Beyond Broadcast

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with MBE award winning BBC news camerawoman and journalist, Julie Ritson.

Julie looks back on her incredible 36-year career covering conflicts from Afghanistan to Chechnya, and her journey through technological transitions and breaking industry barriers.

We explore her work mentoring upcoming camera talent and journalists entering the modern industry, how adaptability plays a big part in securing future work and how she survived some of the most high intensity environments all while still being able to tell a story.

Episode Highlights

• 16:36 - The BBC & Multi-skilling
• 30:49 - Moving to Moscow and Covering the Chechen Conflict
• 38:34 - The Risks and Challenges of Entering a War zone
• 01:00:53 - Training the Next Generation

Links & Resources

• Follow her on LinkedIn - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Award Winning US Journalist & Educator, Carol Costello.

Carol shares her journey from local Ohio reporter to CNN anchor and her transition into true crime podcasting.

We touch on the challenges of entering a male dominated industry and how Carol carved a path by proving detractors wrong and going the extra mile by crafting her skills in the newsroom.

The conversation switches to exploring how true crime media has become a cultural zeitgeist and the responsibility perhaps creators have to ensure they’re telling stories that provide context and are not purely for entertainment.

Episode Highlights

• 05:00 - First Experiences in Local TV and Crime Reporting
• 16:34 - The Role of Criticism and Tough Mentors
• 38:34 - Creating 'Blind Rage' and In-Depth Storytelling
• 44:24 - Avoiding Exploitation in True Crime

Links & Resources

• Follow her on LinkedIn - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Academy Award Winning Special FX Supervisor, John Richardson.

John, a legendary special effects artist, shares insights from his six-decade career in cinema.

From working on James Bond films and Superman (Richard Donner) to Aliens (James Cameron) and Harry Potter, discover the craft, challenges, and stories behind some of the most iconic practical effects in film history.

As well as some of the more crazy occurrences that read like a timeline of cinema history itself.

Episode Highlights

• 05:01 - A childhood surrounded by filmmaking
• 18:13 - James Bond and the freedom to innovate
• 34:01 - Superman and making Christopher Reeve fly
• 1:09:54 - Record-breaking explosions on screen

Links & Resources

• Follow him on Linkedin - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Eric Young, a broadcasting veteran whose face has graced New Zealand screens for over three decades.

Eric shares insights from his remarkable career, reflecting on the journey that took him from aspirations of becoming an architect to becoming a beloved news anchor.

Episode Highlights

• 08:01 - First experiences in broadcasting and overcoming nerves
• 30:00 - The launch of TV3 and the chaos of those early days
• 49:50 - Meeting Michelle and becoming a father
• 1:09:54 - Transitioning to being a mentor & reflections on the industry

Links & Resources

• Follow him on Linkedin - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Brooke McGowan, visual effects compositor, leader, and mentor whose work has helped bring some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters to life.

Over the past decade, she's contributed to films including Avengers: Infinity War, Thor: Ragnarok, Fantastic Beasts, The Martian, and Edge of Tomorrow, seamlessly blending CGI with live-action footage to create the cinematic worlds audiences believe in.

Brooke shares her journey from working in the screen industry in London to developing her coaching business based out of Barbados. She outlines her insights on success, stability, and how she helps others unlock their potential. Additionally they discuss how she navigated industry challenges and built a life of choice and purpose.

Episode Highlights

• 09:25 - The film that inspired a career in visual effects
• 17:20 - Networking, mentorship, and industry entry tips
• 37:49 - Overcoming shyness and stepping into leadership roles
• 57:53 - Applying to companies with purpose and values

Links & Resources

• Follow her on Linkedin - Link
• Learn more about Brooke's coaching business - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Stacey Wood, CEO of New Zealand's Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) & Vice Chair of the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA).

Exploring her journey from journalism to law and public policy, touching on the evolving media landscape, and exploring the future of media regulation in New Zealand.

This episode was recorded swiftly after the NZ government announced it was disbanding the BSA on May 6th 2026

Episode Highlights

• 08:02 - Moving into legal work and intellectual property law
• 24:32 - Public perception of the BSA and media regulation
• 43:36 - The need for media regulation reform in New Zealand
• 01:01:49 - The growth of the gaming industry in New Zealand

Links & Resources

• Follow her on Linkedin - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Mitch McCann , a fellow alum of the New Zealand Broadcasting School and US correspondent living in New York.

In this episode, Mitch McCann and Jamie look at his journey from small-town New Zealand to becoming a trusted international journalist based in New York. He discusses the challenges of reporting on major global events, the importance of empathy in journalism, and the cultural differences that shape his approach to news.

Also, they discuss the difficulties of moving overseas and building communities when being miles away from home and why having a good support network can foster these communities.

Finally they touch on how trust in media is more important than ever and why Mitch believes reflection in the industry could play a key role in improving this trust which has been lost over time.

Episode Highlights

07:56 - The Impact of Mentors and Early Career Advice

20:07 - Adapting to Digital Media and New Challenges

29:45 - Reporting on tragedy and emotional resilience

50:02 - The Closure of News Hub and Career Resilience

Links & Resources:

Follow him on LinkedIn - Link

Connect With Us

Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/

Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod

Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with So'omālō Iteni Schwalger , a respected broadcaster and multimedia producer from New Zealand.

They dive into So'omālō’s journey from being a young radio host to his current role, the impact of his multicultural upbringing on his identity, and the lessons learned from living in Auckland.

This episode explores topics such as the importance of family support, and the serendipitous events that led him to his successful career in media.

He discusses the value of being a 'Swiss Army knife' in the industry, the influence of role models, and the challenges of navigating his cultural identity in media.

Additionally they touch on why it’s important to break stereotypes in Pasifika music and the significance of organic conversations in interviews.

Finally he reflects on the importance of creating safe spaces for guests and the future of youth media, advocating for continued efforts to engage younger audiences.

Episode Highlights

• 07:38 - Cultural Identity and Growing Up Multicultural
• 16:56 - The Influence of Family and Career Choices
• 37:24 - Navigating Cultural Identity in Media
• 45:57 - The Art of Organic Conversation

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with multi award winning UK born - Australia based TV & Audio Producer, Rhys Gunter.

In this episode Rhys shares his journey from working community radio in Wales to working on major media projects in Australia, launching GB News and producing acclaimed podcasts like Dear Rachelle.

We explore how adaptability, technical skills, and storytelling excellence have shaped his dynamic career in modern media.

As well as dipping into the high pressure environments of live media and why maintaining your mental health is the key to longevity in the industry

We touch on topics such as:

• Balancing opinion and impartiality in opinion-led media.
• Adapting to different media formats and audience engagement.
• Being able to manage the dynamics of talent
• The evolving role of modern producers

Episode Highlights

• 18:26 - Transitioning to Commercial Radio: Challenges and Growth
• 34:17 -Launching GB News: A Roller Coaster Ride
• 55:33 - Memorable Moments at Glastonbury
• 01:01:01 - The Success of Dear Rachelle

Links & Resources

• Follow him on Linkedin - Link

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with New Zealand entertainment reporter extraordinaire, Kate Rodger.

They explore Kate's unique upbringing in Fiji, her journey through broadcasting school, and her experiences in the big smoke of Christchurch.

Kate shares her competitive spirit, her early career in radio, and the pivotal moments that led her to travel abroad.

The conversation delves into her personal challenges, including the loss of her mother, and how these experiences shaped her career in entertainment journalism. Kate reflects on her time in London, the transition to corporate roles, and the impact of significant events like 9/11 on her life.

Additionally Kate provides insights into the art of interviewing and the realities of junket interviews in the film industry.

Throughout, Kate's passion for film and storytelling shines through, showcasing the joy and challenges of her profession.

We touch on topics such as:

• How Kate’s competitive nature influenced her career choices.
• Why living in London exposed her to diverse experiences.
• The art of the interview
• Why advocating for local filmmakers is essential for the industry.

Episode Highlights

• 13:59 - The Call to Adventure: Traveling Abroad
• 30:55 -The Shift to Entertainment: Discovering Passion
• 44:58 - The Reality of Junkets: Behind the Scenes
• 01:01:09 - Navigating Different Personalities
• 01:35:28 -The Passion for Film and Fandom

Links & Resources

• Follow her on Linkedin - Link
• Check out her insta - @kate_rodger

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/
• Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpod
• Receive updates on new episodes: [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!