This episode deals with issues of anxiety, depression, and suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with these sorts of issues, Lifeline Aotearoa’s helpline and textline provides 24/7, confidential support from qualified counsellors and trained volunteers. Text ‘Help’ to 4357 or call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354).

We talk about to Sir John Kirwan about his son Niko becoming an All White, the challenges of being an outspoken TV pundit with SKY TV in a rugby landscape where everyone knows everyone, why he left school at 15 and the lessons he learned from his dad, his experiences rooming with Jonah Lomu, and how he met his wife when she didn’t speak a word of English.

In the second half of this episode we follow JK’s mental health journey. A warning, there is chat of suicide and difficult themes, alongside some really powerful, important messages

Show notes | Episode 59 | Sir John Kirwan |

2.04 A big week for JK with his son Niko getting the call up to the All Whites

5.53 “Why I Am” a book bought by Seamus for a friend

11.10 JK and his kids: Francesca, Niko, Luca

19.02 Critiquing former teammates, strong opinions, conflict and confrontation

29.28 Lessons from a dad: The making of JK

37.45 Are you willing to pay the price?

47.01 Turning into the world’s best

51.36 Old school v new school

57.02 The mental health journey

1.05.55 Speaking publicly about mental health

1.11.22 Other New Zealand voices in mental health

1.13.55 Normalising the mental health conversation

1.20.30 Crying, anger, and alcohol

1.28.18 Reflecting on the Cavaliers tour of 1986

1.32.31 Speaking Italian

1.34.16 From mate to bro: JK on Jonah Lomu

1.37.13 Rugby League and the Warriors

1.39.27 Last words from Steven, Seamus and JK

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