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Before becoming one of the Wellington Phoenix's most loved players, Corban lost his dad as a teenager, packed up his life, and headed to Ireland chasing a football dream with no guarantees it'd work out. There were days in Dublin where he'd barely speak to anyone. Meanwhile, his family back home were trying to navigate life without the man who'd always held things together. We get into all of that, plus some funny yarns along the way. The Auckland FC rivalry, what was really happening at the Phoenix during a difficult season, derby day tension, locker room stories, his obsession with eggs, and why he looks more like he'd be playing No. 8 for the Hurricanes than professional football. A bloody good episode, one of my favourites in a long time. Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/  Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Corban Inta – https://www.instagram.com/corbannpiper/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

600km in 11 days… yeah, nah bro. Emma Upton joins the pod after running from Auckland to Wellington for Movember, which is about as casual as it sounds. Before that, she also knocked out a half marathon every day for 30 days straight! An absolute weapon and I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation.   Emma opens up about losing her uncle to a battle with mental health and why that's pushed her to show up for men's mental health in such a big way. We also unpack the challenges behind the scenes, the crazy stories about travelling through rural NZ, the pressure to keep going bigger and what she's thinking for her next challenge.   A huge reminder that most of us are probably capable of a lot more than we think!   Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!   Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Emma Upton – https://www.instagram.com/emmauptonn/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

Sami recently swam (yes swam) the Cook Straight, clocking an impressive 9hrs 46 mins for 28.8 km. That's nearly 10 hours of treading water with no wetsuit, what a weapon. Sami unpacks why this swim was so important for him, raising funds for Parkinson's Disease and the challenges he had to overcome along the way (including swimming the last hour in complete darkness). We also yarn about Sami's shoe venture, WildPool that's taking over the UK!  Hope you enjoy this episode and conversation.  Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!  Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Sami Robertson – https://www.instagram.com/sami_robertson/  Wild Pool – https://shop.wildpool.com/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

James Fuller is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hnry, one of New Zealand's fastest growing fintech companies (nearly a billion dollar business), now processing income for hundreds of thousands of sole traders across Aotearoa and beyond. In this conversation, James shares the real story behind building Hnry, from spotting the opportunity early with his wife, to navigating the uncertainty, pressure and setbacks that come with scaling a company responsible for handling a growing share of New Zealand's tax system. We also unpack one of Hnry's boldest moves yet, securing the naming rights to Sky Stadium, now Hnry Stadium, why they did it, what the process looked like behind the scenes, and whether it was a calculated strategic play or a massive risk. Beyond the business headlines, we talk about the highs and lows of founding a company, the hardest decisions James has had to make as CEO, moments of self doubt, and what genuinely keeps him up at night while leading a company trusted by hundreds of thousands of people. Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Hnry – https://hnry.co.nz/  Beyond the Surface – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

This episode features Xara Jetly, one of New Zealand's most exciting cricketers from the Blaze and an absolute weapon on and off the field (you'll see why when you watch this episode). We cover her latest championship win with the Blaze, being steered toward elite sport at a young age, and the pivotal family meeting at 13 after her netball coach told her she would never be a Silver Fern. Xara opens up about shutting down sexist haters and how she juggles university, professional cricket, and content creation for her 150k plus followers, while still thinking deeply about what comes next, you ever dreamed about starting your own IVF clinic?! She reflects on being told she would never represent the White Ferns because she "didn't work hard enough", and how that moment shaped her mindset more than any trophy ever could. Xara also shares what people do not see behind the highlights, and what it is really like working alongside Amelia Kerr. Xara's honesty, work rate, and self-belief make this one I know a lot of you will resonate with! If you enjoyed the episode, please hit subscribe, follow the show, or leave a five-star rating. It genuinely helps the pod grow! Chur. Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en  Xara Jetly Insta – https://www.instagram.com/xara.jetly/?hl=en  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en Beyond the Surface Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL

In this episode, Pasilio Tosi opens up about the parts of his journey that rarely get talked about. Growing up in Levin, taking the harder road through Southland and Bay of Plenty, changing positions later than most after gaining a few kegs during lockdown, and learning to put ego aside to keep moving forward. Pasi shares what surprised him most about the All Blacks environment, the standards that go unspoken, and the mindset shifts. Enjoy whanau! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/  Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en  Pasi Insta – https://www.instagram.com/pasiliotosi18/?hl=en  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en

First ep of the year! Zion Perry lives a pretty unique double life. He studied Ecology, works in conservation, and in his spare time is also a national champion Muay Thai fighter and the latest King in the Ring champion.  KITR is the most prestigious combat sport event in New Zealand, with previous champs being Israel Adesanya and Carlos Ulberg. In this episode, we talk about what it actually feels like to step into the ring, the nerves before a fight, and how mindfulness plays a role when everything is on the line. Zion breaks down his recent King in the Ring run, what that win meant for him, and what's next as he transitions into MMA, heads to Thailand, and chases a pathway towards the UFC. Enjoy! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en  Zion's Insta – https://www.instagram.com/zion_perry/?hl=en Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en  Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1W..

At 18, Harry became a dad. By his mid-twenties, he was running a growing marketing agency, working with big clients and living what looked like success from the outside. But in 2024, his business was hit hard, losing over $300,000 in a matter of months. It forced him to rethink everything he thought he knew about business, success, and happiness. Now, Harry is rebuilding from the ground up with In-House Academy, a marketing school built from the lessons of his failures and his drive to help others do things differently. This conversation unpacks what happens when everything falls apart, and why sometimes losing it all is the best thing that can happen to you! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/  Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Academy In-House - https://academyinhouse.com/  Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en Harry's Insta – https://www.instagram.com/mrdaltonharris/?hl=en  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en

At 20, Lizi became pregnant while studying, went on the benefit, finished her degree, and launched an award-winning agency by 27 and cleared her debt, all while being a young Mum. But life changed again when her eldest daughter (12) suddenly lost her memory every few days, in a bizarre condition that they are still seeking answers for. Lizi shares some business lessons, what resilience really looks like, and how she keeps moving forward when life refuses to slow down. Lizi's story about her daughter is devastating, but I know they will find a solution soon! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Lizi Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liziguest/  Little and Loud PR Agency - https://littleandloud.co.nz/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde

Melodownz has been on my guest hitlist since starting the show. From tagging in Tāmaki to collaborating with Denzel Curry and Israel Adesanya, and launching a hot sauce brand, running Kava Corner interviewing some of NZ's biggest names, Melowdownz has never been one to  stay in his lane.  In this episode, we unpack his journey from growing up in Avondale by his solo Mum, the impact of losing close friends to violence and suicide, to the deep personal reflections that have shaped his work today and advice for young people.  We explore his early influences, mental health, youth mentoring, and the realities of life behind the music. We also talk about his highly anticipated new album, Melo & Bass, and what this next chapter means for him as both a creative and a man. A candid and powerful kōrero with one of Aotearoa's most thoughtful voices in hip hop. Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!  Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Melowdonz Insta – https://www.instagram.com/melowdownz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde

Jase Te Patu has lived many lives. World-class athlete, international performer, TEDx speaker, and founder of one of Aotearoa's most impactful mental health programmes for youth, Hauora Aotearoa. But his story starts in Whanganui, raised by his Nan and Koro, having never met his mum and losing his dad to absence. In this conversation, Jase opens up about the belief he carried for years, that he was unworthy and unlovable, and how that pain drove his pursuit of excellence.  We talk about grief, identity, and the state of youth mental health in New Zealand. We also talk about hope, what keeps him going, and what a better future could look like if we're willing to show up and do the work! Hope you enjoy this episode! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Jase Te Patu - https://www.instagram.com/jasetepatu/?hl=en Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde

The first "honourable" guest on the pod, Barbara Edmonds wears many hats, former Cabinet Minister, specialist tax lawyer, and mother of eight. In this episode, she shares her path into politics, from living in poverty to what she's learned along the way, and the often unseen realities of life in Parliament. We unpack what it was like working alongside Jacinda Ardern, how she balances family and public service, and the pressures that come with both. Barbara also offers her take on what many young people misunderstand about politics and the economy, and why bridging that gap matters. A thoughtful, grounded conversation with New Zealand's future Finance Minister, Really enjoyed this ep! Hope you do too, regardless of where you sit politically. Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!  Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Barbara Edmonds Insta – https://www.instagram.com/barbara_edmonds_mp_/?hl=en Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

From Cleaning Cars at 13 to Building a Business at 18 – Max Tebbs' Unfiltered Story. At just 18 years old, Max Tebbs has already built one of Wellington's leading car detailing businesses. But behind the five-star reviews and growing team is a teenager who started with nothing more than a sponge, a goal, and a relentless drive to prove what's possible. In this episode, Max opens up about the early days of fundraising for refugees by washing cars at 13, the grind of signing his first studio lease at 17, and the lessons he's learned from building a business while still finishing high school. We talk about where his business mindset came from, the hardest moments no one sees, his ambitions to grow Clean Car Collective, and the pressure of being young in a world that often doesn't take you seriously. Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!  Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/  Clean Car Collective – https://cleancarcollective.co.nz/  Max Tebbs – https://www.instagram.com/max.tebbs/  Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde

From fixing phones and running a clothing brand at school, to losing everything and moving to Wellington with nothing, Mungo opens up about the tough moments that shaped him. We talk about his four years managing musician Rhys Rich, becoming a dad at 19, and how he built a removals business from the ground up. Now based in Australia, Mungo reflects on what he's learned along the way, about work, pressure, family, and figuring things out as you go. A conversation about resilience, mistakes, and moving forward. Really enjoyed this ep, I hope you do too! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!  Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Mungo Bates Insta – https://www.instagram.com/mungobatees/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde

If you only listen to one episode of the podcast, let it be this one. Corin is the first repeat guest to ever feature on Beyond the Surface, from episode #9 – episode #64! In this raw and honest, conversation, Corin Braddick takes us deep into the chaos of his recent trip to Thailand, where he was personally selected by UFC fighter Dan Hooker to compete in a viral underground fight show. Think 4-ounce gloves, one-minute rounds, no breaks, and a warehouse full of killers. But this episode is about so much more than fighting. Corin opens up about his experience with family violence in his family, his battles with mental health, and the emotional weight young men are often forced to carry alone. He shares the tools that helped him survive, grow, and come back stronger. We also talk about his recent performance in King in the Ring, what drives him, and why this journey is far from over. If you're into combat sports, real stories, or just raw human resilience – this one is for you. One of the most powerful and fun convos we've had on the show. Chur! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/  Corin's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corin.ihimaera/?hl=en  Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/  Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde