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

Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction

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

Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction

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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