Xena: Warrior Nutballs

xenawarriornutballs
  • 5.0 (5)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Kia Ora and G’day whānau! Join two queer overexcitable fangirls, Lou (Kiwi, new-ish fan) and Shell (Aussie, OG Xenite), as they deep-dive into Xena: Warrior Princess with charmingly mediocre wit, loads of nostalgia, and at times impenetrable accents. As Xena: Warrior Princess celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, we’re highlighting its legacy by attempting to interview 30 cast and crew who made it legendary, the Kiwis and Aussies responsible for the leather outfits, the sword fights, and let’s be real, making us all a little bit gayer. From behind-the-scenes stories to on-set moments, we’re going to bring you the voices behind the show which changed the world. 🎧 Listen in and embrace the Nutball life! ⚔️🌈 Visit us at: https://xenawarriornutballs.com/ 

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    Interview #11: Jodie Dorday! Solari 🔑🙄⚔️

    This interview we’re joined by the utterly hilarious kiwi Jodie Dorday ✨🎭   Xena fans will know Jodie best as Solari, the fierce Amazon warrior from “The Quest” (S2E13) and “A Necessary Evil” (S2E14). Yes, THAT Amazon, the one that serves Bruce Campbell as Autolycus, the kind of stink eye you feel in your bones 🔑☠️ 🤣   As a multiple-character actor on Xena: Warrior Princess, Jodie shares what it was really like jumping between roles on set. We dive into what it was like when Lucy Lawless returned for “The Quest” after her injury and the pressures of being a guest actor on a big international show ⚔️📺   Jodie is one of those true Kiwi lasses, charming, glamorous and outrageously funny - expect peak Kiwi humour as Jodie reminds us why she’s an absolute scene-stealer on screen and off 💥😂   Show notes:   - Jodie will be appearing in Small Town Scandal - here's a wee link for more details!  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTyJ_-SD4PH/?igsh=ZjB1MnY5bjlwYWw0

    1h 5m

  2. JAN 22

    Interview #10: Hudson Leick! Callisto 🔥💀🖤

    We’re extending our whānau/family as we are joined by the one and only - Hudson Leick! The ultimate Xena: Warrior Princess villain, Callisto 💀⚔️    We dive deep into everything Callisto: from that iconic campfire scene with Gabrielle in “A Necessary Evil” (S2E14) 🔥🏕️, to exploring the sexual tension Callisto had with Xena ⚡💋 and her reaction to discovering Callisto would become the mother of Xena’s child 🤯. Hudson shares what it was like working in Aotearoa New Zealand, the connections she made on set, and the energy of filming in the ‘90s Xena-verse.   Most importantly though, we ask the question we have all been waiting to know the answer to: 👉 Did her famous black leather bikini cause her any chafing? 🖤👙   Hudson chats openly, thoughtfully, with genuine raw heart and reflection on her time in the show, while never missing a beat to make us laugh - she is a generous soul who makes you want to grow just by listening to her speak.   Far out, this is a special one whānau and we hope you enjoy as much as we did!✨🥰   Show notes:   Follow Hudson's on Instagram - this is where her 7-day yoga challenge will be held: https://www.instagram.com/HudsonLeick/   Learn about Hudson's yoga retreats, customised malas and bracelets as well as astronomical readings: https://www.hudsonleick.com/

    1h 53m

  3. JAN 7

    Interview #9: Murray Keane! Howar from "A Day in the Life" 📜🐟🍳

    This interview we’re joined by Kiwi legend Murray Keane AKA ‘Howar’ from fan-favourite episode “A Day in the Life” (Season 2, Episode 15) ⚔️📜   Shell and Lou dive deep into one of the best episodes of the entire franchise with Murray, he talks about working within the subtext (yes, everyone knew), working with Lucy Lawless, Renée O’Connor, Michael Hurst, and the hysterical Alison Wall who played Minya 🥰. Plus, Shell finally gets her long-overdue deep dive into the food on set 🍗🍞🍇   Murray also reflects on working on the original Hercules TV movies 🏛️⚡ which launched the entire franchise, alongside Lucy Lawless before she was cast as Xena 🤯   A well-established Kiwi director🎬Murray has had an enormous career working on some of the most iconic shows Aotearoa has ever produced 🌿📺   This is a proper, wholesome kōrerorero | conversation 💬❤️ and Murray knows exactly how to keep us laughing 😂✨   Show notes:   Murray mentions he was in a Meal Mates ad with Lucy Lawless - this is a very pixilated version of that ad! https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=meal+mates+biscuit+add+lucy+lawless&mid=7B07AA35F29A455CC9667B07AA35F29A455CC966&FORM=VIRE

    47 min

  4. 12/21/2025

    Interview #8: Tammy Barker! Stunt Double for Renée O’Connor | Gabrielle - Seasons 3, 4 & 5 💥⚔️

    This episode we chat with Tammy Barker, the legendary Aussie stunt double for Renée O’Connor | Gabrielle across Seasons 3, 4 and 5 💪   Tammy is the stunty who takes Gabrielle from the sweet, scroll-carrying bard 📜 to the fully fledged warrior, the “Battling Bard of Potidaea” ⚔️. This is the woman who did the hard yakka: the hits, the falls, the fire, even copping a broken nose at the end of (an extremely apologetic) Renée O’Connor’s staff in “Forgiven” (S3E14), all so Gabrielle’s evolution felt earned 🤕💥   Tammy was behind some of the most iconic moments in the entire series, including the infamous 'Gab Drag' in “The Bitter Suite” (S3E12) 🎶💔, and the blistering fire scenes in “Forget Me Not” (S3E17) 🔥😭   She reflects on what it was like working in the ’90s as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Aussie who crossed the ditch to chase her dreams in Aotearoa | New Zealand and suddenly finding herself in the middle of one of the most physical, groundbreaking TV productions of the decade 📺⚡️   Warning: this episode contains Tammy doing spins with her sais, at which point Lou and Shell absolutely fizz, fully, loudly, and with zero chill 🫠💖   It’s high-energy, behind-the-scenes gold, a love letter to stunt work 🎬, the unsung heroes who made the Xena action hit as hard as it did and just some good ol’ fashion Australia hard yakka! 💥⚔️   📸 Follow Tammy on Instagram: @tammybarker1

    1h 6m

  5. 12/10/2025

    Interview #7: Garth Maxwell! Director of 10 Episodes 🎬✨

    This week we're pulling up our director’s chairs as we sit down with Garth Maxwell, the Kiwi filmmaker who brought us absolute bangers like "Mortal Beloved" (S1), "Lost Mariner" (S2), "Devi" and "Endgame" (S4), "Seeds of Faith" and "Looking Death in the Eye" (S5), and "The God You Know" (S6)…and honestly, the list goes on, the man does not miss! 🎬✨   He reflects on working with Alexis Arquette (Caligula), Lucy Lawless (Xena), Renée O’Connor (Gabrielle), Alexandra Tydings (Aphrodite), and Tony Todd (Cecrops), and shares how he approached big emotional beats like Ephiny's death with Danielle Cormack 💔   As a filmmaker and member of the LGBTQIA+ community Garth reflects on his approach to the subtext between Xena and Gabrielle, and the importance of protecting their relationship on screen 🌈⚔️...and yes, we do ask him about that infamous Gaphrodite kiss scene in "The God You Know."    This is a megaphone-worthy episode packed with delicious behind-the-scenes stories from the 90s 💫   Follow Garth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_garth_maxwell_/   Watch Jack Be Nimble - Garth's film starring Alexis Arquette: https://jackbenimblefilm.com/    Show notes:   - Lou can't sleep at night over the fact she said in Endgame S4E20 when Xena walks away from Pompey, he says something - because he doesn't say nufink! He actually just starts creeping up on Xena with a dagger and her Xena-senses detect him and that's why she kills him. Phew, thank the Gods we have remedied that, Lou can sleep again now.   - Ok, Lou still can’t sleep because she called Alexandra Tydings “a floating bauble”, instead of what Garth actually called her which was “a bauble flaffing about” which is soooo much better. Great, issue resolved! ✌️

    1h 5m

  6. 11/26/2025

    Interview #6: Doug Kamo! Multiple Character Actor - Sullus in "The Execution", Dorian in "One Against an Army" and more! 🗡️🏹

    This week we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it was really like to be one of those brilliant Kiwi actors who popped in and out of the Xenaverse as completely different characters, the ultimate ’90s TV shapeshifters.   We're chatting with Doug Kamo, the Kiwi character actor who perfected the fine art of playing, as he so quaintly puts it, 'dicks' of Xena: Warrior Princess. You may recognise him from 🏹 Sullus in The Execution (S02E17), 👞 Brother #2 in If the Shoe Fits (S04E12), 🛡️ Border Guard in Amphipolis Under Siege (S05E14), or as 🗡️ Dorian in One Against an Army (S03E13) AKA the dick who gets Gabrielle shot with a poisoned arrow...or do we actually owe him thanks for creating all that hurt-comfort drenched subtext? 🤔   Doug takes us behind the scenes of "One Against an Army" the emotional powerhouse which launched a thousand fanfics and is still widely considered one of the best episodes of the entire show. He reflects on subtext, and the joy of working with Lucy Lawless, and Renee O'Connor.     Full of laughs, heartfelt nostalgia, and an unfortunate pineapple accident involving Lucy Lawless, this kōrero celebrates the unsung heroes of the series, the character actors who gave the Xenaverse texture, life, grit, - you know, the dicks.    👉 Follow Doug on Instagram: @dkcm_entertainment

    48 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Interview #5: Tracey Henton! Makeup Artist and Hairstylist 💅💄💇‍♀️

    This week we’re chatting with the ever chic and impossibly talented Tracey Henton, Makeup Artist and Hairstylist for Xena: Warrior Princess seasons 5 & 6! She served looks for Livia, Eve, Aphrodite and so many more 💅⚔️   When recalling a wig flying off mid-stunt, Tracey sums up the entire spirit of our podcast in one glorious battle cry, a perfect blend of hard yakka and Kiwi ingenuity:   💥 “You learn how to get that motherf*er to stay on!” 💥🤣   Get ready for laughter, hairspray, and behind-the-scenes stories only a true warrior glam squad member could tell 👑✨   Follow Tracey on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/tracey.henton/

    1h 10m

  8. 10/29/2025

    Interview #4: Darien Takle! Cyrene - Xena’s Mum 🍻🪓💜

    This week we pull up a chair in Cyrene’s Tavern and chat with Kiwi legend Darien Takle!    She is the impossibly talented actor behind Cyrene, Xena’s fierce, funny, and warrior-in-her-own-right Mum 💜   Darien opens up about the raw connection she feels to Cyrene as she reflects on the emotional truth she brought to the role, the magic of filming in Aotearoa New Zealand and even a slightly prophetic dream she had about Lucy Lawless.    From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on motherhood, art, and authenticity, this kōrero is full of warmth, laughter, and love. Grab an ale, it’s storytime with the one and only Darien Takle!

    59 min

  9. 10/15/2025

    Interview #3: Adrienne Wilkinson! Livia/Eve, The Bitch of Rome ⚔️🔥/The Messenger of Peace ☮️

    It’s The Bitch of Rome! AKA Xena’s daughter, Livia/Eve! 🔥☮️ In this kōrero/talk we welcome fan favourite Adrienne Wilkinson (aka Livia/Eve) into our extended whānau. She shares what it was like coming to little old Aotearoa New Zealand as a young American actor to work on one of the biggest shows of its time.  From stepping onto set with legendary Kiwis and Aussies to finding her place in the Xenaverse family. Adrienne is not just Xena’s daughter, she’s part of our whānau for life. ⚔️💜  With an impressive career that’s spanned universes from Star Wars to Star Trek, Adrienne reflects on how her time in the Xenaverse helped shape it all. ⚔️🎉🙌   Follow Adrienne on:  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.wilkinson/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yo_adriennew/ X:   https://x.com/Yo_AdrienneW TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@yoadriennew Visit her website at: https://www.adriennewilkinson.com/    Her consulting website: https://planamediagroup.com/

    1h 13m

  10. 10/01/2025

    Interview #2: Erik Thomson! God of the Underworld, Hades ⚡👑

    This week we dive headfirst into the underworld with Erik Thomson, AFI winner, Logie winner, and all around Kiwi Aussie legend ⚡👑 Erik takes us back to the 90s to share what it was like working on such a huge international show as a local actor, and how Xena: Warrior Princess shaped Aotearoa's TV and film industry for years to come.  Tune in for some seriously fun Xena chats with the man who made Hades unforgettable. ⚔️ And yes, consider this the start of our official campaign to get Erik Thomson to the Salute to Xena convention 2026 🎉🙌.

    1h 3m

  11. 09/18/2025

    Interview #1: Donny Duncan! Director of Photography 🎥

    In our very first interview we sit down with the legendary Kiwi, Donny Duncan, the Director of Photography for a whopping 77 episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess. From epic battle shots to those dark grungy tavern scenes, Donny’s eye shaped so much of the world we all love. We dive into how he captured the magic, filming in Aotearoa in the 90s. His influence went far beyond the screen, to this day, he champions women stepping into camera roles, opening doors in a male-dominated industry and changing the game for future storytellers. Join us to hear about his infamous on set cheeky prank on Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor, and peek into how Donny’s craft and care helped shape the Xenaverse. Trust us, this one’s a visual feast for the ears! 🎥   Show notes: - Donny wanted to clarify that they worked 12-hour days on set, not 10 and that the only season with 24 episodes was Season 1, the rest had 22.  - This is the "Double Rainbow Ad" Lou kept banging on about that Donny shot at the same waterfall as "Altered States" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4bniXxc6no

    1h 15m

  12. 09/04/2025

    By the Gods, It’s Our First Episode! 🌈⚔️

    Join Lou (a Kiwi newbie) and Shell (an Aussie OG fan) on their quest to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Xena: Warrior Princess. In this first episode they nerd out about why Xena still matters, what the show’s all about, and the Kiwis and Aussies they dream of chatting with who made the ‘90s cult classic legendary. 🌈⚔️

    44 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Kia Ora and G’day whānau! Join two queer overexcitable fangirls, Lou (Kiwi, new-ish fan) and Shell (Aussie, OG Xenite), as they deep-dive into Xena: Warrior Princess with charmingly mediocre wit, loads of nostalgia, and at times impenetrable accents. As Xena: Warrior Princess celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, we’re highlighting its legacy by attempting to interview 30 cast and crew who made it legendary, the Kiwis and Aussies responsible for the leather outfits, the sword fights, and let’s be real, making us all a little bit gayer. From behind-the-scenes stories to on-set moments, we’re going to bring you the voices behind the show which changed the world. 🎧 Listen in and embrace the Nutball life! ⚔️🌈 Visit us at: https://xenawarriornutballs.com/ 

Information

  • Creator
    xenawarriornutballs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Xena: Warrior Nutballs