Real Life With John Cowan

Known to many as the award-winning NZ TV Awards Television Personality of the Year and the beloved, straight-shooting nurse Selina To'a on Shortland Street, Bella is also one of Aotearoa’s most soulful, powerhouse musical voices. From sharing the stage with international legends to capturing Kiwi hearts on screen, she brings an unmatched warmth, honesty, and energy to everything she does. This Sun...

He was the man who put the "pace" in New Zealand paceman. At his peak, Shane Bond was terrifyingly fast, clocking a blistering 156.4 km/h at the 2003 World Cup and dismantling the world’s best batsmen. Widely regarded as our greatest fast bowler since Sir Richard Hadlee, Shane’s career was a thrilling rollercoaster of immense triumph and devastating, career-threatening injuries. But his story is m...

Before scaling the world's most unforgiving peaks—from Antarctica to the Andes and the Himalayas—Sir Graeme was a "painfully shy" child growing up in Gisborne who was afraid of everything. His life transformed when he discovered the outdoors, leading to historic feats like the first-ever winter traverse of the Southern Alps in 1971. But his greatest legacy isn't written in the snow. Spurred by a c...

This Sunday on Real Life with John Cowan, anything goes as we welcome one of New Zealand's most authentic, straight-talking leaders: Hon Shane Jones. The New Zealand First Deputy Leader is joining John for a completely live and unscripted conversation. Known for his common-sense values, love for our regional communities, and refreshing refusal to stick to a political script, this is your chance to...

Known to Kiwi audiences as the co-host of TVNZ’s Eat Well for Less NZ and Cooks on Fire, Ganesh brings a wealth of energy, humor, and heart to everything he does. Join us as he opens up about his journey, his passion for empowering people through food, and the values that drive him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Real Life, John Cowan sits down with one of the most powerful minds in space exploration: NASA’s Head of Science, Dr Nicola Fox. As the Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Dr Fox oversees a massive portfolio of roughly 100 interstellar missions. From exploring the profound origins of the universe to steering the scientific direction of the upcoming Artemis...

Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the ACT Party, David Seymour was first elected to Parliament as the MP for Epsom in 2014. He also holds Associate Minister portfolios across Education, Health, Finance, and Justice. Raised in Whangārei with a background in engineering and philosophy, David brings a unique blend of practical problem-solving and big-picture ideas to everything he does.  Wheth...

Chris serves as the Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition. Born in the Hutt Valley, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminology at Victoria University of Wellington. Before entering politics, he worked as a policy advisor for the Industry Training Federation and a training manager for Todd Energy, as well as serving as a parliamentary advisor...

Samantha is a powerhouse of New Zealand arts and culture, whose work has shaped the careers of generations of Kiwi performers. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the legendary Massive Theatre Company—which originally kicked off in 1991 as the Maidment Youth Theatre. For over three decades, she has been a tireless champion for our rangatahi (youth), creating a free, accessible launching pa...

Graci Kim is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans series, and her new #1 bestselling Slinger series. Her books are published around the world, have been translated into multiple languages, and have been optioned for film and television. Inspired by Korean mythology and culture, Graci weaves stories full of adventure, hope, and magic. She is also a sought-afte...

Sarah is an award-winning blogger and professional gardening writer based in Waiuku. She is the author of the bestselling gardening books such as, The Good Life: Four Seasons in my Country Garden, branded by Yates and published by Harper Collins in 2013. Also author of Play in the Garden, published by New Holland Publishing, and rated by The Listener Magazine as one of the 'top fifty children's bo...

Marama Davidson is the Co-leader of the Green Party and a List MP based in South Auckland. Born in Auckland, she spent her childhood living in several parts of Aotearoa before settling in Whirinaki in Hokianga, where she developed a strong connection to her Māori heritage. Of Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Tahinga descent, she was raised in a family of Māori activists and remains commit...

Former McGillicuddy Serious leader Graeme Cairns now divides his time between penny farthings, medical training and street theatre, and his latest endeavour, "doing pennants," features a bicycle-powered sewing machine. Graeme founded the McGillicuddy Serious Party - to contest the 1984 election with its campaign plank of the Great Leap Backwards. It predicted upheaval, chaos and the breakdown of s...

Angus Gillies is the author of the so-called Ruatoria Killings series of non-fiction investigations. He has worked as a journalist and producer at TV3 for 20 years, and has written biographies of Matthew Ridge, Adam Parore, Justin Marshall and John Rowles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, news broke that beloved Kiwi actor Sir Sam Neill had died at the age of 78, after his family issued a statement online.  In 2016, he spoke to Real Life with John Cowan on Newstalk ZB after the release of the iconic Kiwi film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople.  Neill spoke to Cowan about overcoming a childhood stutter, his love for Otago, what inspired his move into winemaking, and a...

Backed by more than two decades of elite global experience, Paul recently made history. Essence, located in Queenstown, was named the sole two-star establishment in the country's first ever Michelin Guide. Paul has also enjoyed stints at legendary two Michelin star hubs in Singapore and Hong Kong as well as working out a decade long legacy as Executive Chef at Huka Lodge. Tune in to hear of his in...

Matthias was appointed as the new permanent cellist of NZTrio in February 2026. Matthias began playing the cello at the age of three and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Waikato at just seventeen. His career has taken him across Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and Aotearoa as a soloist, chamber musician and with the Ares Trio. He has performed with orchestras including...

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From leading Canada’s women to Olympic glory in Tokyo to navigating a dramatic career setback and making a triumphant return to guide the Wellington Phoenix women to the A-League final, Bev’s story is one of ultimate highs and intense resilience. Tune in to hear a raw and inspiring look at her life, her passions, and how she channels hunger and desire into a whole new chapter of leadership on and...

Joy is a highly respected New Zealand broadcast journalist and television presenter, best known for her extensive career with TVNZ’s 1News. A former European Correspondent based in London, she made history as the first mother appointed to the role, covering major global events across nearly 20 countries—including Brexit, royal weddings, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Beyond her journalism ca...

Manu dominated the rugby league world for over a decade, cementing his place as the Vodafone Warriors' all-time leading try-scorer and a powerhouse for the Kiwis. But beyond the staggering stats, the massive hits, and the unforgettable tries, what has always made Manu a crowd favourite is his massive heart. He has navigated the highest peaks of sporting stardom and faced some of life’s toughest, m...

Hailed as one of the most exciting tenors of his generation, Samoan-born Pene Pati has been taking the global stage by storm with his radiant voice, effortless high notes, and an infectious, warm charisma that disarms audiences the moment he steps under the lights. Whether he’s starring in the world's leading opera houses or sharing the stage with his brothers in Sol3 Mio, he brings a unique, down...

Matt Watson is a household name in New Zealand and a true Kiwi icon, best known as the charismatic creator and host of the legendary ITM Fishing Show. From launching his television career with high-octane viral stunts—like his infamous helicopter-to-marlin jump that landed him on David Letterman—Watson has evolved into one of Aotearoa’s most passionate ocean advocates. A fierce champion for sustai...

Chelsie is a powerhouse of New Zealand stage and screen, carrying on a formidable creative lineage as the daughter of filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and musician Jonathan Crayford. Over her 20-year career, she has built a reputation for versatility, moving seamlessly between grit and grace. Currently, Chelsie is entering an exciting new chapter as a filmmaker. This week marks the theatrical releas...

For over 50 years, Tāme Iti (Ngāi Tūhoe) has been the face of Māori resistance and mana motuhake. From the front lines of the 1975 Land March and the founding of Ngā Tamatoa to the controversial Urewera raids, Tāme has spent his life challenging New Zealand to reckon with its colonial past. Once branded a radical, he is now an Arts Foundation Laureate and a celebrated contemporary artist whose wor...