Best Rural Revitalization Fund Podcasts (2025)

1
Don't Super Size It 18:01

Play Pause

2d ago18:01

18:01

Hi, welcome to Bring Back the Bustle, a podcast about revitalizing rural America. I’m Shavon Jones, your host. Today’s topic is right sizing your rural business to achieve profitability in rural markets. We’ve entitled the episode: “Don’t Super Size It” so maybe some listeners are looking for a Big Mac. I don’t have any, but invite you to stick aro…

1
Good Help Is Hard to Find 13:30

9d ago13:30

13:30

Good help is hard to find, especially in rural America. Hi, welcome to another episode of Bring Back the Bustle, a podcast about revitalizing rural America. I’m Shavon Jones, your host. This episode is about staffing issues in rural America. We’re going to delve into the root causes of skilled labor shortages in small towns then suggest ways to mit…

1
The Technocrats Are Coming!! 22:36

16d ago22:36

22:36

By The Rural Revitalization Fund

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How to Rehab Rural Downtown Communities 19:55

23d ago19:55

19:55

By The Rural Revitalization Fund

1
The OBBBA Got Opportunity Zones Almost Right 17:05

1M ago17:05

17:05

By The Rural Revitalization Fund

1
Industrial Revolution Redux: AI Data Centers Are Poised to Revive America’s Small Towns 13:14

1M ago13:14

13:14

By The Rural Revitalization Fund

1
Glyn Lewers: Navigating Queenstown's Infrastructure Challenges and Celebrating Community Milestones 13:40

11M ago13:40

13:40

Curious about the triumphs and tribulations faced by the Queenstown Lakes District this past year? Explore the enlightening conversation with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers as he takes us through the emotional highs of community milestones and the pressing challenges of infrastructure and housing. You'll hear about the heartwarming inauguration of the soci…

1
Glen Thurston: Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health and Firearms Ownership in Rural Communities 21:50

11M ago21:50

21:50

This podcast with Glen talks about, firearms, hunting, firearms laws, mental health and suicide. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or out-of-sorts, here’s some numbers that can connect you 24 hours a day to people trained to help: Free call or text 1737 Lifeline 0800 543 354 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at ri…

1
Duncan Forsyth: Bridging Financial Gaps to Revitalize Queenstown's Luma Festival and Preserve Its Cultural Legacy 12:42

11M ago12:42

12:42

Discover the financial and logistical hurdles that prompted the pause of Queenstown's cherished Luma arts and culture festival. Listen as Duncan, a pivotal organiser, unravels the festival's journey from relying on grants and council support to the necessity for external funding. Learn how the pandemic and rising living costs pushed the festival to…

1
New Zealand's Adventure Racing Renaissance with Local Flair 17:32

12M ago17:32

17:32

Discover the exhilarating world of adventure racing as we sit down with Andy Magness, a seasoned competitor and race director, who takes us through his journey from alpinism to conquering the endurance racing scene. Inspired by the legendary Eco Challenge of the 90s, Andy and his brother Jason found their passion during their first major race, Prim…

1
Glyn Lewers: Steering Queenstown's Rapid Growth and Sustainable Future 14:46

12M ago14:46

14:46

What happens when rapid growth outpaces infrastructure in one of New Zealand's most vibrant districts? Join us for an eye-opening discussion with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewis, who brings his insights on the nine fast track applications for Queenstown Lakes and their potential impacts on local development. As we navigate the complexities of aligning these …

1
Mat Woods: Crafting a Sustainable Future for Queenstown's Tourism and Year-Round Adventures 15:27

1y ago15:27

15:27

Ever wonder how Queenstown is preparing for a sustainable tourism future post-COVID? Join us as we sit down with Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, to uncover the meticulous creation of a destination management plan aimed at balancing growth with sustainability. Gain valuable insights into how the community's extensive input over…

1
Justine Cormack: Harmonizing Nature and Music at the AWE Festival in New Zealand’s Stunning Landscapes 12:51

1y ago12:51

12:51

What if your next music festival experience could transport you through stunning landscapes while immersing you in the sounds of nature? Join us for a captivating conversation with Justine Cormack, the director of the At World's Edge Music Festival, as she shares the magic behind integrating musical performances with the breathtaking beauty of Quee…

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Adam Hall and Jane Stevens: Elevating New Zealand's Adaptive Snow Sports to Global Excellence 22:14

1y ago22:14

22:14

Ever wondered what it takes to transform a modest, volunteer-driven sports program into a powerhouse of high-performance excellence? Join us as we unravel the remarkable journey of New Zealand's adaptive snow sports program with insights from adaptive snow sports expert Jane Stevens and Paralympic skiing champion Adam Hall. Adam sheds light on how …

1
Steve Brent: Navigating Wills, Estate Planning, and Community Giving to Secure Your Legacy 13:01

1y ago13:01

13:01

Have you ever wondered what happens if you die without a will? Discover the crucial importance of having a will, regardless of your age or financial status, in our insightful conversation with Steve Brent from RVG Law in Queenstown. Steve explains the legal challenges and financial burdens that can arise when someone passes away intestate, and prov…

1
Roost's Rise: Mark Pullar and Toby Stanley on Revolutionizing Mortgage Brokerage and Building Community in Queenstown 15:47

1y ago15:47

15:47

How did Roost evolve from a humble garage startup to a multi-award-winning mortgage brokerage? Join us as Mark Pullar and Toby Stanley reveal the inspiring journey behind Roost's success. Hear Mark recount the early days of launching the business in 2017 fueled by his passion for property and wealth creation, leading to an impressive expansion to a…

1
Quentin Nolan: Boosting Queenstown's Economy Through the Snow Machine Festival's Spectacular Success 12:49

1y ago12:49

12:49

Curious about how one event can inject millions into a local economy? Our latest episode of The Outlet promises to deliver insights as we chat with Quentin Nolan about the phenomenal economic impact of the Snow Machine festival on Queenstown. Attracting around seven and a half thousand attendees, mainly from Australia, Snow Machine is not just a ce…

1
Monique Kelly: Empowering Communities and Businesses to Embrace Sustainability 15:12

1y ago15:12

15:12

Can structural changes at the governmental and business levels truly drive decarbonization and promote sustainable behaviors? Join us as we tackle these questions with Monique Kelly, who provides an exclusive inside look at the upcoming WAO Summit from October 29th to November 2nd. Discover the streamlined five-day program that focuses on food and …

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Transforming Struggles into Stories: Dominic Hoey on Overcoming Adversity and Crafting a Literary Career 11:36

1y ago11:36

11:36

What if you could turn your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths? Join us on the Outlet podcast as we sit down with Dominic Hoey, a remarkable author and poet who defied the odds to craft a successful writing career. Dominic's story is one of perseverance and creativity, transforming his early struggles with reading and special education…

1
Balancing Tragedy and Comedy: Ed's Unique Approach to Stand-Up 18:42

1y ago18:42

18:42

Can personal tragedy be transformed into compelling comedy? Join us as for our chat with with comedian Ed Byrne, who masterfully turns heartbreak into humor. Ed shares his evolution from university days of hosting karaoke and pub quizzes to becoming a professional comedian. He opens up about how his stint in student politics unexpectedly influenced…

1
Amy Eason's Path from Player to Premier Referee in Rugby 10:05

1+ y ago10:05

10:05

What challenges does one face when shattering gender barriers in sports officiating? Join us for our conversation with Amy Eason, the pioneering referee who made headlines as the first woman to officiate a Central Otago Premier Men's Rugby Game. Amy shares her journey from her earliest memories of rugby to transitioning from a player to a referee a…

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Revitalizing Tourism: David Beeche on RealNZ’s Conservation Efforts and Queenstown's Sustainable Growth 11:34

1+ y ago11:34

11:34

Ever wondered how the tourism sector is bouncing back post-COVID? Join us for a compelling conversation with David Beeche, CEO of RealNZ, as he shares his unique journey from major events to leading RealNZ with a background in law, accounting, and marketing. You'll learn about the sector's ongoing challenges, like labor shortages and housing issues…

1
Unlocking Speed: Alice Robinson on Skiing Mastery and Preparing for Global Competitions 11:58

1+ y ago11:58

11:58

What makes Alice Robinson so fast on the slopes? Tune in as we unlock the secrets behind her phenomenal skiing season. Alice shares valuable insights into her return to top form and the pivotal roles played by her team and supportive crew. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the technical nuances that contribute to her speed, including how she ha…

1
Mayor Glyn Lewers: Shaping Queenstown's Future Through Policy, Tourism, and Housing Solutions 11:55

1+ y ago11:55

11:55

Curious about the future of Queenstown and how local policies might shape it? Join Brent Harbour, on The Outlet as he sits down with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers to uncover the key issues affecting our community. Mayor Lewers opens up about the challenges of advocating for a local visitor levy, the complexities of local government funding, and how these …

1
Unveiling Soho Basin: Laura Hedley on Pioneering Ski Experiences and Elevating Cardrona and Treble Cone 9:39

1+ y ago9:39

9:39

Want to explore 150 hectares of playful, wide-open terrain at Soho Basin? Join us as Laura Hedley, General Manager of Cardrona and Treble Cone Experiences, gives us an exclusive sneak peek into the newest skiing hotspot set to open next year. Laura also walks us through the extensive work being done at Cardrona and Treble Cone to ensure a seamless …

1
Surviving Nature's Fury: Ken Wylie on the Avalanche That Changed His Life and Guiding Philosophy 21:16

1+ y ago21:16

21:16

What would you do if you were suddenly engulfed by a wall of snow? Ken Wylie recounts the fateful day he faced this terrifying scenario, surviving an avalanche that struck 20 years ago. Listen as Ken takes us through a series of critical oversights including a missed morning meeting and volatile snowpack conditions that culminated in disaster. His …

1
Fae Robertson: Crafting Queenstown's Tourism Landscape Over 65 Years 18:45

1+ y ago18:45

18:45

How did a young girl from Invercargill become a legendary figure in Queenstown's tourism industry? Meet Fae Robertson, whose 65-year-long career began with an audacious move to Queenstown in 1957. Fae shares her journey from a convent school to a rougher local one and reveals how a travel apprenticeship ignited her lifelong passion for tourism. Des…

1
Traversing the Trails of Queenstown with Mark Williams: A Vision of Community and Conservation 10:23

1+ y ago10:23

10:23

Embark on a journey to the heart of Queenstown's majestic landscapes with Mark Williams of the Queenstown Trails Trust. Mark unveils the Trust's endeavors to weave an intricate tapestry of trails that promise to elevate your outdoor adventures while nurturing the environment and fostering community spirit. Discover the transformative power of conne…

1
Scaling Cinematic Heights: The New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival with Visionary Mark Sedon 7:35

1+ y ago7:35

7:35

Embark on a journey to the heart of outdoor storytelling as we chat with Mark Sedon, the visionary behind the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival. From its modest inception in 2002 to its present-day status as a must-attend event for adventure aficionados, Mark recounts the festival's climb to success. It's a tale of passion transforming in…

1
Twins Triumph on the World's Wintry Stages: Cam and Fin Melville Ives 12:24

1+ y ago12:24

12:24

Feel the chill in the air and the thrill of victory with the regions very own freestyle skiing and snowboarding twins, Cam and Fin, as they recount the adrenaline-pumping moments from the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Korea. These medal-winning siblings bring the spirit of competition and sheer love for their sports to life, sharing not just the co…

1
Navigating the Peaks and Valleys of New Zealand's Housing Market with Sarah Wood CEO of realestate.co.nz 7:26

1+ y ago7:26

7:26

Discover the intricate dance of the New Zealand property market as Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, guides us through the twists and turns of Central Otago, the Lakes District, and the West Coast regions. With her expert insight, we're peeling back the layers on why Queenstown real estate is an outlier in buoyancy, even as we grapple with high …

1
The Blueprint of Queenstown's Evolution Under Mayor Glyn Lewers 18:06

1+ y ago18:06

18:06

Unlock the future of Queenstown with a front-row seat to our conversation with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers. In a landscape where the visitor levy debate rages on and the innovative GST sharing scheme promises a financial revamp, we dissect the policies poised to redefine the region. Amidst the anticipation, skepticism lingers—will the practical executio…

1
Cinema Paradiso: A Celebration of Community and Film Legacy in Wanaka 33:24

1+ y ago33:24

33:24

When the lights dim and the projector whirs to life, there's an indescribable magic that envelops you—it's a feeling Calum MacLeod knows all too well. Our latest episode takes you on a whimsical ride through Wanaka's Cinema Paradiso, a place where community and film intertwine to create something truly extraordinary. As Calum recounts his voyage fr…

1
Shaping Future Journeys:CR Alexa Forbes on Sustainable Transport and Climate Strategy in New Zealand's Heartland 18:57

1+ y ago18:57

18:57

Otago Regional Councillor Alexa Forbes steers us through the complexities of land transport policies and their climatic crossroads. Our latest conversation unpacks the draft government policy statement's inclination towards road building and its ramifications on sustainable transport and local economies. Alexa, with a keen eye on the future, lays o…

1
Balancing Act: Queenstown's Quest for Economic Equilibrium in a Tightrope Economy 15:00

1+ y ago15:00

15:00

In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour speaks with Benje Patterson, New Zealand's leading Regional economist, and Sharon Fifield, Chief Executive of the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce. They share insights on the sustainability of Queenstown Lakes rapid growth and its impact on businesses, on the back of a business confidence survey. They delv…

1
Guyon Espiner on the Critical Battle to Preserve Truth in Media 22:52

1+ y ago22:52

22:52

In this Podcast, Brent Harbour speaks with Guyon Espiner, the seasoned RNZ presenter and journalist, as he shares his insights from the 'Breakfast with Papers' panel at Aspiring Conversations. They tackle the concerning trends of news outlets like Newshub facing closure, the troubling rhetoric of 'fake news,' and the unnerving rise of AI and deepfa…

1
Confronting Climate Change: A conversation with Former Climate Change Minister James Shaw on Global Solutions and Individual Responsibility 13:45

1+ y ago13:45

13:45

Have you ever pondered the moment when humanity must truly confront the impact of climate change? James Shaw, the seasoned voice on environmental action and former Climate Change Minister, joins Brent Harbour, on The Outlet for an eye-opening discussion that transcends the basic environmental conversation. They delve into the collaborative dance be…

1
Navigating Fiscal Waters and Community Connections in Queenstown with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers 12:17

1+ y ago12:17

12:17

Grappling with the complexities of financial management in local government, QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers joins Brent Harbour for a discussion about the fiscal hurdles and strategies in play within the Council. As ratepayers' concerns weigh heavy on his mind, Glyn talks about the Council's approach to balancing the budget amid Three Waters reforms and in…

1
Swinging into the Future: Golf, Growth, and Greatness in Queenstown 13:41

1+ y ago13:41

13:41

Michael Glading is the Tournament Director of the New Zealand Open. We talk about his remarkable journey from caddying for Bob Charles to steering one of golf's most storied events. We explore the secrets behind the tournament's resilience, particularly during the recent pandemic, and Millbrook Resort's pivotal role in this enduring success. https:…

1
Empowering Queenstown: The Impact of Women's Collective Giving with Claire Irons 6:37

1+ y ago6:37

6:37

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown. Clare Irons, chairperson of Impact 100 Wakatipu, joins Brent Harbour to unveil the influence of unified charitable giving. With a tally of $698,500 granted to local causes since 2020, Claire's conversation is a testament that when women come together, their financial contributions become a powerhouse o…

1
The Environmental Ride of a Lifetime with the Aotearoa Bike Challenge 10:01

1+ y ago10:01

10:01

The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this podcast Amanda Robinson, co-founder of the Lightfoot Initiative, takes us on a tour of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. As someone who's traded the automotive thrills of a 'bogan', for the cycling buzz of London's streets and Queenstown's scenic routes, Amanda imparts a wealth of knowledge on the joys and envi…

1
Queenstown's Vibrant February: Noodles, Lanterns, Arts and Gardens! 24:53

1+ y ago24:53

24:53

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, we discover two great events for Queenstown. First Brent catches up with Anna and Jo, to talk about the Chinese New Year Festivities at Ayrburn Precinct, including the Ayrburn Noodle Markets Feb 10th and 24th, and 15 days of celebration. Plus they discuss the rich traditions of Chinese …

1
Navigating New Horizons: A Conversation with Queenstown's Mayor Glyn Lewers 15:39

1+ y ago15:39

15:39

Welcome to The Outlet Podcast: The Talk of Queenstown Brent Harbour chats with Queenstown's Mayor Glyn Lewers. With a year and a half at the helm, Glyn has led Queenstown through a few challenges at the end of last year. We find out about concerns from residents and council members, what to expect from the new government and the complexities of Pro…

1
Life in the Skies: Unveiling the Heroes of Otago and Southland's Rescue Helicopters 12:58

2y ago12:58

12:58

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour, talks to Suzanne Prentice, the Southland based Trustee of the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, and, Graeme Gale, Managing Director of Helicopters Otago Ltd, that delivers the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service. We chat about the rescue helicopters oper…

1
Conquering Heights and Inspiring Lives: A Conversation with Lydia Bradey, the First Woman to Summit Everest Without Oxygen 26:04

2y ago26:04

26:04

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this episode, host Brent Harbour talks to mountaineer Lydia Bradey, who in 1988 became the first woman in the world to climb Mt Everest without supplementary oxygen. She is a passionate mountaineer, an international mountain and ski guide, and a professional inspirational speaker. They talk about her…

1
Unlocking Insights:Queenstown's Labor Market Report with Benje Patterson 9:17

2y ago9:17

9:17

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour talks to Benje Patterson, who's released his labour market report for Queenstown Lakes District. They talk about the implications of some of the reports findings, commuting trends between Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes District, and what the next steps are. https:…

1
Unlocking Queenstown's Business Pulse: Insights from the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce 10:12

2y ago10:12

10:12

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, host Brent harbour, talks to Sharon Fifield CEO of the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and Angela Spackman the board chair. They look at business confidence in Queenstown, some of the challenges ahead, and how businesses are feeling about the summer season. https://queenstowncha…

1
Puzzling World's 50th Anniversary & The Journey of Ronald McDonald's Family Room at Southland Hospital 23:20

2y ago23:20

23:20

The Outlet, The Voice of Queenstown In this Podcast, Host Brent Harbour, talks to Duncan Spear the Marketing and Operations Manager for Puzzling World Wanaka who are celebrating 50 years, as an iconic visitor attraction. They chat about how the idea for Puzzling world came about, where ideas for new illusion rooms come from and importantly, whats t…

1
Queenstown's Heart: Community Heroes and a Magical Santa Experience with Plunket 15:58

2y ago15:58

15:58

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour talks to Elessa and Krista from Plunket, who do such great work in Queenstown and the region. We chat about some of the great community work they do and the programmes they run. plus they have a fundraising event coming up where your kids can meet Santa in his natural…

1
Unveiling the Magic of Neil Diamond's Music: Exclusive Interview with Zac Coombs from The Sweet Caroline Tour 9:09

2y ago9:09

9:09

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this podcast, host Brent Harbour, talks to Zac Coombs. Zac plays the role of Neil Diamond in The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond. Zac has been surrounded by Neil Diamonds music from an early age, and playing the role is a dream come true. They chat about his favourite songs and what yo…