Kiwi Yarns

What's better than Chris Parker, or Tom Sainsbury? Chris Parker AND Tom Sainsbury in the same room together on the same podcast. Both have come on Kiwi Yarns individually, but they've achieved so much since then and are doing so many wonderful things that I thought we ought to sit them down together for a glorious catch up. And they're such great mates! We decided their next venture should absolutely be a style-guide book - think New Zealand's Trinny and Susannah. We talk about Tom being 75% gay and Buddhist and a queer sperm donor, and Chris crying throughout his wedding whilst suffering from gastro. You'll feel like you're in the same room as them, which I felt very lucky to be!

Josie Pagani works in aid, politics, trade and media and has recently become the chief executive of ChildFund New Zealand. She's a well-respected, international and political commentator and her mahi has taken her all over the world. From rubbing shoulders with world leaders, to nearly ending up in a KGB jail in Russia as a teenager, Josie shares some amazing stories, and offers some much needed intelligent, thoughtful conversations on some big issues.

Brodie's been unwell this week (winter!) so in her absence, we're re-upping an oldie but a goodie ahead of the Paris Olympics later this month. Enjoy this episode from the archive with kiwi champion rower Emma Twigg and her amazing story about how it all went right on the day. === Olympic rowing champion Emma Twigg personifies a never-give-up attitude and we all were witness to that when she won Gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Many of us Kiwis cried when she crossed the finish line, because we felt the heartbreak she'd had with a fourth in London and another fourth in Rio. And this time, she'd done what she always knew she could do.

Today's guest is actress and presenter Shavaughn Ruakere. There are many reasons Kiwis love Shavaughn - whether it's the nostalgia of What Now, the heartbreak of her beloved character Roimata being taken from us so tragically on Shortland Street (I'm still not ok about it), her stunning dancing on Dancing with the Stars, or calling out the Fboys on Fboy Island - she's lit up our screens for nearly two decades. She talks about how hard the hustle of acting is, and a new challenge she's been facing with perimenopause.

Today's guest is award-winning journalist Mark Crysell. I tell you one thing about award-winning journalists like Mark Crysell is they have GREAT stories to share. Like travelling to North Korea, working as Europe Correspondent for TVNZ and fighting for the little guy on Fair Go. Mark is a wonderful storyteller, and puts a lot of it down to his love for adventure, connecting with people and being a chilled out surfer from Taranaki who used to go to school to eat his lunch and hang out with his mates. We talk about the worrying media landscape in Aotearoa - after the show he's worked on for many years - Sunday - was scrapped by TVNZ earlier this year.

Today's guest is Ineke Meredith, a remarkable woman who spent a good chunk of her childhood in Samoa but left to follow her dreams, winning a a scholarship to study medicine in Aotearoa. Now, she's living in Paris as a surgeon with her husband, can see the Eiffel Tower from her apartment and rides her Vespa around the city of love. Ineke also runs a business called Fur Love, a doggo skin and body care business. Her best-selling memoir, On Call, came out this year too. Prepare to develop a major girl crush like I did!

Today's guest is a man by the name of Dario Nustrini, who's just published a book called Nothing Significant to Report: The Misadventures of a Kiwi Soldier. I thought it would be great to compare Army notes with him! Dario joined after high school, where he describes himself as a young man who had been on a steady diet of spliffs, Speights and the occasional sandwich, weighing about as much as an empty pillowcase. Dario shares his tales in a self-deprecating and often humorous way, but he also speaks openly about the toll being deployed to Iraq took on him, and why he left the moment he got home.

Today's guest is Lil O'Brien - who has written books about coming out, and being childless. Lil has bared her soul in the most remarkable and vulnerable way. Her first book, Not That I'd Kiss A Girl, is an incredibly moving "coming out" memoir, about her navigating her sexuality during her years at Otago University. Now she and two other amazing women have released Other Hood: Essays on being childless, childfree and child-adjacent. This is a really important conversation, we do go deep. Just letting you know Lil shares her own story of loss, which we appreciate may be upsetting for some to hear. A range of organisations can help. For support around miscarriage and stillbirth click here

Today's guest is Chloe Swarbrick - a return guest to Kiwi Yarns. Last time we spoke it was just prior to the 2020 election and man, things have changed since then! Chloe is now the co-leader of the Green Party, she's extremely vocal in opposition, and is grappling with what's been a tumultuous year for the party. For someone who never intended pursuing a career in politics and allegedly described herself as “shy and introverted”, Chloe couldn't be more in the thick of it if she tried. People love her, people hate her, but you cannot knock her passion.

Today's guest is Matt Heath. Now, Matt Heath is genuinely one of my favourite straight white guys. I think he's also someone who I would never call just Matt, he's Matt Heath. And while we usually drink, watch the Warriors and talk a mixture of serious and non-serious stuff - it's been pretty cool to look back at all the things he's achieved in his wildly hectic yet brilliant career. His latest achievement is a book - called A Life Less Punishing - 13 Ways To Love The Life You Got. Matt Heath says it's a deep dive into the history, philosophy and science of not wasting our time lost in anger, loneliness, humiliation, stress, fear, boredom and all the other ways we find to not enjoy perfectly good lives.  A GLORIOUS chat.

Today's guest is one of the country's greatest tennis players, Marcus Daniell. He's back on the court for his final year before retiring, after two frustrating years out with knee injuries. Marcus is creating a legacy that will last beyond his playing days, and will reach far more than just the tennis court. This year, he's donating 50 percent of his prize money to charity - part of his mahi as founder of High Impact Athletes. A great chat with a professional sportsman who isn't afraid to tell it like it is.

Today's guest is one of the country's best surfers, Paige Hareb. The proud professional athlete from mighty Taranaki and the beautiful Oakura Beach, Paige has had a hugely epic career since she became the first woman from New Zealand to qualify for the Championship Tour. She's been monumental in the growth of female surfers here which we love!

Today's guests are Olympic silver medal rowing mums, Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis. The two have come together to race in the double sculls and have their sights set on gold in Paris. What's really cool, is Lucy and Brooke are not only world class professional athletes, they're world class professional new mums - showing the remarkable strength and toughness women have returning to this level of sport after having a baby. A really open an honest chat about tackling both!

Today's guest is Man Can Cook - a man, who coincidently, can cook ridiculously delicious food. He does this with his Pug, Fraser. Daniel Rankin's cooking videos draw you in because he's always dressed up or Fraser the pug is always dressed up and there's food being cooked, and Fraser is so well-behaved but it's hectic and brilliant and I just had to chat to him. You can follow him on Instagram and TikTok, the vibes are fabulous. Daniel is also the owner and head coach of a gym here in Tamaki Makaurau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is the Co-Founder and General Manager of Voices of Hope, Genevieve Mora. Genevieve is a remarkable young woman who spends a massive chunk of her life, her time, and her energy sharing her story because Voices of Hope believes in the power of sharing your lived experience to create positive change. She is an author, and co-created an app called 'Love your Kite' which aims to support people through their recovery from an Eating Disorder. A truly beautiful soul helping the lives of so many - Genevieve's an absolute gem!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is part of a very very small group of women here in Aotearoa. Chelsea Roper - aka SheBuildsBro is a graphic designer turned carpenter - and makes up part of the 2.6 percent of tradies who are women.  She got into a trade after she and her partner packed up and left Auckland for Queenstown, and she wanted to be able to help build their own home! She uses her platform to encourage and educate other women to get amongst it, and is kicking down the doors and holding them open for others to come through, and we love that. Chelsea also shares her story of recently battling Endometriosis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is someone at the helm of a brilliant student organisation we all know and love! The amazing mahi of the Student Volunteer Army has turned it into a nationally-recognised crisis response team, ever since thousands of students mobilised following the Christchurch Earthquakes. Emily Byrne is the chief executive - and is with me this week. Her passion for helping others is pretty inspiring - from being a St John Badger as a kid to fostering 60 kittens over the years!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is Campbell Johnstone. He is the first openly gay All Black - after making the decision to come out on national television last year. Since then, Campbell has become an amazing advocate for inclusion and diversity in sport. And, the title "first openly gay All Black" is one he's happy to sit with if it helps create change.  It's also wedding year for Campbell and his fiancé Ben - find out what Campbell suggested for the wedding that's meant he's banned from organising it haha!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is in my opinion - one of the coolest local body politicians you will find. And yes I said cool and politician in the same sentence!Richard Hills has been on Auckland Council since 2016 - he became the youngest person on council and lord knows we need more young people in local government! You can actually hear the passion in his voice - he is genuinely in the job to make the city a better place - it's so lovely to hear! Richard is one of the good ones, and I hope you enjoy listening to a lovely man with a brilliant heart as much as I did!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a man who knows a thing or two about putting a world class event on. Karl Budge is the man who made the ASB Classic a massive success, and an award-winning event, luring in massive names like Serena and Venus Williams. How he got them to come is absolutely fascinating! Karl played a huge role in the success of the amazing Sail GP event in Ōtautahi last year - and has worked on a number of global sporting events. All this from a kid that left school at 16, because he was a 'dreamer" and his dreams didn't quite work at school. A really really insightful conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is columnist, MC, public speaker and cabaret club vixen Verity Johnson - what an epic array of titles! Verity is an extremely talented writer whose funny, thought-provoking and relatable columns have seen her writing successfully for our biggest news organisations since she was 18 - but her first column was published in the New Zealand Herald at 16. Cabaret club vixen really pricks up my ears too so I'm keen to find out more about that. Clue: she left the media and ran away to join the male strip club! It's a great yarn!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is Auckland MMA fighter Carlos Ulberg - aka “The Black Jag”. Carlos is part of the hugely successful City Kickboxing team - and it's a gym that's described as "an old warehouse on the edge of the city" but has garnered global attention for it's impressive array of extremely ridiculously talented UFC fighters - like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker. He wants to be the best light heavyweight fighter in the world, and listening to him share his story of where he's come from and how he intends on doing it, is a fascinating insight into the mind of a professional athlete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a well known Kiwi entrepreneur who's life has been truly fascinating thus far - the yarns do not stop today! Many will remember Brooke Howard-Smith from the consumer affairs show Target - some may have also seen him murder me last year on the first New Zealand season of The Traitors. And there's so much more. He was an X Games medalist and professional inline skater, he got kicked out of the United States once, AND he owned the well known nightclub, The Pony Club. He's more recently been involved in some truly wonderful charity campaigns, he set up a successful talent agency, and he's got skin in the game in the Metaverse (I'll let him explain that haha).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is our super talented New Zealand Sail GP team strategist - Liv Mackay. Liv is also in the New Zealand team for the first ever women's America's Cup in Barcelona this year - so a massive year ahead! Liv is a great role model not only for younger sailors, but she isn't afraid to speak about the lack of female representation in the sport too. She spends a lot of her downtime (which she has bugger all of!) at local yacht clubs inspiring others to get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Married at First is coming back to New Zealand this year, so if you're looking for love and would like to bare your soul on national television - this could be your year! And, today's guest will be right in the thick of helping guide the couples in a show that blew up to one of the most popular Reality TV shows in the world. John Aiken has been sitting on the couch as the relationship expert across the ditch for Married at First Sight Australia since it began and he has absolutely seen it all. And look while he's here lets take advantage and get some solid relationship advice along the way too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is one of the country's greatest and most loved rugby players. A true gentleman of the sport, Keven Mealamu played 132 tests for the All Blacks - just two players have played more. He won the Rugby World Cup twice and made more than 150 appearances for the Blues in Super Rugby.  He is loved by those who played with him, those who played against him, and I think it's fair to say we all love him (well you definitely will after this!).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year to all the wonderful supportive humans who listen to Kiwi Yarns! Can't wait to share more epic stories with you in 2024. We're kicking off with an extremely talented young man - Jackie Cheng. He's an actor and stuntman, a Muay Thai fighter, and a very funny and clever creator on social media, with around half a million followers on Instagram and TikTok. A really cool kōrero with a 23-year old wise beyond his years (that's such an older person thing to say haha).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Kiwi Yarns returns for 2024 - here's another oldie but a goodie! Such a beautiful chat with Toni back in 2021. Today's guest is the wonderful Toni Street - and I'm pretty sure it would be fair to say there's really not much this woman can't do. She is an incredibly talented TV presenter and radio host, sports commentator, she's a dab hand in the kitchen, she's played both cricket and netball at a representative level, and she's a superstar Mum to her three beautiful children. We have a lovely chat about her success, but also her strength and resilience through some really tough times. Toni is a remarkable woman with the most infectious smile and it's always a joy to speak to her!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Kiwi Yarns is on a bit of a break, I'm sharing some of my favourite episodes! This interview with Ruby Tui was one of my first interviews on Kiwi Yarns, from back in 2020! She came to my house and we had a great chat - will definitely hit her up for another catch up because there is LOTS to catch up on! Ruby Tui is a ridiculously talented woman who not only lights up the rugby field, but has the exact same effect when she walks into a room. Her warmth, generosity and humbleness makes her one of New Zealand's favourite rugby players. She's always worked incredibly hard to get to where she is - and does not take that for granted. Listening to Ruby's outlook on life and attitude towards the job she loves doing is pretty special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year! Sharing a couple of favourite Kiwi Yarns while the show is on a break. This is a must-listen. Today's guest is a remarkable young man with an incredible story. Abbas Nazari was just seven-years old when he and his family fled the Taliban in Afghanistan - and experienced a journey that would last for months - including being stuck onboard the Tampa. This was the boat that Australia horrifically turned its back on resulting in an international stand off 20 years ago. Abbas and his family were accepted to come to New Zealand to be resettled - and it's from here this amazing man and his amazing family started a new life… The Fulbright Scholar has written After The Tampa: From Afghanistan to New Zealand and it's an absolute must-read, along with this absolute must-listen episode! Available at bookstores throughout NZ. http://www.allenandunwin.co.nz/browse/books/other-books/After-the-Tampa-Abbas-Nazari-9781988547640See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is one of our country's greatest athletes. Dame Sophie Pascoe is our most decorated Paralympian and is the youngest person to be appointed a Dame - in the 2022 New Year's Honours for her services to swimming. She is a remarkable woman, a truly special role model - we are so lucky to have her! It's also been a massive year away from the black line for Sophie - she got married this year, and her and her husband Rob will be welcoming their first child in 2024. This is a remarkable episode, I'm so grateful Sophie shared this with us. XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is TimProvise. He's a man I'm so glad I stumbled across on social media - sampling Aotearoa's best pies on his hilariously brilliant show Bakery Run. And then when I went down the TimProvise rabbit hole, he became my favourite roving sports reporter. The absolute hectic banter, and the way he brings out the best and funniest yarns with some of the biggest names in sport, he's just my kind of guy. Such a cool chat with a very clever man!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a very familiar face on our TV screens, the wonderful Entertainment Editor and Film Reviewer for Newshub - Kate Rodger. She has been all over the world, interviewed the biggest actors in the world, and knows everything there is to know about the film industry. Kate has this divine voice and delivery style that lures you in - even if you didn't like the movie she's talking about, you're entranced! Kate also took a massive one for the team recently, and talked publicly about dealing with menopause. This is such a fantastic conversation, thank you Kate xSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well I'm not mad about the fact that this week's guest is yet another wonderful Kiwi success story - another brilliantly smart woman who's made a name for herself on the global stage for all the right reasons. Brianne West is the founder and former CEO of Ethique - the world's first zero waste beauty brand. As it stands, Ethique has prevented more than 28 million plastic bottles from beauty and household items from being made and disposed of in landfills. Her next target? Plastic drink bottles. What a woman! She cannot be stopped and we shan't get in her way!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We absolutely love and celebrate success stories here at Kiwi Yarns, and today's episode is no exception. I have LOVED watching the rise of Emma Lewisham, since she and her stunning skincare products came on the scene in 2019. Now, Emma Lewisham is a global brand stocked at the likes of Mecca and Harrods, and stars are jumping over themselves to wear it. A fascinating insight into the mind of an incredibly smart, super cool, and humble businesswoman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is actually, quite possibly, the nicest man you'll ever meet. Sam Smith is a comedian, a writer, a musician (but not to be confused with the other Sam Smith haha), he's a dentist (yes that's correct), an MC, AND he won this year's first season of The Traitors alongside Anna Reeve. Not only is Sam one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and has all those mad skills, he lives life with MS and he's legally blind. But as you'll hear - he lets NOTHING slow him down. I am lucky to call him a friend and find him so damn inspirational. You'll love this one.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest quite possibly could've learnt to drive before he walked… Third generation driver Jono Lester hails from mighty Palmerston North and was born and raised at the Manfield circuit - set up and operated by his family. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and aunty. It's like he has petrol in his veins! It's fascinating hearing about the highs and lows of his career thus far, and what he's learnt along the way. Hear about how happy he is back racing home with FHK Racing - the New Zealand GT racing team - and their grand plans! Fun facts: he had his first crash when he was nine, and he's also an ultra marathon runner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a business owner and body confidence influencer who's amassed a huge social media following for being funny, honest and undeniably authentic. Ellie Fitzgerald - or Loving Ellies Belly as she's known on Instagram and TikTok - is someone that can put a smile on your face daily while also reminding you life doesn't revolve around your fat rolls or what you look like in the mirror. She also runs Abeille Candles with her husband Brett in North Canterbury - and I can tell you the Christmas Pine scent is my all time favourite!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is one of the country's most-loved chefs - not only because he makes glorious food and has owned a number of fantastic restaurants, but Michael Van de Elzen has also really nailed being a top notch TV presenter on shows like Eat Well for Less, The Food Truck and Kiwi Living. Now, Michael has released his sixth cookbook, Good from Scratch - the same name of his cooking school in Muriwai, west of Auckland city. He shares some fantastic yarns - including an unfortunate chafing incident at the Tate Modern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a beautiful, talented young woman who, despite the fact she cannot "smile", brings smiles to the faces of thousands every single day. Tayla Clement is 26-years young and has Moebius syndrome - a one-in-4-million condition. Tayla is not shy of discussing how brutally tough her life has been dealing with all that has come with this. What's epic to see is the amazing mahi she is doing as a rugby content creator and hosting her own podcast Toe the Line. Tayla is on a mission to make the sporting arena more inclusive and we are absolutely here for that! A warning: we will be discussing mental health and suicide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is fresh from winning the first New Zealand season of The Traitors (If you haven't watched it, you absolutely need to - it's on Three Now)! Anna Reeve is a mother of two beautiful boys, she's a former model, an influencer and a Global Alopecia Ambassador. We discuss how she lost all of her hair when she was just seven-years old and how she has navigated through living with Alopecia. She's smart, talented and someone I've very lucky to call a friend - because fun fact - we were on The Traitors together and basically fell in love!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reposting a couple of my faves this week! Today's guest is quite simply, a national treasure. Tammy Wells is someone we all feel like we have a connection with, she is pretty much part of our furniture...and of course the Briscoes furniture too. Tammy is the woman who, with a big warm smile, delights us with that welcome news that Briscoes is indeed having a sale. She's been the Briscoes Lady for a remarkable 32 years - and still loves every minute of it. Oh how delightful this yarn is!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reposting one of my favourite chats this week! I've been hanging out to chat with investigative journalist and documentary maker David Farrier for a while now, so this big long decent yarn, best dissected with a long walk or maybe even a nice drink (or both haha). From his hilarious TV3 sign off from back in the day, to chasing Mongolian Death Worms, interviewing Colin Craig in the sauna, to now spending a lot of time looking into conspiracy theories - this guy is just so interesting and awesome. Here's the link to David's Webworm: https://www.webworm.coSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is one of our talented radio broadcasters, and even though he's still super young it feels like he's been around the industry for years! Clint Roberts' success has a lot to do with his glorious-natured personality - plus he's a great champion of women in the industry. He's also an extremely proud dad of two beautiful daughters - and recently launched a parenting podcast with another super cool dad - How to Dad (Jordan Watson) - called The Parenting Hangover. Some truly great yarns in here with a great mate!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest was New Zealand's first Bachelor. Back in 2015, Art Green was thrust into the spotlight, where he spent a good chunk of time on television without his shirt on, he got to pash a whole bunch of lovely ladies and got called super cliché things like a “heart throb”. And then, he fell in love on the show with Matilda, he picked her and it really was the start of something special. Now Art and Matilda are happily married, living a delightful life in Warkworth with their third child on the way. He now HOSTS the Bachelor/Bachelorette, he's a really awesome advocate in the health and fitness space (the good side of it too may I add), and he really loves gardening, and cooking massive bits of meat on the barbecue. He is also - as I discovered - a former Guinness World Record Holder!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is the international best-selling author and award-winning property investor and property coach, Nichole Lewis. Nichole is the CEO of the Property Lifestyle which she describes as her “dream job”. As we'll hear, she's had an extremely interesting life and really challenging career - including coming painstakingly close to bankruptcy - pretty much losing everything around the Global Financial Crisis. She bounced back, having to start all over again, and now spends a good chunk of her time sharing that knowledge and learnings with others. A really eye-opening listen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is one of the nicest guys in the music business. And when I say nice, I mean cool, kick-arse, bad-arse, delightful, ridiculously talented and extremely down to earth - all at the same time! All those things have led Mitch James to where he is today - he's just absolutely smashed out his first-ever headline world tour - performing 50 shows across 15 countries - unreal. Such a fascinating chat with a wonderful young man!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a wonderful woman I've had the pleasure of knowing for the past three years. During that time Kelly Hutton - one of the OG Canterbury Flames netballers - has been living with stage three Ovarian Cancer. She's beaten it twice - but was told at the start of August that she's got just weeks to live. Kelly and I first met when she won a charity auction helicopter skydive with me, and we have kept in touch ever since. She has a passion for living life and really has pulled the middle finger at her cancer. Since diagnosed she's done half marathons, jumped out of helicopters, walked some of our beautiful walks and got a good chunk of the way through cycling across Aotearoa before she got sick again. Now, she really is out of time, and this may very well be the last time I speak to her. We were messaging and she asked if I was open to doing a Kiwi “end of” Yarn - she said we Kiwis don't tend to talk that much about the end of life and “this sort of shit enough”, so could we hit one final spot together and change a bit of the world. We'll miss you Kel, but we are so lucky to have had you in our world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is the co-captain of the 21-strong New Zealand Invictus Games team heading to Germany next month. Staff Sergeant Bob Pearce is a former Intelligence Operator with both the British Army and New Zealand Army. You'll hear how Bob is looking ahead to the Invictus Games to open a new chapter - 20 years after his good friend was killed in a blue on blue incident in Iraq by US Forces. It's a pretty raw and open chat about dealing with PTSD - but Bob speaks so beautifully and you might need some tissues. A warning - we will be discussing mental health and suicide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.