David Downs is one of those clever humans who can put lots of interesting words next to his name. I will list a few for you: he is the CEO of New Zealand Story Group, he is a chairman, he is an ambassador, he is an author, he is a speaker, he is an actor. He is also a genetically modified organism and an ex-comedian - find out what he means by the first with his pretty amazing cancer story, and also why there's an "ex" in front of comedian. A really cool guy who will absolutely put a smile on your face.
Today’s guest is award-winning journalist Suzanne McFadden. Suzanne has been monumental in the rise of coverage of women’s sports here in Aotearoa. She is an author, the co-host of the SASS TALK podcast, a wife, a mum, a nanna, a bird stalker and a sunset capturer. We discuss working as the only female sports journalist in a newsroom for over a decade, and how tough it was being a solo mum at the same time. Suzanne is truly one of the greats - I respect her mahi so much.
Today’s guest is a man who most of the time likes to be behind the scenes. But, Kyle Bell is responsible for bringing to life some of the country’s best performing and most loved gigs and festivals. The professional party planner is an award winning marketer and entrepreneur, he’s also the unofficial godfather of Rhythm and Vines, and once had high ambitions to be a rockstar himself. A fascinating look into the live music industry - some great war stories in here!
Ian Jones is one of the country's greatest All Blacks - and this is such a wholesome and inspiring chat about how "The Kamo Kid" came to be such a brilliant rugby player - but also such a great role model and so active in everything he's done since. Kamo is someone who grabs life by the proverbial but also someone who gives a lot back to others. You'll get a fascinating insight into why the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final still hurts just as much as it did back then. You'll also find out what inspires and drives Kamo - and there's plenty for us all to take home!
There’s not a lot this fantastic young woman hasn’t done - she’s a businesswoman, entrepreneur, a mother, actress, reality star and a champion of women. Edna Swart is proof that if you want something it’s up to you to get it, and the success of her business ED&i Body is testament to that. Whether you agree or not with everything Edna says, you will absolutely learn something from her - I guarantee it.
If you enjoyed Brodie and Paddy's yarn this week, then get your ears around Paddy's new podcast. It's called The F#$%ing News and it's all about positive news! This week in the middle of the America’s Cup regatta, Paddy has one question - “what and why is a ‘Cyclor’?” Paddy meets the Brainy Kiwi going global with technology that can predict your health future by using AI to analyse a routine eye exam. Our Good Kiwi is the angel in Wellington giving free dental care to the homeless. And Paddy warns us not to take the kiwi bird for granted. If you like what you hear, search for TFN in your favourite podcast player, new episode every Wednesday.
This is a bit of a special episode of Kiwi Yarns where Brodie's good pal Paddy Gower comes in and they have a bit of a yarn about their books. Best believe they play two truths and a lie, and see who wins the prize for reading a segment of the other person's book without laughing. There might be a teaser in there for book two, too. But also, they have a bloody good kōrero about Paddy losing his job, getting a new job, and why he thinks the future of the media industry will be ok.
We have two wonderful women on Kiwi Yarns this week - Lucy Blakiston and Bel Hawkins have just realised their stunning book, Make it Make Sense - a collection of essays, anecdotes, poems and lists. But it's also kind of like a guide to life for women but not, if you know what I mean! And, it's the company you need when you're feeling alone in your thoughts. It's like reading your feelings, and it's also like your bestie giving you a hug in book form. Lucy is the founder and CEO of Shit You Should Care About, and Bel is a published writer and poet, and they're both just stunning women - using their platforms for good. It's hectic and chaotic and lovely.
Today’s guest is award-winning humanitarian photographer and storyteller Helen Manson. The mother-of-four has travelled to more than 47 countries to capture and tell the stories of the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable people in some of the most challenging situations. Helen has documented famine, refugee settlements, post-war environments, child sponsorship, trauma counselling, and disaster zones.
Today’s guest is one of Aotearoa's favourite chefs, Al Brown (he's definitely one of my favourites). The joy the fish sliders at Depot bring me, the simple brilliance of the Mean Joe Green Best Ugly Bagel which is compulsory whenever I am at Wellington Airport, and don’t even get me started on the chicken sandwich with chicken crackling at the Fed Deli. Al's story is pretty intriguing. His honesty and vulnerability really moved me in this episode.
This week we have the wonderfully talented and fabulous Morgana O'Reilly. We catch up on what it was like to work on one of the biggest shows in the world, The White Lotus. Morgana talks about how excited she was to take on the role, but how imposter syndrome crept in, how she dealt with it, and how she's feeling about what life will be like when it comes out. It's been a huge year for the actress, getting The White Lotus role, starring alongside Elijah Wood in Bookworm, and her brilliant performance in Friends Like Her. But you'll hear straight out the gate, she is VERY much like you and I, which will make you fall in love with her immediately.
Today’s guest is the most capped All Black in history. Sam Whitelock made 153 appearances in the black jersey, went to four Rugby World Cups, winning two. He played in 181 Super Rugby Games, winning seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. Now, this monumental rugby chapter has closed. It’s beautifully reflected in Sam’s new book, View from the Second Row. We talk about that history-making career but also life after rugby and how he’s off with his wonderful wife Hannah and the kids to the farm in Hawke’s Bay. How good.
I cannot tell you how much joy actors Harrison Keefe and Nepia Takuira-Mita bring me every day. In a world where the internet - and in particular social media makes you feel like it’s all falling apart around you - the simple nature of the two lads “Come Vibe with Us” videos, where they stomp their feet and dance to absolute bangers is enough to level you right back out to peace again. Think of it like Kiwi Happy Feet. They're absolute treasures, funny as hell too!
This week I'm joined by two-time Olympic gold medallist, and Black Ferns Sevens superstar Michaela Blyde. I can confirm both gold medals including the fresh one from Paris are present for this interview! A fascinating look into life as an elite athlete at the Paris Olympics, and at the same time an incredibly wholesome chat with a beautiful young woman from Taranaki.
Today’s guest is New Zealand Paralympian number 156 - gold medal-winning Wheel Black, Jai Waite. Jai is also an internationally recognised and award-winning documentary maker. His latest is Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line - out this week - and it follows the Wheel Blacks as they battled to rise above declining resources to try and qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Jai became paralysed from the chest down with limited function in his arms and hands after diving into a wave and hitting a sandbar in Greece on his OE. Four years later, he would return to win a Paralympic Gold in Athens.
Today’s guest is often described as a serial entrepreneur and innovator. Cecilia Robinson is the founder and co-CEO of Tend Health. She dropped out of university to start her first business, then went on to build the hugely successful My Food Bag. She is a champion of women, a mother of three children and and is passionate about sharing her wisdom and supporting women in business - which you know we love!
Here's a podcast I'm wrapping my earholes around! On Easter Monday 2021, police were called to the home of a successful professional couple in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera. They found the body of Pauline Hanna. In his emergency call, her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, said she killed herself. Sixteen months later he was charged with her murder. As this podcast is released, he's currently on trial at the High Court in Auckland. Stuff's groundbreaking series returns to take you inside the Polkinghorne trial: Hear the witnesses, follow the evidence, wait for the verdict.
Today’s guest is the former Prime Minister, Sir John Key. The money trader-turned-politician-turned-board chair with a real passion for golf served as New Zealand’s 38th Prime Minister from 2008 until 2016. Sir John’s famously been called a “rich prick” a “smiling assassin” and even “bland”. We discuss all of those names, why he's comfortable with his wealth, the most important lessons his mother taught him, yarns with Obama, the state of the world, and political regrets.
What's better than Chris Parker, or Tom Sainsbury? Chris Parker AND Tom Sainsbury in the same room together on the same podcast. Both have come on Kiwi Yarns individually, but they've achieved so much since then and are doing so many wonderful things that I thought we ought to sit them down together for a glorious catch up. And they're such great mates! We decided their next venture should absolutely be a style-guide book - think New Zealand's Trinny and Susannah. We talk about Tom being 75% gay and Buddhist and a queer sperm donor, and Chris crying throughout his wedding whilst suffering from gastro. You'll feel like you're in the same room as them, which I felt very lucky to be!
Josie Pagani works in aid, politics, trade and media and has recently become the chief executive of ChildFund New Zealand. She's a well-respected, international and political commentator and her mahi has taken her all over the world. From rubbing shoulders with world leaders, to nearly ending up in a KGB jail in Russia as a teenager, Josie shares some amazing stories, and offers some much needed intelligent, thoughtful conversations on some big issues.