All episodes

Today I'm sharing an episode I appeared on recently from Jack Andrews' podcast, Legato Creative. Jack has been a guest on this podcast (episode 64) so it was great to reciprocate that and join him as the first guest on his podcast!

Tune in for a quick update on the podcast, plus a call to action!

Today I'm sharing an episode I appeared on recently from Brad McDonald's podcast, The Godfrey's Law Real Business Solutions Podcast. Brad has been a guest on this podcast so it was great to reciprocate that and join him as a guest on his podcast.

This episode was recorded on my birthday! Emily and I sit down to talk about reflection, before the conversation shifts towards people. Specifically bringing people together and connecting with them.

In this episode, Emily and I start off talking about how to grow your network and meet new and interesting people. Then we pivot the episode to talking about communication. Is face-to-face better? And what do we think of voice notes and calendar links?

Michael and I are doing a mini-series, starting next Monday. And we're re-releasing Episode 62 from the archives to kick things off!

For episode 210, we sat down with Ant from Rosefern Homes. From humble beginnings fixing houses to building a property development company grounded in values, Ant and Paul’s approach is practical, people-first, and unapologetically hands-on. In this episode we talk about leveraging social media to find property deals, building a business that reflects your values, overcoming resistance to putting yourself out there, and the power of small, consistent actions. Plus some laughs about Pilates, smoked meats, and why authenticity beats flash every time.

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.

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.

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. 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.

In this episode, David chats with Alex Caddick, co-director of Design Builders Canterbury, about the evolving world of residential construction. Alex shares his journey from helping his dad on job sites as a kid to leading a high-performing design-build business today. They explore the power of bespoke homes, why Alex avoids cookie-cutter designs, and how leveraging AI and national supplier agreements is helping deliver dream homes at smarter prices. From dealing with tricky hill sites to mentoring the next generation of tradespeople, this conversation offers a rare look at what it really takes to build homes that stand out—and last. Whether you're thinking of building, buying, or just love good design, this episode is packed with real insights from the ground up.

In this episode, David sits down with Lucas, the co-founder of Fillin’ Holes, a bold new mini golf venture transforming an abandoned lot in Christchurch’s city centre into a vibrant community space. Lucas opens up about the chaotic journey of building a business from the ground up—literally.

Hamish Mehrtens is back. He’s my personal trainer, and accountability coach. 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.

In this episode, David sits down with Dion to discuss how Maori healing helped him overcome serious vertigo when conventional practices failed. Dion shares his journey from running nightclubs to becoming a healer, practicing the Maori medicine, Hono Hono. He dives into his experience with energy, trauma release, and journey of self growth that led him to where he is today.

Rico is the founder and director of NeuroFit, a company which strives to "help professionals clear the mental mess" and subsequently improve their mental health.

Jared Rogers is attempting to break a Guinness World Record. But he doesn't just want to break it, he wants to smash it! The record? The largest High Intensity Interval Training class. As a personal trainer who's motivated to dream big, Jared might just be the perfect person to pull this off.

In this episode, we celebrate Emily finishing 75 Hard! We've talked about it a lot but this time we hear Emily's perspective right after completing the challenge. What's changed for her? Will she go back to her old habits? Or, will she continue on to the next phase of 75 Hard?

I'm joined again by co-host Emily to talk about our experiences from doing 75 hard. Find out why we decided to do it, how we're approaching the challenge, our biggest takeaways from it, and the benefits of doing it together as a couple.

Cam Irvine is a certified financial planner. His journey in finance led him to realize the importance of life decisions and personal meaning over just technical expertise in financial planning. Cam's approach emphasizes using financial planning to align with personal values and enable a meaningful life.

This is a big one! It's the two year update on the $10 million in 10 years challenge. I sit down with Emily to reflect on year two of the challenge. What I've learned, what was different in year two, what was my key takeaway from the second year, and what do years 3-10 look like?

In this episode I'm sharing the financial progress I've made and where I'm at with it, as of December 2023.

Jono from Nine Yards Financials Services and I are talking about finance, puppets, the value of working with trusted professionals, business partnerships. Overall it's lighthearted and entertaining.

The age old question of does money provide happiness get's answered as well as some invaluable insight from Aaron in the final installment of the 3 part mini series.

After listening to Ep 11. I’m going to attempt to add more value. In this episode I’m recounting ways I’ve both made and lost money over the last 20 years.

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 at Kelly’s Creek 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, returning guests, and engaging conversations that continue to dive into the stories, ideas, and businesses shaping life in New Zealand and beyond.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Forbes is back for episode four with one of our most honest and reflective conversations yet. From growing pains in business to trading a smartphone for a dumbphone, Forbes opens up about what it means to lead a life, and a business, with purpose. David and Forbes dive into managing discomfort, reclaiming time, and why he’s prioritizing presence over productivity hacks. They also unpack the impact of immersive retreats, personal growth through discomfort, and the power of real, in-person connection in a digital world. This one’s for anyone who feels stretched thin, digitally overwhelmed, or is just seeking a better way to balance ambition and alignment.