Between Two Beers Podcast

Mike McRoberts: The Toll of the 6pm News

For years, Mike McRoberts was the most recognisable and trusted face on New Zealand television, sitting at the 6pm news desk, delivering the biggest stories in the country. What most people never saw was where that job took him.In this episode of Between Two Beers, Mike opens up about reporting from war zones, covering humanitarian disasters, and what it actually took - mentally and emotionally - to be the face of the news for so long.He reflects on moments that still stay with him years later, including being detained overseas, witnessing the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, and why the job became “a special kind of hell” at times. But this conversation goes deeper than war stories.Mike also speaks candidly about identity, growing up “culturally malnourished,” and how learning te reo Māori later in life forced him to confront parts of himself he’d long ignored. It’s an honest discussion about responsibility, belonging, and the personal toll of carrying other people’s stories for decades.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB. Got a hunch? Get your bet on. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

130 min

Who’s Our Ultimate Guest? Exposing our 2026 Wish List

Welcome back to a brand-new year of Hambassadors! We're kicking off 2026 with some "edgy" fashion choices, high-stakes goals, and a look at the guests we're manifesting for the year ahead.In this episode, Seamus explains why he’s bringing back the Eric Cantona-inspired popped collar (and whether he cleared it with Barkers first). Meanwhile, Stephen shares a harrowing New Year’s Eve tale from Whangamatā involving cocktails, a beach trolley, and a police breathalyser checkpoint.We also put our 2026 goals to the test by letting AI critique them. Things get personal when the AI roasts Steve’s "operationally empty" fatherhood goals and his "content sabotage" betting strategy. Plus, we reveal our 2026 Guest Hitlist, featuring everyone from Jimmy Carr to Hamish & Andy and Graham Norton.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers and this episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.0:21 – The Popped Collar8:10 – The New Year’s Eve Ordeal11:15 – 2026 Goals16:58 – AI Roasts our Goals20:15 – Summer Content34:00 – A Voice Note from Staffy49:00 – Our Top 5 Dream Guests for 202654:50 – Our upcoming ep with Mike McRobertsFeatured in this episode: Check out our private documentary service at reflections.life to record your family stories before it’s too late.Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights from Between Two Beers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50 min

Greg Foran: Former CEO of Air NZ & Walmart US on Decisions That Affect Millions (Re-Release)

Greg Foran has led at a level very few people ever will.From running Walmart US - a business with over a million employees - to serving as CEO of Air New Zealand through some of its most challenging years, Greg has made decisions where the consequences affected millions of people.In this conversation, Greg takes us inside what that responsibility actually feels like. We talk about making calls that wipe billions off company value, leading through crisis and chaos, operating in China when the rulebook doesn’t apply, and why losing the top job earlier in his career ended up changing everything.We also dive into his mindset: fear of failure, discipline, curiosity, people-first leadership, and why paying and trusting frontline workers matters more than most executives realise.This is a rare, honest look at leadership when the stakes are real - and when getting it wrong isn’t an option.This episode is a re-release of our conversation with Greg Foran from 2025.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on! Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

109 min

Ali Williams' Best All Blacks Stories, Launching Auckland FC & Losing His Father (Re-Release)

This week we’re re-releasing a classic episode with All Black legend Ali Williams, initially recorded in 2024.At the time of recording, Ali had recently launched Auckland FC with his wife Anna Mowbray, so we dive deep into his goals and vision for the team (much of which has come to fruition since). We also go into the best stories from across his rugby and All Blacks career, as well as an open conversation about the loss of his father.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

104 min

Best of 2025 - Culture: Simon Barnett, Toni Street, Al Brown & More!

We’re back with another compilation of our favourite moments from the epic year that was 2025.This time, we’ve canvassed some highlights from our incredible guests across the realms of business, entertainment, and culture, including:Simon BarnettJay ReeveToni StreetGreg ForanBill BaileyGirls Get OffAl BrownJared SavageBrent ImpeyDr. Alia BojilovaGeoff RossWe hope you enjoy the recap and stay tuned for brand new episodes coming soon, happy holidays!This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

142 min

Best of 2025 - Sport: Steve Williams, Dame Noeline Taurua, Ryan Fox & More!

What a year! We’ve had the privilege of speaking to some of New Zealand’s best and brightest sporting stars in 2025, so we’re proud to present a compilation of some of our favourite moments from across the year, including:Steve WilliamsRyan FoxDame Noeline TauruaIan FosterMarius van der PolSarah WalkerSean FitzpatrickGilbert EnokaClayton McMillanGordon WalkerWe hope you enjoy the recap, stay tuned for another Best of 2025 episode coming next week too!This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

130 min

Surprise… Seamus Had a Baby! Why He’s Kept It a Secret

It’s the final Hambassadors episode of the year, and Seamus drops a bombshell.After keeping it quiet for nine months, Seamus reveals he’s had a baby, sharing what life has been like behind the scenes and how he managed to keep such a massive moment under wraps.The boys also take time to reflect on the year that’s been - the highs, the challenges, what they’ve learned, and how Hambassadors has grown along the way. Most importantly, they say a huge thank you to everyone who’s listened, supported, and been part of the journey in 2025.Enjoy, and we’ll see you in the new year. 🍻Hambassadors is brought to you by Stark and Between Two Beers is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB.Steve and Seamus are dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

42 min

How NZ SAS Lead Psychologist Survived Being Taken Hostage in Syria (Re-Release)

This week we’re re-releasing one of our most powerful and memorable episodes of the year - a conversation that many of our new listeners may have missed when it first came out. Dr Alia Bojilova is the former Lead Psychologist of the New Zealand SAS, a United Nations peacekeeper, bestselling author of The Resilience Toolkit, and one of the most remarkable humans we’ve ever had on the show.In this episode, Alia takes us inside the extraordinary story of the time she was taken hostage by Syrian rebels while serving with the UN, and how she used curiosity, composure and human connection to survive an ordeal with almost no chance of escape. But this conversation goes far beyond the hostage event. We explore her upbringing in post-communist Bulgaria, elite athletic career, the science behind resilience, her relationship with her husband Jamie (an SAS soldier and former BTB guest), motherhood, leadership, identity, and the psychology of navigating adversity.It’s an episode that has stayed with listeners long after they finished it - and with so many new followers discovering Between Two Beers, we wanted to bring it back into the spotlight.If you’re new to the show, this is one of the most compelling stories we’ve told. If you heard it the first time, it’s well worth revisiting. Enjoy this special re-release with Dr Alia Bojilova.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

133 min

Flow State, Introversion & The Lessons We’re Taking Into 2026 - Steve & Di’s 1:1

It’s our last episode of ABO for 2025! Steve and Di look back on a defining year of podcasting and the lessons that will shape what comes next. From finding flow state and working as an introvert, to protecting creative energy, navigating pressure, and building a sustainable pace.Steve opens up about the personal and professional growth he’s experienced through the OMP business course from the Icehouse, how his approach to creative work has shifted, and why the next year is less about doing more and more about doing what matters.We also chat about prioritising wellbeing, avoiding burnout, creating space for creativity, and maintaining purpose.Thank you to everyone who tuned into the show this year, we love what we’re building and can’t wait to be back in 2026!This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

64 min

The Community Hero Who Beat a Decade-Long Eating Disorder

This week on Between Two Beers we speak with Carl Sheridan - a low-key legend whose story stopped us in our tracks.Carl is a performance coach, designer, rugby mentor at Te Awamutu College, and a dad from Pirongia who volunteers more than 25 hours a week to help the next generation of young men. He’s what we’d call a community hero - someone who shows up, gives back, and genuinely changes the lives around him.But behind all of that is a tough backstory, Carl has battled depression, anxiety, and a decade-long eating disorder, and has since turned that pain into purpose by mentoring young people who need support the most. His mission is simple: inspire more of us to help in our communities — and make service feel within reach, not out of it.In this episode we talk about what it actually means to live a meaningful life, how to rebuild yourself after your darkest years, the importance of local role models, what drives Carl’s dedication, and the powerful personal manifesto he shares at the end.A quick note: this episode discusses sensitive mental health topics including bulimia, anxiety, and depression. Take it at your own pace, pause if you need to. If anything comes up for you, text or call 1737 any time, or check the support links in the show notes.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB - and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

99 min

2022 vs 2025: The Decision That Changed Our Lives

In this reflective episode of Hambassadors, Steve and Seamus look back on where they were in 2022 living in different cities, unsure of the future, juggling day jobs - and compare it to where they are now, closing out 2024 with a full-time podcast business, a team, and a clearer sense of purpose.The conversation centres around their first ever coaching experience with Shaun Goldsbury, who helped them start to think seriously about vision, values and what might actually be possible if they backed themselves. A voice note from Shaun brings some of those early ideas back to the surface - and prompts a conversation about how much has changed (and what hasn’t) in just three years.There’s also a voice note from Luke Kemeys (Keep The Change), sharing his own reflections on growth and how looking back can help shape what comes next.Plus: stories from their BetterMan keynote, Barkers suit fittings, 12 Pubs of Christmas, and a great listener Q&A.This is the second-to-last Hambassadors of the year, with one more to come before the break.Hambassadors is brought to you by Stark. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers and this episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

43 min

The Wild Life of Laura McGoldrick: Mum Guilt, Media Chaos & Parenting with Martin Guptill

Laura McGoldrick lives one of the busiest lives in New Zealand media - juggling motherhood, broadcasting, live sport, travel, and a calendar that barely leaves room to breathe. But behind the glamour, highlights and viral moments, Laura opens up about something most parents know all too well: the constant feeling of Mum Guilt. Laura shares the reality of parenting with Martin Guptill, raising their kids around sport, and the pressure of trying to be everywhere at once.She talks about the moments that have shaped her, the chaos of her job, and the stories she has never shared publicly until now – including a wild Vegas trip, a knockout moment at the Cricket World Cup, and the best advice she ever received from legendary broadcaster Phillip Leishman.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

95 min

Reflecting on 2025 & Looking Ahead to 2026: Did Seamus Hit His Goals?

Seamus and Di Foster sit down for a 1:1, reflecting on the highs, lows and lessons that shaped 2025. From business wins to personal growth, they unpack what actually moved the needle, and whether Seamus hit the goals he boldly set 12 months ago.They also look ahead to 2026: what they want to build, what they want to fix, and how they plan to keep evolving as accidental business owners navigating the messy middle of work and life.If you’re building something of your own, this one’s full of honesty, reflection and a few surprises.Accidental Business Owners is brought to you by Icehouse and Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers.Between Two Beers is supported by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 min

Russell Packer: From NRL Star to Prisoner, Leaving Jail With An MBA

Russell Packer has lived one of the wildest arcs in rugby league - from a teenage prop playing men’s footy in Levin, to 100+ NRL games, prison, the threat of deportation, an MBA from one of the world’s top business schools, and a completely different life after footy.Russell opens up about the parts of his story most people don’t see - the demons, the damage, the work, and the daily battle to be better for his partner Lara and their kids.We talk:•⁠ ⁠Discovering Wim Hof, ice baths and chasing healthy extremes•⁠ ⁠Growing up in Foxton, playing men’s league at 14 and life lessons from Levin Lions•⁠ ⁠The Sydney assault: what actually happened, the court case and media narrative•⁠ ⁠A year in jail, isolation, anger, acceptance and the moment his daughter broke him•⁠ ⁠Rebuilding his life and career after prison•⁠ ⁠Nearly being deported from Australia and what that meant for his family•⁠ ⁠Studying business, getting into AGSM and graduating with an MBA•⁠ ⁠Moving into business: subdivisions, fencing and learning by failing•⁠ ⁠Curiosity, reading, and a lifelong thirst for knowledge•⁠ ⁠Raising an autistic son and becoming more empathetic and less judgmentalThis episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

100 min

Surprise… Seamus Got Married!

In this episode of Hambassadors brought to you by Stark, Che lifts the lid on his surprise wedding - a secret ceremony disguised as a casual party. Some guests arrived late, one turned up straight from the golf course, and others missed the memo entirely. No suits. No first dance. Just speeches, chinos, and a whole lot of love.Elsewhere, Steve confesses to flooding a Queenstown hotel room with a poorly timed bath, we break down insights from a $36k leadership course and uncover Steve’s true introverted nature.There’s also fashion tips from the Barkers wardrobe upgrade and a voice note from Sharyn Casey that sparked a deeper chat about discipline and identity.Hambassadors is brought to you by Stark. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers and this episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

53 min

Geoff Ross: Building 42Below, Battling Country Calendar Backlash & the Cost of Innovation

Geoff Ross built one of New Zealand’s most iconic global brands - 42Below Vodka - then walked away at the top. Today, he’s leading a different kind of revolution: carbon-positive farming.From selling vodka to the world, to Trilogy Skincare, Ecoya, Moa, and pioneering sustainable agriculture at Lake Hawea Station, Geoff’s career spans some of New Zealand’s most successful and forward-thinking ventures. In this conversation, he opens up on:The backlash from Country Calendar’s most-watched and how he handled itBuilding brands like 42Below, Trilogy and moreThe mission to make NZ farming climate positiveHis partnership with wife Justine and their family journeyWhether you're interested in entrepreneurship, branding, sustainability or just great storytelling - this episode delivers.Watch through to the end for reflections on leadership, vision, and why Geoff believes New Zealand’s best days are still ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

117 min

Why We Abandoned Our 2025 Goals to Focus on Just 2 Things

We started 2025 with a list of big goals… and quickly realised most of them were useless.In this episode, we break down why traditional goal-setting failed us, what happened when we focused on just two things, and how clarity, resilience, and self-awareness changed everything.We also talk about:– The importance of risk profiles & ambition– What “being in the arena” really looks like– Growth vs. parenting, balance, and burnoutThis episode was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply.Subscribe or follow us wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 min

Ryan Fox Returns! The Secret Behind His Greatest Year on PGA Tour

Three years since our first episode, Ryan Fox returns to the podcast - and a lot has changed over that period.Fox has been on an incredible run, but it didn’t all come easy - and behind the scenes there were serious challenges for his family.The perspective that came from loss, and the fine line between professional success and personal struggle, he shares what it really takes to compete on the PGA Tour, the process of rebuilding after injury, and how becoming a father has changed the way he sees the game and himself.The episode also explores the mindset work that helped Fox stay grounded through chaos, his growing friendship with Rory McIlroy, and the remarkable rise of his own event, Chasing The Fox. Across two hours, he opens up about the lessons, the pressure, and the people who helped him through it all - including his father, Grant Fox, whose reflections bring the conversation full circle.This is an honest, personal look at one of New Zealand’s most successful athletes - a conversation about golf, resilience and what really matters when the cameras are off.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

133 min

Between Two Beers Turns 6! Our Favourite Memories & Milestones

Six years, hundreds of conversations, and one dodgy Six years, hundreds of conversations, and one dodgy Blue Yeti Microphone later - we’re celebrating Between Two Beers’ 6th birthday with a special Hambassadors episode!Steve and Che look back on the journey from a garage in Glenview to a full-time gig - revisiting the moments that shaped the show, from Eric Murray’s “BDE” to Ryan Fox’s office golf, tears with Jason Gunn, and the episode that changed how they saw storytelling forever.They also chat about the realities of building a podcast from scratch, near-quit moments, first sponsors, crying on mic, and the people who’ve stuck around since day one.If you’ve ever wondered how Between Two Beers came to be - this one’s for you.Also the guys are hosting the BetterMan's Quiz and Some Other Shizz 2025 at Eden Park on Friday November the 28th.What is Quiz and Some Other Shizz, you ask? And who are BetterMan?Quiz and Some Other Shizz, according to BetterMan, is "Like a regular quiz but on steroids. Not literally, of course." No, think stag do levels of fun with a bunch of games and a bit of banter and competition. We'll run the quiz and have a yarn at some stage and help raise some funds for charity.Now, who are BetterMan? Founded in July 2023, BetterMan is the brainchild of former athletes' Ged Robinson (rugby for the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Rebels), Todd Astle (cricket for Canterbury, Black Caps) and Todd’s brother Ryan Astle (football for the under-7 Hokowhitu Zodiacs).They take the best bits of team sport, combine it with positive psychology principles and run events and talks to help Kiwi guys become better versions of themselves.So, wrangle your mates, hit up your workplaces (this is a great option for an end of year Christmas party) and grab yourself a ticket.Note, the event is open to men and women.The event is being brought together with the help of Loffty (https://www.loffty.com/), who are an online mental health assessment platform. For more details and tickets head here:https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/betterman-presents-quiz-some-other-shizz-2025/auckland/kingslandHambassadors is brought to you by Stark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

47 min

Bill Bailey on Sean Lock’s Life & Legacy, Perfect Pub Walking

An absolute honour to spend an hour with the great Bill BaileyIn this wide-ranging conversation, Bill opens up about friendship, grief, family, creativity, and what really matters after a lifetime on stage. It’s honest, warm, and full of the humour and curiosity that make him one of the world’s most loved comedians.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.In this episode we cover:• His friendship with the late Sean Lock and the lessons he left behind• His relationship with his 93-year-old father and the wisdom passed down through generations• What success and happiness look like today• A lifetime of creativity, music and curiosity• Why walking, conversation and nature are essential for mental well-beingBill also talks about his upcoming NZ tour.Tour Dates:Monday, November 3rd, 2025 – Opera House, OamaruTuesday, November 4th, 2025 – Wolfbrook Arena, ChristchurchThursday, November 6th, 2025 – Trafalgar Centre, NelsonSaturday, November 8th, 2025 – Toitoi Events Centre, Hawke’s BayTuesday, November 11th, 2025 – Michael Fowler Centre, WellingtonFriday, November 14th, 2025 – The Civic, AucklandMonday, November 17th, 2025 – Regent on Broadway, Palmerston NorthWednesday, November 19th, 2025 – TSB Stadium, New PlymouthFriday, November 21st, 2025 – Sir Howard Morrison Theatre, RotoruaSunday, November 23rd, 2025 – Globox Arena, Hamilton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

69 min

Between Two Beers Podcast

Episodes

Mike McRoberts: The Toll of the 6pm News

Who’s Our Ultimate Guest? Exposing our 2026 Wish List

Greg Foran: Former CEO of Air NZ & Walmart US on Decisions That Affect Millions (Re-Release)

Ali Williams' Best All Blacks Stories, Launching Auckland FC & Losing His Father (Re-Release)

Best of 2025 - Culture: Simon Barnett, Toni Street, Al Brown & More!

Best of 2025 - Sport: Steve Williams, Dame Noeline Taurua, Ryan Fox & More!

Surprise… Seamus Had a Baby! Why He’s Kept It a Secret

How NZ SAS Lead Psychologist Survived Being Taken Hostage in Syria (Re-Release)

Flow State, Introversion & The Lessons We’re Taking Into 2026 - Steve & Di’s 1:1

The Community Hero Who Beat a Decade-Long Eating Disorder

2022 vs 2025: The Decision That Changed Our Lives

The Wild Life of Laura McGoldrick: Mum Guilt, Media Chaos & Parenting with Martin Guptill

Reflecting on 2025 & Looking Ahead to 2026: Did Seamus Hit His Goals?

Russell Packer: From NRL Star to Prisoner, Leaving Jail With An MBA

Surprise… Seamus Got Married!

Geoff Ross: Building 42Below, Battling Country Calendar Backlash & the Cost of Innovation

Why We Abandoned Our 2025 Goals to Focus on Just 2 Things

Ryan Fox Returns! The Secret Behind His Greatest Year on PGA Tour

Between Two Beers Turns 6! Our Favourite Memories & Milestones

Bill Bailey on Sean Lock’s Life & Legacy, Perfect Pub Walking

Let Her Finish

Desert Island Discs

Kiwi Yarns

Great Company with Jamie Laing

Episodes

Mike McRoberts: The Toll of the 6pm News

Who’s Our Ultimate Guest? Exposing our 2026 Wish List

Greg Foran: Former CEO of Air NZ & Walmart US on Decisions That Affect Millions (Re-Release)

Ali Williams' Best All Blacks Stories, Launching Auckland FC & Losing His Father (Re-Release)

Best of 2025 - Culture: Simon Barnett, Toni Street, Al Brown & More!

Best of 2025 - Sport: Steve Williams, Dame Noeline Taurua, Ryan Fox & More!

Surprise… Seamus Had a Baby! Why He’s Kept It a Secret

How NZ SAS Lead Psychologist Survived Being Taken Hostage in Syria (Re-Release)

Flow State, Introversion & The Lessons We’re Taking Into 2026 - Steve & Di’s 1:1

The Community Hero Who Beat a Decade-Long Eating Disorder

2022 vs 2025: The Decision That Changed Our Lives

The Wild Life of Laura McGoldrick: Mum Guilt, Media Chaos & Parenting with Martin Guptill

Reflecting on 2025 & Looking Ahead to 2026: Did Seamus Hit His Goals?

Russell Packer: From NRL Star to Prisoner, Leaving Jail With An MBA

Surprise… Seamus Got Married!

Geoff Ross: Building 42Below, Battling Country Calendar Backlash & the Cost of Innovation

Why We Abandoned Our 2025 Goals to Focus on Just 2 Things

Ryan Fox Returns! The Secret Behind His Greatest Year on PGA Tour

Between Two Beers Turns 6! Our Favourite Memories & Milestones

Bill Bailey on Sean Lock’s Life & Legacy, Perfect Pub Walking

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Let Her Finish

Desert Island Discs

Kiwi Yarns

Great Company with Jamie Laing