Real Life With John Cowan Podcasts

Lotta Dann is a former TV journalist, producer, and director turned author when she got sober in 2011. She became a household name when she confessed on national television in 2014 that she had a drinking problem. Lotta grew up in Christchurch, the second of four sisters. Her dad, leading QC Chris McVeigh, was famed for his role in the iconic Kiwi …

It was the height of Covid-19 in 2020 when Emma Espiner graduated from medicine school. The broadcaster, political commentator and now-surgeon had mixed emotions about being thrown into work at Middlemore Hospital in the middle of a global pandemic. “It was really frightening, but it was also really interesting because I was glad to have something …

Warning: This article contains discusses depression and suicide. Brought up in a family that made its living through gang activity and robbing banks, David Letele wasn’t expected to make anything of his life. The ‘Brown Buttabean’ – who now runs a large and highly successful social enterprise – was born the son of the Mongrel Mob’s Auckland leader.…

For a long time, all Sarah Page of the Kindness Collective and her husband wanted was a baby. But when she finally got pregnant, she hated the experience. The difficulties continued when their son Max was born in 2012. Page, trying to juggle a career, had a severe case of post-natal depression. But the final hammer blow in a “period of real challen…

Folk duo Terrible Sons may well be the most famous New Zealand band you’ve never heard of. Hailing from Ōtautahi, husband and wife Lauren and Matt Barus only launched the band seven years ago, but their music quickly garnered international attention. One track has had 20 million downloads on Spotify, and data from the streaming service reveals they…

Te Tai Tokerau boxer Mea Motu is on top of the world after claiming the IBO super bantamweight world title last week, but she knows what it’s like to be at rock bottom. In a new interview, the 33-year-old told Real Life with John Cowan there was a time she wanted to “give up on life” when she was homeless, on the run from her abusive husband, and r…

Deborah Hart is the daughter of Ronald and author Inge Woolf, who arrived in Wellington after fleeing persecution in Europe. Until her death in 2021, Inge was working on a book, Resilience: A Story of Persecution, Escape, Survival and Triumph, about her remarkable life story, which was picked up and finished by Deborah and released this month. Debo…

“I may as well just grab six-month blocks while I can and use them to their full potential.” After a major health scare, former Tauranga Mayor Tenby Powell is committed to making the most of the life he’s got left. The Kiwi businessman is the director of Kiwi K.A.R.E, a humanitarian organisation providing medical care and evacuation services to peo…

Helen Manson is a multi-award-winning humanitarian photographer and storyteller from New Zealand. Helen’s work has taken her around the world to some of the most challenging environments, documenting famine, refugee settlements, post-war environments, child sponsorship, micro-enterprise, trauma counseling and disaster zones. She’s travelled to more…

When David Seymour was 17, a fight broke out between his principal and a visiting MP. An enthralled Seymour watched on as his Auckland Grammar headmaster John Morris and Trevor Mallard, then the Minister of Education, went head-to-head over the merits of NCEA. Witnessing that heated argument, something happened. Seymour didn’t know it at the time, …

Genevieve is the co-founder and general manager of Voices of Hope, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to break the stigma around mental illness. She spent most of her teenage years battling mental illness, and as part of her recovery, she has made it her mission to offer hope to those fighting mental illness. Along with Jazz Thornton, she publish…

Bree was born and raised in Stanthorpe, Queensland, on an apple farm. She gained a degree in communications and journalism before moving to radio, where she worked with Nova Entertainment for five years. She has hosted several programs on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Bree is one half of Bree & Clint, ZM’s drive show. Previously, Bree hoste…

Bev has worked in the music industry for over 20 years from music management to event coordination, working alongside Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Mick Fleetwood, and many more. She has been on the Homegrown Festival team since 2001 and was director for NZ Street Dance for 8 years, developing the talents of many young dancers and facilitating oppor…

Maria is a lecturer and researcher at Auckland University of Technology. She works in the School of Clinical Sciences and has a background in social work, Māori-centered research, and history. Her work has particularly focused on Māori experiences of whāngai and adoption. Her PhD, Closed Stranger Adoption, Māori and Race Relations in Aotearoa New Z…

Byron Clark is an activist from Christchurch who has been involved in various forms of activism since his teenage years. Since 2019, he has focussed on the re-emergence of the far-right and spread of misinformation online, much of his activism taking place on YouTube as video essays. Byron recorded an oral history of the ‘Occupy’ protest in 2011 an…

Born in Gisborne, Peter attended Victoria University of Wellington, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws with an Honours Degree. He was appointed as a District Court Judge with a specialist Family Court warrant in 1988 and in 2004, he was appointed as the Principal Family Court Judge of New Zealand. In 2012 he was appointed a Law Commissioner, and in 2015 …

Born in Auckland, Claudia's father was a fluent speaker of te reo Māori, knew Āpirana Ngata and joined the Department of Māori Affairs in Gisborne. She trained and practised as a dental nurse for 15 years before starting university studies, completing her PhD in 1984 at the University of Auckland. From 1975 to 1983, she was a history lecturer at th…

Tony’s radio career started at Auckland’s 95bFM, hosting a variety of shows which highlighted new music. He produced and hosted three seasons of Inside Track, and True Fan, both focussing on local music and its surrounding ecosystem, playing nationwide on the Student Radio Network. Tony has also written and co-presented a science fiction film show …

Andrew was born in Dunedin and grew up in Auckland. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Public Management. Andrew joined the New Zealand Police in 1997 and has worked in both frontline and investigative roles. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, he was Auckland City Area Commander, South District Commander, and the acting Deputy Commi…

CEO of Te Whatu Ora Margie's parents were Samoan emigrants from Savai'i and Apia, and she grew up in Otara, Auckland. She gained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and a Master of Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington. Margie has held positions as Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Health, and executive ro…

Carolyn attended Wairarapa College and Victoria University of Wellington, where she gained a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Sociology. Carolyn held her previous position as chief executive of Netball Central Zone for nearly five years. In 2018 she left to become chief executive of Special Olympics, an organisation which celebrates achievements o…

Mike was born in Gore, and his family lived in the small town of Waikoikoi until he was nine years old. He started working in radio and television after he finished high school and attended NZ Broadcasting School. From 1995 until 2015, Puru was a radio DJ on The Edge. In October 2012, he became one of the inaugural TV presenters on New Zealand's fi…

A theology graduate of Laidlaw College, AJ is a Youth Development Worker and housing advocate, working in the Youth Housing and Homelessness space. He leads a service supporting rangatahi experiencing homelessness and is an advocate working collectively to end youth homelessness in New Zealand. He is also the curator and creator of the blog and pod…

TVNZ's Sports and Events General Manager, Melodie played rugby union at an international level, winning two world cups with the Black Ferns. Playing blindside or openside flanker, she played in 18 tests with the Ferns from 1996 to 2002. While playing rugby , she gained a BA from the University of Otago, as well as studying Journalism in Wellington.…

Lorna is currently the 9-3 host on Coast FM. She has been a three-time finalist at the NZ Radio Awards, and has done voiceover and acting work for Shortland Street and Interrogation. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time; first was six years ago, and again in May. After surgery to remove the tumour and 18 lymph…

Chris is in his third term as a Member of Parliament and is National’s Spokesperson for Housing & Infrastructure. He is also the Shadow Leader of the House and National’s Chair for the 2023 Election Campaign. Previously he was the MP for Hutt South and is now a National List MP based in Hutt South, and has also served as National’s Spokesperson for…

Willy spent his school years at Auckland Grammar, where he learnt music and classical ballet, then left early to work in a garden centre. While serving as the lead singer of the band Rhythm Method, he decided on a whim to enter a comedy competition hosted by his local bar in 1983. There he met fellow contestants on Dean Butler, Ian Harcourt and Pet…

Born and raised in the Hutt Valley, Chris attended Hutt Valley Memorial College, where he was the Head Boy and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and Criminology at Victoria University. After completing his study, he worked in the industry training sector and worked at parliament, first as Senior Advisor to two Education Mi…

At the age three, Julia played the piano and at 12 performed to large crowds. From 2000-2005, she was the lead vocalist for the band Elevator before beginning her solo career in songwriting. The release of her self-titled album juliagrace on the Parachute Music label in October of that year scored four number one singles in New Zealand. The album r…

Patrick grew up in New Plymouth and attended Victoria University where he gained a BA with honours. After finishing his politics degree, he studied journalism at Auckland University of Technology. Patrick started his journalism career working the graveyard shift at The New Zealand Herald, becoming one of the newspaper's two police reporters. He sub…

One of seven children raised in Masterton, Roman Travers graduated from the Wellington based New Zealand Radio Training School in 1995. In 1996 he started as the drive time host on Classic Hits, first in Wanganui and then Hamilton. Over the years, Roman has held many roles within radio, TV, and as a voice over artist. You may have seen Roman hostin…

After a stellar law career, Clayton Kimpton has been representing New Zealand in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. His most recent role has been as Commissioner-General overseeing New Zealand's participation in the Dubai Expo, the biggest international event to take place during the pandemic. While New Zealand was isolated, the New Zealand pavilion…

Erica was born in the East Coast Bays and has lived in the area for over 40 years. She attended Rangitoto College, then went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland. Erica has worked in export sales as well as producing local television shows. She produced Last Chance Dogs, reality TV show Noise Control, and worked on Piha Rescu…

A born and bred Aucklander, Phil Goff is the Mayor of Auckland, in office since 2016. Representing Mt Roskill for 10 terms of parliament, Phil became New Zealand’s youngest ever cabinet minister in 1984. He was Associate Finance Minister, served as the leader of the Labour Party, Leader of the Opposition and was also Minister of Education, initiati…

Born in Auckland, road and track cyclist Aaron Gate joined the national high-performance squad in 2010 and currently rides for UCI Continental team Bolton Equities Black Spoke Pro Cycling. He represented New Zealand country in track cycling at the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics, and the Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Aaron rec…

Brought up in Christchurch’s New Brighton, James began his broadcasting career in his early twenties at community station Radio Caroline in Timaru. He quickly progressed to become the breakfast host at the pop station juggernaut 1323ZM. He left radio in the late 90s, going to university full-time and gaining a Bachelor of Commerce before returning …

Originally from Minnesota in the United States, Joel attended Gustavus Adolphus College, a small liberal arts university. He then completed his PhD in chemistry at Purdue University. He moved to New Zealand as an ice hockey player in 2017, playing for the Botany Swarm in East Auckland. He applied for a job at the University of Auckland, where he is…

Born in Upper Hutt, Keri Bloomfield is a kiwi mum living in Denmark with a Dane and their daughters. Keri and her husband moved to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2016. Her book Nothing Like a Dane was released in April and is her humorous and heartfelt memoir of navigating her first couple of years living in the Scandinavian country. Before writing Nothing…

Born in Rotorua, Susan's family was very involved in the squash community and she started playing when she was young, turning professional at the age of 17. Her first World Open title came in 1985, with subsequent wins in 1987, 1990 and 1992. In 1992, the year of her unexpected retirement, she was the Australian, British, French, Hong Kong, Irish, …

D'Arcy hosts Sportstalk on Newstalk ZB on weekday evenings. He was recently named Best Sportsreader at the annual New Zealand Radio Awards. D'Arcy has an 11-year-old daughter. He loves motorsport and revels in the torment of being both a Warriors and a Black Caps fan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Claire works work as a NZ Registered Nutritionist and has become a familiar face and trusted voice across New Zealand media speaking on issues of health and wellbeing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Door Newstalk ZB

Born in Auckland to a professional boxer father, Monty Betham is a retired professional boxer and former professional rugby league footballer. He played club football for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League, and for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the Super League. In December 2006, Monty announced his retirement from rugby leag…

Dai studied Theatre and Film at Victoria University of Wellington, before winning 'Best New Face' on TV2's Pulp Comedy in 1999, the Billy T Award in 2002 and the Fred Award in 2007. In 2004 and 2005, he toured the shows The Hot Stepper and Champagne Table Tennis, and performed at the Tokyo Comedy Store and in Melbourne and around Britain. He has pe…

Raised in Christchurch, Mike took a high school journalism course run by the Department of Māori Affairs. In 1984 he won a Radio New Zealand cadetship and six months of journalism training. He was transferred to the sports office, and the longtime longtime rugby fan felt at ease with his subject matter, gaining valuable live experience. By age 24, …

Matthew was born in Upper Hutt. His father was of Ngāi Te Rangi from Matakana Island, Tauranga.After living most of his adult life in Australia, Matthew moved home to New Zealand and was appointed to the role of Executive Chairman of the National Māori Authority, Ngā Ngaru Rautahi O Aotearoa in 2017. In 2018 he also became the chair of the Auckland…

Kate was born to Kiwi parents in Suva, Fiji and lived there until she was five before moving home to New Zealand. She studied radio at the Christchurch Polytechnic Broadcasting School before getting her first job in Auckland as a producer and announcer, later working at Radio Taranaki, Classic Hits and IRN News. Kate then spent 8 years living in Lo…

Mark Goshe is the Chairman of Kāinga Ora and a Former Labour Cabinet Minister. The first person of Pacific Island descent elected to Cabinet, Mark was a full-time official with the Service & Food Workers Union (SFWU) for 15 years. He was later a union secretary with the SFWU for 7 years, leading him to join the Labour Party in 1981. He was first el…

Jeremy Corbett, Co-Host of The Project and Seven Days, joins John Cowan to talk about his life and what makes him tick. Jeremy was born in Westport, and raised in both England and Palmerston North. He dabbled in comedy and broadcasting while studying at Massey University, before showcasing his stand-up skills on television’s Pulp Comedy. Corbett’s …

Tina Cross was the lead vocalist of 1980s pop band, Koo De Tah, and is one-third of the harmony group The Lady Killers along with Jackie Clarke and Suzanne Lynch. She was the voice of the Shortland Street theme song and has enjoyed performances with multiple New Zealand orchestras. In the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours Tina was named an Officer of t…

Born in the Netherlands, Yvonne is a former netball coach and representative netball player. She played for the Silver Ferns from 1974 to 1983. She was coach of the Silver Ferns from 1997 to 2001, and coach of the Fijian national team from 2002 to 2003. In the 2002 Queen's Birthday Honours, Yvonne was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order o…