Beyond Broadcast

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with Māori filmmaker Paula Whetu Jones.

From her early work on groundbreaking documentaries such as Gang Girls and The Hidden, to co-directing and co-writing the acclaimed feature film Whina, and producing the deeply personal series Spinal Destination, Paula shares her journey from a challenging entry into the industry to becoming a trailblazing voice in film and television.

She discusses the importance of authentic storytelling, overcoming industry barriers, and developing projects that shine a light on social issues, identity, and personal resilience.

We touch on topics such as:

• The responsibility of storytelling to marginalized communities
• The challenges of industry nepotism and barriers for lower socio economic communities
• The importance of lived experience in documentary filmmaking
• Balancing personal life and a demanding career

Episode Highlights

• 05:23 - The Responsibility of Authentic Storytelling
• 18:59 - The Power of Listening and Building Trust
• 28:43 - Paula’s Challenges and Personal Resilience
• 47:48 - The Future of Indigenous (Maori) Stories and Socially Conscious Filmmaking

Links & Resources

• Follow her on Linkedin - Link
• Check out her website - 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 sponsored by WIZZ FX, host Jamie Larson speaks with the UK’s leading intimacy coordinator and the Founder of Intimacy On Set Ltd, Ita O'Brien.

Ita has worked on numerous high-profile productions, including Normal People, I May Destroy You , Sex Education, It’s A Sin, We Live in Time, and The Roses.

Her pioneering work in intimacy coordination for film, TV, and theatre, reflects the importance of consent, safety, and emotional well-being in intimate scenes. We discussed her journey from conservative Irish roots to transforming industry standards, the choreography of intimacy, mental health support on set, and broader conversations about human connection and sexuality.

Additionally we take a more thorough look at her book Intimacy which is due for paperback release in the UK on June 4th 2026 and is out now in the US.

We explore topic such as:

• Development of intimacy onset guidelines
• The role of consent and boundaries in acting
• Supporting actor well-being during intimate scenes
• Cultural shifts in discussing sexuality and intimacy

Episode Highlights

• 04:50 - The Importance of Emotional Safety in Performance
• 28:06 - How Intimacy Coordination Changed the Atmosphere on Productions
• 49:15 - Establishing the Rhythm of Intimacy
• 55:18 - Exploring Darker Themes in Storytelling
• 01:12:58 -Teaching Intimacy and Consent to Youth

Links & Resources

• Follow her on Linkedin - Link
• Follow her on Instagram - @IntimacyonSet or @ItaOB
• Read & Purchase Ita O Brien’s book ‘Intimacy’ - Link
• The Good Sex Project (NZ Podcast) Link
• The Price of Sex (NZ Web Series) Link
• Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (Documentary) Link

• Films / Series Referenced:

• Sex Education (2019-2023) - Link
  • Season 1 - Episode 5
  • Season 2 - Episode 8

• I May Destroy You (2020) - Link

• Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022) - Link
• We Live In Time (2024) - Link

Connect With Us

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

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, host Jamie Larson chats with WIZZFX Imaging Production Director, Richard Boffin aka Boff.

Richard shares his journey from small-town beginnings to branching into the world of audio and working with some of the most iconic radio brands in the UK and beyond.

His entry into the industry came from an adjacent interest in music and audio engineering - Despite the hardships along the way Richard persevered developing key skills in audio imaging and creating a strong network of contacts.

We explore:

• How early support fostered confidence in following his passions
• Network radio and taking proactive steps to learn new skills
• The rewards of working in audio branding

Episode Highlights

• 17:01 - The Influence of 'The Boat That Rocked'
• 30:14 - Growth and Learning at Kerrang
• 42:35 - Transitioning to Capital: A New Chapter
• 01:05:25 - The Role of AI in Radio Imaging

Links & Resources

• Follow him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boffin-0b454b68/

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 Beyond Broadcast, host Jamie chats with WIZZFX Imaging Production Director, Richard Boffin aka Boff.

Richard shares his journey from small-town beginnings to branching into the world of audio and working with some of the most iconic radio brands in the UK and beyond.

His entry into the industry came from an adjacent interest in music and audio engineering - Despite the hardships along the way Richard persevered developing key skills in audio imaging and creating a strong network of contacts.

We explore:

• How early support fostered confidence in following his passions
• Network radio and taking proactive steps to learn new skills
• The rewards of working in audio branding

Episode Highlights

• 17:01 - The Influence of 'The Boat That Rocked'
• 30:14 - Growth and Learning at Kerrang
• 42:35 - Transitioning to Capital: A New Chapter
• 01:05:25 - The Role of AI in Radio Imaging

Links & Resources

• Follow him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boffin-0b454b68/

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 Beyond Broadcast powered by WIZZFX, host Jamie chats with foley artist, Ruth Sullivan.

Ruth began her career by exploring initially a career in acting. As with all journeys in life it can always be slightly unpredictable, she later became a foley artist and has since worked on hundreds of films and TV dramas. (Killing Eve, Top Boy, Peaky Blinders & Much More)

Never giving up on the theatre, she formed her own dance company, Gravitas, before joining the Tower Theatre Company in 2007 to pursue her first love - performing. She has since managed to combine her two careers and has become the "go to" foley artist for live theatre sound.

We delve into the changing role of the foley artist and how the role slowly adapted from a very humble and often misunderstood beginning.

We explore:

• Ruth’s transition from performance to foley work
• The important role of movement and props in sound creation on screen and the physicality behind it
• Why foley is now being recognised as an integral part of the sound department

Episode Highlights

• 11:48 - Learning the Craft of Foley
• 23:42 - Collecting Props for Foley
• 44:12 - Collaboration in Foley: The Role of Sound Engineers
• 53:10 - The Future of Foley: Training and New Talent

Links & Resources

• Check out her website - https://www.ruthsullivan.co.uk/
• Follow her on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-sullivan-2127a510/

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 powered by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson chats with Andy Rowe, the founder of Red Nine Studios who co-created The Rugby Pod and hosts popular rugby podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby among his own co-productions with creators.

We explore:

• His unorthodox journey into broadcasting and how he got his first gigs.
• How his work in the recruitment industry in the UK provided lessons that he’s taken throughout his career.
• Why podcasting became such a successful transition for him after leaving radio.
• The decisions that lead to him creating the only purpose-built podcast studio in the South Island of New Zealand.
• Why now is the best time to get into the podcast sphere.

Episode Highlights

• 11:01 - The Transition to Sports Journalism
• 25:29 - The Challenges of the New Zealand Media Landscape
• 39:33 - The Rise of the Rugby Pod
• 44:58 - The Importance of Research in Interviews
• 58:08 - The Value of Podcasting for Businesses

Links & Resources

• Andy’s studio in Christchurch - https://www.redninestudios.com/
• Email him - [email protected]

Connect With Us

• Learn more about WIZZFX and take your audio to the next level - 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 the second episode of Season 2 of The Beyond Broadcast Podcast powered by WIZZFX, Jamie chats with Irene Gardiner, the current president of SPADA & a current sitting board member of RNZ and Able.

In more recent years she has been working as a consultant, executive producer and commentator on the industry in New Zealand as well as previously taking charge of content for online NZ broadcasting showcase NZ On Screen.

Her early years saw her working in journalism, television production and commissioning

We explore:

• The challenges faced by public media in New Zealand
• The importance of preserving New Zealand's cultural voice and the need for regulation in the industry.
• The impact of streaming services on local production

Episode Highlights

• 10:34 - The Glory Days of New Zealand Television
• 18:21 - Late Night News: A Bold Move
• 33:50 - The Role of NZ On Screen
• 47:39 - The Need for Regulation

Connect With Us

• If you want your audio to sound sick visit WIZZFX to see how they can help you take your audio to the next level - 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 the first episode of Season 2 of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast powered by WIZZFX, Jamie chats with Todd Scott, Co-Owner and Publisher of the National Business Review and owner of New Media Solution. Todd has steered the NBR from a traditional print publication into the successful subscription-only online platform it is today.

But long before his rise in the world of publishing, Todd was a cut above the rest — becoming a business owner and operating his own butchery in his early years before stepping into a career in broadcasting.

Throughout his life and career, Todd has moved with intention, with accountability and ethics serving as cornerstones of his decision-making. He reflects on his personal experiences, including his relationship with his wife Jackie and the influence of mentors who have shaped his approach to business and leadership.

We explore:

• Lessons from the butcher’s shopfront — connecting with people and mastering the art of the sale

• The transition from brick and mortar to broadcasting — entering the world of media

• Building the NBR into what it is today — making bold, strategic decisions

• The future of media and the subscription model

Todd was incredibly open about his journey, and I’m grateful for his generosity in sharing it.

This episode was recorded on January 20, 2026.

Episode Highlights

• 18:13 - Lessons from the Butcher Shop
• 27:27 - Building a Media Empire
• 36:44 - Integrity in Journalism
• 45:43 - Challenges and Triumphs in Business
• 55:01 - The Future of Media and Subscriber Models

Links & Resources

• You check out the NBR here for yourself - https://www.nbr.co.nz/
• Learn more about New Media Solution - https://newmediasolution.co.nz/
• Connect with Todd on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/todd-scott-786b6a10
• If you want your audio to sound sick visit WIZZFX to see how they can help you take your audio to the next level - https://www.wizzfx.com/

Connect With Us

• 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, I speak with broadcasting extraordinaire, Mikey Havoc.

With an incredible journey starting in the music industry with band Push Push, before becoming a prominent figure in radio and television with a decent stint in the Auckland nightlife scene - Mikey really has done it all.

We walk through his incredibly quick rise and to becoming a staple part of the media landscape in New Zealand and we dabble in some of the wild and funny stories along the way.

Sadly this interview was cut shorter due to technical issues but this bite-sized episode of the podcast doesn’t even cover a fraction of his captivating life - we could’ve spoken for hours and barely scratched the surface. (I hope you know Mikey, there were tears in my ears for multiple reasons during this)

Recorded May 26 2025 - Some items items discussed which came to fruition

• Reformation tour for Push Push (What a legend)

In the final episode of Season 1 of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Vanessa Wells, a multi-award-winning director, producer, and actor.

We discuss Vanessa's journey from acting to broadcasting, her experiences in voiceover work, and her impactful projects like Braveheart Christchurch and her work which has taken her to the extreme climates of Antarctica.

Vanessa shares insights on the challenges women face in the film industry, the importance of mentorship, and the significance of community support in filmmaking.

Being that Vanessa has explored multiple facets and varying industries it’s great to see that a lot of the reason she has stayed in the industry has been from pure passion and a love of story telling.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me through the following channels:

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-edward-larson/