He has tackled two floods and searched for missing people with the SES, played in some of Australia's top poker tournaments and fulfilled the role of a stay-at-home Dad.
Now, Adam Parkin is willingly marooning himself on an island for Australian Survivor.
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He claims to have watched every episode of every season, including all US seasons.
Parkin, 40, became involved with the SES to "give back to his local community" and stayed with the organisation for a few years before major spinal surgery forced him to leave.
He has helped with two flood recoveries in Brisbane and said the aftermath was "pretty devastating".
"The floods were horrendous, nothing like I've ever seen before," Parkin said.
"There were houses under water, flooded roads, pets lost and people trapped on roofs.
"It was real people whose lives were affected. They lost possessions, had their lives torn apart and they felt helpless.
"It was really rewarding to be working with them and trying to put things back together for the victims."
However, the memories of the floods wouldn't be the ones that stayed with Parkin.
"The searches for missing people in thick bushland and harsh conditions were some of the hardest things I've had to do," he said.
"Losing possessions is one thing, but losing loved ones is on another level."
I can read people before they make their move, thanks to my experience at the poker table.
Adam Parkin, Australian Survivor contestant
In addition to his voluntary work, Parkin has also run two businesses and become a successful salesman.
He has been able to manage both businesses autonomously, which has allowed him to spend plenty of time with his two children, aged four and six.
Parkin also played poker for 15 years, competing in casinos across the country, including a million-dollar tournament in Sydney and the World Poker Tournament in Las Vegas.
Thanks to his broad life experience, Parkin believed he was well-prepared for Australian Survivor.
He has watched every episode, taken notes and developed what he hopes will be a winning strategy.
"The skills needed to win Australian Survivor closely align with the skills I have acquired," Parkin said.
"I can read people before they make their move thanks to my experience at the poker table, I can make conversation and sell people what I want with my work in the sales industry, and I can keeping going in some of the worst weather conditions around after my SES days.
"My strategy is to find at least one other person to align with and try to read other people because working out their motivations will give me a leg up later in the game."
However, Parkin said the experience would be difficult because he had not left his family for such a long time before.
"It's going to be massive test for me, but at the same time I'm so appreciative of my family's support and them allowing me to go on this indulgent self experience.
"I'm super excited to play the game that I love, but at the end of the day it is just a game."
Australian Survivor Season Two will be broadcast on Channel Ten, but a premiere date has not been announced. Meet the contestants:
Mark W, 37, former Special Opps commander, WA
An ex-SAS troop commander who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, East Timor and the Solomon Islands. Recently launched his own fashion label.
Sam, 32, endurance athlete, VIC
Barely 1.5 metres tall - but don't let her size fool you. She's the first woman to complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam endurance race.
Aimee, 23, plumber, VIC
Studied to be a beautician - then decided she'd rather be a plumber. Walked more than 500 kilometres from Melbourne to Canberra, by herself.
Ben, 20, fast food attendant, WA
This year's youngest competitor. Lives with his parents, describes himself as "odd". Currently single.
Adam, 40, international poker player, QLD
Almost two metres tall. Previously worked as a State Emergency Services volunteer, assisting with search and rescue operations.
Anneliese, 23, student, VIC
A Survivor super-fan and journalism student. Recently lost 35 kilograms; plans to keep a low profile.
Henry, 26, labourer, SA
Plans to trick his rivals by pretending to be a laid-back yoga instructor. In reality, works in building and owns a food delivery business.
Jacqui, 50, wedding celebrant, NSW
Refuses to let age get in her way and wants to prove life doesn't end at 30. Has two children and is very fit.
Jarrad, 29, photographer, WA
Topped his class in high school; studied law but quit to pursue photography. Worked with Ed Sheeran, Kate Miller-Heidke and others.
Jericho, 25, flight attendant, VIC
Came to Melbourne via the Philippines, then Auckland. After studying anthropology, followed his dream to become a flight attendant.
Joan, 29, escape room owner, NSW
Pregnant and homeless at 16, she now designs and runs "escape rooms" [physical adventure games] with her partner.
Kate, 47, financial executive, VIC
A successful businesswoman who's lived all over the world. Recently resigned from a global investment bank and wants to be a role model for young women.
Kent, 51, chief financial officer, SA
Took up swimming just before turning 40, then swam the English Channel at 50. Now works in South Australia's parliament.
Locky, 27, adventure guide, WA
Cave diver, base jumper, mountaineer, athlete: not much scares this Perth local, who spends half of each year in Europe.
Luke, 30, mining technician, WA
After a tough home life in his youth, he appreciates his sons and wife more than anything - and wants to make them proud.
Mark H, 51, lime farmer, QLD
Recently visited Vanuatu with his son, where they built a grass hut and lived off coconuts for two days. Plans to give younger contestants a run for their money.
Michelle, 33, nanny, NSW
Unaccustomed to roughing it, but determined to prove she has what it takes to win.
Odette, 32, podiatrist, NSW
A single mum who obtained a degree in podiatric medicine while also working and raising her son.
Peter, 22, digital advertising producer, NSW
Describes his laugh as "the sound of a dying walrus". Says he gets along with everyone.
Sarah, 22, model, WA
Not afraid to lie; hopes her rivals will underestimate her.
Tara, 33, barrel racer, QLD
Studying education; wants to prove she's more than just a stay-at-home mum.
Tessa, 29, doctor, VIC
Constantly underestimated by colleagues and patients because she's a young woman. Intends to form an all-girl alliance.
Ziggy, 26, former Olympian, NSW
Real name: Nicola. A two-time Olympic athlete, with two medals. Now works as a radiologist.
with Michael Lallo
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