This week we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it was really like to be one of those brilliant Kiwi actors who popped in and out of the Xenaverse as completely different characters, the ultimate ’90s TV shapeshifters.

We're chatting with Doug Kamo, the Kiwi character actor who perfected the fine art of playing, as he so quaintly puts it, 'dicks' of Xena: Warrior Princess. You may recognise him from 🏹 Sullus in The Execution (S02E17), 👞 Brother #2 in If the Shoe Fits (S04E12), 🛡️ Border Guard in Amphipolis Under Siege (S05E14), or as 🗡️ Dorian in One Against an Army (S03E13) AKA the dick who gets Gabrielle shot with a poisoned arrow...or do we actually owe him thanks for creating all that hurt-comfort drenched subtext? 🤔

Doug takes us behind the scenes of "One Against an Army" the emotional powerhouse which launched a thousand fanfics and is still widely considered one of the best episodes of the entire show. He reflects on subtext, and the joy of working with Lucy Lawless, and Renee O'Connor.  

Full of laughs, heartfelt nostalgia, and an unfortunate pineapple accident involving Lucy Lawless, this kōrero celebrates the unsung heroes of the series, the character actors who gave the Xenaverse texture, life, grit, - you know, the dicks. 

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This week we’re chatting with the ever chic and impossibly talented Tracey Henton, Makeup Artist and Hairstylist for Xena: Warrior Princess seasons 5 & 6! She served looks for Livia, Eve, Aphrodite and so many more 💅⚔️

When recalling a wig flying off mid-stunt, Tracey sums up the entire spirit of our podcast in one glorious battle cry, a perfect blend of hard yakka and Kiwi ingenuity:

💥 “You learn how to get that motherf*er to stay on!” 💥🤣

Get ready for laughter, hairspray, and behind-the-scenes stories only a true warrior glam squad member could tell 👑✨

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This week we pull up a chair in Cyrene’s Tavern and chat with Kiwi legend Darien Takle! 

She is the impossibly talented actor behind Cyrene, Xena’s fierce, funny, and warrior-in-her-own-right Mum 💜

Darien opens up about the raw connection she feels to Cyrene as she reflects on the emotional truth she brought to the role, the magic of filming in Aotearoa New Zealand and even a slightly prophetic dream she had about Lucy Lawless. 

From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on motherhood, art, and authenticity, this kōrero is full of warmth, laughter, and love. Grab an ale, it’s storytime with the one and only Darien Takle!

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It’s The Bitch of Rome! AKA Xena’s daughter, Livia/Eve! 🔥☮️

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This week we dive headfirst into the underworld with Erik Thomson, AFI winner, Logie winner, and all around Kiwi Aussie legend ⚡👑

Erik takes us back to the 90s to share what it was like working on such a huge international show as a local actor, and how Xena: Warrior Princess shaped Aotearoa's TV and film industry for years to come. 

Tune in for some seriously fun Xena chats with the man who made Hades unforgettable. ⚔️

And yes, consider this the start of our official campaign to get Erik Thomson to the Salute to Xena convention 2026 🎉🙌.

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In our very first interview we sit down with the legendary Kiwi, Donny Duncan, the Director of Photography for a whopping 77 episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess. From epic battle shots to those dark grungy tavern scenes, Donny’s eye shaped so much of the world we all love. We dive into how he captured the magic, filming in Aotearoa in the 90s. His influence went far beyond the screen, to this day, he champions women stepping into camera roles, opening doors in a male-dominated industry and changing the game for future storytellers. Join us to hear about his infamous on set cheeky prank on Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor, and peek into how Donny’s craft and care helped shape the Xenaverse. Trust us, this one’s a visual feast for the ears! 🎥

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Show notes:

- Donny wanted to clarify that they worked 12-hour days on set, not 10 and that the only season with 24 episodes was Season 1, the rest had 22. 

- This is the "Double Rainbow Ad" Lou kept banging on about that Donny shot at the same waterfall as "Altered States" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4bniXxc6no

Join Lou (a Kiwi newbie) and Shell (an Aussie OG fan) on their quest to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Xena: Warrior Princess. In this first episode they nerd out about why Xena still matters, what the show’s all about, and the Kiwis and Aussies they dream of chatting with who made the ‘90s cult classic legendary. 🌈⚔️

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