On this episode of Between Two Beers we talk to Guyon Espiner. 

Guyon is one of New Zealand’s most highly respected journalists and has worked in print, radio and television for more than 20 years, as a reporter, political editor and anchor. 

He has reported on trade from China, on war from Afghanistan, on politics from Washington, and on climate change from Antarctica. 

He currently works at Radio New Zealand as an investigative journalist and has just released his new book THE DRINKING GAME – which looks at how big business, the media and politicians shape the way we drink. 

In this episode we talk about Guyon’s friendship and rivalry with Duncan Garner, what life is really like in the parliamentary press gallery, why he crossed the floor from TVNZ to TV3, the art of interviewing politicians, his best Winston Peters drinking story – and their most memorable interview and his new book and why he turned away from the booze. 

This was a cracking ep. Guyon is sharp, worldly and insightful and his experiences and stories from two decades in New Zealand journalism would rival anyone in the country. You’ll love this one. 

Listen on iheart or wherevers you get your podcasts from, or watch the video on Youtube. A huge thanks to those supporting the show on patreon for the cost of a cup of coffee a month, to get involved head to Between Two Beers.com. And While you’re there signup to our new weekly newsletter which has behind the scenes recaps of each episode.                 

Show notes | Episode 118 | Guyon Espiner

1:30: The Drinking Game and being “sober curious”

6:14: Cricket and Paddy Gower

10:13: Guyon Espiner v Duncan Garner

14:08: Life in the parliamentary press gallery

20:03: Is anything genuinely off the record?

22:16: Crossing the floor from TVNZ to TV3

24:15: Winston Peters

34:01: The art of interviewing politicians

41:25: Morning Report and Radio New Zealand

45:47: Stepping back into investigative journalism

53:15: The decision to stop drinking

1:00:20: Having the ugly conversation with your mates

1:06:30: The Te Reo journey

1:10:10: Running as a mental health pillar

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