The Melding Muse is an award-winning podcast that dives deep into the minds of extraordinary individuals – entrepreneurs, musicians, designers, athletes, chefs, artists, and many more. Be ready to reflect, be challenged, be inspired and learn from these stories that motivate us to push boundaries.
Hosted by Designer, Musician & Artist Esteban Garcia AKA Esty. Streaming globally from the scenic shores of Aotearoa, 🇳🇿 New Zealand.
Cam Howieson is a dedicated father, husband, and a phenomenal football player for Auckland FC, formerly an All White. Known for his resilience, calm demeanour on the pitch, and deep commitment to his family, Cam’s journey in professional football is truly inspiring.
We sat down for a wide-ranging kōrero that moves from his early life and challenging overseas trials with Tottenham, Chelsea, and Burnley, to finding his hunger for the game again in New Zealand. The conversation also digs into the rapid rise of Auckland FC, alongside the evolution of football coaching and culture in Aotearoa.
Luke Kemeys is a New Zealand Fellow Chartered Accountant and award-winning business advisor known for his straight-talking, practical approach to money and business. He runs nextAdvisory, where he works with business owners to turn financial complexity into clear strategies and better decisions.
Luke is also the creator and host of KEEP THE CHANGE PODCAST a financial literacy platform aimed at helping tens of thousands of Kiwis improve their money habits—with a stated goal of helping 100,000 New Zealanders lift their financial literacy.
In this episode, we unpack the biggest financial literacy gaps Luke sees in Kiwis. Why self-promotion is seen as “cringe” (Tall Poppy Syndrome), and how consumer debt traps like BNPL and credit cards quietly limit freedom.
Luke also shares a bold idea: using tax incentives to encourage better behaviour—like investing in your health, education, and other things.
If you want to increase your value, build leverage, and stop living on autopilot, this one’s for you.
Melodownz is an award-winning rapper, singer, and storyteller from West Auckland. Known for his sharp lyricism and soulful, genre-blending sound, honest narratives and cultural depth to his music. Making him one of the most respected voices in NZ hip-hop today & one of the GOAT.
We sat down for a wide-ranging kōrero that moves from his deep connection to Avondale, to the personal values that guide him now. The conversation also digs into the realities of the NZ music industry (airplay, streaming, awards, collaboration culture, and the DIY legacy of acts like Home Brew), alongside branding/marketing, entrepreneurship, and building longevity beyond one hit.
We talked about mentoring youth, creating safe spaces, habits and discipline, fatherhood shaping his perspective (including accountability around misogyny), and the double-edged nature of technology/AI for creativity and human connection.
Andrés Eduardo Pérez, better known as “El Gladiador“, is a retired Colombian footballer who played as a midfielder. Renowned for his technique and vision on the field, he had an outstanding career in both Colombian and international football, becoming a true reference for his leadership and ability to command the midfield. He broke historic records and was honoured as a living legend of Deportivo Cali.
If you love football and sports, this episode is for you. ⚽🔥
– NOTE: This is the first episode on the road and also fully in Spanish; turn the subtitles on. Dub audio coming soon.
Corinna Stukan is a digital product executive, founder, and advisor with over 15 years of experience in FinTech, SaaS, and marketplaces — now serving as CEO of Bizzy. She is also the author of The Insights Driven Product Manager: The Essential Guide to Mastering Product Metrics and Uncovering True Data Insights.
In this episode, we explore the world of FinTech in New Zealand and break down how to effectively set Hero Metrics (also known as North Star Metrics), along with leading metrics and early indicators. We dive into the pitfalls of vanity metrics, roadmaps’ role, product design nuances, and what Corinna calls the “Pragmatic German Approach.” We also discuss why tracking fewer metrics — but tracking them better — is the key to using data to guide meaningful decisions.
If you’re in SaaS or building any business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Aw! Also, we listened to some metal music, so watch out for that! 🤘🏿
Mazbou Q is an artist, producer, content creator, and educator of Igbo-Nigerian descent known for his powerful lyricism, commanding presence & viral TikTok videos on Rap Science. Also known as The Rap Scientist, his innovative framework for analysing rap flow has led him to lecture at Harvard, Berklee, LSU, and more. As lead producer at UNCHAINED XL Production Co., he’s worked with brands like MGM, ESPN, and Footlocker.
Blending artistry, education, and activism, Mazbou Q continues to inspire and provoke through every channel of his creativity.
Emiliano Tade is a record-breaking football player & coach currently playing for Auckland United in New Zealand. Born in Argentina, he made the unlikely leap from law school to washing dishes to conquering the pitches of Oceania, becoming Auckland City FC’s all-time top scorer and a cornerstone of their international success.
Known for his composure, vision, and deadly left foot, Tade has won multiple league titles and FIFA Club World Cup appearances, carving out a legacy built on humility, grit, and a deep love for the game.
Crafted for creators, dreamers, and the undeniably bold — this two-tone baseball cap is a limited signature piece.
AKAWUI is a 🇨🇦 🇨🇱 Canadian-Chilean artist blending Indigenous roots with powerful Latin and urban sounds. With a past as a trained MMA fighter, his music carries the same fierce energy and discipline, fueled by heritage, movement, and deep storytelling.
In this episode, AKAWUI opens up about reclaiming his Mapuche identity, the discipline and life lessons shaped by his MMA background, and staying authentic in an industry that often pushes conformity.
We explore his time in New Zealand, the evolution of his music from the studio to the stage, the power of intentional storytelling, and more. Plus, special guest Swizl Jagger joins the conversation—and together, they deliver a raw live performance of Breath of Fire 2.0, a track that fuses Latin rhythms with the fierce spirit of the Māori haka. 👉 If you love music, this episode is for you.
Colin Walker is a former personal trainer and is now the General Manager of Life Fitness New Zealand—a global leader in commercial fitness equipment, known for combining cutting-edge technology with premium design to help people live healthier, more active lives. Life Fitness is a true powerhouse in the wellness space, with a brand portfolio that includes Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group (ICG), and SCIFIT.
In this episode, we dive into the evolution of the fitness industry—from global trends to local insights—and explore how to make a real impact in a fast-growing, competitive market. Colin shares valuable perspectives on fitness, wellbeing, diet, supplements, and recovery, drawn from both his personal journey and years in the industry.
🔥 Whether you’re trying to get back in shape, stay fit and healthy, or you’re thinking about opening your own gym or fitness facility, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss.
Timprovise is a TV presenter, stand-up comedian, actor, content creator, and all-around creative force from South Auckland. We dive into the making of his debut one-hour comedy special, The Kapahaka Dropout, the challenges of being a fair-skinned Māori comedian, and the importance of representation and building your own stage when none exists.
We explore New Zealand’s comedy scene, tall poppy syndrome, and how genuine support, like a simple message, can uplift someone to keep chasing their dreams. Tim shares his North Star vision, the creative process behind his jokes, and why legacy matters more than likes. 🔥 Whether you’re a comedy nerd, creator, or just chasing big dreams — this one’s for you.
Oz Jabur is the driving force behind New Zealand’s largest combat sports platform, built from the ground up. He’s also developed proprietary boxing equipment and garments that are making waves in functional sportswear. Through his work with CSN and BX-F, he’s helping shape some of the country’s biggest MMA and boxing promotions—cementing their place as key players in the NZ combat sports scene.
A lifelong martial arts enthusiast and serial entrepreneur, Oz is the founder and director of CSN, Box Finesse BX-F, and Future Co Labs. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in business building, go-to-market strategy, scaling, commercialisation, and complex software development.
NEZIAK is a design agency focused on crafting human centered brands & experiences. Our talented team is currently located mainly in Aotearoa – New Zealand. But we work with clients from all over the world.
Visit NEZIAK.DESIGN for more
