Matt Watson on Ending the ITM Fishing Show, David Letterman Appearance, Tall Poppy
Episode Description
Matt Watson is the first name most of us think of when it comes to Fishing in New Zealand.
His iconic TV show ITM fishing is about to finish up after 20 years on our screens.
This conversation is, I hope, Matt Watson as you’ve never seen or heard him before. We discuss the struggles in the early days of getting his idea on TV, Matt gets emotional when he recalls meeting his wife Kaylene and later delivering their son in a car.
We reflect at length on his US TV appearance on Late night with David Letterman- you don’t want to miss that one. And much much more.
There is limited fishing chat in this conversation- but I’d like to think it’s a good conversation and a profile of an awesome New Zealander who has achieved so much through his own grit, persistence and dogged determination. Lessons in this about not giving in that we can all apply!
Matts career would not have been possible without the help of ITM. And I have just as much gratitude for my sponsors-
Radix Nutrition and Generate KiwiSaver- a couple of epic Kiwi owned and operated companies doing great things in their respective fields.
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This Podcast was produced by Jack Henderson Email: [email protected]
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Brief Summary
Matt Watson shares his journey from fishing to television, personal stories, and the end of his TV series while embracing digital media.
Key points
- The Last Season of TV. Matt discusses his decision to wrap up the TV side of his career and how he feels about it.
- The Role of Sponsors. Matt emphasizes the importance of loyalty to sponsors and their role in his success.
- The Testicle Injury Epiphany. After a painful accident on the job, Matt decides to change his life direction.
- The Fishing Video Competition. A pivotal moment that sparked a journey into television.
- The DIY Filmmaking Journey. Using unconventional methods to film fishing adventures led to unexpected success.
- The Brutal Rejection. Facing harsh criticism, he was told fishing didn’t belong on TV.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- The Last Season of TVMatt discusses his decision to wrap up the TV side of his career and how he feels about it.“I’m just going to have a real good time shooting this last season.”3:09Oct 29, 2023
- The Role of SponsorsMatt emphasizes the importance of loyalty to sponsors and their role in his success.“I’m not here to try and plug itm but...”16:59Oct 29, 2023
- The Testicle Injury EpiphanyAfter a painful accident on the job, Matt decides to change his life direction.“I’m not going to be the hardest working roofer anymore.”26:14Oct 29, 2023
- The Fishing Video CompetitionA pivotal moment that sparked a journey into television.“I entered this fishing video competition and I’d never used a camera before.”38:37Oct 29, 2023
- The DIY Filmmaking JourneyUsing unconventional methods to film fishing adventures led to unexpected success.“It was like have an idea, figure out the way to do it.”54:53Oct 29, 2023
- The Brutal RejectionFacing harsh criticism, he was told fishing didn’t belong on TV.“Fishing doesn’t belong on television and if it did it wouldn’t be this rubbish.”1:05:06Oct 29, 2023
- The Cost of TelevisionThe industry is bloated and wasteful, with many getting paid for little work.“What were those people all doing other than getting paid?”1:12:00Oct 29, 2023
- From Shed to StageTransitioning from a DIY shed to performing on Broadway was a surreal experience.“I was an imposter on TV in New Zealand.”1:28:02Oct 29, 2023
