The Dom Harvey Podcast

In the early 2000s Linda Vagana was one of the biggest stars in world netball- she played 64 tests for the Silver Ferns.

After retiring from elite sport, she became the General Manager of Duffy Books in Homes where she inspires kids to read. It’s a role she has been in for over 20 years.

In this conversation, we talk about life before, during and after netball. 

The sacrifices behind making it to the top of New Zealand sport, and how faith and family helped her stay grounded through it all.

We...

Roger Farrelly is one of the most familiar voices on New Zealand radio. He has spent over three decades on The Rock as part of the legendary Morning Rumble.

I

n this deeply honest conversation, the man known to his fans as just “Rog” open’s up about the highs and lows of a life spent entertaining Kiwis, including some epic yarns about the wild and unhinged early years of the Rock.

We also discuss burnout, identity, mental health, the changing landscape of broadcasting, and what it takes to stay grounded through fame, c...

Heather McRae 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...