Between Two Beers Podcast

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 ventures. In this conversation, he opens up on:The backlash from Country Calendar’s most-watched and how he handled itBuilding brands like 42Below, Trilogy and moreThe mission to make NZ farming climate positiveHis partnership with wife Justine and their family journeyWhether you're interested in entrepreneurship, branding, sustainability or just great storytelling - this episode delivers.Watch through to the end for reflections on leadership, vision, and why Geoff believes New Zealand’s best days are still ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. parenting, balance, and burnoutThis 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.Subscribe or follow us wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 PGA Tour, the process of rebuilding after injury, and how becoming a father has changed the way he sees the game and himself.The episode also explores the mindset work that helped Fox stay grounded through chaos, his growing friendship with Rory McIlroy, and the remarkable rise of his own event, Chasing The Fox. Across two hours, he opens up about the lessons, the pressure, and the people who helped him through it all - including his father, Grant Fox, whose reflections bring the conversation full circle.This is an honest, personal look at one of New Zealand’s most successful athletes - a conversation about golf, resilience and what really matters when the cameras are off.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.

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, tears with Jason Gunn, and the episode that changed how they saw storytelling forever.They also chat about the realities of building a podcast from scratch, near-quit moments, first sponsors, crying on mic, and the people who’ve stuck around since day one.If you’ve ever wondered how Between Two Beers came to be - this one’s for you.Also the guys are hosting the BetterMan's Quiz and Some Other Shizz 2025 at Eden Park on Friday November the 28th.What is Quiz and Some Other Shizz, you ask? And who are BetterMan?Quiz and Some Other Shizz, according to BetterMan, is "Like a regular quiz but on steroids. Not literally, of course." No, think stag do levels of fun with a bunch of games and a bit of banter and competition. We'll run the quiz and have a yarn at some stage and help raise some funds for charity.Now, who are BetterMan? Founded in July 2023, BetterMan is the brainchild of former athletes' Ged Robinson (rugby for the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Rebels), Todd Astle (cricket for Canterbury, Black Caps) and Todd’s brother Ryan Astle (football for the under-7 Hokowhitu Zodiacs).They take the best bits of team sport, combine it with positive psychology principles and run events and talks to help Kiwi guys become better versions of themselves.So, wrangle your mates, hit up your workplaces (this is a great option for an end of year Christmas party) and grab yourself a ticket.Note, the event is open to men and women.The event is being brought together with the help of Loffty (https://www.loffty.com/), who are an online mental health assessment platform. For more details and tickets head here:https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/betterman-presents-quiz-some-other-shizz-2025/auckland/kingslandHambassadors is brought to you by Stark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and get your bet on.In this episode we cover:• His friendship with the late Sean Lock and the lessons he left behind• His relationship with his 93-year-old father and the wisdom passed down through generations• What success and happiness look like today• A lifetime of creativity, music and curiosity• Why walking, conversation and nature are essential for mental well-beingBill also talks about his upcoming NZ tour.Tour Dates:Monday, November 3rd, 2025 – Opera House, OamaruTuesday, November 4th, 2025 – Wolfbrook Arena, ChristchurchThursday, November 6th, 2025 – Trafalgar Centre, NelsonSaturday, November 8th, 2025 – Toitoi Events Centre, Hawke’s BayTuesday, November 11th, 2025 – Michael Fowler Centre, WellingtonFriday, November 14th, 2025 – The Civic, AucklandMonday, November 17th, 2025 – Regent on Broadway, Palmerston NorthWednesday, November 19th, 2025 – TSB Stadium, New PlymouthFriday, November 21st, 2025 – Sir Howard Morrison Theatre, RotoruaSunday, November 23rd, 2025 – Globox Arena, Hamilton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.