Real Life With John Cowan

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John Cowan hosts ‘Real Life’, a weekly nationwide chat show on Newstalk ZB featuring a different high-profile guest every week. John talks with them about their life, their upbringing, their passions and their view of the world.

2 days ago

Manu Vatuvei - Rugby League Legend

Manu dominated the rugby league world for over a decade, cementing his place as the Vodafone Warriors' all-time leading try-scorer and a powerhouse for the Kiwis. But beyond the staggering stats, the massive hits, and the unforgettable tries, what has always made Manu a crowd favourite is his massive heart. He has navigated the highest peaks of sporting stardom and faced some of life’s toughest, most vulnerable chapters with total honesty. John sat down with Manu to chat about resilience, the power of reinventing yourself, and what it really means to lead with courage on and off the field. You don’t want to miss this raw, inspiring conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 min
31 May

Pene Pati - Tenor

Hailed as one of the most exciting tenors of his generation, Samoan-born Pene Pati has been taking the global stage by storm with his radiant voice, effortless high notes, and an infectious, warm charisma that disarms audiences the moment he steps under the lights. Whether he’s starring in the world's leading opera houses or sharing the stage with his brothers in Sol3 Mio, he brings a unique, down-to-earth joy to classical music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 min
24 May

Matt Watson

Matt Watson is a household name in New Zealand and a true Kiwi icon, best known as the charismatic creator and host of the legendary ITM Fishing Show. From launching his television career with high-octane viral stunts—like his infamous helicopter-to-marlin jump that landed him on David Letterman—Watson has evolved into one of Aotearoa’s most passionate ocean advocates. A fierce champion for sustainable fishing and marine conservation, he brings incredible storytelling and a deeply independent perspective on the future of our oceans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 min
17 May

Chelsie Preston-Crayford tells John Cowan about her new 'autofictional' film Caterpillar

Chelsie is a powerhouse of New Zealand stage and screen, carrying on a formidable creative lineage as the daughter of filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and musician Jonathan Crayford. Over her 20-year career, she has built a reputation for versatility, moving seamlessly between grit and grace. Currently, Chelsie is entering an exciting new chapter as a filmmaker. This week marks the theatrical release of her debut feature film, Caterpillar (released May 14, 2026), which she wrote and directed. Chelsie remains one of the most compelling and busy voices in the Australasian arts scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 min
10 May

Tāme Iti - Artist and Activist

For over 50 years, Tāme Iti (Ngāi Tūhoe) has been the face of Māori resistance and mana motuhake. From the front lines of the 1975 Land March and the founding of Ngā Tamatoa to the controversial Urewera raids, Tāme has spent his life challenging New Zealand to reckon with its colonial past. Once branded a radical, he is now an Arts Foundation Laureate and a celebrated contemporary artist whose work turns activism into performance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 min
3 May

Brad Thorn - Rugby Legend

Brad is one of the most decorated dual-code athletes in history, defined by a legendary "serial winner" mentality. He achieved elite success in Rugby League with the Brisbane Broncos, winning four NRL titles and representing Queensland in State of Origin, before switching to Rugby Union. There, he became a cornerstone of the All Blacks, famously winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup and securing a Super Rugby title with the Crusaders. Beyond his playing days, Thorn is respected for his incredible longevity—playing professionally until 41—and his subsequent six-year tenure as Head Coach of the Queensland Reds. Known for his "champions do extra" philosophy, he is credited with rebuilding the Reds' culture and leading them to the 2021 Super Rugby AU title. Whether on the field or in the coach's box, Thorn’s career is a masterclass in discipline, cross-code excellence, and leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 min
26 Apr

Ron Crosby - Historian

After a 30-year legal career specialising in resource management and iwi claims, Ron Crosby retired in 2007 to focus on writing, often drawing from his extensive experience as a bush explorer to inform his historical research. His work is noted for its deep focus on te ao Māori and military history, including seminal titles such as The Musket Wars (1999) and Kūpapa: The Bitter Legacy of Māori Alliances with the Crown(2015) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 min
19 Apr

Vanessa Weenink - MP for Banks Peninsula

Dr Vanessa Weenink is currently serving her first term as the Member of Parliament for Banks Peninsula. She serves on the Education and Workforce Select Committee and is Deputy-Chair of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee. Born in Blenheim and growing up in Marlborough, Vanessa served in the New Zealand Defence Force for over 20 years as a Medical Officer in the Army. She was deployed three times, with two tours in Afghanistan and one in East Timor. After leaving the Army, Vanessa worked as a self-employed GP in Christchurch. She co-owned and operated Papanui Medical Centre in Christchurch for several years and is a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from Otago University. She has served in health sector governance roles, including as a board member of Pegasus Health and on the Clinical Governance Committee for national telehealth service Whakarongorau Aotearoa. She was also elected Chair of the General Practitioner Council of the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) and Deputy Chair of the NZMA Board. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min

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4.2

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5 Ratings

Outstanding

01/03/2023

Paddy Incognito

John is so easy to listen to. He has a way of coaxing his guests into revealing stuff. If they go past it, he has a pleasant disarming way of going back to the subject for more clarification. Awesome podcasts.

John Cowan hosts ‘Real Life’, a weekly nationwide chat show on Newstalk ZB featuring a different high-profile guest every week. John talks with them about their life, their upbringing, their passions and their view of the world.