A theme park owner in Stockholm points to a cramped patch of land, boxed in by towers, tracks, and buildings, and asks an almost impossible question: could you build a roller coaster here?Wooden roller coaster designer Korey Kiepert says yes. That single decision sets off a chain of engineering, creativity, and careful risk management, leading to a ride that weaves over, under, and through an already packed park.Chris Baron sits down with Korey to unpack what it really takes to design and build modern roller coasters. From site walks and layout compromises to moments of instinct and the safety culture behind every decision, this is a rare look at how these rides actually come to life. Korey also shares how improv training shaped his mindset, why tight spaces can lead to the most memorable designs, and how new technology is pushing what’s possible.The conversation explores why wooden roller coasters still matter in a world of steel giants and record-breaking attractions. From the raw, physical feel of timber structures to sustainability conversations and “small but mighty” design, Korey explains why these rides continue to resonate with both parks and riders.If you’re interested in engineering, design thinking, creativity under pressure, or the hidden work behind theme park experiences, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at an industry most people never see.Follow the show, share it with someone who’d enjoy it, and leave a rating or review to help more people discover No Ordinary Monday.Links: https://thegravitygroup.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreykiepert/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAv7DaGiF-Qhttps://thegravitygroup.com/roller-coaster-projects/Credits: Produced, Hosted and Edited by - Chris BaronImages and Video Clips - Korey Kiepert, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, Dan Prout, Kings Island, and Olov Lundell.Intro Music - Music_Unlimited Outro Music - SaavaneTopics Covered: roller coaster design, wooden roller coasters, theme park engineering, tight build sites, constrained spaces, impossible builds, creative problem solving, improv mindset, yes and thinking, design under pressure, ride layout challenges, safety culture, risk management, engineering decisions, ride testing, g-forces, rider experience, wood vs steel coasters, nostalgia in theme parks, sustainability, compact ride design, innovation in coaster technology, behind the scenes of theme parksSend us Fan MailSUPPORT US - NOM is a 100% independent show. Help us keep the lights on by buying us a coffee (or a beer) - https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarymonday. We're deeply grateful for any level of support. SHOW SOME LOVE - click five-stars on whatever platform you're on, and leave us a review, or tell a friend about the show. WANT TO BE A GUEST? You can submit your own career story through our website at www.noordinarymonday.com, or email us at [email protected].

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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