Marc Ellis: How to walk with Kings

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 Show notes | Episode 115 | Marc Ellis 2:14: A pinch yourself moment and a local speak easy 4:21: That time Marc nearly killed himself alone with a bowling machine 7:15: The Human Cannonball, the boat, and the Round Lake Taupo cycle 15:15: The last ten years of Marc Ellis 16:57: Macca at high school 19:43: The King of Otago University 22:49: Scarfie hijinks 25:01: Otago rugby and All Blacks tours 30:01: “Suzie” at the 1995 Rugby World Cup 33:38: Setting up Charlies 39:34: The decision to sell Charlies 46:12: The Warriors, Jonah, and JK 52:34: Sports Café 1:03:59: Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis 1:11:21: Working on More FM after becoming a multi-millionaire 1:15:32: The Rangitoto stunt 1:19:13: Media Blanco and life now 1:21:35: Fame and anonymity 1:22:49: Advice from a father to a son 1:29:40: Last words from Steve, Seamus and MarcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.