Tappa's Green Room Podcast

In Episode 36 of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Australian surfing legend Paul Neilsen for a deep dive into the formative years of professional surfing on the Gold Coast and beyond. From growing up in a near-empty Surfers Paradise and borrowing boards as a kid, to charging Hawaiian waves, winning Bells Beach in 1971, and taking out the prestigious Smirnoff Pro-Am, Paul reflects on an era before leg ropes, sponsorship hype, and crowded line-ups. The conversation also explores the rise of Brothers Neilsen Surfboards, the shaping bays of Mermaid Beach, and what it meant to be part of surfing’s first true professional generation—driven by passion, community, and fearless commitment.
Episode Sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In Episode 35 of Tappa’s Green Room, Tappa sits down with Burleigh Heads standout and World Tour campaigner Liam O’Brien for an honest, wide-ranging chat about the realities of professional surfing. From growing up surfing raw Victorian coastlines to becoming a Burleigh Boardriders mainstay, Liam reflects on how his early years shaped his style, mindset, and respect for the lineup. The conversation dives deep into the ups and downs of the Challenger Series, his breakthrough moments on tour, the brutal ankle injury at Pipe, and the long road back to confidence and form. It’s a raw look at resilience, humility, and what it really takes to stay in the game at the highest level.

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece is joined by surfing legend, journalist, conservationist, and Chairman of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, Andrew McKinnon. The conversation centres on the upcoming World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC) 2026, an international gathering set to take place on the Gold Coast in February 2026. Andrew breaks down what the conference is really about — far beyond ocean conservation alone — exploring sustainability, climate change, surf break protection, wellness, innovation, and community-led solutions. With stories from decades in surfing and deep insight into global conservation efforts, this episode highlights how surfers, scientists, and communities can work together to safeguard the future of our oceans and waves.

Sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with young surfing talent Leihani Zoric, whose passion, determination, and natural connection to the ocean have already made her one to watch. Leihani shares her story of growing up surfing with her dad, competing from a young age, and balancing school, training, and travel. She talks openly about the challenges of competition, the excitement of progression, and her goals for the future.
SHOW NOTES
Tappa introduces guest Leihani Zoric, an emerging young surfer making waves in the competitive scene.
How Leihani started surfing with her dad and built an early love for the ocean.
Training routines, favourite surf spots, and what keeps her motivated.
Balancing school life with competition, travel, and surf commitments.
Lessons learned from contests and how she handles pressure.
The influence of family, community, and mentors on her surfing journey.
The thrills of progression — new manoeuvres, bigger waves, and personal goals.
Leihani’s dreams for the future and what excites her most about the journey ahead.
Closing reflections on staying grounded, grateful, and connected to the ocean.

Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece welcomes Matt Barber - educator, performance coach, and advocate for mental, physical and ocean-connected well-being. Matt opens up about his journey from decades in education to pioneering innovative youth programs and becoming a key member of HUPO, where he blends surf, breath-work and mindset training to help fellow surfers and everyday people realise their true potential. The conversation dives into how surfing, community, and personal growth intersect - touching on resilience, purpose, wellness, environment, and the transformative power of nature and the ocean.