On this episode of Between Two Beers, we talk to Marc Ellis.
Marc has done enough in his life to have an episode dedicated to each chapter.
He played rugby for Otago, North Harbour, Blues, Highlanders and All Blacks and League for the Warriors and Kiwis, founded Charlie’s juice company – which after 10 years he sold to Asahi for $129 million, and was one of New Zealand’s top television stars for over a decade.
In this episode we talk about what it was like to walk away with $18 million after selling Charlie’s – and why he decided to keep working, the best stories from university in Dunedin and touring with the All Blacks, why he thinks he was poisoned before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, the time he was nearly killed by a bowling machine, the glory days with Ridgey, his favourite moments from Sports Café, what he’s doing now and much much more.
Marc was our dream guest – and he delivered. Seamus and I grew up watching his unpredictable brand of hijinx and gags on TV, and his infectiously positive and fun personality rubbed off on us both. But behind the laughs and wild stories is an incredibly driven, successful, thoughtful guy and we had so much fun working through his full story. You’ll love this one.
Show notes | Episode 115 | Marc Ellis
0:00: A pinch yourself moment and a local speak easy
2:08: That time Marc nearly killed himself alone with a bowling machine
5:00: The Human Cannonball, the boat, and the Round Lake Taupo cycle
13:01: The last ten years of Marc Ellis
14:38: Macca at high school
17:23: The King of Otago University
20:30: Scarfie hijinks
22:40: Otago rugby and All Blacks tours
27:40: “Susie” at the 1995 Rugby World Cup
31:14: Setting up Charlies
37:10: The decision to sell Charlies
42:28: The Warriors (and Jonah)
50:10: Sports Café
1:01:35: Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis
1:08:56: Working on More FM after becoming a multi-millionaire
1:13:01: The Rangitoto stunt
1:16:42: Media Blanco and life now
1:19:04: Fame and anonymity
1:20:18: Advice from a father to a son
1:27:09: Last words from Steve, Seamus and Marc
31 Comments
5:20 Lake "Toe Poe". WTF lol even every other pakeha can pronounce it properly incorrect being "towel poe".
Great podcast lads. Loved Marc's book and this was the cherry on top!!!
Great episode, lads! Marc is the man! But, one of yaz shoulda bloody got up and got the extra beer for the old fella and his crook knee! lol
Marc Ellis is what you call a true blue kiwi. Great sense of humour, hard worker, great family man, good values, just a great human being.
Marc reminiscing about Otago is exactly like myself and mates…attempting to contain the laughter when regaling people with tales of old is almost impossible. Some of the best years of my life
Marc what a bloody legend, best 90mins I have listened to in a long time.
Great show. You guys need to swap places so the guest eye contact is in sink
One of the best to ever live. Very cool walk back to the good ol days. Cheers lads
Epic! Again!.
Big fan of the podcast, and it’s cool to see these videos too. I wonder if it’s possible to order the ‘screens’ so that when the guests are looking at each of you, it’s reflected on screen? Currently if Marc is looking at Seamus, on screen it looks like he’s looking at Steven (and visa versa).
Great interview. Marc's old biography "Crossing The Line" is worth a look if you've never read it before.
What a bloke his humility and humbleness. Top pod boys. All the best
Reminded me of the sports Cafe days
Bring back the grapefruit juice man
What a fantastic episode. Love the way you guys structured the conversation and did your research to bring up different stories. Awesome to hear Marc share stories, one of the best story tellers out there.
Things I’ve taken away and looking to implement are getting into the story and really sharing it like you were there, discipline and having a structured early wake up time, dreaming big as, and doing more fun things that don’t harm anyone.
Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for between two beers, you guys are going from strength to strength.
What an absolute legend. So humble. Great interview guys.
I was in the Otago team when Marc made his debut, his attitude to rugby was brilliant, a great team man and a real scarfie, Loved his few beers and his mates, and played rugby with such talent and the freedom just to enjoy the game. The likes of Marc, JT (John Timu) and JL (John Leslie) were a band of brothers on and off the field. Great fun, always followed his career, and his shows. Loved this reminder. Great to see you Marc
Awesome, grew up living to watch sportscafe/game 2 halves. Marc your the last of a great era!
That was fun to watch, brought back good memories. Loved “Sports Cafe” back in the day.
I’ve been away from NZ for nearly 20 years but remember Ellis being a huge personality and a top sportsman back then and he represented a fun side of sports and friendships. Was always kind of curious where Marc ended up? Actually thought he probably crashed and burned into obscurity. Lol! It’s very pleasing to see he’s enjoying success and fulfilment in his life. Couldn’t have happened to a better bloke.🍺
Gees he looks good for early 50s fair play
He was always going to be successful. Anyone who lived in Dunedin in the 90s knows he was a lot more than just a rugby player. Unquestionably the king of scarfies!
Brilliant
Bloody hell he so correct in what he says of/to Bob Jones at the very end! NZ needs more people like you Marc…..Power of love over a love of power you are!
Just stumbled across this. Awesome poddy. Im 39 and loved this guy growing up.
Great!
When I think of Marc Ellis I think if a hardcase dude who was mean at Sport & loved to have a good laugh. So much depth to who he is & someone I imagine a lot of people misunderstand. What an awesome listen & I think more would tune in to Macca & Ridgey in their 60s still trying to beat each other. 😂
Fk, what an awesome podcast. Cheers, brothers
I hope Mark and Matthew do make more series together.
40:40 👏👏
Any episodes of sport Cafe anywhere
Heath Davis and Israel Dagg were the fastest bowlers in New Zealand