Extraordinary

Ep.14: A mountain of carrots. A clean energy expert discusses the pivotal role of hydrogen.

Clean energy is a very big topic. There’s also a lot of excitement (and hype) about new technologies which promise to revolutionise energy production, transportation, smart infrastructure and life in general. Hydrogen is right up there. But how much of this is real?

Ep. 13. Learning from the generous dead: the curious world of full body donation and dissection

Some of us might have thought about what we want done with our remains after we die. Burial alongside family members? Cremation, with our ashes scattered in a special place? But how many of us have considered giving our body - all of it - to science? Well, as it turns out, according to journalist and author Jackie Dent, quite a few …

Ep. 12: We’re getting older: how to tackle ageing with optimism and live well

In this episode, Dr Lucy Pollock reflects on 30+ years in geriatric medicine, emphasising the importance of understanding older patients as individuals with unique life stories. She highlights the societal challenges of ageing, the need for empowerment through information, and the misconceptions surrounding ageing and health. She advocates for honest conversations about ageing, the impact of loneliness, and the role of technology in supporting older adults. She also addresses the complexities of polypharmacy and the pressures faced by healthcare providers. Ultimately, she encourages families and older adults to engage in meaningful discussions about ageing and to prioritise well-being and autonomy.

Ep.11: The young neuroscientist helping to replace teen doom-scrolling with positive, fulfilling habits

TJ Power is an author, professional speaker and neuroscientist. He’s dedicating his life to answering our modern world’s mental health challenges, one of which will resonate with just about every parent on the planet. TJ has developed an extraordinarily clever model to help people - particularly teenagers - to replace social media “doom-scrolling” and other addictive behaviours with healthier habits which will positively impact their mental health. If you’re a parent, this will be 53 minutes very well spent.

Ep. 10: George Monbiot on oligarchs, the environment and not letting other people do your thinking for you.

If you’re one of the 81 million people who read the Guardian online each month, then chances are you’ll be familiar with the name George Monbiot. George is a regular columnist for the publication and writes hard-hitting, thought provoking pieces. In fact, “hard-hitting and thought provoking” probably sums him up very well in just a few words. In this episode we talk about oligarchs, the environment, activism and the power of community.

Ep.9: ComaDad (Part 2): Institutionally Unsafe. The episode Transport for London definitely doesn’t want you to hear.

If you thought that catching a London bus or walking the busy streets of London were relatively safe, think again. That’s because London buses have been seriously injuring and killing people - mainly pedestrians - with alarming frequency and predictability, for decades. And the fact of the matter is - these crashes are largely avoidable. In this episode we share the extraordinary work of Tom Kearney, who has uncovered some horrendous issues with London’s public bus system, described as “institutionally unsafe”.

Ep.8: ComaDad (Part 1): Two weeks in a near-death coma after being hit by a 12 tonne London bus

In Tom Kearney’s house, the 18th of December each year is “Bus Day”.  That’s the date in 2009 Tom was hit by a 12 tonne Transport for London bendy-bus (Route 73) and flung to the side of Oxford Street bleeding out from his mouth and head. Against the odds, after being in a near-death Coma for a fortnight, Tom slowly rehabilitated and recovered. In this interview he talks about the crash, what it’s like being in a coma, having a Near Death Experience (NDE), and how this all changed his life - for the better.

Ep.7: Taking silk, taking on the tobacco companies and taking a break

Catherine Callaghan is a talented, high achieving barrister who has become recognised as one of the best in her field - in a very competitive field - by becoming the 424th woman ever to "take silk" as a King's Counsel in the UK. In doing so, she has also achieved a first (for the UK). But that first is not her only one, and it won't be her last. 

Ep 6. We’re all going to die, so let’s talk about it. Also, Tony Blair.

Clare Montagu’s career - so far - has been far from conventional. Fresh out of Oxford University and London School of Economics, Clare got stuck into the world of politics, including two years working for Tony Blair when he was PM. In recent years, she’s been in the business of death and dying, most recently running a disruptive funeral business in London. So strap yourself in for an interesting conversation we should all be having … long before we need to.

Ep.5: Mai Chen: Putting a superdiversity lens on business, government and life.

Mai Chen is a super-high achieving, super productive, highly intelligent, go-getting human being with a long list of awards, achievements, publications and accolades. She arrived in New Zealand from Taiwan at an early age, and has experienced racism in many forms - even now after all these years. Her views on race, diversity and equality are strong, clear and something you should hear.

Ep.4: The friends who decided to row across the Atlantic without doing “too much research” in advance.

Giles Johnson lives in a small, idyllic village in Somerset, England. But a year ago, he was on the high seas, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, rowing from the east coast of Canada to the west coast of Ireland. It was the latest of his audacious (possibly crazy) adventures with good friend and adventure partner, Matthew Ponsonby. Hear Giles describe his extraordinary journey with Matthew.

Ep.3: His life in books: the classic, epic, real life adventure of Red Széll.

As a young man, Red Széll got some news - very badly delivered - which instantly changed the course of his life. Find out what he did next (hint: as a young man, he didn’t react well), how his life has ultimately panned out, how he broke a climbing record, and what he is doing to help others who might face a journey in some way like his.

Ep.2: From grisly crime scenes to fields of honey bees: the professor of forensic science bringing great minds together to solve big problems.

In this episode, we talk with Professor Ruth Morgan about the world of forensic science, a field which has seen incredible advancement in recent years, and what this means for crime scenes . She also talks to us in detail about a project she’s spearheading to bring together experts from a broad range of disciplines and fields, to work on some of the world’s most important issues.

Ep.1: A lifetime of climate change science: “I feel positive about the future; it’s important to keep doing things”

Dr Jim Salinger is regarded as one of the most important figures in climate change science worldwide. He has devoted his life to measuring, analysing and communicating about climate change. In 2007 he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize (shared with a group of scientists and also former Vice President Al Gore). In 2024, he was named New Zealander of the Year. Here is his extraordinary story.