Strawberry fields forever, plans for the ultimate wedding and a sad farewell. All good things must come to and end and just so, all good hosts must speed their guests safe to home. In this final episode, Guy and Carlo learn that friendship conquers all, no matter the cost, no matter the casualties. Keep on hosting, keep on riding, keep on living, baby. 

HOSTING Podcast

HOSTING 3: 07 The Prestige

The forgotten history of Basketball, the satisfaction of self-directed tours and the true meaning of hosting. They say there are no enemies at the bottom of a bottle shared; even the greatest wrong, the vilest slight, the most vicious blow can be forgiven, if we open our hearts, to love. Guy and Carlo find that just a revenge is best served cold, friendship, is warm welcome.

06 With Friends Like These

A trip to visit Lady Liberty herself. Carlo believes the New York City ports are an approximation of Sydney harbour because the boys took a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty. It is clearly not modelled on York - perhaps instead it should be called Harbour Town or New Harbour Town. Guy and Carlo discuss possible new names for New York and Carlo is blown away by the size of the Statue “Very tall”.

05 Lady Liberty

How to eat a horse, the origins of Seinfeld and one heck of noise from a human being, they say there’s always magic in the air on Broadway. Guy and Carlo have stared deep into the pit of despair, the yawning maw of human suffering from which no light, nor joy escapes but the stars are always brightest from the bottom of the well. Sometimes, you have to walk through the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune to realise that fortune itself is a matter of perspective.

04 The Charm Offensive

The progress of a nation, the passengers of the RMS Titanic and a huge update on the fate of Guy and Carlo’s excellent prank, the city of New York certainly does not fail to deliver. Only through hosting do we understand the vulnerability of the guest. Only through being a guest do we understand the responsibility of the host. Only when we understand both halves of the equation can we truly learn the true meaning of hosting.

03 James Bond’s Great Sense of Humour

The Empire State Building, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-style sleeping arrangements and a prank that might just endear Guy and Carlo to their American friends, only through a shared understanding, a shared goal can the ill fates of yesteryear be repaired. Only through community can the horrors of the past be forgotten. Guy and Carlo have seen and done some terrible things to each other but maybe, just maybe, they’re finally starting to see the world from the same side of the coin.

02 You Have To Draw A Long Bow

The beauty of American-made sandwiches, the power of lists and a hilarious prank involving a very special ring, Guy and Carlo are reunited in the Auckland of the North, New York City. A new city, a new hemisphere, two antipodean friends on the wrong side of the globe. Might bygones stay bygones? Can the magic of hosting create a new, stronger bond of friendship? Can something beautiful be forged in the fires of the city that never sleeps?

3: 01 Burying the Hatchet in the Brooklyn River

I know it is ending. It has to be ending because my arm says so. I have made a bad decision. Whoever is reading this must know I have made a mistake in coming here.  

Day 7

I don't know what any of these words mean. Everything has lost meaning. I miss New Zealand.  

Day 6

It feels like there is a lot more planning than holidaying happening. I am feeling quite frail but luckily Carlo is taking a lot of notes and helping me out to get around. We took two trips outside today.  

Day 5

How many tears are in a bottle of gin? I can no longer tell what is real and what isn't. Carlo assures me we went to the beach today but everything is dry.  

Day 4

I seem to be struggling with the climate or the time difference, I am constantly very tired. Carlo by all accounts seems to be a gracious host (fixing my watch etc) but we seem to be having trouble getting on the same page. It feels like the trip is getting away from me.

Day 3

Having a little trouble keeping track of time but Carlo seems to be a very genuine and well intentioned host. My body clock has gone haywire, still haven't done anything on the tourism list but we've got a whole week to look forward to! I am very tired.

Day 2

All is forgiven! It seems silly how nervous I was. Great first day with Carlo, very generous. Few cultural oddities (Australia Tourism pays everyone to act!?) but that is by the by. Happy to be here, excited for the week.

Day 1

Hello listener! We hope you've had a happy new year. Sadly, there won't be any more HOSTING for the forseeable but here's a sample of some of the other shows you may not have heard yet...

Little Empire Lolly Scramble

A podcast series chronicling New Zealander Guy Montgomery efforts in hosting prospective friend and Australian man, Carlo Ritchie in his house for one week. Each day they chart their experiences and feelings for your listening pleasure.

hubhopper

HOSTING Podcast

hubhopper