Episodes
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Suzanne Paul - TV icon
From dominating Kiwi TV screens as our undisputed "Infomercial Queen" to winning Dancing with the Stars, Suzanne has lived a life of remarkable chapters. She’s been a multimillionaire, faced public bankruptcy, and rebuilt her life with unwavering positivity and grit. Now, she’s sharing the life...
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Bella Kalolo-Suraj - Singer & Shortland St actor
Known to many as the award-winning NZ TV Awards Television Personality of the Year and the beloved, straight-shooting nurse Selina To'a on Shortland Street, Bella is also one of Aotearoa’s most soulful, powerhouse musical voices. From sharing the stage with international legends to capturing Kiwi...
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Shane Bond - Cricketing Legend
He was the man who put the "pace" in New Zealand paceman. At his peak, Shane Bond was terrifyingly fast, clocking a blistering 156.4 km/h at the 2003 World Cup and dismantling the world’s best batsmen. Widely regarded as our greatest fast bowler since Sir Richard Hadlee, Shane’s career was a...
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Sir Graeme Dingle - Adventurer and Youth Advocate
Before scaling the world's most unforgiving peaks—from Antarctica to the Andes and the Himalayas—Sir Graeme was a "painfully shy" child growing up in Gisborne who was afraid of everything. His life transformed when he discovered the outdoors, leading to historic feats like the first-ever winter...
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Shane Jones - Deputy Leader of New Zealand First
This Sunday on Real Life with John Cowan, anything goes as we welcome one of New Zealand's most authentic, straight-talking leaders: Hon Shane Jones. The New Zealand First Deputy Leader is joining John for a completely live and unscripted conversation. Known for his common-sense values, love for...
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Ganesh Raj - Food Educator and TV host
Known to Kiwi audiences as the co-host of TVNZ’s Eat Well for Less NZ and Cooks on Fire, Ganesh brings a wealth of energy, humor, and heart to everything he does. Join us as he opens up about his journey, his passion for empowering people through food, and the values that drive him.
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Dr Nicola Fox - NASA's Head of Science
This week on Real Life, John Cowan sits down with one of the most powerful minds in space exploration: NASA’s Head of Science, Dr Nicola Fox. As the Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Dr Fox oversees a massive portfolio of roughly 100 interstellar missions. From...
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David Seymour - ACT Party leader
Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the ACT Party, David Seymour was first elected to Parliament as the MP for Epsom in 2014. He also holds Associate Minister portfolios across Education, Health, Finance, and Justice. Raised in Whangārei with a background in engineering and philosophy, David…
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Chris Hipkins - Labour Party Leader
Chris serves as the Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition. Born in the Hutt Valley, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminology at Victoria University of Wellington. Before entering politics, he worked as a policy advisor for the Industry...
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Sam Scott - Founder of Massive Theatre Company
Samantha is a powerhouse of New Zealand arts and culture, whose work has shaped the careers of generations of Kiwi performers. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the legendary Massive Theatre Company—which originally kicked off in 1991 as the Maidment Youth Theatre. For over three…
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Graci Kim - Author
Graci Kim is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans series, and her new #1 bestselling Slinger series. Her books are published around the world, have been translated into multiple languages, and have been optioned for film and television. Inspired by Korean...
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Sarah O'Neil - Gardener
Sarah is an award-winning blogger and professional gardening writer based in Waiuku. She is the author of the bestselling gardening books such as, The Good Life: Four Seasons in my Country Garden, branded by Yates and published by Harper Collins in 2013. Also author of Play in the Garden…
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Hon Marama Davidson - Co-leader of the Green Party
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 before settling in Whirinaki in Hokianga, where she developed a strong connection to her Māori heritage. Of Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa,...
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Graeme Cairns - Former McGillicuddy Serious Party leader
Former McGillicuddy Serious leader Graeme Cairns now divides his time between penny farthings, medical training and street theatre, and his latest endeavour, "doing pennants," features a bicycle-powered sewing machine. Graeme founded the McGillicuddy Serious Party - to contest the 1984 election...
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Angus Gillies - Author and TV Producer
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, and has written biographies of Matthew Ridge, Adam Parore, Justin Marshall and John Rowles.
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From the Archives: The late Sir Sam Neill in 2016 on his childhood stutter, winemaking, and mentors
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 with John Cowan on Newstalk ZB after the release of the iconic Kiwi film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Neill spoke to Cowan about...
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Paul Froggatt - two Michelin Star chef
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 in the country's first ever Michelin Guide. Paul has also enjoyed stints at legendary two Michelin star hubs in Singapore and Hong Kong...
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Matthais Balzat - Cellist for NZTrio
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 degree at the University of Waikato at just seventeen. His career has taken him across Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and...
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Bev Priestman - Head Coach of the Wellington Phoenix Women
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 to the A-League final, Bev’s story is one of ultimate highs and intense resilience. Tune in to hear a raw and inspiring look at her...
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Joy Reid - Co-founder of One Mother To Another and former journalist
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 based in London, she made history as the first mother appointed to the role, covering major global events across nearly 20...
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Manu Vatuvei - Rugby League Legend
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. But beyond the staggering stats, the massive hits, and the unforgettable tries, what has always made Manu a crowd favourite is his...
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Pene Pati - Tenor
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 notes, and an infectious, warm charisma that disarms audiences the moment he steps under the lights. Whether he’s starring in the...
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Matt Watson
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 his television career with high-octane viral stunts—like his infamous helicopter-to-marlin jump that landed him on David...
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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 Jonathan Crayford. Over her 20-year career, she has built a reputation for versatility, moving seamlessly between grit and grace....
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Tāme Iti - Artist and Activist
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 Ngā Tamatoa to the controversial Urewera raids, Tāme has spent his life challenging New Zealand to reckon with its colonial past. Once...
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Brad Thorn - Rugby Legend
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 the Brisbane Broncos, winning four NRL titles and representing Queensland in State of Origin, before switching to Rugby Union. There…
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Ron Crosby - Historian
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 experience as a bush explorer to inform his historical research. His work is noted for its deep focus on te ao Māori and military...
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Vanessa Weenink - MP for Banks Peninsula
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 and is Deputy-Chair of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee. Born in Blenheim and growing up in...
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Barbara Dreaver - TVNZ Pacific Correspondent
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 of experience and deep cultural understanding, she has reported from across the region with integrity, compassion, and courage. A...
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TJ Grant - New CEO of World Vision NZ
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 in the sector, TJ previously served as the organization’s Associate National Director and currently chairs the New Zealand Council…
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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 ate rotting zebra flesh, a yak’s eyeball and a live snake; fashioned a sleeping bag out of a camel’s carcass; and swam naked…
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Paul Ego - Comedian
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.
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Aled Jones - Singer and Broadcaster
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 cherished as one of the most accomplished boy sopranos globally, captivating the world from his debut at 12 years old in Handel's…
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Matiu Walters - Musician
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 rules to become New Zealand’s biggest band. In 2019, they became the first New Zealand act to sell out Western Springs Stadium and in...
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Niki Harré - Professor
Niki Harré is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland. She writes, researches and teaches about values-based practice, environmental sustainability, the future of universities and living well together on our shared planet. Her new book is titled The Calling
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Josie Pagani - CEO of Child Fund NZ
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. Her column appears fortnightly in The Post and on Stuff, and she was a finalist for Best Columnist at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards....
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Greg Fleming - National MP for Maungakiekie
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. In March 2024, the members’ bill in his name, the Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, was drawn from the...
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Liz Stokes - Lead singer of The Beths
Liz Stokes is an Auckland-based songwriter and frontwoman of acclaimed indie rock band The Beths, known for her sharp lyrics, emotional honesty, and irresistibly punchy melodies. Across the band’s internationally celebrated albums — including Future Me Hates Me, Jump Rope Gazers, Expert in a…
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Rev Dr Patricia Allan ONZM
Patricia is a writer, anthropologist, and lifelong observer of faith, family, and belonging. Ordained ministry, grandparenthood, widowhood, and a remarkable return to university in later life have all shaped her unique perspective. After retiring from parish leadership, Patricia enrolled as a...
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Anna Willcox - Olympian and TV Presenter
Anna is a New Zealand and Swedish freestyle skier and reporter for TV Show The Crowd Goes Wild. She began skiing with her family at the age of four but it wasn’t until she finished school and began dedicating full seasons to the sport that she discovered her passion for slopestyle skiing. She...
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Sophie Gray - Cook
Sophie Gray is the face and inspiration behind "destitute gourmet", the ‘dg’ cookery series and is a popular speaker, teacher, and regular contributor to Food and Taste magazines. She leads an international community of followers through her active Destitute-Gourmet Facebook page, as well as...
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Nadia Reid - Musician
Nadia Reid is a New Zealand singer-songwriter whose fourth album, Enter Now Brightness, marks a clear evolution in her decade-long career. Following the release of Out of My Province in 2020 and the disruptions of the pandemic Reid adjusted her creative approach, taking more time in the studio…
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Heather Verry - CEO of Diabetes NZ
Heather has been at the helm of Diabetes NZ since 2017. She has a strong background in not-for-profit organisations. Since working at Diabetes NZ she has completed a full national unification of the organisation, driving positive change and engagement around the country. Heather has the…
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Qiulae Wong - Leader of The Opportunity Party
Qiulae has built her career on pursuing better ways to do business and now brings that drive to politics. Raised in One Tree Hill, Auckland, she studied law and politics before working in human rights and ethical business with Be.Accessible. Her time in London included roles with the Ethical...
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Jon Duffy - Consumer NZ Chief Executive
Jon became CEO of Consumer NZ in 2020. Jon has enjoyed a varied career in the consumer protection field, including roles as Assistant Privacy Commissioner, Head of Trust & Safety at online marketplace Trade Me and as a Senior Investigator at New Zealand’s competition authority, the Commerce...
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Sonya Wilson - Author and ex-TVNZ presenter
Sonya is a former TV reporter who became a writer, charity founder, and author. After more than 20 years in broadcast journalism — reporting and presenting for programmes such as One News, Breakfast, 20/20, and Sunday — she completed a Master of Creative Writing at the University of Auckland.…
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Sophie Barker - Mayor of Dunedin
Sophie has been elected Mayor of Dunedin, becoming only the second woman to hold the role in the city’s history. An incumbent councillor, Barker secured 16,001 votes, finishing 726 votes ahead of runner-up Andrew Simms in the preliminary results. In her post-election message, Barker expressed...
About this show
John Cowan hosts ‘Real Life’, a weekly nationwide chat show on Newstalk ZB featuring a different high-profile guest every week. John talks with them about their life, their upbringing, their passions and their view of the world.
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