Paddy Gower’s TFN - The F#$%ing News

Melanie Lynskey talks about being from New Plymouth, being a regular Kiwi mum in Hollywood, and her hopes that her new movie - Pike River - can help bring justice for the Pike River families.

Robyn Malcolm is furious over Pike River inaction, and the lack of accountability. She hopes her new movie, Pike River, can help bring justice for the Pike River families.

Dr Iona Weir is the brains behind Myregyna - a natural, non-hormonal ‘female Viagra’. This groundbreaking Kiwi innovation is set to transform sex and health for post-menopausal women worldwide. Plus: Told he’d lose basic mobility without urgent surgery, Blair Waldrom speaks to Paddy Gower about the brutal costs, the system’s failings, and why he’s been forced to seek treatment in Australia.

This week, we meet cousins Sophia Malthus - a wheelchair user since a riding accident - and Indy Henman, two incredible Kiwis sharing their life, laughter and challenges in a powerful new RNZ docuseries. They introduce us to the confronting world of devotism - where some people are sexually attracted to disability itself. Then: meet Cam Reid, aka Divorced Dad 83. Love technician, unlikely online sensation, and possibly a genius (or not). Either way, you heard him here first. Plus: wind turbines - sexy or not? Donald Trump says no. Paddy says absolutely yes.

Paddy chats to Kiwi cycling sensation Laurence Pithie, the only New Zealander riding in this year’s Tour de France. From brutal crashes to bottle runs and team tactics, Laurence shares what it’s really like inside the world’s most gruelling race - and how he’s chasing a childhood dream. Also, meet “Leonardo da Pinchy” - the North Shore cat who’s stolen more than 150 items of clothing (yes, mostly undies) - and his owner, Helen, who’s doing her best to return the loot. And in How Good, Paddy relives the seven seconds of footy magic from Warriors rookie Leka Halasima – along with 11 facts about the rising star dubbed a “relaxed freak”. Positivity, chaos, cats and cycling - it’s all here.

Paddy meets Gemma Cale, whose nickname is "baby magnet". Gemma works as a call-taker at Hato Hone St John, dispatching ambulances to deliver urgent assistance. But sometimes she ends up delivering - talking parents through births when the ambulance just won't make it before baby. And Sir Ian Taylor beams in to address the furore caused by his "Dear Jacinda" letter, doubling down on his criticism of the former PM's wider record and arguing that politicians are the worst people to handle pandemic responses.

As a prime time TV host, he looked like he was living the dream. But Matt Chisholm's relationship with booze, drugs and sex workers meant there were times he didn't even want to be alive. Matt tells Paddy he's got no qualms talking to his kids about his past but says that openness will probably thwart any political ambitions! Plus, the 12-year-old chess prodigy hoping a trip to Kazakhstan is the next stop on his way to becoming a Grandmaster and the world's best player. And Paddy reflects on Sir Ian Taylor tapping into public sentiment about Dame Jacinda Ardern - and why the former PM should front at the Covid inquiry. For free 24-hour help with mental health, call or text 1737.

Paddy meets stars of the Auckland City team who made international headlines at the FIFA Club World Cup, investigates the “ridiculous” delays in Pharmac funding a groundbreaking new treatment and explains why he wants more billionaires.

It's a big week for Paddy as he chats to a key figure from his childhood. As host of After School, Olly Ohlson was a positive influence on a generation, not least for his groundbreaking use of te reo Māori and sign language on national TV. Paddy gets right up to date by meeting Gangstaa Boom and Jadee Poppop. The couple are blowing up on TikTok thanks to videos of them dancing in the streets of some of our most challenged 'hoods - all to spread positive vibes. They even got Paddy dancing! Warning: This episode contains some strong language

WARNING: This week's episode mentions mental health and suicide. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, call or text the free 1737 service, 24 hours a day. Hey everyone. Big news! We've tweaked the Paddy podcast formula, to bring you more of his thoughts on the stories he covers. And this week - with the Government announcing a suicide prevention action plan and the use of magic mushrooms as medicine - two of those stories are about positive ways to improve our mental health. First, Paddy talks to Lotto legend and latest Great Kiwi, Sonia Gray. Her latest project is a doco exploring how LSD and ketamine could (under correct clinical supervision) ease conditions like anxiety and depression. Next, Good Kiwi Jared Rogers exclusively reveals his bid to set a new Guinness World Record for the biggest ever HIIT session. (That's High Intensity Interval Training by the way.) He's got his own mental health journey to tell you about and believes exercise is essential to feeling positive. Finally, this week's How Good is a big-up for our farmers, and why townies have got almost 60 billion reasons to thank the rural economy.

Daniel Rankin has become a global sensation. Often wearing little more than an apron, and accompanied by faithful pug Fraser, his saucy, spicy and, yes, super-craveable Man Can Cook videos are attracting huge audiences on social media. He turns up the heat in the TFN studio. Plus, Paddy remembers Nyree Smith, one of the most positive Kiwis he’s ever met. And there’s another chance to listen to an emotional interview with Super Rugby star Cameron Suafoa as he battles a rare form of cancer. The Blues forward shares the strength he draws from his partner and whānau, and - to mark Men’s Health Week - urges young men to get any unusual lumps checked early.

Cameron Suafoa shares an emotional update from his hospital bed as he battles a rare form of cancer. The Blues forward opens up about facing a life-threatening illness as a professional athlete, the strength he draws from his whānau, and why he’s urging young men to get any unusual lumps checked early.

Fresh from being recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, Jude Dobson talks becoming a household name and why she cares so much about Kiwi history. 13-year-old Amelia Twiss explains why she'll cycle more than 500km to campaign for change after not getting a medal in a mountainbiking event. And Paddy argues that a new private pub in Parliament is a perk too 'bar' for our MPs.

Flynn Chisholm, AKA Fizzy Sends, is one of the best Death Divers in the world. He offers an incredible insight into this most extreme of sports - and explains exactly how he feels before a giant jump. Great Kiwi Dick Frizzell pops in to relive the moment he created one of his most famous works. And Paddy crowns Christchurch our best city.

Mental health advocate Jazz Thornton has delivered a blunt message to the Prime Minister: "Christopher Luxon, if you go ahead with this ban, you will once again be putting some of our most vulnerable rangatahi in our country at risk." Plus, Taupō finally has something more interesting than its toilets. Meet Boom Boom the dinosaur!

Hamish McKay is an iconic Kiwi sports presenter who kept us up to date on Three News for a decade. Since he left our screens nearly ten years ago, something has happened to Hamish that almost cost him his life. He reveals what occurred - and the drastic change he made as a result. Last weekend, Paddy headed down south and cycled from Queenstown to Invercargill - all to raise money for our rescue choppers. Discover why they’re such a vital service for Aotearoa. And there’s a real buzz at the moment about kava and its relaxing superpowers. Paddy sees an upside to its surge in popularity.

Broadcasting legend Hamish McKay tells Paddy about the shocking image behind his decision to lose a life-saving 50kg. The former 3News sports presenter ballooned to 135kg before getting bariatric surgery in the public system to lose the weight.

Paddy sits down with entrepreneur and systems thinker Derek Handley to uncover why so many New Zealanders have lost hope in homeownership - and why they shouldn’t. Doctors said she’d never walk again after a motocross accident. Casey Brady said, “Watch me.” Hers is a remarkable story of resilience, recovery, and how hope - backed by action - is transforming her future. Hear her message for every Kiwi facing the impossible. And how good is David Seymour’s call to take the axe to what he calls our bloated number of MPs? So good!

How good is David Seymour’s call to cut what he describes as a bloated number of MPs pocketing easy money as highly paid ministers? So good. There is so much waste at the top of government, and it's an insult to ordinary, hard-working Kiwis.

Launched today, B4-16 is a group of parents, experts and business leaders who want a ban on social media for under-16s. Mum and entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson tells Paddy why the ban is vital - and delivers a blunt message to social media bosses like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg.

When Paddy's friend and colleague Kanoa Lloyd lost her job fronting The Project on TV3, one thing she didn’t miss was the regular online abuse. She reflects on that frightening period in her life - and how realising she was a ‘mushroom’ led her down a new career path. This week’s Brainy Kiwi has been on Paddy's radar since last year, when the AI-powered ‘Pill Bot’ device he invented won the 2024 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Twelve-year-old Gabriel Anthony tells us what inspired him to come up with the potentially life-saving gadget. And Paddy has a message for Health Minister Simeon Brown on how he can - and why he should - help to ease the suffering of dying children.

Tory Whanau should be saluted for putting Wellington first and saving a no-doubt divisive and energy-sapping scrap for the mayoral race with Andrew Little.

With the harmful impacts of social media on our young people increasingly well-documented (and brutally illustrated in shows like Adolescence), Paddy meets two teens before, during and after 21 days of total smartphone deprivation. Will they survive? Twelve New Zealanders are walking around with a potentially life-saving chip implanted in their brains. These 'Cyborg Kiwis' are testing a homegrown invention that could help millions around the world with a brain-swelling disease. Paddy meets one and scans her brain. (Spoiler alert: she survives this.) Amanda Luxon - the Prime Minister’s wife - has offered one of the best takes on the polarisation of politics that Paddy has heard, revealing her to be down-to-earth, grounded, principled and thoughtful. The wonderful stories your parents have about their lives will be lost forever when they die. That’s the warning being sounded by Seamus Marten and Steven Holloway, the hosts of Between Two Beers. They tell Paddy about their solution to save those stories.

The Prime Minister’s wife has offered one of the best takes on the polarisation of politics that Paddy Gower has ever heard, revealing her to be incredibly down-to-earth, grounded, principled, and thoughtful.

He redefined British comedy with iconic TV shows like Blackadder and The Young Ones, has published 16 best-selling novels, and written smash-hit films and musicals. Now, Ben Elton is in New Zealand for a nationwide stand-up tour, and sat down for a chat with Paddy. The Pork Pie Charity Run isn’t just bringing noise and laughter to those taking part - it’s also just raised half a million dollars for KidsCan. How good is sucking up to Donald Trump? As much as he hates to admit it, Paddy says it’s actually working pretty well right now. This week’s Brainy Kiwi is Leighton Roberts from Sharesies. He says the economic chaos caused by Trump’s tariffs isn’t all bad news for New Zealanders. And finally, Paddy meets an outlaw driver who once broke the record for driving at illegal speeds across the United States.

Everyone wants to be the hero and stand up to the schoolyard bully. But right now, New Zealand is flying under Donald Trump's radar - and we need to keep our mouths shut to keep it that way.

Nu‘uali‘i Eteroa Lafaele is an incredible young New Zealander. In fact she’s officially the Young New Zealander of the Year. She has overcome cyberbullying and an industry she says isn’t ready for diversity by finding positive solutions - including the power of the block button. What she really cares about is making the world better for Kiwi, particularly her Pasifika people. And she’s doing it with a big heart, a big laugh and a big smile on her face. Now wonder she's this week's Great Kiwi. Also, Paddy asks How Good would it be if the Government did get behind moves to host the next America's Cup in Auckland. And the story of Brainy Kiwi Philipp Sültrop, Kea Aerospace and their incredible solar-powered aircraft that they hope will revolutionise flight.

Paddy doesn’t even really like yachting and doesn’t live in Auckland. But he reckons the Government’s refusal to help fund hosting the America’s Cup is lame-o and suckful, lacks vision, and is actually quite depressing.

The champion Kiwi comedian joined Paddy Gower to talk about his first new comedy tour in eight years. The Legend Returns is a playful nod to the strange new world we're living in, where artificial intelligence looms large. Darby also shows a more serious side when discussing “the war on wokeness” and the impact that the hit Netflix show Adolescence had on him. It's a fascinating listen!

The former Director-General of Health, Sir Ashley Bloomfield, had greatness thrust upon him during the pandemic, and because of what he did, he’s now not only a Sir, he’s also one of Paddy's 'Great Kiwis.' Today, he reveals his plan to fix health - and opens up about whether he would have done anything differently during Covid. Is 'This Is the Fucking News' offensive? The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand think so, and Paddy's not happy about it. Adolescence, the current Netflix blockbuster has everyone talking. It is terrifyingly good and has ignited an important debate about social media and children’s access to smartphones. And this week's 'Brainy Kiwi' is Stefan Powell. He's the CEO of Ōtautahi-based Dawn Aerospace, which is doing incredible things with rockets. Or are they planes?

Paddy Gower reckons Adolescence, the Netflix blockbuster that has everyone talking - and every parent freaking out about kids and phones - is terrifyingly good. Yes, there is amazing acting and impressive one-camera shots, but the real positive impact of the show is that it has truly stirred up the debate about social media and managing children’s access to smartphones.

Paddy is joined by legendary graphics pioneer Sir Ian Taylor, who shares a brilliantly simple solution to one of our biggest challenges: child poverty. How much of a difference can two women in a van make on the streets of Auckland? A lot. Meet "Doctor Juliet" and “Nurse Becky”, the driving forces behind a mobile clinic that's changing all sorts of lives. One of our greatest sporting icons, Chris Wood, shares some wisdom about getting older. And how good would it be if we could get rid of payWave-style charges?!?!

BONUS! The Premier League superstar is in Aotearoa to help the All Whites qualify for the World Cup. He sits down with Paddy to talk striking the form of his life, being properly famous and ending his career in New Zealand.

Our champion pole vaulter is also a climate warrior. The Olympic medallist - and, of course, Great Kiwi - visits the TFN studio to explain how rising temperatures affect her performances and her concerns for the planet. And, in probably the best good news story Paddy's ever done, we also meet walking medical miracle Chase Porter who survived several dances with death thanks to the Good Kiwis at Starship Children's Hospital and a rare medical procedure. And Paddy delivers (ho ho) his take on HelloFresh and subscription services in How Good.

Ever wondered what would happen if a 400kg live dolphin landed in your small fishing boat? Well, that’s exactly what happened to three Kiwi guys - and they share their incredible story. Today's "Great Kiwi" is, according to Paddy, the most beautiful man in New Zealand music - singer-songwriter Marlon Williams. He’s just released a song with Lorde and has a new album, tour, and documentary on the way. Gandalf is one of New Zealand’s "Green Fairies" - people who help sick people find relief through medical cannabis. Now facing police charges, Gandalf’s story has taken a turn, but Paddy shares how this unlikely figure changed his life. And finally, we meet some classic bogans who have proudly declared Upper Hutt as New Zealand’s most bogan town.

How good is Mike Hosking? Really, really good. His brilliant recent interview with the Prime Minister has done all of us a massive favour. Like so many others, Hosking has clearly had a gutsful of Christopher Luxon’s corporate speak. And he told him so. The Newstalk ZB host was simply trying to get a straightforward answer from the PM: Would he have sacked Andrew Bayly as a minister if Bayly hadn’t quit? Instead of a simple “yes” or “no,” the Prime Minister rambled on with a grab-bag of corporate clichés that simply didn’t make any sense. Luxon was delivering world-class waffle, and it took world-class interviewing from Hosking to decipher it.

Hamish Kerr is no stranger to winning. At the Paris 2024 Games, he made history by becoming the first Kiwi to win an Olympic gold medal in high jump. Now, he has just been named this year's Halberg Sportsman of the Year. He talks to Paddy about his drive to succeed, the people supporting him behind the scenes, and his ambitious next goal. How do you get over 20 million views on YouTube in a week? Two boys from Lower Hutt share their incredible story. Paddy continues his fight to make specialised paediatric palliative care accessible to all Kiwi kids who need it. Graeme Swan, who lost his son James, shares his heartbreaking journey and the struggles of navigating it without proper support. And legendary Hollywood director James Cameron has some great advice for Kiwis.

The acclaimed filmmaker talks to Paddy Gower about why he loves New Zealand - Wellington in particular - so much that he is becoming a citizen. He also shares his concerns about Donald Trump's America, and tells us why he thinks the next Avatar film could be the best yet.

Ian McCrae was diagnosed with a brain tumour more than three years ago. Now, the self-proclaimed data geek plans to act as a guinea pig, making his personal health journey and data publicly available to showcase how his new 'health data supermodel' product, can drive better healthcare outcomes. Piri Weepu is a judge in the Manu World Champs. His nephew and niece are competing in the competition and take time out to show Paddy how to pop a proper one. And, why the Prime Minister must ‘man up’ and ensure Destiny Church, along with other churches, pays tax.

We've got some extra-good Kiwis this week: a doctor and nurse helping terminally ill youngsters live their final days with dignity. They're incredible medics but their centre relies on private funding and is on the verge of closure. That's not good at all. The Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix is returning to Auckland Domain. We meet one of the teams and take their trolley for a hoon. And remember Erice van Leuven, the world champion mountainbiker we featured two weeks ago? She suffered a shopping list of serious injuries in a horrific crash at the "world’s gnarliest race" in Tasmania. But she's already walking and determind to race there again. Erice joins us from her hospital bed for an exclusive chat.

American tech entrepreneur Randy Reddig co-founded payment system Square. He says New Zealand is a hub for innovation and is keen to invest more in Aotearoa. He and his wife have been building a life here for 15 years and want to become Kiwi citizens. But, he says, there's a barrier stopping others like him from following suit. Waitangi Day is here so here’s an idea: how good would it be if we all just said, Happy Waitangi Day? We discover why te reo rockers Alien Weaponry reckon David Seymour is a "boofhead". And how New Zealand can capitalise on Donald Trump's trade war chaos.

Comedian Eli Matthewson and broadcaster Mike Puru are great Kiwis. They also happen to be gay, and share their experiences of "coming out". 18 year old Wellingtonian Erice Van Leuven is the Junior World Champ in Downhill Mountainbiking. In fact she’s won it twice in a row. What a legend. The Fast and the Curious. We meet New Zealand's newest sprinting sensation Tiaan Whelpton. And is it time to rewrite David Seymour's Treaty Bill? Two words for you: Chris Wood...

Honorary "Great Kiwi" Jimmy Barnes reveals how he could have been killed at a New Zealand gig. Why the ferry skipper who busted through a Sail GP practice in Auckland should get a pay rise. A young Kiwi is making a social media name for himself in Uganda of all places. And one of New Zealand's greatest sporting nemeses turns out to be actually pretty likeable.

TFN will be back in early 2025 with many more stories about our wonderful country and the amazing people in it. To keep you going over the holiday season, we're sharing this very special recording of Paddy's live show at SkyCity in late November. There are laughs, lessons and lots of f**** given. In the second and final part , Paddy explains why he changed his mind about weed and how he gave up booze, before leading the audience in a rousing song. *** If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone about drugs and alcohol, there are lots of places that can help. They include Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 229 6757 and the Alcohol & Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797. ***

TFN will be back in early 2025 with many more stories about our wonderful country and the amazing people in it. To keep you going over the holiday season, we're sharing this very special recording of Paddy's live show at SkyCity in late November. There are laughs, lessons and lots of f**** given. In part 1, Paddy explains how TFN got its name and recalls intriguing encounters with Winston Peters and Donald Trump.

Six60 frontman Matiu Walters opens up about how fatherhood has changed him as a performer. The Starship nurses' competition to keep their kids happy at Christmas. Paddy drives New Zealand's first fully electric tractor on a diesel-free farm and, in a career first, asks exactly how good is Winston Peters.

All Black legend and current Auckland FC boss Ali Williams tells Paddy why football could become bigger than rugby in New Zealand. Big-ups for Australia's ban on social media for kids. A stutterer explains how to treat stutterers with respect. And Paddy finds out how to run a house with no bills. ### Paddy's tour of Aotearoa New Zealand with a LIVE SHOW bringing the TFN positivity to your town ends this week. He'll share yarns from his book, find a local Good Kiwi and he's keen to meet you. For tickets go to paddygower.co.nz

Bella Kalolo-Suraj, the TV Personality of the Year, calls out fat-shaming in New Zealand. Paddy comes face to face with the tattoo of himself on an Invercargill man's arm - and adds his signature to it. How Dan Carter got a ride in a self-driving car being developed by one of our brainiest Kiwis. And the dreams of young Kiwis with learning disabilities. ### Paddy is touring Aotearoa New Zealand this November and December with a LIVE SHOW, bringing the TFN positivity to your town. He'll share yarns from his book, find a local Good Kiwi and he's keen to meet you. For tickets go to paddygower.co.nz

It's a super-special episode of TFN as Paddy goes wild on the pristine Rakiura-Stewart Island. His odyssey includes a hunt for two of our most iconic native species, the kiwi and the blue cod. But things don't go entirely to plan. Paddy also visits the southernmost cafe in Aotearoa for his morning flat white and meets the Brainy Kiwis who run it after swapping the mainland for island life. ### Paddy is touring Aotearoa New Zealand this November and December with a LIVE SHOW, bringing the TFN positivity to your town. He'll share yarns from his book, find a local Good Kiwi, and he's keen to meet you. For tickets go to paddygower.co.nz

He's the 22-year-old Kiwi who's been causing quite the stir since returning to Formula One in the latter part of this year. Liam Lawson is fighting for a permanent seat in next year's championship, and has been single-minded in his approach to making this happen. In his short time back in the top flight he has won points at two Grands Prix, developed an ongoing feud with a driver in the senior Red Bull team (including pulling the finger at him) and called the McLaren team's choice of national anthem “complete bull****.” Now he sits down for an extended, revealing chat with Paddy to talk goals, heroes, being fast and driving a manual. Paddy is touring Aotearoa New Zealand this November and December with a LIVE SHOW, bringing the TFN positivity to your town. He'll share yarns from his book, find a local Good Kiwi, and he's keen to meet you. For tickets go to paddygower.co.nz