Lemon Drops

This is your invite to join a real, heartfelt chat—not your usual marketing talk. We recorded this a while back and then thought why not use it!

Step into the world of shoe love with Mands and Anna from Smokeylemon! In this episode, we’re not talking marketing – we’re talking PASSION. 👟✨

Shoes are so much more than a fashion statement for us: they inspire confidence, spark happiness, and give us a reason to walk a little taller ev...

Join host Anna Richardson as she sits down with artist Paul Rangiwahia and Richard Anderson, CEO of Age Concern Taranaki, for a warm and inspiring conversation about what it really means to age well.

Discover the story behind the artwork “Age Is Just a Number” and learn how it’s helping change conversations—and lives—in our community.

We dive into the heart of Age Concern Taranaki’s mission, explore how creativity can challenge ste...

In this episode , we sit down with Jimi Hunt, our Creative Director at Smokeylemon, to uncover what truly drives a successful rebrand.

From strategic timing (yes, even in winter!) to real-world examples like Cruise Te Anau and Coastal Medical, Jimi walks us through the key signals a brand needs a refresh, the creative journey behind the scenes, and how to ensure a new identity resonates with both current and future audiences.

Wheth...

Join us on Lemon Drops as we celebrate Dalgleish Diamonds — crowned Supreme Winner at the Taranaki Top Shop Awards 2025!

Owners Bill Roy and Lynnette Rowan share their incredible journey, revealing the secrets behind over a century of brilliance in jewellery design and exceptional customer care.

In this episode: Discover how Dalgleish crafts bespoke pieces that capture personal milestones and memories.

Hear stories of creativity, t...

Host Anna Richardson caught up with with Suzanne Porter, CEO of the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT), ahead of their latest festival and chatted about the vibrant arts scene and iconic festivals that have shaped Taranaki’s cultural landscape. From WOMAD New Zealand to the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, discover the stories, challenges, and community impact behind TAFT’s world-class events. Tune in for inspiring conversations...

Join Bev Ellice, Managing Director of Helloworld Strandon—the top Helloworld travel store in New Zealand—as she shares her inspiring journey from travel agent to franchise owner. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, career highlights, and unforgettable group trips to destinations like Antarctica, Japan, and the Chatham Islands. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or curious about the business side of travel, Bev offers expert insight...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Stephanie Murray, founder of Stephanie Murray Mortgages. Discover how Stephanie turned a bold idea into a nationwide business, all while raising over $200,000 for charity and making a real difference in her community. From first-home buyers to charity golf tournaments, Stephanie shares her entrepreneurial secrets, leadership lessons, and the heartfelt passion that drives her work. Don’t mi...

In this episode, Dylan from Brandlab shares the story of how a small garage operation in Inglewood grew into a full-service branding studio, now serving clients from their New Plymouth HQ. We talk through the journey from Signright to Brandlab, the merger with other local creatives, and their collaboration with Smokeylemon on some exciting projects. Plus, we explore the value of full-service branding and what’s next in the world of...

Join us for a special conversation with Paul (Dealer Principal) and Julia Phillips (Operations Manager) from WR Phillips, Taranaki’s iconic family-owned dealership—winner of Mitsubishi Dealer of the Year for the 5th year running! In this episode, we explore: - What it means to carry on an 80-year family legacy, now in its fourth generation - The strengths and stories each generation has brought to WR Phillips - How family valu...

In this episode, we speak with Terry and Tanya Long, founders of the Mellowpuff Charitable Trust. They share the heartfelt story of their daughter Melissa, whose wish to help others inspired the creation of the Trust. Learn about the incredible impact the Trust has on children and families in Taranaki and how you can support their mission. https://www.mellowpufftrust.co.nz/ 

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In this episode, Mandy G from Smokeylemon shares her top tips for creating social media content that actually works. From what to post and when, to batching, hashtags, and keeping your brand looking sharp—she’s got you covered. Mandy also dives into common struggles and easy wins to help you show up better online, fast. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice you wo...

Be inspired by one of Taranaki’s leading real estate minds! Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Kris Rasmussen, Principal of Professionals Real Estate New Plymouth. Kris shares his journey as principal, director, and major shareholder, his passion for innovation, and how he empowers his team to deliver world-class results for clients. If you want to hear how daring to be different sets Professionals apart in the Taranak...

In this episode of Lemon Drops, we chat with Graham Wellington, Licensee owner of Latitude Homes Taranaki/Manawatu. Graham shares his journey from running a local construction company to leading Latitude Homes with a focus on making the building process stress-free and enjoyable. Discover how Latitude Homes tailors designs, offers flexible customisation, and delivers award-winning quality. If you’re thinking about building a home i...

Get ready for an honest and uplifting episode of the Lemon Drops podcast with Smokeylemon’s Big Cheese, Mands, and Anna Richardson. For the first time, Anna opens up about the reality of being made redundant from her previous career-a turning point she’s only recently started speaking about publicly. Anna shares how confronting this challenge not only tested her resilience but also became the catalyst for her personal and professio...

Mandy McGregor, the Big Cheese, is back for round two! This time we’re diving deep into the real talk behind the marketing world. No buzzwords, no fluff—just an honest chat about what it actually takes to get noticed in a crowded space.

We cover everything from the ups and downs of social media, to why some businesses disappear online (and why that’s a problem), to how podcasting can help build real connection. Mandy shares her tak...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with life coach and author Liz Fry as she shares insights from her book "A Heart That Broke Free." 

Liz opens up about the struggles so many of us face, feeling like we're not enough, battling imposter syndrome, and learning to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength. Through real journal entries, powerful client stories, and her own lived experiences, Liz offers practical wisdom and emot...

This month, we celebrate World Administrative Professionals Day, shining a light on the people who keep everything smoothly behind the scenes. In this episode, we chat with Lisa Lowe, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of New Plymouth. Lisa shares insights into her role and why the administrative career path is so much more than just support. Tune in as we recognise the importance of admins and the impact they have on organisations e...