Beyond Broadcast

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, proudly brought to you by WIZZFX, host Jamie Larson speaks with New Zealand entertainment reporter extraordinaire, Kate Rodger.They explore Kate's unique upbringing in Fiji, her journey through broadcasting school, and her experiences in the big smoke of Christchurch. Kate shares her competitive spirit, her early career in radio, and the pivotal moments that led her to travel abroad. The conversation delves into her personal challenges, including the loss of her mother, and how these experiences shaped her career in entertainment journalism. Kate reflects on her time in London, the transition to corporate roles, and the impact of significant events like 9/11 on her life. Additionally Kate provides insights into the art of interviewing and the realities of junket interviews in the film industry.Throughout, Kate's passion for film and storytelling shines through, showcasing the joy and challenges of her profession.We touch on topics such as:How Kate’s competitive nature influenced her career choices.Why living in London exposed her to diverse experiences.The art of the interview Why advocating for local filmmakers is essential for the industry.Episode Highlights13:59 - The Call to Adventure: Traveling Abroad30:55 -The Shift to Entertainment: Discovering Passion44:58 - The Reality of Junkets: Behind the Scenes01:01:09 - Navigating Different Personalities01:35:28 -The Passion for Film and FandomLinks & ResourcesFollow her on Linkedin - LinkCheck out her insta - @kate_rodgerConnect With UsLearn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpodReceive updates on new episodes: beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast proudly sponsored by WIZZ FX, host Jamie Larson speaks with the UK’s leading intimacy coordinator and the Founder of Intimacy On Set Ltd, Ita O'Brien.Ita has worked on numerous high-profile productions, including Normal People, I May Destroy You , Sex Education, It’s A Sin, We Live in Time, and The Roses.Her pioneering work in intimacy coordination for film, TV, and theatre, reflects the importance of consent, safety, and emotional well-being in intimate scenes. We discussed her journey from conservative Irish roots to transforming industry standards, the choreography of intimacy, mental health support on set, and broader conversations about human connection and sexuality.Additionally we take a more thorough look at her book Intimacy which is due for paperback release in the UK on June 4th 2026 and is out now in the US. We explore topic such as: Development of intimacy onset guidelinesThe role of consent and boundaries in actingSupporting actor well-being during intimate scenesCultural shifts in discussing sexuality and intimacyEpisode Highlights04:50 - The Importance of Emotional Safety in Performance28:06 - How Intimacy Coordination Changed the Atmosphere on Productions49:15 - Establishing the Rhythm of Intimacy55:18 - Exploring Darker Themes in Storytelling01:12:58 -Teaching Intimacy and Consent to YouthLinks & ResourcesFollow her on Linkedin - LinkFollow her on Instagram - @IntimacyonSet or @ItaOBRead & Purchase Ita O Brien’s book ‘Intimacy’ - Link The Good Sex Project (NZ Podcast) LinkThe Price of Sex (NZ Web Series) LinkBrainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (Documentary) LinkFilms / Series Referenced:Sex Education (2019-2023) - LinkSeason 1 - Episode 5Season 2 - Episode 8 I May Destroy You (2020) - LinkLady Chatterley's Lover (2022) - LinkWe Live In Time (2024) - LinkConnect With UsLearn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpodDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of Beyond Broadcast powered by WIZZFX, host Jamie chats with foley artist, Ruth Sullivan.Ruth began her career by exploring initially a career in acting. As with all journeys in life it can always be slightly unpredictable, she later became a foley artist and has since worked on hundreds of films and TV dramas. (Killing Eve, Top Boy, Peaky Blinders & Much More)Never giving up on the theatre, she formed her own dance company, Gravitas, before joining the Tower Theatre Company in 2007 to pursue her first love - performing. She has since managed to combine her two careers and has become the "go to" foley artist for live theatre sound.We delve into the changing role of the foley artist and how the role slowly adapted from a very humble and often misunderstood beginning.We explore:Ruth’s transition from performance to foley workThe important role of movement and props in sound creation on screen and the physicality behind itWhy foley is now being recognised as an integral part of the sound departmentEpisode Highlights11:48 - Learning the Craft of Foley23:42 - Collecting Props for Foley44:12 - Collaboration in Foley: The Role of Sound Engineers53:10 - The Future of Foley: Training and New TalentLinks & ResourcesCheck out her website - https://www.ruthsullivan.co.uk/Follow her on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-sullivan-2127a510/Connect With UsLearn more about the great work from WIZZFX - https://www.wizzfx.com/Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpodReceive updates on new episodes: beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In the second episode of Season 2 of The Beyond Broadcast Podcast powered by WIZZFX, Jamie chats with Irene Gardiner, the current president of SPADA & a current sitting board member of RNZ and Able.In more recent years she has been working as a consultant, executive producer and commentator on the industry in New Zealand as well as previously taking charge of content for online NZ broadcasting showcase NZ On Screen.Her early years saw her working in journalism, television production and commissioningWe explore:The challenges faced by public media in New ZealandThe importance of preserving New Zealand's cultural voice and the need for regulation in the industry.The impact of streaming services on local productionEpisode Highlights10:34 - The Glory Days of New Zealand Television18:21 - Late Night News: A Bold Move33:50 - The Role of NZ On Screen47:39 - The Need for RegulationConnect With UsIf you want your audio to sound sick visit WIZZFX to see how they can help you take your audio to the next level - https://www.wizzfx.com/Follow us on Instagram: @beyondbroadcastpodReceive updates on new episodes: beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In the final episode of Season 1 of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Vanessa Wells, a multi-award-winning director, producer, and actor.We discuss Vanessa's journey from acting to broadcasting, her experiences in voiceover work, and her impactful projects like Braveheart Christchurch and her work which has taken her to the extreme climates of Antarctica. Vanessa shares insights on the challenges women face in the film industry, the importance of mentorship, and the significance of community support in filmmaking. Being that Vanessa has explored multiple facets and varying industries it’s great to see that a lot of the reason she has stayed in the industry has been from pure passion and a love of story telling.—--If you would like to get in contact you can reach me through the following channels:Insta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-edward-larson/

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Jane Yee, A voice and face that’s shaped New Zealand media for more than two decades.Moving through various formats including radio, television print and podcasting - Jane has a natural ability to fit into roles across the spectrum.Since there was a lot to unpack we jumped straight into discussing her work with the cult radio station Channel Z before transitioning to discussing the early challenges of moving into television and being front of cam. We take a look at how music television played an integral part in the NZ music scene and essentially was a dominant voice in promoting local music and establishing local artists.Along the way we get a couple of sneaky behind the scenes stories on her various pivots and memorable moments during some of the crazy late night shifts and interactions with fans.The move into music PR and how it was a natural fit and how Jane played a part in the Bieber fever chaos in New Zealand back in the day.Finally, her early foresight into diving head first into podcasting and how she established the Spinoff Podcast Network and is now tackling the newsroom with the team at NZ Herald - A vast departure from her previous work in music and entertainment. —--If you would like to get in contact you can reach me through the following channels:Insta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Celia Jaspers. Celia has been in the media industry for over 30 years - Director, Writer, Producer, Script Supervisor & Editor - A true jack of all trades.Helming projects such as House Hunters International, Country Calendar, Primeval New Zealand, Milk & The Polycees.Her career has seen her work on a mixture of local and international tv as well as her own personal projects which have garnered many awards.We talk about her start on the iconic New Zealand kids show ‘What Now’ at the young age of 15 and how that led her on her journey to start in the TV industry.We discuss her inspirations and how she ended up becoming a core part of the team behind Country calendar in later years and how this led to her call up to work on hit show House Hunters International. Celia credits the importance of community support when making films on smaller budgets and we take a look at how it helped her create her own projects. Additionally we also focus on Celia’s motivation for continuous learning, and the challenges of navigating the film festival circuit. Celia has a wealth of knowledge and it was really interesting to get a behind the scene look at some of the higher level nuts and bolts of navigating passion projects while still working freelance on projects for larger production companies.—--If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the followingInsta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Bridget de Goldi - A radio announcer, voiceover artist, MC and so much more. (Way too many talents to name) This episode is a mixture of incredible insights from her years behind the mic and quickly derailed into a hilarious back and forth of wild stories from Bridget detailing her adventures in the industry. We speak on her love for local radio and the changing landscape with audience habits and also emerging technology. We explore her personal stories of loss, big career pivots and why connection is at the core of her beingThe conversation also touches on the role of women in broadcasting, the impact of AI on voice work, and the significance of storytelling in events and why the role of an MC is more than just being a famous face - but taking people on a journey.—--If you want to work with Bridget or learn more about her work you can visit the following:https://www.bridgetdegoldi.com/ Or Email her at: hello@bridgetdegoldi.com—--If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the followingInsta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Estelle Clifford - A broadcaster, voiceover artist, and actor. Estelle and I quickly dive into her early years in Wellington to her career in radio, including her passion for theatre, and the challenges she faced in the broadcasting industry. We explore the importance of community engagement in radio and Estelle's commitment to breaking stereotypes for women in the industry. Additionally, we take a look at her journey through career changes, the challenges of parenthood, and the emotional experience of adoption. Before wrapping up discussing the balance between her professional life in radio and her new role as a mother, highlighting the unexpected opportunities that arose, including her work as a music reviewer.Estelle shares the struggles of burnout and the importance of seeking help, ultimately rediscovering her passion for radio while embracing the freedom of her evolving identity.—--If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following Insta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Tash Christie, a prominent figure in New Zealand's broadcasting industry and Head of Factual at Greenstone Television. We discuss Tash's unique upbringing, her journey from theatre to television production, and the importance of storytelling in reflecting New Zealand's culture. Tash shares insights on building trust with contributors, the challenges of creating authentic content, and the role of women in media. She emphasizes the need for the next generation of creatives to continue telling New Zealand's stories and the importance of maintaining local platforms in the face of global competition.—If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following Insta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast I’m speaking with UK born and Singapore based, podcast consultant and owner/operator of CLW Media, Charlotte Lewis-West.Charlotte and I go through her dynamic career which has seen her ebb and flow through various forms of traditional media, dip into corporate communications and now help enterprises create podcast content which connects companies with consumers.From her roots in the UK and New Zealand to her current adventures in Singapore, we go through the high and lows of her journey while also exploring where she found her love of podcasting and key lessons she’s picked up along the way.Her career has seen her come to appreciate the power of media in connecting communities through her experiences during the Christchurch earthquakes while also being able to mobilise during critical times through the power of radio.We lock in on the significance of niche podcasting and where the true power comes from engaged audiences not numbers.Also, we discuss some of the challenges which come from this industry including the often under discussed millennial work-ethic, the toxicity of not fostering supportive environments and the unlearning of hustle culture which is often applauded on social media.You can get in touch with Charlotte at the following email address: charlotte@clwmedia.com—If you would like to get in contact with the podcast you can reach me on the following: Insta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Carly Flynn, a journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter from New Zealand. Known for her work on Nightline, Sunrise, 3News as well as her presenting roles with TV3’s Target, Choice TV's Cook the Books and The Healthy Food Guide.Carly’s career journey has seen her pivot into various roles and display resilience in the unpredictable world of media.Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the value of camaraderie in the newsroom and the evolving landscape of journalism today. We also touch on the pressures of public perception and the oddity of journalists being pseudo celebrities in New Zealand and the impact of viewer habits on news presentation. She also opened up about the challenges that the industry can have on mental health and the importance of empowering and mentoring the next generation of journalists.

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Plains Media (Previously Plains FM) content coordinator, Pia Titus. Pia has an incredible journey which crosses industries, countries, and experiences from working with boutique Belgian chocolatiers, teaching English in Japan, and now helping broadcasters from a multitude of backgrounds get behind the mic to tell their stories.We cover a range of topics in this one which all leads back to the core theme of communication and understanding. This includes exploring what it means to be a fish out of water in a new country and how beneficial it is to learn how to navigate the barriers of language and how beautiful cultural diversity is and the lessons we learn from it.We also touch on why public access stations like Plains Media (Plains FM) need to exist and why representation in media is so important, in addition to why community-centric media is a great way to empower minority or under-represented groups. Finally Pia and I take a more reflective moment when discussing the future of public access media and why it is becoming harder for staff in the sector due to uncertainty around funding and limited resources. While also feeling there is a lot of faith in the future and that Plains is always adapting and trying to find new ways to reach the community. To learn more about the great work Plains Media does in the community I'd highly recommend visiting their website - https://plains.org.nz/—If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following Insta - @beyondbroadcastpodEmail - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com