Simon Bridges: Generally Famous: Recent Episodes
Stuff Audio
Expect the unexpected as Simon finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.
The 1000th All Black talks frankly about the brutal toll of rugby, life with early onset dementia and his battles with alcohol. He outlines how the sport should change and recalls the circumstances in which he left to play - and stay - overseas. Oh, and he explains why he doesn't want to ditch his 1992 Nissan Patrol! (Carl also offered his thoughts on New Zealand's Rugby World Cup prospects, but it's only fair to point out the interview was recorded before the All Blacks' record defeat, to South Africa.) Warning: Discusses suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Carl Hayman's memoir Head On, written with Dylan Cleaver, is out now. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz. CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producer: Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha Executive producer: Chris Reed
Kiwi actress Antonia Prebble best known for her roles in Outrageous Fortune and its prequel Westside, offers insight into her royal connections, giving birth on set, her future projects, and aspirations. From high-end international productions to local 'Do it yourself' productions, she tell Simon the main thing that changes is the variety of food on offer at the snack table. Watch her latest show Double Parked. Listen to her podcast What Matters Most. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha
Dai Henwood needs no introduction, the Kiwi icon and comedian has been on our screens and airwaves since the late 90s, and making us laugh for much longer. He tells Simon Bridges how he knew he wanted to be a comedian from a young age, comedy in New Zealand, Eastern Religion and Mindfulness, and his latest gig on Taskmaster NZ. Watch Taskmaster NZ here Watch Legomasters NZ here Read about The Comedy Treatment here and buy your tickets to it here You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha
Globetrotting Kiwi chef Andy Cooks is the dictionary definition of a social media sensation. Finding himself out of work as Covid decimated the hospitality industry, he decided to create cooking videos packed with tips and tricks to educate and inspire home foodies. Twenty months since posting the first, he has 13 million followers and more than a billion views across multiple platforms. Beaming in from his current home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, he discusses his “surreal” success, the pressures of working in top restaurant kitchens and the state of New Zealand’s food scene. Andy has just released his first cookbook. You can view his videos on his YouTube channel. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha
Radio legend Jay-Jay Feeney first graced our airwaves aged 17 and remains an unstoppable force more than three decades on. She shares some highly impressive celebrity encounters and opens up about a life of complex relationships, including with her former partner - on and off air - Dom Harvey. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha
Kylie Bax went from winning a beauty contest in Thames to the catwalks of Milan in a matter of months. Soon she was gracing the cover of every top fashion magazine in the world. She gives Simon a rare insight into life as an elite model - from the hard work involved in getting a break, to hanging out with the A-list. She also talks her second career - breeding and syndicating race horses - and teases an exciting new business venture. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha
Kicking off an all-new season of Generally Famous, current affairs kingpin Paddy Gower drops in to discuss his storied career, his new show and how he's changed. He recalls his "absolutely brutal" introduction to TV reporting, reveals his regrets about his time covering Parliament and considers his shifting stance on addiction. Paddy's new show, Paddy Gower Has Issues, is available to stream on ThreeNow. New episodes also debut live on Three at 7.30pm on Wednesdays. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha and Connor Scott
Generally Famous is back soon for another noteworthy season. To make sure you don't miss it, follow Generally Famous wherever you get your podcasts.
Legendary children's TV host Suzy Cato (Suzy Cato!) joins Simon Bridges to discuss education in New Zealand, talk career highlights and even sing a song or two. She tears up as she talks about her passion for making children feel safe through her content. Suzy continues to produce a wealth of content for young minds - check it out here. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha and Connor Scott
The creator of wildy successful eco-conscious cosmetics company Ethique drops in to talk animals, leadership styles and what on earth a Nudibranch is. The episode was recorded before Brianne's recent announcement that she was stepping down as chief executive of Ethique. She's now focused on business mentoring with another company she founded, Business but Better. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you’d like Simon to talk to? We’re listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha and Connor Scott
Arguably New Zealand's greatest male batter joins Simon for a chat about his childhood, cricket career and the reaction to his autobiography, Black & White. Ross explains how Australians have treated him since his retirement, tells the Taj Mahal story he teases his wife about and reveals a taste for fine - and pricey - wine. And he discusses the fallout from losing the Black Caps captaincy to Brendon McCullum and the role race plays within the game.
The award-winning broadcaster explains why she has no regrets about leaving her fulltime role with TVNZ, why she's loving her new profession, and the "emotional roller coaster" of four years trying to have a baby with her husband. She and Simon also discuss their first Top Gear-inspired meeting - and the secrets of controlling audiences during corporate MC gigs.
Zuru co-founder Nick Mowbray quit law school because he didn't want to do the reading. Now he's one of New Zealand's richest men, with a share in a family fortune estimated at $3 billion. In a rare interview, he opens up about the sacrifices he made on his journey to global success, what the future holds - and what it's really like hanging out with the Kardashians.
The Kiwi pop icon went from being a homeless busker in London to the top of the charts. He tells Simon about falling out - and making up - with his parents, fitting manicures into his rock 'n' roll lifestyle, touring with Ed Sheeran and being ready to meet Ms Right and settle down. Mitch's new album, Patience, is out now.
The power couple behind some of Auckland's most memorable restaurants reveal where they eat out, consider the value of Michelin stars and explain why some young people are impatient about careers in hospitality. They also discuss the changing behaviour of head chefs and share a story about their hero dog!
Morgan Penn never felt like she was fulfilling her soul purpose until she found Somatic Sexology. From vulva cushions and full body orgasms to sex education and consent, nothing is off limits in this chat with Simon.
Join Simon Bridges and his guests as they respond to his quickfire General Knowledge questions. Generally Famous returns for a second season on October 26.
Expect the unexpected in Stuff's new podcast as Simon finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick. Season 2 returns on October 26!
Media personality Brodie Kane chats with Simon Bridges about why she'd never go into politics, running her own media company, and the negative stigma of being single. She also candidly shares the story about the time she met then-Prime Minister Sir John Key while hungover.
The tables are turned when Simon puts the questions to Andrea Vance, journalist and author of Blue Blood, the best-selling book about National's struggles in the post-Key years. Andrea talks about growing up in Northern Ireland during the violence of The Troubles, working at the News of the World and why she loves Derry Girls.
The parenting guru discusses the importance of the first 1000 days of human life, the problems with daycare and devices, and why 7-year-olds should get the vote. The "walking contradiction" also tells how he overcame his "Once Were Warriors" childhood and why he's got a replica of part of Doctor Who's spaceship in his home.
Frustrated at being rebuffed by brokers, Sonya Williams helped found fin-tech phenomenon Sharesies. Six years on she's a "3EO" and it's one of Aotearoa New Zealand's biggest financial platforms. She tells Simon about the role of smashed avo on toast - and withstands rigorous questioning about the company's pineapple logo!
World co-founder Dame Denise L'Estrange Corbet talks longevity in fashion, getting started and her challenging childhood. Other topics include the amount of black worn in New Zealand, why she's still okay with skinny models and her work as Patron of IHC NZ. Warning: Dame Denise also talks about living with depression and a historic suicide attempt. If you, or anyone you know, needs help with their mental health, a range of organisations can help. They include the 1737 helpline, which offers free assistance from trained counsellors by phone and text 24 hours a day. For more information about the wonderful work of the IHC, visit ihc.org.nz
TV foodie Ganesh Raj tells Simon about his "gangster" mum and the grit he needed growing up in Singapore. The Eat Well For Less star reveals how he got healthy through meditation, fasting and ditching alcohol - and explains the role of hypnosis. Plus, he recalls his time on MTV, before trading Prince stories with Simon.
From Shortland Street to Hollywood Boulevard: Direct from her home in sunny Santa Monica, Kim Crossman talks acting, fame and life in LA. She discusses the "Taika Effect" and being a "mule" for the Kiwi contingent in Hollywood, explains the benefits of owning a tarantula and shares a sickly story about her best night out. And, to Simon's delight, she reveals her extraordinary efforts to have a cup of tea with the Queen.
Petra has been a household name since bursting onto our screens aged 22 as part of the Ice TV hosting team. The broadcaster, podcaster and media chaplain chats to Simon about turning 50, perceptions, menopause and why she's more than okay about going grey. She also talks candidly about her time on Breakfast and explains why she wouldn't change a thing.
Generations collide when Simon meets wildly successful digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston. The 24-year-old is the co-founder of the SYSCA (Shit You Should Care About) empire which delivers news - and more - via emailed newsletters, social media and podcasts, and counts Joe Rogan and Ariana Grande among its 3.6 million social media followers. Lucy, who is probably New Zealand's biggest Harry Styles stan, explains why she wouldn't have her picture taken with Simon, considers whether she'll meet Harry next year and offers tips on talking like a member of Generation Z.
It's the premiere episode, and Simon chats to Kiwi rowing icon Eric Murray about the toll of elite-level sport, adjusting to life after competition and his son Zac, who has autism. Eric also offers tips about appearing on reality TV - and recalls a memorable night with a swan. Eric is a patron of Autism NZ - you can find out more about the organisation at: https://autismnz.org.nz/ Warning: This episode contains discussion of issues related to mental health and a suspected suicide. There are a wide range of organisations offering help, including the free 1737 helpline. Call or text to speak to a trained counsellor, 24 hours a day.
Expect the unexpected in Stuff's new podcast as Simon finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick. Launching August 3!