Fresh off a huge WIN over Floyd Masson in Saturday night’s IBF World Title Eliminator, Dave sits down with Olympic medallist, two-time Commonwealth Games champion and world title contender David Nyika for a kōrero that goes far beyond boxing.

Recorded during fight week ahead of the huge IBF World Title Eliminator against Floyd Masson this Saturday night 🥊

David has been chasing one goal since he was a teenager: becoming a professional world champion. Along the way, boxing has tested his fear, discipline and resilience, while taking him around the world and into camp with the likes of Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker.

But his biggest fight has happened outside the ring. When his fiancée Lexy was diagnosed with cancer, David became her advocate throughout treatment, found his faith and discovered a deeper sense of purpose. As he puts it, “Her fight became my fight.”

This is the man behind “The Nice Guy” — what drives him, what scares him, and why he believes his biggest chapters are still ahead.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is produced by the team at ⁠⁠⁠Fanaticals⁠⁠⁠

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

This week, Dave sits down with All Black legend Frank Bunce to share the stories behind his extraordinary life and career.

After years of missing rep teams, Frank thought his dream of becoming an All Black was over. Until he represented Samoa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, then he got a call from Laurie Mains that changed everything.

What followed was a front-row seat to one of the greatest eras in rugby history — playing in the unforgettable 1995 Rugby World Cup, sharing the field with Jonah Lomu, fierce Bledisloe battles, and memories of great mates like Peter Fatialofa & Eric Rush.

This kōrero is filled with hilarious, untold stories behind one of rugby's greatest eras. Enjoy.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is produced by the team at ⁠⁠⁠Fanaticals⁠⁠⁠

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

Keven was on our 3rd ever Unfiltered episode and one of the all-time favourites! With a lot of new Unfiltered listeners around, we thought we'd spruce it up and bring it back this week.

Last year Dave sat down with All Blacks legend Keven Mealamu. From dreaming of wearing the black jersey at just 8 years old to becoming a two-time Rugby World Cup winner. Keven reflects on the highs, heartbreaks, and defining moments that shaped his career.

A powerful conversation about handling pressure, the mentors who shaped him, and a family who backed him every step of the way.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave⁠⁠

This podcast is produced by the team at ⁠⁠Fanaticals⁠⁠

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

This week, Dave sits down with Professor Rangi Mātāmua — the man behind the revival of Matariki — for a special kōrero about the history, meaning, and resurgence of Aotearoa's Māori New Year.

After inheriting a 400-page manuscript from his grandfather documenting over a thousand Māori stars, Rangi set out to honour his grandfather's wish to share that knowledge with others.

His work has helped reintroduce Matariki to a new generation and played a pivotal role in establishing it as a national public holiday.

Together, Dave and Rangi explore what Matariki truly represents — honouring those we've lost, celebrating the present, and looking ahead with hope and purpose. They unpack the traditions behind the celebration, the story of its remarkable resurgence, and why it matters to people across Aotearoa.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave⁠⁠

This podcast is produced by the team at ⁠⁠Fanaticals⁠⁠

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

At nearly 300kg, James McDiarmid was told he might not make it out of hospital. He feared dying on his son’s birthday and leaving his family behind. Today, he’s lost 130kg, works alongside Dave at BBM, and is helping others transform their lives through the very programme that changed his own.

In this episode, Dave sits down with James to talk about hitting rock bottom, finding the courage to ask for help, the power of consistency, and how one decision completely changed the course of his life.

A powerful kōrero about resilience, hope, and proving that it’s never too late to change.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave⁠⁠

This podcast is produced by the team at ⁠⁠Fanaticals⁠⁠.

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

Eugene Bareman is the head coach of City Kickboxing — one of the world’s most respected combat sports gyms, producing UFC champions and elite fighters on the global stage.

Israel Adesanya. Dan Hooker. Kai Kara-France. Carlos Ulberg. Navajo Stirling… and many more.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Eugene to talk about building City Kickboxing from the ground up, the culture behind its success, what separates their champions, and some incredible stories from inside the fight game.

Eugene also opens up about the tragic loss of Fau Vake, how it changed his life, and the work they're doing with the Walk Without Fear Trust to create lasting change.

An epic kōrero about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to be a champion.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave⁠

This podcast is produced by the team at ⁠Fanaticals⁠

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

Dr Timoti Te Moke’s story is one of the most remarkable we’ve ever shared on Unfiltered.

Growing up surrounded by violence, abuse and poverty, Timoti became involved in gangs, spent time in prison, and was told his future had already been written. Against all odds, he turned his life around, became a paramedic, and went on to qualify as a doctor at 56 years old.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Timoti to talk about resilience, the power of education, overcoming adversity, and why no child’s future should ever be determined by the circumstances they’re born into.

A powerful kōrero about hope, perseverance, and the belief that it’s never too late to change your life.

Please help us keep Unfiltered going: https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave

This podcast is produced by the team at Fanaticals

Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!

For decades, Lolo Heimuli has been one of the most respected figures in New Zealand combat sports — training more than 100 national champions and 10 world champions, including names like Ray Sefo, Mark Hunt, Shane Cameron, and future coaching great Eugene Bareman.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Lolo to talk about his journey from Tonga to New Zealand, building Balmoral Lee Gar Gym from a church hall, the sacrifices behind a lifetime of coaching, and shares some hilarious stories from the golden era of New Zealand fighting.

A powerful kōrero about purpose, sacrifice, and helping others succeed.

Podcast produced by Fanaticals.

It’s tough out there right now.

So Dave sat down with Mike Bennetts — Ex-CEO of Z Energy and one of New Zealand’s most experienced business leaders — to ask the questions every business owner is thinking about.

From leading one of New Zealand’s largest companies through economic uncertainty, to coaching leaders and founders today, Mike shares practical advice on navigating tough times, looking after your people, using AI to your advantage, and why working harder isn’t always the answer.

Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or trying to build something from the ground up, there’s plenty in this episode that could save you time, money, and a few mistakes.

To celebrate 50 episodes of Unfiltered, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite moments from the journey so far.

A huge thank you to every guest who has trusted us with their story, and to everyone who has watched, listened, shared, and supported the podcast along the way.

If you’ve enjoyed the first 50 episodes and want to help us keep these conversations going, you can now support the show here:

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredwithdave

Every contribution helps us continue sharing powerful stories from across Aotearoa. Thank you for being part of the journey.

Hosted by Dave Letele and brought to you by Fanaticals.