#62: Richard Corney – How Flight Coffee Took Off and The Dark Side of the Coffee Industry
Richard Corney is the founder of Flight Coffee and a globally respected figure in the specialty coffee world. In this episode, we unpack Richard’s journey from joining the Navy straight out of high school, to opening his first café by the age of 20, to building one of Aotearoa’s most beloved coffee brands 'Flight Coffee'. He shares candid reflections on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, his recent ADHD and autism diagnosis, the challenges of scaling a values-led business, and what years of judging the World Barista Championships have taught him about excellence. We dive into the creation of Flight Coffee, the founding of social enterprise Raw Material, and what it really takes to stay curious and committed in a saturated, fast-moving industry. Richard also opens up about leadership, legacy, and the unseen parts of the coffee world most people never think about. Whether you're into coffee, business, or stories of resilience and purpose, this one’s a banger. Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde Richard Corney – https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-corney-1476099a?originalSubdomain=nz Flight Coffee – https://flightcoffee.co.nz/?srsltid=AfmBOoodcDXjOHnQO2DbFLHSORoNxJUTrZepKCC8P_sKmqk1NKH3qA-i Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/
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#61: Rangimarie Dougall-Mita – The Truth Behind the Jersey, Beyond Basketball and Overcoming Mental Health
Rangimarie "Marnie" Dougall-Mita is a professional basketball player for the Wellington Saints, content creator, and someone who's been on a powerful journey of self-discovery. Honestly, could have yarned to Marnie for a couple more hours – it's almost like he runs his own podcast (check it out, Yarns with Marns). In this episode, we unpack the defining moments that have shaped him — from a devastating knee injury that left him sidelined and spiraling mentally, to rebuilding himself through self-development, vulnerability, and spiritual growth. Marnie opens up about the pressure of performing in pro sport, the weight of identity, and what it took to start showing up more authentically in his life and online. We talk about what it means to process childhood wounds, and how he's learning to share his truth through content. Whether you're into sport, self-discovery, or just love hearing people reflect with honesty — this is a special kōrero with someone who's still evolving in real time. Please check out our awesome sponsors and use code BTS20 for 20% off all Moana Road products! Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Marnie Insta – https://www.instagram.com/marnie_mita/ Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde
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#60: DK – The Public Speaking Truths No One Ever Taught You, The TEDx Talk With Over 1M Views
DK is a public speaking coach whose TEDx talk “The Public Speaking Lesson You Never Had” has now surpassed over 1 million views. But behind the viral success is a much deeper story. In this episode, DK opens up about growing up in Wales with a hearing impairment, and how that shaped his view of communication. We explore his philosophy on public speaking, what most people get wrong about it, and how to truly connect with an audience. We also dive into DK’s experience curating TEDxWellington, his view on the toxic side of social media, and why he believes the best talks come from people who dare to be vulnerable. This is a masterclass on courage, communication, and being bold with your story. Moana Road (Use Checkout Code BTS for 20% off) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Get in touch with DK – https://justadandak.com/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz
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Re-Release: Rob Mokaraka – Details Surviving "Suicide By Cop" and What We've Got Wrong With Mental Health
Re-released episode of one of the craziest stories ever shared on the show. In 2009, after experiencing a mental breakdown following a relationship breakup, Rob found himself in a dark place, seeking an escape from his pain. He called the police, hoping for a violent end, but instead found himself shot through the chest and living to tell the tale. Now Rob is on a journey to teach others how to better manage their mental health, to save the lives of those struggling with depression. A top human, Jiu Jitsu Practitioner, and one of the the craziest stories of all time. I highly recommend checking out his work and his documentary "Shot Bro" - link below! Please go check out and support our amazing sponsor for the podcast, Moana Road – for the goods! Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Rob Mokaraka Insta – https://www.instagram.com/shotbro_robmokaraka/ Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde&nd=1&dlsi=7138e8da120c422b Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/ Shot Bro documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3G6b0YCxXg&t=147s
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#59: Tait Burge – Co-Founder of Swimsuit Coffee, How He Opened Four Cafe's Before 30, Creating Community
Tait Burge, co-founder of Swimsuit Coffee, built one of Wellington’s most recognisable café brands before turning 30. Frustrated by feeling stuck while his friends graduated from university, he threw himself into coffee, starting with a school course that sparked a lifelong passion. In this episode, Tait shares how he went from making coffee to running a multi-location business, the challenges of rapid growth, and the pressure of learning on the job. He opens up about navigating the relentless hospitality industry, dealing with public scrutiny over pricing, and the realities of scaling a brand. Tait also speaks candidly about his recent ADHD diagnosis, how he’s adapting to life as a business owner rather than just a barista, and why keeping a strong team around him has been crucial. Go check out Swimsuit if you're in Welly, the coffee's and vibes are awn! Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Tait Insta - https://www.instagram.com/taitburge/?hl=en Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL?si=ae3f007dd7794cde Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/
Beyond the Surface is a long-form podcast hosted by Noa Woolloff, featuring some of New Zealand's biggest names. From Paddy Gower, TJ Perenara, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Roberts to Guy Williams, Noa discusses the tools, strategies and stories that have shaped their lives.
The goal: to stamp out tall poppy syndrome and create a platform for more conversations about mental health.
New Zealand