Grey Areas with Petra Bagust

rova
Grey Areas with Petra Bagust

Kia ora and nau mai haere mai to Grey Areas with me, Petra Bagust. This is about growing up and going grey, in Aotearoa New Zealand because I’m getting older. And so are you. So how do we do it well? I reckon we can do it with a bit of gorgeousness and gusto and break that ‘getting old’ mould just a little. Or maybe more than a little. So join me as we climb into some of those topics that just aren't so clear-cut, maybe are a little chewy, a little crunchy… and let’s journey our way through them. I've got a group of wonderful wāhine, and the odd beaut bloke, to chat with, and we're going to share some wisdom that we've discovered along the way. And I’d love for you to share your wisdom with me too, because everybody has something to offer.

  1. NOV 20

    Let’s end cervical cancer in Aotearoa | Dr Bev Lawton

    Join me as I sit down with the delightful Professor Bev Lawton, a trailblazing advocate for women's health, who shares her insights into menopause, cervical cancer prevention and endometriosis. From her early days as a GP in Newtown, Wellington, Bev highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge and the need for a stronger focus on women's health. Bev brings such warmth and optimism to the topic of menopause, encouraging us to see it as a natural, manageable transition rather than a burden. She discusses her experience as a doctor and the importance of providing women with balanced information so we can make decisions that truly benefit our health and well-being. We delve into the exciting science of the HPV vaccine and how it’s helping to prevent cervical and other cancers. Bev explains why accessible screening is critical, sharing the success of New Zealand's new HPV self-screening program, which empowers women to take charge of their health in a more comfortable, private and accessible way. This episode is packed with insights, laughter, and actionable advice. I hope it leaves you feeling informed and motivated to advocate for yourself and others, whether it’s by understanding your own health better or supporting initiatives to close the chapter on cervical cancer. To become part of the story, head to endcervicalcancer.org.nz! Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

    51 min

  2. NOV 13

    Rethinking fitness and hormones | Dr Stacy Sims + Financial fitness with Generate

    Fresh from a work out Dr Stacy Sims joins me for a deep dive into the specific ways women need to move our bodies as we age. A trailblazer in the science of female physiology, Stacy challenges the traditional ‘calories in, calories out’ mindset – why it can be counterproductive and how popular fitness trends often ignore the distinct needs of women, especially through perimenopause and menopause! Stacy explains how our bodies change as hormone levels fluctuate in midlife, affecting everything from muscle strength to cognitive function. She shares why it's essential to focus on resistance training and high-intensity exercise to preserve muscle quality, bone health, and even brain function. We tackle the fear of ‘bulking up’ with weight training, and the benefits of challenging the body with high intensity movement that promotes longevity. What I love about Stacy’s approach is her emphasis on creating a sustainable, life-enhancing routine rather than a quick-fix workout regimen.  Join us as we explore practical, empowering ways to stay strong, mentally sharp, and energised – no gym membership required! Plus, Kirstien Taylor from Generate joins me to discuss financial fitness and how, just like physical movement, small steps now can pay dividends later in life. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. Disclaimer: No part of this podcast is intended as financial advice; it is intended as general information only. For more information about the Generate KiwiSaver Scheme see their Product Disclosure Statement at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    1h 29m

  3. NOV 6

    When friends are whānau | Suzanne Lynch, Tina Cross + Jackie Clarke (The Lady Killers)

    Today I’m joined by three extraordinary and radically different women who consider each other family. Each in a different decade of life – their 50s, 60s, and 70s – Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, and Suzanne Lynch have performed together for the past two decades as The Lady Killers, and they’re still going strong. Fresh off their DIVAS! tour to sold out venues around New Zealand, we sit down to discuss music, ageing, and friendship. The stories these wāhine toa share are filled with hard-won wisdom and riotous laughter that beckons us to grab hold of every stage of life with curiosity, compassion and camaraderie whether we vote the same way or not.  Tune in as we tackle menopause, breaking down stereotypes, the perpetual pressure to present perfectly (trying saying that fast), and the vital importance of supporting one another through it all! Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

    1h 5m

  4. OCT 30

    Making friends with my body - good friends! | Dr Hillary McBride

    In this episode, I sit down with psychologist, author, and menopause researcher Dr Hillary McBride to explore what it means to truly come home to our bodies - to treat them like a best friend. Hillary’s work spans critical topics like trauma, eating disorders, and women's health, with a particular focus on menopause as a transformative experience. Through her books, The Wisdom of Your Body and Practices for Embodied Living, Hillary advocates for a reconnection with our bodies, inviting us to listen to, honour, and celebrate our physical selves. Using Hillary’s vivid metaphor of our body as a home, we discuss the absurdity of ‘living on the front lawn’ and basing our worth on this external perspective. She encourages us to find our way back inside the home and make the most of the rich experiences to be found within. Hillary champions supportive environments where women can share their experiences free from judgement - her research demonstrates the positive and practical impact of women talking about menopause with each other… this information is too good not to share - come and sit with this wise soul who loves helping women find safety and solace in our very own bodies! Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

    54 min
  5. Petra introduces the Parents We've Met podcast

    OCT 28

    Petra introduces the Parents We've Met podcast

    Buckle in for an uplifting conversation filled with laughter and wisdom! Petra Bagust is the host of popular rova podcasts Grey Areas and Sunday Sanctuary, a radio personality and TV presenter, a media chaplain, mum to three young people and all-round wonderful wāhine.  In this episode, Petra shares candidly how she has approached the highs and lows of motherhood with grace for herself, and the many things she’s learned along the way. With energy, wit and wisdom, she delves into the richness that can be found in relationships, the magic of her personal te reo journey, and the freedom that comes with tuning into what we place our value in, particularly as we age.  A small disclaimer, this episode contains a sprinkle of mild swearing—nothing that would make your grandma faint, but maybe cover the kids’ ears if they’re around.  Parents We’ve Met is brought to you by Parenting Place – a charity with a heart for New Zealand families. Explore our self-guided online courses and hundreds of free parenting articles and ideas HERE.  Follow us on Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

    51 min

  6. OCT 23

    Diving into the wreck: on mermaids, motherhood and midlife | Megan Dunn

    The tide is rising toward Megan’s 50th birthday, and we surf the currents of childhood memories to uncover how mermaids, like the best stories, delight us with their symbolic depth. We reflect on my relationship with my mother, navigating the murky waters between closeness and independence. Megan shares how her mother transformed into an exuberant grandmother, becoming a lighthouse guiding her toward metamorphosis despite her own unfulfilled dreams. We wade into the depths of parenting and self-love, exploring the complexities of aging amid impossible societal expectations. This episode rides the wave of generational bonds that, while often frustrating, anchor us. As our conversation ebbs and flows through themes of self-acceptance and re-enchantment, we question conventional metrics of success and the power of ‘voice’ in shaping our narratives. Splashing through literature and art, we celebrate the significance of community and meaningful connections, steering us toward a more magical sense of purpose. Join us as we surf these enchanting waves together! Song Credit: Korimako, performed by Aro, written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker, published by Songbroker.

    1h 3m

  7. OCT 16

    Bullies, blood and battlegrounds | Susie Ferguson

    There were three things Susie Ferguson was never going to do; climb Mt Everest, run a marathon or write a book. However a serendipitous podcast interview with my good friend Frank nudged her to capture her experiences as a war correspondent, radio journalist and woman - the result is "Bloody Minded."  Susie shares her experiences of being bullied and even publicly shamed by a teacher while navigating the tricky dynamics of an all-girls school.  Her candid reflections on enduring undiagnosed endometriosis while reporting from Iraq, display her resilience and humour.  From her love story with husband Lee, to the intense bonds formed in war zones,and the challenges of transitioning into motherhood, Susie’s book is moving and memorable. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of adaptability, determination, and the bonds that define our lives. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

    1h 7m

  8. OCT 9

    Nourishing the whole self | Nici Wickes

    I sit down with the delightful Nici Wickes, a beloved cookbook author with a talent for making culinary adventures accessible and joyful, as she shares her wisdom on no-fuss cooking, building confidence in and out of the kitchen, and her latest book ‘More from A Quiet Kitchen.’ We tackle body image and health, confronting societal expectations, and shifting our focus from our appearance to our wellbeing along the journey to ageing with self-acceptance. Nici also gets real about prioritising mental health as we explore themes of solitude, self-expression, and the serenity found in cooking for oneself.  Whether it's in the kitchen, navigating boundaries, or finding peace in the chaos, this conversation is a heartfelt invitation to celebrate ourselves and savour some of life’s simplest pleasures. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

    1h 1m
See All (68)

Trailers

Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Kia ora and nau mai haere mai to Grey Areas with me, Petra Bagust. This is about growing up and going grey, in Aotearoa New Zealand because I’m getting older. And so are you. So how do we do it well? I reckon we can do it with a bit of gorgeousness and gusto and break that ‘getting old’ mould just a little. Or maybe more than a little. So join me as we climb into some of those topics that just aren't so clear-cut, maybe are a little chewy, a little crunchy… and let’s journey our way through them. I've got a group of wonderful wāhine, and the odd beaut bloke, to chat with, and we're going to share some wisdom that we've discovered along the way. And I’d love for you to share your wisdom with me too, because everybody has something to offer.

Information

More From rova

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada