Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 145 - "Six Flags Over North Ohio"
October 10th, 2026
Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back after a couple of weeks. Bob starts out the show remembering amusement park trips with his dad who passed away on Sept 25th and then it's back to covering the latest news stories and catching up on some big things that happened the last few weeks.
More than 100 riders claim Six Flags ride led to brain injuries Retiring X2

This Major Amusement Park Just Made History with a Record-Breaking Solar Power Upgrade
Activist JANA Partners is pushing Six Flags to hire a bank and explore a sale 
Could Cedar Point's name change? Owners float idea in recent survey 
Mom sues Universal Orlando, says Stardust Racers gave son permanent
Universal Destinations & Experiences names new chief brand and commercial officer
Disney Hires Its First CTO: Karandeep Anand, Former CEO of AI Chatbot Start-Up
Rohde: Disney Will Completely Replace the Current Yeti, Not Fix It
Firefighters respond to blaze at Playland's legendary Dragon Coaster Rye Fire Fighters

Lagoon's new 2027 coaster will be the first of its kind in the U.S.
Shuttered South Jersey amusement park set to hit the auction block
EQT to sell €1.7 billion stake in Spain's Parques Reunidos, Expansion says 
Castle Park in Riverside lays off more than 100 employees during makeover
Judge signs off on contentious $15M sale of Glenwood Caverns (paywall)
Roller Coaster Tycoon in Real Life 
The Block Zone Breeze
It's Back!
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Side Friction - Episode 144 - "High Noon at The Potato Patch"
September 19th, 2026
Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about impending doom and a few news stories before getting into The Golden Ticket Awards where the expected, as well as some unexpected, disagreement appears.
Uncontrolled AI could lead to 'silicon species' rivalling humans, warns Microsoft
Anthropic staff warn of doom while company hunts spies, hackers and bioweaponeers 
Atlantic City's Iconic Steel Pier For Sale At $85 Million
Former Fantasy Island property listed for $5 million as some passholders await refunds
Even more Trimless Rides
Fun Spot to bring rides from closed Atlanta park to Central Florida
Roller coaster rescue at WA State Fair
Vekoma Documentary
Amusement Today, Golden Ticket Awards 2026
Aquaticar Underwater Track Ride Details at IAAPA - YouTube 
Send Riley to Austria
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Side Friction - Episode 143 - "Ground Breaking"
September 12th, 2026
Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back after a week off to catch you up on the news including "ground breaking" news from Six Flags as well as some news from Dollywood, some happenings at small parks, and a few other odds and ends including some talk about Disney if you're into that sort of thing.
Six Flags Introduces Flex Pay by Upgrade, Allowing Guests a New Way to Plan and Pay for Fun
Six Flags Magic Mountain announces groundbreaking new 'Thrill Glider' coaster
Six Flags buys ArieForce One roller coaster from closed Fun Spot America Atlanta
Fun Spot America to auction equipment and assets from its Atlanta park on October 14, 2026
Dollywood announces Dolly Parton tributes: New character, chapel area and exhibit
Dolly Parton's sister pleads for end to 'AI garbage' posts after singer's death
Efteling introduces new safety device for coaster riders with leg prostheses
Clementon Park in NJ up for sale again
Carolina Beach amusement rides could leave boardwalk next summer
Special fund created for Kiddieland
First look: Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios Once Upon a Studio

Plans for old Six Flags site in Maryland reignite concerns for Belt Woods
Animal Actors Show Closing Permanently for New Experience at Universal Studios Florida
Alabama Adventure owner charged in Hoover after police say he tried to choke girlfriend
Museum Inspires Great Memories of Conneaut Lake Park
Is Hersheypark closing down? Tidal Force closing 
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Side Friction - Episode 142 - "Theme Park No. 1"
August 29th, 2026
Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph remember Dolly Parton who we unfortunately lost this week in a segment before moving into a normal format show which is kept very upbeat and entertaining.
Remembering Dolly Dolly Parton, Hardscrabble Storyteller Turned Global Entertainer, Dead at 80
'It's sad to lose a really nice person': mourners flock to Dollywood after death of Dolly Parton
A biopic, a coffee brand and dog treats among Dolly Parton's business projects still to come
Quotes by Dolly Parton (Author of Run, Rose, Run) 
Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 

2 women suffer life-threatening brain injuries after riding famous Six Flags coaster, report says Magic Mountain Settles Wrongful Death Suit

Six Flags to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Arlington, Texas, Strengthening North American Operations
Six Flags St. Louis officially rebrands to Mid America Adventure
VAI Resort developer takes over Mattel Adventure Park Another twist in the saga of Glendale's Mattel theme park

Hersheypark Addresses Backlash Over 'Tactless' Ticket Prices Post After Dolly Parton's Death
Saudi Arabia Goes Big on Dragon Ball Z. A $7 Billion Theme Park Deal Wil Be Built In France
Kennywood parent company sued over alleged hidden online ticket fees
Disneyland breaks ground on parking structure, transportation hub ahead of new attractions
Lake Compounce welcomes new General Manager Daniel LLanas
New filings in 'Leap-the-Dips' lawsuit ahead of pivotal hearing
Vekoma Confirms Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Replacement Project
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Side Friction - Episode 141 - "Yeti, Set, Go!"
August 22nd, 2026
Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph have tons of news to address in a way that probably only the 4 of them can. There's a lot going on this week so it's a longer show but it's entertaining the whole way through.
NEW RIDE: Vala's Pony Express! 
Universal Studios to dampen 'disturbing' coaster screams with sound barriers
Disney parks and cruises saw their best growth in two years despite a travel slowdown
Expedition Everest Yeti Getting Fixed After Nearly 20 Years, Disney Confirms
Disney World Reveals Villains Land, Maleficent Roller Coaster & Magic Mirror Dark Ride
Monsters, Inc. Coaster Details, Will NOT Open With Land in Disney World
Beloved 67-Year-Old Roller Coaster Takes Its Final Ride Before Closing Forever 
Switchback will live on
Lost Island Theme Park Announces Forbidden Lair, First Ever RMC Family Shuttle Coaster
Dolly Parton provides health update after skipping Dollywood ride opening
On National Coaster Day, Hersheypark announces upcoming upgrade
Miner's Mountain Express Miner's Mountain Express POV! 

Austin's COTALand revs ahead with amusement park opening date revealed
Donation agreement frees up money for Bay Beach Amusement Park fixes 
Six Flags Guest Miraculously Catches Shoe Hurtling Toward His Face on 70 MPH Roller Coaster in Viral Video
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