Between Two Beers Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with one of New Zealand’s most quietly influential tech investors and founders: Rowan Simpson.As employee #3 at TradeMe and an early investor in Xero, Rowan helped build two of NZ’s biggest startup success stories. But his story goes far deeper than money. He shares how he went from near-bankruptcy to the $750M TradeMe exit, his role in backing Kiwi founders, his philosophies on parenting, time, failure, AI—and why ‘business is like a rollercoaster’ metaphor is bullshit.🧠 Topics include:– The TradeMe origin story (and the nightmare before the sale)– Why “fail fast” is bad advice– Lessons from Xero, Vend, and a year of world travel– How to pitch to investors (and how not to)– Saying no, picking your 3 things, and building a life of purpose– Sport, family, AI, and the future of New Zealand tech📍 Watch, listen, and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.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.

In this special Accidental Business Owners episode, we mark our first year of going full-time on Between Two Beers - and one year if working with Di. We tackle:- The frenetic pace of building your own business (📅 slave to Google Calendar)- Why everything takes longer than expected—and how to build in buffer- The power of saying “no” to protect your time, energy, and brand- Unlocking growth: the difference between working in your business vs on it- Practical mindset: “Do what’s in front of you”… and outwork your own expectations💡 Featuring a Xero listener question asking, “What’s the one piece of advice you wish you’d had before starting your own business?” Tune in for relatable, real-talk, and actionable takeaways from the past 12 months.This 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robyn Malcolm is a national treasure.From Outrageous Fortune to After the Party, this is Robyn like you’ve never seen her.She talks going sober, acting alongside Antony Starr, solo parenting through stardom, the power of older women on screen, her sons’ hilarious texts, and why she’s not holding back on the current Government. This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hambassadors we go behind the scenes of our recent podcast with Ian Foster, unpacking the making of the blockbuster interview — what went into it, what surprised us, and why it might be our best work yet.We share a few unseen moments, voice messages from listeners, and wildly mixed YouTube feedback — from teary-eyed praise to brutal radio-sport-style takedowns. There's insight into our into our creative process, from guest prep to managing “fluffy vs gritty” lines of questioning.Plus: Auckland City's 10–0 Club World Cup loss, a chaotic Sex.Life unboxing segment, a 4-year-old’s hilarious voice note, and teasers for upcoming bangers like Robyn Malcolm and a mystery SAS legend.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Foster is speaking up.In his first full interview since stepping down as All Blacks head coach, Foster sits down to share the raw, unfiltered story of one of the most dramatic periods in New Zealand rugby history.He opens up about the media pile-on, the near-sacking after the Ireland series, the pressure-cooker Ellis Park test that saved his job, and the growing tension with NZ Rugby as Scott Robertson circled in the wings.Foster also reveals the emotional toll behind the scenes - from the conversation with Dane Coles that reduced him to tears, to the loyalty shown by Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith and other senior All Blacks when everything was falling apart.This is the definitive account of Ian Foster’s All Blacks journey - told his way.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really feel like to run your own business?In this special listener Q&A episode of Accidental Business Owners, Steve, Seamus, and business coach Di Foster answer your questions.We talk about the moment we left our 9-to-5s, what it means to truly “back yourself,” how to avoid getting wiped out by tax, and why many small business owners are unknowingly sabotaging their goals. There are laughs, tears, raw truths, and incredibly practical takeaways.We also dive deep into emotional burnout, when to hire (and how) and the surprising things business ownership reveals about you.🔔 Whether you're a founder, freelancer, or just dreaming of taking the leap - this is for you.IN THIS EPISODE:✔️ How to leave your job and know when you're ready✔️ Why conflicting goals stop your progress✔️ Di’s “freedom fund” strategy for peace of mind✔️ The most common tax traps (and how to avoid them)✔️ The #1 mistake people make when hiring✔️ Personal growth and emotional burnout in business✔️ What real impact looks like (and feels like)This 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.Accidental Business Owners is sponsored by Icehouse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Between Two Beers, we talk to David Downs.This episode is a little bit different as it was filmed in front of a live audience at The Icehouse. There's about 150 in the room, and David is the perfect guest for our first ever recorded live pod.David is a former comedian, he's a business owner. He's the CEO of New Zealand Story and the chairman of the Ice House with a ridiculous business CV. And he's also a terminal cancer survivor.And we got all of his story in this epic chat. The energy in the room was great, and this is something we're keen to do a lot more of in future. Huge thanks to the team at The Icehouse for helping us put this on, we had a great night and are super excited to share it with you. This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hambassadors, Seamus and Steve take you behind the curtain of Between Two Beers — talking honestly about recent viral clips, social media blowback, creative risk-taking, and being called out on-air.They share their unfiltered reactions to the Run It Straight controversy and Dan Hooker’s backyard scraps, reflect on a confronting coaching moment, and even get real about sleeping nude.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark Property. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel Bracewell is one of New Zealand’s funniest comedy exports — and in this episode of Between Two Beers, she opens up in a way you’ve never seen before.We dive into her rise from internet cult figure to TV star, the pressure of performing in Australia vs NZ, and the mental health journey that’s shaped her along the way.From swearing in front of the Australian Prime Minister, to her viral Seven Days moment (“Classic Kiwi Taste”), to her ADHD diagnosis and life on anti-depressants — this is a funny, honest, and deeply relatable chat with one of the country’s brightest comedic minds.We also cover the chaos of working in radio, her famous family, the weight of imposter syndrome, and why she once flew across the country with a rabbit.🎭 Whether you’ve followed her since Tumblr days or know her from Have You Been Paying Attention? — there’s something here for you.This episode is brought to you by TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on!Between Two Beers is now part of the Acast Creator Network, listen wherever you get your podcasts from, or watch the video on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Accidental Business Owners gets raw and real. Recorded the day after a high-stakes advisory meeting, coach Di confronts Seamus with some brutal feedback.We unpack the cost of silence in leadership, why personal brand is your business insurance policy, and the real reasons so many founders burn out. Whether you're an accidental entrepreneur or an intentional one, this episode will hit home.This 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.Accidental Business Owners is sponsored by Icehouse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.