OUR IMPACT
Spotlight on Between Two Beers
From garage chats to full-time podcasters: here’s how Steven and Seamus turned their curiosity into a career.
Some friends bond over rugby, others over fishing trips, but for Steven and Seamus, it was a shared knack for asking great questions that launched a career. What started as a casual project in Steven’s garage back in 2019 has grown into one of New Zealand's most successful podcasts - proof that a bit of curiosity (and a lot of hustle) can go a long way. We hope you enjoy learning more about their inspiring business journey.
Can you share the story behind starting your podcast and what inspired you to dive into this industry?
We’ve been mates since high school, and our shared curiosity, along with some basic equipment from JB Hi-Fi, led us to start a podcast in Steven’s garage in 2019. Inspired by Tim Ferriss, we began exploring the power of storytelling, starting with the Waikato football community. Our first guest was Aaron Scott, a well-known figure in New Zealand football. We kept it simple - ten questions each - and shared the raw recording with friends via a YouTube link and on our Facebook pages.
The next couple of episodes featured teammates, coaches, and a deeply personal interview with Paul Nixon, who shared his experience of losing his wife to cancer while raising four young children. No one had asked him about it before, but everyone knew the story. We quickly realised the power of putting a microphone in front of someone and asking meaningful questions. What began as a side hustle became something more serious by 2021, and after years of hard work, consistency, and a bit of luck, we turned it into a full-time business.
How has working with Venture Advisory made a difference to your business, both operationally and financially?
It’s been transformational. We started out financially illiterate, but Matt has this amazing ability to break down complex concepts into terms we can actually understand, always doing so with patience and care. A friend recommended him, saying his personality would suit us, and they weren’t wrong.
From day one, we built a great rapport, and Matt has consistently gone above and beyond what’s expected. His support has given us so much security, knowing we have someone in our corner. He guided us through every step, from moving our side hustle to a fully formalised business, helping us set up accounts, register the company, learn Xero, and negotiate commercial contracts. Matt has nurtured us into becoming confident business owners, always tailoring his approach to fit both our personalities.
What key qualities should business owners look for in an accountant, and how has finding the right one helped your podcast grow?
Finding the right accountant is a bit like swiping right - you need compatible values and a good fit. For us, Matt genuinely listens, asks the right questions, and brings a personal touch that normalises the ups and downs of running a business.
Financial services can feel intimidating, especially when you’re worried about asking “silly” questions, but Venture Advisory removes all of that fear. There’s no arrogance or superiority - just genuine support, expert advice, and a clear commitment to helping us succeed. Matt’s helped us achieve tangible results like negotiating contracts that gained us 20% more than we would have managed on our own.
What’s been really powerful is how the relationship has evolved. At first, we were completely dependent, but over time, Matt has coached and educated us, encouraging us to take on more responsibility and think strategically about forecasting and decision-making. This has been a game-changer as we scale the podcast.
What do you value most about working with Venture Advisory?
It’s the camaraderie and the sense of community they’ve helped create. Venture Advisory aligns perfectly with how we operate, connecting us with advocates and support networks that feel seamless and empowering.
Even our life coach joins meetings, helping us ask better questions and make smarter decisions. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Venture Advisory because we’re so confident in their ability to deliver.
How has gaining financial clarity through Venture Advisory’s services changed the way you plan, manage, and grow your podcast?
Venture Advisory has helped us shift our focus from the day-to-day to a more strategic, forward-thinking approach. With Matt’s guidance, we’ve strengthened our cash flow, planned for worst-case scenarios, and gained the confidence to make big moves, like hiring our first employee.
What was once a question of “if we can” has now become “how we can” make things happen. Thanks to Matt, we’re now thinking months ahead, improving the way we manage and grow the podcast.
What exciting projects or goals are on the horizon for your podcast, and how do you plan to get there?
First up is hiring our very first team member, which feels like a huge step in scaling our operations. We’re also refining our processes to ensure we can grow sustainably.
One of the most exciting projects is launching a new podcast channel aimed at families - a space where we can help people capture the incredible stories of loved ones in their network. The dream is to scale this idea, eventually franchising it out while maintaining the same high-quality storytelling we pride ourselves on. It’s ambitious, but we’re ready to make it happen.
Interested in partnering with Venture Advisory?
We’d love to hear from you.
