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.

Real Life With John Cowan

Julie Chapman - KidsCan Founder

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.

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.

Tāme Iti - Artist and Activist

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/58cb7791-7fce-4417-a77e-b4460086125d/transcript

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.

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.

Brad Thorn - Rugby Legend

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4847203f-7f1d-43ea-9976-b43f00842fdc/transcript

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)

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)

Ron Crosby - Historian

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/664c6421-a955-4f6f-b94a-b438008463a1/transcript

Julie Chapman - KidsCan Founder

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