Episode
214

Building Resilience and Meaning Beyond the Uniform | Daniel Lastovicka

For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka. From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete, Daniel’s story is one of purpose, discipline, and pushing beyond limits. In this episode we talk about the creation of Project Beyond the Ranges — Daniel’s self-made Movember challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo, a mountain run over the Two Thumb Range, and a 200km ride back to Christchurch — and the deeper mission behind it: raising awareness and action for men’s mental health. We also dive into the lessons the military teaches about leadership and resilience, the connection between hardship and growth, and how showing up for yourself and others can change lives.
With
Daniel Lastovicka
,
Triathlete, Hunter, Adventurer
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Podbean
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Founders
,
Rosefern Homes
Take Me There
about THIS EPISODE

Building Resilience and Meaning Beyond the Uniform | Daniel Lastovicka

For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka. From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete, Daniel’s story is one of purpose, discipline, and pushing beyond limits. In this episode we talk about the creation of Project Beyond the Ranges — Daniel’s self-made Movember challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo, a mountain run over the Two Thumb Range, and a 200km ride back to Christchurch — and the deeper mission behind it: raising awareness and action for men’s mental health. We also dive into the lessons the military teaches about leadership and resilience, the connection between hardship and growth, and how showing up for yourself and others can change lives.

In episode 214, Daniel Lastovicka shares his remarkable journey from his Czechoslovakian heritage to his multifaceted life as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete in New Zealand. Daniel's grandfather escaped communist rule, choosing New Zealand from four possible destinations - a decision that shaped his family's future.

The conversation centres around Daniel's ambitious Movember fundraiser called 'Project Beyond the Ranges' - a self-created challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo in 6-7°C water, a trail run over the Two Thumb Mountain Range, and a 200km road bike back to Christchurch. This 20-hour endeavour aims to raise awareness for men's mental health, highlighting that three out of four suicides in New Zealand are men.

As an Army logistics officer with nearly a decade of service, Daniel reflects on military life and leadership principles. He discusses how the defence force operates, contrasting leadership styles with the private sector, and sharing his perspective on global security challenges.

Daniel also explores his passion for hunting in New Zealand's mountains, particularly his favourite quarry - the majestic Himalayan tar. He describes how triathlon training complements his hunting, providing aerobic capacity for long expeditions without helicopter assistance.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel offers thoughtful insights on balancing military service with personal passions, the importance of supporting men's mental health, and finding purpose through physical challenges. His story exemplifies resilience, discipline and the pursuit of meaningful goals beyond one's comfort zone.

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Episode
214

Building Resilience and Meaning Beyond the Uniform | Daniel Lastovicka

For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka. From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete, Daniel’s story is one of purpose, discipline, and pushing beyond limits. In this episode we talk about the creation of Project Beyond the Ranges — Daniel’s self-made Movember challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo, a mountain run over the Two Thumb Range, and a 200km ride back to Christchurch — and the deeper mission behind it: raising awareness and action for men’s mental health. We also dive into the lessons the military teaches about leadership and resilience, the connection between hardship and growth, and how showing up for yourself and others can change lives.
With
Daniel Lastovicka
Triathlete, Hunter, Adventurer
,
Episode
213

Built from the Roof Up | Mike Keast

For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast. From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and backing yourself through the ups and downs of business. In this episode we talk about staying focused when things get tough, what it really means to lead by example, and how mindset and momentum can carry you through any season. We also dive into lessons from David Goggins, the role of AI and technology in the trades, and how doing the hard things day after day shapes both the person and the business.
With
Mike Keast
Director
,
MK Roofing
Episode
212

From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle | Nick Inkster

For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen. In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city.
With
Nick Inkster
Founder
,
Inkster Company Limited

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