Podcasts about Sami

Mark Henry reacts to Ilja Dragunov beating Sami Zayn to become the new US Men's Champion. He also discusses the attack that happened that led to Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre in the main event on Smackdown. To visit our partners at Chewy, click here. The Master's Class is now available on its own podcast feed! SUBSCRIBE NOW to hear over 50 episodes of Dave, Bully, Mark, and Tommy taking you behind the scenes like only they can, plus BRAND NEW episodes every week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Busted Open ad-free and get exclusive access to bonus episodes. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on @ Betches, Sami, Jordana, and Aleen open with a heartfelt tribute to Diane Keaton, celebrating her legacy, timeless filmography, and the effortless cool she brought to every role. They reflect on how she redefined aging in Hollywood and why her influence still shapes women today. Then, the group dives into the guest list of Selena Gomez's star-studded wedding and why her kidney donor, Francia Raia, wasn't invited (well part of her was there). It begs to ask the question…what are the rules and ethics of kidney donation? From there, it's all about Kylie Jenner's unexpected music debut with her collaborative single with Terror Jr., “Fourth Strike.” Is she officially entering her pop star era or just relaunching King Kylie for PR? They also react to the viral story of Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau's yacht romance. Is Justin just using her to go to space? hmm… Go to the Betches YouTube page to watch full length episodes every Friday: Youtube.com/@Betches  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Coach Chris with Sami Winters, the race director at Ironman NC 70.3 in Wilmington, NC. Get all the insider tips and details for this amazing race, including a tidal swim, a point-to-point puzzle, and a finish on the Riverwalk—all built by a team of 1,200 volunteers and a great staff. We unpack the fast course, strict safety rules, and the community that makes PRs possible.• why the date follows the tide charts• what makes the swim fast yet technical• warm-up workarounds without water access• transition bags, no buckets, no solo cups• bike course winds, counterflow, highway loop• grated bridges with strict no-aero, no-pass rules• T2 on a slant and fast setups• run course tweaks and the Riverwalk finish vibe• community impact, volunteers, and local giving• practical travel, lodging, and packing tips• athlete food plan and dietary options• respect for neighborhoods and facilitiesIf you're racing this year, GOOD LUCK! Be sure to read your athlete guide and check out Sami's welcome letter and playlist. Send us a text Support the show

In this solo episode of Transform, Sami Bernstein is back with an unfiltered chat all about pregnancy — the real, the unexpected, and everything in between. After an outpouring of DMs from listeners who are pregnant, trying, or dreaming about their first baby, Sami opens up about her own journey so far — from the supplements she's taking to navigating genetic testing, finding patience, and the mindset shifts that helped her through the waiting.She also shares the honest moments — how her body's changing, the clothes she's loving right now, what travel looks like while pregnant, and even name ideas and how many kids might be in her future. Whether you're on your own fertility journey or just here for the chat, this episode is all about trust, transformation, and embracing change.This episode is brought to you by Cotton, Ritual, Ka'Chava, and Canopy:Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.comGet 25% off your first month of Ritual when you visit Ritual.com/TRANSFORM & add essential protein today.Go to Kachava.com and use code TRANSFORM for 15% off your next orderGo to get canopy.co and use code TRANSFORM at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchaseAlso mentioned in this episode:Supplements: Ritual Prenatal Ritual Omega-3 Ritual Natalbiotic Ritual Choline Heart & Soil Beef Organs Pure Encapsulations B-Complex NOW Wheat Germ Oil CoQ10 Turmeric Bump Friendly Clothing:Jenni Kayne Daydreamer LES Collection Supplement Container Function Health - Code: TRANSFORM100Jessica Stone Niki Novo FORM Meditations Inito Ovulation Tracker Prenuvo __________________________________________Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode, Ali and Sami sit down with Taylor Cooper, the heart and soul behind Conquer You Cacao — a consciously crafted cacao brand infused with five powerful functional mushrooms and the deepest reverence for plant medicine.Taylor shares how his journey with cacao began as a personal passion — hosting sound baths and small ceremonies with friends — and how it evolved into a mission to bring intentional, high-vibration cacao to the world. From experimenting with blends in his kitchen to formulating the nutrient-rich, ethically sourced lineup Conquer You Cacao is known for today, Taylor walks us through the alchemical process that brought his dream to life.We dive into: 

Stacey Ray is no ordinary travel advisor. After decades in the health care industry and the loss of her husband, she made a bold career pivot — launching a business designed for women like herself: curious, solo female travelers over 45 who want to see the world and make lasting friendships along the way. Thus, Sisterhood Travels was born. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Ray shares her inspiring career journey, the challenges she’s faced and how she turned those experiences into a thriving community of travelers. The conversation also touches on the importance of succession planning — her daughter, Sami, now serves as Sisterhood’s COO — as well as the nuances of group travel and Ray’s advice for new-to-industry advisors. This episode is sponsored by Europe Express. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Sisterhood Travels Email Ray: stacey.ray@sisterhoodtravels.com Ray's business phone: 910-742-5324 Ray's podcast: Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on @Betches, Sami and Aleen unpack the cultural storm that is Taylor Swift's Life of a Showgirl. They debate whether Taylor's latest songwriting is self-aware genius or if she lost her touch, decoding the real meaning behind “CANCELLED!,” and admit that maybe being cringe is kind of iconic now. They also unpack why Swifties are more divided than ever, how the algorithm has officially become the villain of pop culture, and whether Travis Kelce is grounding her… or just dumbing her down. Go to the Betches YouTube page to watch full length episodes every Friday: Youtube.com/@Betches  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you get home from Fleet Week, here's what's new in theaters this weekend. Jared Leto's ‘TRON: Ares' opens. Freakier Friday is also available to rent at home now! The next Game of Thrones prequel is coming in January! Charlie Sheen's 21-year old daughter, Sami, talks about her EXTENSIVE plastic surgery. It's World Mental Health Day - let's keep removing that stigma! Did your parents have any weird rules like these? Ahh, childhood.

Alice in Winterland is officially on sale! Don't miss your chance to party with us this December 4th. If you're craving live music this weekend - here's who's playing, including "An Evening with Morrissey" at The Greek. D4vd has not yet been arrested after a young woman's body was found in his Tesla last month. Jennifer Aniston has revealed why she never had kids, and it's not what you think. ‘Survivor' is off to an emotional start, and we're locked in. A man and his thermos will make your jaw drop. When you get home from Fleet Week, here's what's new in theaters this weekend. Jared Leto's ‘TRON: Ares' opens. Freakier Friday is also available to rent at home now! The next Game of Thrones prequel is coming in January! Charlie Sheen's 21-year old daughter, Sami, talks about her EXTENSIVE plastic surgery. It's World Mental Health Day - let's keep removing that stigma! Did your parents have any weird rules like these? Ahh, childhood. Sarah's got a Kiss, Marry, Kill that might get the gang cancelled. A right-winged organization founded by Charlie Kirk is hosting a counterprogramming half-time show in protest of Bad Bunny. ‘The Witcher' is coming back for season 4, but they're subbing out Henry Cavill for Liam Hemsworth. ‘Oceans Eleven' is getting another sequel! And a prequel! ‘A Minecraft Movie' is getting a sequel, and ‘Dexter: Resurrection' has been renewed for a second season. Fruit is a delicious part of life, even peaches in a can. 25% of people in relationships say they're polar opposites of their partner - how does that work? Plus, the gang is pumped about Matty's date. Charlie xcx, Kylie Jenner, and Alexander Skarsgård will star in A24's new movie. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is sure to be a star-studded event with special guests like Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, Questlove, Killer Mike, and more. The Fate of Ophelia breaks Miley Cyrus's Spotify record. Vinnie's got stories about bats and mole rats. A woman is being accused of using dating apps to burglarize men. Don't be a hero today.

Alex Greene welcomes back Liza Kimble for an exciting follow-up conversation about her groundbreaking experience at the Fascia Congress in New Orleans. Fresh from her travels, Liza shares how she introduced TRE and neurogenic tremoring to the international fascia research community, where over 100 attendees experienced tremoring for the first time. The congress brought together leading voices in nervous system work, including Stephen Porges, Robert Schleip, and Gil Hedley, creating a unique convergence of scientific research and therapeutic practice that validated the deep connection between fascia, trauma, and the autonomic nervous system.Liza takes listeners behind the scenes of this transformative event, sharing insights from keynote presentations on the fascia-nervous system connection, Gil Hedley's emotional vagus nerve dissection, and conversations about consciousness within connective tissue. She discusses the positive reception to her TRE demonstration with Professor Werner Klingler, the power of vagal activation through sound and voice work, and her growing passion for integrating indigenous healing wisdom—including Sami yoiking traditions—with somatic practices. This conversation illuminates the exciting frontier where ancient healing methods, cutting-edge fascia research, and neurogenic tremoring converge to offer new pathways for trauma healing and embodied wellness.Listen to the full episode to discover how the fascia world is embracing neurogenic tremoring and what this means for the future of trauma healing and somatic therapy.Key Highlights:00:04 - Introduction and Congress Overview 03:10 - Robert Schleip on Fascia 05:29 - Fascia Responds to Stress 08:45 - Fabiana de Silva's Vagal Resets 11:17 - Self-Help Grounding Through Squeezing 12:18 - Gil Hedley's Vagus Dissection 14:01 - Sounding and Vagal Activation 18:06 - Fascia, Consciousness, and Soul 21:28 - Meeting Stephen Porges 25:32 - Traumatic Brain Injury Insights 30:00 - Liza's TRE Presentation Experience 32:51 - 100 People Experience Tremoring 40:00 - Future Congress Plans 42:40 - Sami Yoiking Healing Songs 48:34 - Human Algorithm Workshop PreviewResources Mentioned:Robert Schleip - Fascia Research FoundationGil Hedley - Nerve Tour and Anatomy Videos: https://www.gilhedley.com/ Stephen Porges - Polyvagal Theory: https://www.stephenporges.com/ Fabiana Silva - Fascia Research Society President: https://www.facebook.com/FasciaResearchSociety/John Sharkey - Anatomist and Fascia Researcher: http://www.johnsharkeyevents.com/ Journal of Movement and BodyworkLiza Kimble's website: https://lizakimble.com/ Find us Online:Website: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/ Instagram: @redbeardsomatictherapyFacebook: @RedBeardSomaticTherapy

Sami assesses the long term viability of AI with Pablo Curell, software developer at Recovr (https://www.recovr.eu/en), as they break down the hype and logistics that surround the popular tool. The pair examine why it's still important you learn to code, what AI's best use cases are now and what they could be in the future, what a successful AI product actually looks like on the back end, as well as the ever growing and unsustainable economics behind AI tokens. — Read the article mentioned in this week's episode - The Case Against Generative AI (https://www.wheresyoured.at/the-case-against-generative-ai/?ref=ed-zitrons-wheres-your-ed-at-newsletter&attribution_id=68d5b5a4ba9b3e00014d8ab5&attribution_type=post) Check out Pablo's podcast A Junior, A Senior and I (https://aji.podbean.com/) for similar discussions and perspectives on the world of tech, or follow him on social media - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablocm90/) - Mastodon (https://hostux.social/@pacumo) - Website (https://blog.codemanship.dev) Your host for this episode has been Sami Birnbaum. Sami can be found through his website (https://samibirnbaum.com) or via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samibirnbaum/). If you would like to support the show, head over to our GitHub page (https://github.com/sponsors/thoughtbot), or check out our website (https://podcast.thoughtbot.com). Got a question or comment about the show? Why not write to our hosts: hosts@giantrobots.fm This has been a thoughtbot (https://thoughtbot.com/) podcast. Stay up to date by following us on social media - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/) - Mastodon (https://thoughtbot.social/@thoughtbot) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/thoughtbotvideo) - Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtbot.com) © 2025 thoughtbot, inc.

At the end of each episode, I ask my guest if they'd like to highlight someone else, given how hard indie filmmaking is. It's called the indie film highlight. And of course they do. My guest today, Ömer Sami, is the only person who was nominated on two separate occasions and that speaks to both how well respected he is amongst his peers but how groundbreaking his filmmaking is. In this conversation, I get to find out why that is, and I think it's partially due to his interest in psychology. His background gives him the skillset to better understand the human condition and then portray it on film. Or maybe he's just a fantastic guy who supports his fellow filmmakers. Why can't it be both? In this episode, Ömer and I discuss:How does he feel about the respect he's garnered amongst his peers;His unique educational background — he went to LA to study psychology and Denmark for film school;How to become a filmmaker in Denmark (important note: neither of us are providing immigration advice!);What made him decide to head into documentary?His film, ETERNAL FATHER (2023), and how he views the burgeoning “don't die” movement;How he built trust to be able to film such a personal documentary;Why is he working on a feature now and the role of short docs vs. short narratives;What's next for him — a feature length doc on the “Indiana Jones of Scotland”;What it's like taking short films to festivals;Festivals and filmmaking in Denmark. Ömer 's Indie Film Highlight: BALOMANIA (2024) dir. by Sissel Dargis MorellMemorable Quotes:“The question that I was always interested in was what it's like to be someone in a specific situation. I studied psychology because I was interested in consciousness of what it's like to be another being. And then I found out that film was actually a much better way of conveying that emotionally.”“Generally I love working with kids because they have an unfiltered, immediate way of seeing the world.”“In the case of the kids, my experience is that they have to get bored of it. And when the novelty wears off, that's when the interesting things start happening. And in the case of adults, I think a lot of documentary is about performance, how intentional that is.”“Short documentaries are often tied to news outlets, so people are used to consuming shorter form content. And I'm not a snob at all about length. I think it's ridiculous this idea that the feature is a kind of holy grail of filmmaking.”“I think often you leave feeling that film could be shorter. It's very rare that it could have been longer.”“The shorts that work best for me are the ones that embrace the limits and the constraints of this sort form instead of trying to be a mini feature.”“The curation is just really important in terms of what is the emotional journey that you go on. [Film festivals] are like having a birthday party and a funeral in the same room.”Links:Follow Ömer On InstagramWatch ETERNAL FATHER NowÖmer 's VimeoSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

We get into our Mens Room Question: What happened that wasn't supposed to happen that day?

2 Corinteni 1.18-22 8. Credincios este Dumnezeu că vorbirea noastră faţă de voi n-a fost şi „Da” şi „Nu”.19. Căci Fiul lui Dumnezeu, Isus Hristos, care a fost propovăduit de noi în mijlocul vostru, prin mine, prin Silvan şi prin Timotei, n-a fost „da” şi „nu”, ci în El nu este decât „da”.20. În adevăr, […]

Dr. Sami Timimi is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of Searching for Normal.Why does it feel like everyone suddenly has ADHD or autism? Are we medicalising normal life? And what if the mental health crisis isn't biological—but cultural?Expect to learn why ADHD and autism were never true medical diagnoses, how mental health labels became lifelong identities, why resilience can't be taught but must be lived, how therapy culture breeds learned helplessness, why “mental health awareness” may be harming kids, how social media glamorises illness, and why reclaiming responsibility is the antidote to a culture obsessed with being unwell.00:00 – Intro: Why everyone seems to have ADHD01:00 – The rise of ADHD, autism and mental health diagnoses03:00 – Are psychiatric disorders real medical conditions?06:30 – How ADHD and autism expanded from rare to common11:40 – Why people hold onto mental health labels14:00 – The history of ADHD and “upside-down science”18:30 – How adult ADHD became a global identity24:30 – The link between diagnosis and identity politics30:00 – The danger of victimhood and loss of resilience35:00 – Why resilience can't be taught—it must be lived39:30 – How overprotection creates learned helplessness43:00 – The false relief of a diagnosis48:00 – Why mental health became a brand52:00 – The beauty of diversity and human uniqueness57:00 – How to build resilience through experience1:00:00 – Parents, coaches, and raising mentally strong kids1:02:00 – Why “mental health awareness” may harm children1:06:00 – Autism rates are skyrocketing—what's behind it1:09:30 – Redefining what “normal” really means1:13:00 – From mental health to mental strength1:15:00 – How focusing on problems creates more problems1:20:00 – Reframing problems as skills to learn1:22:00 – Can we recover from over-diagnosing society?1:24:00 – Pushback from psychiatry and the mental health industry1:27:00 – Technology, distraction, and social media's impact1:32:00 – The glamorisation of mental illness onlineFind Dr Sami: https://samitimimi.co.ukTry my app:Get 20% of MindStrong Sport app subscriptions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindstrongsport.com/checkout⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use code mindstrongpodcast)Get in Touch:⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lewishatchett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lewis_hatchett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To sponsor or contact the show visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lewishatchett.com/podcast⁠⁠

Derek speaks with Sami Al-Arian, Public Affairs Professor and Director of the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA) at Istanbul Zaim University, about the forthcoming Gaza talks and the prospects for a ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whats that you hear? Is it the sound of trails being hunted? Or roads being lit? No, you're right, its another episode of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast being beamed right to your devices! This weeks show starts off with our first review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TrailHunter, which Benjamin is towing with around town. Why is there yet another off-road oriented version of this off-road-oriented SUV? How does it differ from TRD-branded models? What's with the pricing? Benjamin breaks it down for you. Then Sami flies of the country to test out the 2026 Audi Q3 in Scotland. Armed with a new design, new infotainment system, new gear selector and new headlights, Sami is eager to talk about what makes this compact crossover so special, and what his reservations are about this whole class of small luxury vehicles. Finally, Benjamin finally reveals the latest addition to his garage. Thanks for listening!

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch's Eric Corbridge to review WWE Smackdown including evaluating the clunky contract signing segment where WWE put Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton in a situation that exposed their weaknesses and didn't play to their strengths all just to set up a tag match next week. Also, the difference between a Pet Peeve and a meaningful critique of sloppy or lazy habits leads to a fun segment of listeners' Pro Wrestling Pet Peeves. Plus, Booker T's commentary fails tonight and ideas on how to improve his contributions, the Sami Zayn-Aleister Black finish, Cody Rhodes playing up the "little brother" demeanor with Randy Orton too much, and more with live caller, email, and chat interaction throughout.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-post-shows--3275545/support.

This week on @ Betches, Sami, Jordana & Aleen dive into Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's shocking divorce after 19 years of marriage. Was Nicole blindsided? Did Keith already move on with another woman? The girls unpack all the rumors, speculation, and what's next for Nicole in her single era. They also break down Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's wedding, Sydney Sweeney's bizarre guest list (yes, Jeff Bezos and…Ashton Kutcher?), and debate whether Bad Bunny will outdo Shakira at the Super Bowl. Plus, memorializing Mean Girls Day nostalgia…what exactly does Gen Z quote if it's not Mean Girls? Go to the Betches YouTube page to watch full length episodes every Friday: Youtube.com/@Betches  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this highly requested solo episode, Sami Clarke shares the tools that are shaping her life in this current season. As her journey evolves, she opens up about the practices and resources that keep her grounded, focused, and inspired.From somatic experiencing and nervous system work to her daily GAD walks (gratitude, affirmations, and dreams), meditation, and journaling, Sami dives into her current toolkit and offers practical ways to begin incorporating these tools into your own life.Whether you're navigating challenges or stepping into growth, this episode will guide you to pause, reflect, and take action — with tools designed to help you create meaningful, lasting change from the inside out.Also mentioned in this episode:Gabby Bernstein: https://gabbybernstein.com/FORM Nikki Novo Meditations: https://digital.joinform.co/loginNicole Sachs - expressive 20-minute journal practice https://www.yourbreakawake.com/I am light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ism8dBjxKvcBeautiful Chorus songs: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydqKEeqSN3_6LcA_7Q8htQEllie Styles: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ellie-stiles/1831978495Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.This episode is brought to you by:Cotton: Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.comOsea: Head to OseaMaliby.com and use code TRANSFORM for 10% offPaleovalley: Head to paleovalley.com/transform or use code transform at checkout for 15% off your first purchaseProduced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode the crew does their very best to dissect the latest storylines in WWE. We don't have a pot to piss in, WWE must be listening!!! Seth looks like the weight of the Cody World is on his shoulders, Cody is poking holes in the Vision and asking questions about a Beast??? Jimmy looks like he's ready to move on from the Bloodline or at least does not agree with Roman and little bro's vision.......all this and so much more!!! CHEERS!!!JERKING THE CURTAINROUND TABLE OF TOPICSNEWSAsh by Elegance aka Dana Brook forfeits TNA title (Kelani Jordan is new TNA Knockouts Champ)Braun Strowman becoming a real monster???Stings son will be making his official debut next month….will WWE go after him? ESPN gives WrestlePalooza a C “You Just Made the List” Top 5 heels (Females)SMACKDOWN Ladies and Gentlemen…..Cody and the GOAT exchange words Drew vs Fatu is damn good for business JC Mateo pledges his love for SoloBo Dallas is the mystery man in the shadows…..what does he want with Sami???WWE is listening……Je'Von Evans answers the open challenge……grrrreat match Stephanie makes Tiffy look like a rookieBlack and Priest, gimme seconds and thirds Jade looks like an action figure Botch city for Tiffy Time Tiffany doesn't stand a chance against Stephanie Vaquer RAWBe careful what you ask for Rhea……Asuka is next level awesomeness!!! This feud is grrreat and the best B rated acting I've ever seen!!!Dirty Dom and his bag of tricksCody and Seth's timeline is epic for Crown JewelLyra cant take Bayley's personalitiesSeth looks like a man with his back against the wall……..Cody gets no fireworks on RAW but the exchange is fire Pete Dunne and Tyler Bates are your Los Americanos…..pretty sureIs the Bloodline back together or is there a member missing???                                            NXTNXT No Mercy, let's talk about it Evans and I hate to say it but Briggs put on a grrreat matchGrace finally gets a solid Win…….whats next for the Juggernaut???Not sure how I feel with the Speed matches???Page is still your North American Champion……all is right in NXTJacy gets the win, but Lola has shown that she is ready for a title run sooner than later We have a new champ…….Ricky Saints pulled off the impossible…….is this becoming a trend for former AEW stars??? Is Oba moving to the big roster???Crown Jewel 10/11TNA Bound for Glory 10/12Episodes dropping weekly!!!Follow on the gram @the.funkaholiks.pod THEE POD THAT TALKS WHAT THEY LOVE 

In this episode, we chat with Choni Fernández, Chief Sustainability Officer and Customer at PortAventura World, the first carbon-neutral theme park in the world, and now proudly B Corp certified.Choni isn't just ticking ESG boxes, she's leading a cultural shift in how attractions operate. From zero-emissions hotels to renewable energy and deep supply chain work, PortAventura is setting the global standard.In this episode, we dive into the real work behind the headlines. How do you build a sustainability culture that actually sticks? Can you lead without a big green team? And what does digital sustainability really mean?If you're serious about sustainability, or wondering where to start, this is the conversation you need to hear.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden, with co host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  PortAventura World website: https://www.portaventuraworld.com/nosotros/trabaja-con-nosotrosChoni Fernández on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choni-fern%C3%A1ndez-veciana/Choni Fernández is Customer, Sustainability and Communications Director at PortAventura World. With a background in Economics and over a decade at BASF, she joined PortAventura in 2007, where she has led Procurement, Logistics, and Sustainability. She spearheaded the company's sustainability strategy, achieving the milestone of B Corp Certification, and now leads the newly created Customer Department to drive a more customer-centric approach. Choni also serves as Catalonia Delegate at DIRSE and is Chair of the IAAPA EMEA Sustainability Committee. Plus, live from the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor, we catch up with:Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPAhttps://iaapa.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakob-wahl/Elliot Hall from Expression Capital Partners LLPhttps://expressioncapitalpartners.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-h-1b804a6a/Matt Barton, CEO / Co-Founder CurtainUp Ltd. & President of Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.curtainup.livehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-barton-99a8039/Melissa Oviedo, Chief Executive Officer, Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.teaconnect.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-oviedo-ruminot-90a63228/Kevin Murphy, Senior VP, Kraftwerk Living Technologieshttp://www.kraftwerk.athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-murphy-854439/Jacob Thompson, CX Director, Attractions.io https://attractions.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-thompson-icap-151271149/ Transcriptions:  Welcome, skip the queue, to Barcelona.Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best attractions and the amazing people that work in them. I'm your host, Paul Marden, and along with my co-host, Andy Povey, and roving reporter Claire Furnival, we're bringing you the latest news from IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona.Paul Marden: You join me today tired and just a little bit emotional at the airport after an amazing week at the show.Paul Marden: In this episode, we wrap up our time at IAAPA Expo Europe with a final look back at the show floor buzz. I catch up with Jakob Wahl, Chief Executive Officer of IAAPA, to get his reflections on an unforgettable week, from standout innovations to what's next for the global attractions industry. But first, Andy sits down with Choni Fernandez, Chief Sustainability Officer at PortAventura World, to explore what it really takes to become the first carbon neutral theme park on the planet and why sustainability must be at the heart of guest experience going forward.Andy Povey: So hello, everybody. I'm joined today by Choni Fernandez from PortAventura World. Choni is responsible for sustainability and guest experience and a number of other things, I believe, Choni. Hello and welcome to Skip the Queue. Hello. Choni Fernandez: Thank you very much for your invitation. Andy Povey: So, Choni, you guys at PortAventura World are really leading the industry and probably more than just our industry. In terms of sustainability, you were the first carbon neutral theme park in the world and in '24, the first theme park company to achieve a BCorp certification. Am I right?Choni Fernandez: Yes, you're right. It was, in fact, we are VCOPS since 2022. And yes, we were operational carbon neutral because we reduced our emissions during several years. And after that, we acquired some carbon credits to compensate the result of the balancing emissions. For scope one and two. Yes. So since then we are operational carbon neutral. That is not really an official name, but it's easy to explain what we are doing. Andy Povey: Okay. So what is the official name?Choni Fernandez: The official name, in fact, now that's interesting because it's a big discussion in the European community. We chat the terms we can use or not. In the new CCRG, that is going to change. Some words like green, sustainable, are probably forbidden, words that cannot be used any longer. And you need to speak properly about the impact of your activity without using these words that can lead to a type of greenwashing. And you need to be more clear about when you say, for instance, 'carbon neutral,' you need to say, 'we have reduced emissions, we compensate.' More explanation than just using one word that can be easily misunderstood.Andy Povey: Okay, yeah, yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Just buying carbon credits. You're actually doing something positive. Taking action. Like, is it Europe's largest solar farm?Choni Fernandez: It's the largest solar farm. That was one of the biggest at the source of Europe. And for sure, I guess, is still the biggest in Spain.Andy Povey: The biggest solar farm in Spain.Choni Fernandez: Sorry, in a holiday resort, yes. There are other very big solar plants that they produce energy for third parties, but they are not linked to a tourist industry.Andy Povey: No, that makes absolute sense. So you're generating your own power.Choni Fernandez: We generate 30%. The plant is not big enough and we have some restrictions of the government. So we cannot sell the surplus of energy we produce. So we could only make the plan as big as the low on consumption we have in a period of a year.Andy Povey: That makes absolute sense.Choni Fernandez: So that means that there are several months where we produce 100% energy we need. But then, obviously, in the peak of the season, we need extra energy. We buy from the net, but we always buy green energy from the net, too. Then 100% of the energy we consume is green energy, not coming from non-renewable.Andy Povey: It all becomes much more complicated as you dive into the detail, doesn't it?Choni Fernandez: Yes, yes, yes. Everything is much more complicated. And in Europe, yes, I would say even one step more complicated than the rest of the world because of all the regulations.Andy Povey: So what was it that inspired PortAventura World and how did you persuade PortAventura World to take sustainability so seriously?Choni Fernandez Okay, the history starts really with, I would say, a huge pain point, even when they were designing the park. And it was related to water. We are established in an area where we suffer from water scarcity many periods. So for those designers, they already designed the park with sustainability in mind. So they have created a complex system to recover all water rains in a big tank that is our Mediterranean lake.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: So water was a treasure since the beginning. And they have also in a private-public investment. Take all the gray waters from the park, sending it to a water treatment plant several kilometres far away from the resort, and making the pipe bring the recycled water back to the resort for gardening. So PortAventura was using recycled water since 30 years ago. And that was really the starting point of sustainability at PortAventura. So we start with all the environmental impacts that the activity was going to have. And they created the park open doors in 1995. So in 1997, just two years after that, they have created the Green Team.Choni Fernandez: It's a team from different members of different departments who takes care of the environmental impacts and how they can reduce the use of water, energy and so on. And this team is still working nowadays and takes care of more complex things, certifications, but with the same, I would say, purpose, you know, that is to reduce the environmental impact of the resort, and now we start to regenerate different areas. So it's not producing impact, it's creating positive impact through regeneration.Choni Fernandez: And that was a starting point. But I like to repeat that sustainability has not fixed rules. So that is the story of Pota Aventura, because we are what we are. We are located where we are. But for instance, in the Global Sustainability Committee of IAAPA, SCARBRED was a member of that. And SCARBRED, the sustainability, had not begun for the water scarcity. They don't have this problem.Choni Fernandez: So sustainability there was more linked to the social sustainability, how to integrate communities in the project. So it really depends, again, in that moment, the momentum, you know, that we call. Where you are, who you are, what is your future footprint of your activity in your community and in the environment.Choni Fernandez: So we start with that. And year after year, we consolidate this beginning. So any new activity of PortAventura, it doesn't matter— new hotel, new park, convention centre has always followed the same philosophy that we started in 1997.Andy Povey: Very good.Choni Fernandez: Yes, because I think that this makes the project really coherent, consistent, and resilient. So it's something that we have not done from day to night, you know. It's something that we have. It's like a dish you have cooked in a low, low temperature, you know. Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Slow cooker. Choni Fernandez: Slow cook. That is. Sustainable PortAventura is slow cook. But at the end, you know, the dish is very good cooked and it's good.Andy Povey: Absolutely. And then, as the person responsible for customer experience within PortAventura World, before talking to you, I wouldn't necessarily have put... sustainability and customer experience together in the same group.Choni Fernandez: You're right because, okay, that is something that has changed also through years, you know, so sustainability was linked and happened at PortAventura. It was totally linked to the environmental part. But that is only one third of what sustainability means. Sustainability is also the social impact and obviously the governance.Choni Fernandez: We call also ESG. Okay, it has some difference because it has more financial meaning. But what is clear when you talk, when we talk about sustainability, we talk about the environmental impacts and the social impacts. And the social impacts are the impacts that your activity, our activity has on people. And when we talk about people, we talk about employees, we talk about our community that's surrounding us, we talk about shareholders, we talk about suppliers, and we talk about guests or visitors. And the activity of any company should have a positive impact on these people that are affected by the activity, that they are also called stakeholders.Choni Fernandez: So, and here is the reason why we try to improve every year the guest experience in order to improve this positive impact. And at the end of the day, because we are not NGOs. We strongly believe that a positive impact on the guest experience is going to be translated in future revenues, more attendance for our parks, and makes our resort more resilient because it's more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: So this really is a sort of a wheel or a cycle. Choni Fernandez: You are right. You are right. You are right. So we really differentiate at PortAventura. I mean, sustainability is also a new angle to see your business. There is the financial angle. And then there is the angle— how your activity affects the difference they hold up. But that is clear that both need to go together. I mean, business and sustainability. In fact... One of the reasons to become a BCorp company is to evolve our mission and vision with a purpose that integrates sustainability in the business model. So it is much easier for us to talk to employees, to talk to suppliers, to talk to guests. About what is the reason why it exists and why it's important to have sustainability included in order, again, to make our business resilient through the past of the years.Andy Povey: So we have a lot of listeners around the world. What would be your advice to someone running a venue that doesn't have the advantage of starting with sustainability right at the heart and from where they started their business? How do you make a start on this?Choni Fernandez: That is a very interesting question. And the first I think any company needs to do is really to understand the stakeholders they are affecting too. Because just with this complete transparent and dialogue with the different stakeholders, you really can understand what is the impact you are producing on them. And from this result, then you know where are your main pain points, where you need to focus first on. Obviously, there are some general rules. Your impact on the environment, as I told you before, normally a new venue has, for sure, clients, or at least customer guests, employees, probably shareholders, and then in another level, suppliers, community, etc.Choni Fernandez: So, and depends what is the situation, you need to start with that. You need to prepare a good analysis because, if not, what could happen? Imagine that you focus a lot on the environmental part and you start with that because you have seen that PortAventura has started with that.Choni Fernandez: But then that is not your problem because you are in an area where your resources are really well controlled or your resort has very good standards, very efficient, because it has done with high technology, but you have an employee problem.Choni Fernandez: You have problems perhaps to attract employees, to retain the talent, or really to make them happy working with you. Then you have to start the sustainability for not the most important topic in your company. So the most important is to understand what the stakeholders need from you and then to prepare. And it's also very interesting, I think, to start, you know, things small.Choni Fernandez: Making small projects that can be consolidated and embedded into the company. Because what is really important in a company is that each department, each area of the company, maintenance, procurement, human resources, marketing, and each of the departments really is doing the part of sustainability they need to, because it is impossible that one person on every team produces all the sustainability that the whole company needs to do.Choni Fernandez: So if sustainability is really not embedded in the activity of each Japan, it's really impossible to be a successful company in terms of sustainability. You know what I mean?Andy Povey: I know exactly what you mean. That rule is so true for so many things, isn't it? You could replace the word sustainability with guest experience or ride safety. Choni Fernandez: Yes, it's the same. Andy Povey: Any number of different things.Choni Fernandez: I always explain when people say, 'but you have done a lot, Choni.' I say, 'no, no, no, no, no.' Choni has not done a lot.Choni Fernandez: Many people are doing a lot, you know. And sustainability managers or directors normally are orchestra directors. But each one needs to play its own instrument so we have a nice music, you know. If not, it does not work at all, you know, like in orchestra. So we need the maintenance guy, really. or the energy manager to really take care of that. And human resources really to prepare inclusivity, et cetera, policies linked to employees. And marketing, doing really an ethic marketing to guests. So, and that is how everyone is really doing a part of the peak and sustainability of the company.Andy Povey: That sounds very familiar and I'm sure for our guests will ring true in many different areas. It's interesting you talk about really understanding where you are. What it is you're doing. We've done some work here in the UK on the sustainability of websites. So by not printing a park map, you obviously save resources, you save paper. But if you put that on a really inefficient webpage, then you're just consuming someone else's electricity. It doesn't make you any more sustainable.Choni Fernandez: And one thing I would like to tell you is that one of the big steps for us was when our investors make the management very clear that investors of the private funds that own PortAventura were asking for sustainable investments. So that was also a way, really, to receive more money from the investors to the owners. And that is very important because when the financial markets really recognise that sustainability is a plus for an investment, then, you know, things change. Things happen. And we had two moments in this company, in my opinion, for us, for sustainability managers, that make this big change in our mindset. Choni Fernandez: One is the world of our shareholders. And that was really a big, big step forward. Because we realised then, 'oh my God, we are sustainable. We can be sustainable. Our sustainability is a lever really to receive more funds to our business.'Choni Fernandez: And the second one was when we have two different businesses, really a B2C— final customer— and a B2E— travel agencies, companies who do their conventions in our convention, et cetera, et cetera. Once upon a time, a company came to PortAventura asking for a quotation for a big convention, European size, very big one.Choni Fernandez: And before receiving the quotation, they asked, 'Please, can you send us your sustainability report?' Because we would like to see if that's the venue where we want to go. Now, everything changed.Andy Povey: Absolutely.Choni Fernandez: Because at first time, sustainability was bringing business to the company. It was not a nice to have, something that we need to have. It was really part of the business. And that changed the history of the, I would say, the sustainability journey of this company when we have both shareholders' commitment and really request to continue on that. And on the other side, we were recognised for our sustainability activity in a business case.Andy Povey: It's very interesting when you get push or pull from both sides. Choni Fernandez: You're right. Then you realise that there is no other way to do that, you know, so you need pushing, pushing.Andy Povey: You're doing a lot of work about education, work, and working with schools, and having to engage them in your journey.Choni Fernandez: That's again the same case, you know. So in our guest segmentation, school groups are one of them. And it is a very important group for us and I guess for other operators too. As we receive many schoolers. But, you know, the teachers, not students, they thought that the trip to PortAventura was really 100% entertainment. And schools were looking for something more cultural, educational.Choni Fernandez: So then, at that moment, we prepare some workshops at the beginning of the day before the park opens. If the park opens at 10, we can deliver a sustainability workshop from 9 to 10. For instance, talking to kids about biodiversity, about waste management, how to produce green energy. So in the solar plant, we don't have only solar panels. We also have some instruments, some elements to explain children how to produce green energy with movement, with wind, with sun, with solar energy. And they can experiment with their hands. With this element, how to produce this green energy. And they understand very well because that is part of the curriculum that they have to study at school. But now they can put it in practice in a different way, in a way... that our industry delivers very well, that is entertainment, you know?Andy Povey: Yes, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: And that is driving more schools to visit us. So again, there is another link with sustainability, more business, more attendance, more revenues.Andy Povey: We're back on the cycle.Choni Fernandez: Yeah, again, the cycle. We close the loop, you know.Andy Povey: Absolutely. Choni, is there something you'd like to leave as a sort of parting message or a final thought to everybody that's listening to the podcast? A single sentence about how they can emulate your success.Choni Fernandez: No, I think that, okay, sometimes in life, you know, for sustainability managers, I mean, and now in the world, perhaps you feel like Talmon, you know, coming up to the river.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: In a difficult situation, but it doesn't matter. So the evidence is so strong that, if you really can close the loop, as we have been talking, if you can really demonstrate and we can close the gap. Between the sustainability impacts and the financial impacts, then sustainability is part of your business. I think that should be the goal— to really don't have sustainability as something nice to have additional to the business. Avoid that at all.Choni Fernandez: Sustainability is part of the business and makes the business more resilient and more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: Lovely. That's a great message to leave us with. Paul Marden: Now let's hear some of the buzz from the show floor.Claire Furnival: So day three of IAAPA and I've just bumped into Matt Barton. Matt Barton: Hello. Claire Furnival: Matt, you wear many hats.Matt Barton: My day job is I'm the founder and CEO of Curtain Up. I'm also the owner of 7th Sense, a company that makes media servers and pixel management systems. But I'm also the president of the Themed Entertainment Association, better known as the TEA.Claire Furnival: Crumbs, the busy man. I hear you had a party last night. Matt Barton: We did. Yeah, we had a very successful mixer. We have a great relationship with IAAPA and we have a mixer at all of IAAPA's events around the globe. And we bring our members together, usually on the second or third night of the event.Claire Furnival: Anything announced last night at the party?Matt Barton: Yeah, so we announced our next SAIT conference, and SAIT stands for Storytelling, Architecture, Technology equals Experience. So it's a thought leadership conference where we talk about trends in the industry, best practices to follow, that kind of thing. We've just finished our SAIT Asia event just three weeks ago now, and that was in New Zealand this year. And we just last announced that we're going to be in Dubai next year. Again, building on that great relationship we have with IAAPA, we're actually doing it almost like a pre-conference event. So it's tied in with IAAPA Middle East, which is going to be in Abu Dhabi. We're going to be the week before. So people can then come to SAIT, enjoy SAIT with us, and then go straight down to Abu Dhabi for the IAAPA conference.Claire Furnival: What activities is it that the TEA do? What do you offer your members?Matt Barton: So a whole range of things. And what I'm going to do now is introduce our CEO, Melissa. Melissa Oviedo.Claire Furnival: Great to meet you, Melissa. So what is it that TEA offers its members?Melissa  Oviedo: We are really the connection community. The connection community for the design, the makers, the builders, the creators. Everybody who delivers world-class experiences around the world, that's really who we are and what we represent. That can be from theme parks to museums to cultural to location-based entertainment. Claire Furnival: So I understand that the TEA does an annual benchmark report. Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, we've just rebranded this. This is the TEA Theme Experience Index. This is the 19th year that we're doing this benchmark study. Yeah, it's really exciting for us. And what this is, is this is the annual attendance report that tracks attendance data from around the globe for the top theme parks, water parks, and museums globally. It really looks at trends, so we can understand where are the guests going, where are they spending their time, how are the parks, especially as they're coming new on the market, how do they influence those trends? And we're actually going to be launching this on October 22nd.Claire Furnival: So a couple of questions spring to mind on that one. So first of all, can anybody access the report?Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, sure can. It's a completely free resource. You can go online. If you're not a member, we just ask for you to fill out a quick form so we know who's downloading the report. And you will have full access to all of the data, and we will have actual books to hand out at IAAPA in Orlando in November.Claire Furnival: The sector's very, very, very lucky to have this piece of research. So can you give us any snippets as to what we might see in the report?Melissa  Oviedo: I think you'll see that the theme parks are really consistent. The big players are still the big players with Disney and Universal really driving the... main attendance data. And then China, with Chimalong Park, really still holding rank at number one water park in the world. We're seeing the attendance coming back in a fierce way in China.Melissa  Oviedo: Outlook is positive. Overall, though, you'll be able to find in the report a lot of the trends that we're seeing. A lot of what we're not only anticipating in 2025, but in the future as well, with all of the developments that are happening. So, really exciting, this year's report. Claire Furnival: And what about 2026? What does that bring the TEA? Melissa  Oviedo: Momentum is high, right? The community continues to look at how they diversify as an organisation or as a business. Theme parks is our core, but we're so much more than just that. So I think you're going to see. More people doing really cool and immersive things in new places. I think the definition of themed entertainment gets broadened and further defined. I think that you're going to see more activity and more collaboration because collaboration is really when the magic happens. And you're going to start to see that even more robustly in 2026 and beyond. Claire Furnival: Sounds exciting. So last thought from you, Matt.Matt Barton: Yeah, I just wanted to touch on a couple of things we've got left in 2025 before we look to 2026. So I mentioned SAIT earlier. We also have our SAIT conference in North America coming up. So that's in October. at Knott's Berry Farm, and that ties in with when we're launching the Global Experience Index. And then in November, we've got our mixer, our international mixer, combined with the IAAPA conference in Orlando. And so on the Tuesday night of IAAPA, we have our international mixer at the Isle of Berk attraction at Epic Universe. We've got the whole land, we've got dinner and drinks, and it's going to be a good one, so make sure you get your tickets in.Claire Furnival: One not to miss. Well, it's fabulous to catch up with both you, Matt, and you, Melissa. So thank you very much for your time.Matt Barton: Thank you.Melissa  Oviedo:  Thank you so much, Claire.Andy Povey: So we're on day three, and I'm sitting here with Elliot Hall, who's one of the founding partners behind Expression Capital Partners. Elliot, hello. Elliot Hall: Hi, Andy. Good to see you. Andy Povey: For our listeners at home, can you just tell me what Expression Capital Partners do and treat me like an idiot because I really don't understand the world of investment banking and all that kind of stuff.Elliot Hall: Okay, so Expression Capital Partners is the advisory firm to Entertainment Investments 1LP. Which is specialising in the entertainment industry. Andy Povey: Interesting. So I understand you're doing some work with Hasbro and in particular things like Monopoly.Elliot Hall: Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. So we're looking to open monopoly-themed hotels and casinos around the world. Andy Povey: Wow. Elliot Hall: Along with many of the different types of brands, as we're rather across their 1000 plus brands. Andy Povey: I understand there's also some sporting connections. Tell us a little bit about, tell us what you can. Elliot Hall: Yeah, so what we can. We are working with some brands that have relationships and contracts for the IP for UEFA, FIFA and the FA. Yeah, so some really exciting products there and businesses. And we are in a position to be able to sign licenses and lease agreements and so on. And we're looking at bringing all of those brands together, either in the same cluster of IP attractions or within one building under one roof. Andy Povey: So, Elliot, you guys really are the people that are bringing the magic together. The IP, the operators, and then working out how someone funds it all.Elliot Hall: Yes, absolutely, yes. Andy Povey: Fantastic.Claire Furnival: So I'm here talking to Kevin Murphy from Kraftwerk Living Technologies. How are you finding the show this year and what do you see the trends for 2026 for you, Kraftwerk or also the industry?Kevin Murphy: I think in many respects, the trend at the moment is survival, which isn't being negative, but the world is a different place from how it was pre-COVID. The industry, though, is very, very alive. There's a lot happening out there. It's good to see the show for full. We actually tried to get a booth this year and couldn't. Everything had sold out. It's busy. People are wandering around with a very positive vein. But there's no doubt that there's— world tensions and there's problems with investment— and it does affect the industry and you know we're not immune from that. Kevin Murphy: But what's been good about this show is that a lot of the partners and Clients that we're working with are starting to announce their new projects. You have to bear in mind, for us, we do high technology behind the scenes in parks and museums and science centres. We can be working on them for many, many years. So we've had projects that have been brewing and they're just starting to get announced now. So what I'm seeing is, although there's concern about the industry, there is a slightly more positive vein coming through. I think the economy is improving out there, investors are starting to come out, and you can make money out of our industry.Claire Furnival: So what in particular have you got going on in 2026? Anything you can talk about and share with us?Kevin Murphy: Well, we're very, very pleased it's been announced, so I can talk about it. Plopsaland, which is a park in Belgium, are working with Mac. And I'm delighted to see that they've just announced, earlier than we expected, we're still working behind the scenes, but they've now announced their new flying theatre. Which will be ready and prepared at the end of 2026 for the 2027 opening.Claire Furnival: Congratulations, that's really, really exciting news.Kevin Murphy: Sadly, a lot of the other projects, I still can't say too, too much, because they may not have announced.Claire Furnival: Yeah, the dreaded NDAs.Claire Furnival: Just bumped into Jacob from Attractions. io. How's the show been for you?Jacob   Thompson: Great. This is my second time at IAAPA in Barcelona. It's been even better than the first time. So the weather's held out. Great conversations, great company. So overall, a success.Claire Furnival: And a little birdie has told me that you have a new feature coming out.Jacob   Thompson: That is true. So, yeah, we have launched a new product this month called GX Pulse. And the idea is it's enabling operators to make sense of all the noise of guest reviews and sentiment by breaking... reviews down from TripAdvisor, Google reviews, their own internal platforms to make sense and map that across a guest journey, specifically for attractions. So it's able to understand sentiment across things like queue management, your attractions, your food and beverage, give you scores and benchmark you against other venues. But most importantly, give you actionable insights to make improvements to the guest experience.Claire Furnival: Brilliant use of data there. Really, really, really good. So is this product now launched?Jacob  Thompson: Yes, yes it is. So we've been demoing it across some attractions at the trade show floor this week and it's had some really positive feedback. This product is completely separate from our core app platform and experience. So even if you don't have a mobile app and don't need a mobile app, this can be valuable for anybody that is looking to understand the sentiment and experience of their guests across their attractions.Claire Furnival: Fabulous. Guest will be seeing you in IAAPA Orlando.Jacob   Thompson: Yes, and I heard there's going to be a great party hosted by Skip the Queue.Claire Furnival: I'm not sure we'll be hosting a party, but we'll certainly be partying.Jacob   Thompson: Well, I'll be there to join you nonetheless.Paul Marden: So we're here for the final day of IAAPA Expo Europe. I've had a whale of a time and I'm sat here with Jakob Wahl, who amazingly, considering three days into this fantastic expo, is still looking fresh and bright. Jakob, please introduce yourself for our listeners who may not know you.Jakob  Wahl: I'm president and CEO of IAAPA, the Global Association for the Attractions Industry. I've done that now for two and a half years, but in total I've been with IAPA for, I think, nearly 15 years.Paul Marden: Wow, so man and boy almost.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, you know, and I always say the kid in the candy store— I love doing what we do and bringing people together.Paul Marden: How could you not? So this is my first IAAPA. It has been fantastic and stood on the show floor. I think it was yesterday. I was on my own, done so many interviews. I've been bouncing around, but I just had a few minutes by myself and just stood in the middle of it all. Totally is like being a kid in a candy store, the Willy Wonka moment isn't it? Of what this place is like, because it is so fantastic.Jakob  Wahl:  It is and the most wonderful thing about it is, you know, we as an association, we create a framework, but it is actually all of you, our members, who fill it with life. Because everybody comes together. It's just a massive class reunion. People know each other. And the best thing about it is they're all willing to help and support each other. So obviously, the trade show floor is one component, but we have all those networking sessions, the education sessions, safety corners, we have places where people can exchange, depending on what they work in or where they work, and everybody comes together to share. That is so wonderful, because it's not only family-owned parks, small parks, big parks, but it's also the big private equity corporate players. They're all here to really benefit from this platform, and that fills me with pride.Paul Marden: Good. So, as the week draws to a close, what's been the real highlights for you?Jakob  Wahl: How much time do I have? First of all, the people. It's always the people. It's, you know, for me, it's my team coming together from all around the world, putting this together. And then it's... the people coming and creating those education sessions, creating those moments together, sharing their knowledge. That is just wonderful. There's not one specific moment like that, but it happens all the time. Jakob  Wahl: And then one of the highlights for me is always, always, always the opening reception. That is our Tuesday night event, which took place at Tibidabo, this classic historic amusement park on top of Barcelona. We were a little bit concerned Monday. Will it rain? Will it not rain? So we had to rent tents to make sure that everybody will stay dry. And what happens if you're intense? Obviously, it doesn't rain. Jakob  Wahl: There was an expensive insurance, but it turned out to be exactly that evening. And we have been to Barcelona three times now. We have been to the Tibidabo three times and I think I can be pretty sure that when we go back to Barcelona in three years, we will also go again to Tibidabo because, you know, it's just this evening filled with magic and good people.Paul Marden: Excellent. You've had some time wandering the show floors, I'm sure, talking to suppliers, getting a feel for what's happening in the industry. What have you heard from the show floor that you think is going to influence the sector over the year ahead?Jakob  Wahl: I would have loved to ask you that question, actually. What is your impression?Paul Marden: Oh, the blending of tech with real life I find really interesting. We all want to take our kids to attractions because we want to pull them away from their screens. But there's got to be a hook, I think. And in many cases, there are rides or there are amusements of some form that is a skillful blending of that tech with an in-life, in-real-life experience that I think is the hook to get the kids in. But then we're still wrenching them away from the screens. They're doing something for real with family.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I think technology enhances the experience. It doesn't replace the experience. I think that is something which is very clear on the show floor, that there are different ways of how you can combine existing attractions with new technology. And we sometimes call it fusion attractions, where you bring several elements into play with each other. And I think that is very important. What we have seen also is an increase in what I would call smart technology. How can you use technology... to improve the guest flow, to make it even smoother. We all want to have a smooth process. It should be easy on the phone. All those things, besides the classic coasters and water slides and inflatables, that is, I think, some area which has really grown on our trade show floor over the past years.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. If you can smooth that process from the moment that they hit the website all the way through, getting them to the experience and then back out the other side and encouraging them to want to return again is really important, isn't it?Jakob  Wahl: And the same is for operations and maintenance, the front of house for the customer, but also the back of house. And we learned some fascinating things. We talked in our leadership breakfast with the CEO of a large park group, and he said, 'There are tools that can now predict 93% of the attendance of every day.' And that is just fascinating because that helps operational planning, that helps food and beverage planning, that helps all those aspects in running a park successfully or running an attraction successfully.Paul Marden: Absolutely. So, as we come to the end of IAAPA Expo Europe, there are many US listeners, I'm sure, also quite a few Brits as well, anticipating IAAPA Expo Orlando in November. Have you got any insider tips or things that we can look forward to in Orlando? Jakob  Wahl: I can say it will be epic. There's quite a significant theme park which opened this year, Epic Universe, which is just down the road from the convention centre.Jakob  Wahl: And we actually have not only... Mark Woodbury is speaking in our keynote in our leadership breakfast. But we also have privatised the park on Thursday evening for the IAAPA Celebrates for four hours. So it is Epic Universe, just for IAAPA members, which will be amazing. I've had the luck to visit the park several times. And I can only tell you, you know, you should be there. The evening before the show opens on Monday, IAAPA has the Legends event, the honorary evening for the Hall of Fame. And this year we're actually inducting five inductees. Among them is Dolly Parton. So if you have ever wanted to meet Dolly Parton. Paul Marden: The real Dolly Parton. Wow.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, Dolly Parton is getting into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, besides some other really fantastic candidates or inductees. And she will be there to receive that accolade. And as you said, you have many British listeners. Next year, IAAPA Expo Europe is in London.Paul Marden: Now, I'd quite like to do an edit for my family that might be listening, because that did sound quite epic. And we need to be absolutely clear that there's lots of hard work to be done in Orlando, as well as enjoying ourselves at Epic and seeing Dolly Parton.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I'm pretty sure we need to Skip the Queue on site for a podcast from Orlando.Paul Marden: Oh, there we go. There we go. I think we should end it there. Jakob, it has been delightful to meet you. I've really enjoyed it. I'm so grateful for being invited to come to IAAPA this year. Bring the podcast here. I've had so much fun. I've learned so much. It's been wonderful. Thank you.Jakob  Wahl: Oh, we love what you do. Thank you, you know, for making the attractions industry present in the digital space. And we are all great listeners of your podcast. So thank you for what you do for us.Paul Marden: Wow, what a week. A massive thank you to IAAPA for hosting us in Barcelona. It was an incredible few days of connection, innovation, and inspiration. We've absolutely loved being part of it. And who knows, maybe we'll see you again sooner than you think. If you liked today's episode, please like us or leave a comment on your podcast platform. It really does help people to find us. And lastly, thank you to all of the team that made these daily episodes and today's wrap-up session. A possibility without the team it could not have been possible to have done this— thank you to Emily and Sami at Plaster, Steve at Folland Co. Wenayn, Claire, and Andy back at Skip the Queue HQ. It has been a delight to be with you and I look forward to seeing you again next week. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

We go over some comedy news items like Theo Von's special meltdown and the Riyadh Comedy Festival. Then an interview with author and critical psychiatrist Sami Timimi on RFK junior's misguided quest to cure autism and broader problems with the way the world understands mental health. Sami's book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459411/searching-for-normal-by-timimi-sami/9781911717126 Subscribe to our bonus feed for extra episodes: patreon.com/poddamnamerica

In this episode, your favorite cosmic duo Brie and Ali are joined by their third star—our best friend Sami! ✨ Sami is a yoga and somatics instructor with a gift for guiding people back into their bodies, and today she's bringing her wisdom (and humor) to the mic.But that's not all—we've got MAJOR news to share. The Cosmic Société officially launches October 1st (that's tomorrow if you're listening on release day)! Think of it as your new sacred corner of the internet: a space for movement, ritual, astrology, plant magic, and community with us three besties guiding you along the way.

Apocalipsa 3:1-6 1. Îngerului Bisericii din Sardes scrie-i: „Iată ce zice Cel ce are cele şapte Duhuri ale lui Dumnezeu şi cele şapte stele: „Ştiu faptele tale: că îţi merge numele că trăieşti, dar eşti mort.2. Veghează şi întăreşte ce rămâne, care e pe moarte, căci n-am găsit faptele tale desăvârşite înaintea Dumnezeului Meu.3. Adu-ţi […]

The show starts with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron, a performance minded electric crossover which seems to nail so many thing, but falls short of its rivals in one key area; can you guess where? Benjamin's review of the EV expands to a wider discussion of its rivals that you don't want to miss. Then Sami shares his thoughts on the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, a rugged looking SUV with the same bones as the Pilot, but with fewer seats. While it looks tough and offers a few handy features that are useful off-road, Sami claims this isn't a true all-terrain SUV comparable to the likes of the Wrangler, 4Runner, Bronco and others. Then the guys wonder what's in the water at all the automaker HQs that make them so off-road-trim happy. The show finishes up by tackling a tough, Miata-minded question from a listener. Thanks for listening!

In this weekend episode, VDH and Sami look at, among other things, Tucker Carlson's remarks at the memorial for Charlie Kirk and how Tucker's brand of conservatism echoes Pat Buchanan's, humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, the failures of California's solar power projects, and more. In the middle segment VDH assesses the Battle for Crete during World War II, placing it in the context of the larger war.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Friday news roundup, VDH and Sami look at Trump's visit to the UN, his reassessment of Ukraine's prospects in its war with Russia, the lunacy of Keith Olbermann, Kimmel's phony apology, the weakness of Disney, Gavin Newsom's never-ending saga of incompetence, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on @Betches, Sami, Jordana, and Aleen cover everyone's favorite athletic event: laying down for a little bit. They recap Harry Styles' latest marathon moment (yes, another one!) and break down Taylor Swift's wildest legal drama yet. Spoiler: if you're trying to serve a celebrity deposition, maybe don't hop their fence. Plus, in the spirit of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon's viral BFF quiz, the girls put their 20+ years of friendship to the test and things get real. Go to the Betches YouTube page to watch full length episodes every Friday: Youtube.com/@Betches  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

„Bloger Vidlák není žádnej geniální hospodář,“ vykládá o sobě ve třetí osobě Daniel Sterzik na jednom z posledních mítinků hnutí Stačilo! v Chomutově.„Bloger Vidlák pouze chce, aby kapitál zůstal tady a investoval se v této zemi. A když už, pane majiteli, si jó nutně potřebuješ postavit v Holandsku novou jachtu, tak ti to tady zdaníme. A pořádně,“ těší se Sterzik, jak po volbách zatočí s nadnárodními korporacemi.Jeho vystoupení vlažně zatleská zhruba třicítka diváků, převážně důchodového věku. Víc nadšenců do boření kapitalismu Vidlák několik dní před volbami do chomutovského kina Svět nepřilákal.Vidlák se ovšem absencí hosta ani publika nenechá odradit. V hodinu a půl dlouhém vystoupení načrtne verzi Česka poté, co se Stačilo ujme „změny režimu“.Nejvíc do varu se ale lídr Stačilo! dostane, když popisuje, jak oné slibované změny režimu po volbách dosáhnout. Na příkladu sociální demokracie plamenně dokládá, že to může být snazší, než to vypadá.„Když SOCDEM oznámila záměr, že půjdou s námi, tak to u nich vzbudilo šok. Celá ta jejich oranžová topka, všichni ti Petříčci, Pocheové, Dienstbieři, tady ti škůdci a žáby na prameni zvedli krovky a vypadli. Sami. Nemuseli jsme jim udělat nic,“ líčí Sterzik rétorikou připomínající generálního tajemníka ÚV KSČ Milouše Jakeše.„A já věřím, že podobný šok nastane teď po volbách. Že to bude takový Stalingrad pro ty vládní strany, že z toho šoku vyklidí pozice víc, než by museli. A že to budeme mít v té první chvíli usnadněné,“ dodává za potlesku seniorů.Komu soudruzi jako první zakroutí krkem? Jak Stačilo! posílí aktuální rozhodnutí Ústavního soudu? A kde může průvodčí nejsnáz chytit žloutenku? Poslechněte si reportážní epizodu Vlevo dole!----Vlevo dole řeší politické kauzy, boje o vliv i šeptandu z kuloárů Sněmovny. Vychází každou středu v poledne.Podcast pro vás připravují Lucie Stuchlíková (@StuchlikovLucie) a Václav Dolejší (@VacDol), reportéři Seznam Zpráv.Další podcasty, ale taky články, komentáře a videa najdete na zpravodajském serveru Seznam Zprávy. Poslouchejte nás na webu Seznam Zpráv, na Podcasty.cz nebo ve své oblíbené podcastové aplikaci.Své názory, návrhy, otázky, stížnosti nebo pochvaly nám můžete posílat na adresu audio@sz.cz.Sledujte @SeznamZpravy na sociálních sítích: Twitter // Facebook // Instagram.Seznam Zprávy jsou zdrojem původních informací, nezávislé investigace, originální publicistiky.

Chad and Sami share some learning moments with one another as they discuss the recent projects they've been working on at thoughtbot. The pair question how much time and effort we should be investing into a problem with AI vs the outcome we receive, their work and experimentation with MCP servers, Sami shares his big bid on AI to save some time, while Chad tells the tragic tale of why he stopped playing Diablo IV. — Don't forget we have a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@thoughtbot) where you can watch all the streams mentioned in this episode along with video versions of the show. You can find Chad all over social media as @cpytel and Sami through his website (https://samibirnbaum.com). You can also connect with the duo via their LinkedIn pages - Chad (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpytel/) - Sami (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samibirnbaum/). If you would like to support the show, head over to our GitHub page (https://github.com/sponsors/thoughtbot), or check out our website (https://podcast.thoughtbot.com). Got a question or comment about the show? Why not write to our hosts: hosts@giantrobots.fm This has been a thoughtbot (https://thoughtbot.com/) podcast. Stay up to date by following us on social media - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/) - Mastodon (https://thoughtbot.social/@thoughtbot) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/thoughtbotvideo) - Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtbot.com) © 2025 thoughtbot, inc.

Planning a quick adventure through Kefalonia? This episode opens with a short mini-history of the island to set the scene, then jumps into a practical one-day route you can do from Argostoli. If you want to skip straight to logistics, the itinerary starts at 02:28 in the video.The One-Day ItineraryArgostoli waterfront at sunrise – easy stroll, first views across the bay.De Bosset Bridge and the Obelisk – quick walk on the world's longest stone causeway over the sea.Makris Gialos Beach – swim, rent a sunbed, and reset before midday heat.Lunch back in Argostoli – tavernas along the harbor are fast and reliable.Fanari (Agioi Theodoroi) Lighthouse – short stop for photos and coastal views.Evening promenade in the square – gelato and people-watching before calling it a day.Getting There FastFly into Kefalonia International Airport (EFL). It is about 15 minutes by taxi to Argostoli. If you are coming from the Peloponnese, take the Levante Ferries crossing from Kyllini to Poros or Sami, then drive to Argostoli. A small rental car makes the day simple.Useful LinksDe Bosset Bridge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Bosset_BridgeMakris Gialos Beach: https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/sun-and-sea/beaches/makris-gialos-beach/Agioi Theodoroi Lighthouse (Fanari): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Saint_TheodoreKefalonia Airport (EFL): https://www.fraport-greece.com/eng/our-airports/kefaloniaLevante Ferries: https://www.levanteferries.com/en/Quick TipsReserve a car in high season. Distances are short but a vehicle saves time.Bring cash for sunbeds and small cafés.The water is clear and bright. Pack polarized sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen.Parking by De Bosset Bridge is easiest on the Argostoli side early in the day.Stay in or near Argostoli to keep the whole loop walkable and the driving light.Opening and closing music “Na Sou Po” by Pantelis Pantelidis.All production by Cody Maxwell.Artwork by Cody Maxwell.Opening graphic assets by BoxOfMotion.Maps by Google Earth.sharkfyn.commaxwellskitchenpodcast.com

In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey sits down with Jérôme Giacomoni, co-founder and Chairman of AEROPHILE, the world leader in tethered gas balloons and immersive aerial experiences. Jérôme shares the story of how AEROPHILE began with a simple idea, to “make everybody fly” and grew into a global company operating in multiple countries, including France and the U.S.Tune in to hear about the company's signature attractions, including tethered balloon flights, the innovative Aerobar concept, and high-profile projects such as how you can experience flying the Olympic cauldron in Paris. Jérôme also shares how AEROPHILE has leveraged its unique platform to explore scientific initiatives like air-quality and climate-change monitoring and how he Integrates unique revenue streams from sponsorship and advertising.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden, with co host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  https://www.aerophile.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-giacomoni-3074b7/Jérôme Giacomoni is co-founder of Groupe AEROPHILE and Chairman of AEROPHILE SAS. Since 1993, he has led the company to become the world leader in tethered gas balloons and balloon flights, operating iconic sites in France, the U.S., and Cambodia, and flying over 500,000 passengers annually. He also pioneered “flying food-tainment” with the Aerophare and Aerobar. Jérôme is a member of IAAPA, serves on the board of SNELAC, and is a Team France Export ambassador, earning multiple awards for entrepreneurship and innovation. Plus, live from the Day 2 of the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor, we catch up with:Rheanna Sorby –Marketing & Creative Director,  The Seasonal Grouphttps://theseasonalgroup.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheanna-sorby-seasonal/Sohret Pakis – Polin Waterparkshttps://www.polin.com.tr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohretpakis/Thomas Collin – Sales Manager, VEX Solutionshttps://www.vex-solutions.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-collin-18a476110/Peter Cliff – CEO // Founder, Conductr.https://conductr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cliff/Laura Baxter – Founder, Your CMOhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-baxter-4a756466/Josh Haywood – Resort Director, Crealy Theme Park & Resorthttps://www.crealy.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-haywood-68463630/ Transcriptions:  Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best attractions and the people that work in them. I'm your host Paul Marden, and with my co-host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival, we're here at IAAPA Expo Europe. In today's episode, I go on a trip on Santa's Enchanted Elevator with the Seasonal Group, and Claire meets Peter Cliff from Conductr. But before all that, let's head over to Andy.Andy Povey: Good morning, everybody. I'm joined today by Jerome Giacomoni from AEROPHILE for our French listeners. I hope I've got that right. Jerome is the chief exec of AEROPHILE and has been the co-founder and president of AEROPHILE. And AEROPHILE supply helium-based balloon observation opportunities. I probably got the marketing on that completely wrong, Jerome. So please, can you share with our listeners what AEROPHILE is all about?Jerome Giacomoni: So AEROPHILE is a company I created with Mathieu Gobbi, my partner, 32 years ago, with a very simple idea, make everybody fly, you know, and we use a balloon to fly. So we have a tethered balloon. We have a huge, big balloon inflated with helium, a gas lighter than air. And we go up to more or less 150 meters high. up to 30 passengers. So we are linked to the ground with a cable, and the cable is linked to a winch. So you have to imagine that you have a winch that— when we go up—pulls when we go down. This is the exact opposite of an elevator because the balloon wants to go higher and higher. We have a lifting force of four tons.Andy Povey:Wow.Jerome Giacomoni:Yes, it's a big one. And so we need a cable to keep it. And thanks to this lifting force, we can fight against the wind.Jerome Giacomoni: And so the balloon can swing when you have some wind because the balloon is just pulled by the cable itself.Andy Povey: And trust me, listeners, they look absolutely spectacular. Just before we started recording, I was admitting to Jerome that I'm scared of heights. So I've stood and watched. The dining balloon, Futuroscope, never managed to pluck up the courage to try it myself.Jerome Giacomoni: This is another concept, Andy. So we have built two concepts. One is a tethered balloon, a real one with helium, with a cable, with a winch, and we fly by ourselves. The balloon flies by itself, okay? We did another concept 20 years after we created our company, so 10 years before now, in 2013, which is what we call the aero bar. It's a flying bar, and you have an inflatable balloon. to cover the gondola, but it's a fake. This is a real elevator, and you have a gondola with some winches and a metallic structure, and you go up and down. So what you saw in Futuroscope is not a balloon. It's a real elevator.Jerome Giacomoni: And the one you can see in Disneyland Paris, Disney World, Orlando or San Diego Zoo are a real balloon named a tethered balloon. So I'm glad you fell down into the trick. You caught me. Yes, I'm glad about that. But we have really two different concepts.Andy Povey: But the concept, the thing that the guest is experiencing, isn't really related to whether it's a balloon or a lift.Jerome Giacomoni: No. i think it's very different okay i think the aerobar is fun and you have the feet in the sky you feel the thrill of height and everything but you stop at 35 meters it's it's quite high for a ride but it's not a real flight And I think the balloon is a real flight. We have a balloon in Paris. We have a balloon in Budapest, Berlin. And you see the city from the sky at 150 meters high, which is very high. So you really experience a flight. With the aerobar, you have a ride, okay? So both of them are related to the sky, are related to the view, but one is really a flight, the other one is really a ride.Andy Povey: That makes absolute sense.Andy Povey: It doesn't reassure me on my fear of heights anymore, that I would like to go up three times, four times taller, higher than the one I saw first. Very interesting. So, listeners, we're often talking about technology and attractions. There's a huge amount of talk about augmented reality, about AI, about motion simulators. The reason, Jerome, we asked you to come and talk to us is because you don't do any of that. No—your experience is fantastic and it's new and it's unique, but there's no technology or very little obvious technology.Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, quite little. You know, it's amazing because we do this for now 32 years, as I told you. The first balloon was inflated in 1994. We have sold 120 balloons in more than 40 countries. And each time with the balloon, you have a magical effect, you know, because the balloon itself is very nice— because the balloon itself is a show from people looking at it from the ground. And because... The flight experience is amazing because you are really in the sky. You are really looking at the ground, at the landscape. You have no noise, you know, when you take a helicopter or plane. You have a lot of noise. You are in an enclosed airplane or helicopter. Here you are outside. You are on a balcony flying at 150 meters. And wherever we are, always we have like a magical effect of the flight. And with the flying bar, we decided to do something different— where we say, 'Why drink on ground where you can drink in the sky?'Jerome Giacomoni: So we add the drink to the ride, you know. So you are on a table and you have what we say in French conviviality. So we share a drink. We go at 35 meters and you have the thrill of the view of the height and also the conviviality of drinking. So this is another concept, but both of them are universal. And wherever we do it, we have sold 20 aero bars worldwide.Jerome Giacomoni: Everybody is very happy to have this kind of ride. I would say we are on the side of the main market. You know, we have two niche products. The balloon is a niche product. And the AeroBar is a niche product where we have another experience than a normal ride, like a roller coaster or a flume or a spinning coaster.Andy Povey: You say you're a nice product, but the balloon in Paris for the Olympics, where you lifted the cauldron, had phenomenal numbers of visitors watching. That wasn't something you could go on.Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, it was an amazing opportunity. You know, sometimes life gives you some presents.Jerome Giacomoni: And imagine that we were contacted by the Olympic Organisation Committee one day, and we believed it was a joke. And they said, 'We need to talk to you.' And then we discovered that instead of flying humans, they asked us to fly a cauldron. So the Olympic cauldron. And we have like one year and a half of design and manufacturing.Jerome Giacomoni: And then, at 11 pm, 25, the balloon has to fly in front of everybody. I can tell you it was a very stressful time. But so nice and so amazing to have experiences. So, yes, the balloon suddenly was visible by everybody. And that's back now in Paris, isn't it? Yes. First of all, the balloon has to stay only twice— 15 days. You know, you have the Olympics and the Paralympics. So we were open only 30 days in total. And the success was so huge that every night, you have dozens of thousands of people coming to look at it. That's why the mayor of Paris and the French president decided to keep it.Jerome Giacomoni: And just after the deflation of the balloon, they call us back and say, 'Jerome and Mathieu, we would like to have the balloon back.' So we work again with the city of Paris and the French presidency, and we agreed to put the balloon.Jerome Giacomoni: Three times, three months. So from June 21st, in France, this is a music event, you know, the Day of Music. To September 14th, which is a day of sport. So every year until the Olympic game of LA, we will operate the balloon for three months in the summertime. Fantastic.Andy Povey: So, Jerome, you operate in lots and lots of different countries all over the world. I think it's 14 countries that you've been.Jerome Giacomoni: No, we sold, but we operate only in the US and in France.Andy Povey: Ah, okay. Interesting.Jerome Giacomoni: We own ourselves, we operate ourselves, six balloons in the 120 we have sold. So we operate three in Paris region. One, the Parc André Citroën, where we have the Generali balloon since 1999. One in Disneyland Paris since 2005. So we are in Disneyland Paris for now 20 years. Time is flying. And the last one, the Cold Run, which is a very specific event that we operate now for one year and for the next two years. And in the US, we operate Disney World Orlando in Disney Spring since 2009, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park since 2005, and Irvine. South of LA since 2007. So we operate now six balloons for a long, long time, except the cold run. And we keep selling balloons.Jerome Giacomoni: We sell more or less five to six balloons every year.Andy Povey: And how do you find the differences between the French culture and you're on either side of America, so the differences between the different coasts of America and France?Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, we... We are in the US, but we are also in Mexico, in a lot of countries in Asia. In the Middle East, we have a beautiful balloon in Dubai. We have a beautiful balloon in Seoul. So we work a lot with very different cultures. You know, it's very interesting to sell the same product to different cultures. So I would say... The main difference probably lies in the contract. It's very funny when you make the contract. I would say a 'yes' is not the same 'yes' depending on the culture. But everybody is, you know, you... You love people when you work worldwide. You learn a lot, you discover a lot. You have to learn with different cultures. And I have the chance in my professional life to experience that and to meet people from all over the world. And, you know, my job is to go on site, and discuss with someone, and see if it's possible or not to have a balloon at this place.Jerome Giacomoni: So it's always a beautiful job because I travel in a lot of countries in beautiful spots.Jerome Giacomoni: We don't succeed a lot because, if not, I would have sold thousands of balloons. We have always constraints with local authority, with food traffic, etc. But always, it's a pleasure to meet people. And once... The balloon is accepted by the local authority when the customer has a finance for it. Then start more or less a one-year work together between installation, work on site, inflation, and training of the team. And after... They fly with their own wings, even if we have no wings with our balloons.Andy Povey: Very good. And I imagine that you don't put balloons into ugly places.Jerome Giacomoni: We did, sometimes for specific contracts. Ugly, I won't use this name, but not very obvious, logical site. But it has happened. Sometimes we do for small events or for specific needs.Jerome Giacomoni: But yes, most of the time, the sites are very interesting.Andy Povey: So there are other things you're doing with the balloons. So the air quality messaging that you have above Paris. Tell us more about your opportunities to influence in other areas.Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, you know, the balloon is not only a ride, a passenger ride, but it's also an amazing opportunity for communication and for advertisement. So in the city center, like Paris, Berlin, or Seoul, the balloon is used also as a giant advertising billboard. So you have two revenues. You have the revenue of the passenger, but you have also the sponsor revenue.Jerome Giacomoni: When we started the balloon in Paris, it was extremely difficult to get the authorisation to have a balloon in Paris centre. We are two kilometres south of the Eiffel Tower. But you remember, we had the famous Millennium, the Y2K. uh and and so the mayor faris was looking for a new idea and we propose a balloon And they gave us only a one year and a half contract. And the investment was quite huge. And we told him, OK, we can do it, but we cannot do it for only one year and a half. Except if you accept that we have a name on the balloon, a naming and a sponsor on the balloon. And the mayor say yes. And we start another business where we put sponsor on the balloon. And this is a very good business because it makes a... activity immediately profitable so we did that in Paris in 1999 and in 2008 the balloon was like 10 years old because when you fly you have your the balloon is huge we talk about a 32 meters high balloon we talk about like a 12-story building.Jerome Giacomoni: So everybody knows the balloon in Paris. Everybody can see it. And so, when we fly, we have 400,000 people who immediately see us. So we decided to give citizen aspect. And we start— pour changer le couleur de la balle selon la qualité de l'air. C'était en 2008. Et parce que nous l'avons fait, nous avons des scientifiques... coming to us and say, 'Hey, this balloon is a wonderful platform to measure air quality because you make like a carrot of the air from zero to 150 meters. Jerome Giacomoni:  Can we bring some scientist instrument on the gondola? And we say yes. And then we start to make science. And then we start to make scientific publications, scientific publications. And then we start a new business where the balloon is not only a tethered gas balloon for passenger, it's only... advertising billboard and now it's only a scientific platform and so this is very interesting and the last things we have done in 2024 no this year in 2025 is to use the balloon for global climate change. As you know, we have two main gas pollutants for the climate change, CO2 and CH4. And the balloon is a perfect platform to measure evolution on CO2 and CH4. So we are working with a European group named ICOS. gathering all the best laboratories in Europe, who are making a huge study on how CO2 and CH4 how they are in each city.Jerome Giacomoni: And Paris has been chosen as a pilot city. So we are very glad to work with them. And so now the Balloon is also working on climate change. And we will have big, big, big LED screen. So we make some technology sometime, as you said, to inform people on the temperature elevation in Europe and in the world. And the news are very bad, as everybody knows.Andy Povey: But that's fascinating. I love the integration you've been able to take from this unique proposition and apply it to different markets, different problems.Jerome Giacomoni: You know, Andy, I think we have to exit from the box. My message to... all people who are listening to us.Jerome Giacomoni: Okay, passenger rides is very important. It's a key market for many of us. But sometimes we can use... another way to find new flow of revenue, like advertising, and we can be also helpful to our other citizens, like working freely for scientists to make measurements on pollutants of the air. This helps with both air quality and also climate change.Andy Povey: It's a beautiful concept, Jerome. I love it. Love it.Andy Povey: So, final question. Your experiences are obviously very unique. What advice would you have for a venue and possibly a smaller venue that doesn't have the resources to be able to build something 150 metres high or put something 150 metres into the air? What advice would you give them on how to make a compelling experience for visitors?Jerome Giacomoni: I really believe that you have to stick on your roots, okay? I mean that people want authenticity.Jerome Giacomoni: And as you know, we are very keen on balloons, as you can imagine. So we make in our, you know, Paris, it's in Paris where you have the first flight. Yeah. In 1783. Montgolfier, brothers. Yes, with the Montgolfier brothers, with Charles, the scientist. So we really stick on our roots. And I think where you are in Brittany, where you are in Japan, you have to follow your own road and your own path. By feeling what could be the good idea, but also what is your feeling inside you. You need to have something different that you feel very confident with.Andy Povey: Beautiful final thought, Jerome, I like it a lot. So listeners, stay authentic and be passionate.Jerome Giacomoni: Exactly, the right word is passionate.Paul Marden: Next up, let's get some soundbites from the show floor.Rheanna  Sorby: My name's Rheanna. I'm Marketing and Creative Director for the Seasonal Group. We are curators of Christmas magic all year round. Wow, wow.Paul Marden: So you make Christmas special?Rheanna  Sorby: We're the Christmas elves.Paul Marden: Awesome, awesome. I can see you've got such a great set of stands. What have you got here that you're exhibiting for the first time?Rheanna  Sorby: We have Santa's Enchanted Express, which is a three-minute experience that transports customers and guests from a very festive train station to the North Pole in just under three minutes. So it's quite a Christmas miracle. And it also transports on nine pallets. So it's a great return on investment for customers there if it's 24 people on. We also have our elevator experience, which went viral last year. And then we have VR, animatronics, and a lot of our famous items, like the snowman here, just dressed as a little, it's some sort of operator.Paul Marden: Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely. So we don't have a lot of luck with lifts at the moment because the team got stuck in a lift yesterday for about 45 minutes. Stop it. We got rescued by the... Well, I didn't get in the lift. I walked because there wasn't enough room. But two of them had to be rescued by the fire brigadeRheanna  Sorby: Okay, so this might be triggering. Well, you know.Paul Marden: Oh, no, I found it hilarious.Paul Marden: I was hugely supportive on the outside, yelling into them.Paul Marden: But Santa won't let me get stuck in a lift today, will he? Absolutely not.Rheanna  Sorby: No, there's an emergency exit. Excellent.Paul Marden: So what's new and innovative then about the Santa Express? What are you bringing to market?Rheanna  Sorby: So a lot of our clients, we sell business to business. They're struggling to get people into shopping centres and we're finding that we need to create retail theatre. So that is something I see as a massive trend moving forward. People want nostalgia. They want an experience, something memorable. But also our customers need a way to return investment as well. So they hopefully will spend something with us and then ticket the experience. So that's something that we're pivoting our business towards. Trying to create a brand new experience every year. A lot of people are struggling nowadays, cost of living.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely.Rheanna  Sorby: It's difficult, so we're trying to find a way that brings the Christmas magic to people's doors.Paul Marden: We are, where are we at the moment? We're in September, so we've still got a couple of months left before Christmas 2025, but that must be over for you.Rheanna  Sorby: No, the quality of the street is on the shelves. It's already happening. The install season starts literally on Monday for us. Really? Yes. When we get back, we land and then we start installing.Paul Marden: And so this is the busy time. So let's talk about Christmas 2026. What are the trends that you see coming along at that point?Rheanna  Sorby: Whimsical, whimsical. So we've got Wicked number two coming out. And we've also had all like the Whoville, that sort of style, the Grinch. So imagine pastels, furry trees, things that don't quite make sense, a lot of whimsical wonderland, I would say, trend-wise. But equally immersive experiences and how we can bring magic to you.Paul Marden: Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you ever so much. Rheanna, it's been lovely to meet you. Thank you for coming on the podcast. And let's go and visit Santa in his lift, shall we? Yeah, excellent.Paul Marden: And here it is. So we are surrounded by suites in an old-fashioned lift. And there's our doors closed.Paul Marden: Oh, how amazing is this? We're going up.Paul Marden: Ice like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Great Glass Elevator. This is amazing. We're up over the clouds. Just stunning. There's a train there. I think we're going to follow into the tunnel after the train. Yes.Paul Marden: Got cold, now we're underground. Now we're in the tunnel.Paul Marden: And I think this might be Santa's factory.Paul Marden: Let's get ready.Paul Marden: Merry Christmas. The big man's chair as well. Can I take a seat in the big man's chair? Ho, ho, ho.Sohret Pakis: Hi, Paul. My name is Shorhet Pakis. I'm the brand ambassador for Polin Waterparks.Paul Marden: What are you launching this year at IAAPA? What's new for you?Sohret Pakis:Last year, we have won two big awards for a themed water slide, which is... Stingray it was in Nantes in France and it was something big because you know it was like Europeans best water slide number one and I have a brass ring award winner about two million number one but last night in Porta Ventura Stingray has won the second time best water slide of Europe award. But we have something new about it. Last year when I was telling about Stingray, it was an eight-person slide. This year we have something new. Now the capacity went up to 10, especially when we're talking about all these queue management issues. So that's something wonderful. And also, you ask, what is new? This year, we have something very exciting. A parrot-themed stingray. It's the same slide, but it's parrot-themed.Sohret Pakis: It's coming to Dubai by January. It's going to be open.Paul Marden: So can I ask you, what makes that innovative? What's new about that?Sohret Pakis: Actually, it's a very specifically themed waterslide. You know that POLIN has been pioneer in RTM manufacturing and U-texture. It's kind of a composite material technology which we can make waterslides look.  Look like a character, actually. We are the company who did this first because we said that storytelling is very important. Yes, but you know, slides are just slides. So we just wanted the slides look like the characters in that story. Of course, behind that, there is huge material technology, composites technology, design technologies. Actually, that's the time when we introduced King Cobra years ago. And now with Stingray, we took it much further. So actually, the team looks perfectly like a Stingray, but at the same time, it's a water slide with so many features. It has two big towers and between the towers, there's a bridge. From each tower, two slides start with a very special mist roofing and very special bridge where you can just see what's happening all over the slide.Paul Marden: So the queuing experience is enriched so it doesn't feel quite so long and boring because you can watch what everyone is doing.Sohret Pakis: It is, yes.Paul Marden: Super impressive. So we have been asking everybody to think about what are their predictions for 2026?Sohret Pakis: Everybody is talking about AI. Everybody is talking about immersive. So AI, of course, will make a huge difference in operation, especially.Paul Marden: In what way?Sohret Pakis: Actually, in guest satisfaction, because personalisation is very important in our industry. Whoever comes to the park, they are the heroes at the park. And so actually, if the park can make them feel that they are the heroes, truly— if that's their birthday, if that's their wedding anniversary, so whatever. If the park can make you feel that you're special, and thanks to technology, now it's possible.Paul Marden: Absolutely. That's so interesting. Thank you so much for your insights and for joining us on Skip the Queue. Thank you.Thomas Collin: I'm Thomas, I'm from VEX Solutions, so we are a VR company at the start, and now we're going to the arcade with mixed reality as well. Okay, so that's a nice link. What are you launching here at IAFA? So here for the first time we are introducing VEX Party Dash. The Party Dash is a mixed reality arcade machine. So automated, people can go on it, play on it. You have two huge screens that are really highly interactive. You can walk on the screen, you can touch the screen. The goal is really to make you moving. So that's what we want to do with the Dash.Paul Marden: That's amazing, isn't it? So we're watching people at the moment. You can see lights up on the floor that they're stepping on and on the wall.Thomas Collin: What is really the key aspect of this product is that it's highly attractive. People, they just go around, they stop by it, they want to try it. Actually, we can say, 'Hey, come and try it,' because we watch you, we see you. So we can say, 'Hey, come and try it.' And people stop by, they play it. It's highly immersive, but also highly active. Yes. You're just not standing on an arcade, sitting down. No, you're really moving around. So, this is really good for kids and families. Absolutely. That's what we see.Paul Marden: So, where do you see this being used? What sort of attractions will take this?Thomas Collin: Actually, with this product, it can go either in the attraction side or either at the arcade side. So, you can play it as one game, and you can play a three-minute game like an arcade, or you can actually book for 15 minutes. Since there is not a single game, but multiple games, you can play different games, you can play different levels inside the main gate. So you have a high replayability. Because we want you to come back, we want to attract the gamers, and then make them come back.Paul Marden: 15 minutes with this much activity sounds like quite a tall order. It's a workout.Thomas Collin: It's a workout. It's a workout. Yeah, yeah, yeah.Peter Cliff: Hi, my name is Pete Cliff. I'm from Conductr. We're here in Barcelona and it's so exciting to be back at IAAPA. Now, what we're super excited about this year is talking about our collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Lines on Great Stirrup Cay. It's their new water park. It's a great project. We're excited to talk to people about it. It's also lovely to be back in Barcelona. It's been, I think, about six years since we were last back here, and it's always one of my favourite European cities for IAPA. It's great to meet with people from the industry, reconnect with old colleagues and friends, and really see what's happening. There's a huge amount of innovation and special projects that are launching all over the show floor. So yeah, great to be back, and can't wait to see what the future of the themed entertainment industry has to offer.Laura Baxter: My name is Laura Baxter. You may know me as the girl with the purple jumpsuit on LinkedIn. I am the head of marketing for Black Gang Shine, but have most recently just announced that I've gone into freelancing and I've launched your CMO.Paul Marden: And I have to say, the jumpsuits work because I was about 50 metres behind you earlier on and I spotted the Your CMO logo on the back of the jumpsuit, so well done for that. We've talked to a lot of suppliers with stands that are exhibiting. From your perspective, this is your first time stepping over to the dark side and coming to an IAPA. What's the experience like for you? What are you here to get out of the show?Laura Baxter: I'd say it's twofold. Mainly it is for networking. Obviously anybody who's anyone in the industry is here. But also, it's inspiration because I want to be able to talk about new and exciting stuff with... Potential clients that I may have and ideas still for Black Gang as well. So, when you walk around show floor, which is just so vibrant and there's so much going on everywhere—you turn, you can draw inspiration from so many of the suppliers here.Paul Marden: What have you seen that's innovative?Laura Baxter: There's a huge amount of stuff being done with tech and it's very interesting because I think that's where a lot of people are going to think that they need to go, because that's the way of the world now, and the next generation don't know life off of a screen and they're expecting to have these incredible digital experiences.Laura Baxter: I'm not convinced that is the way to go. But yes, it's still impressive tech. So for me, there are things that I stand back out and look at and I'm like, 'Whoa, that's really, really cool.'Laura Baxter: I'm not so sure it's potentially what consumers want, though, controversially.Paul Marden: It's really hard, isn't it? Because as a parent of young kids, you want them off the tech as much as you possibly can. But you need a hook. To be able to attract them, don't you? So there's been some amazing stuff here that bridges that gap between the real world and the tech world. So, summer season 2025 is over. What are your predictions about summer 26 and what operators should be thinking about right now?Laura Baxter: It's a really tough market, we all know that. Budgets are tight for households, so there is an awful lot more thought going into their spending and what they're doing and where they're choosing to take that little bit of disposable money that they do have. Therefore actually I don't think next year operators should be thinking about huge innovations or new attractions. I think they need to strip back to basics and nail their customer service. I think guest expectations now are so high. because they're parting with money that is a little bit more precious to them than perhaps if they don't leave at the end of that day having had a good experience they feel ripped off they're going to go straight to review platforms they're going to let it all out and actually you need to be focusing on making sure that every single touch point with that customer is bang on and we're talking pre-visit as well from the your website journey to buying it to the follow-up emails to the pre-visit emails to that first person they meet on front of house to the ride operators to the events team if you have that kind of entertainment on park if you are not nailing your experienceLaura Baxter: You are going to lose out well.Paul Marden: I think we should end it right there. That there is a nugget of gold.Paul Marden: So I am here with co-host Andy Povey and our good friend Josh Haywood from Crealy down in Devon.Josh Haywood: Hello.Paul Marden: It's the end of day two. What have you seen, Josh? What's blown your socks off?Josh Haywood: Good couple of days so far. We're probably into 40,000 steps, which is great. I think technology is the thing that struck me this week so far. Just the small changes that some of the operators and some of the manufacturers are putting into their existing kits. So, for example, I attended a seminar this morning about bowling. and normally temping bowling is temping bowling. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But now there's augmented reality, and they've got features on the lanes, and it's not about just taking all the pins down, it's taking pin one and six out, and all those things they're trying to do to reinvent older, more traditional attractions, which I think I find really interesting. Yeah. I think some of the seasonality stuff, the Christmas and Halloween stuff has been really good. We sat on a train and went on a journey and the seats rumbled and the sound and the visual effects, they were great.Paul Marden: I saw that. There was no room for me to go and sit on that train. It was amazing.Josh Haywood: I thought that was really good. And, you know, I've been really impressed with generally the show. I think you can get around it all as well. It feels really friendly. I think the sun shining always helps as well. It's not too tough, is it?Paul Marden: I mean, the last time we were in Barcelona, we were all wearing face masks. Absolutely, yes. So it's really refreshing to be back here. And not have that.Josh Haywood: Absolutely. And not have to queue to get in as well. I think that was interesting on the first day.Paul Marden: Oh, did they see you and then just wave you through?Josh Haywood: Red carpet was up for, of course, award-winning theme park and resort. Paul Marden: Mr. Hayward. Did you say award? Winnie and obviously you're on the back of your two awards in the theme park awards last week. How was that? And then we've got some really exciting news from Creeley.Josh Haywood: I saw it at the press this morning. Yes, so a couple of things happened last week. So first of all, we had our anniversary 25 years of Maximus the Coaster. The Vekoma Coaster, 25 years. The first coaster in Devon. It was Devon's first coaster, over half a million riders later. It's done 2 million miles around the track. It's great. So we did a sort of event for that, and we used it to sort of make some announcements about future attractions, which I'll tell you about in a minute. But then we went to the Theme Park Awards last week at Wickste Park, where... We've been the recipients of a few bronze and silvers, and we go being little old us and hope for the best. And then the award I really wanted to win was one of two: the best for families and the best for value. And when the family award came up, they said, 'In bronze is such and such, in silver.' And I was like, 'Well, there you go.' That's all that's left for another year. And then when they said the win at gold was cruelly for best for families, we were delighted. I got a bit emotional about it. I think we would just work so hard over the years to be the best in the Southwest, certainly. And certainly since we put Sootyland in as well. We won the award for Toddlers.Josh Haywood: So it was a double wham. And within 10 minutes as well. It wasn't separated. Within 10 minutes, I just got my breath back from the first one. And then we were up on stage again taking that second award. Oh, it's tough, isn't it? Which was great, yeah. Multi-award winning. Multi-award winning theme parking resort. Devon's finest. Most right in Devon. We're just going to... absolutely bleep the hell out of this for the next 12 months because who knows we may not win it again so we'll just shout from the treetops about this and then we also won thanks to martin rose and rose events uh silver for best entertainment event for the city show It's still very popular, the legacy brand. People love the Sooty show. And as I said at the awards, we sell loads of those puppets. People love a Sooty and a Sweep. So it's been a really good collaboration for us.Paul Marden: We were at our first away day for our Merak team back a few months ago down at Creeley, and I found a little sooty puppet underneath the lectern. I was absolutely chuffed to bits. And there he was, just sitting at the front of the away day, watching everything going on with Sue next to him.Josh Haywood: He's still popular. We understood when we put Cityland in, it wasn't going to be Peppa Pig. world and we didn't think for a minute we'd even sort of get to those heights of Thomas Land at Drayton Manor but it certainly hit a chord with the older market certainly the nannies and the granddads who remember such from when they were kids and you know it's a legacy brand and it works but what we have done really well is sort of corner that market for younger children and toddlers and we Sort of took some comments over the last 12 to 18 months that we may be missing the mark when it comes to the 8 to 12-year-olds, which we were pretty good at five or six years ago. So we've decided this year that we're going to invest in some thrill attractions. So we've just launched news that we've got two new rides going in next year. One, I can't tell you exactly because we're still going under. Got some planning issues, but we're going to have the Southwest tallest ride and the Southwest first inverted ride. So a multi-million pound investment going in and hopefully that will give us another boost that we need to kick on again. We've still got new accommodation going in. We'll still be doing new events and shows for next year.Josh Haywood: So it's going to be a bumper year for Crealy. Absolutely.  I really look forward to that.Paul Marden: I look forward to you being on the launch ride.Paul Marden: Me down on the ground watching and videoing.Josh Haywood: What they have said, which is really interesting, we spoke to an operator, there's only one other ride like it in the UK, and that operator said, whatever you do, make sure when you put the ride in, you fit a hose pipe and a tap right in. Because you may be washing the seats down more than you would usually on your current ride. So, yeah, it certainly will add that next level of ride experience to our family market.Paul Marden: Yeah, I think that's super important, isn't it? Mr. Povey, what have you seen today that has blown your socks off?Andy Povey: I'm really looking for the place to go and get some more soft, comfortable socks. I've walked so much. I've stood around and listened to so many fantastic talks, had so many brilliant conversations. I'm done. My feet hurt. I need to sit down and have a beer.Paul Marden: Well, I hate to break it to you, but there's another day left. And there's still more interviews to do. Still more opportunities for us to get some interesting stories on Skip the Queue.Andy Povey: Look forward to that.Paul Marden: Gentlemen, I think we're about done. So thank you ever so much. It has been a joy. And Mr. Povey, see you back here tomorrow. Josh, wonderful as always.Josh Haywood: Maybe see you at OrlandoPaul Marden: Oh. Absolutely, yeah.Josh Haywood: We'll do it againPaul Marden: Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you liked it, leave a comment in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you didn't, let us know on hello@skipthequeue.fm. Today's episode was a team effort for Sami and Emily from Plaster, Steve from Folland Co., as well as Claire and Wenalyn from Skip the Queue HQ. We're back again tomorrow for more fun from IAAPA, including Andreas Andersen from Liseberg, one of Scandinavia's most visited parks. See you all tomorrow. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

This week on Transform is extra special—Sami Spalter is sharing her biggest news yet: she's pregnant!In this intimate solo episode, Sami takes you through her journey so far, from the moment she found out to the unforgettable experience of sharing the news with her family and, of course, Sami Clarke. From surprising cravings to first trimester symptoms, she gives a real and unfiltered look at this exciting new chapter.Tune in as Sami reflects on the lessons pregnancy has already taught her—like letting go of control, leaning into rest, and embracing the beautiful changes in her body. It's a joyful, deeply personal episode about growth, trust, and celebrating life's biggest transformations—and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Kion, Purely Elizabeth, and CottonVisit purelyelizabeth.com and use code TRANSFORM at checkout for 20% off.Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/TRANSFORMPODVisit getkion.com/transform for 20% offLearn more at TheFabricOfOurLive.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sami Awad serves as Co-Director of Nonviolence International. He is based in Bethlehem, Palestine where he has been a leading advocate of nonviolent resistance to occupation and inspirational leader for building a shared future of Palestinians and Israelis based on equality and human rights.  Sami founded the Holy Land Trust in 1995 to work for a nonviolent future of Palestinian justice. At Nonviolence International, Sami leads our training and education programs on nonviolence that includes a focus on trauma resilience and leadership development.  He also leads our communications and development departments.  He is a graduate of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Department of the American University School of International Service. He is an author and well known inspirational speaker in many venues around the world. His new book is: "The Sacred Awakening: Reclaiming Christ Consciousness". https://www.amazon.in/Sacred-Awakening-PublishU-Sami-Awad-ebook/dp/B0FN4QW23B Learn More at: https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/    

PŘIDEJTE SE KE KOMUNITĚ VÍC NEŽ 1700 PŘEDPLATITELŮ A PŘEDPLATITELEK STUDIA N NA HEROHERO.CO/STUDION A SLEDUJTE VŠECHNY EPIZODY V CELÉ DÉLCE „V Pásmu Gazy neexistuje nikdo, komu by někdo nezemřel, nikdo, kdo by se nikdy nepřesídlil. Takového člověka neznám,“ popisuje ve Studiu N Tereza Wyn Haniaková z Lékařů bez hranic. „V našich klinikách i nemocnicích je cítit, že lidé jsou prázdní, nedůvěřují nikomu a žijí ve strachu. Mají na výběr mezi smrtí a smrtí. A nejhorší je, když vám sami říkají, že jsou připraveni zemřít.“ V Gaze podle Haniakové chybí dostatek úplně všeho. „Dá se získat nějaké množství vody, ale i tak spousta lidí pije znečištěnou. Dá se sehnat mouka, takže můžou dělat nějaké placky, sem tam se dá nově sehnat nějaký kousek zeleniny, například brambory, ale není toho moc. Potraviny jako jsou vejce nebo maso jsou od začátku blokády na trhu dostupné. Lidem chybí proteiny,“ říká. Ve Studiu N předčítá dopis, který napsala její kolegyně zdravotnice: „Smrt se zdá jednodušší než nekonečný cyklus vysídlování. Už se smrti nebojíme. Každý den stejně umíráme kousek po kousku. Ráno se probudíme a předstíráme, že můžeme jít dál. Už ale nedokážu ukonejšit ani vlastní děti. (…) Nevím ještě, jak smrt přesně vypadá, ale představuju si, že asi nějak takhle.“ Lékaři bez hranic na místě pracují často v provizorních podmínkách a řadě lidí nedokáží pomoct. Sami se navíc ocitají v nebezpečí. „Museli jsme v našich složkách zavést nový akronym: ‚Beaten by others‘. Přichází k nám totiž z distribučních míst lidé, kteří mají promáčknutá žebra nebo byli pošlapáni, jak moc tam bylo lidí. Od začátku jsme také zavedli akronym ‚Wounded child, no surviving family‘. Měli jsme plné nemocnice dětí, které neměly nikoho.“ Myšlenku na normální život už Palestinci podle Haniakové dávno vzdali. „Ráno jsem mluvila se svou kolegyní. Ta holka se mi ztrácí před očima. Je strašně hubená a hrozně vyčerpaná. Minulý týden se opět musela přesídlit kvůli bezpečí. Je to cyklus násilí, který nevím, kam vede. Pořád se vám jenom honí hlavou, co dalšího se stane. Za poslední dva roky jsme se pokaždé dostali do fáze, kdy jsme si říkali, že už to nemůže být horší. Ale ono se to vždycky stalo.“ Aktualizace: V epizodě Studia N hovoří Tereza Wyn Haniaková o dvanácti mrtvých kolezích. V čase mezi natáčením rozhovoru a jeho vydáním přišel o život třináctý. Co o realitě války píší přímo lékaři z místa? Jakým lidem kvůli provizorním podmínkám už pomoct nemohou? A jak si vysvětluje netečnost velké části světa k tomu, co se v Gaze děje? Podívejte se na celou epizodu na herohero.co/studion

In this week's Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from ten years ago (9-22-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by ProWrestling.net's head honcho Jason Powell to discuss with live callers the previous night's Raw including the lack of follow-up on Chris Jericho-Roman Reigns/Dean Ambrose, the Undertaker-Brock Lesnar announcement, Kane's multiple personalities, Paige's turn, and much more.Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, Wade and Jason discuss JBL's Eric Bischoff interview, would Steve Austin talk to Brock Lesnar about WM32 possible match, Sami Zayn's future, Cesaro as a more intriguing opponent than Big Show, an odd Lesnar-Taker announcement, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

In the weekend episode, VDH and Sami discuss the narrative surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassin, Trump declaring Antifa a terrorist organization, California's Proposition 50, Robert Redford's legacy in film and politics and Winston Churchill's heroism while Britain took on Nazi Germany alone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Este episodio de El Zoológico Podcast corresponde a la grabación de nuestro en vivo del viernes, el espacio donde cada semana nos encontramos al mediodía para conversar, reír y compartir la mejor energía junto a El Capi, Deysa, Marocco y Sami desde la consola.Aunque El Jefe no estuvo presencialmente porque viajó rumbo a México al Coca Cola Food Fest, nos dejó un regalo único: un adelanto del próximo capítulo de Los Archivos del Jefe. Una joya sonora de “El baile de los que sobran” de Los Prisioneros, interpretada el 17 de septiembre de 1988 en el estadio El Campín durante el legendario Concierto de Conciertos.Además, en este en vivo hablamos de las nominaciones al Latin Grammy 2025 y compartimos todos los detalles de El Prom, la fiesta imperdible del 24 de octubre en Lourdes Music Hall, con Casale New Concept, Magic Juan, Johnny, Erik y los DJs del Zoológico.

In this Friday news roundup VDH and Sami examine how Charlie Kirk's assassination has changed the culture, the public's perception of political violence, Trump's ongoing legal battles against media defamation, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on @betches, Sami, Jordana, and Aleen dive into Bachelor Nation's most shocking twist yet: Taylor Frankie Paul is officially The Bachelorette. From #MomTok swinger scandal to handing out roses, could this be the Hail Mary that saves the franchise? They also break down who nailed their Emmy predictions, which shows walked away empty-handed (sorry White Lotus), and why this specific EDM song might actually be millennials' version of Mozart. Plus, the trio unpacks what it really means to be in a calm couple, a chaotic couple, or the lesser known “duck” couple. Go to the Betches YouTube page to watch full length episodes every Friday: Youtube.com/@Betches  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the Cyrus girls are hanging with Sami Sheen — yes, daughter of Charlie Sheen & Denise Richards… but she's so much more than that!! She's Tish's FAVORITE TikToker, a fellow horse girl, and officially our new bestie. We get into what it's really like growing up in a public family, how making friends in your 20s is nearly impossible, and (oops) potentially unlock a new fear for the Stoners. We also dive into sister drama, independence, and embracing the whole “nepo baby” thing.Plus, Sami spills on acting classes, maybe writing a book, and what's next for her. Whether you know her from TikTok or this is your first time meeting her, you'll love this episode.Follow Sami:https://www.instagram.com/samisheenhttps://www.tiktok.com/@samisheenFollow us on Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/brandicyrus⁠https://www.instagram.com/tishcyruspurcell⁠https://www.instagram.com/sorrywerecyrusSend your questions to ⁠sorrywerecyrus@gmail.com⁠ or DM us!Thank you to our incredible sponsors:Balance of Nature: Go to balanceofnature.com and use code CYRUS for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer, PLUS get a free bottle of Fiber and Spice.Jones Road: Use code CYRUS at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/cyrus. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today.Quince: Go to quince.com/CYRUS for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sami talks with Don Shin, CEO of CrossComm (https://www.crosscomm.com/), about which direction humanity is heading as the landscape of AI technology continues to shift and evolve. Together they assess the correlation between language and intelligence, the importance of human connection, as well as the growing responsibility we have in managing AI to prevent a potential dystopia. — You can connect with Don on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/donshin1/) or stay up to date with the work his does with CrossComm over on his website (https://www.crosscomm.com/). Your host for this episode has been Sami Birnbaum. Sami can be found through his website (https://samibirnbaum.com) or via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samibirnbaum/). If you would like to support the show, head over to our GitHub page (https://github.com/sponsors/thoughtbot), or check out our website (https://podcast.thoughtbot.com). Got a question or comment about the show? Why not write to our hosts: hosts@giantrobots.fm This has been a thoughtbot (https://thoughtbot.com/) podcast. Stay up to date by following us on social media - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/) - Mastodon (https://thoughtbot.social/@thoughtbot) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/thoughtbotvideo) - Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtbot.com) © 2025 thoughtbot, inc.

In today's episode the team is back together and they've got lots to cover!!! Seth, Becky, Punk and AJ are making the argument of being the greatest couples story in WWE history!!! We get into the fans calling out WWE over the pricing and the announcement that Wrestlemania will be in Rhiyad which had fans yelling they Sold Out!!! You Just Made the List is another reason why this segment is so great........all this and so much more!!! CHEERS!!!JERKING THE CURTAINROUND TABLE OF TOPICSNEWSAndrade no longer with WWE, apparently he was fired Did WWE or TKO sell out??? Fans aren't happy Dirty Dom is a two belt champ!?! “You Just Made the List” Top 5 tag teams (Males) SMACKDOWN Vic Joseph and Booker T host Smackdown Brock Lesnar kicks off the show and is met by Ron Cena Solo sending a message to ZaynRey Fenix is back!!!Wyatt Sicks vignettes are sooooo good Michin and Giulia is grrrreat for business Who was in the doorway during Sami's backstage comments???Drew gets the win……Cody's next RAWThe Adam Pierce meltdown has officially started Jey vs LA Knight is exactly what LAK needs…..YEAHHH!!!Cena kicks off RAW, hate to say it but Brock was the right choiceThe hugger is back but why no love for Lyra???Asuka can't stay out of Iyo's way, when does Iyo snap???Jimmy putting Jey in his place is grrrrrreat for businessSeth and Becky in black is damn good for business……the hate for Becky is unrealSeth and Becky playing chess while Punk and AJ stuck on checkers Kairi and Stephanie put on a grrrreat match The Brons get the dub, Jey and LA Knight continue to cook Is Judgement Day on the verge of breaking up???NXTWar Games for NXT!!!Charlotte and Bliss leave out certain females???Episodes dropping weekly!!!Follow on the gram @the.funkaholiks.pod THEE POD THAT TALKS WHAT THEY LOVE 

In this weekend episode VDH and Sami offer further reflections on Charlie Kirk, the role of higher education in shaping societal values, and the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. In the middle segment, VDH considers the impressive legacy of Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on @ Betches, Sami, Jordana, and Aleen are back to unpack the end of wedding season. From Alexia Umansky's star-studded nuptials (where exactly were Kim Richards and Paris Hilton?) to Becca Bloom's #RichTok extravaganza on Lake Como. Then, they dive into Gwyneth Paltrow's wild new unauthorized biography and her rise from Hollywood It Girl. They also break down the fall fashion trends making a major comeback, including lace skirts and barn jackets. Finally, the trio discuss if The Paper has what it takes to live up to The Office's legacy. Go to the Betches YouTube page to watch full length episodes every Friday: Youtube.com/@Betches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the weekend edition, VDH and Sami discuss RFK Jr.'s stance on vaccination mandates, more nuttiness from Joy Reid, and developments in Gaza and Venezuela. The professor also offers an in-depth look at the development and employment of armor in World War II, with a particular focus on the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this news roundup VDH and Sami cover Trump sinking a Venezuelan cartel drug boat, the media speculating that Trump might have died, whether the National Guard should go into Chicago, Europe's political and social challenges, the rise of censorship, Ilhan Omar's millions, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on @ betches, Sami, Jordana, and Aleen take a trip down memory lane to revisit the most iconic Instagram posts of all time and reveal which ones actually got their double tap (spoiler: Jordana could definitely be more generous with her likes). From there, they break down Sabrina Carpenter's new album and why she's officially pop's newest powerhouse princess. Next, they tackle Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun's eyebrow-raising relationship, unpacking the wild age gap and whether Sydney's latest romance is love, strategy, or a PR move. Finally, the trio dives into Netflix's Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, a jaw-dropping doc about a teenage girl who gets catfished by someone shockingly close to home. atBETCHES Chapters00:00 Introduction06:49 Which iconic instagram posts have we liked?15:06 If only Sabrina Carpenter was around when we were in college25:08 What is Sydney Sweeney doing!?29:55 Breaking Down Unknown Number: The High School Catfish...and wtf!45:50 Betch of the Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices