The Mountain Club Podcast

A conversation shaped by perspective, place, and the pursuit of something deeper. Stuart Robertson, artist, photographer, and the force behind Peace in 10,000 Hands, shares how his work has taken him from Queenstown to some of the most remote and confronting corners of the world.Through experiences in places like Ukraine and Antarctica, Stu reflects on what it means to document humanity, capturing moments of connection, resilience, and quiet strength across vastly different cultures and environments. His work is less about the image itself, and more about the stories, people, and shared emotion behind it.Host Paddy Kluts explores the journey that has shaped Stu’s outlook, from his roots in Queenstown to a life spent moving between extremes, and how those experiences have redefined his understanding of community, creativity, and peace.

In a town known for its history and landscapes, Rosie Bristed is helping shape New Zealand’s creative future. Rosie, founder of Astor Bristed Gallery in Arrowtown joins us for a conversation about art, place, and building something meaningful in a small but vibrant creative community.Rosie shares her journey into the art world and what it really takes to run a contemporary gallery. From discovering artists and curating exhibitions to balancing intuition with the realities of running a business, she offers an honest look at the decisions behind the scenes.The conversation explores how galleries shape culture, the importance of relationships with artists and collectors, and how art can bring new energy to a region already known for its natural beauty. It’s a thoughtful discussion on creativity, community, and the quiet influence art can have on a place and the people who experience it. Listen now on the Mountain Club Podcast.

In this episode, host Clare Irons sits down with Nadia Lim; TV Chef, Entrepreneur, and beloved New Zealand food personality. Together, they dive into Nadia’s journey from winning MasterChef at age 24, to co-founding My Food Bag, and to her current life on Royalburn Station, where she’s embraced farming, sustainable food production, and the balancing act of running multiple businesses alongside family life.This conversation is packed with reflections on authenticity, personal and professional evolution, and what it really means to build something meaningful in New Zealand. Nadia shares the challenges and joys of putting herself at the centre of her brand, the realities behind entrepreneurial success, and how her definition of success has changed over the years.You’ll also hear about the unique aspects of New Zealand’s food culture, the importance of connecting people to where their food comes from, and why Nadia is so passionate about empowering future generations through food education.Whether you’re curious about food entrepreneurship, discovering Nadia’s journey or just want some inspiring stories of resilience and passion by an inspiring kiwi, tune in.

In this episode, host Paddy sits down with Ross Copland - an engineer, infrastructure leader, and passionate local - to explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with Queenstown’s rapid growth. Together, they dive into Ross Copland’s journey from a Southland farm to the helm of Southern Infrastructure Limited, discussing why Queenstown is such a special place and what it takes to keep pace with its booming population and tourism.You’ll hear candid insights about infrastructure delivery, funding, and planning - think cable cars, the future of local healthcare, and the big lessons learned from both the public and private sectors. Ross Copland and Paddy share real talk about political courage, valuing engineering know-how, and how Queenstown can become a model for growth across New Zealand. Whether you’re interested in business leadership or passionate about the future of the region, this episode is packed with inspiration and straight-up home truths.

In this special "Christmas Wrap" episode, host Clare looks back on an incredible year of connection, growth, and adventure in the Queenstown Lakes region. From unforgettable heli-skiing powder days with family and friends, to mountain biking, adventure races, and insightful conversations with inspiring guests, Clare and the Mountain Club community have plenty to celebrate.This episode dives deep into the highlights of 2025 - sharing stories of resilience, creativity, and the evolving power of human connection that makes this community so unique. Clare discusses the importance of being present, staying thankful, and fostering intentional relationships, both within Mountain Club and the wider region. You'll hear reflections on favourite moments, lessons learned, and honest, vulnerable encounters from throughout the year’s podcast episodes.Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, "Christmas Wrap" is a celebration of the people, places, and purposeful future that define Mountain Club. Get ready for inspiring anecdotes, thoughtful takeaways, and a heartwarming reminder to appreciate the now and look forward to what's next.

This episode is a deep dive into journeys - geographical, entrepreneurial, and personal wellbeing. Paddy sits down with Matt Chapman, a globetrotter turned Wanaka local, whose story stretches from a small town in Australia, through the bustling streets of Singapore, and finally, to the stunning landscapes of the Queenstown Lakes region. Matt shares his path from a highly scheduled, high-performing corporate life to finding balance and meaning in remote work, start-ups, and community building. We’ll hear how ultra marathons and business challenges led to the creation of ChapmanCG, and how that company’s growth and eventual exit paved the way for Matt's reinvention in New Zealand. This episode explores the importance of spontaneous adventure, nurturing wellbeing, and building connections - both professional and personal - in a place that inspires creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.From the thrill of founding global businesses to the serenity of planting thousands of trees and building a new collective for wellbeing, Matt's journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering community, and living life with intention. Get ready for a conversation about reinventing yourself, trusting in the unknown, and the magic of the mountains - right here in the heart of New Zealand.

On this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, we brought together New Zealand’s comedy legends for an honest, hilarious, and inspiring conversation. In our first live podcast we heard from Jeremy Corbett, Michèle A’Court, Emma Lange, and David Downs. We heard wild tales from their early days, how they built a career from scratch, and how comedy helped them through life’s toughest moments, including stories of overcoming cancer. With touching insights about resilience, the power of community, and plenty of laughs, this session is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose - and proof that laughter truly is the best medicine.

It’s Wills Month, and we couldn’t think of a better guest than Jennifer Belmont - CEO of the 45South Community Foundation who quite literally brought her famous cookies (yes, cookies 🍪) to the podcast with Paddy.Jennifer shares how she’s redefined philanthropy in Queenstown, scaling from a DIY startup to a regional force with billion-dollar ambitions. At the heart of her message this month? Legacy giving. Even a simple 10% gift in your will can create generational impact without taking away from your family’s future.From Impact100’s $200k community power move to youth philanthropy (the “gateway drug to giving”), Jennifer shows how generosity, big or small, becomes a legacy. This Wills Month, she’s here to remind us: your story can live on, one thoughtful decision at a time.

What do trails really mean for Queenstown? Spoiler: it’s way bigger than bikes.In this episode of The Mountain Club Podcast, Clare sits down with Mark “Willy” Williams, CEO of Queenstown Trails Trust. From epic loops like the Coronet Track to the idea of Queenstown becoming the poster child for smart, sustainable town planning, Willy breaks down how trails fuel not just adventure but transport, conservation, community and connection.Expect talk of ski mornings, bike afternoons, predator traps, bridges that need to be built yesterday, and why Queenstown could be a global case study in doing growth right. This one’s not just for the lycra crowd, it’s for anyone who cares about the future of where we live and play.

In this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, Clare sits down with Krystle O'Neil, founder of Nourish Our Minds, to explore the journey from burnout to balance. Krystle shares her personal wake-up call from stress-related illness, her transformative experience with NLP and timeline therapy, and her mission to help ambitious people break free from people-pleasing and perfectionism.We dive into the power of the subconscious mind, the dance between masculine and feminine energy, and why success without self-love can leave us feeling empty. Whether you're chasing career goals or seeking more flow in life, this conversation is full of insights on how to reconnect with your true self, sidestep burnout, and redefine success on your own terms.

In this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, we sit down with Laura Nicol — startup operator, community builder, and host of the Calling Operator podcast. From pouring pints at Zephyr Bar to becoming Chief of Staff at Co Ventures, Laura's journey is one of bold pivots and purpose-driven impact.We unpack her deep love of Queenstown, reflections on burnout and self-care, and the power of community in fast-paced environments. With a move to Melbourne on the horizon, Laura shares her hopes for deeper connections, personal evolution, and Queenstown's potential as a future innovation hub.If you're navigating change or building something new, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a little Jack's Point perspective.

Some founders make the news. Others build the future. Rowan Simpson is one of those quietly iconic figures who’s helped shape some of Aotearoa’s most successful tech stories—Trade Me, Xero, Vend, Timely—without ever chasing the spotlight.In this wide-ranging conversation, Rowan unpacks the art of getting it wrong (and why that’s okay). From his early days in Wellington’s tech era to investing in ideas that didn’t always go to plan, he shares what it really takes to build something meaningful—and why the best founders aren’t the loudest in the room.Rowan’s gift? He asks better questions. Ones that challenge the hype and centre what really matters: culture, founder-investor fit, and building for the long game. Whether you’re in the trenches of your own start-up or just love a good origin story, this episode is a masterclass in humility, insight, and seriously good storytelling.Plus, don’t miss Rowan in real life. We’re hosting the launch of his new book, How to Be Wrong, at Mountain Club Beach St on Friday 13 June. Space is limited—so if you’re keen to catch this conversation live, get in touch with the team.

In this episode, Cristina Griffith from Gibbston Valley Winery shares her story of building a life and leadership style rooted in connection, resilience, and innovation. From growing her professional network into lifelong friendships to championing sustainable business, Cristina’s journey is a true reflection of Queenstown’s collaborative spirit. A conversation full of energy, insight, and the spirit of connection.