Who’s Who in 22, Media & Influencers: Mike Van Aker

Well-known comedian, radio host, trivia guru and emcee Mike van Acker has had a busy year, returning to the airwaves on the ABC, hosting events and testing the general knowledge of club patrons across South East Queensland.

The Moreton Bay Region resident has more than 20 years’ experience as a stand-up comedian which has included stints in radio including with ABC radio Brisbane in 2022, but previously with 97.3FM, B105 and Triple M.

He also has a comedy podcast, No Thanks Needed with Mike van Acker, which has a breakfast radio vibe.

Mike also runs Trivia Tribe – a boutique trivia company that has provided trivia shows to the club and corporate market since 2003.

He is a favourite trivia host in clubs across South East Queensland including Caboolture Sports Club, where he has presented themed trivia nights throughout 2022.

During the COVID-19 venue restrictions Trivia Tribe took their shows online and entertained their audience via Facebook Live. Each week hundreds of people watched Mike and fellow comedian Andrew Nason ask questions while Mike drank beer.

Mike hosted the Taste of Manly event as part of this year’s Brisbane Festival and also emceed the Ausbuild Housing for Happiness Gala event in Redcliffe, which raised money for Chameleon Housing in August.

About Mike van Acker

Mike van Acker is a Brisbane-based corporate emcee/host, stand-up comedian and event facilitator.

He has had a career in radio including with ABC radio Brisbane in 2022, but previously with 97.3FM, B105 and Triple M.

Mike has more than 20 years’ experience as a comedian, a career he was born to pursue after making fun of teachers at school and delivering singing telegrams as a teenager.

While stand-up comedy is Mike’s first love, he has also performed on radio, done some acting for film and TV, taken part in comedy debates, written and presented entire shows for corporate clients, performed in theatre restaurants and done some TV audience warm-up work.

He says he was the funny part of the breakfast radio show ‘Bianca Mike and Bob’ on Brisbane’s 97.3FM and remains one of the few radio hosts who is able to say he was let go by a network while the current ratings winner.

“Ah well, mustn’t grumble,” Mike said at the time, and went off to write his sold-out festival show Sacked about the experience.