A Little Bit Extra

Formula 1 used to be about fast cars, but thanks to Netflix's Drive to Survive, it's now just as much about egos, power plays, rivalries and some seriously juicy behind-the-scenes drama.

But how much of what we see is actually real? Max Verstappen has accused Netflix of manufacturing rivalries, while others, like Oscar Piastri, have found the show pretty entertaining. So is it a genuine look behind the F1 curtain, or has Netflix turned the sport into one giant reality show?

We're joined by one of the show's biggest breakout stars, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, to get the inside scoop on what really happens behind the scenes, what Netflix gets right (and wrong), his unexpected rise to fame and, of course, we get into Liam Lawson!

Buckle up. This one's got more drama than a final lap overtake.

Find all the details on Guenther's Auckland dates here

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First up, a serious one. Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, relating to four women. He's been taken into custody and is due back in court for sentencing. We'll break down what happened, the courtroom reactions and what's next. Please note, this story contains discussion of sexual assault, rape and sexual violence. If you need to skip this part, head to the 7-minute mark. NZ support helplines are at the end of the show notes.

Then we're heading straight into the drama, because apparently Salt Lake City is providing enough entertainment for all of us at the moment.

We've got Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, including THAT moment between Mary and Angie. We're unpacking what happened, giving you the backstory and getting our Housewives expert's thoughts, because honestly, where do you even begin with these women?

And over in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Jen Affleck has filed for divorce from Zak just as the new season is about to kick off. Zak apparently found out when TMZ asked him for comment (awkward!), and the two have been going back and forth online. Jen has been sharing receipts of their relationship, including a video of Zak speaking to her in a way that is... not great. He's since admitted the video was from 2022 and says he's ashamed of how he spoke to her.

Plus, Macklemore is taking on some of America's biggest arenas after claiming nine venues refused to host his Free Palestine benefit tour. One of those venues was Madison Square Garden, whose response was less than subtle, saying Macklemore simply isn't an arena-level act. Ouch. We're getting into the back-and-forth and whether this is a booking decision or something bigger.

And finally, Sharyn has recommendations to keep you entertained, help you survive the next kids' birthday party and potentially save you from spending a fortune on skincare products you might not even like.
NEED SUPPORT? NEW ZEALAND HELPLINES

Emergency: Call 111 if you are in immediate danger.

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We’re talking to documentary maker, reality TV editor and Traitors NZ cast member Dylan Reeve about what really happens when the cameras stop rolling. Dylan is the documentary maker behind Tickled with David Farrier and host of the new RNZ podcast series The Reality Machine.

Having worked in television post-production for over two decades and competed on the first season of The Traitors NZ, Dylan has seen both sides of the screen. He reveals the mental toll of playing The Traitors, the strict rules that keep contestants completely isolated, and why he needed to unpack the experience with a psychologist right after getting eliminated.

We also take a trip back through New Zealand television history. Dylan explains how early reality TV treated contestants like expendable meat puppets, the wild lack of duty of care on early productions like Celebrity Treasure Island, and why unscripted television is finally getting the craft respect it deserves. Plus, we talk about that chaotic James Acaster moment on Celebrity Traitors, the boom of Drive to Survive, and behind the scenes secrets from Dancing With the Stars NZ.

Check out The Reality Machine here:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/the-reality-machine

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SPOILER ALERT - We discuss winners and big moments of the Celebrity Traitors UK in this episode.

All the highs, lows and WOWS of the last two episodes and did James Acaster ruin the finale?!

Nelly was paid by Taylor Swift with $50,000 in a McDonalds Bag

PLUS in Sharyn Recommends, get ready to buy a Tarp there’s another smutty book that’s been bought to life in a movie that is STEEEAMMMMMMMY as heck!

If you’re reading the new ACOTAR book, make sure you’ve done THIS first

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Hilary Duff has officially changed my life. One Tuesday concert and suddenly I’m downloading her fitness regime, ready to manifest my own With Love era. We need to unpack LAST WEEK in New Zealand, because the pop music take over was truly unmatched.

Plus, we’re deep in our Celebrity Traitors obsession. James Acaster is on my last nerve, James Blunt is giving terrifyingly omniscient dad who knows ALL your secrets, and can we please make these challenges shorter?

And finally, Chrishell Stause and G Flip - I'm sad, I'm thankful, but most of all, I am in desperate need of more details.

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We are joined by the absolute force of nature that is Krissy Marsh.

I’m sitting down with the reality icon to unpack smuggling 700ml of vodka onto The Traitors set in Timaru, the night Harry Styles broke her family boat, hosting Dorinda Medley for Tuesday dinner, and why she refuses to let anxiety run her life.

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This week I talk to Taika Waititi about his new movie Klara and the Sun. He reveals the hidden cameo he snuck into the movie, the deleted scene featuring rogue robots, why he makes shooting in Aotearoa New Zealand a priority for his international productions and details on what he’s making next.

Taika also reflects on working with iconic Kiwi talent like Cliff Curtis and Rachel House, the memory of Sam Neill during Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and why supporting young Māori and Pasifika creators to tell their own stories is crucial for the future of New Zealand film.

Plus, he shares what it was like bringing together a star-studded cast including Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Natasha Lyonne, and Steve Buscemi.

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Justin Bieber has been living his best life in NZ and honestly, what a boys’ trip! Private jets, luxury lodges, golf, surprise piano performances and basketball in their undies. We’ve got all the details!

PLUS, Romesh Ranganathan has revealed some of his Celebrity Traitors co-stars didn’t like him, and the internet is trying to work out WHO. We’re wrapping up The Traitors, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson pay tribute to Liam Payne two years after his death, and I’ve got your latest Sharyn’s Recommends — what to watch, listen to and try!

It’s all in your latest Pop Wrap on A Little Bit Extra.

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John Aiken is here with a sneaky teaser on what to expect from the upcoming season of MAFS. John also has an amazing, important new three-part documentary series, Lessons on Living.

John reflects on the honour and pressure of bringing Nigel Latta’s final work to life after his passing, sharing how the project helped him process his own grief following the sudden death of his Married At First Sight co-star, Mel.

We discuss the reality of public grieving, the power of vulnerability, and the three core principles of resilience Nigel outlines in his book.

Lessons on Living out now on Sky Open, Neon and ThreeNow

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*DON’T WORRY NO FINALE SPOILERS*

Plus, we’re unpacking the shock cancellation of the ACOTAR TV adaptation and what Sarah J. Maas taking back the rights could mean for the future of the series.

Lee Andrews claims he was hacked after a fake death announcement, and Ella Langley is forced to cancel a show following a serious security threat.

And, as always, I’ve got your latest recommendations, including a new track to add to your playlist, a book for your bedside table, and the skincare mask she swears by.

Pop culture chaos, celebrity drama and all the hot takes — let’s get into it!

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