$10 Million, 10 Years

EP209: Back to Where It All Began: Kicking Off Season Four (David Melse)

For the first episode of Season Four, we’re taking it back to where it all began — in the car on the side of the road.
What started as part of the 10 Million in 10 Years Challenge here has since grown through The Loft, multiple Distinct studios, and now into a brand-new Distinct space with fresh energy and a new podcast name 'Across The Table with David Melse'. 
In this episode, David reflects on the journey so far, the people and sponsors who’ve supported it, and what’s ahead for the podcast. Expect a refreshed set, more returning guests, and new conversations that continue to dive into the stories, ideas, and businesses shaping life in New Zealand and beyond.
 
Check out ALT.:https://www.altco.nz/
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check Rosefern Homes out here:https://rosefernhomes.co.nz/
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Across the Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP208: Why Sleep’s Optional and People Aren’t (Tristan Bailey)

For episode 208, we sat down with Tristan Bailey.
 
From building a national electrical and security company to launching a SaaS business on the side, Tristan’s approach to leadership is fast, people first, and unapologetically hands on.
 
In this episode we talk about sales psychology, long-term relationships, retention strategies, and how to grow a team that actually sticks. Plus some wisdom on low voltage tech, cold beers, and why sleep might be optional.
 
Check out Vision Systems:https://visionsystems.co.nz/ 
 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Neurofit. Check them out here:https://www.neurofit.co.nz/ 
 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP207: Life After the Exit: Investing, Energy & Saying No (Simon Rolland)

In this episode, Simon returns to share what life’s looked like since exiting his companies. From road-tripping Europe to finding new purpose (and cash flow) through business acquisition.
 
We dive into decision fatigue, energy management, learning to say no, and building a business you actually want to run. It’s a wide-ranging chat on investing, productivity, problem solving, and backing local. With stories of skiing in Verbier, private equity naps, and the best salesman in New Zealand.
 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Stoke Homes. Check them out here:https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/ 
 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP206: Why You’re Not Losing Fat (Even When You Think You’re Eating Healthy) Hamish Mehrtens

Hamish Mehrtens is back. In this episode, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to fat loss, fitness, and staying accountable. No fluff, no shortcuts. Just practical insight on how to build momentum when life’s already full.
 
It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, making better decisions, and keeping the promise you made to yourself.
 
Be sure to check out Hamish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-mehrtens-b13129149/?originalSubdomain=nz 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards Insurance. Check them out here: https://gerrards.co.nz/ 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP205: Cash, Cars, and Cold Plunges (Andrew Farrow)

In this episode, Andrew joins us for a chat about cars, property, and life decisions. From selling rare Porsches to managing a four-hectare lifestyle block, he shares lessons learned from years of business and investing.
 
We also get into the realities of homeownership, run club fitness goals, and the appeal of digital nomad life. It’s a mix of practical insights, personal stories, and good laughs. From cold plunges to engagement celebrations.
 
Check out Eyrewell Forest Motor Company:https://www.efmc.co.nz/ 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Tom Hardy. Check him out here:https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/ 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP204: Building Through Grief (Harrison Strickland)

In this deeply personal episode, Harrison Strickland opens up about the life-changing moment he lost his father. A fellow entrepreneur and his biggest influence. With little warning, Harrison was suddenly responsible for not just his own fast-growing creative business, Aperture HD, but also his late father’s company, 3D Revolution. 
 
What followed was a year of emotional and financial strain, learning on the fly, and doing whatever it took to keep his family supported. Through honest conversation, he shares the weight of that transition, the loneliness of entrepreneurship, and the growth that comes from being thrown in the deep end.
 
Check out ApertureHD:https://www.aperturehd.co.nz/
 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Stoke Homes. Check them out here:https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/
 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP203: Talking Money in Māori & Pacific Communities (Willie Leota)

In this episode, we sit down with Willie, host of the award-winning Fresh Moni podcast, to unpack the cultural discomfort around financial conversations, the power of storytelling, and why normalising money talk is key to generational change.
 
We dive into his journey from banking to launching a podcast that’s grown into a platform for education, empowerment, and real talk about wealth, values, and purpose. From winning at the NZ Podcast Awards to dreaming of building a Forbes-level media brand, Willie shares insights on business, belief, and taking consistent action—without losing your roots.
 
Check out Fresh Moni: https://www.freshmoni.co.nz
 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards Insurance Brokers. Check them out here: https://gerrards.co.nz
 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP202: What It Really Takes to Build a Lawn Business in NZ (Matt Petheram)

In this episode, Matt from Lifestyle Lawns joins us for an open, grounded, and deeply relatable conversation about taking risks, backing yourself, and building something meaningful from the ground up. From walking away from a steady job to launching a business with no safety net, Matt shares the emotional and financial realities of going all-in while raising a young family and betting everything on an idea most people weren’t ready for.
 
We also explore the importance of partnership, purpose, and staying true to your values in the face of uncertainty. Matt reflects on the highs and lows of business ownership, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and empathy, and why being “the good guys” in the industry matters more than chasing margin. This is a conversation about grit, growth, and holding your nerve when the future feels anything but guaranteed.
 
Check out Lifestyle Lawns: lifestylelawns.co.nz 
 
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Tom Hardy. Check him out here:https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/ 
 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP201: How to Keep Going When Life Falls Apart (Jake Bailey)

In this episode, Jake Bailey joins us for a raw, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about resilience. From surviving cancer as a teenager to building a career around helping others navigate adversity, Jake shares hard-earned wisdom about emotional capacity, self-efficacy, and the strength that comes from intentionally doing difficult things, whether that’s running an ultra-marathon or having an uncomfortable conversation.
We also dive into identity, growth, and the tension between being shaped by your past and stepping into a new future. Jake reflects on his experience of moving beyond the label of “teen cancer survivor,” embracing new challenges, and why real human connection is more meaningful than any productivity tool or polished keynote. This is a conversation filled with thoughtful insights, reflection, and encouragement for anyone figuring out how to move through the hard stuff that life inevitably brings.
 
See more from Jake here:https://www.jakebailey.co.nz/ 
 
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We’d like to thank this episode's sponsor, Neurofit. Check them out here:https://www.neurofit.co.nz/
 
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The 10 Million 10 Year Podcast has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. 
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz

EP200: Business, Banter & Tuk Tuks | Sri Lanka Edition

In this milestone 200th episode, 10 million in 10 years goes fully off-grid. Broadcasting from the beaches of Sri Lanka with a crew of adventurers/business owners. From building businesses and integrating AI, to reflections on growth, travel, and the power of community, this episode dives into the human side of entrepreneurship. 
Guests open up about the realities of remote leadership, leaning into discomfort, and how shared adventure accelerates connection. Whether it’s driving a tuk tuk for the first time or rolling out scalable AI tools for clients, the theme is clear: growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.
 
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We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for backing us and helping us reach this milestone:
 
Gerrards Insurance Brokers:
https://gerrards.co.nz/ 
 
Stoke Homes:
https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/ 
 
Neurofit:
https://www.neurofit.co.nz/ 
 
Tom Hardy:
https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/ 
Distinct:https://www.distinctagency.co.nz