Kiwi Yarns
rova | Brodie Kane Media
Welcome to Kiwi Yarns - those yarns you have where you sit down, put the kettle on, pour a whiskey or crack open a beer I honestly don‘t mind. Anyway! We‘re sitting down and we’re yarning to some great New Zealanders, their back stories, their front stories, even stories where they went sideways, we will go there. It’s a place where we celebrate the great people of this glorious nation.
Welcome to Kiwi Yarns - those yarns you have where you sit down, put the kettle on, pour a whiskey or crack open a beer I honestly don‘t mind. Anyway! We‘re sitting down and we’re yarning to some great New Zealanders, their back stories, their front stories, even stories where they went sideways, we will go there. It’s a place where we celebrate the great people of this glorious nation.
Lisa Perese-Cullen - the accidental TikTok star and maker of comfortable underwear!
Episodes
Lisa Perese-Cullen won TikTok Creator of the year in 2024 - and has over a million followers across social media channels. What makes her a breath of fresh air in the loud, crowded and saturated space where everyone's vying for likes and follows is that since her unexpected rise to viral fame, she hasn't changed, put on a persona, or done anything differently. Lisa also has a very healthy take on knowing when to put the phone down, establishing good boundaries, and protecting her children. Her business, Harper James is a wonderful Kiwi success story. It was a punt, taking savings while completely broke - to design comfortable and inclusive underwear for everyday bodies without any formal fashion training. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week is a Kiwi Yarns first. There's a guest - well actually there's two guests - but it's the same person...(let's see how this goes!) Australian comedic performer, improviser and writer Heath Franklin is with us. But first, you will see or hear the character he has brought to life - Chopper - based on the notorious Australian criminal Mark ‘Chopper’ Read- for 20 years. Then, we whip off the mo and you'll get to know Heath. We hear about what it's like playing a character for so long (the good and the bad), his love/hate relationship with social media, and that awkward meeting with the real Chopper Read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jo Cummins and her co-founder, Viv Conway, created their powerhouse female-focused sex toy company Girls Get Off with a desire to create a spaces for women to feel empowered about pleasure and sexual wellbeing. It all started with a socially distanced drink in the driveway in 2020. Thousands and thousands of sex toys sold later - the duo has been instrumental in helping Kiwis change their attitudes and lifting the stigma that has surrounded female pleasure for generations. We also talk about why sex education needs to move beyond basic warnings and start focusing on consent, communication and mutual enjoyment. Plus there's some practical advice thrown in the mix for those honest conversations you should be having with your partner to build get that fire back in the bedroom! This episode of Kiwi Yarns is brought to you by Odoo, the all-in-one business management software. Head to https://www.odoo.com/r/DIr to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, meet the Two Raw Sisters - Margot Flanagan and Rosa Power. One of the remarkable things about these two and their hugely successful brand - is that really, it was born out of both of them having to deal with their own health struggles head on. The Christchurch sisters are NZ’s biggest selling plant-based cookbook authors and have just released their sixth cookbook - How We Cook. Funnily enough though, they want you to stop following recipe rules! We rip into why wellness culture is getting too overwhelming. And we discuss how they run business so well together whilst maintaining that sisterhood. This episode of Kiwi Yarns is brought to you by Odoo, the all-in-one business management software. Head to https://www.odoo.com/r/qh6w to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sir John Kirwan returns to Kiwi Yarns for an in-person catch-up with Brodie. JK opens up about his recent chat with a Buddhist monk, uncovering informal meditation, and how phone fasting transformed his energy levels by keeping "Bob the Monkey" in check. We dive deep into the pressure facing our rangatahi today, the importance of learning resilience through failure, and why we need to focus on managing our imbalance rather than striving for perfect life balance. JK also shares progress on the Mighty Drive for 5 campaign, aiming to raise $5 million to bring mental health education to 250 schools on the waiting list. Plus, we talk AI, guitar playing, the Dairy Flat surf park, and JK gives a blunt breakdown of what New Zealand rugby must do to reconnect with fans. This episode of Kiwi Yarns is brought to you by Odoo, the all-in-one business management software. Head to https://www.odoo.com/r/Nyd to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kathryn Wilson wants every woman to feel empowered in a pair of shoes. That simple concept, combined with Kathryn's infectious passion and humility, has made her one of the most respected and loved designers here in New Zealand. We talk about all the challenges thrown the industry's way, and how a brand like hers continues to evolve whilst staying true to its values. The mother-of-two uses her knowledge and influence to inspire others. If we combine all the above, it's no wonder she's just celebrated 23 years in business! This episode of Kiwi Yarns is brought to you by Odoo, the all-in-one business management software. Head to https://www.odoo.com/r/EYW to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
JessB is in for a yarn on how one transforms from professional netballer to becoming a central figure in Aotearoa's hip-hop scene. We talk about how hard it is in the music industry to measure "success", but why SHE no longer measures it by streaming numbers. Off the back of a very loud week in the music industry globally - with the fallout over Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour because of his support for the people of Palestine - we talk about why politics and music are intrinsically linked. And we debrief about the abrupt end of her professional netball career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Much loved comedian Chris Parker is just back from performing at Edinburgh Fringe, with a fresh batch of bed bugs to accompany a hugely successful UK Tour. We've spoken a couple of times before (because he's Chris Parker), so expect a chaotic ride through his new anti-tech movement, the good and bad of being a millennial, his irrational rages and the joy of unplugging from social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we catch up with news anchor, marathon runner, and the recent business owner, Wendy Petrie. The mother of three talks about how she is constantly reinventing herself to take on challenges - six years after her very public redundancy from TVNZ. Wendy talks about the importance of motherhood, why she loves doing hard things, and provides an inspirational insight into how it's never too late to give something new a crack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jake Bailey is a name and face many will remember from 11 years ago - where - as head boy at Christchurch Boys High School he gave a speech at graduation. That speech was brilliant in its own right. But the delivery, from a young man, sitting in a wheelchair, who just a week prior had been told he had an extremely aggressive form of cancer and potentially weeks to live if untreated—was what reverberated around the world. Now Jake is 29 and life has been full, inspirational and packed with adventure. He's recently been on a remarkable mission to Antarctica and made a real career pivot by heading the Inspire Foundation. From best-selling books and speaking all around the world to running ultra-marathons, Jake proves how powerful resilience can be. We talk about how he studied resilience, and has spent a good chunk of his career passing on these valuable lessons. Amidst all his remarkable achievements, he is now focused on educating people about why we must stop shielding our kids from everyday challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sam Gibson, better known as Sam the Trap Man, drops by for a proper yarn about life in the bush. He opens up about how nature saved him from a wild patch in his youth, the harsh reality of professional trapping in Fiordland, and using native plants like koromiko as bush medicine. Plus, he breaks down why getting people back outdoors is the secret to fixing our environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we're bringing back a favourite episode from 2025. In light of legendary fisherman Matt Watson's huge impact on protecting our oceans over the past year, this yarn is more relevant than ever. Matt shares his journey from childhood dinghies to wild TV stunts, and his crucial message about marine conservation. He opens up about the brutal reality of bottom trawling, the hidden truth behind commercial fishing, and the painful roofing accident that sparked his entire career shift. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Journalist, podcaster and Pop Sock Media co-founder Melody Thomas joins me for a big, honest conversation about sex, relationships, burnout, business and what it means to be human. From launching an independent media company during COVID to creating the award-winning The Good Sex Project, Melody shares how burnout reshaped her life, why radical rest matters, and what she's learnt after years of talking to New Zealanders about intimacy, shame and communication. We dive into the realities of growing up in the '90s, the gaps in sex education, the rise of the manosphere, loneliness, feminism, ageing, marriage, motherhood, friendship and why talking openly about sex can genuinely change our lives. A funny, thoughtful and deeply human yarn about connection, curiosity and creating a kinder world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Boh Runga comes from one of the country’s most loved musical families - her contribution to the music industry over the years has been a joy to witness. The Stellar* frontwoman, is looking ahead to Atomic 3.0 - the ultimate femme rock supergroup’s return to the stage. We also look back on the meteoric success of Violent and the Mix album, why it only feels like yesterday but a lifetime ago at the same time. Boh, and sisters Bic and Pearl, grew up in a remarkably musical family - we discuss the lessons her parents taught her and why creativity has always been at the centre of everything she does. Plus, we shan’t forget her hugely successful jewellery business, and there’s her love for birds, and a cracking yarn about getting suspended from high school… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we take you to Brodie’s live shows in Rotorua with ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler, New Zealand’s favourite internet Dad, How To Dad. And, then we are down the motu to hear from My Food Bag Founder Nadia Lim, Farm 4 Life legend Tangaroa Walker, and rising star musician Sam Cullen. Someone may have an accident on a rugby field, there may be a chicken caravan, and can How To Dad swaddle a 40-year old woman? It’s all in there folks, buckle in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brodie is taking a well-deserved 40th birthday sabbatical this week, so we are throwing it back to one of our absolute favourite chats. The brilliant Samantha Hayes is in for a massive yarn about her incredible two decades in broadcasting. From her early days walking out of small-town Milton into the big smoke to fronting the news, Sam has seen it all. We dive into the absolute chaos of her early reporting days, facing down heavy metal legends, and navigating the most tumultuous years of her life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brodie Kane on turning 40, falling in love, running a media business. As told to mentor, Ali Mau. This episode is a little bit different. Best-selling author and award-winning journalist Ali Mau has been a career mentor and dear friend of Brodie’s since they first worked together at TVNZ in 2012. Ali takes the interview seat as Brodie reflects on life at 40, her continued success with Brodie Kane Media - six years after going out alone. What it’s like to fall in love for the first time at 39, why creating communities for women is one of her greatest joys, and her beautiful relationship with her mum, Jo Kane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Kiwi Yarns, I sit down with legendary New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. From The Whale Rider to The Matriarch, Witi's work has shaped generations of readers. But at 80 years old, he made a remarkable decision: to return to school and immerse himself in te reo Māori. The conversation moves from language and identity to climate change, leadership, ageing, courage and the importance of lifelong learning. Witi reflects on the moment that challenged him to begin writing in te reo, the rangatahi who helped carry him through a year of full immersion study, and why doing hard things keeps us alive. Along the way there are stories about whales, family, books, pounamu and what it means to leave the world a little better than you found it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when you end your live show tour in Christchurch on a Sunday night in-front of a sell out crowd with one of the most loved faces on television (Jason Gunn) and a true queen of radio (and former princess of Dargaville Lana Searle)? An endless supply of stories that might have you taking out an ACC claim because your cheeks will suffer from laughing so much. Period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Wayne Cameron from the Little Ardroy Beef Company pops into the bach to chat about his massive year. From a simple farm concept to launching in over a hundred supermarkets, Wayne shares exactly how he made it happen as part of New World Emerge. We dig into what ethically raised beef actually means and why sometimes you just have to wing it to chase your dream. This episode was brought to you by New World Emerge. New World Emerge is a national initiative, backed by Foodstuffs, to support new and emerging suppliers onto supermarket shelves. Find out more at New World Emerge | New World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joel Little works right at the top of the music industry. But, his latest and most challenging project is much closer to home. He and his wife Gemma co-founded and built BIG FAN - is a not-for-profit, world class multi-purpose music space in central Auckland, just down the road from where he and Lorde wrote Pure Heroine. He wants to foster the talents of musicians, songwriters and those behind the scenes - no matter where they are at in their musical journey. We talk about what the role of the music producer is, and how his life changed after Royals. What it’s like to work with Taylor Swift, and a flashback to his days with Goodnight Nurse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you ever thought about quitting your secure day job to become your own boss? This week, I yarn with Allie Hemmings, the former primary school teacher who did exactly that. Allie created ButterLuxe Co and won the 2025 New World Emerge startup award. After discovering her son had a nut allergy, Allie set out to create a delicious, nut-free alternative. Through plenty of kitchen trials and sheer determination, Oaty Butter was born. Allie shares her open and honest journey as a neurodivergent founder, explaining how her ability to hyperfocus helped her master the complex science of food technology and commercial manufacturing. She shares how she built a nut-free oaty spread for her son and what it takes to get onto supermarket shelves. This episode was brought to you by New World Emerge. New World Emerge is a national initiative, backed by Foodstuffs, to support new and emerging suppliers onto supermarket shelves. Find out more at newworld.co.nz/who-we-are/foodstuffs-emerge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, sit down and get your eye and earholes around this. The first of Brodie’s nationwide live tour of Kiwi Yarns begins in Auckland, with our beloved Comedian Tom Sainsbury and our one-of-a-kind, out-the-gate yet beautiful singer-songwriter Anika Moa. There are wigs, harmonising VERY badly, and an obscene amount of belly laughs and possibly some bits that enter into dangerous territory. Not to be missed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ash London is an Australian broadcaster who now calls New Zealand home, and works at The Edge Radio Station, on a show that is literally her name - that’s how good she is. Not only is she good, the talented broadcaster talks about why she sees it as her duty to protect the radio industry for future generations, making sure she helps the young women who will eventually replace her. How refreshing is that?! Ash talks about losing her dad at a young age, and why therapy has been a huge part of her life, learning to hold onto grief and joy at the same time. And, being daughter of an immigrant, Ash uses her platform to spread awareness and discuss injustices in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when you release your first album in eight years, open a sandwich shop, move back to New Zealand, and navigate a separation all at once? This week on Kiwi Yarns, we sit down with Gin Wigmore for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had. Gin opens up about heartbreak, rebuilding after divorce, raising two boys, and why she throws herself headfirst into everything she does. From her whirlwind love story that took her from New Zealand to Los Angeles, to buying and transforming a rundown motel in Palm Springs, her life has never followed a conventional script. We also dive into her new album Beautiful Mess, her incredible new Kingsland deli, and the simplistic beauty of the tramp stamp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our beloved actress, Sara Wiseman has spent three decades gracing our screens - from stunt work during the Xena: Warrior Princess era to starring in A Place To Call Home and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. You better believe we'll find out what it takes to become an ape at "ape camp". Sara also discusses the moments that nearly made her quit acting and why she finds taking acting classes just as important now as ever. And my word, does Sara love adventures! From trekking the Camino de Santiago, hiking Yosemite and a fascinating story about the "Vine of the Dead" - the a powerful psychoactive Amazonian tea Ayahuasca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when one of the most respected coaches in world MMA starts using his platform to tackle violence outside the cage? This week on Kiwi Yarns, we sit down with City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman. From coaching UFC stars like Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and Kai Kara-France, to launching the Walk Without Fear Trust after the tragic loss of friend and fighter Fau Vake, Eugene opens up about purpose, leadership and the responsibility that comes with influence. We talk about the rise of MMA in Aotearoa, the reality behind UFC culture, why martial arts can transform lives, and the lessons Eugene wants young people to hear before it’s too late. There’s also plenty on family, discipline, adversity and what keeps him grounded through the chaos of life at the top of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We see our country's Armed Offenders Squad in the most serious of circumstances - but who are the people behind the helmets and balaclavas? This week I met the amazing Sergeant Eseta Autagavaia, who, alongside being one of the few women in New Zealand Police's AOS, also plays netball at a professional level. She talks about how physically and mentally challenging getting into the AOS was, and how that experience and being on the netball court complement each other. From pre-planned jobs to unpredictable moments demanding calm under pressure, she shares how her mindset is her biggest weapon. A fascinating look at the life of a pretty inspiring young woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Award-winning comedian Pax Assadi is having a massive month as his new book, Mortified, hits the shelves. The book contains the most embarrassing things that have happened in his life, including a legendary mishap in a Pakistani mosque. Pax wants us all to lean into our cringe, and why he’s over the curated perfection we see on social media. We talk about his family’s escape from Iran, and his Baha'i faith, the concept of progressive revelation, and how his spiritual beliefs shape his view of a fractured world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura McGoldrick is everywhere. And that’s an understatement. The Sky Sport Presenter is in the bach this week for a really solid heart-to-heart. From our accidental wedding in Vegas, to the raw reality of motherhood and navigating devastating miscarriages. Laura is hands down one of the most talented broadcasters on our screens, and it’s through hard work, hard slogs and dogged determination. She deserves the flowers every day of the week. How she shuts out the noise of being in the public eye, how she does it all and still has time for more - and, is Ashwagandha the key to her success (spoiler: we don’t think so). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week is an incredibly special episode with Jono Ridler - the open water, ultra marathon swimmer who, on Saturday 4 April, 2026, completed a 1367 kilometer swim - the length of the North Island. Jono didn’t do this swim for accolades or records, he did this swim because of his love for the ocean, and to raise awareness that we aren’t doing enough to protect it. Jono’s Swim4TheOcean campaign is a call to end bottom trawling - because we are the last country still doing it in the south Pacific High seas. Hear how he got through the hard days, the jellyfish stings, the shark sightings, the vomiting, the cold water, the rough seas. This is a remarkable story, and in my opinion, will go down as one of the greatest endurance feats ever by a New Zealander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week meet the fabulously hilarious comedian, Courtney Dawson. We discuss her experience as a young mum, her Te Reo Māori journey and the highs and lows of performing stand-up comedy. When her jokes bomb, she leans into it! Courtney talks Celebrity Treasure Island, I test out her work as an Agony Aunt, and how to make the most of a trip to Australia for a court hearing (hint: it involves Dreamworld). Courtney Dawson will perform at the NZ International Comedy Festival from May 1st to 24th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week the super talented Alex Tarrant - star of NCIS Hawaii - reflects on the often windy and bumpy road that has led him to where he is today. It wasn't until a significant life event that he realised acting and the industry surrounding it were his "people". And, on the podcast, we learn for the first time about this significant life event that occurred when he was at high school. Alex is based in Hawaii and has landed brilliantly big roles both locally and abroad as his star continues to shine. The latest role, one of the most challenging for him thus far, is playing 28th Māori Battalion hero Haane Manahi in Sgt Haane. SGT HAANE will have ten days of Special Commemorative Screenings 20-29 April 2026 including ANZAC DAY, followed by a wide release from 30 April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of miscarriage. If you need support, please find more information at https://wheturangitia.services.govt.nz/miscarriage/support-resources Meet the beautifully talented writer, actor, playwright, and novelist, Elisabeth Easther. You'll surely remember her as "Evil Nurse Carla" on our beloved Shortland Street back in the 90s. Now, a best-selling author with Seed, she shares how and why the novel was more than a decade in the making. And, while it's fiction, it is based on real-life experiences, personal loss, and the messy, complicated reality of fertility struggles. Elisabeth shares her stories of miscarriages, resilience, and how she turned pain into something meaningful through storytelling. Also hear some cracking yarns about her fantastic parents, why she'd win the Olympics if reading books was a sport and discover her pretty solid knowledge of birds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental ill-health and suicide. Support is available any time from Lifeline, details at https://www.lifeline.org.nz/ This week on Kiwi Yarns, I sit down with Kate Thompson - star of the recently released documentary No Tears On The Field. The film follows a grassroots women's rugby season in Taranaki, and the backstories of what it takes to get to the field. Kate talks the rise of women’s rugby in New Zealand, the realities of balancing farm life with sport, and the importance of community. She also opens up about mental health in rural areas, losing loved ones, and the role rugby plays in keeping her grounded. Plus, her relationship with her mum is something pretty special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What do you do when you're staring down a $700,000 mortgage and suddenly lose your job? For beloved broadcaster Brodie Kane, redundancy at the start of the pandemic was the push she needed to build her own media empire. We talk about the reality of being your own boss, redefining home ownership by buying with her mum, and why she still identifies as a girl from Waikuku Beach. This episode was made possible thanks to our friends at enable.me. Financial coaching and strategic advice. Pay down debt. Grow wealth. Retire well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when two very different minds click in all the right ways? The Rock's Jay Reeve and Duncan Heyde (aka Jay and Dunc) on the special relationship that’s powered their success on-air and beyond. From side hustles to global podcast growth, and maintaining healthy relationships while staying busy, the lads open up about how they navigate it all. There’s plenty of honesty around mental load, family life, and the general chaos that comes with chasing every opportunity that life throws. We also discuss what keeps the lads grounded! We talk about the power of strong connections, strong partners, and being good dads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From growing up in South Auckland to performing on the world’s biggest opera stages, Pene Pati shares a wonderful yarn of the long road (including all the speed bumps) that got him there. His is a story about resilience, family, identity, and the challenges he still faces before he walks out infront of an audience. He opens up about the pressure of the industry, the reality of rejection, and why he still sometimes feels like an outsider in the traditionally European opera world. Let's not forget the great joy he brings us with being one-third of our beloved Sol3 Mio! We talk the sacrifices that come with living overseas, and the big dreams he still carries. One day, he hopes the world’s biggest opera houses will be singing Māori and Samoan songs too. Tenor: My Name is Pati is out now in New Zealand cinemas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Imagine being responsible for a heart no bigger than a walnut. This week I sit down with Dr Kirsten Finucane, the legendary former Chief Surgeon at Starship, to talk about a career spent performing life-saving miracles on New Zealand’s most vulnerable children. Kirsten opens up about the grit it takes to handle high-stakes surgery and why she finally decided it was time to trade the operating theatre for conservation work in Central Otago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The media landscape in Aotearoa is changing at breakneck speed and we’re all feeling the noise. Brodie sits down with The Spinoff’s Toby Manhire to talk about the reality of the newsroom today. From the closure of Newshub to the rise of AI, Toby shares why he’s still optimistic about journalism in an election year. Plus, he gives us his personal plan for avoiding total news burnout. Find out more about Toby's upcoming event, 'Breakfast with Papers' here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week I'm joined by yoga teacher and dancer Renee Stewart, who opens up about forging her own path from the global dance stage to the world’s most remote corners. If there was ever a competition for 'coolest parents' at parent teacher interviews, Renee could be a front runner with Rachel Hunter and Rod Stewart. Renee shares what it’s really like to cross the terrifying Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, and the pull back to her Kiwi roots. It’s a warm, honest chat about movement, mental tools, and finding your own flow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hello there beautiful listeners! Brodie, Gracie and Tegan here with some exciting news to share and, we wanted you to be the first to hear it from us.This year, we're bringing you Let Her Finish. The podcast will appear right here, so nothing for you to do. We cannot wait to see you all in a couple of weeks xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I'm joined by an absolute legend of the Aotearoa drag scene in the bach this week. Edward Cowley, better known as the iconic Buckwheat, joins me to mark a massive milestone: the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Act. From the secret nightclub stairs of the 80s to being a Samoan father of three, Edward shares it all with heart and a bit of sparkle. We dig into the grit behind the glamour, why Pride is still so vital in 2026, and the power of a really good headpiece. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we're joined by Olympic gold winning coach Bev Priestman for a deeply personal conversation. Bev opens up about the 'survival mode' she had to endure following the Canadian football team drone scandal at the Paris Olympics. We talk about finding peace in North Canterbury, the challenge of leading our Wellington Phoenix, and why she’s ready to earn back the trust of the game she loves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to Kiwi Yarns, and welcome to our new bach! We're kicking off 2026 with a man who has clocked up billions of views just by being his gorgeous self. Louis Davis opens up about the 'delusional confidence' his parents gave him, and how he navigated the jump from a small town in the Far North to rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars like Jason Momoa. We also speak about the dark side of social media, and Louis shares his mission to change the stereotype of Māori men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a year it’s been. A huge thank you to all our incredible guests for joining us and sharing their stories. The kōrero throughout 2025 has been raw, real, uplifting, entertaining and inspiring. In this bonus Best of episode, we revisit some of our favourite moments from the past year, featuring Samantha Hayes, Matt Watson, Tami Neilson, Eru Kapa-Kingi, Martin Guptill, Sara Qasem, Jo Kane, Russel Norman, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Paul Henry. We can’t wait for more outstanding yarns in 2026. Mā te wā. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the final episode of the year, I thought it fitting to invite someone whose job is literally to explain things, and ask him to put it all into context. Not all of it is good news, but it’s important we reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly in this tumultuous world. Fear not, though - award-winning journalist, good friend and Stuff’s Explainer Editor Lloyd Burr joins me for plenty of laughs, a dose of therapy, some wisdom and advice, and a proper go at brioche buns. Thank you, as always, for your wonderful support. Look out for Kiwi Yarns highlights over the next few weeks, and I’ll see you for more yarns with brilliant Kiwis in 2026. Mā te wā! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ella Monnery is the voice of Christmas in the Park, belts out bangers at Synthony, and takes the main stage at Rhythm and Vines — but it’s only this year that she has focused on her solo career. With the support of her partner - producer and rapper Kings - she’s stepping confidently into a new phase. From The Voice Australia to a nine-month cruise-ship contract, Ella has always been singing - and loving it. But challenges remain, including vocal surgery next year. And yes, we’re dressed as Christmas decorations for this delightful chat in honour of the season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The aura of Matu Ngaropo hits you straight away, which is why it’s easy to see how he’s one of those performers who can do it all - and do it all well. Matu works across film, television, and theatre. He took on one of the biggest roles of his career when he landed the part of George Washington in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, performing across Australia and New Zealand an astonishing 700 times. We geek out over what it takes to do something like that - and look ahead to another major role he has coming up in New Zealand next year, in & Juliet. A fabulous kōrero with a wonderfully talented human! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Niki Bezzant never set out to become New Zealand’s “menopause woman”, but the journalist, author, and speaker is really leaning into that title now. It was the Healthy Food Guide founding editor’s own experiences that made her realise how little support there was for women. Today we cut through the bullshit and hear how brilliant Niki is at helping us understand hormones, health, and happiness in menopause, midlife, and beyond (which is also the name of her best-selling book!). And for my lovely male listeners - yes, this one’s absolutely for you as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices