Real Life

Marama Davidson reflects on the toughest parts of her cancer journey

Marama Davidson is the Co-leader of the Green Party and a List MP based in South Auckland. Born in Auckland, she spent her childhood living in several parts of Aotearoa...

‘Laird of Hamilton’ Graeme Cairns reflects on founding the McGillicuddy Serious Party

Former McGillicuddy Serious leader Graeme Cairns now divides his time between penny farthings, medical training and street theatre, and his latest endeavour, "doing...

Angus Gillies tells John Cowan about what he learnt writing a book about returning 501 deportees

Angus Gillies is the author of the so-called Ruatoria Killings series of non-fiction investigations. He has worked as a journalist and producer at TV3 for 20 years,...

From the Archives: Sir Sam Neill in 2016 reflects on key films, moments, and mentors from his life.

On Monday, news broke that beloved Kiwi actor Sir Sam Neill had died at the age of 78, after his family issued a statement online.  In 2016, he spoke to Real Life...

Paul Froggatt, Director of Culinary at Essence Queenstwon, tells John Cowan about the "coin flip" decisions that lead to earning two Michelin Stars

Backed by more than two decades of elite global experience, Paul recently made history. Essence, located in Queenstown, was named the sole two-star establishment...

NZTrio's cellist, Matthias Balzat, talks to John Cowan about becoming an internationally touring musician at just 27

Matthias was appointed as the new permanent cellist of NZTrio in February 2026. Matthias began playing the cello at the age of three and completed his undergraduate...

Grant 'Nisbo' Nisbett tells John Cowan about calling over 350 test matches and his attempt at memorising the Gettysburg Address

Wellinton Phoenix women's coach, Bev Priestman, tells John about coming back from a drone spying scandal and the role ego plays in world-class players

From leading Canada’s women to Olympic glory in Tokyo to navigating a dramatic career setback and making a triumphant return to guide the Wellington Phoenix women...

Former TVNZ Europe Correspondant, Joy Reid, tells John about her career change and recovering from long-covid

Joy is a highly respected New Zealand broadcast journalist and television presenter, best known for her extensive career with TVNZ’s 1News. A former European Correspondent...

'The Beast', Manu Vatuvei, tells John about how he has rebuilt his life after leaving prison

Manu dominated the rugby league world for over a decade, cementing his place as the Vodafone Warriors' all-time leading try-scorer and a powerhouse for the Kiwis....

Celebrated opera star, Pene Pati, tells John Cowan about the breakneck pace of life peforming across the world

Hailed as one of the most exciting tenors of his generation, Samoan-born Pene Pati has been taking the global stage by storm with his radiant voice, effortless high...

Ultimate Fishing's Matt Watson tells John Cowan about how wrestling at Oktoberfest got him into an invite only church service in the Vatican

Matt Watson is a household name in New Zealand and a true Kiwi icon, best known as the charismatic creator and host of the legendary ITM Fishing Show. From launching...

Chelsie Preston-Crayford tells John Cowan about her new 'autofictional' film Caterpillar

Chelsie is a powerhouse of New Zealand stage and screen, carrying on a formidable creative lineage as the daughter of filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and musician...

Artist and activist, Tāme Iti, talks to John about the process behind getting his mataora and about his new book titled 'Mana'

For over 50 years, Tāme Iti (Ngāi Tūhoe) has been the face of Māori resistance and mana motuhake. From the front lines of the 1975 Land March and the founding of...

Dual-code legend Brad Thorn tells John Cowan about the role of sport in the lives of young men and how his own life has changed

Brad is one of the most decorated dual-code athletes in history, defined by a legendary "serial winner" mentality. He achieved elite success in Rugby League with...

Lawyer turned historian, Ron Crosby, tells John Cowan about the history of the NZ SAS in Afganistan

After a 30-year legal career specialising in resource management and iwi claims, Ron Crosby retired in 2007 to focus on writing, often drawing from his extensive...

MP for Banks Peninsula, Vanessa Weenink, tells John about life in the NZDF and as a GP before finding politics

Dr Vanessa Weenink is currently serving her first term as the Member of Parliament for Banks Peninsula. She serves on the Education and Workforce Select Committee...

TVNZ's Pacific correspondent, Barbara Dreaver, tells John Cowan about what she's learnt from 30 years on the job

Barbara is a highly respected journalist and storyteller, known for bringing the voices and stories of the Pacific to the forefront of New Zealand media. With decades...

New CEO of World Vision Nz, TJ Grant, tells John Cowan all about why his faith drives the work he does

TJ is stepping into the role after nearly two decades of high-impact humanitarian work across Africa, North America, and right here in the Pacific. A familiar face...

Bear Grylls talks writing his new book and how his faith guides his life

British broadcaster and survivalist Bear Grylls is well-known for pushing himself to the limits of human capability. As the host of Man vs Wild, the former SAS soldier...

Comedian, Paul Ego, tells John Cowan about what life is like as Stick Man

Comedian Paul Ego has been the voice of Stick Man for 17 years, and is a main stay of the TV panel show 7 Days.

Welsh singer and TV host, Aled Jones, tells John Cowan about out-charting musical legends and his new one man show

Aled Jones MBE, a name synonymous with musical brilliance, has been enchanting audiences since the 1980s. He was the original cross-over artist and is eternally...

Six60 lead singer Matiu Walters talks to John Cowan about fatherhood and sticking with music through patches of boredom

Matiu Walters is the lead singer and guitarist of New Zealand’s band Six60. The group formed in Dunedin in 2008, and across the last 16 years have broken all the...

Professor Niki Harré talks to John Cowan about her year as a 'secular prist'

Niki Harré is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland. She writes, researches and teaches about values-based practice, environmental sustainability,...

Josie Pagani tells John Cowan about life as New Zealand's "2nd best political columnist"

Working at the forefront of geopolitics, aid and development, and governance, Josie is CEO of ChildFund New Zealand and Chair of Fair Trade Australia & New Zealand....

Former 1News reporter Yvonne Tahana, reflects on her media career with John Cowan and tells him what she's studying now

National MP Greg Fleming tells John Cowan about the Modern Slavery Bill and how his Christian faith influences how he sees The Treaty of Waitangi

Greg is in his first term as the Member of Parliament for Maungakiekie. He serves on the Māori Affairs Committee and is Deputy Chair of the Petitions Committee....