The Guest Speaker

In this episode, we’re joined by Anna Smith, a medical student whose story is full of perspective, purpose, and quiet strength. Anna reflects on her high school journey and the often intense leap into medical school — sharing how family, faith, and small moments of joy helped her find balance along the way. She opens up about the pressure to succeed in a competitive academic space, and why learnin...

In this episode, we chat with Eva Brakenrig, a proud Lincoln University student and future leader in the ag space, whose journey is full of quiet strength, practical insight, and deep connection to land and people. Eva opens up about the highs and hurdles of navigating study and career in agriculture — from funding her education to carving her own path in a field traditionally dominated by men. Sh...

In this fun 1:1 episode, its just the two hosts Grace & Blair. Grace is in the hotseat to share her own story — one of movement, mindset, and the power of following the threads that light you up. From growing up in New Zealand to studying and rowing in the U.S., to now living in Amsterdam, Grace reflects on the expectations she carried, the pivots she made, and the moments that redefined what...

In this episode, we’re joined by Hunter Ludlam, a psychology academic whose story is full of real talk, reflection, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating life after high school. Hunter opens up about the highs and hurdles of transitioning to university — from the pressure of the unknown to finding her people and her path. She shares how community involvement, mental health awareness, and sayi...

In this episode, we chat with Liam Petrie, a medical student with a powerful story about grit, guidance, and staying true to your “why.” Liam shares his journey from high school into med school — unpacking the academic pressure, the sacrifices, and the support systems that helped him along the way. He talks about how mentorship played a huge role in keeping him motivated, and what it really takes...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Marsh, a professional firefighter with a big heart and a whole lot of wisdom to share. Joe walks us through his journey from high school to the frontline, opening up about what it really takes to make it in the fire service — from the competitive recruitment process to the intense physical and mental training. We explore the many hats firefighters wear (spoile...

In this episode, we chat with Madeleine Jago, a university student whose story is full of honest insights, small wins, and big reminders about trusting the journey. Madeleine opens up about what it was like transitioning from high school into uni — from managing new academic pressures to figuring out finances, flatting, and finding community. She shares how being proactive (joining clubs, meeting...

In this inspiring and down-to-earth convo, we sit down with Marisca Rayel — tattoo artist, creative soul, and all-around legend — to talk about what it really takes to carve out a career in a creative field. Marisca opens up about her journey from school to uni, how she gave herself permission to pause and explore what truly lit her up, and what led her into the world of tattooing. From navigating...

In this episode, we hear from Rachel Waterton, an engineering student with a serious passion for F1 motorsport and a refreshing take on how to navigate the pressure of high school and uni life. Rachel shares how she balanced the expectation to succeed academically with the pull to follow what she genuinely loves. From her first steps into engineering to getting involved in motorsport, she talks ab...

In this episode, we catch up with Sam Monkley — deployment strategist at Palantir Technologies — whose path has taken him from Kiwi classrooms all the way to London via the Ivy League. Sam shares the story of how he pivoted from wanting to be a doctor to chasing a U.S. college dream, breaking down what it's really like applying to some of the world’s most competitive universities. He chats candidl...