Between Two Beers Podcast

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 from people whose lives she touched, and her line that stopped people in their tracks: why boys need love most when they're at their most unlovable.Plus we preview two massive upcoming guests - Melie Kerr, newly appointed White Ferns captain, who came in on game day and left us speechless. And Liam Messam - the most capped Chief of all time - whose story of leadership, culture and identity is one of the best conversations we've ever had.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers, and massive shout out to the legends at Stark for supporting this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 mantra — "you can pretend to care, but you can't pretend to show up" — the Greek concept of aretē that became the school's cornerstone, why she believes vulnerability is the most important quality in a leader, and what people get wrong about teenage boys.Susan also opens up about working through breast cancer without missing a day, losing her deputy Graeme Robinson to a heart attack in her office, the death of her husband James, and why the years immediately after school are the most critical for young men.Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a coach, or just someone trying to figure out what matters most — this one's for you.⚠️ This episode contains a discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out: Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or free text HELP to 4357 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Check out their range at barkersonline.co.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, we are announcing a "conscious uncoupling". In this honest conversation, we pull back the curtain on what happens when a side hustle grows faster than your capacity to manage it. We discuss why we are stepping away, how Mike is taking the reins, and the rebranding of the business to Frank Speakers.In this episode, we cover:The Origin Story: How a late-night drive led Mike to pitch the B2B Speakers concept.The "Too Good" Problem: Why the rapid success of the business actually became its biggest stressor.Burnout & Capacity: Balancing a startup with radio shows, podcasts, and new babies.The Breakup: How to navigate a business exit without ruining a friendship.Frank Speakers: The future of the agency under the Frank Management umbrella.The Power of "Turning Up": Mike’s philosophy on consistency and why building trust takes 3–5 years.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 walked away from professional football.In this episode, we explore the mindset behind that choice - and how the lessons from elite sport shaped the foundations of Allbirds.We talk about:Missing his moment at the World CupIdentity, ego, and high-performance environmentsKnowing when to leave the party earlyThe pressure of building a global brandWhat success really feels like on the other sideThis is a conversation about ambition, discipline, perspective, and taking the long view — from the pitch to the boardroom.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 him up just watching it.Plus, we cover Steve’s obsession with his 94% sleep score, a $42 taxi ride that ruined the night, meeting Chris Wood’s dad, and the massive reaction to our episode with Dr. Lucy Hone.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Brad reflects on the mindset that shaped his career - the moments that hardened him, the sacrifices required to chase the black jersey, and why he believes “champions do extra.”We talk about walking away from millions to start again, the lessons he learned from the toughest environments in sport, and what it really takes to become a master of your craft. An unforgettable episode with one of the greats.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 80, but whether you had a "sh*t ton of fun" getting there.We also get into a heated debate about "parenting scorecards" (do you really need data to know if you’re a present dad?).In this episode, we cover:The Big Reveal: Why Di shaved her head and the "interesting assumptions" people make.The 10,000 Days Rule: A framework for reverse-engineering your life from age 80.The "Shit Ton of Fun" Metric: Why financial freedom means nothing if you're miserable achieving it.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 daughter Abby in a sudden accident.We talk about why grief isn’t just about death, but about any unwanted change we’re forced to endure, why so many of us struggle with “grief literacy,” and how opening up honest conversations about loss can help people breathe again.This episode is brought to you by TAB. Download the TAB app or visit http://tab.co.nz to get your bet on. R18. Bet responsibly.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers.If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. In New Zealand, you can call or text 1737 anytime to speak with a trained counsellor. If you are in immediate danger, please call 111. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Fox to record personal roasting intros for the players.We also go behind the scenes of the powerful Cameron George interview, discuss why Seamus ruined his sensory deprivation float tank experience, and tease this week's incredibly emotional episode with Dr. Lucy Hone.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers and this episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 toll it took on players, staff and families, and how that period ultimately forged the culture and resilience we see in the club today.Cameron reflects on leadership under pressure, the people who carried the organisation through its darkest stretch, and what it takes to build belief inside an NRL club representing an entire country.We also explore his upbringing in rural Australia, his unlikely path through horse racing and governance, his relationship with owner Mark Robinson, and why “people first” has always been at the centre of everything he does.This episode is brought to you by TAB. Download the TAB app or visit Racing & Sports Betting Online in New Zealand | TAB to get your bet on. R18. Bet responsibly.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 moments that felt like a dream come true, why everyone has an interesting story, and what he believes truly separates New Zealand from the rest of the world.It’s a thoughtful, funny, and a truly Kiwi conversation about serendipity, people, and not realising how lucky we are until we stop and look around.This episode is brought to you by TAB. Download the TAB app or visit tab.co.nz to get your bet on. R18. Bet responsibly.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 segment.With the Halberg Awards coming up, we look at the nominees for New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment and share our own top picks - including Seamus's glory days as the "snake in the grass" at the Ethnic Soccer Festival and Steve's attempt at the Kipchoge challenge.Plus, we answer listener questions from the Fun Bag about the most underrated Between Two Beers episodes and the one question we regret not asking a guest.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers and this episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 where he made hardened NATO generals cry, why he stays silent for three months before coaching a new team, and the "ancient code" of belonging that now drives billion-dollar organisations.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB. Got a hunch? Get your bet on. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 - to be the face of the news for so long.He reflects on moments that still stay with him years later, including being detained overseas, witnessing the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, and why the job became “a special kind of hell” at times. But this conversation goes deeper than war stories.Mike also speaks candidly about identity, growing up “culturally malnourished,” and how learning te reo Māori later in life forced him to confront parts of himself he’d long ignored. It’s an honest discussion about responsibility, belonging, and the personal toll of carrying other people’s stories for decades.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB. Got a hunch? Get your bet on. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Whangamatā involving cocktails, a beach trolley, and a police breathalyser checkpoint.We also put our 2026 goals to the test by letting AI critique them. Things get personal when the AI roasts Steve’s "operationally empty" fatherhood goals and his "content sabotage" betting strategy. Plus, we reveal our 2026 Guest Hitlist, featuring everyone from Jimmy Carr to Hamish & Andy and Graham Norton.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers and this episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.0:21 – The Popped Collar8:10 – The New Year’s Eve Ordeal11:15 – 2026 Goals16:58 – AI Roasts our Goals20:15 – Summer Content34:00 – A Voice Note from Staffy49:00 – Our Top 5 Dream Guests for 202654:50 – Our upcoming ep with Mike McRobertsFeatured in this episode: Check out our private documentary service at reflections.life to record your family stories before it’s too late.Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights from Between Two Beers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 that wipe billions off company value, leading through crisis and chaos, operating in China when the rulebook doesn’t apply, and why losing the top job earlier in his career ended up changing everything.We also dive into his mindset: fear of failure, discipline, curiosity, people-first leadership, and why paying and trusting frontline workers matters more than most executives realise.This is a rare, honest look at leadership when the stakes are real - and when getting it wrong isn’t an option.This episode is a re-release of our conversation with Greg Foran from 2025.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on! Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 conversation about the loss of his father.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for brand new episodes coming soon, happy holidays!This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for another Best of 2025 episode coming next week too!This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 grown along the way. Most importantly, they say a huge thank you to everyone who’s listened, supported, and been part of the journey in 2025.Enjoy, and we’ll see you in the new year. 🍻Hambassadors is brought to you by Stark and Between Two Beers is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB.Steve and Seamus are dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.