Kiwi Yarns

This week's guest is a very dear ex-colleague of mine, Jehan Casinader. We first worked together on Seven Sharp seven years ago, and he is one of the most hard-working journalists I know. His drive, passion and energy for the job always impressed me so much, and he’s never been afraid to tell stories - no matter how hard they are to tell. He’s a multiple award winning journalist, but also a kind, helpful and caring person. Jehan has just released a book called "This is Not How it Ends", in which he talks openly about his deep struggle with depression, despite all that “success”. So a warning, we will be discussing mental health and suicide during this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is a great woman of formidable intelligence and tenacity, who I am very fortunate enough to call my friend and mentor. I remember 7 or 8 years ago when the broadcasting legend that is Ali Mau took the time out of her day to help me learn how to do a piece to camera (when a television reporter speaks directly to the audience through the camera) at TVNZ - a place where Ali worked as a top presenter and journalist for 20 years. Now, Ali is a senior journalist at Stuff, and editor of the #metooNZ project, investigating sexual harassment in New Zealand workplaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is an absolute ray of sunshine - a smart, funny and talented young woman who always seems to have her foot on the accelerator. Laura McGoldrick is a Kiwi broadcaster who lights up the airwaves on The Hits radio station, and shines on the screen when hosting international cricket, awards ceremonies, you name it, she can do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 90s I pretty much watched Angela Bloomfield play Rachel McKenna every night on Shortland Street - she has been an integral part of the show since 1993 and it was extremely interesting hearing how it all started for her, and Ange also shares some pretty big challenges she faced along the way. She's just embarked on a pretty significant career change, becoming a real estate agent. A truly delightful chat with a great woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Seymour is a Kiwi entrepreneur based in Sydney who has set up an incredibly successful fitness business. The former professional rugby player spends his time helping others make significant lifestyle changes - making sure people look after their health and wellbeing. Oh yeah - and he does mad crazy long distance things all the time - including the Coast to Coast Longest Day, and the Atacama Crossing, a 250-kilometre running race in the desert in Chile! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Kiwiherb, who make the highest quality natural health products for you and your family in New Zealand. It’s Naturopathic Medicine Week here - so my guest is pharmacist, herbalist and international lecturer Phil Rassmussen. He is the founder of New Zealand based company Kiwiherb, which specialises in 100% natural, premium quality herbal health products. A really interesting chat into how we can incorporate natural products into our everyday lives, in a bid to look after ourselves a bit better Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chlöe Swarbrick - the young woman who ran for Mayor of Auckland at age 22, the young woman who at 23, become the youngest MP in New Zealand for over 40 years at the 2017 election. The young woman who is often reminded about how young she is, especially when she’s surrounded by politicians who are well, old (ok ok not all, but heaps are haha). No matter where your vote is going this election, Chlöe is a breath of fresh air in the political world. The energy and drive she throws at the job is pretty epic, and she's a cool person to yarn to as well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Mental Health Awareness Week here in New Zealand so a warning: we will be discussing issues around mental health including suicide. My guest is Bryce Casey - a man who has done a remarkable job in this country at opening up about mental health struggles and by doing so has helped drop the stigma around talking about such a complicated issue. He’s also a very funny, talented broadcaster with a gorgeous family and is armed with some cracking yarns having worked at The Rock radio station for 20 years!Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Healthline – 0800 611 116 Samaritans – 0800 726 666 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raf Manji is a man who throws his heart and soul into the work he does. The former London investment banker and Christchurch City Councillor has spent the past 18 months working in a voluntary capacity directly with the victims and families of the March 15 Terror Attack in Christchurch - in what he describes as his hardest job to date. His next goal is to get fairer financial support for the victims which involves knocking loudly on the Government’s door. Raf is genuinely one of those people the world really bloody well needs right now - I could’ve recorded this episode for hours more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What did you to celebrate your 40th birthday? Well Jo Kane (aka my Mum) decided that it would be the year she would swim the Cook Strait. It's an amazing story, considering she first set her sights on the notorious piece of water at age 16. Jo talks about the endurance training and mental toughness she built up over many years, and how she was able to turn around and complete the swim just weeks after a failed attempt. And yes, there's a shark in this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices