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.

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.

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 [email protected]

Enjoy The Ride!

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 [email protected]

Enjoy The Ride!

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:

[email protected]

Have a happy and safe Christmas!  Look forward to connecting and sharing stories with you in the New Year.

Michael   

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.

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 [email protected]

Enjoy!

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: [email protected]

Remember, if you're enjoying PARK LIFE, be sure to rate, review and share.

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:

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]