Experience Imagination: A Themed Entertainment Podcast

Hosted by Falcon's Creative Group

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to 'Experience Imagination', a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group. On this show, artists, engineers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals from in and around our design studio come together to tackle a new discussion topic every episode. When it comes to the latest trends, theories, and technologies, we're diving into the deep end of the pool to shine a light on the modern revolution of themed attractions and entertainment experiences.

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60 recent

October 7, 2026Episode 841 min

#092 - The Art of the Haunt: Props, Performers, and Psychology

What makes a scare worth paying for? 👻On the latest episode of Experience Imagination, haunted attraction designer and immersive entertainment expert Scott Swenson takes us behind the scenes of designing fear. He shares lessons from decades in the industry, including his work on Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream, The Vault of Souls, and Terror Roulette. Discover how story, psychology, performance, and guest participation come together to create scares that stick with us long after we've escaped. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

August 31, 2026Episode 740 min

#091 - Shoestring Budget, Big LBE Impact: One Portland Artist's Solution

🎙️🌈 We're thrilled to welcome "Public Joy Creator" Mike Bennett , to our podcast! 🎨🦕🐙 On the latest episode of Experience Imagination, Audrey DeLong chats with Mike, the creative mind behind whimsical attractions like Portland Aquarium, Wonderwood Springs, Dinolandia, and A to Zoo. 🎢🌟 From front-lawn art projects and immersive monster museums to fantasy mini golf and an aquarium without live animals, Mike's work proves that a little imagination, a lot of creativity, and a passion for bringing people together can create something truly unforgettable.🐠✨ Check out the full episode webpage to read and listen. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

June 29, 2026Episode 658 min

#090 - Deep Dive into Aquarabia: Saudi Arabia's first Water Theme Park

What does it take to turn Saudi Arabia's desert landscape into a groundbreaking water theme park? At Aquarabia in Qiddiya City, the answer is 250,000 square meters of immersive storytelling, bold design, and record-setting attractions. As the first water theme park in Saudi Arabia, Aquarabia brings eight uniquely themed zones to life, each inspired by indigenous desert animals, and features 22 rides and experiences, including five first-of-their-kind attractions. In this episode of Experience Imagination , we explore the creative vision and design process behind Aquarabia with in-house creatives Bruce Sereta, Andrew Tober, and Eric Loperena. We also hear firsthand perspectives from content creator Saroosh Shadid and Brian Machamer, Park President of Six Flags & Aquarabia. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

May 27, 2026Episode 535 min

#089 - Inside the 2026 Thea Awards and TEA Inspire

We are back with another episode of Experience Imagination!🎧 📸 We're coming to you straight from the 32nd Thea Awards & TEA Inspire with red (well, pink) carpet moments, big industry insights, and a look at what's next for themed entertainment. From the largest Thea Awards ever, to exciting global plans ahead, this episode is packed with inspiration from the people shaping the industry. Featuring: Melissa Oviedo, CEO of Themed Entertainment Association (TEA); Shawn McCoy, SVP of Business Development & Creative Strategy at Imagine; Marc Zachary, President of Experiential Advisors; and Russell Alexander, CEO & Co-founder of Hobbiton™ Movie Set. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

April 27, 2026Episode 438 min

#088 - From Orlando to Manila: A Conversation with the Falcon's Philippines Team

Why Manila? 🗺️ Join our Falcon's Creative Philippines team and CEO Cecil D. Magpuri as we discuss the incredible talent in the Philippines that is shaping our world‑class experiences. Special thanks to our Senior Design Manager Miguel Antonio and Director of Business Operations Claire Jamias-Ricasata for being part of this episode! ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

March 30, 2026Episode 329 min

#087 - IMMERSE 2026: How Interactive Art Took Over the City

Walk through IMMERSE Fest with us in the latest episode of Experience Imagination ! 🎨🎭 Special thanks to Cole NeSmith from Creative City Project for joining the podcast and giving our listeners an inside look at what it takes to create an epic interactive art festival. We were thrilled to speak with a variety of guests who showcased exhibits at the festival, including Zachary Mailhot from the Orlando Science Center; Claire Johnson of New Cool Art; Nic Kessler from Hawkmooon; and our own team members Mikayla Winger and Caitlin Sprague from Falcon's Creative Group. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

February 23, 2026Episode 231 min

#086 - The Journey from Disney Performer to President of FCG

In this episode of Experience Imagination , we sit down with Mitchell Magill, President of Falcon's Creative Group and a powerhouse in our industry. Mitchell brings a rich background in themed entertainment, spanning immersive attractions, live productions, and global destination development. We dive into his career journey, lessons on empowerment, standout moments from his time as Senior Creative Director , Executive Producer, and IP G uardian for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and yes… even his favorite marine animal. It's an inspiring, insightful, and fun conversation you don't want to miss. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

January 28, 2026Episode 156 min

#085 - Tomorrow's Trends with IAAPA's Jakob Wahl and TEA's Melissa Oviedo

We're kicking off the ninth season of Experience Imagination with a deep dive of the themed entertainment industry. We sat down with Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPA , and Melissa Oviedo, CEO of TEA , to reflect on 2025, the evolving industry challenges, and the future of the industry worldwide. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

December 17, 2025Episode 733 min

#084 - Behind the Thrills with Content Creators

Coaster Studios and Park Pros join us for an ALL-NEW podcast episode, "Behind the Thrills with Content Creators"! Learn the secrets of crafting great theme park content, trends in the industry we're continuing to see, and how channels like theirs are reaching audiences not just in the U.S., but the entire world. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

October 27, 2025Episode 659 min

#083 - Curse of DarKastle: Legends and Legacy of a Classic Dark Ride

We're awakening the Curse of DarKastle on this spooktacular episode of Experience Imagination! Cecil Magpuri and Dave Mauck, the creators of this THEA award-winning dark ride, share their exclusive knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories that had never been told publicly...until now! Also hear how audio was used to help craft the mood of this terrifyingly memorable experience. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/ Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/ X: x.com/falconscg The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.