Smile And Pod

Smile and Pod is a podcast made to encourage and inspire listeners to follow their dreams, by focusing on stories of people who are successful in their field of choice.

This week we are thrilled to release our ninth episode which features the tenacious Anna Willcox. 

You may know Anna from the most recent series of Dancing With The Stars or her recent work on The Crowd Goes Wild.

But after breaking her back in a freak accident, this former Olympic skier has faced many challenges in her professional and personal life. She has now gone public with them to help others deal with mental health issues. 

Anna is determined, talented and a positive force. Please enjoy this resilient woman's story!

This week we are thrilled to release our eighth episode which features an amazing public speaker, activist and educator. 

Richie Hardcore is a former Muay Thai Champion, but now days has turned his focus to help activate change in our culture around social issues such as domestic and sexual violence, mental health, substance abuse and masculinity. 

He holds no punches when it comes to talking about the major issues, and is on a mission to help change the way our culture deals with social issues, speaking in schools and on mainstream media about how we can change our thinking and actions for the better. 

In this conversation he talks about some heavy issues. So be prepared to have your mindset challenged. 

You'll find his personal journey fascinating, and his resolve and dedication mind blowing. It's a must listen episode.

Our seventh episode features 2019 Young New Zealander of the Year, Kendall Flutey.

Kendall is the co-founder and CEO of Banqer, which is an interactive financial education platform which helps teach young students about concepts such as debt, saving, taxation, investment and insurance.

However her journey has not been as straight forward as you would imagine. 

After gaining a Bachelor of Commerce and being placed in what appeared to be a dream career pathway, Kendall soon realised that was not the direction she wanted for her life. She walked away from her career and everything she had studied for. 

Kendall is passionate, intelligent and honest. Please enjoy this remarkable young entrepreneur and her story of discovery.

Our sixth episode features one of New Zealand's most loved comedians.

Featuring the phenomenally talented Tom Sainsbury (Comedian and Snapchat Dude), we found out more about the man behind the face swap filter.

You may be familiar with Tom's popular Facebook and Instagram pages, and recent appearances on TV documentary Funny As, and Have You Been Paying Attention?

Join us as we find out more about Tom's journey into the spotlight, his personal battle with his own desire to perform and his award winning role as a play write.

This week we are thrilled to release our fifth episode which features one of New Zealand's most famous trendsetters - and you may not even know that he is! 

Brooke Howard-Smith is probably best known for his role as host on former TV3 investigative show, Target. But he was also one of the worlds leading rollerbladers, responsible for inventing many common moves and tricks and also was involved in the inception of the X Games along with skating legend, Tony Hawk. 

Now days Brooke is using his experiences as a leader in world sports to guide and manage today's sports stars and public personalities. Using a holistic approach in his business, his words of advice will inspire many. 

You can't help but laugh along with Brooke, but also marvel at his honesty. His story is entertaining, but also thoughtful and inspiring.

This week we are thrilled to release our fourth episode which features one of New Zealand's most loved television personalities. 

You may best know Alasdair Kincaid as Frank Flash, the flamboyant rockstar of children's television in the 80s. But also as What Now's Answer Guy in later years. 

Al's journey also covers his many talents in broadcasting, as a gifted sound engineer and also writer and director. Including of New Zealand's longest running mini series, Serial Stuff. 

Al also went through tragedy as a teenager, and speaks of his love of broadcasting and what drove him to the industry. His story is entertaining, but also thoughtful and inspiring.

Smile and Pod is a podcast made to encourage and inspire listeners to follow their dreams, by focusing on stories of people who are successful in their field of choice.

This week we are thrilled to release our third episode which features the intriguing journey of writer and television presenter, Verity Johnson.

You may remember Verity from her time on the Paul Henry show, or read her columns in the New Zealand Herald or your local paper. She is also a regular social commentator on New Zealand radio and television. 

Her story takes us from a child born in the UK, to a tormented teen of the North Shore, then to a young adult battling to find her place in this world.

She is resilient, talented and vivacious, and also open and honest.  Please enjoy this talented woman's story!

Smile and Pod is a podcast made to encourage and inspire listeners to follow their dreams, by focusing on stories of people who are successful in their field of choice.

This week we are thrilled to release our second episode which features the remarkable story of Neuroscience Educator, Nathan Wallis. 

Parents and teachers around Australasia may be familiar with his incredible work with early brain development and education - but you've never heard him like this before! Even if you aren't aware of Nathan's work, his journey offers something for everyone.

A foster child with ADHD who grew up in Milton, south of Dunedin, Nathan's story is one of divine belief, self discovery and determination. Please enjoy this phenomenal man's story!

Welcome to the very first episode of Smile and Pod!

A podcast made to inspire and encourage listeners by talking to people who have been successful in their field of choice.

We are honoured to launch with New Zealand entertainment legend, Jason Gunn. Loved by generations of Kiwis, Jason talks about his career, his personal challenges and his next major career project.

He also doesn't hold back in this interview so prepare to be enlightened and inspired!

Welcome to Smile and Pod! 

An inspirational podcast featuring a new guest every week, we highlight people from all walks of life who have been successful in their chosen field of work. Some you will know, some will be completely new to you, but all have remarkable journeys and advice to share. 

Here is a sample of our guests to come in the near future!