Beyond Broadcast

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Jeff McTainsh, a leading voice in the next generation of legendary New Zealand sports broadcasters. Jeff shares his journey from his early days in Dunedin, his transition from his early work in radio, journalism and anchoring the news at TV3 to becoming a prominent voice for rugby at Sky Sports.

Additionally, Jeff joins the ranks as one of the select few who have officially commentated games for the All Blacks as of 2024.

He reflects on the influence of mentors throughout his career, we touch on challenges faced by the All Blacks regarding scrutiny from the general public, and the experience of getting to report on one of the biggest sporting events the Olympics multiple times.

Jeff shows a can-do attitude, is willing to get stuck in and it’s taken him on this incredible journey through his determination and hard work.

This episode was recorded July 28th

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast I’m speaking with UK born and Singapore based, podcast consultant and owner/operator of CLW Media, Charlotte Lewis-West.

Charlotte and I go through her dynamic career which has seen her ebb and flow through various forms of traditional media, dip into corporate communications and now help enterprises create podcast content which connects companies with consumers.

From her roots in the UK and New Zealand to her current adventures in Singapore, we go through the high and lows of her journey while also exploring where she found her love of podcasting and key lessons she’s picked up along the way.

Her career has seen her come to appreciate the power of media in connecting communities through her experiences during the Christchurch earthquakes while also being able to mobilise during critical times through the power of radio.

We lock in on the significance of niche podcasting and where the true power comes from engaged audiences not numbers.

Also, we discuss some of the challenges which come from this industry including the often under discussed millennial work-ethic, the toxicity of not fostering supportive environments and the unlearning of hustle culture which is often applauded on social media.

You can get in touch with Charlotte at the following email address:

[email protected]

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If you would like to get in contact with the podcast you can reach me on the following:

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Chris Howe, a production guru and Head of Production at Imagination TV, as well as a newly published author.

From the small stage as a lighting technician to now heading major television productions.

We dive into the impact of his high school experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating the broadcasting industry.

Chris emphasizes the significance of networking, teamwork, and maintaining a positive work environment in production. He also reflects on his freelance experiences, the balance between work and personal life, and offers valuable advice for aspiring producers.

If you’d like more information on Chris’s newly released book ‘The Sole Trader's Survival Guide to Money’

You can check it out here:

https://linktr.ee/creativebooklab?lt_utm_source=lt_admin_share_link#475598920

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Carly Flynn, a journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter from New Zealand.

Known for her work on Nightline, Sunrise, 3News as well as her presenting roles with TV3’s Target, Choice TV's Cook the Books and The Healthy Food Guide.

Carly’s career journey has seen her pivot into various roles and display resilience in the unpredictable world of media.

Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the value of camaraderie in the newsroom and the evolving landscape of journalism today.

We also touch on the pressures of public perception and the oddity of journalists being pseudo celebrities in New Zealand and the impact of viewer habits on news presentation.

She also opened up about the challenges that the industry can have on mental health and the importance of empowering and mentoring the next generation of journalists.

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with a former Journalist & Musician, Darryl Baser.

Always on the hunt for different backgrounds and perspectives it was great to be able to sit down with Darryl who has been a journey-man in the sense of shifting industries and locations.

We cover a wide array of topics including speaking about the Dunedin music scene and the therapeutic role it has played in his life, the evolution of local journalism and the challenges of working as a journalist in this era of sensationalist news.

Additionally, why media models from other countries don’t work in New Zealand, the necessity of local/community news and why there needs to be more community engagement within media.

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

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Plains Media (Previously Plains FM) content coordinator, Pia Titus.

Pia has an incredible journey which crosses industries, countries, and experiences from working with boutique Belgian chocolatiers, teaching English in Japan, and now helping broadcasters from a multitude of backgrounds get behind the mic to tell their stories.

We cover a range of topics in this one which all leads back to the core theme of communication and understanding.

This includes exploring what it means to be a fish out of water in a new country and how beneficial it is to learn how to navigate the barriers of language and how beautiful cultural diversity is and the lessons we learn from it.

We also touch on why public access stations like Plains Media (Plains FM) need to exist and why representation in media is so important, in addition to why community-centric media is a great way to empower minority or under-represented groups.

Finally Pia and I take a more reflective moment when discussing the future of public access media and why it is becoming harder for staff in the sector due to uncertainty around funding and limited resources.

While also feeling there is a lot of faith in the future and that Plains is always adapting and trying to find new ways to reach the community.

To learn more about the great work Plains Media does in the community I'd highly recommend visiting their website - https://plains.org.nz/

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Paul Campion, an accomplished VFX artist, concept artist, director, and screenwriter.

It all started with a young boy fascinated by special effects & early sci-fi & fantasy films who took this fascination and turned it into a passion and then a career working on some of the most iconic films like Lord of the Rings, X-Men, and Sin City.

Paul discussed the challenges of breaking into the film industry, the importance of traditional skills in a digital age, and his experiences at renowned special effects studios.

Paul Campion shares his journey from working at Framestore to becoming a key player at Weta Digital during the production of 'Lord of the Rings'. He discusses the challenges and excitement of creating iconic characters like the Balrog.

Very early in his career Paul realised the significance of specialisation and networking in a competitive field and how opportunities in the industry were previously difficult to find and you had to be industrious in order to secure roles.

Also, we look at his transition from visual effects to directing, and the lessons learned from his independent film 'The Devil's Rock'. Campion reflects on the film industry's complexities, including the impact of piracy and audience expectations.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Veeshayne Patuwai, a prominent figure in broadcasting and Māori empowerment.

Veeshayne’s entry into broadcasting came from an unexpected place, but this non-linear path led to her flourishing in the industry and in the same breath incorporating cultural pride and authenticity.

We learn how the little town of Moerewa shaped her upbringing and how matriarchal figures inspired her tenacity and resilience.

Her experience working at the then newly established Mai FM, which went from being treated as a bit of an underdog to becoming the behemoth that it is today in the Mediaworks catalogue.

Additionally we touch on the evolution of representation of Maori media in New Zealand and why media helps establish cultural pride when our own voices are reflected to our communities. In addition to the absolute need for government support which is lacking currently.

Finally we speak on the significance of empowering women and highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder women’s leadership, while also touching on the role of young people in driving social change.

--This interview was recorded just after the controversial passing of the pay equity law in New Zealand dated May 2025. References to this can be found in this podcast --

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To learn more about Veeshayne’s work in the community you can check out the following links:

Mana Wahine Aotearoa (Facebook Community Group for and by Māori wāhine)

Mad Ave Community Trust (Community Organisation)

Relative Media (PR Comms with focus on Wāhine and Whānau Māori)

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

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

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In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with New Zealand sports journalist & commentator, Nick Bewley.

Growing up a bit of a nomad Nick moved around during his childhood and early on developed a massive love of sports.

This love started on the field with him lacing up his own boots to eventually follow those who were going on to play at the professional level.

With a furious passion and keenness to get stuck in, Nick managed to score a crucial mentorship gig with a crew of talented journalists who began to help guide him on this initial step.

Throw in the 2011 World Cup and he was well on his way to achieving his dream of working in the industry after getting stuck in.

With a established career in NZ he then went on his big OE in the UK, working for ESPN producing content and travelling.

Despite a few curveballs in the mix, Nick has pivoted and explored other areas of the media sphere and remained adaptable which has seen him thrive in what can be a tough industry in New Zealand.

We touch on how timing and luck can play a part in the journey of a lot of broadcasters, but how his main belief has always been that your best ability is always availability.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with UK-based New Zealand imaging producer & imaging business owner, Chris Nicoll.

If you have never heard of the imaging industry or are looking to find out more about this unique sect of the audio landscape this is a must listen.

Chris was born and raised in Hamilton, New Zealand but it wasn’t long before he jumped into a much bigger pond, becoming a key player in the global radio industry.

We cover a lot in this episode including Chris's early influences, the importance of hands-on learning, and the role of failure in creative endeavors.

Plus we take a look at how he navigated significant career choices, the impact of education on creativity, and how passion is a huge driver in this industry.

Chris even takes the time to acknowledge how ego can be a big barrier and how high expectations he set for himself led to burn out at times.

It doesn’t stop there since Chris pivoted into creating his own business Wizz FX which comes with its own challenges but a key part of his business has been mentorship and mentoring talent. (Even mentoring me at one point)

Of course we can’t not mention AI and what he envisions is the future for imaging in the sphere and changing audiences and consumption.