Kiwi Yarns

If this episode doesn't get you even a little bit inspired or fired up, I'll give you your money back!Ganesh Raj graces our TV screens with the hit show Eat Well for Less, and it's there where his passion for food education grew.Now, this top chef dedicates a massive chunk of his life to ensuring as many people as possible have access to good food for their dinner tables.Ganesh says the first 12 years of your life shape your food and cooking experiences as an adult. He shares stories from his upbringing, adding fascinating context to this idea.You'll hear just how passionate Ganesh is about making cooking accessible for all - and you'll also discover a mind-blowing way to make some DELICIOUS chicken! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the first episode of the year and I thought we’d come in really hot!Today's guest is certified holistic sex and relationship coach and educator, Melissa Vranjes.Melissa loves to empower women, encouraging us to embrace our sexuality, and it doesn't necessarily start (or finish) in the bedroom. What I love about people like Melissa is she puts herself out there in a space (ie sex) that we are still relatively new to talking so openly about.You'll enjoy it, even if you start off a little prudish...*This episode comes with a content and language warning. If a frank discussion about sex isn't your thing you might want to give this one a miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we re-visit my yarn with a NATIONAL TREASURE.Sure, Suzanne Paul was born in England but she is our official infomercial queen. But it’s not just thousands of luminous spheres that make us all love her - her dogged determination and work ethic through every part of her career is so inspirational. Gosh, talk about someone who never ever ever gives up! She's remarkable! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we re-visit my yarn with the first comedian I ever saw live and rest assured she’s been a favourite ever since!The award-winning Justine Smith took her first gig as a dare - and to sound cliché the rest is history. But, as you'll hear, the rest took time, patience and bloody hard work. She won the Billy T Award in 2003, and has been the winner of the Award for Best Female Performer from the NZ Comedy Guild an incredible four times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we re-visit a yarn I had with a man, I feel like it’s fair to say, we all know and love - Sir John Kirwan.JK had a remarkable rugby career as a World Cup winning All Black, played rugby league for the Auckland Warriors, has been a respected international coach, and of course is a major figure in Aotearoa as a mental health advocate. Being one of the first high profile New Zealanders, to talk about depression and mental health, JK plays a massive role in this space - he is remarkable to watch and learn from.He also has a wine company, is an amazing TV Presenter and Rugby commentator, and really bloody fantastic man.This podcast was EVERYTHING I needed to hear at the moment - so I best let him invoice me for one of the most valuable therapy sessions ever! Hope you get something from it too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am absolutely fizzing at the bung to bring you our last guest for 2024!It’s Christmas week, so we are so lucky to have the absolute kitchen QUEEN, Allyson Gofton, here to send us all on our merry way.She hosted the best 60 seconds of television we used to have, Food in a Minute (campaign to bring it back), and the nostalgia in this chat is all there.I was so excited to meet Allyson and to hear about her amazing career, her journey to becoming a mother, and her outlook on life. She was even more amazing than I had imagined possible - and she brought Pavlova and homemade relishes and sauces in. HOW GOOD.Merry Christmas everyone and thank you so much for your continued support. Cannot wait to rip back in next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pro surfer Billy Stairmand is gearing up for a summer at home with his dog Obie at his beloved Raglan after a massive year of surfing, including competing at the Paris Olympics (in Tahiti).Billy's been on the world stage for 14 years and still has the same energy and love for the sport, describing it as his dream job he's grateful for every day.What's amazing about Billy is he isn't afraid to open up about his feelings, and the highs and lows of being a professional athlete.He's a great role model for surfing, and an integral part of our sports culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is, in my opinion, one of the most stylish and sweetest women in Aotearoa.Amber Peebles is a former Miss World New Zealand, television host, and professional make-up artist, and is now the co-owner of luxury homewares company Isle of Omni.Warning: we use the words ooze (well I do) and moist in this podcast - in which if you didn't have a girl crush on Amber before, you absolutely will now!*There is also the odd swear word in the episode too... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you remember the emotion we all went through watching Hayden Wilde's triathlon at the Paris Olympics? Well, be ready to go there again with a fascinating insight into that race.Our top triathlete has had a stonking year and we reflect on all the hard graft it's taken to reach the top.We find out where Hayden's remarkable sportsmanship comes from and how the kid who grew up in Whakatāne got so ridiculously fast.Also, find out how long I can keep up with him while he runs at race pace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a ripper of an Olympics it was for Ellesse. The cycling superstar won two golds and a silver in Paris - only the second New Zealander (after Dame Lisa Carrington no less!) to win three medals at a single Games.Hear how she had to fight every step of the way in that brutal week to win. It's an incredible story!Fun fact: Ellesse was born FIFTEEN MINUTES before the year 2000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices