The Dom Harvey Podcast

Episoder

• Tony Kemp: The Full Story - Childhood Trauma, 25 Kiwis Tests & The Truth About The Warriors Years 31.05.2026 2t 29min

  Tony Kemp (“Kempy”) had a massive career in rugby league playing for the Kwis and the Newcastle Knights in the NRL.He was assistant coach of the Warriors when they made the NRL grand final in 2002. And by the age of 34 he was the head coach of the Warriors, with Ivan Clary as his assistant, before a very public sacking.He’s also done a tonne of media work where he has a reputation for his strong opinions.We discuss all those parts of Kempy in this podcast. But this conversation is more about the man underneath all of that.Tony talks about his childhood: the family tragedy that saw three of his siblings drown, being raised by his grandmother and initially believing she was his mum. Then growing up around chaos and domestic violence and the PTSD and depression that this unresolved trauma caused much later in life. There are some heavy moments in this one. But there’s also humour, warmth and a lot of wisdom. I came away from this conversation seeing Tony completely differently. I think you will too.**** Massive thanks to Generate for sponsoring this episode. We’ve all got that one mate who’s convinced they’ve worked out how to beat the market, usually with a lot of confidence and no actual expertise.So, here's your reminder not to get caught up in the noise and trust the real investment experts at Generate.I sat down with a Generate KiwiSaver adviser when they came on as the show sponsor in 2023, and it was one of those conversations that made me think, I should have done this years earlier!A Generate adviser can help you figure out what fund type is best suited to your KiwiSaver goals.Start planning now! Book a no cost chat with an adviser at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their PDS and Financial Advice Provider info see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.And remember, I’m not a financial adviser, so this is just general information. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• ‘Richie McCaw Nearly Killed Me’: Molly Spark - 22-Year-Old Adventure Racing Phenom 27.05.2026 1t 48min

  Molly Spark is a 22 year old from Canterbury, and she spends her spare time doing things that sound like a PTSD inducing nightmare for most of us: Her sport is multi-day expedition races through mountains, rivers, forests and bush. You may have heard of the iconic event called Godzone- it got a bit of mainstream coverage after Richie McCaw took part a few years ago- that’s an expedition race.1000km in a week. Sleep deprivation. Hallucinations. Limited food. Carrying everything you need in a backpack. Navigating with a map and compass. And the wild part? She LIVES for this stuff. She is built different. This podcast is a small part of the Molly Spark story. We talk about resilience, fear, suffering, hallucinations, sleep deprivation, near-death moments, and why she genuinely believes discomfort is one of the best things a person can experience. There is also a great story about how Richie McCaw almost killed her.This is one of my favourite podcasts so far- partly because the sport of expedition racing itself is so wild, but mostly because Molly is such a firecracker. She just oozes positivity and joy. This chat definitely didn’t make me want to become an expedition racer….but it did make me wish Molly was my friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• ‘I Was An Honest Dealer': Prison to Professor - The Unbelievable Life of Greg Newbold 24.05.2026 2t 13min

  Greg Newbold is best known as one of New Zealand’s top criminologists. He spent 30 years at Canterbury University and became to go-to guy whenever the main stream media wanted someone to comment on crime.But his back story is jaw dropping. In the 1970s, when Greg was in his early 20s, he was a heroin user and dealer, socialising in the same circles as New Zealand’s most infamous drug dealer, Terry Clarke aka Mr Asia. He eventually got busted and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half-years in prison.Then somehow… he comes out the other side, gets a PhD and completely reinvented himself as one of New Zealand’s leading criminologists and university professors. And he has just put out a new book too called Dream Dealer. https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/biography-memoir/dream-dealerIn this conversation, Greg opens up about how he became addicted to heroin, the reality of life at Paremoremo maximum security prison back then, and the surprising lessons he learned about human nature while locked up alongside some of the country’s most notorious criminals.At nearly 75 years old, Greg’s still running, swimming, lifting weights, and reflecting on a life that’s been chaotic, controversial, and ultimately incredibly fulfilling.***Massive thanks to my long‑term podcast sponsor, Generate. Like a lot of Kiwis, I spent years saying, “I’ll look at my KiwiSaver account later.” Turns out later comes around faster than you think, and the decisions you make now could be the difference between counting every dollar in retirement or having the freedom to take that trip you've always talked about. I switched my KiwiSaver account to Generate after they came on board, and honestly, I should’ve done it sooner. They’re an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with strong long‑term performance. You can check out their latest returns online, or book a no‑obligation chat with one of their friendly advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom. No pressure, no judgement — they’re just there to help wherever you’re at in your investing journey.  The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. You can view their Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Advice Provider information at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. And just a reminder — I’m a podcast host, not a financial adviser. This is general information only, and I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.  The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Dom Harvey Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast, its producers, or any sponsors associated with the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Firefighter Who Raised $20 Million for Cancer- Tony Scott 20.05.2026 1t 40min

  Today’s guest is one of those people who quietly makes New Zealand a better place.Tony Scott (aka Scottie) has spent more than 30 years in the fire service. And for the past 8 years he has been Crew Chief at Auckland Airport.Chances are, even if you don’t know his name, you’ve seen the impact of his work.Scottie is the man behind the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge: the iconic annual event where firefighters climb 1,103 steps in full gear to raise money for Blood Cancer New Zealand.  What started as a small idea with a handful of firefighters has now raised almost 20 million dollars for Kiwis battling cancers. And this episode is being released to coincide with the 21st anniversary of this iconic Kiwi fundraiserAs well as the Sky Tower challenge, we find out who Scotty is- his early years, the stutter he had to overcome to get the job of his dreams, the emotional toll of recovering bodies and saving lives, his reaction when he was awarded a Queens Service Medal and much more.After spending a couple of hours with Scottie, you discover pretty quickly that this isn’t about publicity or recognition for him. He’s just one of those genuinely good humans who gets a lot of fulfilment out of helping other people.There’s a lot of heart in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Dr Lucy Hone Lost Her 12-Year-Old Daughter. This Is What She Learned 17.05.2026 1t 53min

  We are so lucky to have Dr Lucy Hone in New Zealand.She is one of the world’s leading voices on resilience and grief. Her TED Talk, Three Secrets of Resilient People, has been viewed more than 9 million times and is one of the most watched TED Talks in the world.She’s also a mother who endured the unimaginable loss of her 12-year-old daughter Abi in a car accident in 2014.In this episode we talk about Abi- who she was, what she loved, the life she might have lived… but we also go much deeper than that.We talk about how people survive the things they think will destroy them.Why grief isn’t something you just “get over.”And why the famous five stages of grief might actually be doing more harm than good.Lucy also opens up about forgiveness, parenting through trauma, post-traumatic growth and the reality of rebuilding a life after everything changes.This is a conversation about loss. But it’s also a conversation about living. And I’d like to think it is a tribute to the life of Abigail Anne Hone. A life that was cut tragically and painfully short.***  Massive thanks to my long‑term podcast sponsor, Generate. Your KiwiSaver account is one of those things that’s easy to set up and then completely ignore whilst you’re hoping it’s all working out in the background. I had a chat with a Generate KiwiSaver adviser when they came on as sponsor, and it genuinely gave me clarity on what it means to have a KiwiSaver plan, and whether mine was actually set up to perform over the long-term.  Generate is an award‑winning KiwiSaver provider with a strong track record of long‑term performance. You can check out their latest returns online, or book a no‑obligation chat with one of their advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom. No pressure, just clear advice to help you feel confident you’re on track.The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their PDS and Financial Advice Provider info see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. And remember, I’m not a financial adviser, so this is just general information. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Lee Tepuia: 501 Deportee, Australian Prisons & the Phone Call That Kept Him Alive 13.05.2026 2t 21min

  A quick warning before we get into this episode: this conversation includes discussion around gang life, drug use, childhood sexual abuse, mental health, suicide, and trauma. Please listen with care.Lee Tepuia is a father of seven, a former Rebels Motorcycle Club member, a 501 deportee, and now a qualified youth worker helping vulnerable young people through the gym he founded in Blenheim called Box on Boxing. And in 2026 he was awarded a Local Hero medal at the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the year awards.But that description barely scratches the surface.Lee grew up carrying trauma most people could never imagine. He found brotherhood in gang life, spent years building a life in Australia, then had it ripped away when he was detained and deported back to New Zealand under Australia’s 501 laws, despite never being convicted of a crime there.At his lowest point, Lee says he didn’t want to be here anymore.But somehow, through boxing, therapy, community, and a decision to finally confront the pain he’d spent decades trying to outrun, he rebuilt his life from the ground up.What struck me most about this conversation is that Lee doesn’t try to present himself as a saint. He owns his mistakes. He talks openly about addiction, violence, mental health, shame, and the consequences of his choices. But he also talks about redemption, purpose, and what it actually takes to change.This is not a podcast about glorifying gangs.It’s a conversation about trauma, survival, accountability, forgiveness, and hope.Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor Lifeline 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or free text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0) Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234 Samaritans 0800 726 666 Aoake Te Rā 0800 000 053 Bereaved by suicide service.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• All Blacks Legend Frank Bunce: Jonah, Laurie Mains & The Truth About '95 10.05.2026 2t 17min

  Frank Bunce is regarded as one of the great All Black Centres of all time. He first got selected when he was 30 and went on to play 55 tests, including a rugby world cup final.At the time of recording this episode Frank was on TV in New Zealand on the reality show “Celebrity Treasure Island” so we discuss why, at the age of 64, he agreed to do it. Thanks to the team at TVNZ for helping set this conversation up.I don’t think Buncey has ever spoken this openly or at this length ever before which makes this episode pretty special.We talk about Franks journey from growing up in South Auckland with 7 siblings and working on the back of a rubbish truck to the world stage, representing both Samoa and the All Blacks and being part of the transformational shift from amateur rugby to the professional era.There are some incredible rugby stories here- including his very special relationship with Jonah Lomu and Eric Rush and his love-hate relationship with coach Laurie Mains. But this episode goes far beyond sport.Frank opens up about aging, identity, fatherhood, friendship, grief, retirement, and the emotional challenges that come when elite sport suddenly disappears. This is a reflective and also very funny conversation with one of New Zealand sport’s great characters.*****Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsor, Generate.We’ve all got that one mate who’s convinced they’ve worked out how to beat the market, usually with a lot of confidence and no actual expertise. So, here's your reminder not to get caught up in the noise and trust the real investment experts at Generate. I sat down with a Generate KiwiSaver adviser when they came on as sponsor in 2023, and it was one of those conversations that made me think, why didn’t I do this earlier? A Generate adviser can help you figure out what fund type is best suited to your KiwiSaver goals.  Start planning now! Book a no cost  chat with an adviser at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their PDS and Financial Advice Provider info see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/disclosures.Past performance does not guarantee future returns.And remember, I’m not a financial adviser, so this is just general information. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Fizzy Sends: Inside The INSANE World of Death Diving 06.05.2026 1t 6min

  Flynn Chisholm, or as he is known by his 121,000 Instagram followers, "Fizzy Sends" is the New Zealand record holder in a breath-taking activity known as “death diving.”He is also a speed climber. And at this time of releasing this episode he is about to attempt a record for the most pull ups.Flynn is one of New Zealand’s most exciting extreme athletes.  In this podcast, Flynn shares the mindset, discipline, and faith behind a sport that most people (me included) don’t understand and can’t even comprehend.Some of the stuff we discuss includes:+ What death diving actually is. And why it’s growing worldwide+ The mental process before stepping off a 40m cliff+ How he assesses risk before taking each jump.+ Why he doesn’t read comments and how he handles criticism+ The injuries he’s faced (including temporary blindness and concussions) And much more.This is one of those episodes where you will hopefully get a greater understanding about something you may not known much about.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Phil Smith: The Man Behind NZ’s Most Iconic TV Shows 03.05.2026 1t 46min

  Phil Smith is one of the most influential figures in New Zealand television.You may not know the name, but you most definitely know some of his shows: The Casketeers, The Lion Man, One Lane Bridge, and the Jeremy Wells show Eating Media Lunch. Content that’s not just popular, but culturally iconic.I’ve known Phil socially for a number of years now, and I just thought he was a cool guy who’d had a solid behind-the-scenes career in TV. What I didn’t realise is just how wild his story actually is:Like working in Africa as a journalist and being caught in gunfire.Getting arrested and locked up in Africa for a week, then pretty much dumped at the border with nowhere to go.Living with THE Jane Goodall for a month and getting life advice from her over glasses of scotch.We also get into how he went from all of that to working with Sir Paul Holmes at his peak, building and selling a company in his early 30s and creating some of New Zealand’s most successful TV shows.This episode goes everywhere. It’s part war story, part business lesson, part creative deep dive… and somehow still just feels like a chat with a really intriguing Kiwi.***Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Bariz Shah: Prison, Christchurch Terror Attacks, and Why NZs Justice System is Broken 29.04.2026 1t 44min

  Bariz Shah is a husband and father, an engineer and a community leader. He was named 2021 Muslim New Zealander of the Year and he is also the author of a great book called Beyond Hope.But before all of this, he was a convicted criminal who was sentenced to 3 years and 2 months in jail.This podcast is a small part of his story. The story of a kid who came to New Zealand as a refugee, went completely off the rails as a teenager - eventually ending up in prison at 18 - and has managed to do a full 180 and completely turn his life around. Bariz opens up about growing up between Afghanistan, Pakistan and New Zealand, dealing with abuse and identity struggles, and how that led him down an incredibly negative path.We talk about his self-destructive spiral which ended up with time in prison. And the moment he decided he was never going back.We also get into how he rebuilt his life from scratch… studying engineering, finding his faith, and eventually launching a project to honour the victims of the Christchurch Mosque attacks.There’s a lot in this one: redemption, forgiveness, discipline, faith… and some pretty confronting stories along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Samoana Matagi: He Survived 14,400 Volts, Lost Both Hands, Now He Helps Thousands 26.04.2026 1t 20min

  At 34 years old, Samoana Matagi from Utah (“Sam”) lost both of his hands in a freak electrical accident with 14,000 volts. Now you can find him online with the nick-name he gave himself: The No Handed Bandit.Sam had to relearn literally everything in a world that is designed for people with hands: eating, texting, driving, dressing, hygiene. He compares it to being a baby again…but remembering the frustration” We cover a lot of ground in this episode: + What happened on the day of the accident.+ The mental battle that followed.+ What it’s like learning to do absolutely everything again from scratch.+ And how he’s turned that experience into helping thousands of people around the world.There’s a lot of humour in this one too - that’s the magic of Sam. He’s got this ability to make you laugh while also dropping some profound truth-bombs about resilience and getting on with it when life throws something massive your way.If you ever find yourself thinking “why me?” (and let’s be honest- haven’t we all had those self-pity moments?) this episode might be just the kick in the arse you need.***** Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• “Go Big or Go Home”- Jason Paris on One.NZ Stadium Sponsorship 22.04.2026 1t 43min

  This episode with Jason Paris first came out at the end of 2024. I thought I’d release it in case you are new or new-ish to the podcast and missed it the first time round. Also, because New Zealand’s latest landmark- the seriously impressive One NZ stadium has just opened in Christchurch. And Jason was deeply involved in signing off on this 10-year multimillion dollar sponsorshipThis is a rare peak into the man behind the title.From growing up in Invercargill with a solo mum on the benefit with no relationship with his father, to leading major brands like Spark, TVNZ and now One NZ, we talk about:+ How Jason rose to CEO without a university degree+ Why he gives out his personal email to customers+ Lessons from mistakes –from million-dollar errors to public criticism+ The importance of family, presence, and being a great dad+ The story behind the One NZ stadium sponsorship in Christchurch, and much much more!This episode is a reminder that behind every CEO is a regular human being, shaped by their past, driven by their values, and still figuring things out.Jason’s story is proof that where you start doesn’t determine where you can go.If you’re hearing this for the first time, I have no doubt you’ll love it.If you are relistening to it, I hope you’ll pick up on some stuff you missed the first-time round Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Dame Theresa Gattung: The Telecom CEO Who Became One of NZ's Most Powerful Women 19.04.2026 1t 42min

  If you grew up in New Zealand in the late 90s or early 2000s, chances are you’ll know that name Dame Theresa Gattung.Theresa became the CEO of Telecom at just 37 years old. Becoming the first woman to run a large NZ public company.And during that time, she was part of some massive decisions - including the sale of the Yellow Pages for over $2 billion… which, looking back now, was unbelievably well-timed.But that’s just one chapter.Since then, she’s gone on to back and build businesses like My Food Bag, which became one of New Zealand’s biggest startup success stories… and gave her the freedom to live life more on her terms.But this conversation isn’t just about business.We unpack it all here:The mindset that helped Theresa become CEO at 37The reality of being a woman in leadership - then vs nowLessons from burnout, failure, and rebuilding after major life transitionsWhy she chose not to have children — and has no regretsHer daily non-negotiables for mental and physical wellbeingWhat success looks like to her now in her 60sThere’s some incredible perspective in this one: On leadership, on resilience, and on what actually matters when you zoom out a bit and look at the big picture.*** Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.If I could ask you to do one big favour — for me and for yourself — it would be to consider getting KiwiSaver advice from Generate, like I did.The decisions you make with your KiwiSaver now could have a big impact on how much you have to live on in retirement. And if you’ve never had KiwiSaver advice before, you could be missing out.Generate has a strong track record of long-term performance — You can check out their latest returns on their website.They also have advisers who can come to you and help you figure out the right KiwiSaver setup for your goals — no pressure, just good advice.I met with one when Generate came on board as a sponsor back in 2023 — and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner.Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom to book a chatThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds Past performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• David Downs: Comedian, Cancer Survivor & The Man Selling NZ to the World 15.04.2026 1t 56min

  David Downs is a man with a wild CV: he quit university to become a comedian, helped build the New Zealand comedy scene, co-founded The Classic and even wrote a few books. Then somehow pivoted into tech, ended up working for Microsoft, running the show across Southeast Asia. And now he is the chairman of The Icehouse and works in government helping shape how the world sees New Zealand.But there is so much for to his story than the wild career:A few years ago, David was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. What started as feeling a bit run down turned into being told he had less than a year to live… and that there was no treatment options left in New Zealand.And that’s where things take a pretty wild turn.Through a random LinkedIn message, he ends up getting access to a cutting-edge treatment in Boston. Problem is… it costs about a million US dollars.So in this episode, we get into all of it. We also talk about what he’s doing now to help bring that same life-saving treatment to New Zealand, so other Kiwis don’t have to go through what he did.There’s a lot in this one, laughter and tears. It’s heavy in parts, but also funny, honest, and genuinely inspiring. All told by a man with an incredible ability of telling a great story.David’s one of those people who’s been through something huge… and instead of just moving on, he’s decided to use it to help others.It was the first time we met. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and I think you will too.Check out the work being done at the Malaghan Institute: https://www.malaghan.org.nz/Donate here: https://donate.malaghan.org.nz/event/go-the-distance/home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Scientist Who Helped Build NZ's Greatest Athletes - and What He's Learned Along the Way 12.04.2026 2t 11min

  Dr. Dan Plews is a sports scientist, endurance coach, and one of the fastest age group IronMan athletes on the planet. And these days you’ll find him with his shirt off at one of those Hyrox events.You may not know the name, but you definitely know some of his clients- Dame Lisa Carrington, Emma Twigg, Eric Murray, Hamish Bond and Team NZ to name a few. Actually, it was double Olympic gold medallist Eric Murray who messaged me suggesting Dr Dan as a podcast guest.Athletes and teams that Dr Dan Plews have worked with have collectively won over 30 Olympic and world titles. In this episode as well as learning more about this low-key legend, some of the stuff we look at includes:* Lessons from coaching Olympic and world champion athletes* The biggest mistakes everyday athletes make.* Longevity in sport - how to stay competitive into your 40s and beyond. Why, at 43, he believes he is still nowhere near done. And so much more!***Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally. I wish I had been introduced to Generate years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Helene Barron: From Tarawera Ultra to Tongue Cancer - The Year Everything Changed 08.04.2026 1t 33min

  Helene Barron is an elite trail runner, a high-performance physiotherapist, a coach, a wife, a mum, a daughter, a sister, a legend and now a survivor- after being diagnosed with tongue cancer.In early 2023 Helene was on top of the world: she’d just finished top 5 at the Tarawera 100 Miler, one of the toughest tunning races in the country. Life was good: Career, family, everything was lining up.And then, just weeks later…everything changed. Helene became one of the 77 New Zealanders every day who get told they have cancer.In this episode, we get into:+ The moment she discovered something wasn’t right: a tiny sore that turned out to be aggressive cancer+ The phone call that no one ever wants to receive+ Recording goodbye messages for her kids before surgery+ What it’s really like going through six weeks of radiation+ And how she found the strength to keep moving forward when everything felt uncertainWe also talk about resilience, perspective, and why she lives by one simple rule now: don’t drop the glass balls (I’d never heard this theory before but I love it- I hope you will too)Watch Helenes doco here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0t97mhZcIA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Chris Quin: Foodstuffs CEO On Covid, Leadership & Life 05.04.2026 2t 22min

  Chris Quin is the CEO of Foodstuffs North Island, a business with over $10 billion in turnover, 24,000 employees and more than 400 stores across brands like New World, Pak’nSave, and Four Square.This is part of the Chris Quinn story- a look at the man behind the title.We talk about losing both of his parents at a young age, the lessons that shaped how he leads today.We get into career setbacks, including missing out on the CEO role at Telecom and what that taught him about resilience.There’s some great management lessons and insight into what makes a strong leader, from a guy who has done it at the highest level imaginable for a very long time. And lots of fascinating insights about running 400 grocery stores through the pandemic when Kiwis were panic buying toilet paper, and the reality of leading a team of people who face abuse or violence on a daily basis.This is a masterclass on what it takes to lead at the very top. I loved meeting and getting to learn more about CQ and I’m sure you will too.***Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Amanda Luxon On Christopher, What Really Goes On At Home & Being Married To A PM 01.04.2026 2t 3min

  Amanda Luxon is probably best known as the wife of the Prime Minister of New Zealand.But she also has her own story, her own perspective, and a really thoughtful way of looking at life, relationships, and what actually matters. Not to mention some really strong opinions on critical thinking and why it is incredibly important.Amanda is a self-described introvert and typically does her best to stay out of the spotlight which makes this podcast appearance a rarity.Due to the nature of politics, you might already have an opinion on Amanda Luxon. This long form conversation will either change your opinion or reinforce what you already think, and either of those outcomes are fine - I just appreciate you being open to give this episode a listen.Some of the ground we cover in this conversation includes:+ What it’s really like living alongside one of the most demanding jobs in the country- the reality behind the negative headlines, the polls, the rumours and how you make a relationship work when one person is essentially “on duty” 24/7.+ Amanda shares some of the philosophies that shaped their children, from teaching them whose opinions actually matter, to why the first thing you say to your child when they screw up is more important than anything that comes after.+ And there are some really human moments in here as well… from dance parties in the kitchen to Christophers annoying habit of sharing memes and the story behind that viral election night photo of her biceps.It’s honest, it’s reflective and it gives you a side of public life that we don’t often get to hear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Dr Alia Bojilova: Being Held Hostages, the SAS & the Science of Thriving 29.03.2026 2t 21min

  Dr. Alia Bojilova former SAS lead psychologist, and the author of The Resilience Toolkit.She’s worked with elite special forces soldiers, athletes, CEOs, people operating at the absolute edge of human performance.But her story goes far beyond that.In this conversation, we talk about everything from growing up in post-communist Bulgaria, where simple things like toilet paper, cheese and chocolate were rationed, to moving to New Zealand at 17 without speaking English, all the way through to working inside one of the most elite military environments in the world.And then, there’s the moment where everything changes.Alia shares, in incredible detail, the story of being taken hostage in Syria. A seven-hour ordeal involving armed militants, minefields, and the very real threat of an ugly execution.But what’s remarkable isn’t just what happened: it’s how she processed it, what she learned from it, and how she’s used that experience to better understand human resilience.Dr. Bojilova is a unique individual- she is a real breath of fresh air- smart, tough and very funny. I walked away from this one thinking differently. I hope you will too.***Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website. I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Navajo Stirling: From Shy Upper Hutt Kid to UFC Champion 25.03.2026 1t 57min

  Navajo Stirling is a UFC light heavyweight fighter and one of the most exciting fighters coming out of New Zealand right now. He is trained by the mixed martial arts guru Eugene Bereman at City Kickboxing in Auckland.At the time of recording this intro, Navajo is in Seattle on a UFC lineup with Israel Adesanya…Which is a really cool full circle moment- from the moment he decided he wanted to be a UFC fighter he followed the exact steps and blueprint created by Izzy.This podcast is part of the Navajo Stirling story:+ His upbringing in Upper Hutt…and only discovering the UFC while working at Foodstuffs and going to a co-worker’s house to watch a Connor MacGregor fight on TV.+ What it actually takes to get to the UFC…the financial reality of it…and why so many people never make it.+ His first time meeting and training his hero, Israel, after watching and imitating every single fight he had ever had on YouTube.+ There’s also some great stuff in here about fighting itself: what it feels like to get hit, why he says everything slows down in the cage…and how he deals with pressure when he’s about to walk out. And then there’s the bigger stuff: purpose, potential and his fear of becoming just another “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.”I think you will also enjoy this if you like learning about Kiwis who are out there chasing dreams and goals that seem impossible- its inspiring stuff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.