Best Rova | Love It Media Podcasts (2025)

1
A relational world - Part 2 | Dame Anne Salmond 53:36

2d ago53:36

53:36

In part two of my conversation with Dame Anne Salmond, we go deeper - into wānanga (the meeting of ideas), into te ao Māori (Māori worldview), and into the kind of thinking that could help us live better together. Dame Anne speaks about her decades-long relationship with her Māori mentors, Eruera and Amiria Stirling, and how those relationships rew…

1
A relational world - Part 1 | Dame Anne Salmond 1:01:59

7d ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In this first part of our kōrero, I sit down with Dame Anne Salmond—a thinker whose mind is vast, and whose heart is very much rooted in the soil of Aotearoa. Dame Anne is an anthropologist, writer, and one of our most decorated scholars, but what shapes her most is relationship - whakapapa, whenua, and whānau. We start where all good conversations…

1
Your body’s not betraying you - it’s whispering | Dr Libby Weaver 1:14:52

14d ago1:14:52

1:14:52

In this episode I sit down with biochemist Dr Libby Weaver, a nutritionist, speaker, and author of 13 books (soon to be 14). Libby brings a holistic lens to wellbeing, combining science, nutrition, and emotional insight in a way that’s both practical and also deeply human. We explore the gap between what we know and what we do, and why that gap exi…

1
Public scrutiny & personality types | Amanda Luxon 1:28:08

21d ago1:28:08

1:28:08

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Luxon. Amanda is a former teacher, Myers-Briggs coach, lifelong learner – and yes, the ‘First Lady’ of New Zealand. Our conversation isn’t about politics (though it inevitably comes up), but about difference, understanding, and friendship – because even though in many ways we’re chalk and cheese, we’ve been f…

1
Breaking silence - you’re not alone | Ali Mau 1:01:02

28d ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In this latest episode I am joined by acclaimed journalist and author Ali Mau, who’s new memoir, No Words for This, has just hit shelves. This powerful and vulnerable conversation covers Ali’s experiences with childhood sexual abuse, the life-changing phone call from her sister and her journey to speaking publicly. We also delve into complex family…

1
Love, grief & Alzheimer’s | Michael Hurst + Jennifer Ward-Lealand 1:05:59

1M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

In this episode we delve into the captivating love story of legendary actors Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Leland, whose "showmance" has blossomed into a beautiful partnership spanning over four decades. Michael and Jennifer open up about their personal lives, sharing heartwarming memories (such as the excitement of buying their first Toyota), an…

1
Captain of the ship - leadership, mentorship & friendship | Raelene Castle + Debt Free Diva with Generate 1:23:51

1M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

In this episode, I sit down with Raelene Castle, a trailblazer in sports management as the first female CEO of Netball New Zealand and now the CEO of Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand. We discuss her trajectory in the corporate and sporting worlds, her upbringing in a sport-centric family, and the importance for her of findin…

1
Music, motherhood and moving halfway round the world | Nadia Reid 56:06

2M ago56:06

56:06

I'm stoked to sit down with Nadia Reid, who recently released her fourth album, Enter Now Brightness. Our conversation meanders through the various stages of her life – from a futon in Auckland’s Devonport to the bustling cityscapes of Manchester, via the chill vistas of Dunedin. As we go, we look at how these places have shaped Nadia, her transfor…

1
When ADHD meets perimenopause | Petra & friends (with special guest Dr Greg Finucane) 1:25:22

2M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

What does happen when ADHD meets perimenopause? Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Greg Finucane joins us to help untangle this growing connection. Recently, I have found myself navigating the surprising emotions and 'aha!' moments that can accompany an ADHD diagnosis. It was like the jigsaw puzzle of my life found some lost pieces, giving me a clearer picture …

1
Season 7 kicks off March 6th! 2:37

2M ago2:37

2:37

Kia ora e hoa mā! I'm Petra Bagust and Grey Areas is back for season 7, and I have to say I'm so excited for this season. You know how sometimes you just have a good feeling about things? And look, something I've learned from our conversations is that life rarely fits into tidy boxes. It spills over the edges, it surprises us, it challenges what we…

1
Let’s end cervical cancer in Aotearoa | Dr Bev Lawton 51:15

5M ago51:15

51:15

Join me as I sit down with the delightful Professor Bev Lawton, a trailblazing advocate for women's health, who shares her insights into menopause, cervical cancer prevention and endometriosis. From her early days as a GP in Newtown, Wellington, Bev highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge and the need for a stronger focus on women's h…

1
Rethinking fitness and hormones | Dr Stacy Sims + Financial fitness with Generate 1:29:15

6M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

Fresh from a work out Dr Stacy Sims joins me for a deep dive into the specific ways women need to move our bodies as we age. A trailblazer in the science of female physiology, Stacy challenges the traditional ‘calories in, calories out’ mindset – why it can be counterproductive and how popular fitness trends often ignore the distinct needs of women…

1
When friends are whānau | Suzanne Lynch, Tina Cross + Jackie Clarke (The Lady Killers) 1:05:21

6M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Today I’m joined by three extraordinary and radically different women who consider each other family. Each in a different decade of life – their 50s, 60s, and 70s – Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, and Suzanne Lynch have performed together for the past two decades as The Lady Killers, and they’re still going strong. Fresh off their DIVAS! tour to sold ou…

1
Making friends with my body - good friends! | Dr Hillary McBride 53:48

6M ago53:48

53:48

In this episode, I sit down with psychologist, author, and menopause researcher Dr Hillary McBride to explore what it means to truly come home to our bodies - to treat them like a best friend. Hillary’s work spans critical topics like trauma, eating disorders, and women's health, with a particular focus on menopause as a transformative experience. …

1
Petra introduces the Parents We've Met podcast 51:14

6M ago51:14

51:14

Buckle in for an uplifting conversation filled with laughter and wisdom! Petra Bagust is the host of popular rova podcasts Grey Areas and Sunday Sanctuary, a radio personality and TV presenter, a media chaplain, mum to three young people and all-round wonderful wāhine. In this episode, Petra shares candidly how she has approached the highs and lows…

1
Diving into the wreck: on mermaids, motherhood and midlife | Megan Dunn 1:02:48

6M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

The tide is rising toward Megan’s 50th birthday, and we surf the currents of childhood memories to uncover how mermaids, like the best stories, delight us with their symbolic depth. We reflect on my relationship with my mother, navigating the murky waters between closeness and independence. Megan shares how her mother transformed into an exuberant …

1
Bullies, blood and battlegrounds | Susie Ferguson 1:06:59

7M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

There were three things Susie Ferguson was never going to do; climb Mt Everest, run a marathon or write a book. However a serendipitous podcast interview with my good friend Frank nudged her to capture her experiences as a war correspondent, radio journalist and woman - the result is "Bloody Minded." Susie shares her experiences of being bullied an…

1
Nourishing the whole self | Nici Wickes 1:00:58

7M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

I sit down with the delightful Nici Wickes, a beloved cookbook author with a talent for making culinary adventures accessible and joyful, as she shares her wisdom on no-fuss cooking, building confidence in and out of the kitchen, and her latest book ‘More from A Quiet Kitchen.’ We tackle body image and health, confronting societal expectations, and…

1
From breakdown to breakthrough | Paddy Gower 1:00:04

7M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Join us for the first episode of Grey Areas Season 6 as we sit down with award-winning journalist, doco-maker and loveable rogue Patrick Gower to discuss his unfiltered memoir, This Is the F#$%ing News. In this candid conversation, Paddy gets vulnerable about the toxic cocktail of alcoholism, bullying and work addiction that brought about a mental …

1
Season 6 kicks off on Thursday 3rd October! 2:12

7M ago2:12

2:12

Kia ora! I'm Petra, and welcome to Grey Areas, back for its sixth season. We're diving deep into the conversations that matter—those tricky, often unspoken topics that can powerfully shape our lives. Throughout this season, I sit down with incredible New Zealanders who aren't afraid to tackle the tough stuff. We explore subjects like endometriosis,…

1
The marks that make us | Jenny-May Clarkson + Dean Clarkson 58:44

11M ago58:44

58:44

Getting up at stupid-o’clock every weekday morning to perform in front of the nation requires a certain type of strength and stamina. Add perimenopause to the pressure cooker of live television and you’ve got yourself a potent cocktail of challenges. Part of Jenny-May Clarkson’s secret is the dynamic partnership she’s forged with her husband Dean. …

1
Otherhood: Life outside of motherhood | Kathryn van Beek + Lil O’Brien 53:18

11M ago53:18

53:18

Having children and becoming a mother is a huge part of our collective cultural script. When you’re single, the question is ‘when are you going to find someone?’ When you find someone, the question becomes ‘when are you having children?’ So what about the many women who don’t have children, either by choice, circumstance or because they’re unable t…

1
Ducking perfectionism and the upside of failure | Dr Jin Russell 57:18

11M ago57:18

57:18

In a culture of unhealthy comparison and burdensome perfectionism, how do we cultivate an openness to getting it wrong? … Like, really get down and dirty with failure and understand how necessary it is for growth and basically learning anything at all. Dr Jin Russell’s intimidating bio reads like the ultimate perfectionist’s achievement list. She’s…

1
How women are catching the investing bug | Victoria Harris + Kirstien Taylor 1:03:23

12M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

The world of investing has long been dominated by men, but did you know that the women who do invest typically do better than their male counterparts? Honestly, it’s never been easier with the technology now available to us, so let’s figure out what positive action we can take because the good news is it’s never too late to get amongst it. Victoria…

1
Discovering difference: celebrating neurodiversity and ADHD | Sonia Gray 1:00:35

12M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

There are moments in time where issues that have lurked in the shadows reach a tipping point and break into the public consciousness. Now is such a time for neurodiversity and ADHD. We are ready for healthier, more embracing conversations about how different brains work. TV presenter and actor Sonia Gray is on a quest to make life better for neurod…

1
Using creativity to unlock joy | Selina Tusitala Marsh 59:12

12M ago59:12

59:12

Open a refreshing window to the world of creativity with Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh as we riff on creativity and poetry. Turns out you don’t have to give it up after high school. Selina, an accomplished poet, academic, and illustrator, shares profound insights and captivating tales from her journey, which includes becoming NZ’s official poet (aka Po…

1
Investing now for our golden years | Judy Bailey 1:02:15

1y ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Hot on the heels of launching her new book Evolving, Judy Bailey sat down with Petra to talk all things ageing. At 72 years old, Judy has a sparkle that's infectious. Her credentialed career as a journalist, along with her natural curiosity and sense of fun make her an ideal guide to navigate the landscape of ageing, and explore the latest research…

1
Love in midlife and menopause | Niki Bezzant + Meg Cowan 1:01:18

1y ago1:01:18

1:01:18

We're kicking off Season 5 with our LIVE recording of a fun and fascinating panel discussion tackling pleasure, intimacy, and love in midlife and menopause with writer Niki Bezzant and relationship coach Meg Cowan. Niki Bezzant is a trained journalist whose book This Changes Everything: the honest guide to menopause and perimenopause has, for thous…

1
Season 5 is coming Thursday 18th April! 2:10

1y ago2:10

2:10

Kia ora! Petra here and we’re getting ready for Season 5! 5 feels like a milestone… off to school and all that, growing up literally - thanks for coming on this journey with me - hasn’t it been fun and also fascinating!?! We have built up quite the collection of stories and questions to travel with us into our next season - hopefully with more comp…

1
Summer Series: Kate Rodger talks dating and menopause, going to the cinema and the power of vulnerability 35:47

1y ago35:47

35:47

Film reviewer extraordinaire Kate Rodger joins Grey Areas for another laugh-filled chat about stepping outside of her ‘lane’, dealing with feelings of overwhelm, and the progress she's making on her personal goals. Kate brings her trademark humour and wildly generous way with words to a conversation about new challenges, making time for what’s impo…

1
Summer Series: Robert Rakete on front-footing his health, ageing authentically and keeping the romance sparkle alive 29:55

1y ago29:55

29:55

Iconic broadcaster Robert Rakete returns to Grey Areas, joining Petra for a candid and uplifting kōrero. Robert has been discovering more of his whakapapa as he continues to learn Te Reo Māori, and shares his love of embracing the beginner's mind, facing fears and embracing failure. Plus Robert catches Petra up on his recent prostate check-up! 👀 If…

1
Summer Series: Miriama Kamo talks turning 50, falling off the sugar wagon, and Menopausal Hormone Therapy 25:52

1y ago25:52

25:52

Two years on from her first Grey Areas appearance, Petra catches up with journalist and TVNZ's Sunday host Miriama Kamo as she's rounded out her fifth decade. Turning 50 can invite introspection and casting new vision for your life. Miriama grabs this opportunity with both hands sharing the raft of intentions she has for this season from getting br…

1
BONUS: Annie Crummer and Betty-Anne Monga chat about their Auckland Arts Festival event Hear Me Roar! 19:12

1y ago19:12

19:12

Annie Crummer and Betty-Anne Monga along with Julia Deans and Boh Runga will be forming a powerhouse ensemble at this year's Auckland Arts Festival performance, Hear Me Roar! on March 8. Annie and Betty-Anne joined me for a korero all about creativity, collaboration and purpose. We riff on the power of music to accompany us through every season - t…

1
BONUS: A kōrero about our bone health 11:26

1+ y ago11:26

11:26

Add to your kete of understanding our bone health with this kōrero with Christine Gill, Executive Director of Osteoporosis New Zealand. The life cycle of these living tissues from birth to menopause and beyond is fascinating. Christine talks us through the process of bone turnover, the often misunderstood osteoporosis, the importance of achieving m…

1
The magic of female friendships | Kiri Nathan and Stacey Morrison 58:36

1+ y ago58:36

58:36

The magic of female friendships is pretty undeniable - as is the role they play in shaping us. Join us for an inspiring kōrero with long-time BFFs, broadcaster Stacey Morrison and fashion designer Kiri Nathan, who have been the epitome of friendship for over 25 years. From their first meeting at the Smoke-Free Fashion Awards to navigating marriages…

1
The power of backing yourself | Irene van Dyk 58:08

1+ y ago58:08

58:08

What does it take to become a legendary netball player? What's the journey like, and how does finding a new identity in a foreign land shape your life and an illustrious sporting career spanning over 20 years? Join me this episode for a kōrero with iconic netballer and Silver Fern, Irene Van Dyk. We hear about her experience as an immigrant athlete…

1
Hairy Areas: A head to toe audit | Charlotte Cook 1:12:08

1+ y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Here's something a little special - a crossover episode with Charlotte Cook of RNZ's Hair and Loathing! Join us as we embark on a head to toe exploration of our relationships with hair - both on our heads and our bodies. Charlotte and I take a visit to Stephen Marr's salon for a kōrero over haircuts, we chat at my whare, and we also catch up with a…

1
Crashing the old boys' club of sports journalism | Suzanne McFadden 1:00:39

1+ y ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Ready for a hearty conversation with a trailblazer in women's sports journalism? We welcome Suzanne McFadden, an acclaimed sports journalist who's been championing women's sports in a male-dominated field. Suzanne's grit and determination have not only helped her break barriers but also led her to establish Locker Room, a platform dedicated to show…

1
You're not alone: A conversation about vulval skin health | Dr Harriet Kennedy 56:25

1+ y ago56:25

56:25

Ever wondered if you need to see your GP because you're experiencing discomfort or itching on your vulva? You're not alone. It turns out that vulval skin conditions are incredibly common and women in Aotearoa New Zealand suffer for an average of 10 years before working up the courage to see a doctor. We've got to change that! After all, skin is ski…

1
Navigating the big stuff of life | Paula Penfold 1:03:43

1+ y ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Family grief, the devastation of divorce, cross-generational friendships, learning Te Reo Māori and more - we talk about it all with Stuff journalist, Paula Penfold. We also discuss the challenges of the media world, the aftermath of job redundancy, and the importance of self-care in such a fast-paced profession. Paula opens up about her experience…

1
Be kind to your mind | Julia Grace 1:02:27

1+ y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

It's Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa New Zealand so we chat with mental health speaker and educator and Tui-award winning artist, the talented Julia Grace. In this conversation, Julia openly shares her struggles with heartbreak and its accompanying disorientation, depression, and anxiety. We chat about recognising our coping mechanism…

1
BONUS: May I introduce you to a friend this Mental Health Awareness Week? 10:24

1+ y ago10:24

10:24

It's Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa, New Zealand and so I'd like to take the opportunity to introduce you to a podcast called A Moment With. A Moment With is hosted by my friend Gen Mora, Co-Founder and General Manager of Voices of Hope, a not-for-profit organisation aimed to break the stigma around mental illness. In this podcast, G…

1
Fighting stereotypes and feeling unnecessary | Dame Susan Devoy 57:46

1+ y ago57:46

57:46

In this episode, we have a kōrero with squash champion and former Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy (also of Celebrity Treasure Island fame!). We discuss her fight against stereotypes, the complexities of gender dynamics, and also touch on the influence of sports as a universal language and a powerful tool for fostering greater cultural…

1
Slaying life with Type 1 Diabetes and ADHD | Anika Moa 1:05:08

1+ y ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Welcome to our brand new season of Grey Areas! Can you believe we're already at Season 4?! And who better to kick it off with than the multi-talented, one and only Anika Moa. She's a māmā, a singer/songwriter, television presenter, radio host, all-round resilient wahine toa. Join us as we delve into Anika's world as she openly discusses her struggl…

1
Season 4 is coming Thursday, 7th September! 2:00

1+ y ago2:00

2:00

Kia ora. Petra Bagust here, and I have been thinking a bit about what makes up the ‘grey areas’ of our lives, because I think that’s a huge part of why this podcast works. To me, a ‘grey area’ is a tricky space. A delicate space. A space that can bring, maybe discomfort or discouragement, or cause isolation. Maybe a 'grey area' is something that ha…

1
BONUS: Sunday Sanctuary | The Miracle of the Mundane 1:00:17

1+ y ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Kia ora! I hope you are going well. Don't panic - Season 04 of Grey Areas is on the way (I promise!) While we are between seasons, I want to share another episode from my other podcast, Sunday Sanctuary. This one is called The Miracle of the Mundane and it's all about finding joy and wonder within the everyday-ness of life. If this is something you…

1
Embracing lifelong learning | Jennifer Ward-Lealand 1:06:36

2y ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Join me for the final episode of Grey Areas Season 03, where I am joined by renowned actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand, as we traverse her four-decade long journey in the world of theatre, film, and TV. Jennifer shares with us how a series of epiphanies and following her heart set her firmly on her path to becoming an actor. Listen in as Jennifer takes…

1
Untangling our relationship with booze | Lotta Dann 56:46

2y ago56:46

56:46

I sat down with the incredible Lotta Dann to unpick the tangled web of our relationship with alcohol. From the tricky task of moderation to the deeper complexities of addiction, Lotta and I unshroud the often unspoken battle with the bottle. As we both navigate the challenging season of perimenopause, we reflect on the importance of mindfulness and…

1
The privilege of ageing | Pio Terei 48:43

2y ago48:43

48:43

Broadcaster, entertainer and my brother-from-another-mother Pio Terei joins me for a conversation about the privilege it is to age - because not everyone gets to. We talk about where he's at with his journey of grief following the loss of his son Teina in 2016, the role curiosity plays in ageing well, as well as swap stories on our intergenerationa…

1
Making your mark | Dame Noeline Taurua 1:03:43

2y ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Netball legend Dame Noeline Taurua is an absolute wahine toa. Dame Noeline's been a member of the Silver Ferns since the 90s - first as a player, then again as assistant coach and now as head coach since 2018. She is widely recognised as one of the greatest coaches of the sport. Dame Noeline joins Petra for a look back at the triumphs and tricky pa…

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