You can watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/YWf54qL-rao

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Lawrence Tau - a pāpā, personal trainer turned kaupapa-driven mover, and cultural advocate using traditional Māori games to change the way we think about sport, mental health, and identity.

Lawrence opens up about growing up as a surprise baby, followed by his early years surrounded by hardship - experiences that shaped his understanding of responsibility, resilience, and the man he wanted to become. After losing his pāpā at 14, he found himself stepping into the role of manhood and fatherhood far earlier than expected.

This kōrero traces his journey from those formative years through becoming a young pāpā, learning the hard reality of walking alongside whānau in pain, and carving out his own purpose through movement. He shares how he began training whānau and friends at home, how relationships matter more than reps, and how grounding physical activity in te reo and tikanga became his way of healing and giving back.

We explore the power of walking and bush kōrero with rangatahi, wrestling with his boys as a form of aroha, the mindful practice that helped him break cycles of negative self-talk, and how surfing and immersion in the taiao helped him find peace and purpose.

This is a kōrero about culture and identity, values and autonomy, taonga takaro and how sport can connect, heal, and empower communities. 

Connect with Lawrence:
Instagram: @te_rahi_a_maaui

Learn more about our kaupapa here: www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

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Prefer to watch this on Youtube? Go here: https://youtu.be/4Wi7x1eFe88

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Mark Hedge – business owner, tradie, fit dad, and the driving force behind Ōtautahi Interior Liners. Mark and I have gotten to know each other over the years at Joe’s, and it’s been inspiring to watch his quiet determination shape not just his business, but also the lives of the people around him.

We dive into Mark’s story – from growing up in Dunedin and Ashburton before moving to Ōtautahi, to navigating high school setbacks and finding his way into the trades. Mark shares the fascinating (and slightly life-threatening) story of his burst appendix as a teenager, how he fell into drywall fixing, and the lessons he learned from both great bosses and those he swore he’d never emulate.

Mark opens up about the challenges of running a business in the wake of the GFC, COVID-19, and the recent downturn in the construction industry. We talk about the culture he’s cultivated in his team – a culture of respect, loyalty, and genuine care – and why that’s non-negotiable for him as a leader.

Mark shares candid insights about juggling business and whānau life, the constant learning curve of running a company, and how physical health and fitness keep him balanced. We also talk about his experiences giving back to the community, including sponsoring hundreds of mouthguards for Canterbury Rugby League’s young players.

This episode is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always look loud and flashy – sometimes it’s about turning up every day, looking after your people, and quietly shifting the narrative about what it means to be a tradie.

Mark’s journey reminds us that running a business isn’t just about making money – it’s about leaving a legacy of good people, solid values, and a reputation that speaks for itself.

Connect with Mark: https://www.instagram.com/oiliners/ or check out his website https://www.oiliners.co.nz/

Learn more about our kaupapa here: www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/o4iuMyHlaQc

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Lucy Worley - one of our talented kaimahi at Hustle Group, dancer, mental health advocate, and fierce boxer who has packed a lifetime of challenges and resilience into just 21 years.

Lucy shares her journey growing up in Halswell, the impact of her parents’ separation, and how her early experiences in the dance world sparked struggles with body image and control. We talk about how dance shaped her teenage years, her decision to leave traditional schooling to pursue ballet full-time, and ultimately finding her way back to education and work.

But this kōrero goes much deeper. Lucy opens up about losing her dad unexpectedly at 18, navigating grief that at times felt impossible to survive, and how therapy - and the mental health system stepping up when it mattered most - helped keep her here. She shares candidly about the loneliness and confusion of losing her best friend, Chelsea, to suicide at just 13, and how that tragedy ignited Lucy’s drive to speak openly about mental health and the realities of suicide prevention.

We also explore Lucy’s passion for physical health, boxing, and how channeling pain into purpose has become one of her most powerful tools for healing. She talks about the mental strength it takes to step into the ring, her hopes to become a boxing coach, and her dream of creating a gym that blends kōrero with throwing punches – a place where people can walk in feeling heavy and leave feeling lighter.

Finally, we dive into Lucy’s growing connection to her taha Māori, her pride in discovering her whakapapa, and her hopes to learn te reo Māori so she can one day pass it on to her own tamariki.

This episode is raw, real, and full of hope. If you’ve ever wondered how someone finds the courage to keep going after unimaginable loss, Lucy’s story will remind you that even in the darkest moments, there’s light worth fighting for.

Lucy’s kōrero is a testament to the resilience of young people who have faced far too much, far too soon. Her journey is a powerful reminder that grief and hope can coexist - and that with the right support, it’s possible to turn pain into purpose. 

Connect with Lucy:
 → Come and say kia ora at Joe’s Garage Wigram

Learn more about our kaupapa here: www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Tēnā koe and thank you for tuning in

If you'd like to watch this episose on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4B8LLX8GP2s

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Ethan Collins - chef, fitness enthusiast, and one of our most valued kaimahi at Hustle Group. Ethan and I go way back to our primary school days at Te Whānau Tahi, and it's been incredible to watch his journey unfold over the years.

We dive deep into Ethan's story - from losing his mum at 21 and the dark years that followed, to finding his way through addiction, grief, and the challenge of rebuilding his life from the ground up. Ethan opens up about the years he spent running - literally traveling all over Aotearoa trying to escape his pain - and the moment of honesty that changed everything.

This kōrero isn't just about struggle though. It's about the power of discipline, the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, and how fitness became Ethan's pathway back to himself. We talk about mental health, the reality of addiction, and what it takes to break generational cycles. Ethan shares his passion for calisthenics, his approach to building mental resilience, and the simple daily practices that keep him on track.

If you've ever faced loss, struggled with your mental health, or wondered what it takes to turn your life around, this episode is for you. Ethan's story is proof that no matter how dark things get, with the right support and daily commitment to being better, transformation is possible.

Ngā kaupapa:

- Dealing with grief and loss at a young age
- Breaking free from addiction and toxic cycles  
- The power of honesty in transformation
- Using fitness as medicine for mental health
- Building discipline through simple daily practices
- The importance of surrounding yourself with good people
- Calisthenics and functional fitness
- Mental resilience and the 1% better philosophy

Ethan's journey reminds us that growth isn't linear, that healing takes time, and that sometimes the strongest people are those who've faced the darkest moments and chosen to keep fighting for something better.

Connect with Ethan:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.p.collins
- Or come grab a Blue Cod burger at Fush and have a chat!

Learn more about our kaupapa here: https://www.hustlegroup.co.nz/

Support the show

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Tēnā koe and thank you for tuning in

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Te Awhiroa Kuka Sweet - a complex character with a rich backstory who describes himself perfectly. Te Awhiroa is a pāpā, former DJ and bouncer, Shakespeare enthusiast, competitive gamer, mental health advocate, and someone deeply passionate about weaving te reo Māori and tikanga into everything he does.

From growing up in New Brighton and finding his calling in performing arts to traveling to the Globe Theatre in London, Te Awhiroa's journey took him through drama school, back to Ōtautahi, and into the world of fatherhood - which he describes as his biggest passion. When his tama was born, his entire worldview shifted from living for himself to asking the deeper questions: What kind of values do I want to instill? How do I want to be a parent? How do I reclaim my te reo Māori for the next generation?

We dive deep into his journey of reconnecting with tikanga Māori through study at Te Puna Wānaka, working in technology to engage tamariki with pūrākau through gaming platforms like Fortnite, and his current mahi in mental health. Te Awhiroa shares powerful insights about using pūrākau about Māui as frameworks for understanding curiosity, boundaries, and how our tūpuna dealt with complex concepts like PTSD.

But this kōrero isn't just about culture and technology - it's about being a father in today's world, learning to be humble but not too humble, working on yourself when life finally slows down, and finding the balance between kindness and assertiveness that many of us struggle with.

Ngā kaupapa:

From Shakespeare to the Globe Theatre: How performing arts shaped his worldview
The moment fatherhood changed everything and made him reclaim his Māori identity
Using gaming and technology to teach pūrākau and engage tamariki with tikanga
Why Māui is actually a scientist - and what that teaches us about curiosity and boundaries
How tīpuna dealt with PTSD and warrior transitions through ceremony and community
The challenge of being humble but not too humble in today's world
Teaching tamariki to approach conflicts with aroha while still standing up for themselves
Working on yourself when the frantic pace of life finally settles down
The balance between being kind and being assertive as Māori navigating different worlds

Te Awhiroa's story is one of curiosity, growth, and the constant journey of becoming the father and man he wants to be - grounded in tikanga Māori but confident enough to fill up whatever space he enters.

More about our whānau businesses below: 

Fush: www.fushshorebro.co.nz 

Tātou Tātou: www.tatoutatou.kiwi 

Joe's Wigram: www.joes.co.nz/wigram 

Hustle Group: www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Support the show

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Tēnā koe and thank you for tuning in

Watch this episode on Youtube here

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Dan Vann - founder of Evolution Performance, world champion indoor cricketer, and one of Canterbury's most respected coaches who's helping athletes and business people unlock their potential under pressure.

We dive into Dan's early days growing up on a potato farm in Southbridge (alongside future All Black Dan Carter), his near-drowning experience at eight years old that kept him from learning to swim for 40 years, and how moving between six primary schools shaped his resilience. Dan opens up about his cricket journey - from playing men's grade at 16 to captaining the New Zealand Masters team and winning a World Cup in South Africa.

But this kōrero goes way beyond sport. Dan shares how COVID became the catalyst for discovering his passion for mental skills coaching, his recent ADHD diagnosis at 40, and why he's now teaching everyone from elite athletes to stressed-out CEOs how to regulate their nervous systems and perform when it matters most.

We talk about the silent epidemic of chronic stress, why most of us are only operating at 60% capacity, and the game-changing power of simply learning how to breathe properly. Dan breaks down why our caveman brains are sabotaging our modern success and shares practical tools for managing pressure - from box breathing to understanding the difference between stress and chronic stress.

If you're a parent supporting young athletes, a business owner burning the candle at both ends, or anyone who wants to show up better when the heat is on, this episode is packed with insights that'll change how you think about performance.

Ngā kaupapa:

• From farm kid to world champion - the power of delayed belief in yourself

• Why Dan didn't tell his parents about nearly drowning (and learned to swim at 40!)

• The mindset shift that took him from good club player to New Zealand captain  

• How ADHD became his superpower once he understood it

• Why chronic stress is the silent killer of performance

• The 80/20 principle for business owners trying to do everything

• How to support young athletes without crushing them with expectations

• Why "I can't" might be the most limiting phrase we use

• Practical tools for nervous system regulation that work in real life

Dan's story is one of late blooms, second chances, and the courage to redefine what's possible - proving it's never too late to level up your game, whether that's in sport, business, or life.

Check out Dan's mahi here: https://www.evolutionsports.co.nz/
Learn more about our kaupapa here: https://www.hustlegroup.co.nz/

Support the show

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Tēnā koe and thank you for tuning in

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/yoi-cz8Z10k

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Todd Mason - Director and Head Coach of Kings Swim School, long-time friend of our Hustle whānau, and one of Aotearoa’s most respected swim coaches.

We dive into Todd’s early days growing up in Tawa, his unlikely detour into plumbing, and how a freak injury reignited his passion for swimming. Todd shares the highs and lows of coaching world-class athletes - and the mindset it takes to be in the top 1%.

But it’s not just about elite performance. Todd opens up about the heartbreaking reality of drowning statistics in Aotearoa, the importance of early swimming education, and the legacy he hopes to leave - not just through his swimmers, but through the generations of tamariki he's helped keep safer in the water.

We kōrero about perseverance, confidence versus arrogance, the role of whānau in youth sport, and why the best athletes aren’t always the most naturally talented.

If you're a parent, a coach, or anyone who cares about young people reaching their full potential, this episode is packed with insight and real talk.

Ngā kaupapa:

• What separates Olympians from the rest
• The silent epidemic of drowning in NZ
• Why sport is the ultimate life teacher
• How to support your tamariki without overstepping
• Lessons learned from Roger Federer and Michael Phelps!

Todd’s story is one of service, hustle, and heart - and I’m grateful he shared it with us.

Check out Todd's business here: https://www.swimkings.co.nz/
Learn more about our kaupapa here: https://www.hustlegroup.co.nz/

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Tēnā koe and thank you for tuning in

You can also watch this episode here

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with a genuinely inspiring man, Morgan Batrum – someone I connected with after hearing about an incredible kaupapa he's taking on this September.

Morgan is running 617 kilometres in just seven days – that’s 100k a day for six days, and a final 17k on day seven – all to raise awareness and money for suicide prevention through I Am Hope. Why 617km? That’s the heartbreaking number of lives lost to suicide in Aotearoa last year alone. When he said that’s the equivalent of wiping out 45 rugby teams, it really hit me.

Morgan opens up about his own mental health journey, how jiu-jitsu and fitness helped pull him out of a dark space, and how he's turned struggle into purpose. We talk openly about how hard it can be to speak up, and how powerful it is when we do. He also shares the real mental battle behind long-distance running and why doing hard things has become his way of creating light, not just for himself, but for others too.

This kōrero isn’t just about running. It’s about resilience, mental health, breaking the silence, and being proud of yourself - even on the hard days

If you’ve ever felt low, or know someone who’s doing it tough, this one’s for you. Come and listen, come and feel seen, and maybe even come and do a lap with Morgan this September at Hagley Park.

To learn more about this kaupapa, follow Morgan on Instagram: @morgybartrum or visit his Give A Little Page

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

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🎙️ Beyond the Hustle | Sharne Pollard 

Kia ora! In this episode I sit down with my bro Sharne Pollard, a pāpā, partner, and one of the most loyal kaimahi at Hustle Group. Over the past 10 years, I’ve watched him grow from an awesome chef into a courageous leader and a better man.

In this kōrero, Sharne opens up about his upbringing - from bouncing between homes, facing violence, and watching addiction up close, to becoming a role model and pāpā navigating blended whānau life. He shares how moments like the Barber Hui helped him break generational cycles, and why loyalty, vulnerability, and showing up for your tamariki truly matter.

This one is for anyone who’s had a tough start and is trying to do better - for themselves, their whānau, and their future.

📌 Listen til the end because there's real gold in this kōrero.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories from real people.

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

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From global travels as a tamaiti to leadership in hapū, taiao, and te ao Māori, Mananui Ramsden shares the legacy, pressure, and purpose of being a good ancestor.

In this deeply honest and reflective kōrero, I sit down with my bro, Mananui Ramsden. A pāpā, hapū leader, taiao consultant, and founder of Te Whare Rākau Limited. We unpack his upbringing across continents, the trauma and strength within his own whakapapa, and his pursuit of purpose-led leadership in Aotearoa.

We talk about:
 🌍 Growing up between Australia, Asia, and Aotearoa
 🏔 The weight and privilege of knowing your whakapapa
 🌱 Leadership, kaitiakitanga, and reclaiming whenua
 🧠 The mental load tāne carry, and why men need men
 🌊 A life-changing journey to Taputapuātea in Raiatea
 💪 What it means to be a “fit pāpā” and prepare for your 80-year-old self
 💬 The one kōrero tāne aren’t having enough: suicide, connection & vulnerability

This kōrero is raw, insightful, and real - a must-watch for tāne, leaders, fathers, and anyone navigating identity and intergenerational purpose.

👉 Subscribe for more episodes that go Beyond the Hustle and learn more about our kaupapa at www.hustlegroup.co.nz
📲 Follow Mananui and Te Whare Rākau Limited on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mananui-ramsden-470bb689/

Kia ora! If you're enjoying Beyond The Hustle, we would love you to subscribe, tautoko and follow this kaupapa! That'a the best way you can show us some aroha.

Did you know you can watch Beyond The Hustle & heaps more Hustle Group Content on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKrt6x7Mdw90fruw7ctfysw-DZNpYpTW

Follow the Hustle Group on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehustlegroup_nz/

Learn more about Hustle Group:
www.hustlegroup.co.nz

Tēnā koe and thank you for tuning in