Best Rugby Players Association Podcasts (2025)

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Rob Nichol: NZ Rugby Players Association CEO on the new R360 rugby competition 3:41

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8h ago3:41

3:41

New Zealand Rugby Players Association boss Rob Nichol admits their members have been approached to join a new global breakaway club competition. R360 —backed by former England international Mike Tindall— is set to launch in 2026. The league plans to mirror the likes of sevens and F1, moving from port to port with events at major cities and stadia a…

1
Mike's Minute: Some good energy news for winter, for once 2:12

7h ago2:12

2:12

Christmas came early for Tiwai Aluminium Smelter. They get to do business. In fact, they get to do business in a country where you would have thought doing business is to be encouraged. They have been prevented from doing all the business they can because they have a deal with their power company, Meridian, whereby they have to contain themselves i…

1
Pollies: Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell talk political polls, fireworks, Sport NZ review, Jacinda Arden's book 10:34

7h ago10:34

10:34

Politicians aren’t worrying too much about the latest poll results. There were starkly different results in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll and 1News-Verian poll – with the first showing the left bloc in the lead and the second showing the right bloc well ahead. Labour’s Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking the polls bounce around, so they don’t take…

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Full Show Podcast: 04 June 2025 55:14

8h ago55:14

55:14

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of June, our international visitor spending is up, but the Government hasn't taken inflation into account. Why not? A LIV Golf-type rugby competition is attempting to get off the ground. It's called R360 and is backed by Mike Tindall. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk the polls, …

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Michael Webster: Privacy Commissioner on Foodstuffs North Island's facial recognition trial 4:23

8h ago4:23

4:23

Foodstuffs North Island's facial recognition trial might have the tick of approval overall, but there's still work to do. The Privacy Commission's ruled the trial was compliant with the Privacy Act and was successful in reducing harmful behaviour. But Commissioner Michael Webster told Mike Hosking they're recommending Foodstuffs keep systems update…

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Kali Mercier: Helen Clark Foundation Deputy Director on the report into New Zealand's infrastructure management 2:45

8h ago2:45

2:45

Renewing existing infrastructure rather than investing in new shiny projects is the best way to go, according to a new report co-produced by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP New Zealand. The foundation claims 99% of the infrastructure New Zealand needs, has already been built. Foundation Deputy Director Kali Mercier says renewals and repairs are …

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John Harbord: Major Electricity Users' Group Chair on the need for firmer electricity sources 2:37

9h ago2:37

2:37

Concerns bad investment choices in electricity generation will keep our supply unreliable. Tiwai Point aluminium smelter is ramping up production reversing previous restrictions, to ease winter supply concerns. Meridian Energy says the hydro storage is looking much healthier this winter. Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Mike H…

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Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Managing Director on fewer people being behind on debt payments 3:21

9h ago3:21

3:21

Fewer people are behind on debt payments. Centrix's May Indicator Report shows consumer arrears fell in April – it was the fourth month in a row where overall arrears were lower than 2024. However, the number of consumers who are more than 90 days past due has risen to its highest since July last year. Managing Director Keith McLaughlin told Mike H…

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Louise Upston: Tourism Minister on the rise in international visitor spending 3:49

9h ago3:49

3:49

Tourists are being told New Zealand is open for business. A Government survey's found international visitor spending increased by 10% and contributed more than $12 billion to the economy in the year ending March. But this is only 86% of pre-Covid visitor numbers and spending. Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking it shows there's work to…

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Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent on the UK upping its defence spend 5:59

1d ago5:59

5:59

The UK is set to spend more on defence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's unveiled plans to lift the defence spend, signalling it could reach 3% of GDP at the next Parliament. He vowed to make Britain "a battle-ready, armour-clad nation”, and Defence Secretary John Healey says they’re in a “new era of threat”, which demands a higher spend. UK Correspon…

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Mike's Minute: The Govt can't rule on 'Run it Straight' 2:01

1d ago2:01

2:01

If the headline is right, and I hope it isn't, the Government are seeking advice on what to do about Run it Straight. If the Government is seeking this advice, they have been sucked in. Unless of course they are saying they are seeking advice so everyone shuts up for a bit, because the whole thing has got hopelessly out of control. We need to break…

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Full Show Podcast: 03 June 2025 1:13:29

1d ago1:13:29

1:13:29

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of June, the Government is shaking up WorkSafe, as well as launching their online road cone hotline. The Prime Minister is on to talk about whether they will look to do anything with the Run it Straight trend, the India trade mission, and why we support Trump's Golden Dome. Being a sho…

1
Commentary Box with Andrew Saville and Jason Pine: Warriors, Super Rugby Pacific, Formula 1, IndyCar 11:25

1d ago11:25

11:25

Andrew Saville and Jason Pine joined Mike Hosking to reflect on the sport that took place over the long King’s Birthday weekend. They covered the Warriors’ latest victory, how Super Rugby Pacific is shaping up ahead of the playoffs, and the latest in Formula 1 and IndyCar among others. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

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Adina Thorn: Litigation Lawyer on the increase in Kāinga Ora tenancy terminations, formal warnings 4:09

1d ago4:09

4:09

There's hope there can be a turnaround in unruly Kāinga Ora tenants. A Government crackdown has resulted in 63 tenancy terminations in the past 10 months - up from 11 in the year before. Formal warnings have gone up 600%. Litigation Lawyer Adina Thorn told Mike Hosking the figures are encouraging. She says it looks like under this government, there…

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Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical Analyst on the continuing peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, drone attack on Russia 3:09

1d ago3:09

3:09

Little has come from another round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries have agreed to exchange prisoners of war, including the sick and wounded, and those under 25. Ukraine has also launched large scale drone attacks on Russian air bases, damaging a third of its cruise missile carriers. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller …

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Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on the increase number of Kāinga Ora warnings, evictions 9:55

1d ago9:55

9:55

Christopher Luxon says the Government's making its expectations clear when it comes to behaviour in social housing. Kāinga Ora is formally warning seven times as many tenants as it was last financial year. It's evicted 63 tenants in 10 months for disruptive behaviour. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking the enforcement action is sending a clear me…

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Mark Rocket: Aerospace entrepreneur on being the first Kiwi to make it to space 3:04

1d ago3:04

3:04

The first Kiwi has made it to space. Christchurch entrepreneur Mark Rocket has made history as the first New Zealander in space abroad a Blue Origin mission in West Texas. With a New Zealand flag in hand, Rocket and five others reached 105km, experiencing zero gravity during the 11-minute sub-orbital flight run by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' space t…

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Brooke van Velden: Minister of Workplace Relations on the changes to WorkSafe, road cone tipline 3:43

1d ago3:43

3:43

The Workplace Relations Minister hopes WorkSafe's incoming culture shift will show they're there to help, not hurt. The Government's instructed the regulator to move away from enforcement and engage early to support risk management. It starts with today's opening of the road cone hotline. Minister Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking businesses shou…

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Mike's Minute: The Reserve Bank didn't inspire me 2:09

4d ago2:09

2:09

Call me superficial, but to watch the Reserve Bank heavyweights lined up, as I did Wednesday post their cash rate decision, I did not see dynamism. These people outwardly do not fill you with any sense of excitement. The Reserve Bank is in a spot and, as a result, so are we as a country. A couple of semi-interesting things happened and also one ver…

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Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Trump's tariffs, Elon Musk leaving DOGE 4:55

5d ago4:55

4:55

Elon Musk’s time in the US Government has come to an end. He's posted on his platform, X, saying the mission of the Department of Government Efficiency —or DOGE— will only strengthen over time. A White House official has confirmed Musk's departure. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking there’s been mixed reviews about his work. Musk was…

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Mike's Minute: Has the political divide gotten worse? 2:18

5d ago2:18

2:18

I cannot recommend a piece of reading enough in the Listener, and reproduced elsewhere, on a longitudinal study that now spans 35 years and 12 elections. It's gripping. A couple thousand people each election are given dozens of questions. Its weakness is some of the questions are vague enough to throw up responses around things like health care and…

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Mark the Week: Trump looks ropier by the day 2:20

5d ago2:20

2:20

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Fonterra: 9/10 It is literally raining money. Record farmgate, record profits, and the milk price starting at $10 for next year. Go buy a ute. Port of Auckland: 2/10 Everything that’s wrong with New Zealand – putting prices up bec…

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Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: First home buyers, Hailey Bieber, Producer Sam's puppy 11:32

5d ago11:32

11:32

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the average age of first home buyers, Hailey Bieber and her make up company, and how Producer Sam’s puppy has been behaving this week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Full Show Podcast: 30 May 2025 1:30:04

5d ago1:30:04

1:30:04

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 30th of May, David Seymour is pulling the trigger, and parents will now be prosecuted for not sending their kids to school. We've got new data on flight cancellations and delays after the endless texts saying services are rubbish now. Turns out, it's nowhere near as bad as you think. Tim an…

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Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Director of Money and Cash on King Charles featuring on the 10 cent coin from 2027 4:17

5d ago4:17

4:17

A new face is coming to New Zealand’s coins. An image of King Charles has officially been approved to feature on the 10 cent coin from 2027. 2024 will be stamped on the currency – the year the Reserve Bank ordered them. A koruru image will remain on the reverse side, as it has since 1967. Ian Woolford, Director of Money and Cash at the Reserve Bank…

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Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers RMA Spokesperson on the changes coming to the Resource Management Act 3:41

5d ago3:41

3:41

Federated Farmers is welcoming proposed changes to the Resource Management Act. The Government's released three discussion documents proposing amending 12 current national directions and four new ones. They include changes to freshwater management, regulation of farming practices and revising mine consent processes. Mark Hooper, their RMA Spokesper…

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Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on the average age of first home buyers rising 3:31

5d ago3:31

3:31

The average first home buyer is getting older. A Cotality-Westpac report has found the average age of first home buyers has increased to 36 nationwide. It's 37 in Auckland, 36 in Wellington, and 35 in Christchurch – all figures are two or three years higher than average in 2019. Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Mike Hosking th…

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James Meager: Associate Minister of Transport on Air New Zealand's flight performance for April 6:41

5d ago6:41

6:41

Just 60% of Air New Zealand's trans-Tasman flights jetted off on time last month. A report by the Ministry of Transport shows aviation performance for April. It reveals 82% of the airline's domestic flights were on time, taking off within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Air New Zealand's highest cancellation rate was on its Rotorua to Auckland …

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Billie Moore: Airports Association CEO on Auckland Aiport's domestic airfield upgrade 3:05

5d ago3:05

3:05

Auckland Airport's investing nearly $150 million into a major domestic airfield upgrade. It's part of works to help enable future growth in regional flights across the country. Car parks next to the domestic terminal will be shifted to make way for four new aircraft parking stands dedicated to regional services. Airports Association Chief Executive…

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David Seymour: Associate Education Minister on the fines parents of absent students could face 3:11

5d ago3:11

3:11

Parents could be forced to pay thousands of dollars if they repeatedly refuse to ensure their children attend school. Associate Education Minister David Seymour's announced the change as part of a firmer approach the Government's taking on school attendance. Seymour told Mike Hosking schools will alert the ministry to possible prosecution cases and…

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Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent gives an update on the Liverpool car ramming 5:59

6d ago5:59

5:59

There are still many questions regarding the man who drove his car into a crowd in Liverpool. Fans of Liverpool Football Club had flooded the city's streets to celebrate its Premier League title win. Nearly 80 people were injured, and a 53-year-old local was arrested for attempted murder. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking one theory is …

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Mike's Minute: Here's my advice for Hipkins and Labour 2:08

6d ago2:08

2:08

I am here to help the ol' Chipster. The Chipster, aka Chris Hipkins, was in the building this week. I said hello to him. He asked me when I was dropping the blacklist I have on him appearing on this show. I said he had appeared once already this year and that was plenty. We both laughed. What I like about him is that he doesn’t seem to take any of …

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Full Show Podcast: 29 May 2025 1:29:45

6d ago1:29:45

1:29:45

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29th of May, the Reserve Bank made the decision to cut the OCR by 25 basis points, but did we get any sort of clear direction for the future? Acting Governor Christian Hawkesby is on the show. The Prime Minister has recovered from his illness and is on the program to give his reaction to …

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Tami Neilson: NZ Country musician on her Neon Cowgirl NZ tour, new album, NZ Music Award nominations 12:21

6d ago12:21

12:21

One of the most significant country music figures to emerge from New Zealand, Tami Neilson continues to grow on the world stage. Later this year she’ll be touring around the US with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, as well as a string of European dates – but unlike some other stars, she’s not leaving New Zealand out. Neilson is returning to our stages …

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Sandra Grey: Tertiary Education Union's national secretary on the number of international students enrolled in polytechs 2:58

6d ago2:58

2:58

The effects of centralising New Zealand's polytechs continue to be felt. New data shows there were about 75 thousand international students in the country last year, down from 125 thousand in 2016. Tertiary's seen the biggest drop, halving in that timeframe. Tertiary Education Union's national secretary Sandra Grey told Mike Hosking polytechs had m…

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Christian Hawkesby: Acting Reserve Bank Governor on the OCR cut, future developments 6:28

6d ago6:28

6:28

Don't bank on further cuts to the Official Cash Rate. The Reserve Bank's dropped the OCR 25 basis points to 3.25%, and is now forecasting it could reach a low of 2.9% by the end of the year. But Governor Christian Hawkesby says further cuts aren't guaranteed. He told Mike Hosking they're taking things one step at a time, as they wait to see how glo…

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Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on a new fast track plan to introduce competition to the supermarket sector 3:58

6d ago3:58

3:58

A new plan is being touted as a way to fast track shaking up the grocery sector. The New Zealand Initiative is proposing allowing new entrants to enter the market, rather than forcing any break-up of the existing supermarket companies. It outlines the need for fast track plans for rezoning, consenting, overseas investment clearance, and a more neut…

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Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister discusses the OCR cut, superannuation, public service leaks 10:02

6d ago10:02

10:02

Christopher Luxon remains hopeful the latest cut in the OCR isn't the last. The Reserve Bank's dropped the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points to 3.25%, and is now forecasting it will reach a low of 2.9 percent in December. But the Monetary Policy Committee wasn't able to reach a unanimous decision to cut the cash rate. The Prime Minister told Mike …

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Mike's Minute: Christian Hawkesby's difficult job today 1:56

7d ago1:56

1:56

To give you an insight into just how hard Christian Hawkesby's job is today, have a look at what the shadow board says. The NZIER has a monetary policy shadow board. It’s a bunch of economists and their view as to what should be happening. Some say drop by 25 basis points, one says 50, and some say don’t do anything. How do you deal with that? Thes…

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John Roberts: Director of Muttley's Estate on the first shelf stable pet friendly wine 3:37

7d ago3:37

3:37

A new horticultural initiative is set to transform New Zealand into a commercial catnip producer. Kiwi startup, Muttley's Estate, is believed to be the world’s first manufacturer of catnip-based 'pet wine', that can be stored for up to 12 months. The garden herb's estimated to positively impact mood in about two-thirds of cats while helping to soot…

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Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen talk retail crime, police, and private hospitals 11:35

7d ago11:35

11:35

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to discuss the biggest topics of the week so far. They discussed the shoplifting directive issued to Police – will officers still be attending retail crime incidents if the value of the theft is less than $500? And why is Labour against the use of private hospitals to…

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Full Show Podcast: 28 May 2025 1:30:08

7d ago1:30:08

1:30:08

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 28th of May, what will Christian Hawkesby and the Reserve Bank do today? We look ahead to this afternoon's announcement and, perhaps more importantly, the forecasts for the rest of the year. Do we need to do something about this 'Run It Straight' game now that someone has died? Or is tha…

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Todd McClay: Trade Minister on export momentum, new trade deals 5:51

7d ago5:51

5:51

The Trade Minister says New Zealand's hustling on the world stage, looking for every opportunity. KPMG's latest Agribusiness Agenda suggests New Zealand can't rely on our usual global customers and needs to look for new markets. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says this is a priority, with free trade negotiations in full force with India…

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Chris Penk: Building and Construction Minister on the new independent Building Consent Approvals authority 3:47

7d ago3:47

3:47

There's changes happening in the construction sector. Construction Minister Chris Penk is launching the country's first fully independent residential building consent authority - with approval subject to certain conditions being met. The privately-owned company, supported by the government, promises to issue building consents within 10 working days…

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Roger Gray: Port of Auckland CEO on the increase in access charges for truck drivers 4:36

7d ago4:36

4:36

Access to the Port of Auckland is going to get more expensive for truck drivers. Peak access charges for trucks entering the Fergusson Container Terminal will increase from $130 to $180 in January. It will be followed by a further increase to $230, six months later. Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray told Mike Hosking they've given transport operators…

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Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist ahead of today's OCR announcement 3:48

7d ago3:48

3:48

BNZ's the latest bank to drop its home loan rates, anticipating a change to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon. The Reserve Bank's expected to cut the OCR 25 basis point to 3.25%. Already BNZ's cut its fixed rates to as low as 4.89%, and its standard variable rate to 6.44%. BNZ chief economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking today's decision should…

1
Richie Barnett: Former Kiwis Captain on the teen who died playing a Run it Straight game 3:21

7d ago3:21

3:21

There's a belief official 'Run it Straight' events are trying to mitigate head injuries, but has risk written all over it. Ryan Satterthwaite —a 19-year-old— has died after suffering a serious injury during a private version of the aggressive tackling game in Palmerston North on Sunday. A championship league final has been blocked from Auckland's T…

1
Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent on the car ploughing into crowds at the Liverpool FC victory parade 7:35

8d ago7:35

7:35

A day of celebrations has turned violent in the UK after a car collided with pedestrians at Liverpool Football Club's victory parade. Authorities say a 53-year-old white British man has been arrested and the area has been evacuated. 47 people were injured – 27 were taken to hospital, two with serious injuries, and 20 treated on scene. UK Correspond…

1
Mike's Minute: The pressure is on Christian Hawkesby 1:54

8d ago1:54

1:54

The pressure is on the new Reserve Bank fill-in Governor tomorrow. Although given it’s a committee, in theory he is more of a messenger. It's reported that we have increased calls for a 50 basis point cut. Why? Because things aren't flash. If you read business results in the current reporting season, a lot of commentary tells us the recovery is und…

1
Libby Weaver: Biochemist, Author, and Speaker on her new book 'Fix Iron First' 12:05

8d ago12:05

12:05

A common deficiency could be holding you back. Iron is the most common nutritional deficiency, both globally and in New Zealand, and it plays a role in everything from energy to brain function and development, thyroid function, and anxiety prevention. Dr Libby Weaver is biochemist, nutritionist, and author, and her latest book ‘Fix Iron First’ delv…