Forkin' Good with Simon Gault & Kate Fenwick

Kate Fenwick & Simon Gault

Forkin’ Good is where food, health and real life collide. Join chef Simon Gault and waste educator Kate Fenwick for honest conversations, practical cooking advice, expert insights and plenty of laughs. From eating better and saving money to reducing waste and tackling the big issues affecting Kiwi households, it is all about making life a little healthier, easier and more forkin’ good.

  1. 6d ago

    Living With Someone Else’s Lungs | Jess Avenell’s Incredible Story

    Send us Fan Mail What do you do with a second chance at life when somebody else made that second chance possible? In this episode of the Forking Good Podcast, Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick sit down with Jess Avenell — The Transplant Coach — to hear the extraordinary story behind her double lung transplant. Jess was just 21 when she was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. She was young, fit and training for a half Ironman when she began noticing that something wasn't right. Eventually, she was confronted with the devastating possibility that she might not make it to 30. Instead of putting life on hold, Jess booked a one-way ticket to the Greek Islands, spent years living and working overseas, built her career and kept pushing forward — even as breathing became increasingly difficult. Eventually, she required full-time oxygen and had to plan something as simple as her commute around whether she'd physically be able to walk up a ramp. Then came the call that changed everything. After an intensive transplant assessment and roughly 60 days on the waiting list, Jess received a double lung transplant in 2020. But receiving new lungs wasn't the end of her journey — in many ways, it was the beginning. Jess opens up about the gratitude she feels toward her donor and their family, the emotional reality of living with donated organs, transplant recovery, immunosuppression, relationships, identity and what happens when everyone around you thinks you're “fixed” — but you know you've come out the other side as a different person. Today, Jess uses her experience as The Transplant Coach, helping others focus not simply on what they can't do after transplant, but on how they can meaningfully move forward and make the most of the life they've been given. And this is only Part 1. In the next episode, Jess joins Simon and Kate again to dive deeper into life after transplant, food, health and the practical strategies she now shares with others. Connect with Jess Avenell — The Transplant Coach: Facebook: Jess Avenell – The Transplant Coach https://www.facebook.com/share/1dMAFKB9Xt/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: @the_transplantcoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessavenell Website: www.thetransplantcoach.nz YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the_transplantcoach?si=d9Bslgu2ezFHu_e_ Subscribe to the Forking Good Podcast to make sure you don't miss Part 2 with Jess. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate Support the show

  2. Aug 17

    Why Quitting Isn’t Failure | Gareth Holebrook on Ishi

    Send us Fan Mail What if knowing when to quit is just as important as knowing how to persevere? In this episode of the Forking Good Podcast, Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick sit down with leadership, health and triathlon coach Gareth Holebrook, author of Ishi: The Discipline of Determined Intent. Gareth explores the philosophy behind Ishi and what decades of business, coaching and extreme endurance racing have taught him about determination, leadership, failure and burnout. Having completed more than 30 iron-distance races, Gareth knows plenty about persistence. But some of his biggest lessons came from the times he persisted for too long — including spending five years pursuing a business that wasn't commercially viable. His message? Giving up isn't necessarily failure. Sometimes, knowing when to abort is a skill. The conversation explores Gareth's Ishi Spiral, his Adjust–Hold–Abort framework, why writing down your intentions can change your behaviour, the power of deliberate practice, and how asking what your future self would think can lead to better decisions. They also discuss Japanese philosophy, Kaizen, leadership, Ironman racing, burnout, business failure and why high performers can sometimes become victims of their own determination. If you're ambitious, constantly juggling competing priorities, struggling to finish what you start — or doing so much that you're heading toward burnout — this conversation is for you. 👍 Like, subscribe and share the Forking Good Podcast for more conversations with Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate 01:08 Why Gareth removed the word “they” from his book 05:50 What Ishi and “determined intent” really mean 08:24 The brutal double iron-distance race that tested Gareth 09:46 When persistence becomes a problem 12:05 The Ishi Spiral: Adjust, Hold or Abort 14:02 Why quitting doesn't mean you've failed 16:25 Getting 1% better & defeating yesterday's self 18:46 The Intent Card: turning intentions into commitments 28:47 Business failures, burnout & lessons from organisations Support the show

  3. Aug 10

    Stop Telling People What to Do: A Better Way to Lead with Gareth Holebrook

    Send us Fan Mail What separates a great leader from someone who simply tells people what to do? In Part 2 of our conversation with leadership coach, endurance athlete and author Gareth Holebrook, we move from burnout and resilience into the practical realities of leadership. Gareth introduces intent based leadership, an approach that shifts decision making closer to the people actually doing the work. Instead of employees constantly asking the boss what to do, leaders create an environment where their teams can think, make decisions and take genuine ownership. Drawing on lessons from nuclear submarines, emergency departments, corporate teams, restaurants and his own leadership coaching, Gareth explains how surprisingly small changes in language can completely change the way a team operates. We explore why leaders become decision bottlenecks, why micromanagement can hold good people back, and how to give employees autonomy without giving up accountability. Gareth also shares the Ladder of Leadership, including the simple questions leaders can use to move someone from "Tell me what to do" to "This is what I intend to do." Plus, we get Gareth's practical formula for running a meeting that actually achieves something, including why the most senior person in the room should often speak last. If you lead a team, own a business, manage people or simply want to become a better leader, there are plenty of practical ideas in this episode you can start using immediately. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate Support the show

  4. Aug 6

    He Collapsed 7km From the Finish... Here's What He Learned

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to succeed without burning yourself out? In this episode of the Forkin' Good Podcast, Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick sit down with endurance athlete, leadership coach and author Gareth Holebrook to explore the hidden cost of high performance. After completing multiple Ironman races and qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Gareth shares the remarkable story of collapsing just 7 kilometres from the finish line, and why that experience completely changed his view of resilience. The conversation moves beyond endurance sport into business, leadership and everyday life, exploring why so many entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals end up overwhelmed despite doing everything "right." Together they discuss: • Why grit isn't always the answer • The warning signs of burnout • Learning to say no without guilt • Decision making under pressure • Why successful people often overcommit • Leadership lessons from elite performance • Building resilience through sleep, recovery and health • The importance of knowing when to quit Whether you're leading a business, raising a family, building a career or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers practical insights into creating a healthier, more sustainable version of success. If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe and leave us a comment. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate Support the show

  5. Jul 27

    How To Deal With Stress When Life Won't Slow Down!

    Send us Fan Mail Life can get overwhelming, and sometimes it's important to talk honestly about it. In this episode of the Forkin' Good Podcast, Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick catch up on everything that's been happening, from managing stress, menopause and major life changes, to the simple habits helping Kate sleep better and regain some balance. They discuss cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), walking for mental wellbeing, cold showers, exercise, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop worrying about the things you can't control. The conversation then shifts to one of their favourite topics, food! Simon shares some of his favourite discoveries from the Waikato and Auckland Food Shows, including incredible New Zealand producers creating unique products, while Kate highlights the fantastic work being done by Rescued Kitchen, turning surplus bread into baking mixes, breadcrumbs and other delicious products. In this episode:  Coping with ongoing stress and uncertainty  How CBT has helped change thought patterns  Why walking is one of the best stress relievers  Cold showers and controlled stress  Kate's health journey and making lifestyle changes  Simon's favourite Food Show discoveries  Amazing New Zealand food innovators  How Rescued Kitchen is reducing food waste through rescued ingredients If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate Support the show

  6. Jul 20

    Are Smartphones Destroying Childhood? We Want to Find Out

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of the Forkin' Good Podcast, Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick sit down with Dr Samantha Marsh, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland, and Vanessa McCarty, child psychotherapist and speaker for Smartphone Free Childhood New Zealand. Together they unpack what the latest evidence says about smartphones, social media, gaming and children's mental health, while sharing practical advice every parent, grandparent and teacher can use. We discuss: • Why more experts are calling this a public health crisis • The real impact of smartphones on childhood development • Why so many teenagers wish they'd never had social media • The warning signs parents shouldn't ignore • Family rules that actually work • Why delaying smartphones may be one of the best decisions you can make This isn't about guilt. It's about understanding what we now know and making informed decisions for the children we love. If you're raising children in today's digital world, this conversation is essential listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another parent. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate Support the show

    Are Smartphones Destroying Childhood? We Want to Find Out
  7. Jul 6

    Your Gut Controls More Than You Think | The Truth About Gut Health

    Send us Fan Mail Did you know your gut is constantly communicating with your brain? In this fascinating episode of Forkin' Good, Simon Gault and Kate Fenwick sit down with Alice Fitzgerald, CEO of The Gut Foundation, to unpack the science behind gut health, the microbiome, and why what you eat affects far more than just your digestion. From mental health and immunity to bowel cancer, inflammation and even your mood, this conversation explores why looking after your gut could be one of the most important things you do for your long-term health. You'll also learn practical, affordable ways to improve your gut health today, including the importance of fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, diversity in your diet, and why expensive supplements aren't always the answer. Whether you're interested in nutrition, preventing disease, or simply feeling better every day, this episode is packed with simple tips backed by emerging science. Learn more about The Gut Foundation and access their free resources: https://www.thegut.org.nz/ https://gutcheck.co.nz/ In this episode: ✔ What gut health actually means ✔ How your gut communicates with your brain ✔ Why fibre is the most underrated nutrient ✔ The difference between probiotics and prebiotics ✔ How your microbiome influences your mood ✔ Why New Zealand has alarming bowel cancer statistics ✔ Affordable foods that improve gut health ✔ Simple ways to eat more fibre every day ✔ Why diversity matters more than perfection ✔ Small changes that can improve your health in days If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Follow Simon on his channels below: Instagram: @simon_gault Facebook: @Officialsimongault Tiktok: Simonjgault Youtube: Simon Gault Follow Waste-ed with Kate here: Instagram: @wastedwithkate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate Tiktok: wasted.kate Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate Support the show

  8. Jun 29

    What Nobody Tells You About Owning a Café - Catching up with Nav from Pink Broccoli!

    Send us Fan Mail Five months ago, Simon Squibb helped make Nav's dream come true. She took over ownership of Pink Broccoli Café and stepped into the exciting world of business ownership. But what happens after the cameras leave? In this honest follow up conversation, Nav shares the realities of running a café, managing staff, handling financial pressure, building culture, and learning how to transition from chef to business owner. Together, Simon Gault, Kate Fenwick and Nav discuss leadership, team performance, customer service, communication, business growth, and the challenges every small business owner faces behind the scenes. If you've ever dreamed of owning a business, this episode offers a refreshing look at what happens after the dream becomes reality. In this episode: ✔ The biggest surprise about owning a café ✔ Why money keeps business owners awake at night ✔ Managing staff and building culture ✔ Getting employees to think like owners ✔ Creating memorable customer experiences ✔ The power of communication and team meetings ✔ Leadership lessons from hospitality ✔ The importance of finding your "extra 5%" ✔ Growing into the role of business owner ✔ What success really looks like after the dream comes true Visit Pink Broccoli 📍 614 Remuera Road, Auckland ☕ Go support Nav and follow her journey Follow Forkin' Good 🎙 New episodes every Tuesday #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #CafeOwner #Leadership #Hospitality #CustomerService #TeamCulture #BusinessGrowth #ForkingGoodPodcast Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod Support the show

About

Forkin’ Good is where food, health and real life collide. Join chef Simon Gault and waste educator Kate Fenwick for honest conversations, practical cooking advice, expert insights and plenty of laughs. From eating better and saving money to reducing waste and tackling the big issues affecting Kiwi households, it is all about making life a little healthier, easier and more forkin’ good.

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