Across The Table With David Melse
Episodes
EP221: Your Yearly Goal in Four Months: The E-commerce Strategy (Curtis Fairweather)
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 221, we sat down with Curtis Fairweather to dissect the exponential growth of his Tallow Skincare business, which launched only ten months...
EP220: AI and the New Business Blueprint (Diego Ramirez)
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 220, we sat down with Diego Ramirez, an expert known for mastery in AI business automation. Diego shares an unprecedented and urgent messa...
EP219: 9 Months of Brutal Business Survival (James Wallace)
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 219, we sat down with James Wallace for an extraordinary and raw account of the business crisis that rocked his company over the last nine...
EP218: Breathe to Heal (Hayley Sharp)
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 218, we sat down with Hayley Sharp, a certified breathwork facilitator, coach, and former corporate HR professional. Hayley shares her com...
EP217: The Elite Athlete's Mindset: From Rugby to Recovery (Tim Bateman)
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 217, we sat down with Tim Bateman. From a highly respected professional rugby player who commanded the midfield to the founder of a rapidl...
EP 216: Building an Art Empire (Ellie Compton)
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For Episode 216, we sat down with Ellie Compton, a successful artist who merged her architectural background with her creative passion to build a high...
EP215: Building a Brand the Kiwi Way (Lead Head)
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 215 we sat down with Troy and Nic from Lead Head. What started as a few mates with an idea has grown into one of New Zealand’s most reco...
EP 214: Building Resilience and Meaning Beyond the Uniform (Daniel Lastovicka)
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka. From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army...
EP213: Built from the Roof Up (Mike Keast)
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast. From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s s...
EP212: From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle (Nick Inkster)
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’...
EP211: Failing Forward: Lessons in Growth, Leadership, and Coffee Culture (Sacha Coburn)
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 211, we sat down with Sacha Coburn. From failing her first ballet exam to leading one of New Zealand’s most loved café brands, Sacha...
EP210: Keeping It Real in Property and Business (Ant Anderson)
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 210, we sat down with Ant and Paul from Rosefern Homes. From humble beginnings fixing houses to building a property development company gr...
EP209: Back to Where It All Began: Kicking Off Season Four (David Melse)
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the first episode of Season Four, we’re taking it back to where it all began — in the car on the side of the road. What started as part of the...
EP208: Why Sleep’s Optional and People Aren’t (Tristan Bailey)
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 208, we sat down with Tristan Bailey. From building a national electrical and security company to launching a SaaS business on the side...
EP207: Life After the Exit: Investing, Energy & Saying No (Simon Rolland)
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Simon returns to share what life’s looked like since exiting his companies. From road-tripping Europe to finding new purpose (and c...
EP206: Why You’re Not Losing Fat (Even When You Think You’re Eating Healthy) Hamish Mehrtens
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hamish Mehrtens is back. In this episode, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to fat loss, fitness, and staying accountable. No...
EP205: Cash, Cars, and Cold Plunges (Andrew Farrow)
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Andrew joins us for a chat about cars, property, and life decisions. From selling rare Porsches to managing a four-hectare lifestyle ...
EP204: Building Through Grief (Harrison Strickland)
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply personal episode, Harrison Strickland opens up about the life-changing moment he lost his father. A fellow entrepreneur and his biggest...
EP203: Talking Money in Māori & Pacific Communities (Willie Leota)
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Willie, host of the award-winning Fresh Moni podcast, to unpack the cultural discomfort around financial conversatio...
EP202: What It Really Takes to Build a Lawn Business in NZ (Matt Petheram)
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt from Lifestyle Lawns joins us for an open, grounded, and deeply relatable conversation about taking risks, backing yourself, and...
EP201: How to Keep Going When Life Falls Apart (Jake Bailey)
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jake Bailey joins us for a raw, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about resilience. From surviving cancer as a teenager to buildi...
EP200: Business, Banter & Tuk Tuks | Sri Lanka Edition
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this milestone 200th episode, 10 million in 10 years goes fully off-grid. Broadcasting from the beaches of Sri Lanka with a crew of adventurers/bus...
EP199: Freelance to Multi 6-Figure Agency in 12 Months (Graeme Campbell)
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David reconnects with Graeme, co-founder of Agentary, to reflect on an incredible year of growth and transformation. From ticking off...
EP198: Turning an ‘Unsexy’ Industry Into a Content Machine (Marcus Wolton)
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Marcus from Gerrard’s Insurance joins us to share how he and his team are reshaping one of the least glamorous industries by inject...
EP197: From Building Houses to Building Humans (Matt Bateman)
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Matt, founder of The Hiit Squad, to hear how a young builder from Christchurch ended up leading one of the city’s ...
EP196: From Backpacking to Building |The Rosefern Story (Paul & Ant)
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David sits down with Anthony and Paul, the founders of Rosefern Homes, for a story that begins with sweaty backpacks in Cairns and ends in a thriving ...
EP195: From Apprentice to Award-Winning Builder (Alex Caddick)
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David chats with Alex Caddick, co-director of Design Builders Canterbury, about the evolving world of residential construction. Alex ...
EP194: Trading Instagram for Impact (Forbes Kershaw)
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Forbes is back for episode four with one of our most honest and reflective conversations yet. From growing pains in business to trading a smartphone f...
EP193: Bootstrapping a Christchurch Mini Golf Business (Lucas Devotion)
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David sits down with Lucas, the co-founder of Fillin’ Holes, a bold new mini golf venture transforming an abandoned lot in Christch...
EP192: Building a Better Future (Nick Brownlee)
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David sits down with Nick to explore the evolution of his business, Insight Building Inspections, and the pivotal moments that shaped...
EP191: American Football, the Army and AI (Bradley Fraser)
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David sits down with Bradley Fraser, the co-founder of Agentic Intelligence, to discuss his diverse career journey. From professional...
EP190: From Running Nightclubs to Traditional Medicine (Dion Freeman)
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David sits down with Dion to discuss how Maori healing helped him overcome serious vertigo when conventional practices failed. Dion s...
EP189: Busy but in Love? Six Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship (Charlotte Cummings)
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode David and Charlotte dive into how to maintain and strengthen your relationship while leading a busy life. Charlotte condenses years of...
EP188: Redefining the tattoo industry with Haven Tattoo (Jasmin Bristowe)
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David sits down with Jasmine Bristowe from Haven tattoos to discuss her journey to owning two tattoo parlours whilst not being a tattoo artist herself...
EP187: Stay at home mum to Successful Businesswoman (Aurora Velicias)
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David and Aurora dive into Aurora's inspiring journey, transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to running her own successful dog grooming business in Li...
EP 186: Using wool extract to battle hair loss (Natalie Harrison)
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David and Natalie sit down to share insights into her entrepreneurial journey. From starting in cleaning to founding Kiri 10, a hair care company offe...
EP 185: Interviewed on his own podcast (David Melse)
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The tables turn on this episode and Scott swaps with David to become the interviewer. David shares his biggest goals he has achieved recently, as well...
EP 184: Teacher turned entrepreneur (Dave Risdon)
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David and David sit down to discuss the power of personal branding using content across numbers social media platforms. They also discuss his move fro...
EP 183: AI incoming (Blair Chappell)
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI is coming in hot, and Blair Chappell from Williams corporation is ready to adapt. Are you? ----------- We like to thank our sponsor's for thi...
Ep 182: Definitions of success (Rico Gomez)
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rico is the founder and director of NeuroFit, a company which strives to "help professionals clear the mental mess" and subsequently improve their men...
Ep 181: From stale to sold (Tom Hardy is back)
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, David sits down with Tom, a top-performing real estate agent with a track record of selling an average of a house per week. Together...
Ep 180. New Hats, Beers & More! (Lead Head)
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest anniversary episode, I’m joined by Troy (Episode 68) to catch up on everything that’s happened with Lead Head in the past year! We r...
Ep 179. Goal Setting (Solo)
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm talking about setting goals and getting clear on what you want to tick off in 2025. I share the system and protocol I use and inv...
Ep 178. Building A Brand In Property Maintenance (Matt Cossey)
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Cossey is the Managing Director of MR Property Services. With a passion for helping people look after their most valuable asset, Matt’s doing m...
Ep 177. Let's Talk About Money (Solo)
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm giving a brief update on the financial component of the challenge and also encouraging you to think about your own financial jour...
Ep 176. Being Unapologetically Yourself (James Wallace)
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
James Wallace is the founder of Digital Simple, and he’s back for a record 4th appearance on the pod. This time he’s on a mission to make it his b...
Ep 175. AI and (not) only AI w/ Brett
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Brett O’Donnell (Episode 100) and I set ourselves a challenge to sit down and talk about AI for 20 mins. It didn’t take long befo...
Ep 174. No One Has It Figured Out (Scott Gregan)
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Gregan is a hungry young entrepreneur. From starting his first business at five, to scaling a knife business in high school, to selling high-end...
Ep 173. Manage What You Measure (Solo)
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's solo episode I run through my weekly progress tracking and give insight into why I use it. Plus there's an update on season 3 of the po...
Ep 172. Hustle At Every Stage Of Business (Anton Matthews)
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anton Matthews is the director of Hustle Group. Specializing in hospitality and education, with brands like Joe’s Garage and Fush, Anton and his tea...
Ep 171. Scaling A Sustainable Furniture Business (Guido Loeffler)
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Guido Loeffler is the co-founder of Innate Furniture, specializing in the manufacture of sustainable furniture. Started at his home during lockdown an...
Ep 170. The Evolution Of The Little Bone Broth Company (Alex Watson)
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Watson is the founder of The Little Bone Broth Company, a Christchurch success story that continues to grow. From humble beginnings at the local ...
Ep 169. Taking The Podcast Outdoors (Dan Hood)
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One year and 100 episodes later, Dan Hood (Episode 69) returns for a very special anniversary episode! We’re joined outdoors by Forbes Kershaw (Epis...
Ep 168. Design Is Relational (Ryan Thorpe)
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Thorpe is the director of The Zoo, a design studio that specializes in branding, content, and digital marketing. Ryan is a great guy to chat to a...
Ep 167. Legato Creative (Guest Podcast)
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm sharing an episode I appeared on recently from Jack Andrews' podcast, Legato Creative. Jack has been a guest on this podcast (episode 64) so...
Ep 166. One Yarn At A Time (Matthew Steans)
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Steans is a man on a mission to reduce suicide through good yarns. Through his charity, The Yarns Men;, and podcast, Matthew provides a place ...
Ep 165. Call To Action (Solo)
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in for a quick update on the podcast, plus a call to action! A massive thanks to Andrew at Eyrewell Forest Motor Company, for sponsoring this epi...
Ep 164. Design-To-Execution (Andy Rowden)
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Rowden is a Director and General Manager of First Principles Constructors, manufacturing and processing construction specialists who build their ...
Ep 163. Real Business Solutions (Guest Podcast)
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm sharing an episode I appeared on recently from Brad McDonald's podcast, The Godfrey's Law Real Business Solutions Podcast. Brad has been a g...
Ep 162. Starting A Moving Company From Facebook Marketplace (Josh Moulson)
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Moulson has the true entrepreneurial spirit. When he moved from Auckland to Christchurch, he got a quote from a moving company. The price shocked...
Ep 161. Business Simple (Guest Podcast)
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm sharing an episode I appeared on recently from James Wallace's podcast, Business Simple. James is a multi-time guest on this podcast so it w...
Ep 160. You Didn’t Have A Gin Brand Last Time (Clive Antony)
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Clive Antony (Episode 91) returns for an anniversary episode. A partner at creative agency Antony & Mates, Clive has honed in on his purpose in th...
Ep 159. My Big Goal For 2025 (Solo)
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's solo episode, I'm putting my big goal for 2025 out there for some public accountability. Tune in to find out what it is and how I plan ...
Ep 158. How This PT Is Planning To Set A World Record (Jared Rogers)
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jared Rogers is attempting to break a Guinness World Record. But he doesn’t just want to break it, he wants to smash it! The record? The largest Hig...
Ep 157. Challenge Update September 2024 (Solo)
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm providing an update on the challenge as of September 2024. A big thank you to Tom Hardy from The Hancock Group for sponsoring thi...
Ep 156. All About Solar Electricity (Matt Callaghan)
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Callaghan became an electrician straight out of high school. He always knew he wanted to start a business and even had the idea for Zero Electric...
Ep 155. Season 3 Is Coming (Solo)
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about what Season 3 of the podcast will look like. I've mentioned that there will be some changes to the podcast, and now I de...
Ep 154. One Year Later (Hamish Mehrtens)
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Hamish Mehrtens, almost a year on from his first appearance on the podcast. We talk about what has changed in the pas...
Ep 153. Accountability Buddy (Solo)
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share a new accountability hack I’ve started doing and explain how you can hack your own accountability too. A massive thanks to ...
Ep 152. Lessons From The Moab 240 (Grant Walker)
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Grant Walker has completed a feat very few have. The Moab 240. A renowned endurance race, 240 miles long, across the Moab desert, that not even David ...
Ep 151. Do You Like Birthdays? w/ Emily
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded on my birthday! Emily and I sit down to talk about reflection, before the conversation shifts towards people. Specifically b...
Ep 150. From Owning To Selling 57 Snap Fitness Gym's (Korey Gibson)
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Korey Gibson is an incredible person and entrepreneur. At just 22, he retired from a rugby league career that took him to Australia and the UK. Then K...
Ep 149. Where To From Here? w/ Emily
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we approach the 150th episode, Emily and I sit down to discuss what the next 150 episodes of the podcast will look like. A massive thanks to Andrew...
Ep 148. Creating The Best Work Culture In NZ (Ryan O’Hara)
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan O'Hara is an entrepreneur and owner of a world-class digital agency that designs, builds and launches products and services for companies big and...
Ep 147. The Monthly Relationship Check-In w/ Emily
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Emily and I sit down to talk about something we’ve been doing for a few months now, a monthly relationship check-in. What is it, wh...
Ep 146. The Connection Between Money, Time, And Happiness (Cam Irvine)
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cam Irvine is a certified financial planner. His journey in finance led him to realize the importance of life decisions and personal meaning over just...
Ep 145. From Athlete To Agent (Hayden Roulston)
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of New Zealand’s most decorated cyclists, and two-time olympic medalist, Hayden Roulston reached the peak of his profession. After retiring from...
Ep 144. How To Network & Communicate Better w/ Emily
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Emily and I start off talking about how to grow your network and meet new and interesting people. Then we pivot the episode to talkin...
Ep 143. The Electric Motorcycle Startup (Charlie Lane)
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Lane is building something really hard. His startup, EMP Motorcycles, is building electric motorcycles. They’re also customizable from facto...
Ep 142. 75 Hard (Again) w/ Emily
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we celebrate Emily finishing 75 Hard! We’ve talked about it a lot but this time we hear Emily’s perspective right after completin...
Ep 141. How To Stop Being Busy (Craig Fortune)
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following the emotional challenge of shutting down his own business, Craig Fortune started Breaking Busy. His mission? To help people break free from ...
Ep 140. If You’ve Lost Momentum, Listen To This w/ Emily
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Emily and I are talking about momentum and how to get it back if you’ve lost it. We talk about the 6-step checklist I recently lear...
Ep 139. The Bucket List Guy (Ron Montgomery)
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ron Montgomery is an entrepreneur and devoted father. His business, Spirit Of Travel provides bespoke packages to travellers. Originally from Canada, ...
Ep 138. Manifestation w/ Emily
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Emily and I are back for a quick episode today. We’ve flipped the script and Emily is asking me three questions today, all around the topic of manif...
Ep 137. From Hobby To Full-Time With Vintage Rugby Jerseys (Duncan Wood)
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Duncan Wood has been a rugby fanatic since the age of four. This passion drove him to collect vintage jerseys where he first transformed his collectio...
Ep 136. Meet The Young Entrepreneur Taking On The Sharemarket (Alli Kennedy)
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alli Kennedy is the founder of Sharenanigans, a board game designed to teach young kids and families about investing in the sharemarket. An idea two y...
Ep 135. The Mussel King (Ron Park)
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ron Park is the mussel king! After moving to New Zealand as a 6 year old, his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. In his first year o...
Ep 134. From iPhone Repairs To Building Rockets (David Bourke)
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
David Bourke is one of the most interesting people you’ll meet. He started an electronic repairs company called GET Electronic. Focusing on B2B cust...
Ep 133. The Two Year Update! w/ Emily
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a big one! It’s the two year update on the $10 million in 10 years challenge. I sit down with Emily to reflect on year two of the challenge....
Ep 132. Tiktok Blew Up This 20 Year Old's Business (Oakley Inkersell)
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oakley Inkersell is not your typical 20 year old. Growing up exposed to business, he always knew he wanted to have his own business. But his high scho...
Ep 131. The Unexpected Benefits Of 75 Hard w/ Emily
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m joined again by co-host Emily to talk about our experiences from doing 75 hard. Find out why we decided to do it, how we’re approaching the ch...
Ep 130. Talking Tattoos With A Tattoo Artist (The Doom Room)
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Josh (@corpsewizardtattoos), a tattoo artist and owner of The Doom Room. Josh’s passion and knowledge of t...
Ep 129. My Top 6 Books Of 2024 w/ Emily
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m joined again by Emily in this episode to talk about one of my favourite topics, books! Find out what we’re currently reading and my top 6 book...
Ep 128. I Haven't Been Very Healthy Lately w/ Emily
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After being sick for the past few days, I took time out to rest, reflect and recharge. In this episode, I sit down with Emily and share 5 things I lea...
Ep 127. The Realities Of Entrepreneurship (Solo)
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this podcast, I always try to be transparent. Today, I'm talking about the realities of entrepreneurship, energy and mood, and discuss what I like ...
Ep 126. Michael Karabassis (Re-Release)
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael and I are doing a mini-series, starting next Monday. And we're re-releasing Episode 62 from the archives to kick things off! In this episode w...
Ep 125. Flow State & Buying Back Your Time (Solo)
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's solo episode, I'm talking about two topics. First up, buying back your time. What is it, why do I recommend it, and how can you do the ...
Ep 124. From University To $20k Per Month In Less Than A Year! (Ben Ferrier)
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A year ago, life looked a lot different for 20 year old Ben Ferrier. He was at university studying engineering. Today, he runs his own business, BZM C...
Ep 123. Who's In Your Circle (Solo)
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"If you look at the people in your circle and you're not inspired, you don't have a circle, you have a cage". The theme of who you spend your time wit...
Ep 122. This Agency CEO Is Planning Global Domination (Stanley Henry)
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stanley Henry is The Attention Seeker. After exiting the hotel industry, he started an agency focused on personal branding. Now, it’s grown to a ful...