The Guest Speaker

From top-of-the-class student to front-line social worker, Clare Ennis has quietly built a career around something you’ll never see on a pay slip: dignity, advocacy, and deeply human care. In this episode, Clare traces her path from high-achieving “you-could-be-a-doctor” teen to working with young parents, students, and communities with high and complex needs.

We talk about what it was really like growing up with academic excellence...

Mitchell Lamb went from Cambridge classrooms and water polo training to rafting some of the world’s wildest rivers, and now helps teenagers turn whitewater into a way of life. In this episode, Mitchell traces his journey from “relatively academic kid” to Program Director at World Class Academy, a travelling high school for adventure athletes that treats rivers, trails, and cultures as the curriculum.

We talk about his decision to sk...

From a small-town childhood to founding The Darling Room, Victoria Toye opens up about her work behind building a people-first beauty practice: education, empathy, and emotional intelligence. She traces the early spark that led her into beauty therapy, the science that underpins her treatments, and the quiet confidence she cultivated to take up space in the industry.

We dive into holistic care as a lens for healing, the power of li...

From “class clown” to Officer of the NZ Order of Merit, Dai Henwood opens up about the real work behind making people laugh: curiosity, grit, and character. He traces the spark from Wellington College to Victoria University, the moment he realized he was a comedian, and the work ethic he learned watching his parents. We dive into people skills as a superpower, saying yes to scary opportunities, and the women who’ve backed him at ev...

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 of turning curiosity into craft. Wh...

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, and trust form the backbone of thi...

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 nursing, the importance of hands-on trai...

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 to hands-on clinical placements—and ...

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 his best.

He opens up about his jou...

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 horticulture at Massey University and buildi...

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 versatility of an engineering degree, out...

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 takes to step into military life, from ...

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 creative career, from finding your “why”...

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 to life, the unique and community-dr...

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 act between a demanding tour schedu...

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 force during turbulent times, and why...

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 prestigious Magic Circle. He shares ho...

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, and what it really takes to start s...

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 perspective in a high-performance world.

His...