The Department of Conversation with Pat Brittenden

The Christmas Lawyer, Jeremy Morris, is the subject of the Apple+ documentary "'Twas the Fight Before Christmas".

It follows the story of a North Idaho neighborhood turned upside down by one man's obsession with bringing Christmas cheer to all, through the biggest community Christmas event America has ever seen. The plan hits a snag when the home owners' association informs him that the event violates the rules of the neighborhood. A contentious fight over the festivities erupts and things snowball out of control. As the situation escalates, the film asks the question, who wins when different rights and interests collide?

Award winning comic Liv McKenzie joins us to talk comedy, life, gender roles in society, Dave Chappelle, having healthy safe conversations and what's happening in the arts in COVID Red traffic light times

R.A. The Rugged Man is one of the most fascinating figures in hip-hop history. His career spans decades, and defies simple narratives. R.A. has also worked with a staggering number of hip-hop's most respected artists, including legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang, Tech N9ne, Rakim, Mobb Deep, Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Public Enemy, Brother Ali, and many more. And while others struggle to maintain a foothold in the ever-changing rap landscape, R.A. The Rugged Man is the rare artist who has become more relevant with time, with each new album more compelling than the last.

Matthew Metcalfe is a producer, writer and actor.

After learning the ropes making short films and music videos, ex-soldier Matthew Metcalfe has made films in Antarctica and Iraq, and produced movies and TV movies with partners in Canada (Nemesis Game), England (Dean Spanley) and France (Capital in the 21st Century). His projects range from tutus (ballet feature Giselle) to war (animated film 25 April)

Matthew's latest project is a documentary about the Greenham women who began a peace camp protesting the arrival of American nuclear missiles. The all women camp began in 1981 and ended nearly two decades later. 'Mother's of the Revolution' is released NZ wide on Jan 20th.

Derek Beres is a multi-faceted author & media expert based in Los Angeles. He is the Senior Editor at Eco & co-host of the Conspirituality podcast

Derek has written for over 40 publications, including Rolling Stone, Women's Health, Big Think, Yoga Journal, National Geographic, Trace, Relix, Remix, 24 Hour Fitness

Gabrielle Stone is an American actress, author, public speaker and director. She is known for her involvement in movies and television series such as Speak No Evil and Cut. Stone has also worked with actors Billy Zane, Mischa Barton and her mother Dee Wallace in Zombie Killers: Elephant's Graveyard.

In 2017 Stone began a life changing journey after she discovered her husband of two years had been cheating on her for 6 months with a woman 10 years her junior. Her journey has led to two best selling books, a podcast, public engagement and a life today that she wouldn't trade for anything.

James Shaw is the co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. Voters elected Shaw to the New Zealand parliament at the 2014 general election as a list representative of the Green Party. The party selected Shaw as its male co-leader in May 2015.

In October 2017 the Green Party agreed to support a Labour-led government. Shaw became the Minister outside Cabinet for Statistics and Climate Change Issues, as well as holding the Associate Finance portfolio. Following the 2020 general election the Greens agreed to cooperate with the Labour majority government, and Shaw was re-appointed as the Minister for Climate Change.

Guy Montgomery is an award winning stand up comedian and improviser who, in spite of his best efforts, is still tragically best known as one half of the international smash podcast the Worst Idea of All Time.

2019 saw Guy perform at the invitation only Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, tape a set for Comedy Central in Austin, Texas, tour his surprisingly and enduringly popular podcast the Worst Idea of All Time through America, Australia and the UK and perform critically acclaimed runs of his solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is the former deputy mayor of South Taranaki, an advocate for Māori Health, activist against iron sands mining in Taranaki and Māori's foreshore and seabed claims and is the current co-leader of the Māori Party.

She stood for the Māori Party during the 2020 election in the seat of Te Tai Hauāuru. While she didn't win the electorate, she made it into parliament from her position on the Māori Party list.

Simon McKinney is NZ's #1 stand up Character Impressionist, a much sought after award winning corporate comedian, actor and voiceover artist. Simon returned from a two year stint on the UK pro circuit, where he performed at two Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. He brings characters to life on stage and builds a rapport with the audience.