Andrew Mulligan on Crowd Goes Wild’s Glory Days Steven Adams, Olympic Interviewing Strategy
Mar 5, 2025
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Joining the conversation is Andrew Mulligan, a celebrated New Zealand broadcaster known for his work across radio, TV, and sports commentary. He shares insights into the evolution of crowd-pleasing shows and the challenges of live broadcasting. Mulligan dives deep into the emotional intensity of interviewing Olympic athletes right after their performances. He also reflects on his successful partnership with a New Zealand athlete in an Air New Zealand safety ad and explores the competitive landscape of media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection.
Andrew Mulligan highlights his versatile media career, showcasing his roles across radio, television, and commercials that contribute to his widespread recognition.
He emphasizes the significance of transparent mental health conversations and the importance of sharing personal struggles to foster deeper connections.
Mulligan discusses the evolution of sports commentary in New Zealand, blending entertainment with respect for athletes to engage audiences more effectively.
He acknowledges the challenges posed by social media trends, emphasizing the need for traditional media to evolve while maintaining core journalistic values.
Deep dives
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Andrew Mulligan's Media Journey
Andrew Mulligan is recognized as one of New Zealand's most prominent media personalities, currently earning acclaim on the Breakfast Radio show and as a host on Crowd Goes Wild. His busy career spans various platforms, including radio, television, and commercials, showcasing his versatility and talent. Mulligan discusses the qualities that have contributed to his continued success in a challenging and evolving industry, such as hard work, a positive attitude, and the ability to connect with others. The combination of these traits has made him a respected figure in the New Zealand media landscape.
Navigating Conversations About Mental Health
Andrew Mulligan emphasizes the importance of transparent conversations about mental health, acknowledging that sharing personal struggles can foster deeper connections. He reflects on his own journey and the challenges of openly discussing topics related to mental wellness. The podcast highlights the common difficulty people experience when initiating these conversations, often feeling unsure about how to start. A shared understanding can alleviate these feelings, leading to better support for individuals facing such challenges.
The Impact of Personal Loss on Mulligan's Life
Mulligan candidly shares the emotional journey following the loss of his father, offering insight into how grief has shaped his perspective on life and mental health. He acknowledges that the experience has pushed him to prioritize open discussions about well-being, both personally and professionally. According to Mulligan, the impact of his father's sudden death serves as a reminder of the importance of health and openness in relationships. This experience drives his passion for helping others navigate their struggles while discussing mental health on his platform.
The Evolution of New Zealand's Sports Commentary
Mulligan explores his role in shaping the landscape of sports commentary in New Zealand, noting the transition from serious sports journalism to a more entertaining and accessible format. He explains that Crowd Goes Wild emerged at a time when audiences were seeking a lighter, more irreverent take on sports. Mulligan highlights the importance of connecting with viewers through humor and relatability while retaining respect for the athletes and the sport itself. The blend of authenticity and entertainment has helped the show thrive over the years, solidifying its place in New Zealand media.
The Challenges of Adapting to Social Media Trends
As the media landscape shifts dramatically, Mulligan acknowledges the challenges in adapting to new trends in audience consumption, particularly the rise of social media. He recognizes that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Substack provide new avenues for storytelling and audience engagement. Mulligan discusses the necessity for traditional media to evolve alongside these changes while maintaining core values of journalism. By navigating these transitions, media professionals can ensure they remain relevant and in touch with their audiences.
Building Authentic Connections with Audiences
Mulligan reflects on the significance of fostering genuine connections with listeners and viewers in broadcasting. He shares how engaging and accessible communication can encourage audience loyalty and interest, making the content experience more memorable. The discussion touches upon the idea that successful media relies not only on entertainment but also on relatability and sincerity. By prioritizing authentic connections, broadcasters like Mulligan strive to make a positive impact on their audience experience.
Andrew Mulligan is one of the most employed people in New Zealand media.
You can hear Mulls on breakfast radio on the Rock breakfast show, it’s a fantastic show that’s been performing at a gold star standard for years.
You can watch him on TV in the evenings on Crowd Goes Wild, a show that he’s been involved with since it launched back in 2006.
Then when the ad’s come on you’ll hear him on the Rebel Sport commercials.
If you are flying somewhere, you will see him on the Air NZ safety video.
And if you have watched the Breakers play basketball, chances are you have heard his commentary.
Or seen him interviewing Olympic athletes immediately after their events.
I have my theories about Mulls success and employability in the media which is a notoriously fickle industry.
Firstly, he is incredibly talented and very funny.
Alongside his talent he has an incredible work ethic and is very easy to get along with. You would struggle to find anyone who says a bad word about Andrew Mulligan.
This is a part of the Mulls story.
I’d like to think of this as an attempt to deconstruct one of New Zealand’s most successful broadcasters, a peak into the mind of the guy you don’t get to see with his numerous on-air roles.
