This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In Episode 37 of Tappa’s Green Room, Tappa sits down with one of the most influential figures in Australian surfing history — Robert “Bushy” Mitchell. From growing up on a rural farm near the Victorian–NSW border to discovering surfing at Moffat Beach, Bushy’s journey mirrors the grassroots evolution of competitive surfing in Australia. As long-time President of Surfing Queensland, former CEO, and Surfing Australia’s first Chair, Bushy almost single-handedly carried the sport through its formative decades. This episode dives deep into untold stories from the 1970s through the 1990s, the long road trips, the volunteer grind, iconic surfers, early big-wave safety, and the people who shaped the sport. A masterclass in leadership, service, and passion — and a must-listen for anyone who loves surfing beyond the lineup.

In Episode 36 of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Australian surfing legend Paul Neilsen for a deep dive into the formative years of professional surfing on the Gold Coast and beyond. From growing up in a near-empty Surfers Paradise and borrowing boards as a kid, to charging Hawaiian waves, winning Bells Beach in 1971, and taking out the prestigious Smirnoff Pro-Am, Paul reflects on an era before leg ropes, sponsorship hype, and crowded line-ups. The conversation also explores the rise of Brothers Neilsen Surfboards, the shaping bays of Mermaid Beach, and what it meant to be part of surfing’s first true professional generation—driven by passion, community, and fearless commitment.

Episode Sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In Episode 35 of Tappa’s Green Room, Tappa sits down with Burleigh Heads standout and World Tour campaigner Liam O’Brien for an honest, wide-ranging chat about the realities of professional surfing. From growing up surfing raw Victorian coastlines to becoming a Burleigh Boardriders mainstay, Liam reflects on how his early years shaped his style, mindset, and respect for the lineup. The conversation dives deep into the ups and downs of the Challenger Series, his breakthrough moments on tour, the brutal ankle injury at Pipe, and the long road back to confidence and form. It’s a raw look at resilience, humility, and what it really takes to stay in the game at the highest level.

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece is joined by surfing legend, journalist, conservationist, and Chairman of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, Andrew McKinnon. The conversation centres on the upcoming World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC) 2026, an international gathering set to take place on the Gold Coast in February 2026. Andrew breaks down what the conference is really about — far beyond ocean conservation alone — exploring sustainability, climate change, surf break protection, wellness, innovation, and community-led solutions. With stories from decades in surfing and deep insight into global conservation efforts, this episode highlights how surfers, scientists, and communities can work together to safeguard the future of our oceans and waves.

Sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with young surfing talent Leihani Zoric, whose passion, determination, and natural connection to the ocean have already made her one to watch. Leihani shares her story of growing up surfing with her dad, competing from a young age, and balancing school, training, and travel. She talks openly about the challenges of competition, the excitement of progression, and her goals for the future.

SHOW NOTES

• Tappa introduces guest Leihani Zoric, an emerging young surfer making waves in the competitive scene.
• How Leihani started surfing with her dad and built an early love for the ocean.
• Training routines, favourite surf spots, and what keeps her motivated.
• Balancing school life with competition, travel, and surf commitments.
• Lessons learned from contests and how she handles pressure.
• The influence of family, community, and mentors on her surfing journey.
• The thrills of progression — new manoeuvres, bigger waves, and personal goals.
• Leihani’s dreams for the future and what excites her most about the journey ahead.
• Closing reflections on staying grounded, grateful, and connected to the ocean.

Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece welcomes Matt Barber - educator, performance coach, and advocate for mental, physical and ocean-connected well-being. Matt opens up about his journey from decades in education to pioneering innovative youth programs and becoming a key member of HUPO, where he blends surf, breath-work and mindset training to help fellow surfers and everyday people realise their true potential. The conversation dives into how surfing, community, and personal growth intersect - touching on resilience, purpose, wellness, environment, and the transformative power of nature and the ocean.

Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In Part 2 of his conversation with Terry “Tappa” Teece, legendary shaper and artist Richard Harvey returns to Tappa’s Green Room to dive deeper into the world of creativity, craftsmanship, and expression. Moving beyond surfboards, Richard opens up about his evolution as an artist - from painting and woodcarving to the unique pieces that have defined his artistic identity. He shares stories of inspiration drawn from the ocean, the people around him, and the landscapes that shaped his life. This episode is a heartfelt look into the mind of a creator whose hands have shaped both waves and works of art across more than 50 years.

SHOW NOTES

• Tappa welcomes Richard Harvey back for Part 2 of their conversation.
• Richard’s transition from shaping surfboards to exploring painting and fine art.
• The artistic influences that shaped his style and eye.
• How the ocean, coastline, and surf culture feed his creativity.
• Stories behind specific artworks and the emotions or memories tied to them.
• Richard’s love of woodwork, sculpture, and working with natural materials.
• The overlap between shaping and art — flow, form, detail, and intuition.
• Reflections on exhibiting his work and the people who collect it.
• Richard’s philosophy on creativity, longevity, and staying inspired.
• Closing thoughts on living a life guided by passion and craft.

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co. Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Tappa sits down with legendary Gold Coast shaper and artist Richard Harvey, who has spent more than 50 years handcrafting surfboards for state champions, Australian champions, and international surfers. Richard reflects on growing up in the era of wooden boards, discovering shaping as a young grommet, and building a lifelong career grounded in craftsmanship and creativity. From iconic moments in Australian surf history to his evolution as a painter and woodworker, Richard shares stories filled with nostalgia, humour, and heart. It’s a deep dive into the life of a surfer whose hands have shaped both boards and culture across generations.

SHOW NOTES

• Tappa introduces Richard Harvey, surfer, artist, and master craftsman of over 50 years.
• Growing up in an era before foam boards and the early days of Gold Coast surfing.
• Richard’s first experiences shaping — the mistakes, the magic, and the learning curve.
• Working with and shaping for state and Australian champions.
• His memories of iconic surfing eras and the characters who shaped the Gold Coast scene.
• How art became a natural extension of his creativity, from painting to wood carving.
• The evolution of surfboard construction and what has — and hasn’t — changed.
• Reflections on staying grounded, inspired, and connected to the ocean over decades.
• Thoughts on craftsmanship, passion, and passing knowledge to the next generation.

Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co. and produced by Podfire.

In this episode Tappa sits down with Jean-Marie Lartigau, a pioneering French surfer, artist, and six-time national champion whose life has taken him from the waves of the Basque Coast in the 1960s to a deeply rooted home on the Gold Coast. Jean-Marie shares stories of the early European surf scene, discovering surfing through family and community, competing through the sport’s formative years, and eventually travelling the world before settling in Australia in the early ’70s. He reflects on shaping, artistry, the evolution of surfing culture, and the personal philosophy that’s driven him through decades in and around the ocean. It’s a warm, thoughtful, and beautifully human conversation with a true surf original.

Show Notes

• Tappa welcomes Jean-Marie Lartigau: French surfing pioneer, artist, and multiple-time national champion.
• Growing up on the Basque Coast and discovering surfing in the early 1960s.
• Stories from the early French and European surf scene and how small the community was at the time.
• Competing from 1962 to 1968 and becoming French National Surfing Champion.
• Travelling the world in the late ’60s and early ’70s as global surf culture exploded.
• Arriving in Australia, falling in love with the Gold Coast, and deciding to settle there.
• Transitioning into shaping, art, and developing a recognisable artistic style.
• Reflections on the differences between France and Australia’s surfing culture.
• The philosophy, creativity, and joy that still drive him today.
• Jean-Marie’s thoughts on the evolution of surfing and the importance of community and connection.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Phil Clayton — Ironman legend, coach, and one of the most respected voices in surf lifesaving. From his early days charging the Gold Coast surf to competing on the world stage, Phil shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a life spent in the ocean. He opens up about the evolution of surf lifesaving, mentoring the next generation, and what it takes to stay driven after competition. Packed with insight, laughs, and raw honesty, this chat captures the spirit of an athlete who’s never stopped giving back to the sport he loves.

Show Notes

• Tappa introduces Phil Clayton, former professional Ironman and elite surf lifesaving coach.
• Phil’s early days growing up in the surf and discovering his competitive edge.
• Memories from his Ironman career — victories, rivalries, and resilience.
• Transitioning from athlete to mentor and surf coach.
• The evolution of surf lifesaving and what it means today.
• Reflections on motivation, mindset, and leadership in and out of the water.
• How Phil helps young athletes find balance, purpose, and performance.
• The lasting lessons the ocean continues to teach him.

Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.