Kiwi Yarns

Morgan Penn is the guest I've been most intimate with (you’ll find out how and why - how’s that for a teaser?). A lot has happened since we last spoke, but Morgan is still out there, openly sharing her journey and educating others. She believes we were never properly taught to value our bodies - and that feeling comfortable in your own skin is one of life’s greatest gifts. As host of the hugely successful Sex.Life podcast, which has just wrapped its third season, Morgan recently shared a heartbreaking personal story in the final episode - and we talk about it today. Morgan has always been incredibly open, trusting, and loving. If you’re up for it, there are genuine takeaways for everyone in this episode. Note: This episode contains conversations about sex and sexual assault, and includes strong language. It may not be suitable for all listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tami Neilson’s just back from touring the US with her now-dear friend Willie Nelson - and Bob Dylan (yes, you’ll get the tea on what that was like...). She’s also released her latest album, Neon Cowgirl, and shares some truly stunning stories about how it came together - particularly how she’s recently learned to carry both joy and sorrow, in life and in music. Tami doesn’t shy away from a powerful kōrero on the problematic history of country music - and how she’s still navigating it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guy Montgomery has absolutely nailed it. The Billy T and Fred Award-winning, Logie-nominated comedian, writer, and television host is responsible for making spelling bees funny, doing podcasts long before most (and doing them well), and cracking into Aussie television. He's one of Aotearoa’s most internationally successful comedians, but he's back home with his latest stand-up show, I've Noticed So Many Things, It'd Be Unfair to Keep Them to Myself (Auckland, August 15). This chat goes everywhere - from Guy opening up about how success has filled him with anxiety, to a wider discussion on how technology is eating away at creativity and the entertainment industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Malindi MacLean, the first woman to lead Outward Bound as CEO. She took on the role while seven and a half months pregnant - and shares the many challenges that came with it. Malindi is also the co-founder of B416, a movement calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media in Aotearoa. Remarkably, she’s never had social media herself - and is determined to help shift our habits around screen time. This is a candid and powerful conversation with the 36-year-old former professional cyclist, whose story is as thought-provoking as it is inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EJ Barnes is the proud daughter of Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes. In this fascinating episode, she reflects on growing up in a family where music always came first - joining her first band with her siblings at just six years old. And what was it really like having Jimmy Barnes as your dad during the wild years of the ’80s and ’90s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russel Norman left politics when he stepped down as Green Party co-leader ten years ago - but he still has plenty of skin in the game. In this wide-ranging discussion covering democracy, neoliberalism, the political spectrum, climate change and billionaires, we explore the state of the world - and what Russel believes must happen if the planet is to survive. The introverted kid from Brisbane, who now leads Greenpeace Aotearoa, never set out to be an activist - but at this critical moment, he’s urging more people to become agitators for change. This is a fascinating conversation, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six60 have been soundtracking Kiwi summers since ages ago - and they’ve got the accolades to prove it. The lads have spent a staggering 586 weeks on the New Zealand Singles Chart and a massive 1,232 weeks on the Albums Chart. In this episode, Chris Mac - the wildly talented, theatrical bassist - shares how five very different musicians (and personalities) have become one of the most successful bands in Aotearoa’s history. There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way, but Chris believes the best is yet to come (cough new album cough). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is a little bit special. Actually - she’s very special. My mum swam the Cook Strait at 40, has completed multiple marathons and Ironman events, and now, as she nears 70, she’s preparing for yet another epic physical challenge. And she did it all while raising my brother and me. In this episode, the lines blur a bit over who’s interviewing whom, as we chat about our endurance achievements, mental toughness, future goals, and just how damn proud we are of each other. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theo Dāvid is currently deep in rehearsals for Auckland Theatre Company’s Romeo and Juliet - and even if you’re not a Shakespeare geek, he shares some beautiful insights into why this 400-year-old writer and his works are still so relevant today. A proud Samoan who grew up in South Auckland, Theo now lives in Mission Bay (his mates give him plenty of stick for that) with his beautiful partner and their two young boys. But the place closest to his heart is Huntly - and he explains why with real warmth and eloquence. Plus, Theo reveals the harmless little white lie he told to land his gig as an ambulance driver on our much-loved Shortland Street. *Note: this episode contains some strong language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tanita Garnett is 22 years old and has already beaten cancer twice. She picked up a rugby ball at 14, and by 16, she’d made the Tasman Mako training squad. Now recovering from a tough ACL injury, Tanita opens up about the physical and mental challenges of rehab - and what keeps her going. She’s also a qualified joiner, choosing a trade to support herself while chasing her rugby dreams. Tanita is a remarkable young woman. Her story - and the way she talks about her “why” - is nothing short of inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices