Falcon’s Beyond Global, Inc., a leader at the forefront of innovation in themed entertainment experiences, has announced the launch of season eight of Falcon’s Creative Group’s award-winning podcast, Experience Imagination.
The first episode came out in 2018, when only 17% of respondents to a poll answered “yes” to the question, “Have you listened to a podcast in the last week?” Now, Podcast listenership has reached an all-time high, with North America at the forefront in total audience numbers. Millennials currently represent the largest segment of podcast listeners in the US; however, Gen Z is close behind and is projected to overtake them by 2027.
The previous episode, the final of season seven, celebrated the firm’s 25th anniversary with key executives, long-time team members, and the company’s co-founders discussing their favourite memories, creating world-first experiences, challenging circumstances they overcame, and more.
Thoughtful and engaging
Episodes are produced and hosted by Audrey DeLong, Falcon’s executive producer and seasoned professional in the entertainment industry.
“Our discussions are thoughtful, compelling, relatable, and engaging,” says DeLong. “Because of the incredible variety of our guests and wide spectrum of our topics, we appeal to a diverse audience.”
She mentions that as season eight progresses, viewers may observe slight adjustments to the formula. Yet, the show will still motivate and educate professionals in themed entertainment as well as newcomers to the industry.
The podcast discusses design, media, technology, trends, theories, onsite execution, and various aspects of themed entertainment that combine business and enjoyment. DeLong mentions that episodes offering a behind-the-scenes look are among their most popular, yet the “Foot in the Door” series yields the most direct feedback for the company.
In these episodes, Falcon’s staff share their unique paths into the industry, which can often be unconventional. When Falcon hires new team members—something that has been happening quite regularly—these newcomers frequently reveal that they discovered the company through the podcast, particularly the “Foot in the Door” episodes.
Expert insights from across the industry
Previous guests include Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA; Ella Baskerville from blooloop; Shane Joseph from Coaster 101; theme park influencers Ryan Williams and Cole Brown; Disney veteran and now independent consultant Lee Kitchen; former president of Universal Creative and now strategic advisor at Falcon’s Beyond, Mike Hightower; Falcon’s CEO, Cecil D. Magpuri; Disney veteran Bob Weis; and ex-Universal executive Bob Ward.
“I was happy to be a guest on Experience Imagination, sharing my thoughts about trends in the themed entertainment industry,” says Wahl. “Their podcast is one of the most important in this industry because it gives listeners such valuable information and offers insights that very few podcasts in this genre can.”
Joseph, co-host of The Coaster101 Podcast, adds: “Experience Imagination gives a unique and highly detailed look into the creative process and showcases individuals from every stage of design. From the outside looking in, it is difficult to understand just how many pieces have to come together to make the amusement industry work, and podcasts are a fantastic entry point into appreciating the different microcosms of this world.”
Imagination’s guest list also features talented individuals behind the scenes, including designers, media specialists, artists, engineers, technology experts, and branding experts. Because of Falcon’s commitment to the community, it has interviewed teachers, students, and educational leaders. It has insightful conversations with clients and vendors about opening theme parks, designing award-winning exhibitions, and creating content for touring fan experiences based on video game franchises.
Experience Imagination is not only recorded at Falcon’s global headquarters in Orlando, Florida. The team also interviews exhibitors and attendees at IAAPA Expo and other trade shows.
“We’ve heard directly from industry professionals at these events that they appreciate the podcast and admire the quality,” says DeLong. “It’s always nice to hear those compliments, especially because producing one of the highest quality podcasts available is a commitment we made a long time ago, and we’ve managed to raise the bar with each passing year.”
Experience Imagination can be found on all major podcast platforms. New episodes are typically released on the last Monday of every month.
Last month, Falcon’s Creative Group kicked off its year-long 25th anniversary celebrations with a special proclamation from Orange County’s mayor, Jerry Demings. In recognition of the group’s pioneering spirit, growth and contributions to themed entertainment, Demings announced 1 February as Falcon’s Beyond Day in Orange County, Florida.
