The very first episode of our podcast was on April 25, 2005.

We spent that first show looking ahead at all of the new attractions that would be opening at theme parks across the country in 2005.

Reviewing the new attractions for the upcoming summer has become an annual tradition here at the show and this year is no different.

This week, we take a look ahead at 12 new rides and attractions that will be making their debut in 2012.

From roller coasters to flat rides to water slides... we'll talk about new attractions that will demand your attention.

Joining us on the show to lend his expertise is the Theme Parks Guide from About.com... Arthur Levine!

Arthur will give us in-depth detail about each new attraction... including some breaking news about what will happen inside the event building of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new coaster - Verbolten!

Plus, we'll announce the winner of our HIMYM Caption Contest and give yet another clue in our Soundwave Contest! (You'll have to listen to the show to find out what that is!)

People who like theme parks and thrill rides are often called "extreme."

I guess people who travel hundreds of miles to ride the latest and greatest roller coasters tend to take a few more risks and try experiences that the average person might never try.

However, there are some attractions out there that even test the courage of the bravest park fans.

Heck, they even test the courage of the bravest podcast hosts!

On this week's show, Mike and EB talk about what the listeners say are the most extreme rides on earth.  To make things easier, they break up the conversation into three sections - extreme roller coasters, extreme water slides and extreme flat rides.

Your stomach will turn just hearing about some of these crazy experiences.

We also have some updates on the various CoasterRadio.com contests, the results of our interactive poll and details about a fun, new project we've devised for this summer!

It's all on this new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!

An interesting title for the podcast this week... but we'll explain it all.

On this episode of the "Original Theme Park Podcast," we transition from the winter months to the spring and summer and get ready for the 2012 season!

This week, we take a look at a recent survey conducted by Six Flags Over Georgia.  Last summer, they asked their guests' opinions on different aspects of roller coasters and thrill rides.

You'll be surprised at what they had to say!

This week is also our first show back since "our" episode of "How I Met your Mother" aired nationally on CBS.

Mike and EB will let you know how their lives have changed since becoming "background actors." Did Mike's new-found fame help him get "lucky" with a big breasted redhead in Las Vegas?

We also announce two new contests... including the return of "Soundwave!"  Plus, we unleash details about the "Most Interactive Summer EVER" at the show.

Summer is almost here and everyone at the show is getting excited! We hope you are too!

As fun as it was to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure a few weeks ago, it wasn't the main reason for our trip to the west coast.

Neil Patrick Harris invited us to come out to Hollywood to be extras in an upcoming episode of the hit CBS sit-com, "How I Met Your Mother."

On this week's (very long) episode, we tell you the ENTIRE story.

We talk about what we saw, our interactions with the cast and crew and what it was like to be a "background extra" in MacLaren's Pub.

We've spent the past two shows going over every details of our California Trip that included visits to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

But even with two whole hours devoted to both parks, there were things we missed.

AND... the CoasterRadio.com audience was quick to remind us of the things we forgot to talk about.

PLUS, there were some things that we said about the Disney's West Coast parks that upset some of our listeners.  So, they sent strongly worded e-mails to let us know how they felt.

We had so many e-mails and interest about the last two shows, that we decided to set aside this episode and answer all of them!

Plus, we preview next week's show which is all about our visit to the set of "How I Met Your Mother." We even spill the beans on some of the stories about what we saw and did!

Make sure to set your DVRs to record "our" episode of HIMYM!  It airs Monday, April 16th at 8pm est on CBS!

The Original Theme Park Podcast returns with Part II of our California Trilogy of shows!

This week, we talk about all of the stories and details from our trip to Disney California Adventure.

This park has been on people's minds a lot lately as Disney wraps up its major construction projects including Buena Vista Street and Cars Land.

But will EB and Mike enjoy the park after visiting Disneyland just a few days before?

What will they think of attractions like Tower of Terror, Soarin', California Screamin' and Toy Story Midway Mania?

Plus, for the first time ever, CoasterRadio.com will present Binaural Audio from several points in the park... including audio from EB's first-ever ride on Tower of Terror.  You'll want to make sure that you have headphones handy so you can close your eyes and pretend you're there!

Next week, we want to hear from you with your questions about our California trip! Send them via e-mail, on Facebook and Twitter or by calling our Voicemail Line at 206-339-3360!

EB and Mike reunite to take on the park that essentially started the theme park industry.

This week, the guys are at Disneyland!

After spending 15 hours in the park, they experienced almost every ride and attraction on the Disneyland Map!

In a show that's partially on-location and partially in our studios, the guys review the park and all of the famous attractions for which Disneyland is known!

You might be surprised at which rides they really liked and which ones lead to "anticipointment."

This week, CoasterRadio.com presents the Finals in the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest!

People from all over the world sent in ride designs based on their favorite Hollywood movies.

Mike and EB shared the Top 10 Semi-Finalists with you on the show and then sent the follow three finalists off to the esteemed panel of judges:

The Stark Expo: The Iron Man Experience - James King

The UP Adventure - Travis and Katie

Ghostbusters: The Ride - Carson from Dallas, TX

This week, we hear from this panel of industry experts and superfans to find out who will will be crowned 2012 "Reel" Design Champion!

* Neil Patrick Harris

* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group

* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group

* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts

* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com

* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com

* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner

We can't reveal any outcomes... but we can say that there is a lot of drama!

Thanks to our judging panel for giving their time and expertise!  Thanks also to everyone who entered! You are all amazing and creative people!

Last week, we started the Semi-Final Round of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest.

The first five Semi-Finalists were revealed, debated and disected.

Listeners of Coaster Radio took to our blog, Twitter Feed and Facebook Page to let their opinions be known.  It seemed as if every listener had a different entry that they liked best!

On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal the final five Semi-Finalists and discuss each entry in detail.

What parts of the attraction concept work?  What are some things that might need to change?  Could the design actually work in a real-life theme park?

Then, the guys take on the difficult task of eliminating seven contestants, so that only three finalists remain. Next week, those finalists will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts... including:

* Neil Patrick Harris

* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group

* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group

* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts

* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com

* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com

* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner

Be sure to listen next week, when the judges' voices are heard!

For weeks and weeks, people from all over the world have been dreaming up new ideas for theme park attractions based on hit movies.

They've tried to carefully re-tell a story from a beloved film using the latest and greatest technologies available to the amusement industry.

Some have been drawing up blueprints and schematics, others have been sketching out storyboards, while others have been writing simple paragraphs detailing their ride experience.

Today, we find out which ideas will take their first steps on the road to super stardom.

Today, we begin the Semi-Final Round of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest.

On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal the first five Semi-Finalists and discuss each entry in detail.

What parts of the attraction concept work?  What are some things that might need to change?  Could the design actually work in a real-life theme park?

We'll announce the next five Semi-Finalists on next week's show.  Then, we'll narrow the Top 10 entries down to three finalists.

Those finalists will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts... including:

* Neil Patrick Harris

* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group

* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group

* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts

* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com

* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com

* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner

Plus, we also have a LIVE REPORT from the Disneyland Resort.  Apparently, there has been a disturbance outside of the Terror or Terror at Disney California Adventure. We have a live microphone on-site to get to the bottom of the situation.

All that and much more, this week on CoasterRadio.com!