The Guest Speaker

In this episode, we dive into the world of surfboard shaping with Lou Aitken — where creativity, craftsmanship, and a love for the ocean collide. Lou shares her journey of discovering a passion for board building, sparked by family influence and hands-on experiences in the surfboard factory. From touring workshops as a kid to building their very first shortboard, this story captures the excitement...

In this episode, we sit down with Monique Brownlee, a radiographer whose career offers a behind-the-scenes look at how medical imaging brings healthcare to life. Monique breaks down the difference between radiographers—the professionals who capture images—and radiologists, the doctors who interpret them. From high-tech imaging rooms to real-world patient care, she explains how teamwork, precision,...

In this episode, we sit down with Mya Dunsmore, a dedicated nurse whose journey offers an inside look into one of the most essential — and often underappreciated — professions in the world. From her first steps into nursing school to the challenges of long shifts and the deep rewards of patient care, Mya shares what it really takes to thrive in healthcare. She talks about the social nature of nurs...

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Davies-Colley, a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist who bridges the worlds of communication and hearing health. From helping children find their voice to supporting adults through hearing loss, Rebecca shares how her work transforms lives through understanding, connection, and care. She takes us through her academic journey—from university lectures...

In this episode, we sit down with Micah Wilkinson, an Olympic Bronze Medalist sailor representing New Zealand who has turned the art of racing under pressure into lessons on mindset, teamwork, and growth. Competing on the world stage, Micah shares what it takes to make high-stakes decisions in seconds, how he builds mental resilience on and off the water, and the habits that keep him performing at...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Putt, a vineyard manager at Craggy Range Vineyard—one of New Zealand’s most iconic family-owned wineries. Located in Hawke’s Bay beneath the striking Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range is renowned for its terroir-driven wines, world-class sustainability practices, and stunning scenery. Nick shares his journey from navigating high school pressures to studying horticul...

From his school days in New Zealand to studying at the University of Canterbury and now building a life and career in Canada, Ben Hawken shares his path to becoming a structural engineer. In this conversation, he opens up about his time at UC — from lectures to labs to building a supportive community — and how those experiences shaped his career and outlook on life. Ben also reflects on the versat...

From school’s easy routine to the rigorous world of the Defence Force, Taylor Ede has been on a journey of challenge, growth, and unexpected opportunities. In this episode, Taylor shares how she went from weighing her next steps after graduation to enlisting in the Army, navigating extended basic training during COVID-19, and later transitioning into the Air Force. We talk about what it really tak...

From high school’s high-pressure halls to the vibrant world of creative education, Holly Gascoigne has been on a journey of passion, perseverance, and pushing her own boundaries. In this episode, Holly opens up about navigating academic expectations, making the leap to university, and embracing the opportunities—and challenges—of studying abroad. We talk about what it really takes to pursue a crea...

From spinning tracks to spinning stories, Matt Hicks has always lived at the intersection of creativity and connection. In this episode, he takes us through his winding path in the entertainment industry - from a schoolboy with a passion for performance, to a DJ and event manager, to the filmmaker behind the feature film The Tavern. Matt opens up about the five-year journey of bringing The Tavern...

In this episode, drummer Felix Holton takes us behind the kit and into the heart of his music career — from realizing his passion for the drums at age 9 to touring the world with acclaimed New Zealand artist BENEE, playing stages like the O2 Arena in London and Coachella in California. Felix opens up about the realities of the music industry, the vital role of education, and the delicate balancing...

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Gray to unpack her journey from the whirlwind of high school to carving out a meaningful career in public service. Megan opens up about the pressures of academic achievement, navigating personal identity, and the mental health challenges that shaped her along the way. She shares how relationships - both inside and outside the classroom - became a grounding f...

This episode is a masterclass in wonder. We sit down with Mark Cairns, one of the UK’s top magicians and psychological mind readers, to unravel the fascinating journey that took him from a mathematics degree to captivating audiences with feats of mind-bending magic. Mark opens up about the twists and turns that shaped his career — from his early academic achievements to finding his way into the pr...

In this episode, we sit down with Gemma Lee - founder, designer, and former competitive swimmer - to dive into her journey from the pool to the world of women’s wetsuits. 🌊 Gemma opens up about her high school years, the leap into fashion design, and how she turned a personal passion into a bold, beautiful brand. We chat about designing specifically for women, keeping things personal as you grow,...

In this episode, we sit down with Cam Roigard who shares his journey from a young aspiring rugby player to becoming an All Black. He opens up about the resilience it took to get there, the challenges of balancing academics with elite sport, and the setbacks that shaped him along the way. Cam speaks to the power of surrounding yourself with good people, staying dedicated, and maintaining perspectiv...

In this honest and thoughtful episode, we sit down with Molly Oldershaw to unpack the journey from high school pressure to university independence. Molly shares how she navigated academic expectations, social dynamics, and shifting health while studying at Otago - and how these experiences helped shape her sense of purpose and personal direction. From Castle Street party culture to moments of soli...

In this honest and inspiring kōrero, we hear from Aircraftman Briarna Blackmore, who left school early and launched into a bold new path with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. From excelling academically and fast-tracking NCEA levels to deciding that the traditional school route wasn’t for her, Briarna shares the why and how behind making her own way. 💥 We cover: Choosing to leave school early and...

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the journey of dancer Emily Carr, who left her hometown for Sydney to pursue her passion at a professional dance academy. Emily opens up about the pivotal decisions she made during high school, the importance of balancing academics and ambition, and the emotional and financial challenges of moving cities to chase a dream. From navigating injuries to embracin...

In this episode, we sit down with Miriana Wetere-Ryder - a passionate dancer, teacher, and all-round inspiring person. From performing as part of The Royal Family under Paris Gobel in high school to now empowering the next generation through movement and mentorship, Miriana shares a story full of grit, growth, and purpose. We discuss the balance between education and creativity, the challenges of...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Bain. An engineer, adventurer, and all-round thoughtful human - who reminds us that you don’t need to have it all sorted to take the next step. From high school in Aotearoa to building drones in Timaru and chasing snow in Canada, Sam shares his story with calm honesty. We chat about how he got into mechatronics (thanks to a mix of maths and tinkering), why tak...

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime McLean—a thoughtful, grounded educator who opens up about her journey into teaching. From high school uncertainty to shaping young minds in an area school, Jaime shares how mentorship, community, and a love for connection helped her find her way. We chat about what it’s like working with students across different age groups, the rewards (and real challenges)...

Join Blair and Grace for a co-host catch-up as we reflect on our first batch of 13 Guests! We yarn about some behind-the-scenes updates, and unpack what’s resonating most with us from each guest. It's a candid review session full of stories, lessons, and a few sneak peeks. THANK YOU!!

In this episode, we sit down with the deeply creative and candid Alex Wilkinson—ceramics artist, businesswoman, and bold thinker who’s followed a less conventional path. From exploring chemical engineering to pursuing business studies, Alex opens up about the winding journey that led her to a life of artistic expression through pottery. She shares her ongoing experience with mental health, how cre...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sophie Power—Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator at Canterbury Rugby, passionate people-person, and rising force in sport and event marketing. Sophie opens up about navigating high school through the uncertainty of COVID-19, switching study paths, and boldly carving a career in an industry she loves. From studying geography to working pitch-side, she shares w...

In this episode, we sit down with Aidan McCoard, a site foreman who got into the trades young and never looked back — building a career he genuinely loves from the ground up. Aidan shares how he followed his passion for the outdoors — from rugby, fishing and working with his hands to trying out multiple summer jobs to figure out what really fit. With a strong work ethic and a natural way with peop...