Kiwi Yarns

Now, full disclosure—today’s guest is an Australian. But before you hit skip, this Australian has played a monumental role in bringing some of the biggest events the country has seen to our largest sporting stadium, creating lifelong memories for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. Therefore, he gets a crack!

Nick Sautner is the Chief Executive of Eden Park and during his time there, he has - in my opinion - made the stadium come alive. From World Cups to global rockstars, Nick wants Eden Park to be recognised as our national stadium. He has plans for a roof and played a key role in securing approval for the park to host 12 concerts a year—after a long, hard-fought battle with residents.

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A fascinating chat this week with Dr Waseem Alzaher, the founder of Cannabis Clinic - the country's largest prescriber of medicinal cannabis.

The 36-year-old moved to New Zealand from Iraq when he was seven. While he admits to having had a challenging start to his medical career, grappling with his identity and purpose, he has now found his path, playing an integral role in the rapidly growing field of alternative therapy for Kiwis across the country.

We discuss the challenges he has faced along the way, and the stigma that still exists within the healthcare industry and society.

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If this episode doesn't get you even a little bit inspired or fired up, I'll give you your money back!

Ganesh Raj graces our TV screens with the hit show Eat Well for Less, and it's there where his passion for food education grew.

Now, this top chef dedicates a massive chunk of his life to ensuring as many people as possible have access to good food for their dinner tables.

Ganesh says the first 12 years of your life shape your food and cooking experiences as an adult. He shares stories from his upbringing, adding fascinating context to this idea.

You'll hear just how passionate Ganesh is about making cooking accessible for all - and you'll also discover a mind-blowing way to make some DELICIOUS chicken!

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It’s the first episode of the year and I thought we’d come in really hot!

Today's guest is certified holistic sex and relationship coach and educator, Melissa Vranjes.

Melissa loves to empower women, encouraging us to embrace our sexuality, and it doesn't necessarily start (or finish) in the bedroom. What I love about people like Melissa is she puts herself out there in a space (ie sex) that we are still relatively new to talking so openly about.

You'll enjoy it, even if you start off a little prudish...

*This episode comes with a content and language warning. If a frank discussion about sex isn't your thing you might want to give this one a miss.

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Today we re-visit my yarn with a NATIONAL TREASURE.

Sure, Suzanne Paul was born in England but she is our official infomercial queen. But it’s not just thousands of luminous spheres that make us all love her - her dogged determination and work ethic through every part of her career is so inspirational. Gosh, talk about someone who never ever ever gives up! She's remarkable!

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Today we re-visit my yarn with the first comedian I ever saw live and rest assured she’s been a favourite ever since!

The award-winning Justine Smith took her first gig as a dare - and to sound cliché the rest is history. But, as you'll hear, the rest took time, patience and bloody hard work. She won the Billy T Award in 2003, and has been the winner of the Award for Best Female Performer from the NZ Comedy Guild an incredible four times.

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Today we re-visit a yarn I had with a man, I feel like it’s fair to say, we all know and love - Sir John Kirwan.

JK had a remarkable rugby career as a World Cup winning All Black, played rugby league for the Auckland Warriors, has been a respected international coach, and of course is a major figure in Aotearoa as a mental health advocate. Being one of the first high profile New Zealanders, to talk about depression and mental health, JK plays a massive role in this space - he is remarkable to watch and learn from.

He also has a wine company, is an amazing TV Presenter and Rugby commentator, and really bloody fantastic man.

This podcast was EVERYTHING I needed to hear at the moment - so I best let him invoice me for one of the most valuable therapy sessions ever! Hope you get something from it too. 

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I am absolutely fizzing at the bung to bring you our last guest for 2024!

It’s Christmas week, so we are so lucky to have the absolute kitchen QUEEN, Allyson Gofton, here to send us all on our merry way.

She hosted the best 60 seconds of television we used to have, Food in a Minute (campaign to bring it back), and the nostalgia in this chat is all there.

I was so excited to meet Allyson and to hear about her amazing career, her journey to becoming a mother, and her outlook on life. 

She was even more amazing than I had imagined possible - and she brought Pavlova and homemade relishes and sauces in. HOW GOOD.

Merry Christmas everyone and thank you so much for your continued support. Cannot wait to rip back in next year.

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Pro surfer Billy Stairmand is gearing up for a summer at home with his dog Obie at his beloved Raglan after a massive year of surfing, including competing at the Paris Olympics (in Tahiti).

Billy's been on the world stage for 14 years and still has the same energy and love for the sport, describing it as his dream job he's grateful for every day.

What's amazing about Billy is he isn't afraid to open up about his feelings, and the highs and lows of being a professional athlete.

He's a great role model for surfing, and an integral part of our sports culture.

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Today’s guest is, in my opinion, one of the most stylish and sweetest women in Aotearoa.

Amber Peebles is a former Miss World New Zealand, television host, and professional make-up artist, and is now the co-owner of luxury homewares company Isle of Omni.

Warning: we use the words ooze (well I do) and moist in this podcast - in which if you didn't have a girl crush on Amber before, you absolutely will now!

*There is also the odd swear word in the episode too...

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