The Mountain Club Podcast

Please note: this episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide. If this feels close to home, take care while listening. Support is available via 1737 (NZ), free to call or text, anytime.
A raw and grounded conversation on mental health, leadership, and why mental health education needs to start early. Sir John Kirwan, one of New Zealand’s greatest rugby players, shares how his own lived experience has shaped the work he’s doing today, using his platform to drive meaningful change for the next generation.
Through the Sir John Kirwan Foundation and Mitey, an initiative designed for New Zealand children, schools are supported to deliver an evidence based approach to mental health education from Years 1 to 8. It’s about giving young people the language and tools to understand their wellbeing before it becomes something heavier.
Host Clare Irons also explores the experiences that shaped JK’s perspective, from Māngere to time spent in Italy and Japan, and how culture, relationships, and family have influenced the way he understands emotion, resilience, and leadership today.

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.

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.