Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

Heather Morris is a bestselling author and an inspiring 70-year-old Kiwi grandmother from Te Awamutu who just happens to have sold 16 million copies of her books. In this episode Heather shares the incredible tale of her writing journey. She takes us behind the scenes, revealing how her first book 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' was a beautiful accident that stemmed from a conversation with 87-year-o...

Picture a cleaner, greener New Zealand. What could be the hurdles and who takes the responsibility? Today on the People's Podcast I'm joined by Green Party co-leader James Shaw to look at New Zealand's political landscape, the Green Party's positioning, and the nation's emissions profile. It's a discussion loaded with hot topics - carbon emissions, electric cars, New Zealand's housing crisis, mult...

On this special 100th episode of the poddy I am joined by a couple of dear friends and broadcasting champions - Mark Richardson and Mel Homer. We kick around: The first political leaders debate. Mental Health Awareness Week. The current state of the New Zealand hospitality industry. And the current state of the New Zealand media industry. It's a bloody good listen if I do say so myself.. Chapters:...

Ever wonder what it takes to succeed in the restaurant industry? Join me for an exciting conversation with culinary world powerhouse couple, Josh and Helen Emett. The couple are just about to open their third restaurant and they lay bare the pressures they face, how they keep their motivation burning, and their perspective on the evolution of New Zealand's restaurant scene.  We look at signature d...

Front man for Th' Dudes, DJ, radio host, swingin' singer, Popstars manager - the Peter Urlich story is as long as it is impressive. He is also well-known as one of New Zealand's most prominent NZ Warriors supporters. What perhaps isn't so well-known is Urlich's involvement with the Warriors team chant that has become a crowd favourite at Mt Smart this year. PU, as is he is affectionately known, jo...

The Mental Health Foundation's CEO Shaun Robinson joins me in this episode as we tackle the complex world of mental health & wellbeing. We attempt to unpack the stigma associated with mental health, and focus on the five steps to well-being - activity, noticing, connecting, giving, and learning. How can they assist in identifying and managing mental health issues, and what can we each do to promot...

The leader of The Opportunities Party, Raf Manji, joins me to discuss the future of New Zealand's economy and the pressing issues the country is currently facing, and of course The Opportunities Party. Is the New Zealand economy stagnating? How do we attract business and tech dollars into the country? Can we retain our young talent? Is the current MMP threshold too high? Should National seriously...

I'm joined by two dead-set legends on 'The Week That Was' this week. Health advocate, author and 2014 New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan, and entertainer, singer, former NZ Idol judge, and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the entertainment industry Jackie Clarke. And what a beauty it was too.. What do they make of the current state of politics in New Zealand? The...

Today, we're tackling a global problem that costs the retail industry a whopping $150 billion in stolen goods - retail crime. We're stepping into the world of Phil Thomson, co-founder of New Zealand-based company Auror, whose pioneering work in technology and artificial intelligence is making significant headway in combatting this epidemic. Their innovative solutions have put an estimated equivale...

You, the people, have spoken. After being off the poddy for a number of months this episode sees the return of Mumsy; your Editor in Chief's flatmate, sparing partner, confidant, and, of course, mother. This time the stage is all hers as we promote her to 'Feature Interview' status. Enjoy... Chapters: 3:38 - Slam Dunc 6:32 - Mumsy 41:55 - Letters To The Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

From the quiet whispers in the bedroom to the outright societal taboos, we're unpacking some of the trickiest topics surrounding sex and relationships in this episode. Sofie Louise is a sex and libido coach whose work revolves around creating satisfying sex lives for women. She lends us her expertise on everything from how men and women experience desire in starkly unique ways to the role porn pla...

Ethan Gordon is a young man who found success in adversity. After losing his job, he turned his misfortune into an opportunity and launched a cleaning business that now oversees 30 franchises. Discover the hurdles he faced, the steps he took to overcome them, and the unique challenges of starting a successful business in New Zealand. We shed light on the integral aspects of running a successful sm...

This weeks guests on 'The Week That Was' are broadcaster and all around lovely lady Carly Flynn, and the equally lovely and very funny comedian Nick Rado. What did we discuss today I hear you ask? Well.. Political attack advertising. Sir Ashley Bloomfield's legacy. Robots in K Mart. Kaitaia's nightlife. Aaaaand the huge sporting weekend ahead for the AB's and The Wahs. Chapters: 3:08 - Slam Dunc 7...

Kirsty Cardy is a globetrotter on a mission. She sold everything to explore the world in her camper van, unearthing valuable lessons on happiness, mental health, and community structures from various cultures. Could the culture of shared responsibility and support revolutionise mental health strategies in places like New Zealand? Kirsty's journey is inspiring, and helps us realise that the answers...

In this compelling episode, I sit down for an intimate conversation with none other than the now 'Sir' Ashley Bloomfield, the man who spearheaded New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the highs, low's, regrets and triumphs that came with being at the coalface during one of the most challenging and dividing periods in New Zealand's history. Ashley is able to offer a unique per...

In this episode I go head-to-head with Sunny Kaushal, Chair of the Dairy and Business Owner’s Group, on the contentious issue of vaping. A concern growing in popularity among young people, we explore the implications of vaping on health, the inconsistencies of the government's approach, and the role of big tobacco companies in this complex debate. Sunny suggests vaping is not as harmful as perceiv...

Shaneel Lal is a law student, model, influencer and the current Young New Zealander of the Year. They are also one of the country's most prominent campaigners for trans and queer rights. Their journey, from being subjected to conversion therapy in Fiji to becoming a celebrated figure in New Zealand's trans community, makes for a compelling narrative that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs w...

On 'The Week That Was' this week my guests are founder of The Spinoff Duncan Grieve and award winning journalist, broadcaster, executive media trainer, communications strategist and media consultant Mary Lambie. Today we kick around: The current state of the New Zealand media landscape. National's proposed tax cuts policy. The climate change crisis. And the amount of money our power providers earn...

Today I'm joined by Dr Steve Glassey from Animal Evac as we shine a light on pet rescue during disasters. Find out how you can contribute to the cause for better animal protection laws and why we need enforceable legislation to safeguard our furry friends in times of crises. We also take a look at the phenomenon of animal hoarding, discuss the need for limits on pet ownership, unpack the emotional...

Today's episode is special. I am joined by former Cabinet Minister and Deputy Leader of the National Party, Nikki Kaye, as she opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the significance of self-care and balance in life, the battle to save the planet and her thoughts on New Zealand's socio-political landscape. A survivor in every sense of the word, Nikki has been through more in her 43 years th...

Have you ever wondered how economic downturns and booming housing markets coexist? In this episode I'm joined by leading independent economist Tony Alexander to take a detailed look at New Zealand's economic landscape, the implications of the downturn, and the current state of the housing market.  We also discuss the struggles families face during a recession, their battle with increasing mortgage...

Join me for an eye-opening discussion with top New Zealand climate scientist, James Renwick, as we tackle the monumental issue of climate change and its potential repercussions. James predicts a grim future if we don't act now, including sea levels rising by 10 to 20 meters and a potential halving of the global population. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom - we also touch on how New Zea...

On 'The Week That Was' this week my guests are Dr Michelle Dickinson - engineer and nanotechnologist, bestselling author, television presenter and creator of 'Nanogirl', and employment law specialist Max Whitehead. What are we discussing today? Nationals Tim van de Molen getting a bit threatening. PM Hipkins kids being brought into the public arena. The spotlight falling on David Seymour and ACT t...

Shane Jones is somewhat of an enigma. He is the Dalmatian Māori New Zealand First candidate who is yet to win a seat but is still in the race. In this episode we talk about his admiration for Winston Peters, his regretful mistakes, and a new potential career in singing.  We also investigate the politics of the North, the intricacies of winning a seat, the potential outcome of the upcoming election...

Every journey has a beginning, but few can compare to the story of our guest today, Josh. Only nine years old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he shares how he navigated this tumultuous journey with a spirit that exemplifies the resilience of youth. From finding solace in school and sports, to addressing treacherous health decisions amidst COVID lockdowns, and even a harrowing ove...