E134 | Duane Dalton

Episode summary | Duane Dalton

Duane Dalton is the co-founder of the Pita Pit franchise in New Zealand. He was a New Zealand surf lifesaving and sprint kayak rep and was married to Silver Ferns star Tania Dalton who tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm in 2017.

Duane was recommended to us as part of our low-key legends series, and we're so thankful we get to share his story.

We talk about the devastating loss of Tania and the tools he used to deal with that trauma and raise three brilliant kids who are now all exceptionally talented athletes and top humans. Some parts of this conversation were incredibly vulnerable and difficult, but his messages and outlook on life in the wake of tragedy - are equally as important.

There’s no blueprint to follow when dealing with loss and trauma, but the way Duane has handled himself, his business and his family across the last six years is inspirational. In short, Duano is a legend!

Show notes | Duane Dalton

0:00: A thank you to Pita Pit from Steve and Seamus

2:24: Duane Dalton: Low key legend?

7:47: A fairytale grassroots rugby story

11:42: Winning a surf lifesaving world title

16:13: Meeting Tania at Teachers College

20:23: The tragic passing of Tania Dalton

28:46: Coming back from loss

35:43: The Tania Dalton Foundation

47:11: The best night out in Auckland

52:53: Transitioning from PE teacher to business owner

1:01:22: Pass It Forward and The Resilience Project

1:05:23: Continuing the journey of Pita Pit and reflecting on business success

1:13:17: Duane Dalton on parenting

1:19:51: Surround yourself with good people

1:24:01: Preparing people for the world, not protecting them from the world

1:27:20: Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Duane