Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast
Behind the Park series. Taking a deep dive into the people behind the Gold Coast theme parks. This podcast series will chat to those people in the parks who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained. We learn where the passion of theme parks has come from. Their theme park history and what’s next for the Gold Coast parks and where they’ll be in 10-20 years.
Episodes
After 2 years of planning, we take a peek behind the curtain of entertainment at Village Roadshow Theme Parks!
Michael Croaker has over 30 years of entertainment experience.
From bringing one of the biggest IPs to Australia for the very first time to writing the scripts to some of your favourite shows, Michael along with his team have been behind it all.
- What’s next in the world of entertainment for the parks?
- What ...
The Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation is an integral part of the Zoological part of Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.
It’s been instrumental in conservation for tigers through the amazing TIGER ISLAND and many other species including bilbies, tree kangaroos, koalas and so many more.
In this very special episode I catch up with Melinda Niblock and Chantel Maclachlan from DWF to chat about the amazing work the DWF do that you may or...
Live from the AALARA trade show floor we chat with Medhy and Michael from Showtime Entertainment Production.
The team responsible for Spy Chase Stunt Show at Movie World on the Gold Coast, Australia.
- We chat about the importance and history of stunt shows in Gold Coast theme parks.
- Safety measures in the show.
- The world class athletes delivering these shows.
LIVE from the AALARA Trade Show Floor.
I catch up with S and S Worldwide CEO Jason Mons on his first ever visit to Australia.
S and S are responsible for Green Lantern Coaster and Batwing Spaceshot at Movie World.
We learn…
What attraction he’d put into our parks?
The future of the industry?
Where does S and S get their ideas from?
LIVE from the AALARA ‘26 Trade Show floor.
I catch up with Grant and David from Whitewater West. Responsible for some amazing slides at Gumbuya World and the Zoom Zone at Wet ‘n’ Wild, we chat about the evolution of slides and water parks and whether or not the Gold Coast could be home to a slide WHEEL?!?
LIVE from the AALARA ‘26 Trade show floor.
I caught up with former chief engineer Thorsten Koebele from MACK RIDES.
Mack rides are responsible for some of the greatest rides in the World. Leading the way in innovation (as seen with the Rocking Boat model) and manufacturer’s of DC RIVALS HYPERCOASTER, STEEL TAIPAN, and SCOOBY DOO SPOOKY COASTER on the Gold Coast.
Where is innovation headed?
What does the industry look lik...
LIVE from the Big Brother house at DREAMWORLD - Coast Entertainment CEO Greg Yong and Coast Entertainment Creative Lead Laine Firth join Dane to chat about the evolution of Dreamworld.
* All things King Claw! What was it going to be called?
* The partnership with Australian Geographic.
* Is Big Brother coming back to Dreamworld?
* Is RIVERTOWN complete or is there more to come?
* What’s next for Dreamworld?
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For the final episode of season one - I chat with the CEO of DREAMWORLD Greg Yong.
We cover the entir...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode eight - Thunder Lake and Hollywood Stunt Driver Showtime FMX stunt performer Johnny Reardon
<...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode seven - It’s part 2 with EARTHSTORY co-founders Dan Harvey and Dene Waring.
- Their work with Village Roa...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode six - I chat with EARTHSTORY co-founders Dan Harvey and Dene Waring.
- What were the othe...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks and beyond.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode five - I chat with the Big Banana Fun Park CEO Michael Lockman.
- How many ver...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode four - I chat with Pico Play’s Senior Attraction Designer Gavin Seipelt.
- What was the p...
***This episode was recorded before the DREAMWORLD after dark event where more themeing had indeed gone into Jungle Rush***
We take a break from the “Behind the Park” series and review RIVERTOWN at Dreamworld.
This is our in depth review of the entire brand new land RIVERTOWN that has recently opened at DREAMWORLD on the Gold Coast.
The Theme Park Cartel podcast.
Follow my socials
Instagram: @danesthemeparklife
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode three - I chat with theme park entertainer Ryan “Coachgrey” Graham.
- What show on the Go...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode two - I chat with Vlogger Jagg’s Journeys.
What does Shane hope the viewers get out of hi...
Behind the Parks takes a deep dive into the people involved in the Gold Coast theme parks.
This podcast series chats to those people who shape our experiences, create creative concepts, plan the next big thing and keep us entertained.
We learn where their passion of theme parks has come from, their history and more.
For episode one - I chat with the CEO of DREAMWORLD Greg Yong.
Was the new land always going to be called Rivertown?
W...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.