Between Two Beers Podcast

Susan Hassall arrived at Hamilton Boys' High School in 1979 as a 22-year-old English teacher. She stayed for 46 years. In 1999, she became the first woman in New Zealand to be appointed headmaster of a boys' state school — a role she held for exactly 25 years.

In this conversation, Susan shares what she's learned about love, leadership, loss, and what it takes to raise good men. We talk about her mantra — "you can pretend to care, but you can't pretend to show up" — the Greek concept of aretē that became the school's cornerstone, why she believes vulnerability is the most important quality in a leader, and what people get wrong about teenage boys.

Susan also opens up about working through breast cancer without missing a day, losing her deputy Graeme Robinson to a heart attack in her office, the death of her husband James, and why the years immediately after school are the most critical for young men.

Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a coach, or just someone trying to figure out what matters most — this one's for you.

⚠️ This episode contains a discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out: Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or free text HELP to 4357 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234

Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Check out their range at barkersonline.co.nz
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In this special episode of Accidental Business Owners, we welcome our first-ever guest to the show: actor, radio host, and entrepreneur Mike Minogue!

Two years ago, after appearing on the Between Two Beers podcast, Mike pitched us an idea that seemed too good to refuse: creating a corporate speaking bureau featuring our podcast guests. We launched B2B Speakers, and it was an immediate hit.

But today, we are announcing a "conscious uncoupling". In this honest conversation, we pull back the curtain on what happens when a side hustle grows faster than your capacity to manage it. We discuss why we are stepping away, how Mike is taking the reins, and the rebranding of the business to Frank Speakers.

In this episode, we cover:

The Origin Story: How a late-night drive led Mike to pitch the B2B Speakers concept.
The "Too Good" Problem: Why the rapid success of the business actually became its biggest stressor.
Burnout & Capacity: Balancing a startup with radio shows, podcasts, and new babies.
The Breakup: How to navigate a business exit without ruining a friendship.
Frank Speakers: The future of the agency under the Frank Management umbrella.
The Power of "Turning Up": Mike’s philosophy on consistency and why building trust takes 3–5 years.

Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers.
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Tim Brown is best known as the co-founder of Allbirds - the New Zealand-born footwear brand that became a global phenomenon.

But before Silicon Valley, before the IPO, and before building one of the world’s most recognisable sustainable fashion brands, Tim was an All White, representing New Zealand on the world stage.

At just 31 years old, still in his prime, he made a decision that shocked many: he walked away from professional football.

In this episode, we explore the mindset behind that choice - and how the lessons from elite sport shaped the foundations of Allbirds.

We talk about:

Missing his moment at the World Cup
Identity, ego, and high-performance environments
Knowing when to leave the party early
The pressure of building a global brand
What success really feels like on the other side

This is a conversation about ambition, discipline, perspective, and taking the long view — from the pitch to the boardroom.

Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers.
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In this episode of Hambassadors, we take you behind the scenes of a chaotic fortnight.

Steve confesses to messing up the opening line of the Halberg Awards and embarking on the world's longest, most stressful ad-lib in front of a live audience.

Seamus (a former goalkeeper) breaks down the "Phoenix Nightmare" - THAT viral own goal by Josh Oluwayemi - and explains why he wanted the ground to swallow him up just watching it.

Plus, we cover Steve’s obsession with his 94% sleep score, a $42 taxi ride that ruined the night, meeting Chris Wood’s dad, and the massive reaction to our episode with Dr. Lucy Hone.

Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers.
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Brad Thorn is one of the most unique champions New Zealand sport has ever produced.

A dual-code legend, Brad achieved what almost no one has - winning NRL premierships, World Cups, Super Rugby titles, and earning the right to wear the All Blacks jersey at the highest level.

But behind the trophies is an obsession with discipline, standards, and doing the work that others won’t. In this conversation, Brad reflects on the mindset that shaped his career - the moments that hardened him, the sacrifices required to chase the black jersey, and why he believes “champions do extra.”

We talk about walking away from millions to start again, the lessons he learned from the toughest environments in sport, and what it really takes to become a master of your craft. An unforgettable episode with one of the greats.

Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers.

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