The Guest Speaker
Episodes
Inside a Career in Dietetics & Nutrition | Steph Woodall
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Steph Woodall grew up in Cambridge with her sights set on becoming an architect - until one unexpected rejection and a gap year changed everything.In ...
Building a Career in Professional Sailing | Rebecca Gmuer
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rebecca grew up around the ocean in the Bay of Islands, where a love for sailing started early and steadily evolved into a career on the global stage....
Caleb Carter | From Coromandel to Michelin-Recognised Chef in China
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Caleb Carterβs journey begins in the small coastal communities of the Coromandel, where fishing, diving, and a hands-on upbringing shaped the founda...
Jaime Leigh | BAFTA & Emmy-Nominated Hairstylist
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jaime Leigh grew up in Katikati, went to a small-town college, and always knew she wanted to be a hairdresser β even before she understood where tha...
Nathan Wallis on the Brain, Behaviour, and Why Relationship Comes First (Neuroscience Educator)
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nathan Wallis has become one of Aotearoaβs most trusted voices on how kidsβ brains work β not because he talks at people, but because he transla...
Inside the Secret World of Superyachts with Ellen Butler (Super Yachts)
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ellen Butlerβs story begins on the Coromandel Peninsula, where a childhood filled with surf lifesaving, sport, and community shaped the social, conf...
Building a Meaningful Career in Social Work with Clare Ennis (Social Worker)
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From top-of-the-class student to front-line social worker, Clare Ennis has quietly built a career around something youβll never see on a pay slip: d...
World Class Whitewater: Turning a Love of Rivers into a Career with Mitchell Lamb (Outdoor Education: Kayaker)
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mitchell Lamb went from Cambridge classrooms and water polo training to rafting some of the worldβs wildest rivers, and now helps teenagers turn whi...
Inside the World of Beauty Therapy with Victoria Toye (Beauty Therapist & Business Owner)
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From a small-town childhood to founding The Darling Room, Victoria Toye opens up about her work behind building a people-first beauty practice: educat...
Dai Henwood on Life, Laughter, and Growth (Comedian)
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From βclass clownβ to Officer of the NZ Order of Merit, Dai Henwood opens up about the real work behind making people laugh: curiosity, grit, and ...
A Career in Surfboard Craftsmanship with Lou Aitken (Surfboard Shaper)
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the world of surfboard shaping with Lou Aitken β where creativity, craftsmanship, and a love for the ocean collide. Lo...
The Art of Medical Imaging: Inside the World of Radiographers with Monique Brownlee
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Monique Brownlee, a radiographer whose career offers a behind-the-scenes look at how medical imaging brings healthca...
A Career in Care: Nursing Pathways and Possibilities with Mya Dunsmore (Nurse)
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Mya Dunsmore, a dedicated nurse whose journey offers an inside look into one of the most essential β and often und...
Building a Career in Speech & Language Therapy with Audiologist Rebecca Davies-Colley (Speech & Language Therapist | Audiologist)
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Davies-Colley, a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist who bridges the worlds of communication and heari...
Micah Wilkinson β Olympic Sailing, Mental Resilience & Decision-Making Under Pressure (Olympic Medalist Sailor)
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Beyond the Grapes: The Real Work of Viticulture at Craggy Range with Nick Putt (Viticulture)
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Putt, a vineyard manager at Craggy Range Vineyardβone of New Zealandβs most iconic family-owned wineries. L...
From Christchurch to Canada: Ben Hawken on Engineering, Community, and Growth (Structural Engineering)
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pa...
Beyond Basic Training: Taylorβs Career in the Defence Force, Army and Air Force
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From schoolβs easy routine to the rigorous world of the Defence Force, Taylor Ede has been on a journey of challenge, growth, and unexpected opportu...
Studying Abroad & Building a Creative Career with Holly Gascoigne
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From high schoolβs high-pressure halls to the vibrant world of creative education, Holly Gascoigne has been on a journey of passion, perseverance, a...
From DJ Decks to the Big Screen with Matt Hicks
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From spinning tracks to spinning stories, Matt Hicks has always lived at the intersection of creativity and connection. In this episode, he takes us t...
Drumming | From the Classroom to Coachella with Felix Holton
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, drummer Felix Holton takes us behind the kit and into the heart of his music career β from realizing his passion for the drums at a...
Public Service as a Calling with Megan Gray
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 serv...
Magician: from Mathematics to Mind Reading - with Mark Cairns π©
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a masterclass in wonder. We sit down with Mark Cairns, one of the UKβs top magicians and psychological mind readers, to unravel the ...
Redesigning the Rules: Fashion, Function & Founding with Gemma Lee
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Making of an All Black, One Step at a Time - with Cam Roigard
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Itβs All About Building You - with Molly Oldershaw
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this honest and thoughtful episode, we sit down with Molly Oldershaw to unpack the journey from high school pressure to university independence. Mo...
The Royal New Zealand Air Force β with Briarna Blackmore
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this honest and inspiring kΕrero, we hear from Aircraftman Briarna Blackmore, who left school early and launched into a bold new path with the Roy...
The Dance Journey: Challenges and Triumphs - with Emily Carr
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 dan...
Moving with Purpose: Dance, Teaching & Empowering Youth - with Miriana Wetere-Ryder
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Engineering, Adventure & Figuring It Out As You Go - with Sam Bain
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Sam Bain. An engineer, adventurer, and all-round thoughtful human - who reminds us that you donβt need to have it...
Teaching, Community & the Power of Mentorship with Jaime McLean
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Jaime McLeanβa thoughtful, grounded educator who opens up about her journey into teaching. From high school uncert...
Co-host Catch-up: Blair & Grace, Review Session
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Breaking the Mold: Creativity, Courage & Mental Health β with Alex Wilkinson
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with the deeply creative and candid Alex Wilkinsonβceramics artist, businesswoman, and bold thinker whoβs followed a ...
Finding Your Path: Embracing Change and Passion β with Sophie Power
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, weβre joined by Sophie PowerβPartnerships & Engagement Coordinator at Canterbury Rugby, passionate people-person, and rising ...
Nailing It: Building a Life Youβre Proud Of β with Aidan McCoard
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Aidan McCoard, a site foreman who got into the trades young and never looked back β building a career he genuinely...
Finding Balance in a High-Pressure World β with Anna Smith
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, weβre joined by Anna Smith, a medical student whose story is full of perspective, purpose, and quiet strength.Anna reflects on her ...
Growing Roots β with Eva Brakenrig
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 stre...
Storytelling, Sport & Saying Yes to Change β with Grace Lewis
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this fun 1:1 episode, its just the two hosts Grace & Blair. Grace is in the hotseat to share her own story β one of movement, mindset, and t...
Studying People & Finding Herself β with Hunter Ludlam
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, weβre joined by Hunter Ludlam, a psychology academic whose story is full of real talk, reflection, and practical wisdom for anyone ...
Into the Fire β with Joe Marsh
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 j...
Medicine, Mentors & Making It Happen β with Liam Petrie
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Liam Petrie, a medical student with a powerful story about grit, guidance, and staying true to your βwhy.βLiam share...
Studying, Socialising & South Island Vibes β with Madeleine Jago
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Madeleine Jago, a university student whose story is full of honest insights, small wins, and big reminders about trustin...
Ink, Identity & Owning Your Path β with Marisca Rayel
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring and down-to-earth convo, we sit down with Marisca Rayel β tattoo artist, creative soul, and all-around legend β to talk about wh...
F1, Focus & Finding Your Lane β with Rachel Waterton
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 navigat...
Rowing into Harvard, Landing in London β with Sam Monkley
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we catch up with Sam Monkley β deployment strategist at Palantir Technologies β whose path has taken him from Kiwi classrooms all...