Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 141 - "Yeti, Set, Go!"
August 22nd, 2026
Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph have tons of news to address in a way that probably only the 4 of them can. There's a lot going on this week so it's a longer show but it's entertaining the whole way through.
NEW RIDE: Vala's Pony Express! 
Universal Studios to dampen 'disturbing' coaster screams with sound barriers
Disney parks and cruises saw their best growth in two years despite a travel slowdown
Expedition Everest Yeti Getting Fixed After Nearly 20 Years, Disney Confirms
Disney World Reveals Villains Land, Maleficent Roller Coaster & Magic Mirror Dark Ride
Monsters, Inc. Coaster Details, Will NOT Open With Land in Disney World
Beloved 67-Year-Old Roller Coaster Takes Its Final Ride Before Closing Forever 
Switchback will live on
Lost Island Theme Park Announces Forbidden Lair, First Ever RMC Family Shuttle Coaster
Dolly Parton provides health update after skipping Dollywood ride opening
On National Coaster Day, Hersheypark announces upcoming upgrade
Miner's Mountain Express Miner's Mountain Express POV! 

Austin's COTALand revs ahead with amusement park opening date revealed
Donation agreement frees up money for Bay Beach Amusement Park fixes 
Six Flags Guest Miraculously Catches Shoe Hurtling Toward His Face on 70 MPH Roller Coaster in Viral Video
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Web: https://sidefriction.com
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Side Friction - Episode 140 - "Tilt-ulator"
August 15th, 2026
Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic discuss the out of nowhere news and then move on to the smaller stories in a shorter but entertaining episode.
Groundbreaking Six Flags coaster closed after incident with rider
Kennywood closing Thunderbolt coasterdown for renovation
Kennywood's Jack Rabbit receives Centennial Coaster designation from American Coaster Enthusiasts 
Knott's Berry Farm closes loophole on unlimited dining pass
Cedar Point's Corkscrew to receive special honor
Public memorial service planned for longtime amusement park owner
OT: Facebook is paying controversial creators to produce rage-bait content 
Dolly Parton will not attend opening event for new Dollywood ride 
Oaks Park Launches $40 Million, 20-Year Modernization Plan
OLD: Ride Manufacturer RMC Merging With Larson International 
Tilt-A-Whirl! The Minnesota invention and State Fair staple turns 100 
As attendance falls, United Parks places a bigger bet on Howl-O-Scream 
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Web: https://sidefriction.com
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Side Friction - Episode 139 - "You owe me a buck..."
August 8th, 2026
Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic discuss Bob's car drama and his trip and then get into the latest news.
BAKUNAWA POV & Off-Ride - World's Tallest & Fastest Spinning Launch Coaster!
Six Flags Great America announces Camp Timber Trail with Sky Hawk roller coaster
Knott's reopens MonteZOOMa coaster after 4-year closure
Busch Gardens keeps expanding its original mythology with Return to Corkscrew Hill
Family-Owned Amusement Park Officially Closes Its Doors After Announcing 'Difficult Decision' to Shut Down After 36 Years
Kumba, R.I.P. 
Amarillo Fire Dept. releases additional details on Wonderland incident Scary incident details revealed after Texas roller coaster's 'wheel set failed,' appeared to derail with 18 'stranded' riders

'It sounds like bloody murder': Neighbors complain of screams from new Universal Studios coaster
Power outage at Six Flags Magic Mountain delayed opening, park officials say
All Disneyland restrooms closed as Anaheim hit with water pressure crisis
Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction
Web: https://sidefriction.com
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Side Friction - Episode 138 - "Billy Bob's Fat Ones"
July 25th, 2026
Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph go way off the rails like they were Big Dipper at Blackpool. Buckle up for a very funny and entertaining show.
Billy Bob's Wonderland 
Shut-down order lifted for Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds
Big Dipper - Pleasure Beach Resort (Blackpool, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom) Big Dipper Derail 
Big Dipper Damage 

2 arrested at Cedar Point for refusing to exit the Sky Ride when asked
Universal reports 'softened' attendance at Orlando theme parks
Video appears to show temporary wall falling on visitors at Universal Orlando
See how Pixar, Marvel worlds and more come to life at Disney parks
Coastersaurus Roars Back: Florida's Only Fully Wooden Coaster to Reopen Next Month at LEGOLAND Florida
Iron Gwazi Money Back Scam
11Foot8 
Jack O' Lantern Spectacular to be moved to Kentucky Kingdom 
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Side Friction - Episode 137 - "Asphalt Revenge"
July 18th, 2026
This week we mourn the loss of Dick Knoebel who passed away at the age of 87. He was an industry later that has shaped the industry that will be felt generations from now. Our thoughts and our hearts are with the Knoebels family during this time. More information can be found directly from the park or at the Amusement Today article.
Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic then kick off a show that retains the typical upbeat format and news that our listeners have come to enjoy.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay retiring Kumba roller coaster after 33 years 
Fury 325 at Carowinds shuts down after discovery of foundation issues
Frank Hurricane / Thoosie Mob / Tee Shot / The Pop Cult 
California Theme Park Nears Reopening of 48-Year-Old Roller Coaster
1886 to 2026: Lagoon Amusement Park reaches 140th anniversary
Universal Studios neighbors complain about noise from new Fast and Furious ride
Universal Orlando sets closing date for Fast & Furious Supercharged 
Hocking Hills to open mountain coaster
Wildfire smoke from Canada blankets Northeast Ohio: Cedar Point to close at 7 p.m. Thursday 
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