The Mountain Club Podcast

A thoughtful conversation on health, performance, and finding clarity in a fast-moving world. Damian Chaparro, founder of Aro Hā, an award winning wellness retreat centre shares the journey of building his business and how he has build the brand philosophy into the core of the business.
The retreat has championed regenerative tourism practices, from the way the retreat is built, to the immersive experience they offer. Host Paddy Kluts also dives into Damian’s newest venture, Longevity Labs, a platform designed to help people better understand their health through diagnostics, data, and personalised insights, giving individuals the tools to take a more proactive approach to long-term wellbeing.

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 Ali Meredith, one of the club’s longstanding and most dynamic members. Together, they explore Ali’s unique journey from studying law and working in legal tech startups around the globe, to finding inspiration, adventure, and community in Queenstown.
You’ll hear how Ali has woven together a life of professional growth and outdoor adventure, building a career at the forefront of tech with Lawview while helping to shape the local entrepreneurial scene through Startup Queenstown Lakes (SQL). The conversation touches on Queenstown’s unique blend of work-life balance, the under-appreciated joys of summer on the lake, and why partnerships and community are the backbone of thriving startups.
Whether you’re passionate about tech, entrepreneurship, building connections, or simply love a good story about carving your own path in a stunning corner of the world, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to jump in.
Join us for powerful insights, plenty of laughs, and a reminder of what makes Queenstown such a special place to live, work, and grow.

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 episode, Paddy sits down with Sam Stubbs, the founder of Simplicity, for an insightful conversation about creating connection, community, and impact - both in business and everyday life.
Together, they explore the origins and growth of Mountain Club, the flourishing Queenstown community, and the role of shared passions like mountain biking in breaking down social barriers.
Sam Stubbs shares how Simplicity’s mission as an “anti-poverty machine” is helping to shape a more equitable New Zealand through innovative investment vehicles, accessible housing, and infrastructure projects that are designed with longevity and quality in mind.
The episode covers everything from why long-term renting could be the future for Kiwi communities, to the importance of giving - not just money, but skills and time - to create true change. Get ready for a wide-ranging chat that touches on housing affordability, the power of purpose, and how intentional connections can shape happier, more resilient societies.
Whether you’re a business leader, mountain bike enthusiast, or someone looking to live well and give back, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights. So grab your headphones and join us for a deep dive into what it means to build places - and lives - where everyone has the chance to thrive.