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Between Two Beers Podcast
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Between Two Beers Podcast

Author: Steven Holloway & Seamus Marten

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Good questions. Great guests. Few beers... Steve and Seamus like asking good questions. And they love good answers. After over 20 years of friendship, they bought a microphone and started a podcast, allowing them to sit with, and learn from, the most interesting people they can access.

From Kiwi legend Marc Ellis, to media personalities Jeremy Wells and Paddy Gower, Rugby coach extraordinaire Wayne Smith, sexologist Morgan Penn, and Olympian Dame Lisa Carrington... Between Two Beers has produced countless hours of incredible stories, career highs, lows and moments of raw vulnerability. And it’s only the beginning.

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345 Episodes
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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 balance when life feels full.Che opens up about how his weight loss journey has evolved - from external targets to internal growth - while Di reflects on learning to listen to her body, slow down, and let go of perfection.Whether you’ve struggled with body image, burnout, or balance, this one will hit close to home.This episode was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 loves.We also dive into her journey as a new mum at 40, the weird fitness required to be a jockey, how prize money actually works, and what it’s really like competing against your friends every weekend.It’s an honest, raw, and inspiring look at resilience, motherhood, and the wild world of New Zealand racing — from one of its true trailblazers.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.
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 AwardsThe “King Country incident” and what they learned from itFive favourite Rules for the Modern Gentleman, inspired by GQHonest feedback, awkward moments, and lessons from leadershipBuying houses, book clubs, bets and behind-the-scenes chaosHambassadors is the Between Two Beers spin-off that gives you the real stories behind the mics – candid, funny, and occasionally uncomfortable.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 CovidThe inside story behind the Silver Lake dealClimbing from a small-town lawyer to CEO of MediaWorksThe challenges of modern media, and why TV is a “sunset industry”What makes a great CEO and ChairmanHis battle with cancer, views on retirement, and what still drives him todayBrent’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and ruthless honesty — a masterclass in leadership from the man who’s been at the centre of NZ’s most controversial boardrooms.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.
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 was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 motherhood. …And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.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.
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 “Hambassadors” life hacks and off-camera laughsIf you love the Between Two Beers deep dives, you’ll love this honest, chaotic, and funny peek behind the curtain.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 and health - including the life-changing surgery to remove his stomach after a genetic cancer diagnosis.Stan also shares his journey of reclaiming his Māori identity, the cultural fire that projects like Mt. Zion and Aotearoa lit inside him, and why his purpose now is about building legacy, healing, and serving his community.What you’ll learn in this episode:Stan’s experience growing up in an abusive householdHow trauma and family shaped his outlook on lifeThe truth behind public rumours and industry pressuresHis stomach cancer journey and living without a stomachReclaiming identity through te ao Māori and indigenous connectionWhy he values legacy, purpose, and family over fameThis 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, 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?We also dive into:Sponsors vs strategic partnersThe chaos of cashflowHow to avoid the “too hard basket” trap in businessAnd yes, we’re genuinely asking… are we really going to do this?This episode was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Depot into one of NZ’s most iconic restaurantsHis drive for perfectionism — and the toll it’s takenFriendship, family, and what happiness looks like at 60Why fritters, pies and bagels matter in our Kiwi food storyThis episode is funny, raw and deeply human — a look inside the life of a man who helped redefine New Zealand’s food culture. Enjoy!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.
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 parents vs kids football match.- Seamus bombs with the worst MC joke at prizegiving.- We reveal our very own Ambassador Hazy IPA (cheers, Good George).- And we share the biggest interviewing lessons from 6 years of Between Two Beers.Plus, movie rankings (Moana vs Predator?!), an epic Betterman event, and a sneak peek at our next guest — Al Brown.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 work on mental rewiring through NLPNavigating masculinity, aging and purpose after sportStories from Dancing With the Stars, full-body waxing and being naked on Breakfast TVAnd what keeps him emotionally moved at the Coast to Coast finish line to this dayThis is a masterclass in introspection, reinvention, and the quiet pursuit of peace - from someone who has truly lived multiple lives.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.
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 reality, the clip economy, unseen aftercare calls, cultural layers, and how values, relationships, and work collide. If you’re a founder, creator, or manager navigating candour, boundaries, and public scrutiny, this one’s gold.This episode was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 the Olympics when one mistake can end your career.The influence of legendary sports psychologist David Galbraith and the lessons she carried beyond sport.This is not just a story about BMX. It’s about resilience, mental strength, and how to keep believing when the world tells you to stop.📌 Chapters & Key Moments Inside:Overcoming brain injury and the fear of never riding again.The Olympic final that changed her life forever.Breaking 18 bones and finding courage through pain.Mindset techniques that anyone can use to perform under pressure.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.
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 power of speaking openly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:Building the All Blacks’ culture of standardsThe crisis of identity that nearly killed the hakaLessons from failure at the 2007 Rugby World CupWhy pressure is not the enemy, but a lifestyle“Gilbertisms” like Take the Sausage, Wishbone–Backbone–Funnybone, and Winge up, not downWorking with Chelsea FC, England Cricket, and The NSW BluesWhether you’re a rugby fan, coach, or leader, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.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.
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)Staying close to partners and your team (what appreciation actually looks like)Building a Hamilton studio so epic guests come to us - and we get our time backA very honest moment about “knowing your numbers” (assets, liabilities, equity)If you’re juggling family, cash flow, travel, and leadership - you’re not alone. This series documents the real learnings as they happen.This episode was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 international pipelines flooding New Zealand with narcotics. Savage also lifts the lid on the hidden connections between politics, money, and organised crime.If you’ve ever wondered how gangs really operate in NZ, what role overseas cartels play, or what it takes to expose corruption at the highest levels - this conversation is essential listening.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.
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’ weight loss journeyWhich guest would survive The Hunger GamesAnd so much more! Subscribe and follow Between Two Beers for more weekly content.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction4:36 Why Simon Barnett Almost Pulled The Episode31:33 Seamus’ Weight Loss43:33 Best Listener Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 biggest TV personalities on SportsCafe, Game of Two Halves and beyond – often alongside his infamous partner-in-crime, Matthew Ridge.In this wide-ranging conversation, Marc reflects on:The wild tours and “Susie” at the 1995 Rugby World CupSportsCafe chaos and his dynamic with RidgeyThe rise and sale of Charlie’sLife after fame, media stunts and what he’s up to nowHis views on success, fatherhood and living out of the spotlightA true Kiwi icon – this is Marc Ellis like you’ve never heard him before.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.
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