Kiwi Yarns

David Downs is one of those clever humans who can put lots of interesting words next to his name. 

I will list a few for you: he is the CEO of New Zealand Story Group, he is a chairman, he is an ambassador, he is an author, he is a speaker, he is an actor.

He is also a genetically modified organism and an ex-comedian - find out what he means by the first with his pretty amazing cancer story, and also why there's an "ex" in front of comedian.

A really cool guy who will absolutely put a smile on your face.

Today’s guest is award-winning journalist Suzanne McFadden.

Suzanne has been monumental in the rise of coverage of women’s sports here in Aotearoa.

She is an author, the co-host of the SASS TALK podcast, a wife, a mum, a nanna, a bird stalker and a sunset capturer.

We discuss working as the only female sports journalist in a newsroom for over a decade, and how tough it was being a solo mum at the same time.

Suzanne is truly one of the greats - I respect her mahi so much.

Today’s guest is a man who most of the time likes to be behind the scenes. 

But, Kyle Bell is responsible for bringing to life some of the country’s best performing and most loved gigs and festivals.

The professional party planner is an award winning marketer and entrepreneur, he’s also the unofficial godfather of Rhythm and Vines, and once had high ambitions to be a rockstar himself.

A fascinating look into the live music industry - some great war stories in here!

Ian Jones is one of the country's greatest All Blacks - and this is such a wholesome and inspiring chat about how "The Kamo Kid" came to be such a brilliant rugby player - but also such a great role model and so active in everything he's done since.

Kamo is someone who grabs life by the proverbial but also someone who gives a lot back to others. 

You'll get a fascinating insight into why the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final still hurts just as much as it did back then.

You'll also find out what inspires and drives Kamo - and there's plenty for us all to take home!

There’s not a lot this fantastic young woman hasn’t done - she’s a businesswoman, entrepreneur, a mother, actress, reality star and a champion of women. 

Edna Swart is proof that if you want something it’s up to you to get it, and the success of her business ED&i Body is testament to that.

Whether you agree or not with everything Edna says, you will absolutely learn something from her - I guarantee it.

If you enjoyed Brodie and Paddy's yarn this week, then get your ears around Paddy's new podcast.

It's called The F#$%ing News and it's all about positive news!

This week in the middle of the America’s Cup regatta, Paddy has one question - “what and why is a ‘Cyclor’?”

Paddy meets the Brainy Kiwi going global with technology that can predict your health future by using AI to analyse a routine eye exam. 

Our Good Kiwi is the angel in Wellington giving free dental care to the homeless. 

And Paddy warns us not to take the kiwi bird for granted. 

If you like what you hear, search for TFN in your favourite podcast player, new episode every Wednesday.

This is a bit of a special episode of Kiwi Yarns where Brodie's good pal Paddy Gower comes in and they have a bit of a yarn about their books.

Best believe they play two truths and a lie, and see who wins the prize for reading a segment of the other person's book without laughing. There might be a teaser in there for book two, too.

But also, they have a bloody good kōrero about Paddy losing his job, getting a new job, and why he thinks the future of the media industry will be ok.

We have two wonderful women on Kiwi Yarns this week - Lucy Blakiston and Bel Hawkins have just realised their stunning book, Make it Make Sense - a collection of essays, anecdotes, poems and lists.

But it's also kind of like a guide to life for women but not, if you know what I mean! And, it's the company you need when you're feeling alone in your thoughts. It's like reading your feelings, and it's also like your bestie giving you a hug in book form.

Lucy is the founder and CEO of Shit You Should Care About, and Bel is a published writer and poet, and they're both just stunning women - using their platforms for good.

It's hectic and chaotic and lovely.

Today’s guest is award-winning humanitarian photographer and storyteller Helen Manson.

The mother-of-four has travelled to more than 47 countries to capture and tell the stories of the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable people in some of the most challenging situations. 

Helen has documented famine, refugee settlements, post-war environments, child sponsorship, trauma counselling, and disaster zones.

Today’s guest is one of Aotearoa's favourite chefs, Al Brown (he's definitely one of my favourites). 

The joy the fish sliders at Depot bring me, the simple brilliance of the Mean Joe Green Best Ugly Bagel which is compulsory whenever I am at Wellington Airport, and don’t even get me started on the chicken sandwich with chicken crackling at the Fed Deli.

Al's story is pretty intriguing. His honesty and vulnerability really moved me in this episode.