Melodie Robinson: Blazing a trail to the top

Melodie is a Kiwi trailblazer, with a CV as good as any that have come across the BTB desk.

She’s won two rugby World Cups with the Black Ferns, worked at parliament as a journalist, was the first female rugby commentator in the world, perfected her craft across 15 years at SKY before becoming a communications executive – and she is now TVNZ’s General Manager, Sport and Events.

She also has an MBA from Auckland uni, two sons and is married to one of New Zealand’s best golf pros. 

In this episode we talk about her most viral moments behind the microphone, young Mel the beauty queen who started scraps, how Murray Deaker helped kick start her career, the first time she met Ruby Tui, the current state of women’s sport coverage in NZ, the Black Ferns and so much more. 

Mel was an incredible guest. She’s risen to the top of every field she’s entered – and done it with true authenticity. She’s the real –deal – you’ll love this one. 

Show notes | Episode 113 | Melodie Robinson

1:52: The Black Clash

5:54: Could Mel make it on the Alternative Commentary Collective?

10:21: Reflecting on an impressive CV via an incredibly supportive mum and dad

16:00: Melodie on losing your parents (and Celebrity Treasure Island)

21:51: Cutting her teeth in the parliament press gallery

27:38: A beauty queen who started scraps on the footy field

31:32: Mel the scarfie: University and rugby in Otago

34:48: The early days of the Black Ferns

41:31: How a university research project set a career in motion

43:49: A phone call to Murray Deaker leads to an opportunity with Sky TV

49:44: Starting out at Sky TV

52:20: Behind the mic from a woman’s perspective

56:25: A Steve Walsh interlude

57:38: William and Kate’s wedding night

1:03:11: Women on screen: Laura McGoldrick, Rikki Swannell and Ruby Tui

1:09:11: The importance of appearance on TV

1:11:03: Losing two greats: Willie Lose and Va’aiga Tuigamala

1:17:05 The current state of women’s sports coverage and the Black Ferns win

1:24:37: Life as TVNZ General Manager Sports and Events

1:30:22: Steve’s wounding golf chat

1:32:04: Last words from Steve, Seamus and Melodie

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