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 mechanisms and the importance of compassion when looking back at our lives. We also delve into dating in her 40s and of course, her perimenopause journey and fabulous silver hair! Along the way, Julia shares tips for supporting our mental health from her soon-to-be released book Be Kind to Your Mind.  Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Gen sits down with incredible individuals who have faced mental health challenges, delving into their personal lived experiences. They also explore the valuable tools and lessons they have gained on their journey. Have a listen to A Moment With on rova or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 understanding. Susan is a tenacious leader! But the conversation isn't just about Susan's public life. We also explore her journey through menopause and the emotional toll it can take. We also hear about her current life phase - between jobs and looking for the next thing that will bring her joy. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 struggles with type 1 diabetes, depression, and the impact of ADHD on her relationships. From the highs and lows of managing her health conditions to her decision to step back from her breakfast radio show due to burnout, Anika's story is a testament of her resilience and unwavering belief in herself.  We share SO many laughs along the way. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 has been talked about using ‘you should’ or ‘you ought’ - you know, obligation language. Or it’s an area that has simply not been talked about at all. And the thing is, so much of our life takes place in those ‘grey areas’... Stuff isn’t clearcut and straightforward. Life is messy and fragmented and there’s something kind of magical that happens when those long-held unhelpful norms and narratives are re-examined in the light of a spacious, gracious vulnerability. When we get to hear our stories - when we have the courage to say ‘this is me’... it may not be polished and presentable and perfect, but it’s what I’ve got. And it's enough. So… with all that said, I am very happy to announce that we’re about to kick off Season 4, and as always I’m joined by some wonderful human beings. This season includes Anika Moa, Dame Susan Devoy, Charlotte Cook, Kiri Nathan, Stacey Morrison, Irene van Dyk. We even chat with a specialist about skin irritations that can happen 'down there' - you know where; our vulvas. Let's talk about it. We're gonna dig deep into menopause, diabetes, heartbreak, friendship, cultural changes, body hair, and stacks of other societal ‘Grey Areas’. So join me for the joy ride that is Season 4 of Grey Areas! New episodes drop weekly from September 7th on rova, or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.