Across The Table With David Melse

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 
___________________
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards Insurance. Check them out here: https://gerrards.co.nz/ 
___________________
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/ 
___________________
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Tom Hardy. Check him out here:https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/ 
___________________
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/
 
___________________
 
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Stoke Homes. Check them out here:https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/
 
___________________
 
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
 
___________________
 
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards Insurance Brokers. Check them out here: https://gerrards.co.nz
 
___________________
 
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 
 
___________________
 
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Tom Hardy. Check him out here:https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/ 
 
___________________
 
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/ 
 
___________________
 
We’d like to thank this episode's sponsor, Neurofit. Check them out here:https://www.neurofit.co.nz/
 
___________________
 
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.
 
___________________
 
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

EP199: Freelance to Multi 6-Figure Agency in 12 Months (Graeme Campbell)

In this episode, David reconnects with Graeme, co-founder of Agentary, to reflect on an incredible year of growth and transformation. From ticking off dream goals like buying a Porsche to merging businesses and scaling a full-service real estate marketing agency, Graeme shares the journey behind the milestones.
They dive into the power of setting bold, emotive goals, the challenges of building a team, and why shifting from hustle to leadership has been both rewarding and demanding. With plans to expand to Melbourne, Queenstown, and beyond, Graeme also opens up about personal branding, fitness routines, and the mindset that’s fueled his progress.
Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, agency builder, or just love hearing real stories of business evolution, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration for the next chapter.
 
Check out Agentary:https://www.agentary.co.nz/ 
 
___________________
 
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Stoke Homes. Check them out here:https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/  
 
___________________
 
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

EP198: Turning an ‘Unsexy’ Industry Into a Content Machine (Marcus Wolton)

In this episode, Marcus from Gerrard’s Insurance joins us to share how he and his team are reshaping one of the least glamorous industries by injecting creativity, speed, and bold moves into everything they do. From launching a robotic dog named Gerry to partnering with elite athletes and pushing digital-first campaigns, Gerrard’s isn’t your typical insurance brokerage. It’s fast, fresh, and focused on standing out in all the right ways.
 
We dive into Marcus’ journey from a high-jumping university grad to co-founding a modern, tech-forward insurance brand with his business partner Ethan. Along the way, we explore how they’ve leaned hard into content marketing, ditched traditional tactics like radio and billboards, and made a serious case for why brand matters, even in insurance. It’s a story of moving quickly, making bold calls, and redefining how people engage with a service most don’t think twice about.
 
This conversation also covers fitness, mindset, AI, discipline, and why the people around you shape your trajectory more than you think. Whether you’re building a brand, a business, or just want to hear how two guys made insurance cool, this one’s full of unexpected gems and real talk from the inside out.
We’d like to thank Gerrards for being both the sponsor and guest for this episode.
Be sure to check them out out here:gerrards.co.nz 
___________________
 
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

EP197: From Building Houses to Building Humans (Matt Bateman)

In this episode, we sit down with Matt, founder of The Hiit Squad, to hear how a young builder from Christchurch ended up leading one of the city’s most loved fitness communities. From running makeshift bootcamps with scaffold poles on a remote island, to turning a passion for training into a purpose-driven gym, Matt shares the deeply personal and organic journey behind building something that’s more than just workouts—it’s about connection, growth, and showing up for people.
 
We talk about the early hustle, running classes with paper concession cards, and how the Hiit Squad grew not through marketing hacks or flashy trends, but by prioritizing people. Matt opens up about what it’s like to lead a community-driven brand, the ups and downs of the fitness industry, and the balance between being all-in for others while still carving out space to recharge.
 
Whether you’re into fitness, business, or just love hearing a story built on passion, community, and a whole lot of sweat equity—this one’s packed with real talk and real heart.
 
Check out The Hiit Squad: https://www.thehiitsquad.org
 
___________________
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Tom Hardy. Check him out here: https://whitefoxrealestate.co.nz/team/tom-hardy/
 
___________________
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