Can you imagine playing George Washington 700 times in one of the world’s biggest musicals? Matu Ngaropo tells all about Hamilton (the musical, not the town)
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The aura of Matu Ngaropo hits you straight away, which is why it’s easy to see how he’s one of t...
Niki Bezzant on 'menowashing', ageism, and her mission to empower midlife women to become vibrant, kick-arse old ladies
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Niki Bezzant never set out to become New Zealand’s “menopause woman”, but the journalist, auth...
Nude Paul, Yacht Paul, Gin Paul, The Chase Paul, Breakfast Paul, Palm Springs Paul: Get to know who Paul Henry really is
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Almost everyone has an opinion on Paul Henry. Good or bad, people have certainly made up their minds...
Claire Turnbull on burnout, food battles and taking back control of our brains (aka GET OFF YOUR SCREENS!)
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Claire Turnbull is a nutritionist, best-selling author and professional well-being speaker. What ma...
From 'useless' to unstoppable: René Heyde’s remarkable journey from trauma to Commonwealth Games glory - and beyond
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
René Heyde left his 14th school in Year 12 after a teacher told him he was “useless”. He wasn’...
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on RWC heartbreak, why the Black Ferns are so special, and what life after rugby might hold - from hairdressing to midwifery and babies
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She never set out to be the greatest rugby player of all time - she was just a little girl who loved...
How Lisette Reymer became an accidental war correspondent
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning journalist Lisette Reymer is Stuff’s senior correspondent and author of No, I Don’...
Teacher and writer Sara Qasem on being Palestinian and living with grief after losing her father in the March 15 terror attacks
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Qasem is a Palestinian teacher and writer who immigrated to Aotearoa at a young age and is now ...
Veteran activist Tāme Iti on racism, te reo Māori, protesting, and how art saved his life
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For more than five decades, Tāme Iti has been at the forefront of the pursuit of Māori rights in A...
Jon Bridges on the rising distrust in the media, being a middle-aged man in lycra, and the correct use of an apostrophe
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I hope Jon Bridges takes this the right way when he reads it - he’s genuinely one of the good guys...
Rebecca Nelson: from street busking to singing for King Charles and being shoulder-tapped by the Navy - and the All Black who thought she was miming
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest shares an incredible story of never giving up on what you love. Rebecca Nelson is p...
Slingshot founder Annette Presley on helping young women, ambition, Telecom battles and the cost of success
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we meet tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Annette Presley. Annette started her first ...
Matt Watson’s painful epiphany that changed the course of his career - and what he’d do to overhaul New Zealand’s commercial fishing industry
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is probably the most famous fisherman in all of Aotearoa. Matt Watson only ever wan...
Dame Jacinda Ardern on leadership, religion, kindness, the state of the world, and Rhythm and Vines
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's taken seven years of asking (I'm very patient), but I finally get to sit down with our 40th Pri...
Meet Val Smith – New Zealand’s most-capped athlete and two-time lawn bowls world champion
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you talk about (or even Google) celebrated athletes in this country, rugby players usually come...
Trailblazing drum and bass artist MC Tali on how her fighting spirit drives her past all the people who say no: 'Proving people wrong has always been satisfying'
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're with the trailblazing drum and bass star, award-winning vocalist, MC, producer, com...
Dame Julie Christie: 37 years of TV, from reality shows to documentaries, and the power of never taking ‘no’ for an answer
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dame Julie Christie remembers the first show she made back in 1988 as if it were yesterday. Her pass...
Somatic sexologist Morgan Penn is on a mission to educate about consent - and shares the deeply personal reason why
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Morgan Penn is the guest I've been most intimate with (you’ll find out how and why - how’s that ...
Country music queen Tami Neilson on carrying both joy and sorrow, touring with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, and music vs politics
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tami Neilson’s just back from touring the US with her now-dear friend Willie Nelson - and Bob Dyla...
Guy Montgomery on cracking Australia, the terror of success, making spelling bees funny, and Sex and the City 2
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guy Montgomery has absolutely nailed it. The Billy T and Fred Award-winning, Logie-nominated comedi...
Outward Bound CEO Malindi MacLean is 'obsessed' with getting kids offline and outdoors. Hear how she plans to do it.
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Malindi MacLean, the first woman to lead Outward Bound as CEO. She took on the ro...
EJ Barnes on growing up with 'freak of nature' dad Jimmy Barnes, finding her own voice, and working with Phil Rudd
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
EJ Barnes is the proud daughter of Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes. In this fascinating episode...
Russel Norman: Why he'd rather fight for the planet than hope, neoliberalism, and the attack on democracy
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russel Norman left politics when he stepped down as Green Party co-leader ten years ago - but he sti...
Six60’s Chris Mac on the band’s future, the myth of balance, and why it’s time to ditch tall poppy syndrome
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Six60 have been soundtracking Kiwi summers since ages ago - and they’ve got the accolades to prove...
Jo Kane - my mum, my inspiration, and the funniest woman I know
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest is a little bit special. Actually - she’s very special. My mum swam the Cook ...
Shorty Street star Theo Dāvid on playing Romeo - the original 'F-Boy' - fatherhood, and the theatre of WWE
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Theo Dāvid is currently deep in rehearsals for Auckland Theatre Company’s Romeo and Juliet - and ...
Tanita Garnett beat cancer twice as a young girl - now she's chasing a Black Ferns jersey
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tanita Garnett is 22 years old and has already beaten cancer twice. She picked up a rugby ball at 14...
Changing the fear around menopause - and why we must Fix Iron First: A conversation with Dr Libby
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Dr Libby Weaver - a thirteen-time bestselling author and internationally acclaime...
Zoe Hobbs - Oceania’s fastest woman - on getting even quicker, not being ‘showy’, and the drama of the call room
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aotearoa’s sprint queen, Zoe Hobbs, is the first - and so far the only - New Zealand woman to ...
Joe Daymond on being a sensitive people-pleaser and why Kiwi crowds are the toughest in the world for comedians
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Daymond is a comedian, writer, director and content creator, currently touring Australia with hi...
Bailley Unahi wants to become New Zealand’s first female Winter Paralympian in over 20 years - and her attitude to life might just get her there
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bailley Unahi suffered a spinal cord injury at just 19 years old while studying at Otago University....
'Te Tiriti is your friend - it’s nothing to be scared of': Eru Kapa-Kingi on why tangata whenua rights benefit everyone
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we meet Toitū te Tiriti spokesperson and Auckland Law School academic Eru Kapa-Kingi. Er...
Abigail Hannah on falling back in love with Aotearoa while healing from depression, and the issue with travel influencers
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest has a job that, on the surface, many would describe as a "dream job" and say, "oh, h...
Black Caps great Martin Guptill on his treatment by New Zealand Cricket, dealing with death threats after the 2019 World Cup, and life as a stay-at-home dad
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
He holds the record for the highest ever ODI score for New Zealand, and over a 13-year international...
Actress Rebecca Gibney on the key to longevity, hosting Sensing Murder, dancing, and MMA
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rebecca Gibney is everything I’d hoped she’d be – and more. If I say Packed to the Rafters, Ha...
'I've been able to get through because of the strength of other survivors': Ali Mau's powerful memoir reveals abuse, but also unimaginable strength
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I've known Ali Mau for 13 years. We first met when I started working as a producer on Q+A at TVNZ, a...
Samantha Hayes on dealing with grief from all angles, interviewing Megadeth, auditioning with a cold sore, and being a perfectionist
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha Hayes was just 23 when she became the presenter of Nightline - the country's youngest prese...
‘The best thing I’ve ever done’: How full immersion kura changed former Silver Fern Courtney Tairi’s life
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Silver Fern number 151, Courtney Tairi. The former netball international and awar...
Understanding your Human Design profile with Charlotte Hill
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest works in a space that, I’ll admit, I am not remotely close to being an expert on. ...
Social media powerhouses Mike and Joelle Legg on going viral, setting boundaries, and navigating the wellness industry
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Joelle Legg have over a million followers on every social platform they’re on and are lov...
Dick Frizzell on growing up in Hastings, learning the rules of art, breaking them, and becoming a 'bad artist'
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artist, illustrator, and designer Dick Frizzell is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable artists,...
Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester on their Singles Club, Sonny Bill Williams at Pizza Hut, rejection, and independence
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester are two brilliantly talented comedians, actors, and writers. They’...
Halberg Para Athlete of the Year, Anna Grimaldi, on removing the sleeves, ditching the pockets, and no longer hiding her disability.
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is triple gold medal-winning Paralympian Anna Grimaldi, fresh off a Halberg Award wi...
How Richard Adams' deployment in Afghanistan inspired him to establish the disaster relief charity Taskforce Kiwi.
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Adams is a former British Army officer who served in Afghanistan. He shares how his experien...
Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner talks concerts, the Warriors, a roof, and Aussie Rules.
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Now, full disclosure—today’s guest is an Australian. But before you hit skip, this Australian ha...
Dr Waseem Alzaher on breaking the stigma around medicinal cannabis.
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A fascinating chat this week with Dr Waseem Alzaher, the founder of Cannabis Clinic - the country's ...
Kill the sugar and the chicken tenders too: a frank chat about food with Ganesh Raj (plus learn to eat well for less).
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If this episode doesn't get you even a little bit inspired or fired up, I'll give you your money bac...
Breaking down walls and killing off bad sex with Holistic Sex Coach Melissa Vranjes!
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the first episode of the year and I thought we’d come in really hot! Today's guest is certi...
Summer Yarns: Suzanne Paul
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we re-visit my yarn with a NATIONAL TREASURE. Sure, Suzanne Paul was born in England but she i...
Summer Yarns: Justine Smith
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we re-visit my yarn with the first comedian I ever saw live and rest assured she’s been a fa...
Summer Yarns: Sir John Kirwan
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we re-visit a yarn I had with a man, I feel like it’s fair to say, we all know and love - Si...
There's a Pav in the studio! Allyson Gofton delivers Christmas cheer for the last episode of the year!
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am absolutely fizzing at the bung to bring you our last guest for 2024! It’s Christmas week, so ...
Olympian & surfing champion Billy Stairmand on the ups and downs of 2024
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pro surfer Billy Stairmand is gearing up for a summer at home with his dog Obie at his beloved Ragl...
Former Miss World New Zealand, and style queen, Amber Peebles
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is, in my opinion, one of the most stylish and sweetest women in Aotearoa. Amber Pee...
A full Olympic debrief with silver medallist Hayden Wilde - including what The Seine did to him
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can you remember the emotion we all went through watching Hayden Wilde's triathlon at the Paris Olym...
The battle behind Ellesse Andrews' Olympic golds
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What a ripper of an Olympics it was for Ellesse. The cycling superstar won two golds and a silver in...
The man who killed cancer - David Downs
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
David Downs is one of those clever humans who can put lots of interesting words next to his name. ...
Suzanne McFadden: a champion for women's sport.
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is award-winning journalist Suzanne McFadden. Suzanne has been monumental in the ris...
Kyle Bell - the unofficial godfather of Rhythm and Vines
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is a man who most of the time likes to be behind the scenes. But, Kyle Bell is ...
Ian Jones - The Kamo Kid
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ian Jones is one of the country's greatest All Blacks - and this is such a wholesome and inspiring ...
Edna Swart
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s not a lot this fantastic young woman hasn’t done - she’s a businesswoman, entrepreneur...
Brodie recommends: TFN - The F#$%ing News
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed Brodie and Paddy's yarn this week, then get your ears around Paddy's new podcast. It'...
Paddy Gower and Brodie Kane dissect their books...
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bit of a special episode of Kiwi Yarns where Brodie's good pal Paddy Gower comes in and t...
Lucy Blakiston + Bel Hawkins
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have two wonderful women on Kiwi Yarns this week - Lucy Blakiston and Bel Hawkins have just ...
Helen Manson
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is award-winning humanitarian photographer and storyteller Helen Manson. The mother-...
Al Brown
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is one of Aotearoa's favourite chefs, Al Brown (he's definitely one of my favourites...
Morgana O'Reilly
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have the wonderfully talented and fabulous Morgana O'Reilly. We catch up on what it wa...
Sam Whitelock
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is the most capped All Black in history. Sam Whitelock made 153 appearances in the...
Harrison Keefe + Nepia Takuira-Mita
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I cannot tell you how much joy actors Harrison Keefe and Nepia Takuira-Mita bring me every day....
Michaela Blyde
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I'm joined by two-time Olympic gold medallist, and Black Ferns Sevens superstar Michaela ...
Jai Waite
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is New Zealand Paralympian number 156 - gold medal-winning Wheel Black, Jai Waite. J...
Cecilia Robinson
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is often described as a serial entrepreneur and innovator. Cecilia Robinson is the f...
Brodie recommends: The Trial - Philip Polkinghorne
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here's a podcast I'm wrapping my earholes around! On Easter Monday 2021, police were called to the h...
Sir John Key
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is the former Prime Minister, Sir John Key. The money trader-turned-politician-turne...
Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's better than Chris Parker, or Tom Sainsbury? Chris Parker AND Tom Sainsbury in the same room t...
Josie Pagani
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Josie Pagani works in aid, politics, trade and media and has recently become the chief executive of ...
Emma Twigg
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brodie's been unwell this week (winter!) so in her absence, we're re-upping an oldie but a goodie ah...
Shavaughn Ruakere
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is actress and presenter Shavaughn Ruakere. There are many reasons Kiwis love Shavau...
Mark Crysell
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is award-winning journalist Mark Crysell. I tell you one thing about award-winning j...
Ineke Meredith
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Ineke Meredith, a remarkable woman who spent a good chunk of her childhood in Sam...
Dario Nustrini
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is a man by the name of Dario Nustrini, who's just published a book called Nothing ...
Lil O'Brien
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Lil O'Brien - who has written books about coming out, and being childless. Lil ha...
Chlöe Swarbrick returns
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Chloe Swarbrick - a return guest to Kiwi Yarns. Last time we spoke it was just pr...
Matt Heath
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Matt Heath. Now, Matt Heath is genuinely one of my favourite straight white guys....
Marcus Daniell
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is one of the country’s greatest tennis players, Marcus Daniell. He’s back on th...
Paige Hareb
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is one of the country’s best surfers, Paige Hareb. The proud professional athlete ...
Brooke Francis + Lucy Spoors
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guests are Olympic silver medal rowing mums, Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis. The two have ...
Daniel Rankin - Man Can Cook!
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Man Can Cook - a man, who coincidently, can cook ridiculously delicious food. He ...
Genevieve Mora
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is the Co-Founder and General Manager of Voices of Hope, Genevieve Mora. Genevieve i...
Chelsea Roper - SheBuildsBro
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is part of a very very small group of women here in Aotearoa. Chelsea Roper - aka S...
Emily Byrne
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is someone at the helm of a brilliant student organisation we all know and love! The...
Campbell Johnstone
31 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Campbell Johnstone. He is the first openly gay All Black - after making the decis...
Richard Hills
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is in my opinion - one of the coolest local body politicians you will find. And yes ...
Karl Budge
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is a man who knows a thing or two about putting a world class event on. Karl Budge i...
Verity Johnson
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is columnist, MC, public speaker and cabaret club vixen Verity Johnson - what an epi...
Sir John Kirwan
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is a man I feel like it’s fair to say we all know and love - Sir John Kirwan. JK h...
Carlos Ulberg
25 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Auckland MMA fighter Carlos Ulberg - aka “The Black Jag”. Carlos is part of t...
Brooke Howard-Smith
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is a well known Kiwi entrepreneur who's life has been truly fascinating thus far - t...
Liv Mackay
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is our super talented New Zealand Sail GP team strategist - Liv Mackay. Liv is also ...
John Aiken
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Married at First is coming back to New Zealand this year, so if you’re looking for love and would ...