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Parks and Pals

Chloe Nixon and Steven Cotton

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Escaping from the mundane everyday can sometimes feel impossible, so why not be transported to distant lands filled with adventure! Chloe and Steven are self-proclaimed thrill seekers who have spent years trying new things, from theme parks to escape rooms all around the globe. Tune in every Tuesday for magical moments, exciting escapes, and intrepid incidents. Alongside their friends and guests, they will share their top tips, tricks, and recommendations to allow you to create your own unbe ...
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Losing My Opinion

Niagara Moon and Thin Lear

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Are we sure The Wall is a masterpiece? Can Dylan legit sing well? Is McCartney actually a lazy songwriter? And what exactly is “Nixon-rock”…? These are just some of the hard-hitting questions two indie musician pals, Thin Lear (Matt) and Niagara Moon (Thomas), come in with every week, surprising each other with strange fixations, controversial opinions, and of course - songs to listen to together. Join them as they eloquently bicker over the last 90 years of recorded music history, finding t ...
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Music journalist Chris Ingalls (Popmatters) is back again! Thomas initiates with a scenario involving secret agents, interrogation rooms, and songs you reaaally wouldn't want to hear over and over again. Chris dedicates his segment to exploring the rich, underrated tapestry that is Warren Zevon's catalogue of song. Chris's Zevon Spotify playlist LM…
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The exquisite Brooklyn songwriter Miles Hewitt joins the pod today! Thomas breaks the ice with a selection of tunes so enduring that they're "impervious to overplay". Miles then presents a subgenre he's gone ahead and invented - that "dark night of the soul" sound, featuring beloved artists that exorcise their demons through song. https://www.miles…
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Send us a Text Message. Bonjour! Disneyland Paris is full of magic and wonder, and for a lot of us in the UK, it’s our first experience of a Disney park. This week, we are joined by Holly (@happily.everholly) to discuss all of the magical memories she’s made at Disneyland Paris, as well as sharing our top tips, favourites and least favourites, and …
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Massachusetts indie rocker Sailor Down is back on the pod! Thomas kicks things off with an ode to shoegaze. Chloe delivers a convincing argument as to why modern pop-star Noah Kahan is actually worth a closer look. https://sailordown.bandcamp.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyo…
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Send us a Text Message. Look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves. A trip to Orlando requires meticulous planning, hours of research, and often, a budget that can seem daunting; but does it have to be this way? In this week’s episode, we explore the budget beating tips to get the most out of your Florida vacation without breakin…
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Coming off of a wild Father's Day, Matt wasn't able to deliver a segment this week. But no matter! Thomas is ready for yet anoooother discussion on Steely Dan - this time starting out with the early stuff, and seeing how close they can get to Aja before Matt throws down his headphones in disgust... https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonm…
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Send us a Text Message. From ground-breaking attractions to immersive worlds, Universal Orlando resort has it all. But where are the best places to refuel and energise for those hectic full park days? In this week's episode, we travel through Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk to discuss the stand-out food options available throug…
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Phenomenal singer-songwriter / classical composer Cole Fortier joins the show today! Thomas opens up the discussion with a look at the "Simlish Radio" phenomenon, wherein popular artists rerecord their hit songs in a made-up language for the computer game The Sims. Cole then shows several beautiful examples of outstanding outro sections in pop song…
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Send us a Text Message. After opening in October 1971, Magic Kingdom has become the iconic flagship of Walt Disney World, and a staple for all who visit. However, with high wait times, endless possibilities and a packed Main Street, how do you get the most out of a park day? This week, we explore every tip and trick you could possibly need to have …
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Queens rocknroller Adam Kastin is back on the pod! Thomas starts the discussion with a question - what prog rock albums should you show to someone who "hates" prog? Adam then sends the boys reeling with his deepdive into the absurd, yet beautiful subject of song poems and the "industry" behind them... Losing My Opinion Survey: https://forms.gle/4Eq…
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Send us a Text Message. Back in 1955, Walt Disney’s vision to create a theme park in Anaheim California became a reality, and so, the happiest place on earth was born! In this week's episode, we share all of our magical experiences from our recent trip to Disneyland California and California Adventure: expect several character meets, endless snacks…
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Matt tries his darndest to get Thomas more interested in the ultimate prog-metal band. Thomas shares songs he thinks are ideal for "clearing a room" - tunes you'd put on at a bar to get straggling customers to pack up and go home... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: http…
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Send us a Text Message. Disney's reputation for creating world class entertainment, attractions and experiences covers every corner of the earth, but also, the seven seas. This week, we are joined by Disney Cruise Line extraordinaire, and Parks and Pals favourite, Charlotte Fage (@thefagesisters_) as we explore Disney's entire fleet of current and …
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Matt puts forth his favorite hidden gem David Bowie rarities - met with fluctuating levels of enthusiasm from Thomas. Doubling down on the "rarity" angle, Thomas shares some choice tracks from local musicians he met in the Seattle songwriter scene, circa 2017. https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitte…
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Send us a Text Message. Having previously ventured to the wonders of Disney World and Disneyland Paris, we are finally jetting off to the east coast to explore where it all began. Join us as we plan for our upcoming trip to the happiest place on earth Disneyland California and discuss every attraction, show, and eatery we plan to indulge in. Anahei…
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The boys are back in podcast-town! Thomas and Matt join forces on this special themed episode to imagine their favorite hypothetical Dylan covers. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion…
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Send us a Text Message. Both Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida have become must-visit tourist destinations for us Brits to experience the magic and wonder of world class attractions, experiences and worlds. However, they also offer a host of opportunities for UK citizens and students to work in the sunshine state. This week, we chatted …
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100 episodes of Losing My Opinion! Recurring guest Tom Rainey joins to provide an audience for Thomas and Matt's musical show and tell. As a special "assignment", Matt agreed to make a song in the style of Roger Waters, and Thomas in the style of Gaucho-era Steely Dan. Both share specific sources of inspiration that guided their creative journey. h…
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Send us a Text Message. For decades, Walt Disney Imagineering has captured the hearts, minds and imagination of every park-goer that sets foot on one of Disney's world famous attractions. This week, we explore where it all began, tracing the very start of WED enterprises and Imagineering, and discussing the incredible individuals that helped invoke…
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Gloitchpop master Basic Printer (aka Jesse Gillenwalters) joins the pod again! Thomas shares songs with lyrics in languages that he can't understand, but that sound "important". Jesse shares some massively underrated bops from a massively underestimated musician - Carly Rae Jepsen, of all people... https://www.basicprinter.com/ https://www.niagaram…
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Send us a Text Message. It's back! After a long hiatus, the Disney World Dining Plan is finally back in full swing, and with select booking for 2025, you can secure this absolutely free. But what is the Disney Dining Plan? What is classed as a snack? Where can you get the most ‘bang for your buck’? Join us this week as we explore potential trips in…
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The superb MA-based indie folk rock artist Wallace Field joins the show today! Thomas initiates the discussion with a shortlist of his favorite theme songs from PBS kids shows he watched growing up (after all, he didn't have cable TV...). Wallace then showcases some of her favorite contemporary artists that hail from Australia/New Zealand. https://…
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Send us a Text Message. With a trip on the famous Disney Wish imminent for our Chloe, we gathered our resident Disney Cruise Line expert Charlotte Fage (@thefagesisters_) to walk us through all of the exciting activities, food offerings and entertainment available on board. If you’ve ever considered a trip on a Disney Cruise Line then this trip pla…
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Matt doubles down on the Ry Cooder appreciation with a loving retrospective on Buena Vista Social Club. Thomas looks back on some indie bands from 2006 that were hot in the moment, but that he hasn't thought about since... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.in…
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Send us a Text Message. Following on from our EPCOT festival series starter on Festival of the Arts, we dive head first into the springtime sensation that is Flower and Garden Festival. During this period of the year, the park welcomes world class entertainment, tremendous topiary, and mouth-watering food options. It's time to find out what the 'bu…
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Matt steers things back to the positive side, delving into all the exquisite musical facets of legendary guitarist & songwriter Ry Cooder. Thomas then piles on the drek with some notoriously tacky and dated rap from movie scenes. https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https…
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Send us a Text Message. When you walk into a Disney park anywhere in the world, you are immediately met by the true icon of the place; the castle. In this week's episode, we take a trip through history and around the globe to explore the history of all the Disney castles from their origins, inspirations, hidden features, walkthroughs and names (alb…
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Playwright, novelist & screenwriter (Bride Wars, Saving Silverman) Greg DePaul joins the show today! Thomas follows up on Matt's request to explain what the "citypop" genre is exactly. Greg guides the boys through a invigorating selection of fresh revivalist Americana tunes from would-be punks. "Punk-icana"? Songs Thomas played: Plastic Love - Mari…
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Send us a Text Message. Disney World is an adventure; a trip like no other, and a chance to release your inner child. However, how do plans change when you’re taking a child for their first ever holiday? This week, we are joined by Sarah (@orla.ndoandme) to discuss her upcoming vacation with her daughter and how she’s approached the task of ‘My Fir…
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Resident badboy Nate Safren is back on the pod! And what timing - Matt finally conducts his "punishment" segment, going over his least favorite songs from Roger Waters' solo discography. Nate then drastically changes the vibe with a deep-dive into the work of pianist/composer Leo Ornstein. https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/…
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Send us a Text Message. Before Universal Studios Orlando became the park we know and love today, it was rife with technical failures, disputes and fierce competition. In this week’s episode we explore the history of Universal Studios as we recount the opening day fiasco, attractions and reimaginings throughout the years. Expect epic ride names, nos…
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Music supporter/champion Chris Ingalls is back! Thomas revs things up with a selection of his favorite tracks by The Who - an appeal to the Who skeptic, if you will. Chris then shares his love for Paul Weller, and the wonderful diverse iterations of his sound that spans decades... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twit…
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Send us a Text Message. What's an anniversary episode without chaos and controversy? To celebrate our 50th episode, we've teamed up with all of our previous guests to debate our biggest Disney World opinions. Join us as we prepare for a no holds barred discussion where nothing is off the table - Are there certain foods to avoid? Which rides should …
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Vancouver songwriter Nicholas Krgovich is back on the show! Thomas starts the episode by finally issuing Matt his "punishment" - part of which consists of subjecting him to a ENTIRE segment dedicated to Paolo Conte and his 1987 album Aguaplano. Nicholas then takes the boys through a wonderful winding journey through the music of several highly obsc…
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Send us a Text Message. ‘All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them’ - one of our favourite parts of exploring the world of Disney is getting to create magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime. This week’s guest Lauren Evans (@laurensfloatinglights) is no stranger to taking the plunge to create magic for countl…
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Matt presents a dreaded second installment of The Toddler Playlist. Thomas showcases notable examples of artists screaming their lungs out on otherwise "normal" songs. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok…
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Send us a Text Message. Disney World is filled to the brim with enchanting characters from all of your favourite films, but where do you start with it all? In this week's episode, we dive deep into every character meet available at Disney World Orlando, including parks, experiences, events and dining - get ready with those poses!…
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Guitarist and podcaster Mike Moran joins the show today! Matt hijacks Thomas's opening segment to talk about the soundtrack from the 1999 Schwarzenegger flick End Of Days, of all things... Mike then shares his lifelong passion for the band Dream Theater, seeing how far he can get the guys over to his side. https://coolkidslunchtable.podbean.com htt…
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Send us a Text Message. For those wanting to explore wider opportunities in Orlando look no further! This week we speak to Laura (@laura_alices) to discuss her extensive history of working for both Disney World and Universal Studios. We'll walk through the application process, what it's really like to work for the theme park giants, and the highs a…
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Album reviewer sensation Abigail Devoe is back on the pod! Thomas enlists her and Thin Lear to play another round of Guilty or Not Guilty - helping decide if his appreciation of certain "questionable" songs warrants a punishment. Abby shares some of her favorite bizarre yet wonderful vocal ad-lib moments from classic rock stars. https://www.youtube…
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Send us a Text Message. EPCOT's ever-changing landscape, immersion in world cultures, and fantastics festivals are what makes it an unmissable park to visit. During the early period of the year, the park welcomes Festival of the Arts which is filled with Broadway entertainment, countless displays of the creative arts and, of course, a diverse range…
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Matt shows off several songs from artists who briefly dabbled in the "spoken word world". Thomas asks a deceptively simple question - what's the best song for a serial killer movie? https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: ht…
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Send us a Text Message. After so much speculation, anticipation and excitement, the theme park world is edging closer to the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida. In this week’s episode we will discuss all of the recent announcements from Universal Resorts on Orlando’s latest theme park, alongside plenty of educated and downright ludicro…
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Motern Media mastermind (and writer of over 25,000 songs) Matt Farley is BACK! Thomas starts the discussion with a look at Phil Spector's bizarre yet captivating output post-solo Beatles albums. Matt then shares some of his favorite tunes from a beloved unsung artist Bill Mallonee. https://moternmedia.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://…
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Send us a Text Message. Orlando is considered one of the theme park capitals of the world, but what should you do if you’re looking to escape the Disney and Universal bubble? In this week’s episode, we take you on an in-depth sightseeing tour of all the incredible attractions, experiences, and eateries Orlando has to offer. Step outside your comfor…
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Matt shares his favorite standout performances from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. Thomas showcases several so-called sophisti-pop artists from the 1980s in an effort to determine the true sound of sophistication. Click here for the LMO survey! https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/…
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Acclaimed Canadian composer (and "Saxman Supreme") Joseph Shabason joins the show! Thomas pushes his luck with a naive hot take on jazz - when in doubt, go to Miles Davis. Joseph then woefully discusses the phenomenon of Yargle - also known as "sexy baby voice" - a vocal affectation that far too many singers are guilty of using today. https://josep…
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Send us a Text Message. With countless attractions, beverages, character meets, and photo opportunities around Walt Disney World, it can be difficult to explore all the magical offerings. In this week's episode, we decide to travel through the four parks, spending some well needed time and attention on the rides and attractions we commonly miss out…
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