Park Life

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.

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!

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.

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.  

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.   

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!

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.

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.

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.  

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.