Stand Up Again

How does a barefoot Kiwi kid become the entrepreneur behind some of New Zealand's biggest business success stories? In this inspiring episode of *Stand Up Again*, Sophie and Nick Rado sit down with Grant Baker—the businessman behind 42 Below Vodka, Turners Auctions, Ecoya and other multimillion-dollar ventures. Grant shares how humble beginnings, relentless ambition and a willingness to take calculated risks helped him build billion-dollar businesses. But behind the Ferraris and headline-making deals are stories of crushing financial pressure, leadership under fire, a battle with cancer, and the mindset that kept him moving forward.Packed with practical insights on entrepreneurship, investing, resilience, leadership and business growth, this is an unmissable conversation for anyone chasing big goals or navigating life's toughest setbacks.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From convicted murderer to internationally respected psychologist, resilience expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Dr Paul Wood shares one of New Zealand's most extraordinary stories of redemption.In this powerful episode of Stand Up Again, Dr Paul takes Sophie and Nick back to his troubled childhood, the devastating loss of his mother, addiction, gang culture, and the choices that led to spending more than a decade in some of New Zealand's toughest prisons.But this isn't just a story about prison. It's a conversation about ownership, identity, resilience, and the remarkable power of education to transform a life. Paul explains how shifting from a victim mindset to one of personal responsibility became the foundation for rebuilding his future. While in prison, he earned an undergraduate degree and a Master's degree, and began his PhD before completing it after his release.Today, he is an internationally recognised resilience expert, keynote speaker, and author, working with major brands and global organisations to help individuals and teams build resilience, unlock potential, and perform at their best.A deeply honest and inspiring conversation about hope, healing, second chances, and what it truly means to stand up again.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to turn adversity into an extraordinary life?In this powerful episode of Stand Up Again, Sophie and Nick Rado are joined by internationally acclaimed comedian, actor and impressionist Craig Gass. Known for Family Guy, Sex and the City, King of Queens and The Howard Stern Show, Craig shares the remarkable story behind his success.Growing up as the only hearing person in a deaf family, Craig learned to speak by watching television, an experience that became the foundation of his world-class celebrity impressions. But behind the laughter was a long battle with drug and alcohol addiction, a heart attack at 32, relapse, and the difficult road to lasting sobriety.Packed with hilarious impressions, behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood, and honest conversations about resilience, recovery and purpose, Craig reveals how he rebuilt his life and career after addiction.This is an inspiring episode about perseverance, second chances, and finding the courage to stand up again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Bonivon Dyer spent 13 years bringing her fantasy series The Blood Maker Fables to life. What began as a vivid dream became a long creative journey marked by harsh criticism, self-doubt, and moments when she nearly walked away from writing entirely.In this episode, Bonivon shares the emotional toll of rejection and the grief of questioning a lifelong calling. A conversation about perseverance, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.This is a Frank podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior Constable Bryan Ward is one of New Zealand’s most respected police officers. A Queen’s Service Medal recipient and co-creator of the children’s series Bryan and Bobby, he has spent nearly three decades serving communities nationwide.But his life of service began with heartbreak. At 24, Bryan was blindsided by the end of a five-year relationship that left him shattered and directionless. A simple piece of advice from an All Blacks doctor reframed his pain: when you face a setback, step back and get better.Bryan chose discipline over despair, joined the police, and built a life defined by compassion and resilience.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Matilda Green, we explore her passionate advocacy for the B416 (Before 16) movement and the growing health crisis of device addiction.Matilda shares her own family's struggles with screen time, why social media platforms are designed to keep us hooked, and the alarming research linking excessive screen use to declining brain development and the emerging phenomenon of digital dementia. Together, we discuss the impact on children, parents and society, from dopamine-driven behaviours and online harms to the challenge of raising resilient kids in a digital world. This thought-provoking episode is a call for awareness, healthier boundaries, and collective action to protect the next generation.This is a Frank Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matilda Green became a household name after finding love on The Bachelor, transforming from a media sales professional into one of New Zealand's most recognizable content creators, broadcasters, and advocates.But behind the public success came unexpected challenges. Overnight fame, online scrutiny, the pressures of social media, and the constant juggle of career ambition, marriage, and raising three young children forced Matilda to confront what really matters.In this episode, Matilda opens up about mum guilt, balancing opportunity with family, and the lessons she's learned about boundaries, authenticity, and letting go of perfection. It's a powerful conversation about accepting life's seasons and finding peace in the choices we make. This is a Frank Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria Masters’ life is not defined by what happened to her, but by what she chose to do next. A survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse and human trafficking in New Zealand, Gloria spent years carrying the weight of silence, shame, and trauma.But her story doesn’t end there.In this episode, Gloria shares the moment she decided to come forward, confronting both her past and a system that often fails survivors. Through courage and relentless advocacy, she has become a powerful voice for change, helping to reshape laws and support systems for others.Gloria reflects on the complexity of healing, the ongoing work, the setbacks, and the strength it takes to keep going. Her journey is not about overcoming and moving on, but about reclaiming power, finding purpose, and using her voice to create impact.A deeply moving conversation about survival, justice, and the strength it takes to stand up again.This is a Frank Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Richardson’s career has unfolded across three distinct chapters, from representing the Black Caps, to becoming a mainstay in New Zealand broadcasting for over two decades, to now stepping into the world of financial advising.But the transitions weren’t seamless. Behind the profile and perceived success were moments of burnout, pressure, and professional setbacks, none more impactful than his departure from The AM Show, which forced him to confront identity beyond the screen.In this episode, Mark reflects on what it takes to pivot not once, but multiple times, and the resilience required to rebuild in the public eye. From embracing discomfort to retraining later in life, he shares a grounded perspective on letting go of what was and backing yourself to begin again, even when everyone thinks they already know your story.This is a Frank Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shara Lee Porter's son went missing and after national media attention and an 11 day community search he was found dead. How does someone stand up after losing their childThis is a Frank Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Minogue’s career appears to be a steady ascent — from What We Do in the Shadows to Wellington Paranormal and national radio success. But behind the perceived highs were terrifying improv auditions, self-doubt, and years of chasing opportunities that could disappear overnight.In this episode, Mike reveals the devastating moment he was fired from a long-awaited project only five days before filming. What felt like a crushing rejection became the turning point that reshaped his mindset. Instead of waiting for permission from others, he chose to create his own work, back himself, and live by a simple rule: if it scares you, do it.A candid and deeply honest conversation about failure, resilience, and refusing to be average.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen McMillan is a 25-book international bestselling author — but behind her success is a story of profound loss and resilience. After caring for both parents through cancer and navigating clinical depression, Karen later faced her own diagnosis and the shock of redundancy.In this episode, she reflects on grief, faith, survival, and the leap into full-time writing that reshaped her future.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hayley Holt’s career spans elite ballroom dancing, competitive snowboarding, and becoming one of New Zealand’s most recognisable TV presenters.But behind the highlights is a story of resilience shaped by sacrifice, public failure, and profound personal loss. In this episode, Hayley opens up about the realities of starting over, from stepping away from high-performance careers to navigating grief after losing her baby Frankie. She reflects on the conscious choice to move forward not by erasing the past, but by carrying it differently and redefining success on her own terms. From setting boundaries to embracing vulnerability and stepping into a new chapter of motherhood, Hayley shares the mindset that helped her rebuild.An honest conversation about identity, healing, and finding strength in life’s “golden cracks.”This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Daymond is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable young comedians. From becoming the youngest comedian to sell out SkyCity to building a massive online following and starring in a Comedy Central sitcom, his rise has been fast and undeniable.But Joe’s path began far from the spotlight. Raised in a working-class community where nothing was handed to you, he learned early to fight for opportunity. After walking away from a corporate career that left him feeling out of place, Joe took a risk on stand-up. One moment of belief after his first gig changed everything.In this episode, Joe reflects on rejection, backing himself when others didn’t, and turning underdog energy into fuel.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pax Assadi’s career appears steady and successful — television roles, sold-out shows, and a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most versatile performers.But behind the momentum was doubt. After early success stalled and family responsibility grew, Pax stepped away from comedy to retrain for a new career, choosing stability over uncertainty.In this episode, Pax reflects on the tension between responsibility and passion, and the moment he realised creativity was essential to who he is. A story about stepping back, starting again, and listening to the quiet truth inside you.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leigh Hart’s career looks like a string of cult hits : Moon TV, SportsCafe, Late Night Big Breakfast, and the wildly successful Wakachangi beer and SnackaChangi snack empire.But behind the perceived highs is a story of never quite belonging. From a childhood spent overseas to feeling like an outsider at boarding school, Leigh learned early to rely on his own instincts rather than fitting the mould.In this episode, Leigh reflects on the years of unnoticed work that led to his success, the pressure of public expectation, and the importance of “not dying wondering.” From taking creative risks to building businesses by accident, his path has been anything but conventional.A candid, offbeat conversation about trusting your gut, embracing failure, and creating your own lane when you don’t fit the system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Stewart had everything that looked like success: a senior corporate role, financial security, and a life others admired. But beneath the surface, she was battling burnout and a growing sense that her life no longer fit.When a physical injury forced her to stop, Jess was confronted with what she calls “soul suffocation.” It became the moment she could no longer ignore.In this episode, Jess shares the courage it took to unravel the life she had built and rebuild one aligned with who she truly is. A powerful conversation about burnout, bravery, and redefining success.This is a Frank Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.