Wanaka Podcast

17/07/2023

Check it out! For all you aspiring podcasters out there!

26/08/2021

Well folks, what was born in lockdown 2020, will now come to an end in lock down 2021.

We are calling wraps on the awesome journey that has been the Wanaka Podcast. It has been an absolute blast!

We just wanted to say a massive thank you to our hosts, our guests, and our listeners!
And also to our season 5,6,7 sponsor Southern Lakes Motors.

We produced 43 episodes featuring some of Wanaka’s coolest business peeps.
Had over 19,000 downloads! Some episodes with over 1000 themselves.

You will still be able to listen for a little while in all the normal places, and then eventually the episodes will only be available on the Wanaka Podcast website.

We had a huge list of the many more of you who we could’ve featured, however sadly the time has come to put the energy into other projects.

In saying that, we have learnt a lot along the way about podcast making so if you are looking to do your own – do get in touch, we’d love to help!

See you on the next one team, stay safe out there.
Love Erin, Jo and Joe xx

21/07/2021

Hello amazing Wanaka Podcasters!

Just a quick note to let you all know that we are taking a short break and we will be back with you again soon!

In the interim catch up on any episodes you may have missed on https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform

Stay warm out there xx

16/07/2021

Holy Moly!

Thank you to all of our season seven guests and to our fantastic host Alecia Hodgson from Sixpence for another brilliant season! We loved having you all on the show! 💛💛

Alecia Hodgson runs Silver Sixpence Skin Clinic and she is passionate about skin health and skincare. She has carved out a business focused on beauty treatments as well as skin health. Her love of people is at the heart of her business and desire to host these discussions on the Wanaka Podcast. Her own business journey is a solid foundation for discussing strategy, creative business solutions, a focus on people, and the fun of business. Her own enterprise has been through some epic iterations, you can hear more about that on her episode with Jess Eastwood in season 4.

If you have missed any of Alecia's episodes you can check them out on our here: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/alecia-hodgson

Season Seven was brought to you by the awesome team at Southern Lakes Motors. Thanks team!

13/07/2021

Last Episode of Season Seven! And it's a beauty!

SE7 // EP7 // in this episode Alecia Hodgson from Silver Sixpence has a beautiful chat with Rachel Benton of The Green Room Flower Company and Plant Collective

Rachel Benton is the busy lady behind The Green Room and Plant Collective. She is ultra-organised so she can get flowers out on time, manage a young family, manage her team, and nail the administration behind the scenes. She has a team of talented florists and business managers running the businesses, and from time to time she gets to make a bouquet.

After leaving school, she moved from Palmerston North to Queenstown; a stint in hospo led her to Perth and eventually back to Wanaka. She started out her life in Wanaka cooking at Relishes while at the same time studying wine-making and horticulture. In an effort to get some work related to her study, she took on a role with the local florist, which sparked a passion for flowers. She went on to buy the business; which is blooming!

In this chat Alecia digs into the detail of running a florist shop and so much more. Enjoy!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/rachel-benton

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!


Season Seven is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

06/07/2021

Build it and they will come!!

SE7 // EP6 // in this episode Alecia Hodgson from Silver Sixpence has a great yarn with Dan Fountain of .

In earlier years, Dan funded his snowboarding life by working in the building trade in Ohakune. He then came to Wanaka and built a professional, award-winning business.

The building trade is cranking here in Wanaka; he describes the industry as growing, with no slow-down on the horizon. His business is a little different from other building companies because he and his staff work with the client right from the design phase, working closely with the architects, through the consent process, designing interiors, sourcing finishing and products, all the way to moving in. This means they are able to build efficiently, the client knows what they are getting, and the building team know the plans inside out.

Dan chats balancing family, fun, a team and a full Wanaka life. Tune in to hear this great chat!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/dan-fountain

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Seven is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

22/06/2021

Lights. Camera. Action! ✨🎥🤩

SE7 // EP4 // Alecia Hodgson from Silver Sixpence chats with Joe Murdie of The Film Crew Ltd.

Joe grew up in South Auckland, where he started developing film in a home made dark room. He got his foot in the door to filming when a friend asked him to pick up a video camera for a project he was working on. This sparked a love of moving imagery.

Joe initially built a name for himself in rock and metal music videos and he then built a career on cinematography, news and broadcasting. Food TV production has provided Joe the opportunity to travel; for example he has spent time filming in New York and in the jungle in Malaysia in South East Asia.

A love of scenery underpins his move to Wanaka, along with time spent fly fishing and snowboarding in beautiful places. Joe and his wife Erin have built a couple of thriving businesses here in Central Otago. Joe has a full and fulfilling life behind the camera: tune in to hear this interesting chat.

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/joe-murdie
Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Seven is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

01/06/2021

Welcome to Season Seven! New Fantastic Host + a New Line up of Incredible Wanaka Locals as our guests. We hope you enjoy! 💛💛

SE7 // EP1 // Alecia Hodgson from Silver Sixpence kicks off her season with a brilliant chat with Chantelle Thurlow from My Secret Picnic.

Chantelle's clever business provides a beautiful setting, scrumptious food and all the little touches for a romantic date with a special someone, a proposal, tying the knot, an elopement or giving a friend the warm fuzzies with a bridal or baby shower.

Setting up the perfect picnic is not as simple as it sounds. Chantelle lets us in on the behind the scenes antics of secret-keeping, dodging the weather, dog wrangling and setting up elaborate scenes in secret locations. Enjoy this fun and inspiring chat with Chantelle and Alecia!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/chantelle-thurlow

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!


Season Seven is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

26/05/2021

Whoop! That's another season wrapped!

Thank you to all of our season six guests and to our host Joe Murdie from The Film Crew Ltd for another great season!

Joe Murdie is a storyteller by nature. He is an award-winning filmmaker who is interested in people, places, and history. Joe sees the world through a cinematographers’ lens and his love for all things film has seen him work as a DP and Cinematographer on a variety of productions around the world.

We have thoroughly enjoyed Joe's different spin on the Wanaka Podcast and we know you have too!

If you have missed any of Joe's episodes you can check them out on www.wanakapodcast.com!

See you here next week for the launch of Season Seven, what!!

21/05/2021

We thought we add some sunshine to your morning coffee on this fine Saturday morning by re-sharing some of our top episodes for those who may have missed them the first time around.

Check out this fun chat between Duncan Good and Kirsty Schmutsch from Pembroke Pâtisserie, talking about her and Matts journey to the stunning offering that we are lucky to be able to enjoy right here in Wanaka!

Speaking of coffee, why not have it with a delicious almond croissant from the talented team at Pembroke Pâtisserie while you listen! (not a paid plug haha, we just love them!)

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/kirsty-schmutsch

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!

Enjoy! 🥐☕️🍰

Kirsty owns and runs the Pembroke Patisserie. Duncan and Kirsty chat about her journey to Wanaka and building one of Wanaka’s tastiest businesses. Enjoy this chat!

20/05/2021

The Wanaka Podcast has just hit 15,000 downloads. Holy Moly!!

We had no idea that this little lockdown idea was going to be so loved!

Thank you all for tuning in and supporting all of our amazing local business owners and their stories!

We 💛 you all!

19/05/2021

A delicious chat with one of the top chefs in the region!

SE6 // EP5 // Joe Murdie from The Film Crew Ltd wraps his season with a great chat with Mario Gomes Rodrigues, Head Chef and Owner of Bistro Gentil.

Mario describes the restaurant as French cuisine with a Kiwi twist. Mario grew up in South Africa, he trained as a chef and then he headed to England to work in a 400-year-old hotel. He loves food and music in equal measure so for a period enjoyed live gigs and making food in London.

He came to Wanaka to work in Botswana Butchery, he stayed there for 2 years before moving to Bistro Gentil. He tells us about how we started as sous chef and eventually became the owner. During his time there he has fine-tuned their menu, their staff, kitchen and their beautiful restaurant. He is a duck specialist, a biltong master and in this episode he gives away some of his secrets. His plan is to support the locals, follow food fashion, BBQ like a king and put his own twist on food.

We know you will love this discussion, listen in - then visit Bistro Gentil for an incredible experience!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/mario-rodrigues

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Six is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

07/05/2021

We thought we add some sunshine to your morning coffee on this fine Saturday morning by re-sharing some of our top episodes for those who may have missed them the first time around.

Check out this fantastic listen with Rob Holt - who was recently voted as one of Wanaka's top barista's!

Pour a cuppa and have a listen! Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/rob-holt

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!

Rob Holt from See Crow Fly coffee tells his tale about moving from Ireland to New Zealand, and from head dishwasher to head barista.

04/05/2021

POP QUIZ: Do you know who in this town has instructed the worlds highest pilates class on Mt Everest?!

SE6 // EP3 // feat. the very inspiring Vicky Hill from Central Lakes Physiotherapy and Pilates, that's who!

This week Joe Murdie from The Film Crew Ltd speaks with Vicky who owns and runs this successful Physiotherapy and Pilates studio here in Wanaka.

Vicky’s background is as varied as her interests. She was born in Germany but moved between UK and Scotland; her family moved a lot when she was a youngster as her father was in the Airforce. During this time in her life she lived in several small towns, but calls North East Scotland home.

Vicky has a passion for music; as a youngster she played flute and piano and as an adult she has taken up the ukulele and is part of the Wanaka Ukuleles group. In 2015 Vicky had the opportunity to support a climber in their attempt to reach the summit of Everest, working with Wanaka-based climbing company Adventure Consultants. Vicky talks about her terrifying experience at Everest Base Camp when the earthquake struck in 2015.

This chat has some real gems in it: bombs, earthquakes, avalanches and business all wrapped into one. It's a fantastic listen!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/vicky-hill

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

27/04/2021

The one with the cheeky scottish muso you all know and love!

SE6 // EP2 // feat. the very talented Rob from Robert Glen Music.

Boab Glen sits down with Joe Murdie from The Film Crew Ltd to talk about his life in music.

Robert is a local musician; he is a guitar player and singer performing at weddings and bars in Wanaka. He is from Scotland, where they call him Boab, pronounced Bob in his home town Dundee. His Dad taught him to play guitar and bought him a Stratocaster and he was off. Electric blues are his jam but his range is eclectic and include jazz, soul, drum and bass and his own style.

Robert is a guitar hoarder, he tells us about his quiver, his EP and his 3-piece band and how to turn a passion into a job, how you do what you love for work and how you keep that love alive.

Enjoy the sultry Scottish tones of Robert Glen!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/robert-glen

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!


Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

20/04/2021

SEASON SIX, HOLY MOLY!!

Bringing in a New Season, New Host, and another incredible line up of Wanaka Locals doing amazing things in business.

SE6 // EP1 // feat. Wayne Pretty from Pretty Sweet Lighting & Electrical.

Welcome to Season 6, episode 1. where our host Joe Murdie from The Film Crew Ltd speaks to Wayne Pretty from Pretty Sweet Lighting.

You’ll be surprised by Wayne’s background; you’ll note an Aussie twang, but there is more to the story. You’ll want to tune in to hear about his Mum, his tricky little start in Wanaka, and a colourful and interesting history.

He is a traveller, a snowboarder, a skater and one of a kind. His start in skateboarding is a doozy, but it sparked a lifelong love of the sport.

Wayne’s business is focused on lighting design and installation. The Pretty Sweet Lighting team are are more than just electricians; they specialise in designing lighting solutions. They are professionals who work hard and play hard. You will love this insight into Wayne’s world. You’ll enjoy this great chat with Joe and Wayne: get it in your ears!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/wayne-pretty

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

16/04/2021

We thought we add a little something different to our listeners Saturday mornings by re-sharing some of our top episodes for those who may have missed them the first time around.

Our first ever episode is such a goodie, have you listened yet?
Season one host Jess Eastwood from Mindchat talks shop with Walshy.

Head on over to listen:https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/chris-walsh

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!

Chris is the owner of Base Wanaka, our local streetwear and fashion. He is a passionate local retailer who puts values and people at the heart of everything. Take a listen.

13/04/2021

And that's a wrap for Season Five!

A massive thanks to our incredible host Duncan Good from The Goods on Real Estate - Wanaka for a truly inspiring season!

Duncan is a man who needs little introduction as he is well-known Wanaka local. He is involved in sport in the community, chairing the Wanaka Basketball Club and coaching junior rugby, and a regular contender in Challenge Wanaka as well as recreational skiing and biking with his mates.

Duncan is the Auctioneer for Ray White Wanaka, rated amongst the top Auctioneers in the Ray White group. He regularly competes in national competitions against the country’s best, as well as successful live TV calls on The Block NZ. Duncan works alongside his wife Kelly and together they have again achieved Elite Status this year, meaning they are in the top 3% of salespeople across the Ray White group!

We have loved having Duncan as a host on the Wanaka Podcast and we know you have too!

If you have missed any of Duncan's episodes you can check them out on www.wanakapodcast.com!

06/04/2021

Get on ya bike!

SE5 // EP6 // feat. Charlie Cochrane from Racers Edge Wanaka and Bike Glendhu.

Charlie Cochrane is a name, voice and face well recognised in Wanaka, as one of the owners of Racers Edge and Bike Glendhu.

During this awesome chat with host Duncan Good he tells us about how he has been involved in both the wholesale and retail ski industry from a young age. When Charlie was offered the opportunity to step in as an owner of the iconic Racers Edge at the age of 26, he hung up his travelling shoes and grabbed it with both hands.

He tells the tale of the early days working alongside Shaker, and his transition from R&R to being powered by Torpedo 7, which is owned by The Warehouse. Charlie also talks about the genesis and evolution of Bike Glendhu. The focus is on well-maintained trails, world-class base experience and sharing the privately owned land. The biking is brilliant and the environment is stunning. Charlie gives an insight into the future plans for Wanaka’s new iconic business.

Enjoy!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/charlie-cochrane

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

02/04/2021

We thought we add some sunshine to our listeners Saturday mornings by re-sharing some of our top episodes for those who may have missed them the first time around.

Like this absolute cracker of an episode with the amazing Sally Currie and Dougal Allan, our most played episode so far - an all time favourite!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/sally-currie

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!

Sally Currie works as an athlete manager for Braden Currie (her husband), triathlete and multi-sport Ironman. We hope you enjoy this honest and interesting chat!

01/04/2021

This town! 🤩💛

It is absolutely loaded with incredible talents! And we have been lucky enough to have a few of the recent winners of the 'Locals Choice Wanaka 20/21' awards on the show over the past few months (and many more in the pipeline!).

Congratulations to all of the winners, especially our show guests;

Kirsty Schmutsch from Pembroke Pâtisserie
>> Best Local Producer
https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/kirsty-schmutsch

Jo Mills from Rippon
>> Favourite Wedding Venue
https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/jo-mills

Ginny Rutledge from Wanaka Physiotherapy
>> Favourite physiotherapy
https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/ginny-rutledge

Prairie Pritchett from The Body Garage
>> Favourite yoga studio
https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/prairie-pritchett

30/03/2021

BEER!

SE5 // EP5 // feat. James Hay from b.social and b.effect brewing company.

James Hay is an accidental brewer. His taste for beer developed from drinking wine in France to drinking cider at university, to drinking beer because he realised it could actually taste good.

Like many of us, he came to Wanaka to chase snow. Working as a builder funded the start-up and the support from the boss helped him to start the beer business as well as learn about the balance of business and lifestyle. The business went from strength to strength. James uses local ingredients to create a local flavour. His brewing ethos lies in tweaking small aspects of the process to improve the flavour. He believes in tweaking things to keep things fresh and tasty. The beer has a strong design and a core following of fans in Wanaka and beyond.

Listen in to learn about where the name comes from and how this business evolved in Wanaka. Enjoy this fantastic chat with James, hosted by our Season Five host Duncan Good!

And if you haven’t tried their cider, tasted their kombucha, or sampled the beer, pop into B.social to check it out!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/james-hay

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!


Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

23/03/2021

You've had the almond croissants, now get a taste of the story!

SE5 // EP4 // feat. Kirsty Schmutsch from Pembroke Pâtisserie.

Our Season Five Host Duncan Good chats with the gorgeous Kirsty from Pembroke who along with her talented husband Matt, owns and runs the Pembroke Patisserie. Duncan and Kirsty chat about her journey to Wanaka and building one of Wanaka’s tastiest businesses.

Kirsty's passion stems from her Mum’s cooking and her life growing up on a sheep and beef farm. One of her first jobs was in the kitchen, peeling potatoes, and hospitality has been a constant ever since. As a young woman she went on a student exchange to France and this instilled a love of good food and different flavours, and stretched her palate. She formalised her interests with an International Diploma in Hotel Management in Adelaide and later gained a bachelor’s degree in European Studies, focusing on French and Spanish, and went on to tackle her Master’s.

She and Matt worked their way through iconic kitchens in NZ, learning new tricks of the trade. Kirsty talks about her challenges, celebrations and drivers in setting up the Patisserie. Tune in for this fun and interesting chat with Kirsty!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/kirsty-schmutsch

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

16/03/2021

What’s life like when adventure is your middle name??

SE5 // EP3 // feat. Bob McLachlan from Best Foot Forward.

Our Season Five Host Duncan Good chats with adventure racing champion Bob McLachlan.

Bob discovered white water kayaking at high school and the sport sparked a love of travel and paddling that has stayed with him for life.

Big Hands Bob or Big Water Bob; no matter what you call him, Bob had big plans from a young age. He built a reputation pioneering kayak missions descending remote and difficult stretches of water and he has also worked as a guide for trekking, mountain biking, sea-kayaking and canyoning companies internationally and in New Zealand over the past three decades.

Bob tackled the Coast to Coast as a teenager, and then at 44 years old he took on the One Day event, earning second overall and taking out the veterans first place. He has mastered waka ama, Rogain, adventure racing and has notched up impressive results in GodZone, Red Bull Defiance and many more - including winning the Cowboy Tough World Adventure Racing Championships in Wyoming, United States in August 2017.

In Bob’s business Best Foot Forward he coaches and support others in their adventure sports. He is the man to talk to if you want to learn about paddling white water and adventure sports and events. He talks about the transition from competition to coaching and all that entails.

Listen in to this inspiring and fun chat. You will enjoy the ride!

Head on over to listen: https://www.wanakapodcast.com/episodes/bob-mcglachlan

Or look up Wanaka Podcast on your favourite podcast platform!



Season Five is brought to you by the amazing team at Southern Lakes Motors. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in to their McCormick Street hub and say hi!

13/03/2021

We are very excited to announce that Wanaka Podcast are stoked to now be supported by Southern Lakes Motors. They reckon they are our biggest fans!

Southern Lakes Motors is the home of Mitsubishi and Nissan in Queenstown and Wanaka and their service centre is on McCormick Street in Three Parks right here in Wanaka.

Call in, chat to their team and book your service, warrant of fitness or repair. Like us, they enjoy talking to smart, interesting people, so pop in and say hi!

Thank you Southern Lakes Motors for your incredible support of the show!

11/03/2021

Gosh darn he's at it again!

Our champion season two host Dougal Allan - Endurance Athlete and Coach and his iSport Foundation team have just completed the mammoth event that is GODZone Adventure, the world's largest expedition length adventure race. Taking the silver spot on the podium, these absolute legends have earned their beers this weekend!

Well done Dougal, and legendary team mates Simone Maier, Theo Wordsworth & Richie McCaw.

(Photo credit: iSport Foundation)