Kiwi Yarns

In his own words, Dave Letele's story is "from rags to riches, back to rags, and hopefully back to riches, but riches for me means different things now, it's not just about money."The man who can comfortably sit in a board room, deal with the Government but also go to a gang pad is making massive changes to people's lives through Buttabean Motivation, or BBM. BBM has become a hugely important organisation by helping better the lives of those that society has left behind, to give them a push-start to get back on track.The work Dave and his crew do is absolutely remarkable, and so is his story.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the iconic Coast to Coast, it would be rude not to get the man behind it on for a cracking yarn.Robin Judkins set the first 79 athletes away on Kumara Beach back in 1983 and since then there's been over 20-thousand athletes from all over the world scrambling for a spot in the 243km event from the west to the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand.He's a legend, his race is a legend and I promise you, even if you have absolutely no intention of doing it, you'll still enjoy the story!

A wonderful chat this week with a true Far North gem, Lana Searle.Lana has to get up stupidly early every morning to entertain people on the More Fm Breakfast Club.She's a super talented broadcaster and story teller and was a real crowd favourite on last year's Celebrity Treasure Island.We also talk about life as a Stepmum, and how she's overcome some pretty hectic health battles.She's a legend.

Dr Morgan Edwards is not only a Specialist Anesthetist at Waitematā DHB and a women's health advocate, in the early stages of the pandemic she made a decision that she would play a role in helping get the right, accurate and crucial information out there via her Instagram page.In a time where misinformation is extremely dangerous and yet so rife, Morgan's calm and considered approach on social media is so welcome and so refreshing. She’s an extremely valuable member of the team of five million - working tirelessly in her daily job but also in the vortex of the social media world too.She's an amazing woman!

Kia ora and welcome to another year of Kiwi Yarns!I’m so stoked to spend 2022 talking to more wonderful New Zealanders, and the first guest of the year is no exception.Olivia Shivas is the very talented digital producer at Stuff (although she has JUST taken on a new role which we hear all about) - who late last year took out the ACC Supreme Award at the Attitude Awards.This was for her brilliant work reshaping how disability is portrayed in the media. Part of this work includes her outstanding podcast, What’s Wrong With You? An open and honest look into living with a disability in a world that’s not designed for you.Olivia's podcast with co-host Paralympian Rebecca Drubber is available on all major podcast apps.Enjoy! It's great to be back :)

Today’s guest is Riley Hemson - a wonderful young businesswoman from Wellington who now lives on the Gold Coast and is carving out a huge career as a clothing designer and model for some of the biggest brands in the world.Riley - or @healthychick101 as she is known to her over 400-thousand followers on Instagram - is someone who has used social media for good.She's playing a such an important role in making sure the fashion and beauty industry is more inclusive of all types of humans, and it's just bloody awesome to watch. 

From Palmerston North City to New York City...Maia Cotton is only 22-years old but I told her she could easily write a book of all the interesting things that have happened in her life already.Making the move to New York at 18, her modelling career took off and resulted in her walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.Maia's super honest about the good and the bad of modelling, and how it has affected her over the years.Plus, Maia talks about having just converted to Judaism because her partner Max is Jewish. It's like Sex and the City but in real life!

Emma Twigg personifies a never give up attitude and we all were witness to that when she won Gold at the Tokyo Olympics.I'm pretty sure most of us cried when she crossed the finish line, because we felt the heartbreak she'd had with a fourth in London and another fourth in Rio. And this time, she'd done what she always knew she could do.A champion rower with an amazing story about how it all went right on the day.

We're chatting to filmmaker Ollie Lucks, who has just released his doco/fly-on-the wall film There’s No I in Threesome. Ollie also stars in this as it's a true story about him and his fiancée, and their decision to open up their relationship and share their exploration of polyamory in the build up to their wedding. Polyamory specifically refers to people who have multiple romantic relationships at the same time.And look this is a spoiler without it really being a spoiler - the relationship doesn’t end well. But by crikey it leaves us with a delightfully interesting, sad and fascinating film.Available to watch on Neon from 18 November.

Tegan Yorwarth is a bright young radio star who is destined for big things.She's one third of the brilliant Mai FM Morning Crew and she’s already a wonderful role model for young women - simply through her relatability, her honesty, her presence, not to mention she’s extremely talented.A lovely chat with a stunning gal!