Further Out

In this episode of The Big Yarn Podcast, we're joined by Michael Richardson, a man with a truly remarkable life story.Michael takes us on a journey from his upbringing in a musical family in Sydney to spending 17 years in California pursuing music and a career in building automation. He opens up about personal challenges, the cultural shift of moving to New Zealand, and the realities of raising a child with autism. We also talk about his decision to start his own HVAC business, Capital and Coast, and his philosophy on work-life balance.In this episode, we discuss:[01:01] Growing up in Sydney and learning music in his dad's recording studio.[02:28] 17 years in California: The pursuit of music and a career in a high-tech trade.[23:13] Overcoming personal challenges and the loss of his mother.[01:13:09] The big move to New Zealand and starting a new life in Wellington.[01:35:50] A father's journey: The challenges and triumphs of raising a daughter with autism.[01:49:06] Starting a business: The story behind Capital and Coast HVAC.[02:03:03] Reflections on being present for your family and the importance of open communication.This is a powerful and honest conversation about navigating life's unexpected turns and finding your own definition of success.#Podcast #LifeStory #NewZealand #Tradesman #AutismAwarenessCheck out Michaels company at https://capitalcoasthvac.co.nz/

In this episode of The Big Yarn Podcast, we're joined by Troy Spiers, the founder of the innovative Kiwi brand, Lead Head NZ.Troy shares his powerful and raw story of growing up in a tough part of Wellington, being raised by his dad, and the heartbreaking loss that ultimately led to a complete life change. He explains how a simple problem on the job site sparked a genius idea and how he built a community-focused brand from the ground up, all while navigating his own mental health journey.In this episode, we discuss:[03:32] Troy's unique and challenging childhood in Titahi Bay.[01:09:09] Dealing with grief, loss, and the decision to leave the building trade.[01:45:12] The "aha!" moment: The simple invention that solved a daily problem for tradies.[01:47:09] The journey of building the Lead Head NZ brand and community.[01:59:52] The future of the brand and the importance of supporting local.[01:08:52] An honest conversation about mental health and overcoming adversity.This is a story of resilience, innovation, and the power of community you won't want to miss.#Podcast #LeadHeadNZ #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #NewZealandCheck his hats out at www.leadheadnz.com#podcast #newzealand #nzpodcastCheck his hats out at www.leadheadnz.com

Welcome to the very first episode of The Big Yarn Podcast. Before we dive into conversations with incredible guests, I wanted to share my own story with you all. This is the story of how I got here, the highs and the lows, and the "why" behind starting this podcast.Join me as I take you on a journey from growing up in the isolated New Zealand bush with no electricity to the wild years in Australia, hitting rock bottom, and the journey back to building a life I'm truly proud of. My hope is that by sharing my story, it might inspire someone else to chase their dreams and overcome their own challenges.In this episode, I share my story:[03:14] Growing up as a "bush kid" in the Hokianga.[06:49] The culture shock of moving to the city.[10:42] Teenage years, getting into trouble, and the court case that changed everything.[22:42] Moving to Australia at 18 for a fresh start.[31:03] Hitting rock bottom: a period of homelessness on the Gold Coast.[37:27] Meeting my wife and the turning point in my life.[55:09] The "calling" to move back to New Zealand to raise a family.[01:10:55] A raw and honest account of dealing with recent trauma, grief, and mental health.Thank you for listening and for being a part of this journey from the very beginning.#Podcast #LifeStory #NewZealand #MentalHealth #Inspiration

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