#74: Xara Jetly – Being Written Off Early, Shutting Down Haters, Mindset and Pro Cricket
Release Date: 02/10/2026
#74: Xara Jetly – Being Written Off Early, Shutting Down Haters, Mindset and Pro Cricket
Beyond the Surface
This episode features Xara Jetly, one of New Zealand’s most exciting cricketers from the Blaze and an absolute weapon on and off the field (you'll see why when you watch this episode). We cover her latest championship win with the Blaze, being steered toward elite sport at a young age, and the pivotal family meeting at 13 after her netball coach told her she would never be a Silver Fern. Xara opens up about shutting down sexist haters and how she juggles university, professional cricket, and content creation for her 150k plus followers, while still thinking deeply about what comes next, you...
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#73: Pasilio Tosi: Behind the Real Pathway to the All Blacks, Ego, Growth and Earning the Jersey
Beyond the Surface
In this episode, Pasilio Tosi opens up about the parts of his journey that rarely get talked about. Growing up in Levin, taking the harder road through Southland and Bay of Plenty, changing positions later than most after gaining a few kegs during lockdown, and learning to put ego aside to keep moving forward. Pasi shares what surprised him most about the All Blacks environment, the standards that go unspoken, and the mindset shifts. Enjoy whanau! Please remember to hit subscribe, click follow or rate 5 stars, it helps the pod grow! Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – ...
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#72: Zion Perry – Behind the Real Pathway to the UFC, How To Stay Mindful and His Best Knockouts
Beyond the Surface
First ep of the year! Zion Perry lives a pretty unique double life. He studied Ecology, works in conservation, and in his spare time is also a national champion Muay Thai fighter and the latest King in the Ring champion. KITR is the most prestigious combat sport event in New Zealand, with previous champs being Israel Adesanya and Carlos Ulberg. In this episode, we talk about what it actually feels like to step into the ring, the nerves before a fight, and how mindfulness plays a role when everything is on the line. Zion breaks down his recent King in the Ring run, what that win meant for...
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#71: Harry Dalton – Father at 18, $300K Loss, and the Hard Truth About Success
Beyond the Surface
At 18, Harry became a dad. By his mid-twenties, he was running a growing marketing agency, working with big clients and living what looked like success from the outside. But in 2024, his business was hit hard, losing over $300,000 in a matter of months. It forced him to rethink everything he thought he knew about business, success, and happiness. Now, Harry is rebuilding from the ground up with In-House Academy, a marketing school built from the lessons of his failures and his drive to help others do things differently. This conversation unpacks what happens when everything falls apart, and...
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#70: Lizi Guest – Building a Business Through Chaos and Daughters Health Mystery
Beyond the Surface
At 20, Lizi became pregnant while studying, went on the benefit, finished her degree, and launched an award-winning agency by 27 and cleared her debt, all while being a young Mum. But life changed again when her eldest daughter (12) suddenly lost her memory every few days, in a bizarre condition that they are still seeking answers for. Lizi shares some business lessons, what resilience really looks like, and how she keeps moving forward when life refuses to slow down. Lizi's story about her daughter is devastating, but I know they will find a solution soon! Please remember to hit subscribe,...
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#69: Melodownz – The Price of NZ Fame, Collabs With Denzel Curry and Untold Stories
Beyond the Surface
Melodownz has been on my guest hitlist since starting the show. From tagging in Tāmaki to collaborating with Denzel Curry and Israel Adesanya, and launching a hot sauce brand, running Kava Corner interviewing some of NZ's biggest names, Melowdownz has never been one to stay in his lane. In this episode, we unpack his journey from growing up in Avondale by his solo Mum, the impact of losing close friends to violence and suicide, to the deep personal reflections that have shaped his work today and advice for young people. We explore his early influences, mental health, youth...
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#67: Jase Te Patu – Fixing NZ’s Mental Health Crisis, Tips For Mental Wellness and Purpose
Beyond the Surface
Jase Te Patu has lived many lives. World-class athlete, international performer, TEDx speaker, and founder of one of Aotearoa’s most impactful mental health programmes for youth, Hauora Aotearoa. But his story starts in Whanganui, raised by his Nan and Koro, having never met his mum and losing his dad to absence. In this conversation, Jase opens up about the belief he carried for years, that he was unworthy and unlovable, and how that pain drove his pursuit of excellence. We talk about grief, identity, and the state of youth mental health in New Zealand. We also talk about hope, what...
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#67: Barbara Edmonds – NZ's Future Finance Minister, Growing Up Broke, What Jacinda Was Really Like
Beyond the Surface
The first "honourable" guest on the pod, Barbara Edmonds wears many hats, former Cabinet Minister, specialist tax lawyer, and mother of eight. In this episode, she shares her path into politics, from living in poverty to what she’s learned along the way, and the often unseen realities of life in Parliament. We unpack what it was like working alongside Jacinda Ardern, how she balances family and public service, and the pressures that come with both. Barbara also offers her take on what many young people misunderstand about politics and the economy, and why bridging that gap matters. A...
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#66: Max Tebbs – How I Built a 6 Figure Business At 18 and Worst Mistake With a Supercar
Beyond the Surface
From Cleaning Cars at 13 to Building a Business at 18 – Max Tebbs’ Unfiltered Story. At just 18 years old, Max Tebbs has already built one of Wellington’s leading car detailing businesses. But behind the five-star reviews and growing team is a teenager who started with nothing more than a sponge, a goal, and a relentless drive to prove what’s possible. In this episode, Max opens up about the early days of fundraising for refugees by washing cars at 13, the grind of signing his first studio lease at 17, and the lessons he’s learned from building a business while still finishing high...
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#65: Mungo Bates – Building The Uber of Moving, Going Broke Young and Rebuilding
Beyond the Surface
Kaboose Media – Mungo Bates Insta – Noa Woolloff Insta – Beyond the Surface Insta – Beyond the Surface YouTube – Spotify –
info_outlineThis episode features Xara Jetly, one of New Zealand’s most exciting cricketers from the Blaze and an absolute weapon on and off the field (you'll see why when you watch this episode).
We cover her latest championship win with the Blaze, being steered toward elite sport at a young age, and the pivotal family meeting at 13 after her netball coach told her she would never be a Silver Fern.
Xara opens up about shutting down sexist haters and how she juggles university, professional cricket, and content creation for her 150k plus followers, while still thinking deeply about what comes next, you ever dreamed about starting your own IVF clinic?!
She reflects on being told she would never represent the White Ferns because she “didn’t work hard enough”, and how that moment shaped her mindset more than any trophy ever could. Xara also shares what people do not see behind the highlights, and what it is really like working alongside Amelia Kerr.
Xara’s honesty, work rate, and self-belief make this one I know a lot of you will resonate with! If you enjoyed the episode, please hit subscribe, follow the show, or leave a five-star rating. It genuinely helps the pod grow! Chur.
Moana Road (Use Discount Code BTS20 for 20% off!) – https://moanaroad.co.nz/
Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/
Noa Woolloff Insta – https://www.instagram.com/noawoolloff/?hl=en
Xara Jetly Insta – https://www.instagram.com/xara.jetly/?hl=en
Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/?hl=en
Beyond the Surface Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZArq1WSsV1pMID1dkHbBL