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.
Imagine entertaining over 5 MILLION PEOPLE.
That’s what Goldie the Clown has done.
From theme parks to circuses and everything in between, Goldie has made people smile and laugh, brining his unique spin to traditional clowning!
We chat about Goldie’s legacy, his first ever theme park experience, circus life and even doing a podcast with Conan O’Brien.
2 Aug 2026
DTPL: The podcast. Head of Entertainment and Education at THE EKKA - Tony Laffan.
Clown.
Illusionist.
Magician.
Hypnotist.
Entertainer!
Tony Laffan has entertained millions of people.
From Casey the Clown at Dreamworld to his massive stage illusion shows and for over a decade been head of entertainment and education at The EKKA.
How many monkeys were in the trailer?
What’s the best EKKA memory?
The challenge of nostalgia vs new at the Ekka?
And so so much more.
7 Jun 2026
DTPL: The podcast. Head of Entertainment for Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Michael Croaker.
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 has been some of his biggest lessons?
The pressure of getting scripts RIGHT?
Why moments matter?
and YOUR questions answered!!
25 May 2026
DTPL: The Podcast - BTS with Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation.
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 may not be aware of.
30 Apr 2026
AALARA MINICAST | Medhy & Michael from SHOWTIME ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION
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.
28 Apr 2026
AALARA MINICAST | S and S Worldwide CEO Jason Mons
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?
26 Apr 2026
AALARA MINICASTS | Grant Poje and David Bogdonov from WHITEWATER WEST.
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?!?
23 Apr 2026
AALARA MINICASTS | Thorsten Koebele from MACK RIDES
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 like in 10 years?
What are our Gold Coast parks missing?
Enjoy this mini cast LIVE FROM AALARA ‘26.
22 Dec 2025
Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast! LIVE from the BIG BROTHER house. Greg Yong and Laine Firth!
Dane interviews Coast Entertainment CEO Greg Yong and Creative Lead Laine Firth live from the Big Brother house to discuss Dreamworld's evolution and future plans.
23 Apr 2025
Behind the Parks: Round 2 with Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong
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 entire park from Rivertown to Tiger Island to the Tower of Terror building to the Train to the Seasonal Events to Annual Passes and of course KING CLAW!
All that and more as we go behind the parks with Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong.
Follow me on Instagram - Dane’s Theme Park Life
11 Apr 2025
Behind the Parks: 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 eight - Thunder Lake and Hollywood Stunt Driver Showtime FMX stunt performer Johnny Reardon
Where his passion for stunt performing has come from.
The amazing physicality of the work.
This and so much more on the latest episode of Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast.
If you enjoy the series please comment and leave a five Star review.
Follow me on Instagram: Dane’s Theme Park Life (https://www.instagram.com/danesthemeparklife?igsh=MXFqd2dkc2t3c3I4Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr)
27 Mar 2025
Behind the Parks: PART 2 with co-founders of EARTHSTORY Dan Harvey and Dene Waring
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 Roadshow Theme Parks
- The story of The New Atlantis at Sea World
- Designing, animating and developing the CGI of Leviathan.
This and so much more on the latest episode of Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast.
If you enjoy the series please comment and leave a five Star review.
Follow me on Instagram: Dane’s Theme Park Life
5 Mar 2025
Behind the Parks: EARTHSTORY co-founders Dan Harvey and Dene Waring.
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 other concepts for Rivertown?
- Where does the concept creation begin?
- How the story elements come together?
This and so much more on the latest episode of Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast.
If you enjoy the series please comment and leave a five Star review.
Follow me on Instagram: Dane’s Theme Park Life
11 Feb 2025
Behind the Parks: The Big Banana CEO Michael Lockman
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 versions of the Big Banana has there been?
- What’s next for the fun park?
- The decisions that go into what attraction will be next?
This and so much more on the latest episode of Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast.
If you enjoy the series please comment and leave a five Star review.
Follow me on Instagram: Dane’s Theme Park Life
29 Jan 2025
Behind the Parks: Pico Play Senior Attraction Designer Gavin Seipelt
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 process behind designing the Murrissippi Motors track layout?
- How many Easter Eggs are there hidden around Rivertown?
- What makes a brilliant attraction?
This and so much more on the latest episode of Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast.
If you enjoy the series please comment and leave a five Star review.
Follow me on Instagram: Dane’s Theme Park Life
19 Jan 2025
RIVERTOWN - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly | FULL REVIEW with The Theme Park Cartel!
***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. (https://open.spotify.com/show/52wxpJcrcUkinmTsh0KxzP?si=A0wZeffUQhaxnkxOMG8Rrg)
Follow my socials
Instagram: @danesthemeparklife
Tik Tok: @danesthemeparklife (https://www.tiktok.com/@danesthemeparklife?_t=ZS-8t8h0u0SaBd&_r=1)
8 Jan 2025
Behind the Parks: Theme Park entertainer Ryan “Coachgrey” Graham
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 Gold Coast made him want to perform?
- The pressure of “being friends” with some of the most iconic theme park and movie characters ever created.
- What does he see the role of entertainment at the parks.
This and so much more on the latest episode of Dane’s Theme Park Life: The Podcast.
18 Dec 2024
Behind the Parks: Vlogger Jaggs Journey’s
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 his videos?
Why does he wear sunnies everywhere?
How is he feeling about Rivertown and The Wizard of Oz precinct?
What would he like to see happen in our Gold Coast parks?
All that and more as we go behind the parks with Vlogger Jaggs Journey’s.
4 Dec 2024
Behind the Parks: Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong
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?
What will happen on the world’s first inclined turntable coaster JUNGLE RUSH?
What goes into planning the next attraction?
How big is KING CLAW?
All that and more as we go behind the parks with Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
30
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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