Take a deep dive into the Theme Park and Attractions Industry with your host, 30 year theme park veteran, Michael Croaker. Conversations and stories from the people who have made the 'business of fun' their passion and purpose.
Laurie Podmore has always been open and curious. Consequently, he has had quite a life so far. His theme park experiences jump across Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World. Along the way, he has shared expriences with camels, become effective with horses and enjoyed his time as a pirate! Hold on, it's a fun ride. Be sure to rate, review and share. Everyone Has A Story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Graham Drake does not fit into a single box. His theme park career (Dreamworld | Warner Bros. Movie World | Sea World) is a story of constant evolution and reinvention. Someone of great humility and passion, we took a look first through his earliest beginnings. Here, we covered his life as a key member of the MANPOWER Male Revue, a brief stint as a hairdresser, all the way through to being on the ground and eye to eye with one of the world's most powerful animals. A true rollercoaster ride of a life, you'll enjoy spending some time here in Ep.46 with Graham Drake. Be sure to rate, review and share! Everyone Has A Story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
A Gold Coast Theme Park titan was farwelled on this day, January 30, 2023. Danny Ryan was a singular leader in a business he absolutely adored. He was a Food & Beverage master and someone who had the gift of grace. He drew people toward him, lifted them and brought them on the journey with him. I wanted to be sure that Danny's name found its rightful place in the Park Life series. Big hearted, authentic, empathic and loyal, it was an honour for all of us to work alongside him and get to call him friend. A committed family man, a compassionate and motivating leader, there will never be another like him. Rest easy, Dan. We love you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Amanda Rosazza is a passionate human interested in other people realising their full potential. Her deep love for the theme park industry has seen her draw parallels between the park experience and the successful process of change in organisations. We had a terrific conversation around all things parks, culture and people. You'll find Amanda here via Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/culture-capability-coach/ Brief note, I do reference another podcast series here slightly incorrectly. You'll hear that I am actually intending to refer to THE REMARKABLE PROJECT podcast series, hosted by Jay Tinkler. You'll find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com Enjoy The Ride! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Welcome to the first PARK LIFE Ep for 2023! Tom Gillinder is much more than a 'triple threat' artist. His jam-packed life in performance has been built by remaining both curious and fearless. From the pursuit of boy band dreams to major arena on-mic announcing, he has done it all - and in a relatively short amount of years. Time to get to know 'Tommy G The MC' and find out what it's taken to make a life living your passions. You'll find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com Enjoy The Ride! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
2022 has been a great year for the PARK LIFE podcast. Thanks for both tuning in and being patient with the long break between episodes. 2023 will see a line up of international guests to the series and a more regular schedule of episodes to enjoy. Don't forget, if you would like to reach out and make contact, you can do that here: parklifestories@gmail.com Have a happy and safe Christmas! Look forward to connecting and sharing stories with you in the New Year. Michael --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Both Chris Grew (Entertainment Creative Director with Village Roadshow Theme Parks) and Mark Watson (award winning producer and musician) have had their stories featured in the Park Life series. In this micro (bonus) episode, I join them in Mark's Gold Coast studio, as we work on two Voice Over elements for part of an opening production piece for Fright Nights at Warner Bros. Movie World, launching October 2022. With Chris ultimately completing an 'evil' introduction, I take on the voice of 'The Gatekeeper', a live character that will feature at the start of the Fright Nights event season evenings. It's a bit of fun, with some back and forth, before we finally have something for Mark to polish and complete. Enjoy a little peek behind the curtain in this week's bonus ep. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Rhett Morrow was born into a life of performance. His energy, passion and committment set's him apart from many. You'll enjoy taking a trip through his life so far. Remember, if you're liking the PARK LIFE listening experience, be sure to take a moment, rate, review and share. It makes a difference. You'll find me, your host, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Captivated by the storytelling of the POLICE ACADEMY STUNT SHOW (Warner Bros. Movie World) as a small boy, Jimmy O'Halloran has gone on to lead a very full and exciting theme park life. A life that has taken him to UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, across both Singapore and Japan and back again. We recently had the chance to sit and talk through his passion for performance and people, key in his professional successes to date. You'll find me, your host, Michael Croaker, here: parklifestories@gmail.com Remember, if you're enjoying PARK LIFE, be sure to rate, review and share. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Mark Watson has made music his life. Across Village Roadshow Theme Parks through the years, his talents have been enjoyed by guest's from all across the world. His ability to capture mood and feeling through musical structure is truly something else. Theme Parks are only a part of the story. Be sure to rate, review and share. It all helps in growing the expanding PARK LIFE community. You can also reach out here: parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
A micro bonus epsisode here. In December 2018, I had the chance to sit briefly with Jason Momoa, in town to both help celebrate the launch of the Aquaman exhibit as part of the WB SHOWCASE at Warner Bros. Movie World, and appear at the Australian premiere of the movie. The audio is a little lo-fi, this is because it is not a direct feed from our lapel mics, rather the audio is lifted from a nearby camera. More long form episodes ahead! Don't forget to rate, review and share. parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Welcome to Episode 40! Jayne Young is about to finish her theme park journey after a rich 31 years of service. Her three decade journey through the business of fun is fascinating. Just before she begins the next chapter of her working life, we sat as she reflected on the earliest beginnings to the final days of her theme park ride. Please remember to rate, review and share. You'll find me, Michael Croaker, at parkilfestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Tony Butler's theme park career was split into two halves. In the first chapter, he was a terrific live show announcer based at SEA WORLD (Gold Coast, QLD, Australia). In the second phase of his career, he was a wonderful trainer, dedicated to developing young people coming through the theme park industry. Tony was also a key mentor in my life. His insights and wisdoms forever impacting my own journey, both personally and professionally. Tony died suddenly in the first week of August, 2022. I was intending to eventually have him on the the podcast, knowing how rich his story was and how it could touch people in a positive way. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. I wanted to take just a few minutes here to include his name in the collection of industry stories that make up the series. Tony was that rare human being; here for others, motivated to affect positive change, and a guiding hand. He was someone who made a real difference for the better. parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Jemma Thomas has brought characters alive across a number of parks over the past 3 years. Her genuine passion for entertaining and connecting through performance, continues to see her evolve, as her career unfolds further within the industry she loves. Enjoy meeting, Jemma. You'll find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Howard Searchfield has had a truly fascinating life. From risking it all riding bulls and touring the Australian rodeo pro-circuit, to performing in live action stunt shows at Warner Bros. Movie World, Howard has packed a lot of living into his time on the planet so far. His gifts as an artist have seen him also key in the design of some of Village Roadshow Theme Parks most iconic floats and show sets. Howard's is a story of real fearlessness and faith in what might be possible at any given opportunity. Remember to rate, review and share. It all helps in building the PARK LIFE community. You can find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
I've been looking forward to sitting down with this guy for some time. Chris Guerin comes from a famiy dedicated to enhancing the lives of others through performance. He is an authentic and passionate artist, rich in creative disciplines. In fact, some years ago one of his instinctive choices in the portrayal of a particular character, while in-park, radically reinvigorated my own professional life forever after. We talk about this and much more. Be sure to rate, review and share the PARK LIFE Podcast. It all helps in growing the listening community. You can find me, Michael Croaker, here at parklifestories@gmail.com Prepare to smile, you're about someone who is truly the real deal. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Paul Howlett has recently passed 31 years of service with Warner Bros. Movie World, located on Queensland's Gold Coast. A seeker of knowledge and a love for all things audio | visual, has mean't that he is as enthusiastic today about his work as he was a little over three decades earlier. If you'd like to reach out, you'll find me, Michael Croaker, here at: parklifestories@gmail.com Enjoy getting to know Paul Howlett. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
I literally met John Grant moments before we sat and had this conversation. We were both attending the 2022 Australian Theme Parks | Attractions Conference (AALARA). His character, passion and energy seemed a perfect thing to try and capture for a PARK LIFE episode. While it does get a little noisy about us, you will find the story of GRANTIES MAZE - FUN PARK, just outside of Sydney, New South Wales (Australia), completely fascinating. Be sure to Rate, Review and Share. You can find me at parklifestories@gmail.com Now, let's meet John Grant. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Meet David Randall of DRA Safety Specialists, and Alessandro 'Alex' Casarotto, Ride Engineering Manager with Aussie World, theme park. I caught up with the guys in separate moments during a recent industry conference (AALARA), so there is some background noise of other guests. Our focus is across rides | attractions safety and engineering. Each have some terrific insights to share. Don't forget, you can find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com Hope you enjoy getting to meet Dave and 'Alex'. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Gavin Coleman has had an incredible journey within the theme park and film industry. Beginning his career with the Police Academy Stunt Show at Warner Bros. Movie World, he would go on to work across a series of TV and film projects as a stuntman before coordinating the precision | stunt drive sequences for the Hollywood Stunt Driver production. His life only get's even more interesting after all of this! Settle in and take a ride with Gavin Coleman. I'm sure you're going to find it fascinating. You can reach out to me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Gavin Seipelt has a terrific story of passion and pursuit to tell. From his time with Village Roadshow Theme Parks through to his current design based role with Pico Play, he successfully turned his love of theme parks into a unique career. We sat at the recent AALARA Conference on Queensland's Gold Coast and caught some of his journey to date. Don't forget to rate, review and share. You can also find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com Enjoy this latest episode and thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Doyle Gill is part of a rich multi-generational story in touring entertainment. The Gill family have been in the amusement industry for over 100 years. GPL Amusements operates at all the major shows on the Australian east coast, from Cairns to Melbourne. We sat and spoke during a busy day at the AALARA Conference on the Gold Coast, a key industry event. Please excuse the background noise. Settle in and enjoy meeting Doyle Gill. You can find me, Michael Croaker, at parklifestories@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Lindsay Davis has quite a story to tell. Her passion and drive ultimately led to the successful opening of Australia's only Indoor Ski and Adventure Park, URBAN EXTREME, located in Hendra, Queensland. This is a conversation I know will inspire and motivate. A little news, you can now contact me at parklifestories@gmail.com The official series website hopefully not too far away. We did record this conversation at the recent AALARA industry conference, so there is some ambient crowd noise in the background. With this being epsiode 30, a big thanks for the support and regular 'tuning in'. Enjoy meeting Lindsay Davis. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
I met Trent Woodall at the recent AALARA Conference and Showcase, held on the Gold Coast (May 2022). Trent has a wonderfully unique Australian story to tell and it was great to get some of it here in this latest episode. He is the person behind The Events Co., an enterprise that has been touring and thrilling audiences around the country for some years now. Settle in and meet Trent Woodall. Don't forget to Rate, Review and Share. It all helps in getting the PARK LIFE Podcast out there. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
An honour to sit recently with the Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Ken Whiting. Ken was in Australia for the annual AALARA (Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association) Conference & Trade Show, held on Queensland's Gold Coast, where we sat and spoke. His industry life is part of a unique family history that moves through generations, and we managed to capture just some of that journey here. A real highlight to have the chance to sit with Ken and bring a little of his story into the PARK LIFE listening experience. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
On the floor of the 2022 Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association Conference & Showcase, I sat with Nigel Benton. Nigel has long been a driving force behind the highly regarded industry magazine, Australasian Lesiure Management. We took a dive into his life before publishing and during. I'm sure you'll find it fascinating. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Scott Whitehouse spent 13 years as a Live Show Announcer with SEA WORLD (Gold Coast | QLD | Australia). A professional corporate emcee, voice artist and multimedia producer, he recently took a little time out to catch up and talk through his theme park life. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Be sure to rate, review and share. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
The TOM BELL Podcast is dedicated to capturing a diverse range of personalities and diving into what makes them tick. He seeks out what life views drive their ambitions and passion. I was fortunate enough to be approached by Tom to sit and share a conversation with him in April 2022. I thought I would share here, in Season 2 of PARK LIFE, as a bonus episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Christophe Broadway has spent a lifetime in entertainment. 20 years of his journey was dedicated to Warner Bros. Movie World. We sat recently, just across from his own coffee outlet, located in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast (Queensland-Australia) and took a look at his fascinating journey through performance and entertainment / event management. Enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
A talented dancer and all-round performer, Ashleigh Thomason is someone who embodies what it is to truly work in the arts with authenticity and passion. Her love of dance led her on a journey of personal growth and a life in entertainment that is still very much in motion. I think you'll find her story and motivations to be an inspiration. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Ralph Cohen has had a remarkable life. From working on-stage as a Stand-Up Comedian and Emcee across New Zealand and Australia, to a lengthy theme park career, there's not much he hasn't done. We pack as much as we can into our time together here. At one point Ralph references the talented Mary Coustas (known to Australian audiences as 'EFFIE'), we could not recall her name at the time, so clearing that up here. From being in a room with the Rolling Stones, to driving about town with Tom Jones and even standing in reach of Ringo Starr while The Beatles played live, Ralph Cohen has stories to tell. I hope you enjoy some of them here in episode 23 of Park Life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
A little peek behind the scenes of SEA WORLD's signature annual event. Recorded 'in the field' as the rain fell hard on the final night of the season in Feburary, 2022. More theme park and attractions industry stories coming soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Meet Daniel Watkins, the mind behind the GOLD COAST WAKE PARK and GC AQUA PARK, right in the heart of Queensland's theme park attractions hub. His life as a world champion wakeboarder is one of Australia's great sport stories. A special bonus episode with a man I'm sure you'll find both fascinating and inspiring. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
I began my theme park journey in 1988, when I become a member of the Operations Division with SEA WORLD. Some years now down the road, I thought it might be an idea to finish off Season One and talk through some of the experience with Dave Anderson, who was featured in episode 10. Hope you enjoy the conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
IZIT? ENTERTAINMENT has been a long established industry related business for 30 years. At the helm is David Coombs. I first got to know David after reaching out and integrating many of his stable of talented performers into high profile events across Village Roadshow Theme Parks. His own artistic life has been quite fascinating. We sat and spent some time together recently and explored his journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Dave Eastgate has had a full life and career. Former DREAMWORLD, MOVIE WORLD and UNIVERSAL theme park employee, he is also a highly regarded stand-up comedian and hard rock guitarist. This is a robust and frank conversation that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Please be aware that we do touch on themes of mental health and well-being. If any of this subject matter does bring forward any uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, please do seek out professional health support. Now, it's time to meet Dave! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Caroline Duveau-Clayton lives and breathes Special and Corporate Event Management. As someone who approaches her work with extreme passion, her story is one of endurance and a fearless sense of what might be possible at any time. The audio for our conversation is not completely where I would like it. This, a result of attempting to remove the hum of air conditioning in the room where we met, nonetheless, Caroline's story is one I'm sure you will find fascinating. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
This week I sit with the General Manager of Marketing for Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Renee Soutar. From a very different career path initially, Renee has had quite a ride leading to her current position within the theme park industry. You will hear Renee referencing 'coming soon' content for Village Roadshow Theme Parks, much of this recently since announced mid May 2021. I hope you enjoy this week's conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
A micro-episode, as part of Village Roadshow Theme Parks announcements this week regarding all-new upcoming multi-park attractions. I had the chance to sit with the Morning Crew from HOT TOMATO (an FM Station here on the Gold Coast) and talk a little about HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD. This is a brand new annual event, launching June 26 for WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD, as part of the celebrations for its 30th year. A new episode and longform conversation coming soon. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Eddie Idik is the current Chair of ASIS INTERNATIONAL (NSW Chapter) and Director of VITAL PROTECTION GROUP. He was also a member of the Security team at WONDERLAND SYDNEY Theme Park, where we first met. In this episode we talk through some memories of what was once the largest theme park in the Southern Hemisphere, and his career reinvention upon the park's closure. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Mal Wood has been in the business of 'memory making' for most of his adult life. He is a well known face for guests attending signature annual events across both SEA WORLD and WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. He is a highly regarded musician and entertainer outside the theme park industry, well respected for his Jazz and Blues playing and vocals. As a former employee of Movie World, he has thoroughly unique insights into the importance of the guest experience. An open, authentic human and exceptional artist, you'll enjoy getting to know Mal Wood in this episode of PARK LIFE. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Warren Luff is widely known as one of Australia's leading race drivers. His list of achievements within the race community are many. But Warren also has another driving life. He was part of the very first incarnation of the HOLLYWOOD STUNT DRIVER show at Warner Bros. Movie World, when it launched in December, 2008. In 2021, he continues to drive with the team, while also overseeing daily operations of the HOLLYWOOD STUNT DRIVER 2 production in the park. Passionate, authentic and driven (pun maybe a little intended - sorry), Warren Luff is the real deal. We sat recently and took a journey through his career to date. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Marilena is about to celebrate 30 years in the Retail Division within Warner Bros. Movie World. This special achievement will happen in what is also the park's 30th year. At the end of a recent shift, Marilena was kind enough to give me a moment to talk through a little of her own Park Life. More long form conversations coming soon. You can find me here: Email: mikecroaker@hotmail.com Instagram: mike_croaker Web: standanddelivercoach.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
After 10 episodes, I'll be taking a short break and returning with more theme park industry conversations in late April, 2021. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Dave Anderson has had a terrific theme park life, moving across both Sea World and Warner Bros. Movie World, located on Queensland's Gold Coast. Former Rides Operator, Marine Mammal Trainer, Professional Actor with the POLICE ACADEMY STUNT SHOW and now a member of the Sea World Cleaning Team, he has touched many aspects of what makes a park truly tick. Instinctive, bold and unafraid to explore new opportunities, Dave's story is one I am sure you'll enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Dion Summergreene is a terrifically creative individual. His love for pop culture and theme parks as a younger man, led him on a path where he has become a respected industry award winning creator. Renowned for beautifully bringing great brands alive for guests of all ages, his story is one of undying passion and fearlessness. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Chris has had a long career within the Australian Theme Park Industry. His journey began right at the frontline of guest service. With a passion for performance and creative expression, he pursued growth within the workings of the Show & Entertainment Divisions across both Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World. Today, he continues to tap into his creative ambitions in a key senior role, servicing the broad entertainment and event calendar across the Village Roadshow Theme Parks sites. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Lynne Benzie has long been a force of nature in driving big Hollywood film interests to the shores of Australia. As President of Village Roadshow Studios, nestled against Warner Bros. Movie World on Queensland's Gold Coast, she has overseen the arrival of major productions from PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES, KONG: SKULL ISLAND through to AQUAMAN and so much more. We recently had some time on the Studio Lot to sit and take a brief look across her wonderful journey so far. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Glenn Turner is the creative force behind Oracle Liquid, a business specialising in immersive light and water productions, sky shows, performance visual FX and so much more. Currently, SEA WORLD Australia, on Queensland's Gold Coast, is hosting the impressive Aqua Light Show as the centerpiece attraction for the annual CARNIVALE night event season. In-between performances, Glenn took time to talk a little about his life in the service of making memories for others. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Shane Phillips is currently the General Manager across Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet n Wild, Paradise Country and Australian Outback Spectacular, on Queensland's Gold Coast. His life in theme parks began at the frontline, and his path to senior leadership across Australia's signature family entertainment hub is a fascinating story of resilience and passion. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message
Jolene Hill began her theme park career as a young trainee and has gone on to become a key leader in the business of making memories. Like her father before her, and now her daughter, Jolene's passion for her work remains as strong as ever. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-croaker/message