<![CDATA[Made To Imagine: The Social Entertainment Business Podcast]]>Made to Imagine: The Social Entertainment Business Podcast explores the business of experiential entertainment. Anchored in mini golf and competitive socializing, the show opens out to the wider world of theming, eatertainment, leisure attractions, and theme park design, build and operation, sharing insight from the creators and operators behind the places where entertainment happens, and the imagination that brings those worlds to life.

]]>www.greenspanprojects.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 28 Sep 2026 07:38:04 GMTTue, 06 Jan 2026 17:54:47 GMT60Greenspan<p><b>Made to Imagine: The Social Entertainment Business Podcast</b> explores the business of experiential entertainment. Anchored in mini golf and competitive socializing, the show opens out to the wider world of theming, eatertainment, leisure attractions, and theme park design, build and operation, sharing insight from the creators and operators behind the places where entertainment happens, and the imagination that brings those worlds to life.</p>episodicGreenspanpod@greenspanltd.comno<![CDATA[EP 07: The Art of Staying Grassy | Guest: Jake Hoselton - Grass Clippings / Grass League]]>The conversation explores the evolution of the golf industry, focusing on innovative golf experiences and the cultural shift in golf formats. It delves into the unique features of Rolling Hills, the operations of day and night golf, and the establishment of Grass Clippings and Grass League as separate but complementary businesses. The conversation delves into the innovative franchise model of the Grass League, the commercial value and cultural credibility of the league, building franchise fandom and tribal loyalty, the cultural relevance of short format golf, Grass League event demographics and the experience economy, Grass League as an experiential brand, and the future of Grass League and golf entertainment.

Takeaways

  • Golf industry evolution
  • Innovative golf experiences Par 3 golf is a significant part of the Grass League's format
  • Grass League events are designed to be part of the broader experience economy

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Evolution of Golf Entertainment
  • 13:27 Rolling Hills: A Unique Golf Facility
  • 28:48 Grass Clippings and Grass League
  • 35:46 Commercial Value and Cultural Credibility
  • 41:39 Cultural Relevance of Short Format Golf
  • 48:12 Grass League as an Experiential Brand
]]>fb2ffb39-d723-4207-932b-dc05bed52c26Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:50:51 GMT<p>The conversation explores the evolution of the golf industry, focusing on innovative golf experiences and the cultural shift in golf formats. It delves into the unique features of Rolling Hills, the operations of day and night golf, and the establishment of Grass Clippings and Grass League as separate but complementary businesses. The conversation delves into the innovative franchise model of the Grass League, the commercial value and cultural credibility of the league, building franchise fandom and tribal loyalty, the cultural relevance of short format golf, Grass League event demographics and the experience economy, Grass League as an experiential brand, and the future of Grass League and golf entertainment.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Golf industry evolution</li><li>Innovative golf experiences Par 3 golf is a significant part of the Grass League's format</li><li>Grass League events are designed to be part of the broader experience economy</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Evolution of Golf Entertainment</li><li>13:27 Rolling Hills: A Unique Golf Facility</li><li>28:48 Grass Clippings and Grass League</li><li>35:46 Commercial Value and Cultural Credibility</li><li>41:39 Cultural Relevance of Short Format Golf</li><li>48:12 Grass League as an Experiential Brand</li></ul>no00:51:1317EP 07: The Art of Staying Grassy | Guest: Jake Hoselton - Grass Clippings / Grass Leaguefull<![CDATA[EP 06: Golf's Gone Mad | Guest: Rory Farr - Mad Swans]]>In this episode, Rory Farr, head of planning and development at Mad Swans, discusses the investment decisions, scaling a brand new business, the commercial logic behind premium mini golf, and what any operator in an industry needs to know before they commit to something similar. The conversation also covers the challenges of opening a leisure venue in the winter and the inclusivity at the heart of Mad Swans.

Takeaways

  • Investment Decisions
  • Inclusivity at Mad Swans

Chapters

  • 00:00 Designing Mini Golf at South Downs
]]>705eb2b4-a70d-45c7-9a1e-e8842d7d602cWed, 08 Apr 2026 15:37:07 GMT<p>In this episode, Rory Farr, head of planning and development at Mad Swans, discusses the investment decisions, scaling a brand new business, the commercial logic behind premium mini golf, and what any operator in an industry needs to know before they commit to something similar. The conversation also covers the challenges of opening a leisure venue in the winter and the inclusivity at the heart of Mad Swans.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Investment Decisions</li><li>Inclusivity at Mad Swans</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Designing Mini Golf at South Downs</li></ul>no00:20:2216EP 06: Golf's Gone Mad | Guest: Rory Farr - Mad Swansfull<![CDATA[EP 05: Diary of a Mini Golf Mogul | Guest: John Whitehead - Greenspan]]>John Whitehead shares his journey from owning a mini-golf business to becoming a lead project consultant at Greenspan Projects. He discusses the challenges, insights, and opportunities in the mini-golf and family entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of playability, venue design, and market trends.

Takeaways

  • Mini-golf business complexity
  • Importance of playability and venue design
]]>a05e80d2-3294-4dbf-bfa4-38341b686767Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>John Whitehead shares his journey from owning a mini-golf business to becoming a lead project consultant at Greenspan Projects. He discusses the challenges, insights, and opportunities in the mini-golf and family entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of playability, venue design, and market trends.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Mini-golf business complexity</li><li>Importance of playability and venue design</li></ul>no00:26:3415EP 05: Diary of a Mini Golf Mogul | Guest: John Whitehead - Greenspanfull<![CDATA[EP 04: Diversifying with Adventure Play | Guest: Matt Hill - Birdworld]]>The conversation covers the rebranding and revitalization of Birdworld, the decision to focus on play, sustainability considerations, revenue and return on investment, post-opening metrics, creating a complete experience, key performance indicators, future plans, and advice for similar venues.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Rebranding
  • 05:25 The Decision to Focus on Play
  • 13:48 Sustainability and Practical Design
  • 20:18 Revenue and Return on Investment
  • 26:58 Creating a Complete Experience
  • 33:33 Future Plans and Advice
]]>6524365f-415e-4138-8c7c-22f44a36e610Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:50:44 GMT<p>The conversation covers the rebranding and revitalization of Birdworld, the decision to focus on play, sustainability considerations, revenue and return on investment, post-opening metrics, creating a complete experience, key performance indicators, future plans, and advice for similar venues.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Rebranding</li><li>05:25 The Decision to Focus on Play</li><li>13:48 Sustainability and Practical Design</li><li>20:18 Revenue and Return on Investment</li><li>26:58 Creating a Complete Experience</li><li>33:33 Future Plans and Advice</li></ul>no00:33:1314EP 04: Diversifying with Adventure Play | Guest: Matt Hill - Birdworldfull<![CDATA[EP 03: The Experience Economy in Golf | Guest: Matt Stark - Paradigm Golf Group]]>The conversation with Matt Stark, Vice President of Partnerships at the Paradigm Golf Group, delves into the innovative approach of creating community-centered golf venues, the integration of tech-infused entertainment and social experiences, and the importance of staff culture and customer experience. Matt shares insights on the evolution of golf venues, the impact of technology, and the significance of building a vibrant staff culture to enhance the customer experience.

Takeaways

  • Community-centered golf venues
  • Tech-infused entertainment and social experiences
  • Staff culture and customer experience

Music: Endless - Cushy (via Epidemic Sound)

]]>87a2e4ed-c5a8-4795-8b4d-3500a59a8efbWed, 04 Feb 2026 09:26:11 GMT<p>The conversation with Matt Stark, Vice President of Partnerships at the Paradigm Golf Group, delves into the innovative approach of creating community-centered golf venues, the integration of tech-infused entertainment and social experiences, and the importance of staff culture and customer experience. Matt shares insights on the evolution of golf venues, the impact of technology, and the significance of building a vibrant staff culture to enhance the customer experience.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Community-centered golf venues</li><li>Tech-infused entertainment and social experiences</li><li>Staff culture and customer experience</li></ul><p></p><p>Music: Endless - Cushy (via Epidemic Sound)</p>no00:29:4913EP 03: The Experience Economy in Golf | Guest: Matt Stark - Paradigm Golf Groupfull<![CDATA[EP 02: Understanding Competitive Mini Golf | Guest: Pat Sheridan - American Mini Golf Alliance]]>In this episode we speak with Pat Sheridan, a veteran competitive mini golfer and passionate ambassador to the game, having founded the Amercian MiniGolf Alliance. We talk candidly about how mini golf buisness owners can get involved in the competitive sport and how they can cater to the hobbyists and serious players and foster those communities at their venue. We also touch on the rise of new styles of mini golf and the rise of tech infusion.

Music: Endless - Cushy (via Epidemic sound)

]]>f7f7a452-f7da-4d5e-94ef-4b144d7ed3a2Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:28:25 GMT<p>In this episode we speak with Pat Sheridan, a veteran competitive mini golfer and passionate ambassador to the game, having founded the Amercian MiniGolf Alliance. We talk candidly about how mini golf buisness owners can get involved in the competitive sport and how they can cater to the hobbyists and serious players and foster those communities at their venue. We also touch on the rise of new styles of mini golf and the rise of tech infusion.</p><p></p><p>Music: Endless - Cushy (via Epidemic sound)</p>no00:37:1312EP 02: Understanding Competitive Mini Golf | Guest: Pat Sheridan - American Mini Golf Alliancefull<![CDATA[EP 01: Diversification with Adventure Golf | Guest: Ben Laing - Branston Golf & Country Club]]>The conversation with Ben Laing from Branston Golf and Country Club covers the history, evolution, and diversification of the country club, with a focus on the integration of Adventure Golf.

Ben shares insights on the competitive market analysis, contractor selection, design challenges, operational performance, member reaction, seasonality, and future plans.

Music: Endless - Cushy (via Epidemic Sound)

The key takeaway is that Adventure Golf can be profitable and attract new audiences, making it a valuable addition to a venue's offerings.

]]>dc9bd326-f784-4aea-8e8a-9dd82dbd35e1Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:24:12 GMT<p>The conversation with Ben Laing from Branston Golf and Country Club covers the history, evolution, and diversification of the country club, with a focus on the integration of Adventure Golf.</p><p></p><p>Ben shares insights on the competitive market analysis, contractor selection, design challenges, operational performance, member reaction, seasonality, and future plans.<br /><br />Music: Endless - Cushy (via Epidemic Sound)</p><p></p><p>The key takeaway is that Adventure Golf can be profitable and attract new audiences, making it a valuable addition to a venue's offerings.</p>no00:31:2111EP 01: Diversification with Adventure Golf | Guest: Ben Laing - Branston Golf & Country Clubfull