The Next Bit Podcast

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Mixing Up Your Meds? Try These Tips and Tricks," I, Hannah McQueen, sit down with consultant pharmacist Julia Brooks from Brightly to explore the complexities of medication management, especially as we age. With a bathroom cabinet full of pills, it can be overwhelming to keep track of what to take and when. Julia emphasizes the importance of underst...

Why do so many older people insist they’re “fine” when something clearly isn’t right? In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, clinical pharmacist Julia Brooks explains why denial, independence, and fear of being a burden often stop people from speaking up about their health. You’ll learn how to spot the subtle warning signs: like memory lapses, unsteadiness, poor sleep, or increasing reliance...

Are your medications helping or harming your health as you age? In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Marc Leishman are joined by clinical pharmacist Julia Brooks to break down why medication management is critical for aging well. With most people over 65 taking prescription drugs, and many on five or more, Julia explains the risks including side effects, falls, and hospitalisation....

What should you do with your health insurance after 60? For many Kiwis, health insurance starts out as peace of mind, then as premiums rise sharply it can feel like a punishment for ageing. In this episode, Hannah McQueen is joined by Abby Woollaston, risk specialist, financial adviser, and director of Redress Advice, to unpack what’s really happening with health insurance as you get older. Some o...

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I explore the pressing issue of hospital care for older adults with Dr. Cheryl Johnson, a lead geriatrician at Brightly. We delve into the harsh reality that hospitals, often seen as a refuge, can actually be detrimental to seniors' health. With older adults occupying the majority of hospital beds, their hospital stays frequently accelerate frailty and dimi...

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "The Red Flags Before A Fall," I engage in a vital conversation with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson about the often-overlooked factors contributing to falls among older adults. We explore how medications, cognitive decline, and environmental risks can elevate the chances of falling, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. Dr. John...

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I sit down with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to address a pressing issue: the risks hospitals pose for older adults. We explore how even seemingly minor health concerns can lead to a dangerous domino effect once admitted. From complications like deconditioning and infections to the psychological impacts of hospital stays, we unpack the multifaceted chall...

What if the best way to age well is not just to treat illness, but to prevent the hospital admission in the first place? In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen is joined by Dr. Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to unpack why hospitalization in older adults can be far more serious than most families realize. They explore the hidden reasons older people end up in hospital, thin...

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Mark Leishman and financial advisor Hannah McQueen break down the five biggest retirement mistakes she sees after decades of advising thousands of clients - mistakes that quietly undermine financial security and independence, which can then lead to a negative impact on long-term health. The 5 big mistakes include: 1.    Stopping work too abruptly 2.    N...

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Bite Sized: When Superannuation Isn't Enough," we delve into the common misconception that New Zealand's superannuation is sufficient for a comfortable retirement. Hosts Mark Leishman and Hannah McQueen explore the significant gap many retirees face, revealing that while super may provide a foundation, it's far from the complete financial picture. T...

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Bite Sized: What Does Retirement Actually Cost?", I join financial expert Hannah McQueen to delve into the often-overlooked financial realities of retirement. While many envision a carefree life filled with travel and leisure, we explore the actual costs associated with maintaining that lifestyle. From understanding essential versus lifestyle expens...

Here in New Zealand, we talk about retirement like it’s a finish line: work hard, save, hit 65, get the pension and the Gold Card then…stop. But for many people, retirement doesn’t feel like freedom: it often feels uncertain, unsettling, and financially confusing. In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, hosts Mark Leishman and Hannah McQueen (Founder of Brightly and former retirement planning adv...

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr Cheryl Johnson, to unpack the difference between inevitable biological ageing and the factors we can actively influence to protect our independence, strength, brain health, and longevity. This episode explores: + The difference between normal ageing vs preventable decline + W...

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with Dr Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to break down the early symptoms of dementia, how it differs from normal ageing, and when memory concerns should prompt an assessment. Dr Johnson explains one of the most important concepts in dementia diagnosis: functional impairment - the difference between...

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr Cheryl Johnson, about the powerful link between human connection, sense of purpose, and longevity. Drawing on research from the world’s Blue Zones (regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives), Dr Johnson explains why strong social ties and meaningful role...

Can you really slow ageing? Or is it all just social media hype? In this episode, Hannah McQueen (Founder of Brightly) sits down with Dr Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to cut through the myths and talk about what actually works when it comes to healthy ageing, dementia prevention, frailty, bone health, and independence in later life. If you’re worried about cognitive decline, falls...

Most families avoid talking about rest homes…until a crisis forces the decision. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman are joined by Tracy Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, to discuss why starting the conversation early gives everyone more control. They unpack: - How to gently raise the topic with your parents - The guilt adult children often feel - Wha...

Aging in a city isn’t the same as aging in a rural community - and when care is needed, those differences matter. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Tracey Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, about: - Why many aged care admissions begin with an unexpected hospital visit - The added challenges rural families face - How guilt shapes family dec...

No one plans to move into residential aged care. Most admissions happen after a fall, illness, or sudden health decline. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Tracey Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, about: - What typically triggers entry into a rest home - Why the best time to talk about it is before it’s needed - The difference between reti...

In this episode, Hannah McQueen and Marc Leishman sit down with Tracey Martin, CE of Aged Care Association NZ, to explain how rest homes really work in New Zealand. They cover needs assessments, subsidies, bed shortages, dementia care, hospital-level care, EPOA (enduring power of attorney) stress, and the financial realities families aren’t prepared for. This is a practical, honest guide to unders...

In this incredibly personal episode, Hannah McQueen sits down with Girvan Roberts to share the story that inspired Age Brightly. Girvan reflects on supporting her mother Annette through dementia, falls, and hospitalisation, navigating EPOA (enduring power of attorney) responsibilities, sibling dynamics, community care, and the emotional toll of anticipatory grief. If you’ve supported an aging pare...

“You’re Ageing: This Podcast Is For You” launches The Next Bit, a new podcast for New Zealanders by New Zealanders who want to stay independent, informed, and confident as they age. Hosts Hannah McQueen (Founder of EnableMe, now Founder of Brightly) and broadcaster Mark Leishman explore why most people don’t lose independence because they suddenly “get old” - they lose it because early warning sig...