PODCAST · society
Park Life
by Michael Croaker
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.
Episodes
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Ep.56: Mark Shaw
Mark Shaw has a strong history as a true transformational leader. We talk through much of Mark's journey here, including his highly successful six year tenure as Chief Executive Officer for Adventure World (Perth, Western Australia). Coach, consultant, speaker, and soon to be published author…
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Ep.55: Michael Peikoff
Michael Peikoff has been bringing brands alive for most of his life, whether it be during his time as Vice President of Communications for FOX, VP for Property Development with Warner Bros., or Senior VP with SONY for Marketing and Client Relations. But that is only half the story so far.…
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Ep.54: June Ko
It was a real pleasure to speak here with June Ko. Her passion and authenticity just two of the great qualities she brings to her current role as Executive Director of Infocomm Asia (link below). I first became aware of June in 2019, during her term as Executive Director and Vice President of the...
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Ep.53: Michael Bennett
From 16 years with the Police Academy Stunt Show at Warner Bros. Movie World, to professional stand-up comedy, mental health advocacy and becoming a successful author, Mike Bennett continues to live a life grounded in the passion for connecting with people. At the end of this episode you'll also...
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Ep.52: Tom Bertrand
Tom Bertrand is a man of many colours, live entertainment producer, Olympic level coach, and creative visionary. We linked up over ZOOM recently and talked through his incredible journey across parks and beyond.
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Ep.51: Ryan Stana
Ryan Stana is an entertainment force of nature. Chairman and CEO of the internationally renowned RWS Global, his insights throughout this conversation are very powerful indeed. Enjoy getting to know Ryan and the keys behind his peerles industry successes.
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Ep.50: Nathan Eick - A Passion for People and Parks
I first came across Nathan Eick with his fascinating, personally authored content, across LinkedIn. A clear passion for Disney history, and someone whose own years with the company very positively impacted his life broadly, Nathan's story is one I know you'll enjoy.
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Ep.49: Fred Bode - Living a Creative Life
From Disney to Warner Bros. and beyond, Fred Bode continues to live a rich creative life. Completely authentic, inspired, and endlessly curious, speaking with Fred made for a truly terrific conversation with a real creator in the truest sense of the word.
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Ep.48: Meet Lynton V Harris
Meet Lynton V Harris, a man who turned his passion for storytelling into a terrific life journey, still going strong and evolving to this day. LVH has worked with some of the biggest entertainment brands in the world and he shows no signs at all of slowing down. Hold on and enjoy the ride that is...
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EP.47: LAURIE PODMORE - Camels, Horses & Pirates!
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...
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EP.46: GRAHAM DRAKE - Tigers, Seals, Dolphins & Living Fearlessly
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...
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DANNY RYAN - In Memoriam - Bonus Episode
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...
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EP.45: AMANDA ROSAZZA - Parks, Culture & People
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...
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EP.44: TOM GILLINDER - Stuntman, Showman & Everything In-Between!
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...
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End of Year Announcement
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...
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INSIDE THE STUDIO - Voice Recording for Fright Nights at Movie World - Bonus Episode
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...
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EP.43: RHETT MORROW - When Your Life is Your Artistry
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...
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EP.42: JIMMY O'HALLORAN - From Movie World to Waterworld
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...
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EP.41: MARK WATSON - A Man and His Music
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...
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JASON MOMOA - The Aquaman arrives to Warner Bros. Movie World - Bonus Episode
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…
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EP.40: JAYNE YOUNG - Reflecting on a 31 Year Theme Park Life
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…
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TONY BUTLER - In Memoriam - Bonus Episode
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...
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EP.39: JEMMA THOMAS - The Passion for Performance and Connection
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…
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EP.38: HOWARD SEARCHFIELD - From Rodeos to Stunt Shows to Fine Art
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…
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EP.37: CHRIS GUERIN - A Life in Performance
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...
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EP.36: PAUL HOWLETT - A Life in Sound & Vision at Warner Bros. Movie World
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…
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EP.35: JOHN GRANT - A Man & His Park Dreams
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…
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EP.34: DAVID RANDALL & ALEX CASAROTTO - Ride Safety & Engineering
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...
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EP.33: GAVIN COLEMAN - From Police Academy to Hollywood Stunt Driver & Beyond
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...
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EP.32: GAVIN SEIPELT - Living His Theme Park Dreams
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...
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EP.31: DOYLE GILL - A 100 Year Family Legacy
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...
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EP.30: LINDSAY DAVIS - The Driving Force behind URBAN EXTREME
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…
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EP.29: TRENT WOODALL - A Unique Australian Industry Story
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...
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EP.28: KEN WHITING - The IAAPA Chairman & His Fascinating Industry Life
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…
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EP.27: NIGEL BENTON - Co-Founder & Publisher of AUSTRALIAN LEISURE MANAGEMENT
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...
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EP.26: SCOTT WHITEHOUSE - Former SEA WORLD Show Announcer
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...
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TOM BELL - Interview with Michael Croaker - PARK LIFE Bonus Episode
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...
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EP.25: CHRISTOPHE BROADWAY - 20 Years with Warner Bros. Movie World
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...
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EP.24: ASHLEIGH THOMASON - From DISNEY to VRTP & Some Things In-Between
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...
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EP.23: RALPH COHEN - From the Stage to the Park
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...
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EP.22: SEASON 2 - SEA WORLD Carnivale
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!
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DANIEL WATKINS - A Life On The Water - Bonus Episode
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…
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EP.20: MICHAEL CROAKER - My Park Life (so far...)
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...
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EP.19: DAVID COOMBS - A life in the Arts
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…
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EP.18: DAVE EASTGATE - Comic / Actor / Musician and much more!
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...
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EP.17: CAROLINE DUVEAU-CLAYTON - Creator of Magical Events
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...
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EP.16: RENEE SOUTAR - General Manager / Marketing - VRTP
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...
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EP.15: RADIO INTERVIEW - Micro Episode - VRTP Announcement
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…
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EP.14: EDDIE IDIK - Wonderland Sydney Memories
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...
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EP.13: MAL WOOD - Musician & Entertainer
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…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Park Life have?
Park Life currently has 55 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Park Life about?
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.
How often does Park Life release new episodes?
Park Life has 55 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Park Life?
You can listen to Park Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Park Life?
Park Life is created and hosted by Michael Croaker.
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