take a loving tour of some of America's great seaside spots: the Santa Monica Pier, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (including a very generous offer of free tokens to Treasure Hunt), the New Jersey piers, Coney Island (which Mike has still never visited and yes, we're calling him out), and the terminally underrated Indiana Beach. We also go deep on mini golf — specifically, how much a well-themed mini golf course with animatronics slaps, and why the card-swipe ticket system is a crime against childhood nostalgia. And yes, there's a million-dollar mini golf course for sale in EB's town if anyone's interested. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Coaster Radio Insiders Club at patreon.com/coasterradio.#coasterradio

The first ever Coaster Radio panel discussion is here — and it did not disappoint. Joining Mike and EB are three guests who come at the theme park world from completely different angles. Jessica Gardner — the Theme Parkette — is a Los Angeles-based travel content creator, actress with over 50 on-screen credits, USA Today 10Best theme park expert, and host of the ACE official podcast Ride With Us. Josh Reichlin of Made to Thrill spent years frustrated by theme park gift shops and instead of just complaining about it built an entire brand whose retro-style artwork now hangs in Six Flags parks, Holiday World, and an unreasonable number of other places. And Tom from Louisville — Coaster Radio listener since Season 1, game show contestant, Reel Design Contest semifinalist, cartoon lobster, and the man whose voice you hear every week saying "quick hits." Topics covered this week: Is Werewolf Gorge at Six Flags Fiesta Texas the last dive coaster we'll ever get genuinely excited about? Are we happy about Enchanted Parks and what should they call their skip the line program? Knoebels turns 100 this year and the panel has feelings. Michigan's Adventure turns 70 and nobody's sure what happens next. Jessica rode the new Phantom Theater at Kings Island three times in one day — with Meta glasses. Josh got a Voyage trimless night ride at Holiday World and called it life changing. Jessica's Voyage trimless night ride at the all-women's ride made her cry. The case for and against Epic Universe being the best theme park ever built — and why Tom from Louisville says Disneyland and he's not budging. Then the big question — do people like the ones on this panel actually make the theme park experience better? Influencers, podcasters, merchandise creators — do they add wonder or spoil it? The answers are honest, funny, and occasionally surprising. Plus Jessica reveals the most unexpected piece of theme park memorabilia in the history of the show. Tom brings the Trader Sam's mug. Josh explains what the Demon poster at Great America means to him personally. And somewhere in there, EB decides he needs to watch the Defunctland Fast Lane episode immediately.

Nine semis have been victims of the "Can Opener" near U of L's campus!! That plays a part in TBT too, and Eric tries his hand at snatching Kelly's pop culture crown off her head in Can't Beat Kelly for Holiday World and Splashin' Safari tickets!

Its Day 1 of the I-65 Central Corridor project so we give you tips on handling that emotionally! Chad thinks his ex cursed him...because she's a literal witch and bad things are happening. We play Dude Knowledge for Holiday World tickets and Hit The Drop singing Sabrina and NSYNC!

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Group Therapy centered around Erin's boss's flirty hubby who is making her feel uncomfortable when he pops by the office. We spend a crazy amount of time talking about tabs open on your phone, dub a lawn guy our "expert IT guy" and play Dude Knowledge for your choice of Holiday World or Andy Grammer tickets!

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Leading a team can feel like a roller coaster. From big climbs and sudden drops, there are moments where you wonder why you got on the ride in the first place. Matt Heller, Founder of Performance Optimist Consulting helps leaders and teams stay focused and performing at their best. Through engaging keynotes, hands-on workshops, and practical coaching, we turn fear into confidence and discomfort into momentum. This means fewer breakdowns and more breakthroughs. If your organization is ready to start building real forward motion, it's time to take action and make better performance and growth your main attraction. Visit performanceoptimist.com/attractionpros for an exclusive offer! Mark Rosenzweig is the Principal and Chief Business Officer of 3dxScenic. After getting his start in park operations and park services at Michigan's Adventure, Mark moved into sales and marketing roles at Zamperla and Ride Entertainment, including leading the SkyCoaster division. In 2020, he joined 3dxScenic in the Cincinnati area, and in December 2023 he became co-owner alongside longtime team member Matt Waldenmeyer. Today, 3dxScenic designs and fabricates themed environments, signage, facades, parade floats, and iconic photo-op pieces for parks and attractions. In this interview, Mark talks about integrity, transparency, and collaboration, stirring imagination, and being an operations nerd. Integrity, transparency, and collaboration “We have three pillars that we believe 150% in. Those are collaboration, integrity, and transparency.” Mark frames these as more than values on a wall. They shape how 3dxScenic sells, scopes, schedules, and delivers work. He explains that integrity and transparency mean being upfront about what's possible, what will be subcontracted, and what the realistic timeline and bandwidth look like, with a focus on avoiding surprises. Collaboration is the lever that makes the work better, whether it's aligning early on how a piece will live in the environment, or leaning on operators and mid-level leaders who will ultimately execute the day-to-day. He also emphasizes these pillars internally. From how ownership communicates with team members to how departments coordinate workflow, he sees consistency between culture and output as a requirement for sustainable growth and repeat partnerships. Stirring imagination “It's not always easy to sell abstract decor to someone that, say, is in finance.” Mark describes scenic work as an abstract product that often requires helping clients visualize ROI differently. A sculpture may not directly sell tickets, but it can become an iconic, repeatable photo moment that drives sharing, tradition, and brand memory. He points to examples like oversized entry pieces and themed elements that communicate what a park experience feels like before a guest ever rides anything. He also walks through how ideas become reality, using projects like Holiday World's Good Gravy as a case study in creative back-and-forth, story building, and delivering pieces that can even turn into merchandise. For Mark, the win is when theming supports the story, creates emotional connection, and provides both guest delight and practical marketing value. Being an operations nerd “I'm an operations nerd at heart.” Mark's early-career curiosity shows up in how he talks about labor, workflow, and execution. He credits his time in park services, ride ops, and other frontline roles with giving him empathy for how systems actually run, and why it matters to learn by doing. That mindset carries into fabrication, where one late step can cascade into multiple downstream delays. The “ops nerd” lens also shows up in the company's recent move into a new 30,000 square foot facility. Mark shares how they let departments help dictate the shop layout, aiming for smoother phase-to-phase movement, fewer bottlenecks, and better long-term scalability as they take on larger and more complex projects.   To learn more about 3dxScenic, visit 3dxscenic.com and find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can reach Mark directly at markr@3dxscenic.com.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Tech. Sondra and I discuss the art and importance of creating exceptional visitor experiences and how technology can help attractions remove friction for guests, increase revenue, and stand out in a competitive landscape. She also shares why keeping guests informed leads to happier experiences and how, just by walking around their attraction, leaders can turn firsthand insights into an improved guest experience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why removing friction from the guest journey is essential for happier visitors, bigger revenue, and more memorable family moments at attractions Strategies Sondra and her team use to identify and solve friction points at attractions How operational leaders and frontline staff benefit from "management by walking around" and being directly involved in the guest experience Why consistent and early training is critical for attraction teams, and how lack of confidence and poor communication can impact employee retention What creative value adds can set attractions apart and drive guest loyalty How digital transformation and going cashless are shaping visitor expectations An Invisible Engine Powering Seamless Experiences Technology is a part of the experience, and it shouldn't be a friction point. When technology is thoughtfully integrated, it dissolves many of the small frustrations that can sour a family's day at a theme park or museum. From ticket-purchasing workflows that set clear expectations to mobile ordering that eliminates long food lines, the right tech doesn't just improve operational efficiency, it actively enhances the experience. Surveys consistently show that informed guests are happier guests. Providing clear, early information about all options (from all-inclusive passes to extra add-ons) allows families to prepare and enjoy every moment together. Value-Adds That Show You Care Some of the most memorable attractions go the extra mile, sometimes in unexpected ways. Sondra highlights parks like Holiday World and Dollywood, where providing free drinks and sunscreen isn't just a marketing gimmick—it's a proactive way to care for guests' comfort and health. People once thought these "extras" were crazy, but these amenities have built tremendous goodwill and loyalty while distinguishing the park from competitors. Social media culture and shifting guest expectations have raised the bar even higher. Today, digital ticketing, contactless payments, and mobile access aren't just perks, they're de facto standards. Empowering Teams and Elevating Operations Guest satisfaction isn't just about what happens at the turnstile, it's deeply connected to operational excellence behind the scenes. One key theme that emerged from Sondra's experience, well-trained teams are more confident, more helpful, and much less likely to quit. Rapid, seasonal hiring makes this challenging, but ongoing education, especially incorporating communication and even sales training, equips staff to handle guest needs with confidence and empathy. Parks with strong training programs set a standard of excellence that's felt at every touchpoint. Giving staff practical communication tools is really vital, because your frontline people have tremendous insight into what guests really need. Resources: Website: https://gatemaster.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondrashannon/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatemastertech/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Reporter, Joe Caulfield attends the Holiday World Show at the RDS in Dublin.

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

sign up for Audible, using our affiliate link! When you sign up for Audible between November 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 and get a great savings. Your first three months will be $0.99 before resorting to the regular price of $15. In the process you will be helping out our podcast, and the “Terry goat fund.” Quick recap The siblings Keith, Terry, and Jill shared personal updates and anecdotes, including discussions about an Audible affiliate program, upcoming birthdays, and recent car accidents. The group exchanged humorous stories about winter weather and snow-related incidents before transitioning to sharing unusual news stories and defining various words. The conversation ended with discussions about holiday activities, including baking and decorations, and ended with reminders for listeners to support the podcast through ratings and reviews. Summary Keith announced a new Audible affiliate program running until December 31st, offering a $1 deal for the first three months. Terry shared that he would be celebrating his birthday on December 6th and humorously requested listeners to send him money. Jill mentioned her grandson’s 18th birthday and a recent car accident involving three vehicles. The siblings exchanged lighthearted stories about snow, shoveling, and driving in wintry conditions, with Terry recalling a buried car in Michigan and Keith sharing a humorous encounter with a snowplow. The group discussed recent snowfall, with Terry sharing his method for managing snowplow piles and Keith recounting an incident involving Robin tripping and breaking her glasses. Terry described helping his wife order Amazon items and mentioned ordering flamingo-themed gifts for their grandson. News of the Week just before we start the segment, Terry has some connection trouble, so Keith shared several unusual news stories, including sheep herding in Nuremberg, a deer incident at Holiday World, and a reindeer escape in England. Terry read about a Chinese robot setting a world record for a humanoid robot walk, while Jill shared a story about a California man discovering a black bear living under his house. Terry concluded with an update about a teddy bear that was launched into the stratosphere and went missing. Jill's Weird Words The group discussed and defined eight words, including cadre (a small group of specially trained people), forfend (to avoid or prevent), gregarious (outgoing and sociable), outré (unusual and startling), constellate (to gather together to form a cluster), trichromatic (using three colors), bon vivant (a person who enjoys a luxurious lifestyle), and ossified (to turn into bones or become hardened). Terry's Top 10 List Terry shared a humorous top 10 list of things not to do in the snow, including driving too fast, walking on icy surfaces without proper footwear, and ignoring frostbite or hypothermia warning signs. Keith and Jill joined in with comments and additional tips. Anchor Topic The conversation then shifted to a discussion about manual skills and hobbies, particularly focusing on holiday decorations, as part of their blindness rehabilitation segment. They encouraged listeners to call or email with questions about blindness and manual skills. The group discussed holiday baking activities, with Jill and Keith sharing their experiences making Christmas decorations and cookies. Terry mentioned ordering Christmas cookies and revealed their oven was working again after a year-long break, leading to plans for making cookies this year. The conversation highlighted that blind individuals can participate in baking activities with appropriate adaptations, such as using parchment paper for easy cookie removal and serving as effective timers for hearing-impaired family members. Email and Final Thoughts Keith and Terry discussed a variety of emails and jokes, including Thanksgiving stories and humorous anecdotes about a grumpy Prof. The final word from our AI companion They shared light-hearted conversations about family traditions, personal experiences, and funny observations. The conversation ended with a reminder for listeners to support the podcast by telling friends, leaving ratings and reviews, and sharing their own funny stories. Show notes written by AI, edited as needed by Keith. Sponsored by: Retro Radio Podcast. Bringing you family-friendly entertainment through classic, old-time radio. Episodes are posted daily. Keith and his Retrobots share everything in his collection from the days of vintage radio. Adventure, comedy, detective, westerns, and lots in between. If you don't hear your favorite show, just ask Visit the web page today, https://retro-otr.com

Round 3 with Troy Morris III! This time he is in the same time zone as us, finally! Troy is the driver of the #07x late model and modified currently racing out of Waterloo, Iowa. Originally from Bakersfield, California. Discussed:Lazer Chassis and getting behind the wheel of a late modelChange of plans in Missouri. Making the move to Iowa and its reasons. Race results from 2025His 2024 "Gateway Dirt Nationals" debut at the Dome!! Snagging one of the last invites this year at the Gateway Dirt Nationals. He's looking to capitalize on last years showing. Trying to get a NOS Energy sponsorship.

win tickets to Holiday World from the Smiley Morning Show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

win tickets to Holiday World from the Smiley Morning Show this week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Leah Koch-Blumhardt and Lauren Koch-Crosby, the fourth-generation owners of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari—America's first theme park. From free soft drinks and sunscreen to top-ranked water rides, they talk about what makes the park special, the importance of storytelling, and how they're tackling challenges like seasonal staffing, rising costs, and employee housing. It's a fun look at how tradition and innovation come together in Santa Claus, Indiana.

This week, EB joins the show live from Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana! He'll have a full review of the park in "real-time" including updates on The Voyage, The Legend, The Raven, Thunderbird and Good Gravy! The guys also have updates on the latest news, rumors and trip reports from around the amusement industry. Plus, we have the return of the "SOUNDWAVE" contest!

win Holiday World tickets all this week on the Smiley Morning Show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can setting boundaries during the holiday season lead to a more joyful experience for you and your loved ones? In our latest episode, we tackle the often-overlooked importance of establishing healthy boundaries to prioritize self-care amidst the holiday hustle. Inspired by a conversation with the insightful Dr. Sheryl Barnes, we explore the concept of micro joy—discovering happiness in small, everyday moments. By sharing stories of courageous women who have reinvented their lives through self-care, we offer practical tips and inspiration for personal transformation at any stage of life, ensuring you remain present and savor the moments that truly matter.Join us as we discuss the power of intentional communication and setting clear expectations with friends, family, and coworkers during the festive season. We highlight how identifying the feelings you want to carry through and beyond the holidays can guide you to make conscious choices that enhance your celebrations. Through open conversations, we can uncover creative solutions and forge new traditions, reducing stress and amplifying joy. Share this episode with anyone who could benefit from support in nurturing themselves and setting boundaries, because everyone deserves a season filled with peace and happiness. Remember, your unique light is needed in the world, especially during this time of togetherness.Podcast Recommendation: Looking for inspiration about how to thrive as you age? Want well-aging fitness tips? Listen to The Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast with hosts Chris and Jill.Loving the show? Text us and let us know!