Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

Watching my son play rugby recently brought to light the concerning decline of the sport in Aotearoa and the impact it has on player health. I was privileged to interview former All Black prop Carl Hayman, who shares his struggles with early onset dementia as a result of his rugby career. Together, we delve into the evolution of rugby over the past 25 years, from the emergence of professional rugby in 1995 to its current state, and discuss the decline in participation at the grassroots level as elite players become bigger, faster, and stronger. In this thought-provoking conversation, we also consider rugby's impact on mental health and the need for better support systems for players dealing with head injuries. We touch on the tragic story of Bruce Robinson, a great All-Black who died of dementia, likely due to head injuries sustained during his playing days. Carl's experiences with memory loss and the toll rugby has taken on him paint a vivid picture of the consequences of the game's physicality. Lastly, we explore the potential future of rugby in Aotearoa, discussing the implications of open grade rugby and the possibility of short, dynamic competitions. Questions arise about the necessity for the sport to be played 10 months of the year and the potential influence of television on the game's survival. It's an emotional conversation with Carl Hayman as we grapple with the hard truths about rugby's impact on player health and the sport's uncertain future. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:10) - Rugby's Impact on Player Health(0:11:40) - Rugby Decline, Carl Heyman's Health(0:16:31) - Rugby and Brain Health(0:26:15) - Rugby's Impact on Mental Health(0:33:26) - Rugby and Letters to the Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 'The Week That Was' Duncan is joined by media and political commentator Trish Sherson and Mediaworks News Chief, Grace Cocker. On the menu today: Gang violence in Ōpōtiki - Do police have the power they need? The recession we had to have? The up's and downs of NZ politics And selling Aotearoa to the world Plus I announce another 'Wanker of the Week'! --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:10) - Recession, Gangs, and Personal Struggles(0:10:05) - Gang Violence and Political Response(0:18:43) - Election Strategy and Political Parties(0:25:34) - New Zealand Politics and Economy(0:32:54) - Inflation and Rising Prices(0:43:30) - Duncan Garner's Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, we tackle New Zealand's dirty little secret: our throwaway bottle problem. With a shocking 2.57 billion single-use drinks bought last year and only 800,000 recycled, we discuss the lack of incentives to recycle and the government's slow progress in implementing a nationwide bottle recycling plant. Listen in as we also explore the water bottling process and how we're getting ripped off by big companies, and ponder why we don't set up our own water bottling plant and export it to the world. Additionally, we're joined by the talented Antonia Prebble to discuss her new comedy project and her experience raising her two children in a slower-paced lifestyle. Antonia shares her thoughts on the challenges of creating drama compared to reality TV and the joy of working on Double Parked, a show about a lesbian couple trying to get pregnant. We chat about how the show breaks boundaries by having lesbian characters as the central focus without making their sexuality a point of the story, and how it reflects the reality of the situation. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:10) - New Zealand's Recycling Crisis(0:07:32) - Recycling and Work-Family Balance in NZ(0:19:44) - New Zealand TV and Double Parked with Antonia Prebble(0:31:46) - Duncans Mum! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it that wheelchair users face outrageous extra charges to attend live rugby games? As a society, why do we remain silent about such discrimination? Join us as we get to the heart of this issue with Paralympic athlete and Disabled Rights Advocate, Barney Koneferenisi. In this eye-opening conversation, Barney shares his insights on the discrimination faced by disabled individuals and the challenges they go through in day-to-day life. We also explore reasons why someone might consider leaving New Zealand, such as the pay gap, but learn why our very own Duncan Garner ultimately decided to stay and forge ahead as a podcaster. Have you ever thought about setting up a rideshare service for the disabled community? That's exactly what Barney had in mind when he noticed the lack of accessible transportation options for disabled individuals. In this episode, we discuss his findings after surveying 200 disabled individuals and the difficulties they face, such as Uber turning them down and service animals being refused by drivers. Barney speaks about the estimated $180,000 cost for developing an app for this purpose, and the challenges of finding a van service that can accommodate wheelchairs. Finally, we tackle the world of fundraising for disabled individuals and the importance of corporate awareness of disabled accessibility. We discuss the NBI Rich List and how corporate individuals often exploit the disabled community for their own business promotion. Additionally, we address the extra costs imposed on disabled individuals when attending live events, and the issue of disabled car parks being occupied by those who aren't actually disabled. Don't miss this important conversation with Barney Koneferenisi that sheds light on the struggles faced by the disabled community daily. (0:00:10) - Considering Moving to Australia? (0:08:53) - Disability Ride Share App (0:16:53) - Fundraising and Disability Discrimination (0:22:35) - Safer Taxi Rides for Vulnerable (0:30:30) - Editor's Mum Takes Charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Downs is eternally optimistic. He currently heads up New Zealand Story, a government agency introduced to market a feelgood Kiwi story to the world. David was also told a few years ago that he had one year to live. He refused to give in, and after being thrown a hail mary pass by a random American stranger, he beat cancer. David joined me in studio for a brilliant conversation about what makes New Zealand, and Kiwi's, so bloody great, and why he wants the world to know about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we have an emotional and eye-opening conversation with David White, who shares his heart-wrenching story of loss, forgiveness, and his fight against family violence. We discuss the challenges of parenting through trauma and the importance of truly listening to children. Listen in as David opens up about his experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. We also explore the current state of prison rehabilitation and domestic violence strategy in New Zealand, and the frustrating lack of tangible results from the government's efforts. We highlight the importance of community-based solutions, which emphasizes the power of people and clear objectives to improve lives. Finally, we take a moment to reflect on the achievements and the importance of those who have helped us along the way. Join us as we discuss the possibility of having Kerry Gregory and Steve Devine, two heroes of the Fire Service, together in the studio for a future episode. Don't miss this powerful and thought-provoking conversation with David White. (0:00:09) - Crime, Safety, and Intergenerational Change (0:11:20) - Preventing Family Violence (0:19:24) - Parenting Through Trauma and Forgiveness (0:31:41) - Prison, Rehabilitation, and Domestic Violence Strategy (0:37:24) - Community-Based Solutions for Social Issues (0:49:30) - Achievement and the Importance of Listening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 'The Week That Was' this week I'm joined by digital technology pioneer Sir Ian Taylor, and entrepreneur and former National Party candidate Nuwi Samarakone. On the menu today: How is the current government performing? The rise and rise of artificial intelligence. Our Honours system. And is our banking industry broken? Plus I announce another 'Wanker of the Week'.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no escaping the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence in our everyday lives. Now, thanks to a Kiwi entrepreneur, AI can tell you what movies you should be watching based on how you are feeling at the time. Ben Polkinghorne has launched www.moveme.tv in 118 countries, with a catalogue spanning all 516 streaming services. He joins me from London to tell us how and why. And it's a special birthday for a special someone today so I belt out a great rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might know Cohen Holloway from his roles in movies such as Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok and Power of the Dog. But along with Jamie McCaskill he is also part of the musical comedy group 'The Maori Sidesteps'. The group uses humour and music to tell what it is really like being a Maori in the modern world. Under the jokes and guitar strums lie some confronting messages, and I talk with Cohen and Jamie in a conversation all New Zealander's should hear. And I'm joined in studio by two very special young ladies. Who are they and what do they have to say about a certain someone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are prisoners inside our toughest prison being denied family visitations? If so, why? I talk to Shane, who is currently serving a 15 year sentence inside Paremoremo prison, while his partner Alexandra is with me in studio. What rights should and shouldn't you forfeit if you are convicted of a serious crime? And if we are serious about rehabilitating offenders, how should we treat people while they are incarcerated? This is a tough, but important conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Fishwick is quite the underdog hero. From Burnley UK he dropped out of school at the age of 16 with no qualifications. He is now a self-made millionaire, is currently the Business Doctor for the largest digital Newspaper in the world, and his story has been made into the smash hit film 'Bank of Dave'. Dave joined me in studio for what turned out to be one of the most interesting, inspiring and enjoyable interviews of my career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 'The Week That Was' this week I'm joined by community advocate and all around great guy Dave Letele, and media personality, and wedding celebrant, Erin Simpson. On the menu today: The Nate Nauer case - how much focus should be on rehabilitating offenders? Obesity and kids sport - how do we get our kids off the couch? The cost of living crisis continues to bite at the supermarket - who is being affected and how can we help? And are we doing enough when it comes to funding and promoting the arts in New Zealand? And my 'Wanker of the Week' is actually someone I'm starting to warm to. Who could it be... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cattle farmer Tony Pascoe has been in a 'David v Goliath' fight to try and stop the construction of Taranaki’s largest roading project - the controversial Mt Messenger bypass. Why has he fought so hard for so long, and just what is at stake here? I talk with an emotional Tony ahead of the release of a documentary about his struggle. And it's Producer Dave's favourite part of the week, I catch up with Mum for our regular Thursday chat. Can I work a vacuum cleaner? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I catch up with my dear 'friend' and former Today FM colleague Polly Gillespie. She has been through some tough times recently but she is back baby! And I talk to Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ chief executive Letitia Harding. Why aren't we following the likes of Australia when it comes to trying to minimise the harm vaping can cause, particularly to younger users? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How many people around New Zealand are spending hours upon hours caring for disabled loved ones at their own expense? Heather is 62yo and spends most of her life caring for her disabled sister. Yet due to red tape she struggles to get the necessary financial assistance, or recognition, from the government. She shares her heartbreaking story. And we've managed to rustle up another Duncan to talk to. That's four and counting... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brendon owns a small bar on Auckland's Dominion Road. He has been robbed twice already and fears it is simply a matter of time until it happens again, with potentially deadly consequences. Does he feel he is getting the support he needs from the authorities, and how close is he to taking the law into his own hands? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 'The Week That Was' this week I'm joined by Stuff senior journalist Andrea Vance, and speaker, performance coach and leadership strategist Belinda Thomas. We discuss Christopher Luxon, OCR rises, the passing's of Tina Turner and Rolf Harris, and just how miserable are Kiwis?! I also announce my latest 'Wanker of the Week', and this one could be a little controversial.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicola was a former gang wife whose baby toddler Moko was tragically tortured and beaten to death. The story horrified the nation and sent Nicola into some pretty dark places. But she is a fighter, and has got herself back on her feet. Here she shares with me her highs, lows and hopes for the future. And once again my Mum checks in on me. Am I the world's naughtiest 49yo son? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I catch up with my old mate Paddy Gower ahead of the premiere of his new television series 'Paddy Gower Has Issues'. He catches me by surprise with what he reveals. I'm not crying, you're crying... And speaking of crying, Sarah Page from the Kindness Collective is doing her best to help those in need. But the need is overwhelming. She tells me why she left her privileged life to help others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Locals and longtime campers are concerned about the future of an iconic South Island campground. What are they worried about and what does the local council have to say about it? And we're up to Duncan number three in my award-winning 'Beer With Duncan' series. Who is in the hot seat today... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's great New Zealander's joining me for 'The Week That Was' are former politician, deputy mayor and head of MSD Christine Rankin, and one of the all-time great All Blacks Stu Wilson. We talk The Budget, the fire service, 'near catastrophic' car chases and 81yo Sports Illustrated cover models. And being Friday of course I announce my 'Wanker Of The Week'... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tourette's Syndrome is no laughing matter, but Uncle Tics has embraced his disability and, with 4.3 million followers on social media, well and truly put it out into the public domain. He joined me for a revealing and, ah, 'colourful' conversation. *Note - this comes with a VERY strong language warning! And being a Thursday Mrs Garner pops in for a chat with her favourite son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Punk Rock icon. Spoken word poet. Actor. Author. DJ. Deep thinker. Henry Rollins has been there and done that and isn't afraid to tell us what he really thinks about it. He is far more than just a formerly-angry punk front man as I discovered in this fascinating one-on-one.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I catch up with Duncan number two in my ongoing 'I'd Love To Have Beer With Duncan' series. Not only is he another 'DG' but he also works in media. And I chat to a Wellington comedian is asking you to put your money where his feet are to raise money for those who desperately need help with their mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the weekend Brian Tamaki announced the formation of the Freedoms New Zealand Party, to be co-led by himself and Sue Grey. I sat down with Tamaki for an open and frank conversation about his political aspirations, what he perceives to be the pressing political issues at the moment and what he would do about them, and kids being taught 'self stimulation' in our schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each Friday I wrap the news week with a couple of great New Zealanders. Today I'm joined by former deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett and broadcasting legend Mikey Havoc. What a cracking chat it was... And I also announce my hotly-contested 'Wanker of the Week'. Who will it be?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I catch up with an old sparring partner... Denis O'Reilly is a life member of the Black Power. But he also claims to be a community advocate. In a frank and robust conversation Denis and I discuss the growing influence of gangs. Is he trying to stop them or promote them. And I introduce a new weekly feature where I catch up with my Mum. Will she throw me under the bus?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie Oxborough is a truly remarkable woman. Inspirational, funny, a bit potty-mouthed, and a life-changer. She has fought so hard to bring New Zealand's adoption laws kicking and screaming into the 21st century. And today, Annie's Law will be read in Parliament. It is no exaggeration to say Annie is in the process of changing peoples lives and I had the privilege of speaking with her about everything that led her to this point.. Email: [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duncangarnerpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanGarnerPodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duncangarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode I talk to legendary, inspirational survivor Sir Graham Lowe about his life, and how it nearly ended late last year. Also I kick off my new feature where I talk to another Duncan. Turns out there is more than one of us.. Email: [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duncangarnerpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanGarnerPodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duncangarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode one of my new daily podcast 'Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief'. In this episode I look back at the demise of Today FM, how it affected me and why I am now doing this podcast. I also talk to the guest I was moments away from interviewing on my last Today FM show. His name is Nick and his son was nearly abducted as he got off the school bus. It turns out he is not the only parent who has gone through something like this recently.I also open the 'Letters to the Editor's mailbag for some of your correspondence over the last wee while.Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the podcast and feel free to tell your friends about us. Email: [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duncangarnerpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanGarnerPodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duncangarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices