Mekado Murphy, an assistant film editor at The New York Times, leads a double life. While he edits films during the day, his free time is dedicated to an unusual passion: roller coasters. For over 15 years, Murphy has served as The Times’ de facto coaster correspondent, riding at least 360 coasters worldwide—and, remarkably, never throwing up.
From Imagination to Reality
Murphy’s obsession began in his childhood in Shawnee, Oklahoma, a town far removed from major theme parks. Unable to visit the rides he craved, the 10-year-old created his own: “Fun World,” complete with a fictional founder (H.G. Fun) and hand-drawn maps of attractions like the “Clown Hat” spinner and “Logger+” log flume. His early creativity foreshadowed a later career blending observation with meticulous documentation.
The Origin Story: A Mountain-Side Coaster
Murphy’s journalistic journey into coasters began in 2010 with an article about a unique wooden coaster built into a mountainside in Bristol, Connecticut. This sparked a long-term commitment to the pursuit of thrills, resulting in over a dozen published stories. His dedication is measured not just by the number of rides experienced but also by the detailed tracking on the website Coaster-Count.
What Makes a Great Coaster?
Recently, Murphy test-drove the new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, sharing insights into his criteria for a standout coaster. His early experiences at Six Flags Over Texas, including conquering the “Runaway Mine Train” despite initial fears, highlight the psychological impact of thrill-seeking. It’s not just about speed or height but the feeling of overcoming fear to pursue intense experiences.
Murphy’s unique position at The Times demonstrates how personal passions can intersect with professional journalism. He bridges the gap between rigorous reporting and subjective enjoyment, proving that even the most niche interests can become compelling subjects when pursued with dedication and clarity.
The most important part of a good coaster is that it delivers on its promises. If it’s supposed to be intense, it needs to be. If it’s family-friendly, it should be accessible. The best ones make you feel like you’re on the edge of control, but safe enough to enjoy it.
