Grey Areas with Petra Bagust

Open a refreshing window to the world of creativity with Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh as we riff on creativity and poetry. Turns out you don’t have to give it up after high school. Selina, an accomplished poet, academic, and illustrator, shares profound insights and captivating tales from her journey, which includes becoming NZ’s official poet (aka Poet Laureate), an unconventional marriage break up, and being honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. From the physicality of marathons to the tranquillity of walking, we discuss the evolution of our creative lives and the surprises ageing invites us into. With her trademark wisdom and wit, Selina shares the transformational role of poetry in empowering Pasifika leaders and reflects on the expansive nature of creativity, such as making a cup of tea with love… does it taste any different? Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot on the heels of launching her new book Evolving, Judy Bailey sat down with Petra to talk all things ageing. At 72 years old, Judy has a sparkle that's infectious. Her credentialed career as a journalist, along with her natural curiosity and sense of fun make her an ideal guide to navigate the landscape of ageing, and explore the latest research on how to do it well. It’s exciting to hear that since leaving television, Judy is having some of the most fulfilling years of her life! Naturally, they haven’t been without trials, including navigating her husband Chris’s cancer diagnosis. Be encouraged by Judy’s insights and enthusiasm and take meaningful action for your future now, knowing you can do it with a twinkle in your eye, throughout your golden years. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're kicking off Season 5 with our LIVE recording of a fun and fascinating panel discussion tackling pleasure, intimacy, and love in midlife and menopause with writer Niki Bezzant and relationship coach Meg Cowan. Niki Bezzant is a trained journalist whose book This Changes Everything: the honest guide to menopause and perimenopause has, for thousands of New Zealanders, shed light on the oddly overlooked experience of women and ageing. Diving into sexuality, intimacy and desire in her upcoming book The Everything Guide Niki tackles a raft of ‘sex myths for grown-ups’ and shows us we’re not alone in navigating the highs and lows of our sexual journeys. Meg Cowan is a sex & relationship coach who’s created The Couples Guide to Hotter Sex in 10 Days! and The Shame-free Sex Course, delivering empowering practical skills to people all around the world. Meg is pro-pleasure, practical and positive - and believes we can all find our way to magnificent sexual expression whatever our season. The night also featured a special musical appearance from Aro - the creators of the Grey Areas waiata/theme song Korimako. Catch Aro's brand new album out 19th April! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kia ora! Petra here and we’re getting ready for Season 5! 5 feels like a milestone… off to school and all that, growing up literally - thanks for coming on this journey with me - hasn’t it been fun and also fascinating!?! We have built up quite the collection of stories and questions to travel with us into our next season - hopefully with more compassion, humour and courageous can-do. Let’s keep going! Who would have thought we’d talk about vulval skin health, pelvic floors, boobs bones and all the things menopause! There is plenty left to yarn about, so many great stories to share and I hope that in sharing stories of our wonderful guests and their ‘grey areas’ - you feel more at home in your own skin, head and heart. This season I’m joined by more fabulous guests including authors Judy Bailey, Niki Bezzant and Selina Tusitala Marsh, presenter Sonia Gray and sex coach Meg Cowan. We go fossicking about in experiences of perfectionism and adult diagnosis of ADHD, take personal journeys into creativity, relationship changes like separation and even ageing on purpose, as well as a particular highlight of mine - talking about pleasure, intimacy and love in mid-life with two awesome wāhine - live on stage - that’s right we did a live event and I LOVED IT! So join me for Season 5 of Grey Areas with Petra Bagust! New episodes drop weekly from April 18th on rova, or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Film reviewer extraordinaire Kate Rodger joins Grey Areas for another laugh-filled chat about stepping outside of her ‘lane’, dealing with feelings of overwhelm, and the progress she's making on her personal goals. Kate brings her trademark humour and wildly generous way with words to a conversation about new challenges, making time for what’s important, and never being afraid to have a good ol’ cry in the staff loos. If you want to hear more from Kate check out her earlier episode The edges of menopause from Season 2! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iconic broadcaster Robert Rakete returns to Grey Areas, joining Petra for a candid and uplifting kōrero. Robert has been discovering more of his whakapapa as he continues to learn Te Reo Māori, and shares his love of embracing the beginner's mind, facing fears and embracing failure. Plus Robert catches Petra up on his recent prostate check-up! 👀 If you want to hear more scintillating stories from Robert check out his episode Recovering identity from Season 1! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years on from her first Grey Areas appearance, Petra catches up with journalist and TVNZ's Sunday host Miriama Kamo as she's rounded out her fifth decade. Turning 50 can invite introspection and casting new vision for your life. Miriama grabs this opportunity with both hands sharing the raft of intentions she has for this season from getting braces to studying te reo Māori. In the midst of goal-setting, Petra and Miriama reflect on how to sidestep shame and resource ourselves, even when life's not going exactly according plan. If you want to hear more of Miriama's heart and wisdom check out her and Robyn Malcolm's episode Menopause stories from Season 1! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annie Crummer and Betty-Anne Monga along with Julia Deans and Boh Runga will be forming a powerhouse ensemble at this year's Auckland Arts Festival performance, Hear Me Roar! on March 8. Annie and Betty-Anne joined me for a korero all about creativity, collaboration and purpose. We riff on the power of music to accompany us through every season - the summers and winters of life. Music offers us a kind of hope when life gets bogged down in the grey areas and we explore how as women we can move into our own confidence and taking up space. Get your tickets to Hear Me Roar! at aaf.co.nz/event/hear-me-roar and check out the rest of the incredible events at aaf.co.nz. This bonus episode was brought to you by Auckland Arts Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Add to your kete of understanding our bone health with this kōrero with Christine Gill, Executive Director of Osteoporosis New Zealand. The life cycle of these living tissues from birth to menopause and beyond is fascinating. Christine talks us through the process of bone turnover, the often misunderstood osteoporosis, the importance of achieving maximum bone strength by age 30, and the myriad factors that can influence our bone health throughout life. The good news is that it's never too early or late to care for our bones! Resources - Bone Health New ZealandNymbl app by ACCHome (livestronger.org.nz) This bonus episode was brought to you by ACC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The magic of female friendships is pretty undeniable - as is the role they play in shaping us. Join us for an inspiring kōrero with long-time BFFs, broadcaster Stacey Morrison and fashion designer Kiri Nathan, who have been the epitome of friendship for over 25 years. From their first meeting at the Smoke-Free Fashion Awards to navigating marriages, children, and their respective careers, their journey is a testament to the power of enduring, intentional friendship. Stacey and Kiri also share their thoughts on the importance of boundaries with friends, and being mindful of our energy and capacity. We also discuss the challenges of being vulnerable and learning to let go of the pursuit of perfection. P.S. Stacey was a guest in Season 2 of Grey Areas - check out her kōrero too! Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to become a legendary netball player? What's the journey like, and how does finding a new identity in a foreign land shape your life and an illustrious sporting career spanning over 20 years? Join me this episode for a kōrero with iconic netballer and Silver Fern, Irene Van Dyk. We hear about her experience as an immigrant athlete in New Zealand, her experience with the media, and the decisions she made around motherhood. Irene opens up about the conversation she had with Dame Noeline Taurua in the lead up to her retirement. She also has a message for all the parents of kids playing netball - tune in to hear it. Of course, we check in on how perimenopause is treating Irene and we get to hear Irene's famed laugh almost the entire conversation because oh, how we laughed! P.S. Can't get enough? Dame Noeline Taurua was a guest on Season 03 of Grey Areas - have a listen to her episode too! Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's something a little special - a crossover episode with Charlotte Cook of RNZ's Hair and Loathing! Join us as we embark on a head to toe exploration of our relationships with hair - both on our heads and our bodies. Charlotte and I take a visit to Stephen Marr's salon for a kōrero over haircuts, we chat at my whare, and we also catch up with a few of you out on the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This kōrero we deep dive into hair's cultural implications, societal double standards, and the emotional connection we have with it. We investigate different hair removal processes, reflect on our relationships with our hair, and the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. Whether you have a full head of curls or a baby-smooth chin, this episode is a love letter to hair in all its glorious forms. Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ready for a hearty conversation with a trailblazer in women's sports journalism? We welcome Suzanne McFadden, an acclaimed sports journalist who's been championing women's sports in a male-dominated field. Suzanne's grit and determination have not only helped her break barriers but also led her to establish Locker Room, a platform dedicated to showcasing women's sports. She's also a Silver Sister and you know how much we love them! We dive into the heart of Suzanne's career, discussing the evolution of women's sports coverage and the challenges she faced being the only woman in a sports newsroom, shedding light on the highs and lows of her journey. We also hear about the support she received from her family and friends during her decade as a solo mum, her delightful love story, and discovering her Māori whakapapa. Suzanne's journey is one of resilience and I cannot wait for you to hear this one! Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered if you need to see your GP because you're experiencing discomfort or itching on your vulva? You're not alone. It turns out that vulval skin conditions are incredibly common and women in Aotearoa New Zealand suffer for an average of 10 years before working up the courage to see a doctor. We've got to change that! After all, skin is skin. So let's yarn about vulval skin health. The knowledgeable Dr Harriet Kennedy (MBCHB, FRACP, FNZDS) joins us for an informative, empowering and compassionate conversation about female genital dermatology. She sheds light on common vulval skin conditions such as lichen sclerosis, the impact of menopause on vulva skin, what to expect at your appointment with your doctor, as well as treatments. We also hear from you, our Grey Areas community, and some of your personal journeys with vulva skin health. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Here are a few websites Dr Harriet Kennedy recommends as resources - issvd.org/resources anzvs.org/patient-information/ dermnetnz.org Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family grief, the devastation of divorce, cross-generational friendships, learning Te Reo Māori and more - we talk about it all with Stuff journalist, Paula Penfold. We also discuss the challenges of the media world, the aftermath of job redundancy, and the importance of self-care in such a fast-paced profession. Paula opens up about her experience with perimenopause (and that one conversation we had about it in front of a mutual male friend), and how it ramped up her anxiety, the illusions of television glamour, and navigating self-image with age. Just some of the big stuff of life! 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 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.