The Guest Speaker

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 taking time to travel after uni helped...

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) of rural education, and why strong ...

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 creativity has become a grounding force...

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 what it means to back yourself, find ...

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 people, he’s found his place leading tea...

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 learning to value growth over grades has be...

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 success meant to her. She speaks op...

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 saying yes to new experiences helped sha...

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 (spoiler: it's not just about putting out f...

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 people, asking for help) made all th...

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 the unique world of apprenticeships...

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 about the power of saying yes to oppor...

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 candidly about the challenges — from the st...

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. She reflects on her time at high schoo...

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 (beyond the textbooks) to commit to ...