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Amusement Parks

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Original Air Date:

May 17, 2015

It doesn't matter whether you grew up going to Coney Island, Six Flags, or Pacific Park — to a kid, all amusement parks are magical. This hour we take a trip to the land of funnel cake, freak shows and fast rides.

How Amusement Parks Modernized America

Ferris wheel

Audio

At one point there were more than 1,500 amusement parks across America. Historian Lauren Rabinovitz says they helped ease the country into a period of rapid technological change.

Length:

10:57

Coney Island A Century Ago

Coney Island

Audio

Writer Leslie Parry describes what Coney Island would have sounded like during its heyday 100 years ago.

Length:

1:40

Behind the Scenes of a Sideshow

Fire eating

Audio

For decades, Todd Robbins has been entertaining audiences with his sideshow act, first at Coney Island and later with several off-Broadway shows. He demonstrated a few tricks of his trade.

Length:

11:59

The Most Unusual Roller Coaster in the World

roller coaster

Sonic Sidebar

Writer B.J. Novak imagines a roller coaster that's modeled after real life, and designed by the artist Christo.

Length:

3:49

Getting High At Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Audio

John Jeremiah Sullivan reads an abridged version of his essay, "You Blow My Mind. Hey, Mickey!" about getting high at Disney World.

Length:

10:44

Walt Disney and the Cultural Significance of the Theme Park

Walt Disney

Audio

Cultural anthropologist Scott A. Lukas describes the history and cultural significance of theme parks such as Disney World.

Length:

11:49

Extras

Show Details 📻

Airdates

May 17, 2015

August 26, 2017

May 26, 2018

May 25, 2019

July 03, 2021

July 23, 2022

Guests:

Lauren Rabinovitz

Historian

Leslie Parry

Author

Todd Robbins

Performer

B.J. Novak

Actor and Author

Jeremiah Sullivan

Writer

Scott Lukas

Scott A. Lukas

Author

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Last modified:

July 20, 2022

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