Across The Table With David Melse

For episode 226, we met up with Paul Szybiak to check out 3 different building sites across Christchurch, documenting each stage of the building process for a ROSEFERN home. We see a freshly demolished site, to a construction site, to a newly completed townhouse. At each new location we get to hear about the challenges and wins of developing during the Christchurch development boom, and what the future of ROSEFERN HOMES looks like. We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Produced by Buddy Booth

For episode 224, we met up with Tim Aldridge in Marlborough to tour PURO, the biggest cannabis farm in New Zealand. With over 60,000 plants, it’s something you have to see (and smell) to believe! In this mini episode of the podcast we hear the story of how Tim, Sank and Tom founded PURO, how it broke the NZ crowdfunding record on PledgeMe, how difficult it’s been to get started, and how fast the operation has been scaling. Tim predicts that Marlborough could be one of the best places in the world to grow medicinal cannabis, and explains how despite their massive success in markets such as Australia, Germany and the UK, how kiwis are unable to buy the product for themselves. This is a really unique business story that you won't find anywhere else! Check out PURO here: www.puro.nz ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Produced by Buddy Booth

For episode 222, David and Buddy sat down for the first new podcast episode of the year, announcing the end of the previous podcast format, and announcing an all new style for 2026. Rather than continuing the studio format, we are spicing things up and taking the podcast on the road, with a new style that combines free form documentary and educational content. David lays out his goals for the new year, as well as recapping some of the big events from 2025. This is just a short one as we test out the new format, but we are hyped to bring you the next episode! Stay tuned for more! ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Produced by Buddy Booth

For episode 220, we sat down with Diego Ramirez, an expert known for mastery in AI business automation. Diego shares an unprecedented and urgent message: his current technical skillset is on the verge of obsolescence. He explains that with platforms like OpenAI and other tools advancing so rapidly, the need for human input on the how to automate will soon vanish. This conversation is a crucial wake up call for any business leader trying to stay ahead of the curve. We dive deep into the next level of expertise, which Diego predicts will shift entirely from the technical execution to the strategic question: What and why should a business automate? This pivot requires business owners to be open minded and not fearful of new technology, or risk falling behind those who already have a "leg up" in the market. The true challenge is no longer coding, but vision. Ultimately, this is a discussion about future-proofing your business and your career. Diego shares the importance of surrounding yourself with "expanders"—people who stretch your blueprint for what is possible—to help you ask the right questions and develop the intuition necessary to thrive in an era of exponential change. Get ready to shift your thinking from tasks to strategy and secure your place in the automated future. Check out Diego at HMN PLUS:https://www.hmn.plus/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Across The Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

For episode 218, we sat down with Hayley Sharp, a certified breathwork facilitator, coach, and former corporate HR professional. Hayley shares her compelling journey from a 15-year corporate career—where she experienced multiple rounds of burnout—to taking a huge leap into self-employment to help others find a new way of living and being. In this episode, we talk about: The Science of Burnout: Hayley defines burnout not just as emotional exhaustion, but as the body hitting a tipping point where it enters an underlying survival mode, contrasting this with the literal threats faced by our ancestors. Identifying Your Stress Mode: We go beyond the common Fight and Flight responses to explore the often overlooked Freeze (procrastination, feeling weighed down) and the super common Fawn (people-pleasing and sacrificing personal needs). Breathwork as a Superpower: Hayley explains how her specific, guided breathwork technique allows you to access a non-ordinary state of consciousness by slowing down the default mode network (the "monkey mind"). This allows you to dispel stuck energy, emotions, and stress stored within the body. Blending the Spectrum: Hayley shares her unique methodology of blending logic, science, and spirituality, explaining that spirituality often shows up in business as following your intuition and instinct—that "gut feel" that drives bold, aligned action. The Power of Retreats: The conversation also touches on her luxurious, immersive retreats, which combine c. Check out Hayley Sharp:https://www.hayleysharp.co.nz/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Across The Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

For Episode 216, we sat down with Ellie Compton, a successful artist who merged her architectural background with her creative passion to build a highly structured, profitable enterprise. Ellie's professional journey demonstrates the power of converting a side project into a full-time career through calculated strategy and business acumen. In this episode, we talk about the development of her unique architectural, medieval, and steampunk-inspired line illustrations and the strategic financial metrics that allowed her to transition away from a traditional career. We conduct a deep dive into her business ecosystem—from leveraging premium-priced commissions and commercial murals to launching a popular mentorship program for other artists. We discuss the critical role of presentation and high-quality packaging in elevating brand value, the strategic approach to cultivating long-term client relationships, and the necessary financial and marketing discipline required to thrive as an artist in the modern market. Check out her art at: https://www.elliecompton.com/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here: https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Across The Table With David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here: https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka. From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete, Daniel’s story is one of purpose, discipline, and pushing beyond limits. In this episode we talk about the creation of Project Beyond the Ranges — Daniel’s self-made Movember challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo, a mountain run over the Two Thumb Range, and a 200km ride back to Christchurch — and the deeper mission behind it: raising awareness and action for men’s mental health. We also dive into the lessons the military teaches about leadership and resilience, the connection between hardship and growth, and how showing up for yourself and others can change lives. Check out Daniel:https://www.instagram.com/dan_lasto/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ Across The Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen. In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city. Check out BUSINESS:https://www.inkstercompany.co.nz/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards. Check Gerrards out here:https://gerrards.co.nz/ ___________________ Across The Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

For episode 210, we sat down with Ant and Paul from Rosefern Homes. From humble beginnings fixing houses to building a property development company grounded in values, Ant and Paul’s approach is practical, people-first, and unapologetically hands-on. In this episode we talk about leveraging social media to find property deals, building a business that reflects your values, overcoming resistance to putting yourself out there, and the power of small, consistent actions. Plus some laughs about Pilates, smoked meats, and why authenticity beats flash every time. Check out Rosefern Homes:https://rosefernhomes.co.nz/ ___________________ We’d also like to thank Rosefern Homes who are also our sponsor for this episode. ___________________ Across the Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

For episode 208, we sat down with Tristan Bailey. From building a national electrical and security company to launching a SaaS business on the side, Tristan’s approach to leadership is fast, people first, and unapologetically hands on. In this episode we talk about sales psychology, long-term relationships, retention strategies, and how to grow a team that actually sticks. Plus some wisdom on low voltage tech, cold beers, and why sleep might be optional. Check out Vision Systems:https://visionsystems.co.nz/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Neurofit. Check them out here:https://www.neurofit.co.nz/ ___________________ The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

Hamish Mehrtens is back. In this episode, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to fat loss, fitness, and staying accountable. No fluff, no shortcuts. Just practical insight on how to build momentum when life’s already full. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, making better decisions, and keeping the promise you made to yourself. Be sure to check out Hamish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-mehrtens-b13129149/?originalSubdomain=nz ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards Insurance. Check them out here: https://gerrards.co.nz/ ___________________ The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

In this deeply personal episode, Harrison Strickland opens up about the life-changing moment he lost his father. A fellow entrepreneur and his biggest influence. With little warning, Harrison was suddenly responsible for not just his own fast-growing creative business, Aperture HD, but also his late father’s company, 3D Revolution. What followed was a year of emotional and financial strain, learning on the fly, and doing whatever it took to keep his family supported. Through honest conversation, he shares the weight of that transition, the loneliness of entrepreneurship, and the growth that comes from being thrown in the deep end. Check out ApertureHD:https://www.aperturehd.co.nz/ ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Stoke Homes. Check them out here:https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/ ___________________ The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

In this episode, Matt from Lifestyle Lawns joins us for an open, grounded, and deeply relatable conversation about taking risks, backing yourself, and building something meaningful from the ground up. From walking away from a steady job to launching a business with no safety net, Matt shares the emotional and financial realities of going all-in while raising a young family and betting everything on an idea most people weren’t ready for. We also explore the importance of partnership, purpose, and staying true to your values in the face of uncertainty. Matt reflects on the highs and lows of business ownership, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and empathy, and why being “the good guys” in the industry matters more than chasing margin. This is a conversation about grit, growth, and holding your nerve when the future feels anything but guaranteed. Check out Lifestyle Lawns: lifestylelawns.co.nz ___________________ We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Tom Hardy. Check him out here:https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/ ___________________ The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz