Katapult | Themed Attraction Podcast

Katapult

Insights and opinions from themed entertainment industry designers. Featuring theme parks, themed resorts, visitor attractions and museums.

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20 episodes
monthly
Avg 31 min
English

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August 17 · 19 min
#Ep 23: Beyond the Museum Walls: Bringing History to Life Through Global Licensing
Natural History Museum was announced as the UK's most visited attraction in 2026, but what is behind the success? We go behind the museum walls with their Head of Licensing, Maxine Lister, to discuss the attraction's popularity and their strategic approach to building the brand in unique ways.
S1 · E22
June 30 · 24 min
Ep #22: 25 Years of Katapult: Our Birthday with Co-Founders Dawn & Phil
Katapult Co-Founders discuss the company's journey from 2007 onwards as they made the bold decision to focus solely on the leisure industry as we began delivering themed entertainment attractions around the world.
June 17 · 29 min
Ep #21: 25 Years of Katapult: Interview with Co-Founders Dawn & Phil, Part One
From 90s club nights creators to international themed attraction designers, hear from the original Co-Founders, Dawn Foote and Phil Higgins, on their journey in founding and creating Katapult.
S1 · E20
May 28 · 33 min
Ep #20: Studio Stories: The Gladiators Experience with Hayley Garnham and Amelia Maresca
Welcome to Studio Stories presented by Rhianna McGonigal, a podcast series from Katapult as we explore the people we are and the projects we work on. This episode we talk to our design team Hayley Garnham and Amelia Maresca on the role we played in creating the Gladiators Experience.The Experience was created in collaboration with Live Nation Entertainment, MGM Studios, Patrick Doherty Design and NEC Birmingham.
S1 · E19
April 15 · 38 min
Ep #19: From Performer To Producer In Themed Entertainment
Join the Katapult team and special guest Katrina Mena Rick, themed entertainment professional (Disney Live Entertainment, Walt Disney Imagineering) as they discuss the power and passion for themed entertainment.
S1 · E18
March 17 · 37 min
Ep #18: Studio Stories, Featuring James Lawbuary
Welcome to Studio Stories presented by Rhianna McGonigal, a podcast series from Katapult as we explore the people we are and the projects we work on. This episode we talk to our Writer and Project Producer, James Lawbuary, about his involvement in our Helping Hands project and his love of rollercoasters.
February 11 · 25 min
Ep #17: Neuroinclusion in Themed Attractions
Join Dr Cathy Manning from the University of Birmingham, alongside host, Robbie Jones, as they unveil details of a four-year PHD study into neuroinclusion within themed attractions, and take a deepdive into the impact of today's public spaces for the neuroinclusive community.
January 14 · 29 min
Ep #16: Studio Stories, Featuring Andy Gilmore
Welcome to Studio Stories presented by Rhianna McGonigal, a new podcast feature from Katapult as we explore the people we are and the projects we work on. This episode we talk to our Art Director, Andy Gilmore and his involvement designing dream projects for The LEGO® Group and many more clients.
S1 · E15
Dec 11, 2025 · 43 min
Ep #15: The Joy of Play: Crafting LEGO® Family Attractions
Join our special guest Juliane Aufdembrinke, Senior Design Manager at The LEGO® Group, and Katapult Co-Founder Dawn Foote, as we discuss the importance of play within theme parks, visitor attractions and experiences.
Nov 10, 2025 · 30 min
Ep #14: Katapult Studios Stories, featuring George Ward-Thompson
Welcome to Studio Stories, a new podcast feature from Katapult as we explore the people we are and the projects we work on. This episode we talk to our Production Assistant, George Ward-Thompson and his involvement on the WW2 Tunnels Experience we designed in Gibraltar.
S1 · E13
Oct 13, 2025 · 42 min
Ep #13: How do we create horror beyond October?
Join the Katapult team and special guest, Matt Clarkson from Simworx, as they delve into the world of horror attractions, exploring the thrill, technology and art of storytelling.
S1 · E12
Sep 16, 2025 · 36 min
Ep #12: How do IPs become successful in themed attractions?
Join our Co-Founder Phil Higgins and Aardman's Head of Attractions & Live Entertainment, Ngaio Harding-Hill, as they discuss the transition of digital content into fully-fledged physical experiences within theme parks.
S1 · E11
Sep 16, 2025 · 32 min
Ep #11: How do you design a themed hotel suite?
Discover the level of detail required to create a highly thematic, yet comfortable themed hotel suite as part of a theme park development. Learn how the narrative and initial moodboards, transforms into 3D rendered designs - ready for vendors to take into construction.
S1 · E10
Aug 5, 2025 · 28 min
Ep #10: Unveiling the secrets of Pirate Cove
In this conversation, Insights Director Robbie Jones and Creative Director Andy Sinclair-Harris discuss the creative process behind Pirate Cove, a themed attraction centered around pirates. They explore the inspiration for the project, the importance of escapism, and how they aim to reinvent pirate stories for a modern audience.
S1 · E9
Jun 10, 2025 · 45 min
Ep #9: What makes for a perfect day at a theme park?
We speak to Parkcast's Bex Callinswood, following news of NEW theme park developments coming to the UK, plus, her thoughts on what makes the perfect day out a theme park. We also review the top 10 reasons why guests leave theme parks unhappy, and how these issues could be solved!
Apr 14, 2025 · 36 min
Ep #8: Did you see that?! A deep dive into theme park Easter Eggs
Join international theme park design company Katapult as they take a deep dive into the most hidden and secretive theme park Easter Eggs in existence.
Mar 7, 2025 · 40 min
Ep 7: How can we create the most emotive guest experiences in themed attractions?
We go to theme parks for fun and laughter, but they always makes us feel so much more than this. Discover how powerful audio can make or break and experience on our latest podcast with Brian Yessian.
S1 · E6
Feb 10, 2025 · 16 min
Ep 6: Do people really want to live at theme parks?
Join Katapult Insights Director, Robbie Jones, and LDP's Senior Partner, Yael Coifman, as they debate why 25% of Generation Z are considering living permanently in theme parks.
S1 · E5
Jan 13, 2025 · 6 min
Ep 5: What did Katapult do in 2024?
Join Katapult Co-Founders Dawn Foote and Phil Higgins as they look back on a successful 2024, after growing the team and working on 3 dream projects in the year.
S1 · E4
Dec 17, 2024 · 28 min
Ep #4: What are the best theme park rides in 2024?
In this engaging conversation, Katapult Co-Founders Dawn and Phil discuss their top theme park rides for 2024, sharing personal experiences and insights from their travels around the world. They explore the thrill and joy of various rides, including Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The discussion also touches on notable new rides and retrofits, highlighting the evolving landscape of theme parks and the excitement for upcoming attractions in 2025.

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