Kiwi Yarns

Tangaroa Walker is a dairy farmer based in Southland. He has amassed a huge social media following thanks to his refreshing, down-to-earth online videos showing what life on the dairy farm is like. But Farm 4 Life isn't just designed to entertain, Tangaroa uses it to educate and inspire young people to get into the industry. His passion for being on the farm is enchanting, and he devotes so much of his time helping others - because that's what makes him happy. It was an absolute joy to record this episode!

Comedian Tom Sainsbury is the guy that makes you sit on your phone laughing and cackling because his Snapchat characters are that damn good. His impersonations of people - from politicians to everyday New Zealanders - are so spot on that sometimes, they are more accurate than the actual person. Tom is also an incredibly talented actor, writer, producer, director and talks about the joys and challenges of working in the industry here in New Zealand. He's a true delight.

Ruby Tui is a ridiculously talented woman who not only lights up the rugby field, but has the exact same effect when she walks into a room. Her warmth, generosity and humbleness makes her one of New Zealand's favourite rugby players. She's always worked incredibly hard to get to where she is - and does not take that for granted. Listening to Ruby's outlook on life and attitude towards the job she loves doing is pretty special.

Two guys were sitting in a pub in London in 2008...over a couple of beers they decided they wanted to take New Zealand wine to the world. They came home and slowly chipped away at Invivo Wines. With an amazing crowdfunding success story, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron then reached new heights by getting Graham Norton to drink their wine on his show. Fast forward to 2020, not only does Graham now make his own Invivo wines, Sarah Jessica Parker is in the game too! Hear Tim talk about how on earth it all happened. Turns out picking up the phone really is the way to go.

Israel Dagg is an All Black who not only made his mark on the footy field, but it was his humour, his personality and his ability to let people get to know the humble lad who never thought he'd make the biggest sporting team in New Zealand. Izzy talks about the big highs and the massive lows around being a star rugby player - including being forced to retire due to injury in 2019. He share his hilarious first encounter with Sir Graham Henry, and what he blew his first rugby paycheck on.

If you love running, you hate running, you're not sure about running - then listening to Lydia O'Donnell speak about running will be just what you need I promise. If I could bottle up her story and her message and sell it I would. Lydia explains why running will always be so much more to her than a time, a placing or a medal (even though her times and placings and medals are something to be very proud of!).

Nadia Lim - the woman who graces us in our very own kitchens with her charm, her passion and epic knowledge of food. She's come a long way since winning Masterchef in 2011, but apparently she's still got big grand plans (and yes believe it or not bigger than My Food Bag). Hear how she nearly burnt down a rich man's house while cooking duck, and how she once dreamed of making a TV Show with Jamie Oliver called Food in the Nude.

Monty Betham has had a stunning sporting career in Rugby League and Boxing but it's perhaps his outlook on life and the simplicity of getting out of bed with the right attitude that intrigued me the most. Oh, and the fact that he kept his boxing career secret from his wife for a period of time which resulted in him buying her a new kitchen!

She's just been promoted to Deputy Leader of New Zealand's National Party just months out from an election. She's also aware of the battle her party has on their hands to take on one of the most popular Prime Ministers this country has seen in Jacinda Ardern. Nikki Kaye talks about how getting breast cancer in 2016 completely changed how she now operates as a politician and what motivates her to do what she does in a job many of us would stay well clear of. Nikki also revealed she grew a veggie garden during lockdown, and longs for the days to go camping with a pale ale and a fishing rod.

Mark Dye is one of those guys that never seems to stay in the same place for very long. By his own admission, he's always looking at what he can do next. It's that outlook on life which has seen him travel all around the world, lead a very successful broadcasting career from ZM days, to Newstalk ZB to hosting Heartbreak Island. Mark is also co-founder and chief executive of NUBU Pharmaceuticals - a medicinal cannabis company.