I'm joined by the Coppuccino Xmas Angel - Cst Laurie McCann of the Toronto Police Service and we talk about the year that was 2025, the lessons learnt, Christmas traditions, favorite xmas songs, gifts and best moments plus is it weird to Laurie that we are in the middle of summer in New Zealand but yet we still have snow decorations ??

#coppuccinoxmas2025

Karen McMillan is the author of 25 books, published in eleven countries, a mixture of fiction, non-fiction and children's books.

Her books have published in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Poland, Germany and the US. She has had three books hit the NZ top ten bestseller list. Her work has been short-listed for the Ashton Wylie Book Award and was the New Zealand finalist in the Gourmand World Awards 2018 health and nutrition category. Most recently, Karen has been writing children’s books, with her series Elastic Island Adventures published by Duckling Publishing. Karen is also the Director of NZ Booklovers, has instigated the NZ Booklovers Awards, and she is a regular reviewer on TV and radio.

So we find out what is it about our fascination with books, how hard is it to write a book, why do we love certain characters in books and what would Karen recommend to purchase this xmas for a great read.

Lance Burdett pops in for a Coppuccino with Constable Bryan and we discuss everything from mental health, covid lockdowns, PTSD how he copes with 'stuff' and what advice he would give to people plus I make him the minister of mental health to see what he would do to solve Aoteraoa's issues.

Who is Lance Burdett ???

After 20 years in construction, Lance spent 22 years as a cop becoming the lead crisis negotiator. Qualifying in NZ, Australia, and the FBI, he was described as “The most qualified and highly skilled negotiator within NZ Police”, training with the elite tactical units of Police, Corrections, Fire, Military, and the FBI.

Qualified as a Personal Protection Officer, Lance oversaw the protection of the Prime Minister and those on the witness protection programme. He was the principal security officer at the Delhi Commonwealth Games and the London Olympics. Lance was also responsible for recruitment and training at the Police Emergency call centres.

Lance has a Master of Arts Degree, (Terrorism, Safety & Security major), a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, a Diploma in Policing, a Diploma in Positive Psychology & Wellbeing and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management.

The published author of three bestselling books – Behind the Tape; life on the police frontline, Dark Side of the Brain; adapting to adversity and Anxiety is a Worry; understanding & managing anxiety.

Lance is a regular media and podcast guest and provides inspirational keynotes and coaching workshops.

Sophie Rado - a background in professional dance and musical theatre, Sophie has spent over 15 years teaching yoga and guiding students toward balance, connection, and wellbeing. She is trained in a wide range of practices including Yoga, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Reiki, Barre, Pilates, Peter Hess Sound Massage, and First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand®. So we get know Sophie better, find out how does it all work for her in reality and have wellness people really got it more together than anyone else ??

Mike Cron MNZM– known across the rugby world as The Scrum Doctor. Former New Zealand Police Detective, pie bakery owner, and one of the most respected coaches in world rugby. Sir Graham Henry calls him “an exceptional coach” Steve Hansen says he’s “one of the most formidable coaches in world rugby today” Sir Wayne Smith declares him “the best coach I know in world rugby ”We chat about: What makes Mike such a brilliant coach How his time in the Police shaped his coaching style Handling pressure at the elite level And of course… what really is the best meat pie flavour! Mike has coached the All Blacks Black Ferns Crusaders Wallabies The Welsh Rugby Union Canterbury Rugby and more. His new book ‘Coach’ is out now from HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand.

The following podcast has references to suicide if you, or anyone who might be reading this story – or listening to the podcast - finds this subject challenging, please stop now. Remember, help is available from a range of organisations. (listed below)

Following a Te Kiwi Maia Seminar an old school mate came and chatted with me about wanting to share his story...I'm honoured to have D/S/S Mike 'Kiwi' Williams join me and talk about how he almost came to the end of the road both personally and professionally. This is Kiwi's incredible story of recovery and how he stays ahead of the wolves that circle him.

Help is available

1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor, 24 hours.

Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202

I Am Hope offers a range of services, with a particular focus on young people.

Lifeline 0800 543 354

Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, click here to access its free resource and information service.

Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254

Samaritans 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626

What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily.

Yellow Brick Road 0800 732 825

Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email [email protected], or find online chat and other support options here.

If it is an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.

In a life-threatening situation, call 111.

Lt Megan Mashali, co-founder of Te Kiwi Māia, a member of the Royal New Zealand Navy and simply put an amazing human being !

Megan co-founded Te Kiwi Māia to support the mental and physical wellbeing of New Zealand’s first responders and defence personnel, who are suffering as a result of their service. The charity provides respite and rehabilitation through its Wellness Week programmes, which offers psychological support, trauma-informed yoga, nutrition and sleep education, and traditional Māori healing. So we chat about her service, wellbeing and just what is Te Kiwi Maia and why it is so important.

New Zealand Rugby League Museum manager and ex New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League World Cup winning manager Gordon (Gordy) Gibbons joins me for a Coppuccino . We chat about his management style, his advice to sports managers, what to do as a new sports manager, his mental health advice and of course some extraordinary rugby league stories

Det Sgt Dean Burger explains his battle with alcohol, how he managed to come back from the brink and how every day is a battle. If you or someone you know or love needs help with their alcohol, use then :

Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, visit their website, or free text 8681. (New Zealand only) OR Alcoholics Anonymous Free Call 0800 229 6757 or email : [email protected] (Numbers for NZ only) - Website Alcoholics Anonymous - AA - Aotearoa/New Zealand

Det Sgt Dean Burger explains his battle with alcohol, how he managed to come back from the brink and how every day is a battle. If you or someone you know or love needs help with their alcohol, use then :

Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, visit their website, or free text 8681. (New Zealand only) OR Alcoholics Anonymous Free Call 0800 229 6757 or email : [email protected]

Insp Dawn Blake - Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service

A proud Cayuga woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River in southern Ontario, she has carried her heritage forward throughout her law enforcement career, beginning with 12 years in the RCMP before joining TNPS in 2010. Today, Insp Blake leads the TNPS Operations Section with vision, strength, and compassion.

Her impact goes beyond her role: from developing prevention strategies and youth-focused programs to advocating for Indigenous equity in policing. She's also been recognized with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal and Officer of the Year Award (FNCPA).