In this bonus episode of Grey Areas, we bring you the full interview with neuropsychiatrist Dr Greg Finucane for episode 1 of this season, ‘When ADHD meets perimenopause’. A conversation that turned out to be unexpectedly emotional – and incredibly clarifying.

We talk about why so many women, including me, are getting diagnosed with ADHD in midlife, and how perimenopause can cause the carefully stacked house of cards that is our coping mechanisms to start to fall.

Greg and I tackle what’s happening in the brain, how diagnostic systems work (and sometimes don’t), and whether ADHD is really a disorder – or just a different way of being in the world.

This episode is personal. I share parts of my own story: the grief, the relief, the letting go of old narratives. We also talk meds, stigma, late diagnosis, and how many of us have spent decades holding ourselves to impossible standards.

If you've ever found yourself asking “what’s wrong with me?” – or wondering if it’s too late to figure it out – this conversation is for you.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In part two of my conversation with Dame Anne Salmond, we go deeper - into wānanga (the meeting of ideas), into te ao Māori (Māori worldview), and into the kind of thinking that could help us live better together.

Dame Anne speaks about her decades-long relationship with her Māori mentors, Eruera and Amiria Stirling, and how those relationships rewired her understanding of the world. We talk about what it means to live in a relational way - and how te reo Māori doesn’t just name the world, it can reshape it. This kōrero makes space for where anthropology meets awe, and scholarship meets soul.

We also talk about tapu and mana, and how those concepts aren’t just beautiful - they are power filled. We discuss Te Tiriti o Waitangi, not as a document of rights and rules, but as a sacred gift exchange rooted in respect. We touch on binary thinking, politics, creativity, and the purpose of universities - and why the best ideas are born in spaces where words can be blown about by the wind and shone on by the sun.

This conversation is a gift. It’s a call back to care, and forward into complexity, beauty, and balance.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In this first part of our kōrero, I sit down with Dame Anne Salmond—a thinker whose mind is vast, and whose heart is very much rooted in the soil of Aotearoa. Dame Anne is an anthropologist, writer, and one of our most decorated scholars, but what shapes her most is relationship - whakapapa, whenua, and whānau.

We start where all good conversations should: at the kitchen table. Dame Anne tells me about her wild and wonderful upbringing in a family of nine kids, where dinner was frequently like a full-blown debate club, and learning happened between bites. We talk about difference - political, personal - and why being able to think, laugh and disagree together is something worth holding on to.

She also shares the love story behind Waikereru, Longbush Reserve, the eco-sanctuary she and her husband Jeremy created near her childhood haunts on the outskirts of Gisbourne, and how that land became a place of healing, beauty, and belonging for them both.

This part of the conversation is full of life - stories of childhood, whakapapa, parenting, joy, grief, restoration, and deep connection to place. It's the foundation for the rich ideas we explore in part two.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In this episode I sit down with biochemist Dr Libby Weaver, a nutritionist, speaker, and author of 13 books (soon to be 14). Libby brings a holistic lens to wellbeing, combining science, nutrition, and emotional insight in a way that’s both practical and also deeply human.

We explore the gap between what we know and what we do, and why that gap exists. Libby unpacks the power of belief systems – how they quietly shape our choices, our habits, and even our health. We talk about stress, sugar cravings, hormone changes, perimenopause, self-talk, and the importance of iron, all woven through with her gentle encouragement to be curious, not critical.

What I loved most is Libby’s message that our bodies are not betraying us – they’re whispering to us. And if we pause to listen, we might just discover the kind of deep wisdom and clarity we’ve been hunting for in all the wrong places.

This kōrero is science-meets-soul, and a gentle nudge toward greater kindness – to ourselves, and to our brilliant, hardworking bodies.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Luxon. Amanda is a former teacher, Myers-Briggs coach, lifelong learner – and yes, the ‘First Lady’ of New Zealand.

Our conversation isn’t about politics (though it inevitably comes up), but about difference, understanding, and friendship – because even though in many ways we’re chalk and cheese, we’ve been friends for years.

We first connected over our shared passion for fighting human trafficking, but on a long summer walk earlier this year, we found language for just how differently we see the world – and how fascinating and enriching that can be.

Amanda shares her deep love of the Myers-Briggs personality typing framework, which has helped her understand her own strengths as an ISTJ, and helped her see me, an ENFP, with more clarity and appreciation.

There’s humour, honesty, and a whole lot of heart in this kōrero as we explore how personality differences play out in parenting, partnership, and even public life – and how making space for our differences can bring us closer.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In this latest episode I am joined by acclaimed journalist and author Ali Mau, who’s new memoir, No Words for This, has just hit shelves. 

This powerful and vulnerable conversation covers Ali’s experiences with childhood sexual abuse, the life-changing phone call from her sister and her journey to speaking publicly. 

We also delve into complex family dynamics and the significant power of knowing you're not alone. Ali also tells us about her game-changing new charity, Tika, the twists and turns of her career, and her way of riding into a better work/life balance.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In this episode we delve into the captivating love story of legendary actors Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Leland, whose "showmance" has blossomed into a beautiful partnership spanning over four decades.

Michael and Jennifer open up about their personal lives, sharing heartwarming memories (such as the excitement of buying their first Toyota), and reflecting on their rich experiences in the world of theatre. 

From navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving to exploring the emotional depths of performing in a play centered around dementia, this episode offers sincere insights into the power of love and art.

Discover how the stage serves as a platform for empathy and community, and how the phenomenon of "Dr Theatre" can mask physical pain in the moment and provide a unique emotional release. Don't miss this heartfelt discussion as we celebrate the enduring love and theatrical collaboration between Michael and Jennifer.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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In this episode, I sit down with Raelene Castle, a trailblazer in sports management as the first female CEO of Netball New Zealand and now the CEO of Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand. 

We discuss her trajectory in the corporate and sporting worlds, her upbringing in a sport-centric family, and the importance for her of finding confidence through activity. 

Raelene shares her insights on the challenges women in leadership face - including the (elusive) balance of personal and professional life. She is not afraid to talk about the losses and well as the wins - as we delve into managing alopecia in a public role, responding to life not going to plan, and the profound significance of family connections. 

Our conversation touches upon mentorship, reverse-mentorship, inclusivity, and explores how young people can assert their voices and ambitions in today's world. Raelene is nothing short of inspiring, and I truly loved talking with her.

I'm also joined by Tracy Hemingway (aka Debt Free Diva) thanks to Generate for a sponsored chat about how KiwiSaver can be an absolute game changer.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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I'm stoked to sit down with Nadia Reid, who recently released her fourth album, Enter Now Brightness. Our conversation meanders through the various stages of her life – from a futon in Auckland’s Devonport to the bustling cityscapes of Manchester, via the chill vistas of Dunedin.

As we go, we look at how these places have shaped Nadia, her transformative experience of motherhood, and how the events of her life have added richness and depth to her songwriting.

We also discuss the importance of wriggling out of your comfort zone, and how Nadia and her bandmates Sam, Richie, Joe, and producer Tom have embraced the uncertainties that life changes inevitably bring.

Nadia’s journey is one of healing and growth, forging connections across generations, and spreading joy through music. Plus Nadia performs for us – woop!!

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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What does happen when ADHD meets perimenopause? Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Greg Finucane joins us to help untangle this growing connection.

Recently, I have found myself navigating the surprising emotions and 'aha!' moments that can accompany an ADHD diagnosis. It was like the jigsaw puzzle of my life found some lost pieces, giving me a clearer picture of how I fit together and fit into the world.

My exploration leads us through how diagnosis can reshape family bonds and support communication, including a heartfelt conversation with my husband, reflecting on how awareness of ADHD is contributing to reforming our marriage and parenting journey.

Because everyone (and every brain) is unique, there are many voices in this episode to help weave together stories that breathe life into the complex realities of ADHD, from managing in creative careers to the complexity of organisational challenges faced by those undiagnosed. Conversations with women like Abigail and Bella open windows into alternative approaches to managing symptoms, from holistic practices to embracing the gifts that ADHD brings.

This episode is a rallying cry for (self) compassion and acceptance, while providing practical strategies for self-organisation. I'm convinced wāhine like you and me can rewrite negative narratives from our youth and society to uncover the possibilities of living fully and intentionally with whatever labels we choose to inhabit.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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