The Dom Harvey Podcast

Heather McCrae has been the principal of Auckland’s Diocesan School for Girls for the past 17 years.

In this episode we talk about what really goes on inside elite private schools, how teenage girls are coping with phones and social media, the pressure of leading through crises like COVID and the floods, and what she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and raising strong young women.

We also talk about her childhood on a Wairarapa farm, her unexpected journey from organic chemist to educator, the importance of values and ethics in education - and why...

In this deeply honest, warts n all conversation, former All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting opens about a life that’s been full of extreme highs and devastating lows.

Once known as one of New Zealand’s most gifted footballers, Michael’s career took him around the world, including nearly a decade playing professionally in South Africa.

But behind the success was chaos: alcoholism, a near-fatal car crash that left him with a broken neck, and later, a heart attack that left him clinically dead for 29 minutes. 

Then there is the scandal in his romanti...

Bernice Mene is publicity-shy so this podcast appearance is a rare one (and a huge honor)

From captaining the Silver Ferns in her early twenties to raising three kids with her husband, former Black Caps captain Dion Nash, Bernice has spent a lifetime leading with purpose, empathy, and calm strength.

In this episode, we cover everything from her childhood in a powerhouse sporting family to the highs and lows of international netball, including what it was like debuting for New Zealand as a teenager, the crushing heartbreak of losing the 1999 World Champs final...

Scott Donaldson is the first person to kayak solo across the Tasman Sea- a 2,200km journey from Australia to New Zealand that took 62 days at sea.

After two failed attempts, countless setbacks, and years of preparation, Scott finally achieved his goal in 2018.

Scott’s accomplishment is a huge physical feat, but his journey is also an exploration of the mind, of what it means to push human limits, and of how resilience can be both born and built.

Strap yourself in because this podcast is one hell of a ride!

Frano Botica is known as one of the greatest goal kickers of all time. He wore four black jerseys (All Blacks, Kiwis, Māori All Blacks, Sevens). 

He became a hero in Wigan as the fastest player to 1,000 points and helped launch the Warriors’ debut NRL season.

Then when the cheering stopped, he had to reinvent himself.

This podcast conversation is a small part of the Frano Botica story:

+ What it was like spending most of his All-Black career in the shadow of Grant Fox.

+ Some jaw-dropping stori...

Willie Jackson is one of the most outspoken and fascinating figures in New Zealand politics.

From freezing works to nightclub bouncer to broadcasting to politics, Willie has done it all. And it’s been a life defined by advocacy, resilience, and a refusal to be silenced.

In this conversation, I bring in 13-year-old Henry Blakeman in to cover some political stuff.

Then we get deeply personal:

+ Willie opens-up about his mum’s journey from cleaner to Dame.

+ What it’s really like working with Winston Peters, David Seymour...

On the 30th of September 2025, Nigel Latta passed away. He was only 58.

The week before, he went to see his oncologist and was given the heartbreaking news his body couldn’t take any more treatment.

He arrived at the meeting optimistic but pivoted to acceptance immediately.

That sums up Nigel Latta- he died the way he lived: brave, courageous, fearless, resilient, considerate.

This episode was originally recorded in 2024, not long after Nigel Latta received his terminal cancer diagnosis. It is being re-released now, following his recent passing, with deep respect for...

Suzanne Lynch is a true icon of New Zealand music, with a career spanning more than 60 years- she’s still going strong too and has no plans of slowing up.

She first rose to fame and became a household name in New Zealand with her sister as a duo called The Chicks back in the 1960s.

From there, she went on to work with some of the biggest names in music: including Cat Stevens, Olivia Newton-John, David Bowie and Luther Vandross.

More recently she was the vocal coach on reality TV sh...

Warren Gatland joins us for his first ever New Zealand podcast, and he doesn’t hold back!

Warren is one of the true greats of New Zealand rugby and one of the game’s most respected coaches worldwide.

But his story is as much (if not more) about family, resilience, and perspective as it is about rugby.

In this podcast exclusive Warren opens up about:

+ Why he walked away from Wales earlier this year and what life looks like now.

+ The importance of family and the...

Robert Scott is a New Zealand broadcasting legend with a 40-year career on New Zealand radio, best known for his recent 19-year stint on The Breeze.

He also happens to be one of my oldest friends. We first met and became mates in Palmerston North around 35 or 36 years ago.

This podcast is a celebration of my mate’s life and career. And it’s also a celebration of the best sorts of friendships- the very long-term ones.

In this conversation we talk about:

+ Robert’s recent prostate cancer diagnosi...

You may or may not know the name, but Mark Rocket is one of the most intriguing kiwis you’ll ever meet. 

He is the first and only New Zealander to ever go into space- he went on a 10-minute flight on the Jeff Bezos owned “Blue Origin” spacecraft earlier this year.

Mark is an entrepreneur who has had a lifelong obsession with space. He made a lot of money in the early years of the internet. 

Then, after legally changed his surname to Rocket, he became an early investor and half owner of Rocket...

Jimi Hunt is a mental fitness advocate. It’s a role he fell into after experiencing poor mental health and having a rock bottom moment.

His passion is sharing his lessons on resilience, growth and navigating adversity.

He is the founder of an organization called Live More Awesome and has done some huge attention-grabbing stunts to get the conversation started about mental fitness- like building the worlds largest waterslide, walking the length of New Zealand and even paddling the length of the Waikato River on an inflatable Lilo.

In this con...

Dr. Karlina Tongotea has two very different day jobs: she’s a GP in South Auckland, and she’s also a two-time world champion powerlifter.

In this episode we chat about:

+ What it’s really like being a doctor in our health system

+ How she discovered powerlifting (and got ridiculously good, really quickly)

+ The highs and lows of competing at world champs

+ Burnout, mental health, and how lifting helps her cope

+ Family, culture, and why her parents are her biggest inspiration

Dr. Karlina Tongot...

Greg Murphy is one of New Zealand’s most iconic motorsport figures — a four-time Bathurst 1000 winner whose name is etched into history thanks to his legendary “Lap of the Gods” in 2003.

In this episode, Murph opens up about:

+ The story behind Lap of the Gods and how it changed his career forever

+ His friendship with the late Peter Brock and what he learned from him

+ Holden vs Ford rivalries, brutal penalties, and why today’s racing feels “sterile”

+ The crash at 16 that nearly ended everything — a...

Laurie Mains was an All Black through the 1970’s and an iconic coach of the All Blacks in the 1990s. 

He was the coach who discovered Jonah Lomu and narrowly lost the Rugby World Cup to South Africa in extra time.

This is an unmissable conversation about rugby, sacrifice, and controversy.

Its an “away game” too. In a first for the podcast, we filmed this episode remotely at the Wakatipu rugby clubrooms in Queenstown.

In this exclusive interview, Laurie opens up about:

+ The 1995 RWC food poisonin...

Jake Robertson from Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s fastest runners of all time.

Jake and his twin brother Zane moved to Kenya when they were 17 to train with the world’s best runners. 

And it paid off, big time. Jakes times are some of the fastest ever recorded by a kiwi over 10km, half marathon and the marathon.

Then in 2023, Jakes twin brother Zane received a lengthy ban for doping. An indiscretion that has also had huge negative repercussions for Jake

This podcast is part of the Jake Robertson story.<...

Matt Brown is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. He just has this aura or mana about him. 

He doesn’t do too many podcasts, so this was a huge honour to have him as a guest on mine.

The very short back story is this: Matt Brown grew up surrounded with family violence and childhood trauma, but instead of letting that destroy him, he turned it into his mission.

He started cutting hair and his barbershop called “My Fathers Barber” became more than just a place to get a sick fad...

James Laughlin is a high-performance coach. He hosts his own podcast called “Lead on Purpose” and he has just written a book: “Habits of High Performance.”

He works with top leaders and athletes around the world, helping them build resilience, clarity, and habits that drive success.

He knows his stuff too- before becoming a coach he was officially the world’s best pipe band drummer. A title he held for 7 years

This podcast episode has a couple of objectives- getting to know a bit more about James and who he is. And tapping...

Radio host and good bastard Bryce Casey has spent 25 years making people laugh on The Rock. But behind the laughs, there’s a heap of real stuff he hasn’t always talked about - until now.

In this episode, Bryce opens up about:

The heartbreak of miscarriage and what it did to him and Sharyn

The terrifying first days of fatherhood in NICU

Therapy, mental health, and why Kiwi blokes need to talk more

His long, stubborn road into radio (even when ever...

Sandy Barwick is an ultra-running pioneer and one of New Zealand’s most incredible but under-recognised athletes.

She is in her 70s now and is the fittest person at her retirement village.

In the early 1990s this Kiwi was one of the world’s greatest female ultra-runners. And this was a time where anyone doing these sorts of events were seen as being a bit odd, and women were discouraged from doing them at all.

Here are some highlights from her CV:

+ At her peak she was training up to...

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour returns for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation covering politics, personal life, and some unexpected stories along the way.

We talk about his engagement to Alexandra, the infamous haka in Parliament, the bizarre tale of “woke sushi”, and his honest takes on political allies, rivals, and regrets. From missing a deeply personal DVD his late mother left for his future partner, to why he hasn’t cried in 20 years, David shares a mix of heartfelt moments, political insight, and surprising humour.

In this episode:

Today on The Dom Harvey Podcast, we’re bringing you something a little out of the blue in partnership with Southern Cross Health Insurance.

We’ve got a special bonus episode exploring how life – and especially your health – can change in an instant.

When it does, being prepared can make all the difference.

Today, Southern Cross Health Insurance member Ryan shares his story.

Hear what happens when you’re physically fit, love the gym, and suddenly realise the health condition you’re studying is exactly what you’re experiencing.

Ryan is w...

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke (Amazing Spaces, The Restoration Man, Homes in the Wild) can’t get enough of New Zealand – and in this episode, he reveals why.

George has been visiting us for years, filming across the country’s wild islands, off-grid homes, and jaw-dropping landscapes. From Marlborough Sounds to Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel, he shares his favourite spots, the Kiwi quirks that make him smile and why NZ’s architecture blends so beautifully with nature.

🎯 In this episode:

Nico Porteous was 16 years old when he won a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

That was just the beginning of his rising star.

He was named Sportsman of the Year award at the 2022 Halberg awards on the back of his incredible Olympic gold medal in the halfpipe at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.

Now at the age of 23, he has retired. 

In this raw and revealing conversation, Nico opens up about what it really takes to get to the top- not just the training and pressure, but also the personal s...

Wayne Larden is the Race Director of the TCS Sydney Marathon.

If you’re running Sydney this year or have it on your bucket list to run one day, this episode is a must listen.

He’s been in the role for over 20 years, and in that time, he’s turned the event from a small fun run with about 1,200 people into a world-class marathon with 35,000 runners – including the GOAT himself, Eliud Kipchoge.

Honestly, it’s hard to think of anyone who’s done more for running in Australia than “Lardy.”

In this...

Courtney Duncan is a four-time world motocross champion.

In this revealing conversation, Courtney opens about the toughest chapter of her life: being diagnosed with a heart condition: pericarditis, and how that forced her to completely reevaluate her approach to racing, health, and life.

We also talk about the emotional rollercoaster of winning her first world title, what it meant after years of setbacks, near misses, and heartbreak. 

And the pressure that followed. Because sometimes, reaching the top is only the beginning.

This is a conversation about more than just s...

Ben Parua grew up surrounded by violence, addiction, gangs and trauma.

Then when he was fifteen, he was sentenced to five and a half years in jail for being an accomplice to a manslaughter of an elderly man.

It was while incarcerated at Waikeria prison in the central north Island that he got introduced to farming. A career that has changed his life and put him on a road to redemption.

Last year he was named Maori farmer of the year and was also a finalist for the Kiwi Bank New Z...

Bubbah is the household name, face and voice in NZ as Tina from the Turners Cars commercials (one of New Zealand’s most iconic ad campaigns in recent years).

Tina’s real name is Bubbah. Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. 

Her real name is Sieni Tiani Leo’o Olo. But because that is the same name as her grandmother, she was given the family nickname Bubbah as a toddler, and it has stuck.

This is a rare and wide-ranging conversation and Bubbah open’s like never before.

+ We talk about he...

Steve Braunias is one of New Zealand’s most well-known and respected writers and journalists, known for his dry wit and ability to blend sharp observation with emotional

depth.  (thanks for that Chat GPT!)

Thousands of Kiwis are fans of Steve’s work, whether its one of his 14 books or columns that he has written for almost every newspaper or magazine in New Zealand. But this very rare podcast appearance may be a side of Steve Braunias that has never been seen before.

We talk about everything from aging and anxiety to family...

Steve Braunias is one of New Zealand’s best known and most loved writers. 

He has spent decades journaling New Zealand life with a writing style and turn of phrase that is unlike anyone else.

On top of regular columns for newspapers and magazines he has written 14 books.

In his latest book, Polkinghorne: The Trial of the Century, he turns his attention to one of the country’s most fascinating and disturbing court trials.

Steve sat through every minute of every day of the nine-week High court trial, taking in every...

Josh Komen first appeared on the podcast in July 2022 and since then we have become good friends. 

So, when he asked to come on the podcast again, of course I said yes. 

Josh is such an epic human. He has been through so much and is one of the most positive and grateful humans I’ve ever met. Every time we connect, I leave the interaction feeling better about myself. So, I hope you guys get the same feeling after checking out this episode.

At 23, Josh Komen was once one of New Zea...

Sir Steve Hansen is one of the greatest All Black coaches of all time. He is a true legend of the game. 

The stats don’t lie:

+ 107 test matches as head coach over 8 seasons

+ Only 10 losses, for a win record of 87%

+ World rugby coach of the year 4 times.

+ Two Halberg awards for NZ coach of the year.

In this exclusive and very rare podcast appearance from the man known as “Shag” he opens up about the moments he got it wrong, his thoughts on what mak...

Dr.Libby is one of the most trusted voices in nutrition and wellness. 

She has a PhD in nutritional biochemistry and 14 best selling books to back it up. Her latest life changing book is “Fix Iron First.”

Dr.Libby is passionate about educating others on stress, women's health, and the emotional drivers behind our food choices.

To put it simply- she’s awesome. And this is a small part of the Dr. Libby story.

I tried to balance this episode so we could tick two boxes: 

1.   Get to know a lit...

Tim O’Connor is the long-standing headmaster of Auckland Grammar School.

When he started the job in 2012 he became only the 11th headmaster at Grammar in the schools 156 year history.

In this conversation, Tim shares the highs and lows of his 13-years at Grammar.  And his 10 years as the head of my old school, PNBHS, before that.

This podcast offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the culture, discipline, and deep traditions that define Auckland Grammar.

We talk about everything from navigating risky behaviors and toxic masculinity to fostering mental resi...

Daniel Rankin is a dog dad to a cute little pug called Fraser, he’s a content creator, a self-taught baker and a Samoan man who’s redefining masculinity one cheeky, flirty, sexy, flour-covered reel at a time (Follow him here: https://www.instagram.com/mancancooknz/).

Chances are you’ve seen his topless baking videos on Instagram or TikTok:

Sometimes with some guilty pleasure cheesy songs

Usually with his adorable little dog Fraser

And ALWAYS with some sex appeal and visible torso.

But in this conversation, you’ll get t...

In the history of rugby in New Zealand there have been a total of 1,223 All Blacks. Of that elite group, a much smaller number go on to be known as All Black legends. 

GRANT FOX most definitely has legend status- he is a genuine New Zealand rugby icon.

He wore the number 10 jersey and is considered one of the greatest goal kickers of all time. 

He was part of the team that won the first ever Rugby World Cup in 1987.

When he retired as a player, his involvement with th...

When it comes to true crime podcasting in New Zealand, Ryan Wolf is in a league of his own.

Even if you've never pressed play on his gripping podcast Guilt, you've probably heard about it in the news: this is the series that’s led NZ Police to re-examine their own investigations on major cases.

And the wildest part? Ryan is completely self-taught. No big media company behind him, no big studio. 

Just a husband and dad of 2 kids under 5 who is producing world-class content from a spare room in his house.

Cecilia Robinson is a true powerhouse in New Zealand business.

She’s the founder of some of this country’s most well-known and loved companies, including Au Pair Link, My Food Bag, and more recently, Tend, a healthcare platform she started with her husband James where their goal is to make Kiwis the healthiest people in the world.

She’s been named New Zealand's Young Entrepreneur of the Year, NEXT Businesswoman of the Year, and has been a trailblazer in showing what’s possible when passion, purpose, and clever business strategy collide.

Th...

Dr. Ben O'Keeffe is one of the best rugby referees in the world—and he's also a fully qualified doctor, specializing in ophthalmology.

This episode first dropped in 2023, shortly after Ben made headlines for the intense backlash (including death threats) he received after officiating the Super Rugby Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs. Since the Super Rugby 2025 final is again between these two fierce rivals, I thought I'd re-release the episode ICYMI the first time

round.

In this conversation, we unpack Ben’s unique double life as a top-level rugby refe...

In 2011, 22 year old Troy Hall was young, fit, and working hard to turn his life around after years of addiction and violence.

Then, on a rainy day in Tauranga, everything changed: A freak accident involving overhead power lines left him clinically dead, twice.

What followed was months in hospital, countless surgeries, extreme burns, the loss of body parts, and a long road through depression, trauma, and recovery.

In this emotional and brutally honest chat, Troy opens up about his old life in gang culture, his near-death experience, and the grueling mental...

Dillon Boucher is one of New Zealand’s most decorated basketballers. In this wide-ranging conversation he opens up about everything: from being cut from the Olympic team and his relationship with Steven Adams, to his championship runs with the Breakers and being labelled a thug for how he played.

He also shares personal struggles around imposter syndrome, family sacrifices, leadership, and transitioning from player to executive in the sport he loves.

Whether you know him for his stare-downs on court or his legacy off it—this is the real Dylan Boucher.

🔗 Topics include...

This podcast with Ryan Fox originally came out in February 2023.

I thought I’d re-share the episode in case you missed it when it first came out two years, because Ryan is playing the best golf of his career in 2025. 

In this conversation, recorded during his Christmas holiday in New Zealand, we talk about loads of stuff:

+ What it feels like to win $1.1 million dollars in a week, and how much of that he must pay out to his team.

+ Life growing up as the son of Gra...

Cam Webster was part of the Team NZ crew who won the Americas Cup in Barcelona in 2024.

What made this moment of sporting success even more significant for Cam was the journey he took to get there.

Before joining Team NZ, Cam spent 15 years dedicating his life to rowing. He even endured the devastation of missing out on the Olympics, twice, and watching on TV has his mates went on to win gold medals.

In June 2022 Cam retired from rowing. Then in December that year he trialed for Team NZ and the rest is...

Honey Hireme-Smiler is one of the greatest rugby players New Zealand has ever produced, across both league and union.

But Honey Hireme-Smiler is so much more than just a sporting legend.

She’s a mum, a trailblazer, a role-model, a commentator, a mentor, and an unapologetic force for good.

This is a small part of the Honey Hireme-Smiler story: 

+Stories about her most memorable playing moments. Including playing both league and rugby for New Zealand in two different countries in the space of a week

+The bitt...

Brook Macdonald on the Crash That Changed His Life, Racing Again & Resilience

In this episode, legendary Kiwi downhill mountain biker Brook Macdonald (aka The Bulldog) opens up like never before.

He talks about:

🏆 Becoming a professional athlete and millionaire by age 30

💥 The horrific 2019 crash that broke his back at World Champs

🧠 The mental and physical battle to walk — and race — again

🔥 Red Bull sponsorship, mindset, money mistakes & what’s next

From chasing World Cup podiums to learning how to walk again, Brooke...

In this raw and powerful episode, K’Lee opens up like never before. From becoming a pop star at 14 to surviving an abusive relationship and being held at gunpoint, K’Lee’s story is one of strength, resilience, and redemption.

She shares the truth behind early fame, the music industry’s dark side, her battle with postpartum depression, and nearly losing her baby — twice. We also explore how she rebuilt her life through radio, family, and personal growth.

This is one of the most gripping and heartfelt conversations I've ever had on the podcast.<...

Dave Wood is a high-performance coach.

He hosts workshops at West Auckland’s Piha Beach called Calm Under Pressure which combine mental and physical challenges- clients (including UFC stars, Team NZ champions and Olympic athletes) often describe these workshops as life changing.

Dave Wood has done a lot, seen a lot and learned a lot. 

I genuinely believe if you are listening to this episode in the right frame of mind- ready to learn and open to some new ways of thinking, this podcast conversation could be transformational.

I...

In this very non-political conversation, Christopher Luxon shares insights into his personal life, family values, and career journey. 

Some of the ground we cover includes:  

+ How his upbringing shaped him. And how his parents cope with the criticism he cops

+ His friendship with Sir John Key

+ Why he has never touched alcohol.

+ The backstory of his relationship with Amanda and how they make it work.

+ His best and worst habits according to his family and much much more!

Mitch Lowe is one of the key players in New Zealand's live music industry. 

His company Audiology has organized over 500 events across New Zealand and Australia with artists including Bryan Adams, Cardi B, T Pain, Fisher, Snoop Dogg and even The Wiggles. He is also the brains behind major festivals like Bay Dreams, Mardi Gras, Sound splash, and more.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg- Audiology is one of his THIRTY different businesses too!

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he is a father and a husband who describes himself as...

Pax Assasdi is one of the most recognizable voice's in New Zealand comedy.

If you are not familiar with Pax. Get ready- you’re about to meet an awesome human.

He’s a very brief bio: he’s a stand-up comedian, writer, actor and TV host. 

He created and starred in a TV show loosely based on his life called “Raised by Refugees.” (which you can stream on Neon)

He’s been on pretty much every TV show a comedian can go on: 7 Days, The Project, and Have You Been Paying Attentio...

Stefan Ozich is now part of a very small group of guests to make a return appearance on the podcast.

ICYMI, Stefan first appeared on the podcast towards the end of 2024. 

At the time he was about to embark on a jaw-dropping run- the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail. Twice. Cape Reinga to Bluff and all the way back again. That’s 6000km. A handful of people have run the T.A trail. Stefan is the only person to do it twice.

And he did it with the goal of...

Theo Shakes is an insanely talented 23-year-old New Zealand-based actor, writer, director, and content creator who is living proof of what happens when some natural talent meets a lot of hard work.

Theo has 2 million Tik-Tok followers and over 200 million likes. But I feel like it would be unfair to just call him a Tik-Tokker because there is so much more to this guy, and this is a small part of the Theo Shakes story:

+ His recollections of moving from the UK to NZ at 4

+His creative process with writing, f...

Jessie Rose is a psychic medium.

Full disclosure- I am a skeptic! I don’t believe in this stuff at all. 

But I also have an open mind and am keen to talk to all sorts of different people on this podcast as a way that I can learn more and potentially change beliefs I have.

So, when Jessie Rose messaged me about coming on the podcast, I said yes. And what you are about to listen to is that conversation.

This chat will either reinforce what you already think...

Today’s guest is someone whose name or voice you’ll definitely recognize- David Lomas.

Reality TV always gets a bad rap, but for well over a decade this is the genre of TV David Lomas has been involved with, and he has been changing lives for the better.

With shows like “David Lomas Investigates” he has helped hundreds of people track down long-lost family members.

He has built a career out of finding answers, all while staying calm, kind, and genuinely caring through it all.

This is a small part of...

When it comes to horse racing, Opie Bosson is one of the best to ever do it. He is an absolute legend.

Here are a few bullet point highlights:

+ Over 2,000 career wins.

+ The New Zealand record for the most Group 1 victories by a jockey. He won his first Group 1 race as an apprentice at just 16 years old.

+ He’s won the prestigious New Zealand Derby several times.

+ He’s in the NZ racing Hall of Fame. And he was appointed Member of the New Zealand...

Lee Warn broke his back in 1989 when he was 16 years old. For 5 years after that he became, understandably, a depressed and angry young man. Then after a failed attempt at taking his own life at 21, he changed his outlook and perspective on life. And what he has done in the three decades since then is pretty cool:

+ Last year he took part in the London and New York marathons…dressed in a squirrel suit, complete with the big squirrel head (because doing 42km in a wheelchair in activewear is not difficult enough!)

+ He has d...

If you grew up in New Zealand in the ‘90s and early 2000s, chances are you know EXACTLY who Karl Burnett is…. or at least his legendary Shortland Street character, Nick Harrison. For over a decade, Karl was one of the biggest stars on the biggest show on New Zealand TV.

This is part of the Karl Burnett story:

+ His whole Shortland Street experience- leaving school at 16 and becoming an overnight celebrity. And even having his first ever kiss on screen.

+ His short-lived experience on Celebrity Treasure Island.

+ H...

Dr. Ineke Meredith was raised in Samoa; she came to New Zealand to study medicine. 

Then she got pregnant and gave birth to a son just has she was preparing for her final exams. 

Being the force of nature she is, she managed to give birth on a Monday then sit her exam on the Friday. Then juggle being a mum while working as an emergency surgeon. This is part of the Ineke Meredith story.

+ BTS of the operating theatre including what music she listens to in theatre and the snacks she eat...

Jack Church is not a well-known guy. But that is part of what I love about this podcast community we have created. 

We can meet cool people and share the incredible stories of Kiwis that you may otherwise never hear about. 

And Jack Church most definitely ticks those boxes. 

Quick backstory- 4 years ago Jack was working as a personal trainer for the Royal NZ navy when he got unwell. He went from being supremely fit to being barely able to walk.

A series of tests discovered an issue with...

Scott Beard joined the police force when he was 19 years old. He is 64 now and still doing the job he loves as one of New Zealand’s most decorated and respected police officers.

This man has seen and done it all during his life of service. But it was his work during the Grace Millane missing persons and murder inquiry that that was career defining.

Some of the things we talk about include his reflections on policing in Auckland in the 1980s and some of the big career moments incl...

Chris Hipkins was the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand.

And at the time of recording this podcast, he is the leader of the Labour party and hoping to become the next Prime Minister of New Zealand.

This podcast is small part of the Chis “Chippy” Hipkins story. It was an honor to connect with him for his first long form podcast that focused on who he is rather than what he does. I am hoping this will be Chris Hipkins like you have never heard him before.

Some of the ground...

Jason Ryan is the forwards coach for the All Blacks. 

Before that he was involved with numerous other high profile teams including the Crusaders where, alongside Scott “Razor” Robertson, he helped build a dynasty, winning multiple Super Rugby titles.

This is a small part of the Jason Ryan story.

+ How a butcher from the West Coast ended up becoming recognized as a guru of some of rugby’s most technical aspects.

+ The surprise moment he got a phone call asking if he wanted to coach the All Blacks- then th...

Beast Games was an incredible series from the worlds biggest You Tube star, Jimmy Donaldson (better known as Mr.Beast).

Jeff Allen beat 999 other competitors to win the whole series and in doing so took home the largest cash prize in TV history- $10 million USD.

This podcast is a small part of the Jeff Allen story.

We talk about how a 44-year-old dad with grey hair ended up on the show.  And how much of his win was luck Vs skill.

His seven-year-old special needs son Lucas and w...

Steve Williams first appeared on the podcast in February 2024. Now he has a brand-new book out called “Together We Roared” all about his partnership with Tiger Woods and he is back for round 2! He doesn’t do a lot of stuff like this so to have him on the podcast- TWICE- is a massive honour.

Steve is best known for his 12-year partnership with Tiger Woods, during which they won 13 major championships together.   

Before Tiger, he worked with legends of the game like Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd. After Tiger, he worked with Adam Scott, winni...

Mark Hunt is one of the toughest fighters to ever step into a ring or octagon. 

This episode needs to come with a very strong warning. There is a lot of coarse language. 

Also, other themes which could be unsuitable for some: drugs, alcohol, gambling, violence, and extreme childhood trauma. 

None of this is done in a gratuitous way- Marks life has been one of extreme highs and lows and he is a man who doesn’t shy away from any of it.   

I’ve included a list of helpful resources at...

Sean Yarbrough is the mastermind behind Broke Boy Taco. He has, in a very short time frame, redefined street food culture and created a brand that has a genuine buzz and well-deserved hype around it. 

From sleeping on sofas and being addicted to drugs and alcohol to moving to New Zealand and establishing New Zealand’s hottest new hospitality business- this podcast follows part of the remarkable Sean Yarbrough story. I am a sucker for a good success story, and THIS is most definitely one of those. We discuss:

+ His early years in smal...

The FastCast is a highlights length version of a previously released episode of The Dom Harvey Podcast. 

Today we are winding the clock back all the way to March 2022 and the very first episode of my podcast with NZ musician Mitch James.

You can hear the full episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCBiUfCn2g0

March 2025 marks the 3rd anniversary of my podcast and in that time, I’ve been lucky enough to connect with some of New Zealand’s most successful, fascinating and well-known people. 

Victoria Vanstone is a British-born author, blogger, and podcast host who now lives on the Sunshine coast in Australia.

She is a reformed “party girl” (her words, not mine) who is now living her best life sharing her sobriety journey. She is a woman on a mission to help others stuck in a pattern of normalized social binge drinking.

It seems like whatever Victoria does- she does at 100 miles an hour. She was like this in her party girl era, which you’ll hear about.

And now she is the same way with...

In November 2024, 40 years after making his commentary debut, Grant ‘Nisbo’ Nisbett called his 350th All Blacks test match- that’s over half of ALL the test matches the All Blacks have ever played!

'Nisbo' is 74 years old and still at the peak of his broadcasting powers and this is a small part of the Grant Nisbett story.

We cover a lot of stuff here:

+ His career goals for the future.

+ His early years in broadcasting including going to the Olympics in 1976 to cover the boxing.

+ His best All Black...

Jon Toogood is the leader of Shihad, one of the greatest NZ bands of all time. 

They formed in Wellington in 1988 and at the time of releasing this Fastcast, in March 2025, they are about to play their final show in Wellington.

Then…that’s it!

Will they get back together for reunion shows in the future? Maybe. Hopefully. But as a full-time band, that is it for now. It truly is the end of a huge era.

Shahad’s dynamic, energetic and charismatic singer Jon Toogood joined me on the podcast...

This podcast needs to come with a very strong warning. It is a very graphic account of the darkest day in New Zealand’s history. Please listen with caution.

On March 15, 2019, Temel Atacocugu was praying at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch when a white supremacist terrorist stormed in.

At the end of the despicable cowardly attack which shocked and disgusted New Zealand and the world, 51 worshippers were dead and a further 40 were injured by gunfire.

Temel Atacocugu miraculously survived the attack and walked out of the mosque and into the ambu...

Toa Fraser is a legendary New Zealand filmmaker, playwright, and storyteller and this is his first ever podcast.

Outside of his incredible career, he’s also been on a deeply personal journey with early-onset Parkinson’s disease which he was diagnosed with in 2016.

This is a very small part of the Toa Fraser story:.

His early years in the UK and his Fijian links.

How he blew up as a young playwright in New Zealand

The origins of his incredible movie Number 2. 

How the Hollie Smith...

This is a special FastCast for International Woman’s Day 2025!

Three short snippets of the Dame’s I’ve been lucky enough to have on the podcast so far.

Dame Susan Devoy, she is New Zealand’s greatest ever squash player…but she is so much more than that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrt0HyNSMMc&t=3781s

Dame Lisa Carrington, the kayak queen who is the undisputed greatest NZ Olympian of all time with a total of 8 gold medals so far.

https://www.youtube.co...

Andrew Mulligan is one of the most employed people in New Zealand media. 

You can hear Mulls on breakfast radio on the Rock breakfast show, it’s a fantastic show that’s been performing at a gold star standard for years.

You can watch him on TV in the evenings on Crowd Goes Wild, a show that he’s been involved with since it launched back in 2006. 

Then when the ad’s come on you’ll hear him on the Rebel Sport commercials.

If you are flying somewhere, you will see him...

At just 18 years old, Theo Pratt made the terrifying decision to leave the Gloriavale cult and everything she’d ever known—her family, her home, her entire way of life- absolutely everything she had known since birth.

She was dropped at a bus stop with just a suitcase, $200 cash, and no idea what came next. Then after some heartbreaking final words from her mum and brother, she took her first ever bus into the unknown.

What she has done in the 8 years since then is impressive. She has built a cool life for hersel...

Hamish Kerr originally appeared on the podcast at the end of 2022, not long after he won a Commonwealth Games Gold medal. 

Heres the original ep:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEf-zSZRbcY

So much has happened since then! At the 2025 Halberg awards Hamish Kerr won the “Sportsman of the year” trophy, the first time a high jumper has ever won that title. 

This came off the back of his success at the Paris Olympic games where he won a gold medal in the high jump with a height of 2 meters...

Sir Bryan Williams became an All Black winger when he was 19 in 1970 and quickly became a household name.

Since his playing days finished in 1978, he has done so much! He coached Samoa, the Hurricanes and Auckland. He’s been Knighted and inducted to THREE separate sports hall of fame. He was President of the NZ rugby union. And most weekends you’ll find him on the sidelines at the Ponsonby rugby club where is a passionate life member.

It’s hard to think of any individual that has done more to promote Pasifika rugby than the m...

Don Ha was born in Vietnam then spent a couple of years at a refugee camp in Hong Kong before his family got relocated to NZ in 1980 with no English and little more than the clothes they had on.

Despite this massive disadvantage, Don Ha became a New Zealand rich lister through real estate with a net worth of over $100 million.

Then during the GFC, Don was declared bankrupt. And in the years since then he has managed to find success a second time.

This podcast is a part of t...

The FastCast is a highlights length version of a previously released episode of The Dom Harvey Podcast. 

The hope is if you like this Fastcast, you’ll go back into the archives and listen to the full-length episode sometime.

Joseph Parker, one of NZs greatest boxers of all time, joined me on the podcast in May 2022.

I thought I’d revisit our podcast and share it as a Fastcast because Joseph is on a 5 fight win streak and this weekend he has the opportunity to make that 6 with a fight against Briti...

Jackson Garden-Bachop plays super rugby for Moana Pasifika. 

He was destined to be a pro rugby player- his dad was an All Black, his mum was a Black Fern, and his cousins were All Blacks.

Jackson began his professional career with the Wellington Lions as a teenager in 2013 and last year celebrated his 100th game for the province. The last player to do that was Tana Umaga who is now his coach at Moana Pasifika.

This is part of the Jackson Garden-Bachop story.

His reflections on growing up w...

LANCE BURDETT PODCAST:

This conversation needs to come with a strong warning- it covers a lot of disturbing things the guest has seen in his line of duty in the NZ Police.

Lance Burdett is a former police crisis negotiator, specializing in dealing with high-risk situations, including hostage negotiations, suicide interventions, and major criminal incidents.

After 2 decades with the police and suffering severe burnout, he transitioned into coaching and consultancy, focusing on mental resilience, stress management, and communication strategies.

Lance is also an in-demand speaker and author...

David Seymour, maybe the most polarizing and divisive politician in New Zealand, joined me on the podcast at the start of 2023.

I thought I’d revisit our podcast and share it as a Fastcast because he recently confirmed he is engaged to his partner of two years, Alexandra Martelli.

One of the standout moments for me in our conversation was about a home-made DVD that David has which he has never ever played. It was given to him in his early 20s by his mum just before she died from cancer. 

Th...

How do I describe Stephen from Dunedin to someone who has never heard of him before? 

Well, his name is Stephen, and he is from Dunedin. He is obsessed with Facebook, Radio and Otago sports.

In the early 2000s, Stephen gained a bit of a cult following with his frequent appearances on New Zealand radio stations as a phone caller. 

His favorite radio station was whatever one would give him airtime.

Then for a long period of time, he was banned from almost every radio show in NZ fo...

If you say the name Dr. Chris Warner, I think 9 out of 10 New Zealanders would probably know exactly who you are talking about!

The Shortland Street character, played by Michael Galvin, has been a core cast member in the New Zealand hospital drama for over 30 years.

He was on episode 1 of the show back in 1992 and he is still seeing patients at the fictional Ferndale clinic now. 

It is hard to imagine Shortland Street without Chris Warner.

This podcast is a small part of the Michael Galvin story.

The FastCast is a highlights length version of a previously released episode of The Dom Harvey Podcast. 

The Coast to Coast is an iconic New Zealand multisport event. Only 2 women have ever won the C2C 5 times. Simone Maier and Kathy Lynch. 

And I don’t want to jinx it or anything, but all going well in the 2025 event held in February, Simone could become the absolute Coast to Coast G.O.A.T with 6 wins.

Simone joined me on the podcast early in 2024 shortly before her 5th Coast To Coast win.

Mark Longley’s life was plunged into unimaginable grief in 2011 when, at the age of 17, his daughter Emily Longley was murdered by her boyfriend. 

In this conversation Mark shares memories of Emily and who she was and the joy she brought to his life.

We talk about coping with the challenges of grief and how he managed to avoid being totally consumed by it.

The importance of making a stand against violence and the emotional toll of the trial that followed Emily's tragic death.

Mark reflects on his...

In 2006, Peter Beck from Invercargill at the bottom of New Zealand founded a company called Rocketlab with a dream of building rockets and sending them into space.

A lot has happened in the 19 years since then.

Personally, Peter Beck has been named the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the year. He has also received a Knighthood.

Professionally, the company he started is now worth around 15 billion dollars and employees around 2000 people. And is mentioned in the same conversations as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.

This is part of the Sir Peter B...

The FastCast is a highlights length version of a previously released episode of The Dom Harvey Podcast. 

The complete episode with Jeremy Wells was one of the first podcast episodes I ever recorded. It was released originally released in March 2022.

I took my equipment over to Jeremy’s house and we sat in his office and recorded the episode- it was a hot day and I was anxious which caused me to sweat profusely.

Jeremy Wells is one of New Zealand’s top broadcasters- he hosted the breakfast show on Radio Hauraki. And the nig...

UFC legend Dan Hooker called into the Podlab studios in Auckland for one of the most memorable podcast episodes I’ve done so far- if you are yet to listen, it is well worth checking out. 

He is unlike any New Zealander I have ever met- his lighthearted and laidback approach to the most brutal sport on the planet is inspiring, hilarious, alarming and fascinating. 

After the podcast wrapped up, Dan was already running extremely late for his TV commitments at Sky, but he generously stuck around a bit longer so I could ask...

UFC is the fastest growing sport in the world. And Dan "The Hangman" Hooker is one of the biggest stars of the sport.

I have been a fan of Dan for years but had never met him until we connected for the podcast, and I hope you guys like this one as much as I did. The guy is HILARIOUS! And I genuinely believe its worth a listen, even if you are not a fan of combat sport.

This is part of the Dan Hooker story, an insight into mind of...

Scott Blanks has never got on stage to tell a joke in his life. But he has done more to nurture and develop comedians and the NZ comedy scene than anybody else.

Scott is a trained accountant who, in 1997, established NZs first comedy club- The Classic on Queen Street.

28 years later the Classic is still there and so is Scott. And both are thriving!

This is a small part of the incredible Scott Blanks story.

We talk the inception of The Classic, which in a previous life was an...

The FastCast is a highlights length version of a previously released episode of The Dom Harvey Podcast. 

The complete episode with Stefan Ozich was originally released in 2024, just days before Stefan embarked on a daunting running and fundraising attempt: A 6000km run of the length of NZ on the TeAraroa trail. Twice. From Cape Reinga to Bluff and back again.

On the afternoon of Wednesday January 22, after 114 days of running around 60km daily, Stefan will finish at Cape Reinga.

It has been an unbelievable physical and mental feat! 

At t...

Erin Routliffe is a kiwi tennis superstar. At the time of recording this she is ranked as the world’s second-best women’s doubles player. And for a time in 2024 she was ranked as number 1 in the world!

With her doubles partner Gabby Dabrowski she won the US Open in 2023, she made the finals of Wimbledon in 2024, and they ended 2024 by winning the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia.

She is also a finalist for Halberg the sportswoman of the year awards which will be announced in February.

This is part of th...

Fraser Grut is possibly one of those podcast guests that you are just hearing about now. I first met Fraser around 8 years ago and I’ve been following his progress since then.

Fraser is a content creator and storyteller who has spent the last 9 years of his life filming people and asking them one real simple question: what is your dream?

His goal is to film 10,000 dreams. So far, he has filmed 2000 from regular Kiwis as well as many massive international stars. Like Tony Hawke, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Terry Crews, Piers Morgan, Elle M...

Dame Julie Christie is a powerhouse businesswoman and TV producer. 

She became a Dame in 2017 and in late 2024 she was named “Legend of the year” at the NZ TV awards.

She has been called many things over the years- the Queen of Reality TV is a popular one. 

One newspaper columnist called her a Cultural Vandal once- we get into all the criticism in this conversation.

Me? I’d call Dame Julie Christie a mate. And a person with a big heart and an even bigger work ethic.

In this...

Guy Wills is an Alcohol Behavioural Coach who specialises in the areas of mental health, wellbeing, and addiction. Online he shares his content about living an alcohol-free lifestyle under the name “Right Mate” which is the greeting he uses to start all his videos.

I first met Guy at the start of 2022 when he was just at the beginning of his sobriety journey. In the 3 years since then his life has changed exponentially for the better and it’s been really cool watching him thrive.

This podcast is a small part of the Guy Will...

Lulu Sun is currently ranked as the 40th best tennis player in the world. And she is a kiwi, born in TeAnau.

She shot to fame in the middle of 2024 with an out the gate performance at Wimbledon where, after making it through the intense qualifying rounds she got into the tournament itself then kept on winning, only exiting the event after being beaten in the quarter final. And that was after beating England’s Emma Raducanu on Wimbledon’s center court.

This put her in the history books as the first NZ woman...

NEW YEAR- NEW STORIES: THE DOM HARVEY PODCAST 2025

Thanks for checking out this episode. I have so many incredible guests lined up for 2025 so I wanted to share with you guys some of the great New Zealanders in the pipeline.

If you don’t do so already, please subscribe to the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.

0 Intro

2.45 Sir Peter Beck

7.20 Dan Hooker

11.00 Lance Burdett

15.00 Grant Nisbett

17.40 Dame Julie Christie

21...

Welcome to Yeah, The Boys! Highlights from some of the men I had on the podcast in 2024. Including Sir Graham Henry, Paul Henry, Martin Henderson, Sir John Key and Steve Williams.

I should point out; these are NOT my top 10 male guests- I don’t have a ranking system. These were just a bunch that I selected to provide a wide range and variety.

The hope is that if you enjoy one of these snippets, and you missed the episode, you may dig into the archive and listen to the entire thing some time...

Welcome to Yeah, The Girls!

Highlights from 10 of the incredible women I had on the podcast in 2024.

I should point out; these are NOT my top 10 female guests- I don’t have a ranking system. These were selected to provide a wide range and variety.

The hope is that if you enjoy one of these snippets, and you missed the episode, you may dig into the archive and listen to the entire thing some time.

0: Intro

3.23: Anna Mowbray

10.00: Michaela Blyde

2...