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In this latest episode I am joined by acclaimed journalist and author Ali Mau, who’s new memoir, No Words for This, has just hit shelves.
This powerful and vulnerable conversation covers Ali’s experiences with childhood sexual abuse, the life-changing phone call from her sister and her journey to speaking publicly.
We also delve into complex family dynamics and the significant power of knowing you're not alone. Ali also tells us about her game-changing new charity, Tika, the twists and turns of her career, and her way of riding into a better work/life balance.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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In this episode we delve into the captivating love story of legendary actors Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Leland, whose "showmance" has blossomed into a beautiful partnership spanning over four decades.
Michael and Jennifer open up about their personal lives, sharing heartwarming memories (such as the excitement of buying their first Toyota), and reflecting on their rich experiences in the world of theatre.
From navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving to exploring the emotional depths of performing in a play centered around dementia, this episode offers sincere insights into the power of love and art.
Discover how the stage serves as a platform for empathy and community, and how the phenomenon of "Dr Theatre" can mask physical pain in the moment and provide a unique emotional release. Don't miss this heartfelt discussion as we celebrate the enduring love and theatrical collaboration between Michael and Jennifer.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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In this episode, I sit down with Raelene Castle, a trailblazer in sports management as the first female CEO of Netball New Zealand and now the CEO of Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand.
We discuss her trajectory in the corporate and sporting worlds, her upbringing in a sport-centric family, and the importance for her of finding confidence through activity.
Raelene shares her insights on the challenges women in leadership face - including the (elusive) balance of personal and professional life. She is not afraid to talk about the losses and well as the wins - as we delve into managing alopecia in a public role, responding to life not going to plan, and the profound significance of family connections.
Our conversation touches upon mentorship, reverse-mentorship, inclusivity, and explores how young people can assert their voices and ambitions in today's world. Raelene is nothing short of inspiring, and I truly loved talking with her.
I'm also joined by Tracy Hemingway (aka Debt Free Diva) thanks to Generate for a sponsored chat about how KiwiSaver can be an absolute game changer.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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I'm stoked to sit down with Nadia Reid, who recently released her fourth album, Enter Now Brightness. Our conversation meanders through the various stages of her life – from a futon in Auckland’s Devonport to the bustling cityscapes of Manchester, via the chill vistas of Dunedin.
As we go, we look at how these places have shaped Nadia, her transformative experience of motherhood, and how the events of her life have added richness and depth to her songwriting.
We also discuss the importance of wriggling out of your comfort zone, and how Nadia and her bandmates Sam, Richie, Joe, and producer Tom have embraced the uncertainties that life changes inevitably bring.
Nadia’s journey is one of healing and growth, forging connections across generations, and spreading joy through music. Plus Nadia performs for us – woop!!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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What does happen when ADHD meets perimenopause? Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Greg Finucane joins us to help untangle this growing connection.
Recently, I have found myself navigating the surprising emotions and 'aha!' moments that can accompany an ADHD diagnosis. It was like the jigsaw puzzle of my life found some lost pieces, giving me a clearer picture of how I fit together and fit into the world.
My exploration leads us through how diagnosis can reshape family bonds and support communication, including a heartfelt conversation with my husband, reflecting on how awareness of ADHD is contributing to reforming our marriage and parenting journey.
Because everyone (and every brain) is unique, there are many voices in this episode to help weave together stories that breathe life into the complex realities of ADHD, from managing in creative careers to the complexity of organisational challenges faced by those undiagnosed. Conversations with women like Abigail and Bella open windows into alternative approaches to managing symptoms, from holistic practices to embracing the gifts that ADHD brings.
This episode is a rallying cry for (self) compassion and acceptance, while providing practical strategies for self-organisation. I'm convinced wāhine like you and me can rewrite negative narratives from our youth and society to uncover the possibilities of living fully and intentionally with whatever labels we choose to inhabit.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Kia ora e hoa mā! I'm Petra Bagust and Grey Areas is back for season 7, and I have to say I'm so excited for this season.
You know how sometimes you just have a good feeling about things?
And look, something I've learned from our conversations is that life rarely fits into tidy boxes. It spills over the edges, it surprises us, it challenges what we thought we knew, and that's where most of the interesting kōrero happens - at the edges, down a rabbit hole, on a tangent in the 'grey areas'.
And so this season, we explore more of those spaces with guests who bring music, wisdom, science, and lived experience to the table.
Let me tempt you with some of our guests this season.
I sit down with the extraordinary Nadia Reid. She's a singer-songwriter whose music speaks to the heart in ways that words alone never could.
Sports leader Raelene Castle, who talks about high pressure leadership at times being the woman in a man's world, while dealing with very real personal challenges and still nailing it.
And renowned nutritionist, Doctor Libby Weaver, who is helping reshape the way we think about nurturing our bodies and minds in a world that's constantly changing - at a time when, let's face it, we are constantly changing.
We also connect with two of Aotearoa's most celebrated actors, Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Leaand, as they open up about their latest stage production, a raw personal look at the realities of dementia.
And we widen the lens with Dame Anne Salmond, an academic and thinker whose work challenges us to see our place in the world and in history with fresh eyes.
I tackle the hot button topic of ADHD which I realise is both compelling and repelling, but this season, it's personal.
There is, let's face it, no right or wrong way to navigate life's grey areas, but there is something powerful in sitting with the questions, hearing different perspectives, soaking up ideas and holding space for the messy, beautiful in between, because those can be the spaces where we begin to find our way.
Join me for season 7 of Grey Areas. I can't wait to share it with you.
New episodes drop every week from Thursday, March 6th, and please follow the show wherever you get your favourite podcasts, so that you'll never miss an episode.
Ka kite ano, see you soon.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Join me as I sit down with the delightful Professor Bev Lawton, a trailblazing advocate for women's health, who shares her insights into menopause, cervical cancer prevention and endometriosis. From her early days as a GP in Newtown, Wellington, Bev highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge and the need for a stronger focus on women's health.
Bev brings such warmth and optimism to the topic of menopause, encouraging us to see it as a natural, manageable transition rather than a burden. She discusses her experience as a doctor and the importance of providing women with balanced information so we can make decisions that truly benefit our health and well-being.
We delve into the exciting science of the HPV vaccine and how it’s helping to prevent cervical and other cancers. Bev explains why accessible screening is critical, sharing the success of New Zealand's new HPV self-screening program, which empowers women to take charge of their health in a more comfortable, private and accessible way.
This episode is packed with insights, laughter, and actionable advice. I hope it leaves you feeling informed and motivated to advocate for yourself and others, whether it’s by understanding your own health better or supporting initiatives to close the chapter on cervical cancer.
To become part of the story, head to endcervicalcancer.org.nz!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Fresh from a work out Dr Stacy Sims joins me for a deep dive into the specific ways women need to move our bodies as we age.
A trailblazer in the science of female physiology, Stacy challenges the traditional ‘calories in, calories out’ mindset – why it can be counterproductive and how popular fitness trends often ignore the distinct needs of women, especially through perimenopause and menopause!
Stacy explains how our bodies change as hormone levels fluctuate in midlife, affecting everything from muscle strength to cognitive function. She shares why it's essential to focus on resistance training and high-intensity exercise to preserve muscle quality, bone health, and even brain function. We tackle the fear of ‘bulking up’ with weight training, and the benefits of challenging the body with high intensity movement that promotes longevity.
What I love about Stacy’s approach is her emphasis on creating a sustainable, life-enhancing routine rather than a quick-fix workout regimen.
Join us as we explore practical, empowering ways to stay strong, mentally sharp, and energised – no gym membership required!
Plus, Kirstien Taylor from Generate joins me to discuss financial fitness and how, just like physical movement, small steps now can pay dividends later in life.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Disclaimer: No part of this podcast is intended as financial advice; it is intended as general information only. For more information about the Generate KiwiSaver Scheme see their Product Disclosure Statement at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Today I’m joined by three extraordinary and radically different women who consider each other family. Each in a different decade of life – their 50s, 60s, and 70s – Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, and Suzanne Lynch have performed together for the past two decades as The Lady Killers, and they’re still going strong.
Fresh off their DIVAS! tour to sold out venues around New Zealand, we sit down to discuss music, ageing, and friendship. The stories these wāhine toa share are filled with hard-won wisdom and riotous laughter that beckons us to grab hold of every stage of life with curiosity, compassion and camaraderie whether we vote the same way or not.
Tune in as we tackle menopause, breaking down stereotypes, the perpetual pressure to present perfectly (trying saying that fast), and the vital importance of supporting one another through it all!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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In this episode, I sit down with psychologist, author, and menopause researcher Dr Hillary McBride to explore what it means to truly come home to our bodies - to treat them like a best friend. Hillary’s work spans critical topics like trauma, eating disorders, and women's health, with a particular focus on menopause as a transformative experience.
Through her books, The Wisdom of Your Body and Practices for Embodied Living, Hillary advocates for a reconnection with our bodies, inviting us to listen to, honour, and celebrate our physical selves.
Using Hillary’s vivid metaphor of our body as a home, we discuss the absurdity of ‘living on the front lawn’ and basing our worth on this external perspective. She encourages us to find our way back inside the home and make the most of the rich experiences to be found within.
Hillary champions supportive environments where women can share their experiences free from judgement - her research demonstrates the positive and practical impact of women talking about menopause with each other… this information is too good not to share - come and sit with this wise soul who loves helping women find safety and solace in our very own bodies!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Buckle in for an uplifting conversation filled with laughter and wisdom! Petra Bagust is the host of popular rova podcasts Grey Areas and Sunday Sanctuary, a radio personality and TV presenter, a media chaplain, mum to three young people and all-round wonderful wāhine.
In this episode, Petra shares candidly how she has approached the highs and lows of motherhood with grace for herself, and the many things she’s learned along the way. With energy, wit and wisdom, she delves into the richness that can be found in relationships, the magic of her personal te reo journey, and the freedom that comes with tuning into what we place our value in, particularly as we age.
A small disclaimer, this episode contains a sprinkle of mild swearing—nothing that would make your grandma faint, but maybe cover the kids’ ears if they’re around.
Parents We’ve Met is brought to you by Parenting Place – a charity with a heart for New Zealand families. Explore our self-guided online courses and hundreds of free parenting articles and ideas HERE.
Follow us on Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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The tide is rising toward Megan’s 50th birthday, and we surf the currents of childhood memories to uncover how mermaids, like the best stories, delight us with their symbolic depth.
We reflect on my relationship with my mother, navigating the murky waters between closeness and independence. Megan shares how her mother transformed into an exuberant grandmother, becoming a lighthouse guiding her toward metamorphosis despite her own unfulfilled dreams.
We wade into the depths of parenting and self-love, exploring the complexities of aging amid impossible societal expectations. This episode rides the wave of generational bonds that, while often frustrating, anchor us.
As our conversation ebbs and flows through themes of self-acceptance and re-enchantment, we question conventional metrics of success and the power of ‘voice’ in shaping our narratives. Splashing through literature and art, we celebrate the significance of community and meaningful connections, steering us toward a more magical sense of purpose.
Join us as we surf these enchanting waves together!
Song Credit: Korimako, performed by Aro, written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker, published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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There were three things Susie Ferguson was never going to do; climb Mt Everest, run a marathon or write a book.
However a serendipitous podcast interview with my good friend Frank nudged her to capture her experiences as a war correspondent, radio journalist and woman - the result is "Bloody Minded."
Susie shares her experiences of being bullied and even publicly shamed by a teacher while navigating the tricky dynamics of an all-girls school.
Her candid reflections on enduring undiagnosed endometriosis while reporting from Iraq, display her resilience and humour.
From her love story with husband Lee, to the intense bonds formed in war zones,and the challenges of transitioning into motherhood, Susie’s book is moving and memorable.
Join us for a heartfelt exploration of adaptability, determination, and the bonds that define our lives.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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I sit down with the delightful Nici Wickes, a beloved cookbook author with a talent for making culinary adventures accessible and joyful, as she shares her wisdom on no-fuss cooking, building confidence in and out of the kitchen, and her latest book ‘More from A Quiet Kitchen.’
We tackle body image and health, confronting societal expectations, and shifting our focus from our appearance to our wellbeing along the journey to ageing with self-acceptance.
Nici also gets real about prioritising mental health as we explore themes of solitude, self-expression, and the serenity found in cooking for oneself.
Whether it's in the kitchen, navigating boundaries, or finding peace in the chaos, this conversation is a heartfelt invitation to celebrate ourselves and savour some of life’s simplest pleasures.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Join us for the first episode of Grey Areas Season 6 as we sit down with award-winning journalist, doco-maker and loveable rogue Patrick Gower to discuss his unfiltered memoir, This Is the F#$%ing News.
In this candid conversation, Paddy gets vulnerable about the toxic cocktail of alcoholism, bullying and work addiction that brought about a mental breakdown – and would ultimately lead him to embrace authenticity and give up the booze for good.
Having overcome inner turmoil and his self-described “massive ego”, Paddy shares how he has turned his darkest moments into a source of purpose. His story is a testament to the power of confronting personal demons and emerging stronger on the other side.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Kia ora! I'm Petra, and welcome to Grey Areas, back for its sixth season. We're diving deep into the conversations that matter—those tricky, often unspoken topics that can powerfully shape our lives.
Throughout this season, I sit down with incredible New Zealanders who aren't afraid to tackle the tough stuff. We explore subjects like endometriosis, our complex relationships with our bodies, singleness, loneliness, and the inner dialogue we all have—sometimes critical, sometimes empowering.
I'm excited to bring you conversations with amazing guests, including journalist Paddy Gower, broadcaster Susie Ferguson, and beloved cook and author Nici Wickes.
Plus we'll look ahead to life's next chapters—beyond the hormones and emotional turbulence—asking ourselves, "What does it mean to be retirement-ready?" and "What do we want from the next season of our lives?" Because we all know it's about more than just money, (even though that helps!)
This season, we're also welcoming our first international guest, Dr. Hillary McBride, who will share her wisdom on how we can reconnect with our bodies in meaningful ways.
Creating Grey Areas is some of the most fulfilling work of my life, and I'm so grateful to have you on this journey with me. Together, we have the opportunity to engage in conversations that just might spark revolutionary thinking. So come, join me around this virtual campfire as we launch Season 6.
New episodes drop weekly starting October 3rd on rova or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Getting up at stupid-o’clock every weekday morning to perform in front of the nation requires a certain type of strength and stamina. Add perimenopause to the pressure cooker of live television and you’ve got yourself a potent cocktail of challenges.
Part of Jenny-May Clarkson’s secret is the dynamic partnership she’s forged with her husband Dean. In this episode they share the story of their second-chance-at-love romance, and how their differences complement each other in raising twins, working hard, and navigating major life transitions.
Jenny-May also shares about receiving her moko kauae (traditional Māori tattoo), and how understanding and embracing her heritage has invited her inner critic to take a back seat.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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Having children and becoming a mother is a huge part of our collective cultural script. When you’re single, the question is ‘when are you going to find someone?’ When you find someone, the question becomes ‘when are you having children?’
So what about the many women who don’t have children, either by choice, circumstance or because they’re unable to?
Otherhood is a newly published book of essays on being childless, childfree and child-adjacent.
Lil O’Brien and Kathryn van Beek are two of the editors of this anthology, which charts the challenges, joys and griefs that being without children brings, and has also inadvertently created space and a lovely community for people who aren’t mothers. Ka pai!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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In a culture of unhealthy comparison and burdensome perfectionism, how do we cultivate an openness to getting it wrong? … Like, really get down and dirty with failure and understand how necessary it is for growth and basically learning anything at all.
Dr Jin Russell’s intimidating bio reads like the ultimate perfectionist’s achievement list. She’s a Consultant Developmental Paediatrician at Starship Children’s Health and a researcher in public health, investigating the impact of poverty on children. She’s won clinical awards, competitive research grants, has multiple degrees including a PhD, and sits on several boards. She’s spoken publicly on behalf of vulnerable children. Oh, and she’s a mum – no biggie.
Yet in spite of her achievements and accolades, she’s keenly interested in what failure can produce in us, and how to pursue excellence without being weighed down by the impossible pursuit of perfection.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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The world of investing has long been dominated by men, but did you know that the women who do invest typically do better than their male counterparts?
Honestly, it’s never been easier with the technology now available to us, so let’s figure out what positive action we can take because the good news is it’s never too late to get amongst it.
Victoria Harris is passionate about women taking control of their financial futures. Along with her podcast co-host, Sophie Hallwright, she founded Raising The Curve to help wāhine do just that.
Later in the episode Kirstien Taylor from Generate Kiwisaver talks about the simple things that we can do now to better prepare ourselves for retirement.
Check out Victoria and Sophie's podcast The Curve.
Disclaimer: No part of this podcast is intended as financial advice; it is intended as general information only. For more information about the Generate KiwiSaver Scheme see their Product Disclosure Statement at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Support the show: https://greyareas.nz/support
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