A podcast about roller coasters and the parks they live in. Each episode will contain a mixture of industry related news, trip reports, interviews and a whole lot of rabbit trails.
…
continue reading
Bob K Mertz Podcasts
Side Friction - Episode 102 - "Kelce and the Moose" October 25th, 2025 Greg and Bob take on this week's news without Ryan who's away for the week. Another fun variety of stories and only a small bit about that big chain with a half dozen flags and lots of problems. Travis Kelce joins activist investor Jana Partners in push to revive Six Flags Travi…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 101 - Small Parks, a Sweatshirt and some Chickens
1:42:47
1:42:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42:47
Side Friction - Episode 101 - "Small Parks, a Sweatshirt and some Chickens" October 18th, 2025 Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Bob have an extremely wide variety of smaller stories this week along with some great rabbit trails. This episode is sure to entertain. Six Flags Announces Corporate Governance Changes Various Six Flags parks now have free…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 100 - Do a Line, Get In Line
1:46:28
1:46:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:46:28
Side Friction - Episode 100 - "Do a Line, Get In Line" October 11th, 2025 We've reached 100 episodes! Thank you so much to everyone who listens weekly and gives this little hobby of ours purpose. To celebrate this milestone we have brought together both legacy crews to join in on the conversation. In addition to our current crew of Bob, Greg, and R…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 99 - "It's Not Fair" October 4th, 2025 Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Greg close out the last of the double digit episodes with more Six Flags turmoil, fair rides going wrong, and a new place to stay but if that wasn't enough you'll also get to hear Bob's thoughts on Top Thrill 2 and Siren's Curse. Deutsche Bank Issues Grim…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 98 - "Not the Fountain!" September 27th, 2025 Greg is back with Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic to talk about a whole new assortment of things and this week it's back to being mostly about coasters with the normal amount of rabbit trails. The news starts off grim but gets more positive as the show goes on. Universal Orlando R…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 97 - "The Ride is Out There" September 20th, 2025 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have Airtime Myke on the show this week to talk about... well.... A LOT. This is the longest episode to date but genuinely probably one of the most interesting. As for rabbit trails, well, that's basically the whole last hour but the whole show …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 96 - "Bluer" September 13th, 2025 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are joined by CoasterBro (aka Caleb) of Coaster Cuzzies this week while Greg spends time with his family. The 2025 Golden Ticket Awards honor 27 winners, presented live from Carowinds Judge sides with resident in Conneaut Lake Park dispute Fate of Columbia Coun…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 95 - "Show Me the Weather" September 6th, 2025 Another week means another episode of Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talking about the dumpster fire that just consumes theme park news, how Disney has it's own problems, and a bunch of other stuff. Who is shocked by this one? Six flags extends their MVP Sale What's next …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 94 - "Electric Mayhem" August 30th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic go a lot lighter on Six Flags (well, relatively) this week with one of the more varied assortment of news stories with some mile rabbit trails thrown in as a bonus. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: What to Expect Kings Island announce…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 93 - "Unhitched" August 23rd, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic (as well as the entire community) can't get away from Six Flags so join them for another dive into the mess that circles the chain. Even if Six Flags isn't your thing this episodes doesn't forget about you. Dragon wagon loses part on the track Kings Isl…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 92 - "Closed for Litigation" August 16th, 2025 Yes, more Six Flags talk from Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic but entertaining and a shorter duration this week. If you are tired of Six Flags, don't worry, plenty of other stuff besides Six Flags gets addressed as well. Carowinds Guests Blindsided as Entire Park Suddenly …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 91 - "Six Flags Fatigue" August 9th, 2025 A few little things happened at Six Flags this week so Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic dive in with just a small helping of the complete wasteland that the chain has seemingly become almost overnight. If you stick through all the bad news (presented in a hopefully entertaining …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 90 - Six Flags 2: The Search for More Money
1:54:27
1:54:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:54:27
Side Friction - Episode 90 - "Six Flags 2: The Search for More Money" July 26th, 2025 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic take control of the show since Greg decided coasters in Japan were more important (ok, we would too). Various news stories get discussed with a couple bombshells, especially one you wouldn't expect Bob to say. Roller Coaster Glitches…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 89 - "Where Are We?" July 19th, 2025 Join Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic as they visit the news and somehow end up wandering through the woods. If you are a fan of episodes that feature rabbit trails you'll love this stream of consciousness. Kennywood inspects Steel Curtain after guest hit by flying foam pad Maurer Ri…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 88 - "Blades of Fury" July 12th, 2025 Join Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic as they talk about a collection of news stories that happened over the last couple of weeks. Wind turbine blade gets stuck between 2 Pennsylvania homes Canada's Wonderland set to debut AlpenFury this weekend Siren's Curse, new ride at Cedar Poin…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 87 - "I Know What You Did" July 5th, 2025 Join Greg, Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Pam in a backwards episode where the news is merely an intro to stories from park visits and events that we all had experienced in our time off last week. Guest struck by cellphone on Kennywood's Phantom's Revenge roller coaster Six Flags Ne…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 86 - "Dark Money" June 21st, 2025 Join Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic as they talk about the news with rabbit trails and even a Bob rant on the side. Dollywood is quietly building its 'largest new attraction' ever. Kennywood's new sister park Dollywood shares vision after acquisition Every Time Someone Buys A Ticket T…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 85 - "Lice, Lice Baby" June 14th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are even more all over the place than last week but lots of interesting stuff gets talked about and, as always, a fun episode. Spaceballs 2: The Announcement Angry Voicemail We Got From an Alamo Drafthouse Customer Canada's Wonderland shares first r…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 84 - "Knott Gonna Happen" June 7th, 2025 Join Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic for an episode that is all over the place when it comes to news which starts off with some interesting Six Flags discussion and ends with us reporting the hard hitting news that deeply affects CoasterBro from Coaster Cuzzies Siren's Curse ope…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 83 - Cinnamon Tah-heemie Fries
1:35:47
1:35:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:35:47
Side Friction - Episode 83 - "Cinnamon Tah-heemie Fries" May 31st, 2025 Ryan is back! After a few weeks of guests and specials the guys are back to normal (well, normal for them) covering the news and whatever else comes up. Join Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic for a fun filled episode. Six Flags to cut 135 jobs at Knott's, Magic Mountain and…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 82 - "When It's Ready" May 24th, 2025 Bob and Greg welcome Rick and Brian Knoebel from Knoebels Amusement Resort on the show this week to talk about what's going on at the park. It's a great time with some great stories and an episode you won't want to miss. Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefricti…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 81 - "Barnyard Breakout" May 17th, 2025 This week we have CoasterBro filling in for Ryan joining Bob and Greg in a very farmland centric episode. Cedar Point animals escape from petting zoo for 3rd time in 1 year Hellcat is getting tamed Proof that Top Thrill is Toothless Herschend launches $1.1bn loan to fund acquisition of…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 80 - "Bearly There" May 10th, 2025 Airtime Myke fills in for Ryan and joins Bob and Greg to discuss the news and.... well, of course Bob and Myke throw opinions around all over the place. It's a long one but a ton of fun. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Reports 2025 First Quarter Results Millennium Force Valley Top Thril…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 79 - "Shipping Not Included" May 3rd, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic might give you some whiplash with this episode but with all there is to talk about this week it's hard not to. The Zimm Reaper strikes again while Zamperla saves history and a certain museum is so poor they can't even ship stuff -- and that's ju…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 78 - "Just Add Paint" April 26th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have a ton of fun with this episode. Covering the news and a healthy dose of rabbit trails for some reason this episode just seems to have brought a lot more laughs than normal. 2 new stores open at Hersheypark Quantum Accelerator Train Reveal - Six…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 77 - "Augmented Timbers" April 19th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic go on a roller coaster of news with happy, sad, and frustrating news all making an appearance. Also plenty of fun stories and thoughts to be heard as well. Fyre Festival 2 'Does Not Exist' According To Isla Mujeres Tourism Board, Organizer Still …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 76 - "Sequential Parks" April 12th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic don't have a lot of news but they talk about what they do have and find plenty of rabbit trails to play around with. Movie based on popular global chocolate company to make stop in Pittsburgh Epic Universe Annual Pass Preview Tickets for Sale – Ap…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 75 - "Hot Topics" April 5th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic explore the news and talk about things they've seen and visit a few rabbit trails while they are at it. Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closes Superman coaster Welcoming Pantherian to the Jungle (It won't open with the park) Zambezi Zinger Roller Ro…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 74 - "Bobterra" March 22nd, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic enter what seems to be a twilight zone situation with Bob oddly finding rainbows and butterflies where no one thought he ever would. This episode is packed with the news of the week but mostly a lot of random rabbit trails that the show loves to embrace. …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 73 - "Bobterra" March 22nd, 2025 Greg and Bob are joined by Ryan the Ride Mechanic to talk about a few minor stories. Oh, who are we kidding.... Herschend, Six Flags, Epic Universe, Bob riding Rapterra..... There's just a lot going on here making this one of the longer episodes we've had in a while but you should find nearly…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 72 - "This Ain't Texas" March 15th, 2025 Steph is joined by Bri (Instagram: Zero Bri Roll) and Cat (Instagram: coastercat112) of the Women Love Coasters community for a special episode to celebrate the Women of the coaster world. In addition to covering the latest coaster news, the ladies certainly don't forget to pay their …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 71 - Harry Potter: The Next Generation
1:02:43
1:02:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:43
Side Friction - Episode 68 - "Harry Potter: The Next Generation" March 8th, 2025 Greg and Bob talk about new wands, old coasters, and a lot about IPs. Netflix is building an anti-Disneyland Disney Plus lost 700,000 subscribers to price hikes, here's why that won't stop it doing more SeaWorld parks to introduce 'global IP' but hotel plans are delaye…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 70 - Return of the Traum Boot
2:00:56
2:00:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:00:56
Side Friction - Episode 70 - "Return of the Traum Boot" March 1st, 2025 Greg and Bob and Steph are joined by Ryan the Ride Mechanic for a truly entertaining episode that barely stays on the rails at all. Seriously, this is a fun one. Off Topic: Past Times Arcade Off Topic: Warren Pizza Hut reopens as Pizza Hut Classic Off Topic: IFPA Pinball Themed…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 68 - "Epic Tivoli" February 15th, 2025 Steph, Adam, Greg, and Bob all join in on this episode to discuss news and, oddly, Bob's health. Off topic and fun is a good way to describe this show. Gibtown 2025: Ride Sales & Deliveries Report - Part 2 Six Flags Rewards paused? Six Flags Fiesta Texas Unveils Largest DC Universe Clas…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 68 - "Epic Tivoli" February 15th, 2025 Greg and Bob are joined by Ryan the Ride Mechanic on a week with very little news so they spend most of this episode talking about experiences and interesting thoughts about the industry for this highly entertaining episode. Kennywood Junction, Steel Curtain Epic Universe Food Previewed…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 67 - "Holes" February 8th, 2025 Steph and Bob dig for news this week and actually find a varied collection of stuff along with some rabbit trails that no one probably would have expected. Todd Joseph racks up fines Todd Joseph Continues to Violate A Coal Fire May Have Helped Sink the 'Titanic' | Smithsonian New details revea…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 66 - Six Flags Laid-off the Moose
1:13:20
1:13:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:20
Side Friction - Episode 66 - "Six Flags Laid-off the Moose" February 1st, 2025 Greg and Bob discuss more of the dreary news Six Flags feels like giving us as well as a few other things but, while the news isn't bright, they go off topic to keep things fun and entertaining. Laid-off Kings Dominion worker voices frustration after losing their job: 'T…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 65 - "Ryan the... COASTER!" January 25th, 2025 Ryan the Ride Mechanic joins Steph, Greg, and Bob for a combination of conversation and news visiting a lot of fun topics including some interesting behind the scenes information. Six Flags in NJ unveils lineup for 2025 season, more details on new coaster Six Flags Over Georgia …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 64 - "Injunction Junction" January 18th, 2025 On this episode Bob gets to be his classic self with the line up of stories. Him and Greg talk about various new stories including an appearance of a Todd Joseph shenanigans. Judge rules Conneaut Lake Park owner violated court-issued injunction Injunction enforcement sought again…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 63 - "That Ship Has Sailed" January 11th, 2025 Steph and Greg further discuss the recent silent send off of rides, as well as an entire California amusement park in particular. Although they find hope in the direction that some parks are going, they still end up talking about the unique atmosphere of independent parks surrou…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 62 - "Out with a Bang" January 4th, 2025 Yes, that coaster is closed.... and so is that one. Greg, Steph, and Bob all talk about the latest subtractions from Six Flags as well as other things going on in the industry. Kick off the new year with us as we talk about what happened in the last couple of weeks of 2024. Anaconda S…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 61 - "Cedar Fyre" December 21st, 2024 Steph and Bob spend most of this episode talking about BULLSHIT and we're pretty sure you already know who is at fault. Funtime Handels the Orlando Free Fall Incident Funtime Statement on the Verdict in the Tyre Sampson Case Two Trains Collide on Joker… Is Cedar Flags doing Carowinds dir…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 60 - "Digging for Thrills" December 14th, 2024 Steph and Greg meet with Troy Parsh of the Amusement Preservation Museum and discuss the unexpected (and funny) challenges of finding, restoring, and displaying amusement park history. Amusement Preservation Museum Website Amusement Preservation Museum Instagram Amusement Preser…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 59 - "Weather or Not" December 7th, 2024 Greg and Bob do their best to find stuff to talk about on this slow news week on this short but sweet episode. Family Awarded $8M in lawsuit against BGT Attendance, revenue down at United Parks & Resorts due to bad weather Attendance, revenue and income increase at United Parks & Reso…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 58 - Thanksgiving Tony and the Coaster Harvest
1:15:44
1:15:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:44
Side Friction - Episode 58 - "Thanksgiving Tony and the Coaster Harvest" November 30th, 2024 Steph, Adam, and Bob are joined by Piper and LJ for this Friendsgiving episode. Touching on a few news stories but mostly a whole lot of rabbit trails this is an episode that will certainly bring you a lot of laughs. We hope all of our US listeners had a gr…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 57 - Come On, Knock it Off!
1:24:19
1:24:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:19
Side Friction - Episode 57 - "Come On, Knock it Off!" November 23rd, 2024 Greg and Bob discuss the happenings at IAAPA as slim as that news is but also talk about a lot of other interesting things including a whole lot of knock offs of other coasters and rides. Pre-show Rant: Google's mysterious 'search.app' links leave Android users concerned Kent…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 56 - "King Dick" November 16th, 2024 The whole team (Greg, Bob, Adam, and Steph) put on one of the most fun episodes we've had in a while. Of course we cover the elephant in the room and the Dick who killed it as well as a few other stories. You won't want to skip this one. Richard killed the king La Vibora - Six Flags Over …
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 55 - "The Frontal Lobe" November 9th, 2024 Greg and Bob make the best out of a week that certain other US news far out-paced amusement park news. It's one of our shortest shows but has lots of interesting speculation and some unique stories. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Reports 2024 Third Quarter Results Six Flags pot…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 54 - "Queenda Qwa" November 2nd, 2024 This show starts off with some sad news as Bob and the others remember his mom who passed away on October 17th but then the whole crew (Bob, Steph, Greg, and Adam) all get into the latest news and turn it into a fun episode. Utility Markers appear next to Kingda Ka Siren's Curse parts ar…
…
continue reading
Side Friction - Episode 53 - "Greedflation" October 12th, 2024 It's happening everywhere including parks and especially at Disneyland and Six Flags Entertainment Corp.... prices are going up. Greg and Bob call it out along with a whole host of other frustrations and a few things that are exciting as well. It's a shorter episode than normal but shou…
…
continue reading
