Addiction is something that many of us have experienced - either our own, or that of a loved one. It can be soul destroying, but for those who confront their addiction and inner demons, the road to recovery can be one of personal growth and enlightenment.

In the following audio interview with Andrew Whiteside, one woman, Elizabeth Cracroft shares her journey to wellness. It was a journey that inspired her to write a play called REHAB which opens in Auckland on 2nd July 2021.

Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant fronts the New Zealand indie synth-pop trio KITA. The group’s other members are synth-master Ed Zuccollo and percussionist Rick Cranson. KITA release their self-titled debut album KITA in July 2021. In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, Nikita talks about their music, her heritage, and figuring out how to live in two distinct cultures.

Lolsy Byrne is an Irish comedian who’s been stuck in New Zealand thanks to Covid. In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, she talks about what she’s been doing while she’s been here, how supportive comedians are, and how she was once stalked by a very odd man.

Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore make up the kiwi comedy singing duo Two Hearts. Their music is exceptional, bitingly witty and lot’s of fun. In this delightful interview with Andrew Whiteside they talk about what makes them tick, and getting engaged.

Jadwiga Green is a kiwi comedian who describes herself as a scruffy vagabond Queer lady and someone who is attracted to weirdness. In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, Jadwiga talks about how time in a psychiatric hospital lead her into comedy.

Comedian and teacher Neil Thornton is a transplanted American who lives in Wellington New Zealand. In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, he talks about how personal demons and shame form the basis of his comedy act, and how audiences react to his frankness about sexuality.

Rhys Mathewson is comedian and a regular contributor to various TV shows in New Zealand such as 7 Days, and The Project. In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, he talks about his new show Heartless Joke Machine, but also about dealing with anxiety and trying to be genuine on social media.

Sameena Zehra is an Indian-born comedian and social commentator who has a show called Arsebuiscuits at this year's New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Sameena is an award-winning comedian, she has also toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, she talks about her show, her upbringing, humanism, and how to be less of an arse in life, and more of a sweet biscuit.

Rebecca Stubbing who is a practicioner and teacher of improvisation comedy and theatre. Together with a troupe known as Improverished, she is starring in a show during this years New Zealand International Comedy Festival and another in the annual Auckland Fringe Festival. In this interview we talk about the show, but also how a text from her to me lead to a very interesting discussion about violence against women.

More information one Rebecca's shows:

Can I get an Underground Location and a Mythical Creature? (Comedy Festival)

Dates: Wed 5 – Sat 8 May 2021, 10 pm

Venue: CovertTheatre

Random Fairytale Generator (Auckland Fringe Festival)

Thurs 20 May & Fri 21 May 2021, 8 pm, The PumpHouse Theatre

Sun 23 May, 3.30 pm, Nathan Homestead

Adam Hattaway is the lead singer and songwriter of the kiwi indie rock group Adam Hattaway and the Haunters. On the 27th February 2021, Adam will appear in the one-night-only show The Soul Tribute to Van Morrison in Auckland.

In this interview with Andrew Whiteside, Hattaway discusses his love of Van Morrison and also the rock group that bears his name. His group has a new album which will be released on the 26th March 2021 and a small tour of some cities in New Zealand the following month.