Between Two Beers Podcast
Steve and Seamus, friends for over 20 years, host a podcast where they ask good questions and enjoy a few beers. They interview a wide range of interesting people, from Kiwi legends like Marc Ellis to media personalities, rugby coaches, sexologists, and Olympians. The show features incredible stories, career highs and lows, and moments of raw vulnerability, all recorded at the One NZ Studio.
Episodes
Our Business Coach Quits On-Air? Why Fun Is the Strategy Right Now
Di Foster arrived ready to coach. Then she realised the smartest coaching move was to stop coaching.In this episode she explains why: Between Two Beers is in ‘execution season’, and what sport understands about seasons and rhythms is something most businesses never name.We get into why Steve and Seamus are slightly misaligned on what they really want, the delegation trap of "it takes 2 minutes to
Futurist Frances Valintine: NZ's Looming Demographic Crisis & the Future of Work
Futurist Frances Valintine (founder of Academy X and Tech Futures Lab) joins the show to map what New Zealand actually looks like in twenty years, and it's a sobering picture.We're one of the fastest-changing populations on earth: ageing fast, with a birth rate well below replacement and a workforce shrinking from four people per retiree toward just two. Her warning is that we're already late to p
Exclusive Access to Tim Payne? Our Football World Cup Trip Shapes Up
The boys are back behind the scenes, and the World Cup is almost here.Seamus and Steve break down the wild Tim Payne phenomenon - how an All Whites right-back with 4,000 followers became bigger than the All Blacks in 48 hours after an Argentinian content creator made him the face of the tournament.Seamus has known Tim since he was 16, and with Between Two Goals heading into the exact camp that's n
Matthew Ridge Tells All: Wrongful Conviction, Addiction & Working with Marc Ellis (Re-Release)
Matthew Ridge is one of New Zealand's most recognisable sporting figures - All Blacks captain, NRL star, television personality. But behind the swagger and the highlights reel is a story most people have never heard.Originally released in 2024 and one of our most popular episodes, we're bringing this one back because it deserves to be heard again.Ridgey sits down with Steve and Seamus to tell it a
“Don’t Believe You Own BS!” - Behind the Scenes of the World Cup, TVNZ Deal & Steven Adams
It’s been our biggest six months ever - landing on TVNZ+, heading to the World Cup, and sitting down with Steven Adams.Steve and Seamus sit down with business and mindset coach Di Foster to pull back the curtain on how it all actually came together, the chaos behind the scenes, and what it really takes to turn a podcast into a mainstream media brand.They break down the TVNZ deal, how they landed f
Darren Shand: 20 Years Inside the All Blacks' Golden Era
For 20 years, Darren Shand was the most powerful person in All Blacks rugby that nobody knew about.As Team Manager across four Rugby World Cups - including the back-to-back title wins of 2011 and 2015 - Shand sat above the coaches, managed the operation, and helped build the cultural architecture of the most successful international rugby team in history.He worked alongside Sir Graham Henry, Sir S
We're Going to the Football World Cup with the All Whites!
This week on Hambassadors, Steve and Seamus reveal their biggest project yet: a dedicated All Whites fan show heading to Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup.They're going in camp with the team, bringing the families, and building something that hasn't been done before in New Zealand sports media.Also this week: a behind-the-scenes look at the Joseph Parker x Barkers event (with some Chatham House rul
Stacey Morrison: The Te Reo Journey She Almost Quit, Losing Her Mum & 30 Years of NZ Media Unfiltered
Stacey Morrison has been a fixture of New Zealand television and radio for thirty years - but this is the story behind the story.In this episode she opens up about growing up embarrassed by her Māori identity, a gruelling fifteen year journey to te reo fluency, the heartbreaking loss of her mum Sue, and finding the love she never thought she'd have with Scotty Morrison.Between Two Beers is proudly
Is Being a 'Good Bugger' Enough? Values, Identity & the Team Behind the Vision
Steve sits down with our business and mindset coach Di Foster for a candid 1:1 coaching session.They get into what it really means to be a 'good bugger' in business, whether values alone are enough to build something lasting, and the identity shift that happens when your business starts moving faster than you expected.They also tackle the team question - why having the right people around you isn'
Nate Alley: Growing Up Without a Dad, Driving $200M in Construction & Why He Nearly Lost It All
Nate Alley grew up in Tokoroa without a father, got kicked out of school at 16, and spent the better part of a decade angry, lost, and making decisions he's not proud of.Today he runs his own Sentinel Homes franchise in the Waikato, with nearly 200 million dollars in construction work completed over the last decade.In this episode Nate speaks publicly for the first time about his upbringing, a fai
Steven Adams Goes Viral, Our Football World Cup Announcement & Lost Wedding Rings
The Steven Adams episode has gone global. NBA Twitter picked it up, US news sites started writing stories, and the clip of Steven's journaling practice has racked up millions of views. Steve and Che take you behind the scenes of watching it snowball in real time, from the 3am Instagram collab to waking up to floods of comments and mentions.Plus, we make it official: Between Two Beers is going to t
How Steven Adams Accidentally Became The NBA's Most Beloved Star (Exclusive)
In the most personal interview of his career, New Zealand's most beloved NBA export Steven Adams sits down with Between Two Beers exclusively to tell his full story.From growing up the youngest of 14 in Rotorua, losing his father at 13, and never dreaming of the NBA - to rookie years alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden at the Oklahoma City Thunder, the infamous Draymond Gree
How a Cold Email Landed One NZ as Our Biggest Sponsor
Steve cold emailed Jason Paris, the CEO of One New Zealand. He replied in three minutes. In this episode, Seamus and Steve sit down with business coach Di Foster to unpack what landing the biggest naming rights deal in Between Two Beers history actually means for the business, and what it exposes about everything they still haven't figured out.Di doesn't let the celebration last long. With a One N
Stacey Jones: 27 Years as a Warrior, 2002 Grand Final Regrets & The Pre-Game Ritual He Kept Secret
Stacey Jones has given 27 years to the Warriors - from foundation player to the coaching staff helping build the next generation.In this episode, he opens up on the try that still haunts him from the 2002 NRL grand final, what it meant to be a household name in New Zealand before social media existed, and why he's never left the Wahs.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on A
We Landed Steven Adams... Behind The Scenes of Our Biggest Episode
We landed him. Steven Adams, New Zealand's most beloved basketball export and our number one dream guest for years, is coming to Between Two Beers.In this episode of Hambassadors, Seamus and Steve take you behind the scenes of the biggest week in the podcast’s history. Four recordings in six days, a surprise Easter weekend email that changed everything, eight steaks on order, and two and a half ho
Raelene Castle: The NRL's First Female CEO & NZ's Most Powerful Sports Executive (Re-Release)
She ran the Bulldogs, steered Australia Rugby through one of their biggest controversies, and led NZ sport through its toughest years.So why don't more people know the real Raelene Castle?In this episode we sit down with one of the most significant sports executives the southern hemisphere has ever produced - and discover that the woman behind the headlines is nothing like the one in them.We cover
We Smashed Our Goals... Then Got A Reality Check
Steve and Seamus sit down with coach Di Foster for their unofficial Q1 review - and it's a big one. New naming sponsor (they can't tell you who yet), a TV deal in the works, and their first ever full-time hire. On paper, the best quarter Between Two Beers has ever had.But Di isn't letting them off that easy.In this episode: why securing long-term partnerships changes everything, the embarrassing p
Dai Henwood: What Facing Death Is Teaching Me About Life
In April 2020, during lockdown, Dai Henwood received a terminal cancer diagnosis. He kept it hidden. He kept doing stand-up. He kept doing interviews. He kept being Dai Henwood, while privately getting to grips with something nobody in his family had ever faced before.Four and a half years after his first appearance on the show, he sits back down with Steve and Seamus.Dai walks us through 52 round
Kieran Read's ‘Iron Gate' Explained, All Whites Brilliance & Steve’s Perspective Shifts
Behind the scenes of Between Two Beers this week, Steve and Seamus break down the Kieran Read shirt scandal that has gripped our viewers, reflect on driving the former All Blacks captain to his parents' place, and tease what might be their most powerful episode yet.Dai Henwood returns to the show - 52 rounds of chemo, eight surgeries, and a conversation about life, death, and what actually matters
Kieran Read: The World Cup Final Call, Replacing Richie McCaw & Why He's Just Getting Started
Kieran Read is one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. Two-time World Cup winner, Crusaders legend, and the man who replaced Richie McCaw as captain with 800 tests of combined experience suddenly out the door.But four years on from his first appearance on Between Two Beers, the most interesting chapter of Kieran's story is only just beginning.In this episode we get into the leadership journey
Our Plan to 5x Revenue in 3 Years
Steve and Seamus sit down with their business coach Di for their first session of 2026 - and they're not holding back.On the table: a plan to 5x revenue in three years, double their audience in twelve months, and finally build the team around them that the business actually needs.They get into why growing your audience doesn't pay off in the same year, why neither of them are natural team builders
The Forensic Scientist Who Investigated 160 Murders & Lost Himself in the Process: Ruben Miller
Ruben Miller spent 22 years as a forensic scientist in New Zealand, working on more than 160 homicide investigations. This is the story of what it cost him.In this episode we talk about what it actually feels like to walk into a homicide scene, the forensic principle that guides every investigation, the case that still hasn't left him, and what two decades of witnessing violence quietly does to a
A Day with Kieran Read & Why We Broke Up with Chat GPT for Claude
Have you made the switch from ChatGPT to Claude yet?Steve and Che did - and they're not going back.In this week's Hambassadors they break down why they ditched ChatGPT, what Claude is actually doing for their business, and why one of them still can't bring himself to fully commit.Plus: the truth about what happens in the studio before guests arrive, Che’s horror dentist bill, going solo at Homegro
Melie Kerr on White Ferns Captaincy & How Her Family Saved Her Life
Melie Kerr joins us fresh off being named White Ferns captain across all formats and scoring a T20 century on captaincy debut - the first woman ever to do so.But this episode goes well beyond cricket.Growing up in one of New Zealand's most celebrated cricket families, Melie was the kid who made her dad commentate 7am net sessions as if she was playing in a World Cup final. She went on to become th
Having a Baby, Buying a House & Getting Married: Seamus' Life Changing 2025
Che and Di sit down for a one-on-one to go through the 2026 goals - but this is the episode they couldn't record until now.A new baby. A house. A marriage. The past few months have changed everything for Che, and in this episode he and Di work through what that actually means for his personal and professional life heading into the year ahead.They cover the weight goal (and the moment Che realised
Liam Messam: Adoption, Chiefs Mana & Why He's In Gilbert Enoka's 'Human Library'
Liam Messam is one of the most beloved figures in New Zealand rugby. Two-time Super Rugby champion, All Black, World Cup winner, and a 20-year servant of the Chiefs. But behind the jersey is a story most people have never heard.Adopted at six weeks old into a Rotorua family that went on to foster close to a thousand children, Liam opens up about identity, belonging, and the household that gave him
90s & 2000s High School Nostalgia, Susan Hassall & Two Big Guest Announcements
Having our former headmaster Susan Hassall on the podcast sent us deep down memory lane.We go deep on NZ tuck shop nostalgia - the Juicies, the pies, the Cookie Time ritual - school discos, balls, prefects, wagging on a scooter, and what made Hamilton Boys' High so special.We also reflect on the response to the Susan Hassall episode, the 300,000 views on the trailer alone, the floods of comments f
Susan Hassall, Headmaster of 20,000+ Boys: What Nobody Tells You About Raising Sons
Susan Hassall arrived at Hamilton Boys' High School in 1979 as a 22-year-old English teacher. She stayed for 46 years. In 1999, she became the first woman in New Zealand to be appointed headmaster of a boys' state school — a role she held for exactly 25 years.In this conversation, Susan shares what she's learned about love, leadership, loss, and what it takes to raise good men. We talk about her m
Mike Minogue Joins Us for a Big Announcement!
In this special episode of Accidental Business Owners, we welcome our first-ever guest to the show: actor, radio host, and entrepreneur Mike Minogue!Two years ago, after appearing on the Between Two Beers podcast, Mike pitched us an idea that seemed too good to refuse: creating a corporate speaking bureau featuring our podcast guests. We launched B2B Speakers, and it was an immediate hit.But today
Tim Brown (Allbirds Co-Founder): From All White to Wall Street
Tim Brown is best known as the co-founder of Allbirds - the New Zealand-born footwear brand that became a global phenomenon.But before Silicon Valley, before the IPO, and before building one of the world’s most recognisable sustainable fashion brands, Tim was an All White, representing New Zealand on the world stage.At just 31 years old, still in his prime, he made a decision that shocked many: he
BTS of the Halberg Awards & Dr Lucy Hone's Message Goes Viral
In this episode of Hambassadors, we take you behind the scenes of a chaotic fortnight.Steve confesses to messing up the opening line of the Halberg Awards and embarking on the world's longest, most stressful ad-lib in front of a live audience.Seamus (a former goalkeeper) breaks down the "Phoenix Nightmare" - THAT viral own goal by Josh Oluwayemi - and explains why he wanted the ground to swallow h
Brad Thorn: Born to Wear the Black Jersey
Brad Thorn is one of the most unique champions New Zealand sport has ever produced.A dual-code legend, Brad achieved what almost no one has - winning NRL premierships, World Cups, Super Rugby titles, and earning the right to wear the All Blacks jersey at the highest level.But behind the trophies is an obsession with discipline, standards, and doing the work that others won’t. In this conversation,
Why Are We So Bad at Setting Goals?
We’re kicking off 2026 with a big change! Di walks into the studio with a completely shaved head, addressing the "elephant in the room" immediately.But this episode isn't just about the new look - it’s about looking forward. Di introduces the "10,000 Days" framework: the idea that at mid-life, we have roughly 10,000 days left to live. The question isn't just what your net worth will be when you're
Dr Lucy Hone: Grief, Resilience & Losing a Child
This episode includes discussion of grief, loss, and mental health, which some listeners may find distressing.Dr Lucy Hone is one of the world’s leading voices on grief, resilience, and how humans survive life’s hardest moments.In this episode, Lucy shares the tools and insights she’s developed through her work in resilience psychology - and through personal tragedy, after losing her 12-year-old d
Our Biggest Parenting Fails & We Try A Sensory Deprivation Float
In this episode of Hambassadors, things get way too honest. Steve finally confesses to his most embarrassing "new dad" moment involving a big night out and a change table, while Seamus opens up about separation anxiety.Plus, we break down the absolute scenes from the Horgan Cup golf tournament, where Seamus managed to get New Zealand legends like Mark Ellis, Matthew Ridge, Patty Gower, and Ryan Fo
Warriors CEO, Cameron George: The 1,038-Day Covid Exile That Forged the Club
This week on Between Two Beers, we sit down with Cameron George, the CEO of the New Zealand Warriors.Cameron is one of the most influential figures in modern New Zealand sport - and in this conversation, he opens up like never before about the journey that shaped him, and the brutal years that nearly broke the club.We dive deep into the Warriors’ extraordinary 1,038-day COVID exile, the personal t
Te Radar on Off The Radar, Curiosity & What Makes NZ Different
Te Radar is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive storytellers, but his career never followed a plan.From anarchic comedy and improvisation to the runaway success of Off The Radar, this conversation explores how curiosity, chance, and saying “yes” shaped a life in television, documentary-making, and storytelling.In this episode of Between Two Beers, Te Radar reflects on growing up curious, the mom
Popped Collar Debate, Dad Life & NZ’s Best Sporting Moment of 2025?
Welcome back to another episode of Hmbassadors!This week, Seamus gives a six-week update on his new life as a dad, Steve reflects on life with four kids and why his memory is officially "cooked" after a few serious petrol station run-ins - plus, the great debate of 2026 continues. Could it be the end of us?We also recap our recent "Re-ignite" studio opening before diving into a massive sports segm
Owen Eastwood: The Unconventional Kiwi Coaching The World's Greatest Teams
He is the secret weapon behind Chelsea FC, the England Football team, the South African Proteas, and NATO’s Command Group. Yet, Owen Eastwood has no coaching qualifications, describes himself as an "imposter," and often refuses to watch the actual games his teams play.In this episode, we sit down with the most in-demand performance coach you’ve never heard of.We discuss the "mystical" session wher
Mike McRoberts: The Toll of the 6pm News
For years, Mike McRoberts was the most recognisable and trusted face on New Zealand television, sitting at the 6pm news desk, delivering the biggest stories in the country. What most people never saw was where that job took him.In this episode of Between Two Beers, Mike opens up about reporting from war zones, covering humanitarian disasters, and what it actually took - mentally and emotionally -
Who’s Our Ultimate Guest? Exposing our 2026 Wish List
Welcome back to a brand-new year of Hambassadors! We're kicking off 2026 with some "edgy" fashion choices, high-stakes goals, and a look at the guests we're manifesting for the year ahead.In this episode, Seamus explains why he’s bringing back the Eric Cantona-inspired popped collar (and whether he cleared it with Barkers first). Meanwhile, Stephen shares a harrowing New Year’s Eve tale from Whang
Greg Foran: Former CEO of Air NZ & Walmart US on Decisions That Affect Millions (Re-Release)
Greg Foran has led at a level very few people ever will.From running Walmart US - a business with over a million employees - to serving as CEO of Air New Zealand through some of its most challenging years, Greg has made decisions where the consequences affected millions of people.In this conversation, Greg takes us inside what that responsibility actually feels like. We talk about making calls tha
Ali Williams' Best All Blacks Stories, Launching Auckland FC & Losing His Father (Re-Release)
This week we’re re-releasing a classic episode with All Black legend Ali Williams, initially recorded in 2024.At the time of recording, Ali had recently launched Auckland FC with his wife Anna Mowbray, so we dive deep into his goals and vision for the team (much of which has come to fruition since). We also go into the best stories from across his rugby and All Blacks career, as well as an open co
Best of 2025 - Culture: Simon Barnett, Toni Street, Al Brown & More!
We’re back with another compilation of our favourite moments from the epic year that was 2025.This time, we’ve canvassed some highlights from our incredible guests across the realms of business, entertainment, and culture, including:Simon BarnettJay ReeveToni StreetGreg ForanBill BaileyGirls Get OffAl BrownJared SavageBrent ImpeyDr. Alia BojilovaGeoff RossWe hope you enjoy the recap and stay tuned
Best of 2025 - Sport: Steve Williams, Dame Noeline Taurua, Ryan Fox & More!
What a year! We’ve had the privilege of speaking to some of New Zealand’s best and brightest sporting stars in 2025, so we’re proud to present a compilation of some of our favourite moments from across the year, including:Steve WilliamsRyan FoxDame Noeline TauruaIan FosterMarius van der PolSarah WalkerSean FitzpatrickGilbert EnokaClayton McMillanGordon WalkerWe hope you enjoy the recap, stay tuned
Surprise… Seamus Had a Baby! Why He’s Kept It a Secret
It’s the final Hambassadors episode of the year, and Seamus drops a bombshell.After keeping it quiet for nine months, Seamus reveals he’s had a baby, sharing what life has been like behind the scenes and how he managed to keep such a massive moment under wraps.The boys also take time to reflect on the year that’s been - the highs, the challenges, what they’ve learned, and how Hambassadors has grow
How NZ SAS Lead Psychologist Survived Being Taken Hostage in Syria (Re-Release)
This week we’re re-releasing one of our most powerful and memorable episodes of the year - a conversation that many of our new listeners may have missed when it first came out. Dr Alia Bojilova is the former Lead Psychologist of the New Zealand SAS, a United Nations peacekeeper, bestselling author of The Resilience Toolkit, and one of the most remarkable humans we’ve ever had on the show.In this e
Flow State, Introversion & The Lessons We’re Taking Into 2026 - Steve & Di’s 1:1
It’s our last episode of ABO for 2025! Steve and Di look back on a defining year of podcasting and the lessons that will shape what comes next. From finding flow state and working as an introvert, to protecting creative energy, navigating pressure, and building a sustainable pace.Steve opens up about the personal and professional growth he’s experienced through the OMP business course from the Ice
The Community Hero Who Beat a Decade-Long Eating Disorder
This week on Between Two Beers we speak with Carl Sheridan - a low-key legend whose story stopped us in our tracks.Carl is a performance coach, designer, rugby mentor at Te Awamutu College, and a dad from Pirongia who volunteers more than 25 hours a week to help the next generation of young men. He’s what we’d call a community hero - someone who shows up, gives back, and genuinely changes the live
2022 vs 2025: The Decision That Changed Our Lives
In this reflective episode of Hambassadors, Steve and Seamus look back on where they were in 2022 living in different cities, unsure of the future, juggling day jobs - and compare it to where they are now, closing out 2024 with a full-time podcast business, a team, and a clearer sense of purpose.The conversation centres around their first ever coaching experience with Shaun Goldsbury, who helped t
The Wild Life of Laura McGoldrick: Mum Guilt, Media Chaos & Parenting with Martin Guptill
Laura McGoldrick lives one of the busiest lives in New Zealand media - juggling motherhood, broadcasting, live sport, travel, and a calendar that barely leaves room to breathe. But behind the glamour, highlights and viral moments, Laura opens up about something most parents know all too well: the constant feeling of Mum Guilt. Laura shares the reality of parenting with Martin Guptill, raising thei
Reflecting on 2025 & Looking Ahead to 2026: Did Seamus Hit His Goals?
Seamus and Di Foster sit down for a 1:1, reflecting on the highs, lows and lessons that shaped 2025. From business wins to personal growth, they unpack what actually moved the needle, and whether Seamus hit the goals he boldly set 12 months ago.They also look ahead to 2026: what they want to build, what they want to fix, and how they plan to keep evolving as accidental business owners navigating t
Russell Packer: From NRL Star to Prisoner, Leaving Jail With An MBA
Russell Packer has lived one of the wildest arcs in rugby league - from a teenage prop playing men’s footy in Levin, to 100+ NRL games, prison, the threat of deportation, an MBA from one of the world’s top business schools, and a completely different life after footy.Russell opens up about the parts of his story most people don’t see - the demons, the damage, the work, and the daily battle to be b
Surprise… Seamus Got Married!
In this episode of Hambassadors brought to you by Stark, Che lifts the lid on his surprise wedding - a secret ceremony disguised as a casual party. Some guests arrived late, one turned up straight from the golf course, and others missed the memo entirely. No suits. No first dance. Just speeches, chinos, and a whole lot of love.Elsewhere, Steve confesses to flooding a Queenstown hotel room with a p
Geoff Ross: Building 42Below, Battling Country Calendar Backlash & the Cost of Innovation
Geoff Ross built one of New Zealand’s most iconic global brands - 42Below Vodka - then walked away at the top. Today, he’s leading a different kind of revolution: carbon-positive farming.From selling vodka to the world, to Trilogy Skincare, Ecoya, Moa, and pioneering sustainable agriculture at Lake Hawea Station, Geoff’s career spans some of New Zealand’s most successful and forward-thinking ventu
Why We Abandoned Our 2025 Goals to Focus on Just 2 Things
We started 2025 with a list of big goals… and quickly realised most of them were useless.In this episode, we break down why traditional goal-setting failed us, what happened when we focused on just two things, and how clarity, resilience, and self-awareness changed everything.We also talk about:– The importance of risk profiles & ambition– What “being in the arena” really looks like– Growth vs
Ryan Fox Returns! The Secret Behind His Greatest Year on PGA Tour
Three years since our first episode, Ryan Fox returns to the podcast - and a lot has changed over that period.Fox has been on an incredible run, but it didn’t all come easy - and behind the scenes there were serious challenges for his family.The perspective that came from loss, and the fine line between professional success and personal struggle, he shares what it really takes to compete on the PG
Between Two Beers Turns 6! Our Favourite Memories & Milestones
Six years, hundreds of conversations, and one dodgy Six years, hundreds of conversations, and one dodgy Blue Yeti Microphone later - we’re celebrating Between Two Beers’ 6th birthday with a special Hambassadors episode!Steve and Che look back on the journey from a garage in Glenview to a full-time gig - revisiting the moments that shaped the show, from Eric Murray’s “BDE” to Ryan Fox’s office golf
Bill Bailey on Sean Lock’s Life & Legacy, Perfect Pub Walking
An absolute honour to spend an hour with the great Bill BaileyIn this wide-ranging conversation, Bill opens up about friendship, grief, family, creativity, and what really matters after a lifetime on stage. It’s honest, warm, and full of the humour and curiosity that make him one of the world’s most loved comedians.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today
A Challenging Conversation About Weight Loss
In this episode of Accidental Business Owners, Che and Di sit down for an honest, vulnerable chat about weight loss, self-discipline, and self-acceptance - and how those themes spill into every part of life and business.From the pressure of public goals to the quiet guilt of slipping habits, this is a conversation about more than just food or fitness. It’s about control, compassion, and finding ba
The Most Fearless Jockey in New Zealand - Sam Spratt
Sam Spratt is one of New Zealand’s most successful and fearless jockeys.In this episode, Sam opens up about the brutal reality of life in the saddle — the crashes, the comebacks, and the constant risk that comes with chasing victory. She talks about her remarkable two-decade career at the top of NZ racing, the brain injury that nearly ended it all, and the mental fight to return to the sport she l
One of Us Got Cancelled in King Country…
In this episode of Hambassadors, Che and Steven take you behind the scenes of Between Two Beers – but things don’t quite go to plan.We take you behind the scenes of a full-blown geography controversy when Che proudly welcomes a crowd in Ōtorohanga to “Waikato”. The silence that followed said it all.Along the way, the guys talk through:Bruce Holloway’s emotional recognition at the WaiBOP Football A
How Brent Impey Shaped NZ Rugby & Media - $777M Deals & Silver Lake Drama
Brent Impey has shaped two of New Zealand’s most powerful industries - rugby and media.From negotiating a $777 million MediaWorks deal to steering NZ Rugby through the Silver Lake saga, Brent’s career has been defined by high-stakes leadership, big personalities, and even bigger decisions.In this wide-ranging conversation, he opens up about:How he saved NZ Rugby from financial collapse during Covi
What I Learned from $36,000 of Business Coaching
In this episode of Accidental Business Owners, Steve shares his experience from the Icehouse Owner Manager Programme — what he learned about leadership, the brutal honesty of 360 feedback, and how it’s changing the way he runs Between Two Beers.Di and Steve unpack courage, confidence, and what it means to grow a creative business sustainably — without burning out or losing the magic.This episode w
Hayley Holt on Alcoholism, Motherhood & Crowd Goes Wild’s Glory Days (Re-Release)
This week we’re re-sharing one of our favourite episodes ever, with Hayley Holt.Hayley has lived an incredible life – and there’s so much to learn at each chapter. One of NZ’s highest profile broadcasters is on the podcast this week! We find out what young Hayley was like, the path from dancer to snowboarder, her difficult relationship with booze, her TV career and her challenging road to motherh
Stan Walker’s Unexpected Story & Our Wild Night at the All Blacks
Go behind the scenes of the Stan Walker episode and inside the madness of a typical Hambassadors recording.This week, Steve and Che share:- What happened after Stan Walker’s interview (when he started singing in the studio!)- A night at the rugby packed with familiar faces (Taika, Foxy, Sharyn Casey, Brodie Kane & more)- Bree Tomasel’s wisdom on making decisions and starting messy- A few new “
Stan Walker on Overcoming Childhood Abuse, Cancer & Finding His Purpose
Stan Walker’s story is one of survival, transformation, and purpose.In this conversation, Stan opens up about the abuse and trauma of his childhood, the complicated relationship with his parents, and how those experiences shaped the man he is today. He reflects on the highs of fame after winning Australian Idol, the dark side of the music industry, and the battles he’s faced with public perception
The Rebrand Question: Is It Time to Change Our Name?
This week, we’re asking the BIG question:👉 Is it time to rebrand Between Two Beers?What started as two mates in a garage drinking beers has grown into a full-time business — podcasts, speaking, storytelling, partnerships. But now we’re wondering:Is the beer in our name holding us back?Are sponsors avoiding us because of it?Would a new name unlock new opportunities — or kill everything we’ve built?
Al Brown’s Painful Adoption History, The Struggles Behind TV & Culinary Fame
Al Brown is one of New Zealand’s most beloved chefs — but behind the TV fame (Hunger for the Wild, Masterchef), award-winning restaurants (Logan Brown, Depot, Federal Deli, Best Ugly Bagels), and his role as a Kiwi food icon lies a story of adoption, perfectionism, reinvention and resilience.In this wide-ranging conversation, Al opens up about:Walking away from fine dining and Logan BrownBuilding
Laura McGoldrick’s Parenting Truth, Our New Beer & The Worst MC Joke Ever
In this episode of Hambassadors, we cover it all: parenting chaos, podcasting lessons, new beers, and one unforgettable message from Laura McGoldrick.Laura shares the powerful reminder that “one day you’ll put your child down for the very last time” - a truth about time, parenting guilt, and family that hit us both hard.But it’s not all serious…- Bon accidentally smashes Billy in the face during a
NZ’s Greatest Multisport Athlete: Steve Gurney on Coast to Coast Glory & Near Death Experiences
Steve Gurney is one of the greatest multisport athletes New Zealand has ever produced - but this podcast is about so much more than racing.In this episode, Steve takes us far beyond the finish line.We explore:Why winning 9 Coast to Coast titles didn’t bring him peaceThe childhood trauma that lit his fireHow a near-death illness nearly ended everythingHis struggles with depression and identityDeep
Di & Seamus Reflect on THAT Viral Moment - 10 Weeks Later
What’s really happening with Che & Di?In this Accidental Business Owners sit-down, we unpack “the incident,” the viral clip that hit over 250k views versus where we’re at 10 weeks down the track.Steve sets the scene, then Di breaks down why tough coaching landed, and Che explains the shift - speaking up, reducing cognitive load, and learning to say “no” without guilt.We get into perception vs
Olympic BMX Star, Sarah Walker: Overcoming Brain Injury, 18 Broken Bones & Fear
Olympic BMX star Sarah Walker has lived through it all: the glory of an Olympic silver medal, the pain of breaking 18 bones, and the terrifying reality of a serious brain injury that changed her personality.In this episode of Between Two Beers, Sarah reveals:The mindset shift that turned fear into bravery.How she rebuilt her confidence after devastating injuries.What it really takes to compete at
Mark Stafford Returns: The Episode That Saved Lives
After his first appearance on Between Two Beers, broadcaster Mark Stafford never expected what would happen next. Listeners reached out to share how his raw honesty about mental health struggles gave them strength - and in some cases, even helped save lives.In this special follow-up, Staffy joins us again to reflect on those messages, the impact his story has had, and what he’s learned about the p
The All Blacks’ Secret Weapon: Gilbert Enoka on Mental Skills, Pressure & Winning Culture
Gilbert Enoka - the All Blacks’ long-time mental skills coach - shares the untold stories behind New Zealand rugby’s culture, resilience, and leadership.Across 23 years and 304 tests and 2 World Cup victories, Gilbert worked with coaches and players like Sir Graham Henry, Sir Steve Hansen, Ian Foster, and legends including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Tana Umaga.In this episode, he opens up about
Steve Goes to Business School… What Did He Learn?
Steve has returned from Block 1 of the Icehouse Owner Manager Program with fresh clarity - and as promised, he’s letting us in on the secrets he’s discovered: growth, overwhelm, and the little decisions that change everything.In this episode:Why courageous conversations beat procrastination (eat the ugliest frog first)Culture > strategy (and how the Reflections team built culture remotely)Stayi
NZ’s Top Crime Reporter, Jared Savage: Gangs, Drugs & New Zealand’s Underbelly
Award-winning investigative journalist Jared Savage has spent 15+ years on New Zealand’s crime frontlines - covering everything from the rise of meth and Mexican cartels, to patched gangs, political scandals, and the country’s biggest criminal trials.In this episode we go deep on Savage’s reporting - the brutal realities of the meth trade, how gangs built multi-million dollar drug empires, and the
Why the Simon Barnett Episode Almost Didn’t Come Out
Simon Barnett’s episode is on track to be our biggest ever – but it almost didn’t come out. Simon was worried it was too self-indulgent. Since it aired though, the feedback has been incredible – for us, and for him.In this Hambassadors episode we talk about what’s happened since the release, the messages we’ve had, and how it’s landed. We also cover:Our five favourite songs of all timeSeamus’ weig
Marc Ellis on Ridgey, SportsCafe Chaos & Selling Charlie’s for $129M
Marc Ellis has lived a life worthy of a dozen chapters. From Scarfie hijinks at Otago University to becoming an All Black and Kiwi league international, he carved out a career across rugby and league with Otago, North Harbour, the Blues, Highlanders, Warriors and Kiwis.Off the field, Marc co-founded Charlie’s Juice, eventually selling it to Asahi for $129 million, and became one of New Zealand’s b
Facing the Numbers: What Our 'Business Scorecard' Reveals
We’ve been putting this off for months… but in this episode of Accidental Business Owners, Di finally forces us to sit down and build the scoreboard we’ve been avoiding.What does that mean? It’s the unfiltered look at the numbers that really drive our business —-sales, downloads, social media, guest performance, coffees, proposals, even studio bookings. The levers that show if we’re actually growi
