Best Location Based Entertainment Podcasts (2025)

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Sound Off #91 - Karting experiences slow down, D&B reverses course, and more! 40:20

Play Pause

17h ago40:20

40:20

Sponsored by Intercard! The location-based entertainment industry evolves as venues adapt to changing consumer preferences and adopt new technologies. Karting experiences shift from high-speed racing to slower, more accessible gamified attractions without helmets. • Traditional karting transforms with digital elements and e-karts to create more soc…

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Entertainment Social Arena #9 - London Mall Entertainment Impact – Part 1 11:10

17h ago11:10

11:10

In this first part, we look at London emerging as a hub for competitive socializing and social entertainment, targeting Millennials and Gen Z. Key developments include the integration of entertainment such as bowling, mini-golf, VR, and sports-themed venues within major malls like Westfield London. Notable concepts include All Star Lanes, PuttShack…

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The LBX Show #45 - Do The Beach opens, major Sega news, and more! 59:06

2d ago59:06

59:06

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's LBX Show, BW and friends discuss how the location-based entertainment industry shows signs of recalibration with a slowdown in new openings while established brands pursue ambitious expansion plans and technology integrations reshape arcade experiences. We review industry developments including Sega's leadersh…

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Ep 454: eBay Gum! 1:34:28

5d ago1:34:28

1:34:28

It’s time to get our platters out on CheapShow this week! Paul & Eli have unearthed a few comedy albums from the once popular Grumbleweeds musical troupe! Who are these gentlemen? Where they any good? Has their material aged well? Will we get annoyed listening to “There’s No Business Like Show Business” over and over and over? A quick listen to the…

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Entertainment Social Arena #8 - Retro Arcades’ Social Revolution – Part 2 17:55

8d ago17:55

17:55

This second report highlights the rapid growth of retro social entertainment venues globally, including new "BarCades" and arcades across North America, Europe, and Australia. Key trends include a surge in diverse operators, the challenge of sourcing vintage hardware, and legal issues surrounding IP and emulation. Hospitality venues are integrating…

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Sound Off #90 - Arcade VR falters, can Gen Alpha save cinema, and more! 1:08:31

8d ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's Sound Off with Kevin Williams we examine the evolving landscape of location-based entertainment, from terminology debates to financial challenges and technological innovations. The episode explores how traditional experiences are being reimagined through gamification, VR evolution, and the resurgence of mall a…

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The LBX Show #44 - Mall Entertainment, Pinstripes BK, Kiddleton growth, and more! 33:20

9d ago33:20

33:20

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's LBX Show, BW starts with News You Should Know and shares his experience at the International Adventure and Trampoline Park Association Annual Convention and IntelliPlay's reception of the Innovation Excellence Award. Then Kevin Williams dives into the latest openings and closings in the industry. • FastTrax op…

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Ep 453: A New River Runs Through It (Mono) 2:28:15

13d ago2:28:15

2:28:15

(Mono Edition)Summer is nearly over and Paul and Eli do not want to waste a single sunny day, so it’s time for another walkabout episode! This route, as chosen by Eli, is one they’ve been keen to do for a while and now it’s their chance to tackle the length of the New River. The New River is an artificial waterway that opened in 1613 to deliver wat…

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Ep 453: A New River Runs Through It (Stereo) 2:28:15

12d ago2:28:15

2:28:15

(Stereo Edition)Summer is nearly over and Paul and Eli do not want to waste a single sunny day, so it’s time for another walkabout episode! This route, as chosen by Eli, is one they’ve been keen to do for a while and now it’s their chance to tackle the length of the New River. The New River is an artificial waterway that opened in 1613 to deliver w…

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Sound Off #89 - Gen Z abandons gaming, Genda & Hero Zone acquisitions, and more! 1:08:35

15d ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's Sound Off with Kevin Williams we discuss how the location-based entertainment landscape is transforming as Gen Z abandons video games for social experiences, driving significant industry shifts and strategic acquisitions. Economic pressures, including tariffs and shipping challenges, force companies to adapt w…

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Entertainment Social Arena #7 - Retro Arcades’ Social Revolution – Part 1 16:35

15d ago16:35

16:35

This first part of the report highlights the resurgence of retro arcade venues driven by nostalgia and social engagement, targeting audiences from Gen Z to older enthusiasts. Key trends include the rise of established chains like Barcade and UK’s NQ64, alongside emerging brands such as Cobra Arcade and Continue Arcades, expanding through franchisin…

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The LBX Show #43 - Guest Gab with Rob Morgan, Arcade News, and more! 1:23:45

16d ago1:23:45

1:23:45

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's show Brandon and Kevin join Rob Morgan, author of "Storytelling for Spatial Computing and Mixed Reality: The Art of Augmenting Imagination" and lead narrative designer at Wake the Tiger in London for a Guest Gab segment exploring the art of storytelling and spatial computing. • Shifting from VR to AR storytell…

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Ep 452: A Box Of Plenty 1:02:15

20d ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Once again, the PO Box delivers a cornucopia of crap to CheapShow HQ’s door, and it’s up to Paul and Eli to price it all up… Kinda! Eli is feeling a lot more cocky and confident then usual, and he thinks that he is set for yet another mammoth victory! Paul has a HUGE box of items for an episode long Price of Shite, but although he can’t play along,…

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Ep 451: The Podcast After The Night Before 1:14:46

27d ago1:14:46

1:14:46

Episode 450 was a big success and Eli and Paul celebrated accordingly. Until they didn’t. Following the live stream party, Paul went way too far with the drinking and is now suffering terribly. This means that the only person driving the podcast this week is Eli, so that means Paul is going to have to suffer through another indignity of Eli’s episo…

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Entertainment Social Arena #6 - Social Sports Explosion - Part 2 14:05

27d ago14:05

14:05

This second report looks at the rapid growth of “Sportainment,” blending active, immersive, and gamified experiences across venues worldwide. Innovations include AR-enhanced virtual sports, interactive projection walls, and hybrid venues combining traditional sports with digital technology, such as golf simulators, trampoline parks, and social dart…

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Sound Off #88 - The Kidult Revolution, CEC Adventure World, and more! 53:41

29d ago53:41

53:41

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's Sound Off with Kevin Williams, BW and Kevin explore the growing influence of "kidults" in the location-based entertainment industry and how their spending habits are reshaping business models. This demographic shift is forcing operators to rethink their attraction mix, F&B offerings, and overall venue design t…

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The Stinger Report #1244 - Embracing Asian Entertainment 11:52

29d ago11:52

11:52

Asian influence continues to reshape the Out-of-Home entertainment landscape, offering lucrative opportunities through Japanese brands, IP collaborations, and innovative retailtainment concepts. Notable developments include Sony's strategic alliance with BANDAI NAMCO to leverage anime and manga IP, expansion of Japanese-themed venues like Round 1 i…

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The LBX Show #42 - Ripley's Crazy Golf, Merlin Magic Making, and more! 1:03:04

1M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's LBX Show, BW dives into the latest location-based entertainment news including Ripley's new glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Icon Park and Merlin's rapid development of two new immersive experiences. Kevin Williams joins us for Open and Shut and Chuck DeMonte discusses the concept of value in attractions marketin…

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Ep 450: Corrupted Data Legacy 1:08:27

1M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

This is it! This is Episode 450! To celebrate, Paul & Eli are putting the final touches on their CheapShow Album. However, this will lead to an adventure like no other before in the podcast’s past. TrackBot has been abused one to many times and not only does this mean the album project is in jeopardy, but the existence of CheapShow itself! There is…

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Entertainment Social Arena #5 - Social Sports Explosion - Part 1 12:41

1M ago12:41

12:41

The evolving sports social entertainment sector, driven by "Sportainment" and SSE, is experiencing rapid growth through immersive active experiences like cricket, baseball, and soccer simulations. Key trends include venue expansions, innovative gamified sports tech, and strategic investments, notably in chains like SIXES, Batbox, and TOCA Social, w…

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Sound Off #87 - Pricing Problems, Entertainment Districts, FOG Gaming, and more! 1:05:54

1M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode of Sound Off with Kevin Williams we explore how location-based entertainment venues are fundamentally mispricing their offerings, with inconsistent strategies for their attractions compared to their standardized food pricing approaches. • Significant pricing inconsistencies exist across entertainment o…

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The Stinger Report #1243 - Defining XR Landscape 10:30

1M ago10:30

10:30

The VR and XR industry is undergoing a significant shift marked by widespread hardware and content abandonment, driven by escalating costs and shifting corporate strategies. Major players like Meta, Microsoft, and Magic Leap are retreating from consumer-focused VR, with support for key headsets and IPs withdrawn or scaled back. Meanwhile, enterpris…

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The LBX Show #41 - Dog Days of Summer, Association News, Google Ad tips, and more! 53:57

1M ago53:57

53:57

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode of The LBX Show we share new industry association partnerships and market developments during the traditional summer slowdown of the dog days of August. Kevin Williams, Adam Pratt, and Chuck DeMonte join host Brandon Wiley to explore the latest FEC innovations and marketing strategies. • Fun Across Ame…

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Ep 449: Mumchance 1:52:16

1M ago1:52:16

1:52:16

After far too much time away, fair-weather co-host Ash Frith re-joins CheapShow just ahead of its 450th episode and what an episode! It’s a nice chunky one that throws Ash in at the deep end straight from the start. They’ve all got a lot to catch up on and it’s been a while since they’ve all been in the House of Sausage and Mash. It all leads to a …

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Sound Off #86 - The Hidden Risk with Redemption, Big Brand pivots, and more! 38:49

1M ago38:49

38:49

Sponsored by Intercard! On this episode of Sound Off with Kevin Williams we examine the industry's dependence on redemption games, questioning whether the FEC business model is vulnerable to potential regulatory or cultural backlash against what critics might call "kiddie casinos." • Most FECs lack viable alternatives should redemption games face r…

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The LBX Show #40 - ROLLER Pulse Report, Merchandising Insights, and more! 1:20:56

1M ago1:20:56

1:20:56

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's LBX Show, Kalyn New, VP of Product and Customer Marketing at ROLLER, joins us to discuss their inaugural 2025 Pulse Report that surveyed 2,000 attraction guests across the US, UK, and Australia to uncover what guests truly want from venues. • 90% of guests want self-service options at venues, aligning with ope…

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Ep 448: Tech Talk Time 1:18:17

2M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

There is a slight change to the content of CheapShow this week as Paul & Eli decide to wade into the unfamiliar waters of technology. It’s an episode that begins by enjoying the joys of the past and ends with a lament as to it’s embarrassing secrets. Gannon is trying to make “Tech Talk” a new feature on the podcast and begins his crusade by pitchin…

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Sound Off #85 - Setting Guest Expectations, Tariff Impacts on Travel, and more! 1:02:36

2M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's Change My Mind segment, Kevin and Brandon debate how the entertainment industry fails to properly communicate experiences to guests, creating disappointment when reality doesn't match marketing promises, while economic headwinds further challenge the sector. • Poor guest experience communication threatens venu…

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The LBX Show #39 - Special Edition: State of the Industry Guest Gab 1:05:32

2M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode Brandon joins Kevin Williams and Adam Pratt for a special edition Guest Gab to discuss the upheaval by major brands in the entertainment industry as they struggle with financial challenges and shifting market dynamics. • Pinstripes faces bankruptcy protection with potential closure of all 18 locations …

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Ep 447: Ballads & Bargain Hunters 1:09:21

2M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

It’s a nice and simple, back to basics episode this week. We can all relax knowing that at no point will Paul & Eli be singing or inventing new characters or retreating into waves of personal verbal abuse. No siree Bob! They are searching for proper culture for this episode. Paul’s found a book to discuss and dissect for his “Page Turners” segment.…

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The Reveal #8 - DOF Robotics: Motion Simulation Mastery 54:28

2M ago54:28

54:28

Sponsored by Intercard! On The Reveal, we pull back the curtain on DOF Robotics, exploring their journey from manual simulators to award-winning immersive experiences across 60 countries with CEO Bakut Baydaliev. • Tour through DOF Robotics' Istanbul headquarters featuring their creative lounge, academy, manufacturing facility, and design departmen…

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The Stinger Report #1242 - Shaping the New Audience – Part 2 17:49

2M ago17:49

17:49

Our comprehensive review of IBE’25 highlights a pivotal shift in the XR landscape within the out-of-home entertainment sector, especially in bowling-centric venues. While VR’s prominence has waned, reflected by fewer showcases and diminished enthusiasm, mixed reality (MR) and gamified active attractions are gaining traction. Exhibitors like RacePar…

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Sound Off #84 - Elvis Evolution backlash, Batting Cage 2.0, LED Floors, and more! 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode, Kevin Williams and Brandon Willey discuss the evolution of batting cage experiences, questioning whether "Batting Cage 2.0" concepts will succeed in the competitive social entertainment landscape. They explore how accessibility is the critical factor for success, with Home Run Dugout leading the pack …

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The LBX Show #38 - BW visits Harkins Backlot, Resident Evil 2, Meta ads, and more! 1:06:16

2M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode BW visits Harkins Theatres' new FEC concept, Backlot, with a discussion on how theater chains are evolving to compete in the entertainment landscape. • Harkins Backlot in North Phoenix combines bowling, crazy darts, and arcade elements with subtle movie-themed design touches • The venue features an imp…

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Ep 446: Beware The Mad Monk 1:25:17

2M ago1:25:17

1:25:17

The events of last week’s thrilling episode have taken their toll on Paul & Eli this week. They’re so tired out, they forgot to plan something to do and to make things worse, they are not in “the zone”! Thankfully (or not), Eli has something up his sleeve to “enhance” their “performance” and it may end up giving them both a false sense of confidenc…

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Entertainment Social Arena #4 - Movie Magic Drives Entertainment 20:37

2M ago20:37

20:37

Highlighting the surge in "Cinetainment," where social entertainment venues blend cinema, streaming IP, and experiential attractions. Major theater chains are investing over $2.2 billion to modernize with attractions like amusement arcades, bowling, and immersive social experiences. Companies like Es Vedra Cinemas are rebranding venues (e.g., Hooky…

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The Stinger Report #1241 - Shaping the New Audience – Part 1 14:52

2M ago14:52

14:52

Leading investors should note a dynamic shift in the amusement and bowling sectors as 2024 concludes, highlighted by a surge in innovation, venue openings, and evolving revenue models. The International Bowl Expo 2025 showcased a pivot toward boutique, social, and experiential entertainment, with amusement manufacturers emphasizing tech-driven attr…

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Sound Off #83 - Cinetainment expansion, AI eatertainment, and more! 45:26

2M ago45:26

45:26

Sponsored by Intercard! Kevin Williams and Brandon Willey explore whether traditional gaming facilities can thrive in our new social entertainment landscape, arguing that the solitary nature of gambling contradicts the social experiences modern venues aim to create. • Cinema chains like B&B Theatres, Evo, and Synergy are aggressively expanding into…

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The LBX Show #37 - D&B New CEO, Hyperbole, ROLLER's Pulse Report, and more! 57:05

2M ago57:05

57:05

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode BW extends News You Should Know to discuss the new leadership at Dave & Buster's, the overuse of hyperbolic language to hype entertainment concepts, and the struggles of free-play arcades without strong monetization models among other topics. • IAAPA Foundation FEC Scholarship offers $2,500 to cover ex…

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Ep 445: Walk Hard With A Vengeance (Mono Edition) 2:33:06

2M ago2:33:06

2:33:06

(Mono Edition)It was supposed to be a regular, fun “walkabout” episode whilst the summer sun still shined on London, but one phone call and shocking explosion later, Paul and Eli are running for the lives at the whims of a mad man! Two Hundred and Twenty Three episodes ago, two evil baddies were defeated and now an angry relative wants to play game…

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Ep 445: Walk Hard With A Vengeance (Stereo Edition) 2:33:06

2M ago2:33:06

2:33:06

(Stereo Edition)It was supposed to be a regular, fun “walkabout” episode whilst the summer sun still shined on London, but one phone call and shocking explosion later, Paul and Eli are running for the lives at the whims of a mad man! Two Hundred and Twenty Three episodes ago, two evil baddies were defeated and now an angry relative wants to play ga…

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Entertainment Social Arena #3 - Eatertainment Feeds the Market 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

The sector's turbulence amid rising costs and shifting consumer preferences. The hospitality industry faces revenue pressures, with companies like Dave & Buster’s reported a 10.8% revenue drop and reevaluating remodel strategies, signaling a shift back to core “Eatertainment” offerings. Competitors such as Elev8 Fun and Pinstripes are expanding or …

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Sound Off #82 - Arcades, AI and Augmented Reality: Managing Guest Expectations 1:05:55

2M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode we kick things off with a conversation on how managing guest expectations has become critical for location-based entertainment venues as the industry faces growing competition and evolving consumer demands. Properly marketing the actual experience while avoiding overhyped claims affects not just indivi…

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The Stinger Report #1240 - Engaging with the Digital Arena 19:30

2M ago19:30

19:30

In 2025, XR investment transitioned from consumer-focused to more practical, enterprise and mixed reality (MR) solutions, signaling a pivotal market shift. The AWE Expo highlighted a surge in commercial entertainment, immersive MR experiences, and innovative hardware like Virtuix’s upgraded OMNI One and new treadmill systems from XelerateVR. Notabl…

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The LBX Show #36 - New AMC Discounts, Clint Novak hits the Jersey Shore, and more! 1:09:19

2M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's episode, we discuss how the amusement and entertainment industry is witnessing rapid evolution across multiple fronts, from new payment technologies to innovative venue concepts and strategic marketing approaches. • IAAPA Foundation launches FEC Scholarship 2025, offering $2,500 to cover travel, expo, and educ…

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Ep 444: Beep Beep Me Phone Went 1:28:24

3M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Blimey, something amazing has come in the post! After weeks of waiting, Eli and Paul get their hands on a test pressing of the CheapShow album, which would be exciting if it wasn’t for the awkward threat of Mr Postie! It’s not the only thing that has come in the post either! There is a USA flavoured “Price of Shite”, or rather “Cost of Crud”, this …

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Sound Off #81 - CEC's new Arcade, theme park attendance declines, and more! 57:39

3M ago57:39

57:39

Sponsored by Intercard! On our latest episode, join Kevin Williams and Brandon Willey as they discuss the location-based entertainment industry's paradox of economic uncertainty alongside aggressive expansion, with Merlin and Six Flags reporting 3% attendance declines while Netflix and Universal announce ambitious new venue plans. Chuck E. Cheese d…

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The Stinger Report #1239 - Branding Driving Next-Gen Investment 15:27

3M ago15:27

15:27

The Licensing Expo 2025 highlighted significant trends shaping the future of location-based entertainment and retailtainment, with a strong emphasis on IP-driven experiences. Brands like UNIS showcased their ‘emoji Planet,’ illustrating how physical venues support licensing success, while resurgence in crane machines with licensed merchandise (“Cra…

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The LBX Show #35 - Inside Bowl Expo 2025: Trends and Industry Shifts 1:14:03

3M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Sponsored by Intercard! On this week's show, Brandon is joined by Kevin Williams and Adam Pratt for a special Guest Gab review of the Bowl Expo 2025 experience, examining the state of the bowling industry and the growing influence of competitive socializing on traditional bowling centers. The future of bowling centers depends on embracing tech inno…

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Ep 443: Liquid Curios 1:05:21

3M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

It was a mistake to record on one of the very hottest days of the year. However, the show must go on, even if involves sitting in a small room as the heat melts Paul & Eli’s brains. Paul does have a plan though! He reckons after a slew of epic length episodes; they can afford to throw out another “real time” 60 minute romp that should make everyone…