Before becoming one of the Wellington Phoenix's most loved players, Corban lost his dad as a teenager, packed up his life, and headed to Ireland chasing a football dream with no guarantees it'd work out. There were days in Dublin where he'd barely speak to anyone.

Meanwhile, his family back home were trying to navigate life without the man who'd always held things together. We get into all of that, plus some funny yarns along the way.

The Auckland FC rivalry, what was really happening at the Phoenix during a difficult season, derby day tension, locker room stories, his obsession with eggs, and why he looks more like he'd be playing No. 8 for the Hurricanes than professional football.

A bloody good episode, one of my favourites in a long time. Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/

Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

Corban Inta – https://www.instagram.com/corbannpiper/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

600km in 11 days… yeah, nah bro. Emma Upton joins the pod after running from Auckland to Wellington for Movember, which is about as casual as it sounds. Before that, she also knocked out a half marathon every day for 30 days straight! An absolute weapon and I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation. Emma opens up about losing her uncle to a battle with mental health and why that's pushed her to show up for men's mental health in such a big way. We also unpack the challenges behind the scenes, the crazy stories about travelling through rural NZ, the pressure to keep going bigger and what she's thinking for her next challenge. A huge reminder that most of us are probably capable of a lot more than we think! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Emma Upton – https://www.instagram.com/emmauptonn/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

Sami recently swam (yes swam) the Cook Straight, clocking an impressive 9hrs 46 mins for 28.8 km. That's nearly 10 hours of treading water with no wetsuit, what a weapon. Sami unpacks why this swim was so important for him, raising funds for Parkinson's Disease and the challenges he had to overcome along the way (including swimming the last hour in complete darkness). We also yarn about Sami's shoe venture, WildPool that's taking over the UK!

Hope you enjoy this episode and conversation.

Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

Sami Robertson – https://www.instagram.com/sami_robertson/

Wild Pool – https://shop.wildpool.com/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

James Fuller is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hnry, one of New Zealand's fastest growing fintech companies (nearly a billion dollar business), now processing income for hundreds of thousands of sole traders across Aotearoa and beyond.

In this conversation, James shares the real story behind building Hnry, from spotting the opportunity early with his wife, to navigating the uncertainty, pressure and setbacks that come with scaling a company responsible for handling a growing share of New Zealand's tax system.

We also unpack one of Hnry's boldest moves yet, securing the naming rights to Sky Stadium, now Hnry Stadium, why they did it, what the process looked like behind the scenes, and whether it was a calculated strategic play or a massive risk.

Beyond the business headlines, we talk about the highs and lows of founding a company, the hardest decisions James has had to make as CEO, moments of self doubt, and what genuinely keeps him up at night while leading a company trusted by hundreds of thousands of people.

Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Hnry – https://hnry.co.nz/

Beyond the Surface – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

This episode features Xara Jetly, one of New Zealand's most exciting cricketers from the Blaze and an absolute weapon on and off the field (you'll see why when you watch this episode).

We cover her latest championship win with the Blaze, being steered toward elite sport at a young age, and the pivotal family meeting at 13 after her netball coach told her she would never be a Silver Fern.

Xara opens up about shutting down sexist haters and how she juggles university, professional cricket, and content creation for her 150k plus followers, while still thinking deeply about what comes next, you ever dreamed about starting your own IVF clinic?!

She reflects on being told she would never represent the White Ferns because she "didn't work hard enough", and how that moment shaped her mindset more than any trophy ever could. Xara also shares what people do not see behind the highlights, and what it is really like working alongside Amelia Kerr.

Xara's honesty, work rate, and self-belief make this one I know a lot of you will resonate with! If you enjoyed the episode, please hit subscribe, follow the show, or leave a five-star rating. It genuinely helps the pod grow! Chur.

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en

Xara Jetly Insta – https://www.instagram.com/xara.jetly/?hl=en

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en

Beyond the Surface Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL

In this episode, Pasilio Tosi opens up about the parts of his journey that rarely get talked about.

Growing up in Levin, taking the harder road through Southland and Bay of Plenty, changing positions later than most after gaining a few kegs during lockdown, and learning to put ego aside to keep moving forward.

Pasi shares what surprised him most about the All Blacks environment, the standards that go unspoken, and the mindset shifts. Enjoy whanau!

Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en

Pasi Insta – https://www.instagram.com/pasiliotosi18/?hl=en

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en

First ep of the year! Zion Perry lives a pretty unique double life. He studied Ecology, works in conservation, and in his spare time is also a national champion Muay Thai fighter and the latest King in the Ring champion.

KITR is the most prestigious combat sport event in New Zealand, with previous champs being Israel Adesanya and Carlos Ulberg.

In this episode, we talk about what it actually feels like to step into the ring, the nerves before a fight, and how mindfulness plays a role when everything is on the line. Zion breaks down his recent King in the Ring run, what that win meant for him, and what's next as he transitions into MMA, heads to Thailand, and chases a pathway towards the UFC.

Enjoy!

Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en

Zion's Insta – https://www.instagram.com/zion_perry/?hl=en

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1W..

At 18, Harry became a dad. By his mid-twenties, he was running a growing marketing agency, working with big clients and living what looked like success from the outside.

But in 2024, his business was hit hard, losing over $300,000 in a matter of months. It forced him to rethink everything he thought he knew about business, success, and happiness.

Now, Harry is rebuilding from the ground up with In-House Academy, a marketing school built from the lessons of his failures and his drive to help others do things differently.

This conversation unpacks what happens when everything falls apart, and why sometimes losing it all is the best thing that can happen to you!

Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Academy In-House - https://academyinhouse.com/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en

Harry's Insta – https://www.instagram.com/mrdaltonharris/?hl=en

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en

At 20, Lizi became pregnant while studying, went on the benefit, finished her degree, and launched an award-winning agency by 27 and cleared her debt, all while being a young Mum.

But life changed again when her eldest daughter (12) suddenly lost her memory every few days, in a bizarre condition that they are still seeking answers for. Lizi shares some business lessons, what resilience really looks like, and how she keeps moving forward when life refuses to slow down.

Lizi's story about her daughter is devastating, but I know they will find a solution soon!

Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Lizi Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liziguest/

Little and Loud PR Agency - https://littleandloud.co.nz/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/

Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde

Melodownz has been on my guest hitlist since starting the show. From tagging in Tāmaki to collaborating with Denzel Curry and Israel Adesanya, and launching a hot sauce brand, running Kava Corner interviewing some of NZ's biggest names, Melowdownz has never been one to stay in his lane.

In this episode, we unpack his journey from growing up in Avondale by his solo Mum, the impact of losing close friends to violence and suicide, to the deep personal reflections that have shaped his work today and advice for young people.

We explore his early influences, mental health, youth mentoring, and the realities of life behind the music. We also talk about his highly anticipated new album, Melo & Bass, and what this next chapter means for him as both a creative and a man.

A candid and powerful kōrero with one of Aotearoa's most thoughtful voices in hip hop.

Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow!

Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/

Melowdonz Insta – https://www.instagram.com/melowdownz/

Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde