Media Insider podcast: Inside the media and business mind of Leigh Hart - from That Guy and chaotic speed-cooking, to a snack empire

Leigh Hart admits he was a bit of a “control freak” when it came to establishing his groundbreaking comedy stunts.

Hart - aka That Guy, and multiple other comedic personalities - opens up in this week’s Media Insider podcast on his three decades in the TV, radio and newspaper industry, including as a Sports Cafe regular, the creator of his own TV series and skits, a columnist, and radio host.

He’s also forged a successful business career, creating the Wakachangi Beer and Snackachangi chip empires - although, as he reveals today, he’s eased away from the alcohol business after coming to an agreement with the brewery.

Hart’s media career is revving up again, as he enjoys a resurgence with the resurrected Sports Cafe - named last week as the best podcast in New Zealand - and with a new show on Radio Hauraki.

Behind the gags is a deep thinker with a big business brain.

Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.

Watch Media Insider - The Podcast on YouTube, or listen to it on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.