Marc Ellis- What a Lad
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Mark Ellis, the legendary All Blacks winger and TV personality, reveals how his relentless optimism and 'dream big' mindset—fueled by a father who taught him that belief creates reality—powered his extraordinary journey from a disruptive schoolboy to a record-breaking rugby star, a successful entrepreneur, and a beloved public figure. He recounts wild university antics, including a pig's head tied to a car and a nude lap around Dunedin, not as reckless escapades but as rituals of equality and humor that shaped his irreverent, joyful worldview. His career pivot from rugby to league and then to founding Charlie's Orange Juice—where he pioneered comparative advertising and built a brand on authenticity—showcases a man who thrives on creativity and connection. Despite facing setbacks, including a near-fatal food poisoning episode before the 1995 World Cup final, Ellis emphasizes resilience, integrity, and the power of small dreams: 'If you've got a really positive attitude, if you see the good... what's the worst that can happen?'
Dream big: Ellis believes anyone who truly desires a dream can achieve it, regardless of obstacles.
Use humor and absurdity to build unity—nude laps and pig head pranks were rituals of equality and bonding.
The best way to win a negotiation is to say 'no'—Ellis and Reggie used rejection to drive up their TV pay.
Food poisoning in 1995 nearly derailed the World Cup final, but the team's resilience led to a historic victory.
Charlie's Orange Juice succeeded by being authentic: 20 oranges per liter, no Chinese concentrate, and a face on the label.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Legend of Mark Ellis
Host Brian sets the stage with a dramatic intro, teasing Mark Ellis as the nation's greatest lad, a record-breaking All Blacks winger, and a TV icon, setting the tone for a legendary interview.
From Disruptive Schoolboy to University Rebel
“One of the boys stuck on a bloody bike helmet tried to run through a wall. He got through the wall no problem but he hit the hot water cylinder.”
The Dunedin Years: Court Sessions and Carnage
“He had to hold the peach of this old fella against the ice-cold wall, and after about five minutes, he was just blue and just shaking. And that was the only way we could shut the bastard up.”
The All Blacks: Glory, Pressure, and Poisoning
“The sense of relief when you won a test, not the sense of elation. So I think there's such a pressure through the lineage and history of the All Blacks being the most successful international team.”
From Rugby to League: The Warriors and the Hustle
Ellis details his transition to rugby league with the Warriors, his first time lifting weights, and the cultural shift from rugby's discipline to league's laid-back vibe. He shares how he adapted to the game's angles and became a Kiwi international.
“One of the boys stuck on a bloody bike helmet tried to run through a wall. He got through the wall no problem but he hit the hot water cylinder.”
“The best negotiation tool is never letting anyone know the truth, right? And so TVNZ would say, oh, do you want to do this? No, no, fuck off.”
“We decided to create a brand which was more attitudinal and a product that we could stand behind. I can sell anything as long as I believe in it.”
Host
Guest
mark ellis
person
charlie's orange juice
brand
otago
other
reggie ridge
person
sports cafe
media
wellington college
other
gordie hunter
person
jonah lomu
person
warriors
other
colin meads
person
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