Grey Areas with Petra Bagust
Self-Improvement
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 th...
Episodes
- GSM - The issue affecting 84% of menopausal women | Dr Iona Weir
Dr. Iona Weir joins Petra Bagust to discuss Genital Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a condition affecting many menopausal women. They delve into the cellular science behind GSM, its symptoms beyond vaginal dryness, and what women can…
- Telling the truth under pressure | Barbara Dreaver
Barbara Dreaver, a New Zealand journalist and TVNZ Pacific correspondent, shares her experiences reporting on difficult stories, her Pacific heritage, and the themes of her book, "Be Brave." She discusses challenging moments in her career,…
- Hormones, HRT, and why you're not broken | Dr Lara Briden
Naturopathic doctor and author Dr. Lara Briden joins Petra Bagust to discuss female physiology, hormones, and perimenopause. They explore the benefits of cyclic hormones, address fears surrounding perimenopause, and discuss health topics i…
- Living together, on purpose | Sir John Kirwan + Francesca Kirwan
Petra Bagust speaks with Sir John Kirwan and his daughter, Francesca Kirwan, about intergenerational living, family dynamics, and mental health. They discuss the realities of choosing to live together, managing family relationships, and Jo…
- BONUS: ADHD, mum-guilt & winning The Voice Australia at 40 | Tarryn Stokes
Tarryn Stokes discusses winning The Voice Australia at 40, her ADHD diagnosis, and balancing motherhood with her music career. She reflects on her journey from backing vocalist to solo artist, her visualisation techniques, and the release…
- BONUS: Finding your way home | Safina Stewart
In this episode, artist and educator Safina Stewart joins Petra Bagust to share her life story, including her experiences with identity, the 2023 Voice referendum, personal trauma, and family loss. They discuss themes of survival, communit…
- Season 9 is coming - 16th April
Season 9 of Grey Areas with Petra Bagust returns on April 16th to explore topics including hormone health, intergenerational living, skin science, and personal purpose. The upcoming season features guests such as Dr. Lara Briden, Sir John…
- Go your own way | Lucy Lawless
In this episode, Petra Bagust speaks with actor Lucy Lawless about embracing midlife. Lawless discusses how her fifties have brought a renewed sense of drive, learning to take risks, and the freedom in trying new things, even when success…
- End your fight with food | Claire Turnbull
This episode features nutritionist Claire Turnbull discussing the complexities of eating, self-image, and holistic well-being, particularly for those experiencing body changes in midlife. Turnbull shares insights and guidance toward develo…
- A bit of an enigma | Jesse Mulligan
Jesse Mulligan discusses being called an enigma, his parenting challenges in the digital age, and his views on ego and criticism with Petra Bagust.
- Demystifying endometriosis | Fatima Savea + Dr Amelia Ryan
This episode features Fatima Savea discussing her experience with endometriosis and her husband Julian Savea, and gynaecologist Dr. Amelia Ryan explaining the condition's complexities, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management.
- Living alongside adversity | Jess Quinn
Jess Quinn shares her experiences with childhood cancer, limb amputation, and endometriosis, focusing on her journey to self-acceptance, motherhood as an amputee, and her advocacy for women's health. She highlights the significance of radi…
- How to fix your brain | TJ Power
Neuroscientist TJ Power explains how to optimize brain chemistry by understanding our wiring and daily activities. He offers strategies to regain focus and improve brain function, particularly in the context of modern social media habits.
- Savouring the seasons | Nadia Lim
Nadia Lim discusses her cookbooks, chickens, sunflowers, and life seasons with Petra Bagust. The candid conversation explores her relationship, self-care, community, resilience, and balancing family and career.
- Nothing to hide | Stan Walker
This episode features an interview with musician Stan Walker, discussing his career, journey with identity, forgiveness, trauma, and healing. Walker also highlights his dedication to family, health, and bringing hope through music.
- A public private life | Dame Jacinda Ardern
Petra Bagust interviews former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Dame Jacinda Ardern, discussing her memoir, "A Different Kind of Power," leadership, motherhood, and personal life.
- Season 8 Trailer
Season 8 of Grey Areas with Petra Bagust is launching soon. Host Petra Bagust looks forward to exploring the complexities of life with new guests, continuing the show's tradition of tackling challenges and celebrating successes.
- BONUS: ADHD and the hormone house of cards | Dr Greg Finucane
Petra Bagust interviews neuropsychiatrist Dr Greg Finucane about ADHD and perimenopause in women. They discuss late diagnosis, brain function, coping mechanisms, and societal stigma associated with ADHD, sharing personal experiences and ch…
- A relational world - Part 2 | Dame Anne Salmond
In part two, Petra Bagust and Dame Anne Salmond discuss te ao Māori, relational living, and concepts like tapu and mana. They explore how Māori worldview and language can reshape understanding and foster better coexistence.
- A relational world - Part 1 | Dame Anne Salmond
Part 1 of a conversation between Petra Bagust and Dame Anne Salmond, focusing on the concepts of relationship, whakapapa, whenua, and whānau. Salmond shares insights from her upbringing, her perspective on navigating differences, and the s…
- Your body’s not betraying you - it’s whispering | Dr Libby Weaver
Petra Bagust interviews Dr Libby Weaver, biochemist and author, discussing a holistic approach to wellbeing that combines science, nutrition, and emotional insight. They explore why people act against their better knowledge, the influence…
- Public scrutiny & personality types | Amanda Luxon
Petra Bagust sits down with Amanda Luxon, former teacher and Myers-Briggs coach, to discuss navigating differences in personality and life. They explore how frameworks like Myers-Briggs can foster understanding and appreciation in relation…
- Breaking silence - you’re not alone | Ali Mau
Acclaimed journalist and author Ali Mau joins Petra Bagust to discuss her memoir, covering childhood sexual abuse, family dynamics, and her journey to public speaking. They also discuss Ali's charity, Tika, and her approach to work-life ba…
- Love, grief & Alzheimer’s | Michael Hurst + Jennifer Ward-Lealand
Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Leland discuss their enduring love story, theatre careers, and experiences with aging and dementia, highlighting the role of art in empathy.
- Captain of the ship - leadership, mentorship & friendship | Raelene Castle + Debt Free Diva with Generate
In this episode, host Petra Bagust talks with Raelene Castle about her career in sports management, leadership challenges, personal life balance, and managing alopecia. The episode also features Tracy Hemingway discussing KiwiSaver.
- Music, motherhood and moving halfway round the world | Nadia Reid
Nadia Reid joins Petra Bagust to discuss her latest album, 'Enter Now Brightness.' They explore her life experiences, including moving from Auckland to Manchester and the transformative impact of motherhood on her songwriting, as well as e…
- When ADHD meets perimenopause | Petra & friends (with special guest Dr Greg Finucane)
Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Greg Finucane joins Petra Bagust to discuss the connection between ADHD and perimenopause. The episode covers the personal impact of diagnosis, effects on family dynamics, and practical strategies for managing ADHD sy…
- Season 7 kicks off March 6th!
Season 7 of Grey Areas with Petra Bagust premieres March 6th, featuring discussions with Nadia Reid, Raelene Castle, Dr. Libby Weaver, Michael Hurst, Jennifer Ward-Leand, and Dame Anne Salmond. The season will delve into personal experienc…
- Let’s end cervical cancer in Aotearoa | Dr Bev Lawton
Dr Bev Lawton discusses women's health issues including menopause, cervical cancer prevention, and endometriosis. She highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge, the HPV vaccine, and New Zealand's accessible HPV self-screening p…
- Rethinking fitness and hormones | Dr Stacy Sims + Financial fitness with Generate
Dr. Stacy Sims explains how women's fitness needs change with age and fluctuating hormones, challenging traditional mindsets and promoting sustainable, life-enhancing routines. Kirstien Taylor discusses financial fitness.
- When friends are whānau | Suzanne Lynch, Tina Cross + Jackie Clarke (The Lady Killers)
Petra Bagust is joined by Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, and Suzanne Lynch, who consider each other family. The Lady Killers discuss music, ageing, friendship, menopause, and supporting one another.
- Making friends with my body - good friends! | Dr Hillary McBride
Petra Bagust interviews psychologist Dr Hillary McBride about treating our bodies like a best friend, exploring trauma, eating disorders, women's health, and menopause. McBride advocates for reconnecting with and honouring our physical sel…
- Petra introduces the Parents We've Met podcast
In this episode of Grey Areas, host Petra Bagust discusses her journey through motherhood, personal growth, her te reo Māori learning, and the importance of values, especially as one ages.
- Diving into the wreck: on mermaids, motherhood and midlife | Megan Dunn
Megan Dunn joins Petra Bagust to discuss themes of mermaids, motherhood, and midlife as Dunn approaches her 50th birthday. They explore generational bonds, societal expectations of aging, and the importance of self-acceptance and community.
- Bullies, blood and battlegrounds | Susie Ferguson
Susie Ferguson recounts her journey from being bullied in school to her experiences as a war correspondent, including reporting from Iraq while dealing with undiagnosed endometriosis. Her book "Bloody Minded" explores resilience, determina…
- Nourishing the whole self | Nici Wickes
Petra Bagust talks with cookbook author Nici Wickes about accessible cooking, building confidence, body image, and prioritizing mental health. They also discuss ageing with self-acceptance and finding serenity in cooking.
- From breakdown to breakthrough | Paddy Gower
Patrick Gower joins Petra Bagust on Grey Areas to discuss his memoir, sharing his experiences with alcoholism, bullying, and work addiction that led to a mental breakdown. He details his journey towards authenticity and sobriety, transform…
- Season 6 kicks off on Thursday 3rd October!
Season 6 of Grey Areas with Petra Bagust premieres October 3rd, featuring conversations with New Zealanders and international guests like Dr. Hillary McBride on topics such as endometriosis, body image, singleness, and retirement.
- The marks that make us | Jenny-May Clarkson + Dean Clarkson
Jenny-May and Dean Clarkson share insights on managing the demands of live television, perimenopause, and their relationship. Jenny-May also discusses receiving her moko kauae and its impact on her heritage and self-perception.
- Otherhood: Life outside of motherhood | Kathryn van Beek + Lil O’Brien
This episode features editors Lil O’Brien and Kathryn van Beek discussing their anthology 'Otherhood,' which explores the experiences of women who are childless, childfree, or child-adjacent, highlighting the challenges, joys, and communit…
- Ducking perfectionism and the upside of failure | Dr Jin Russell
Dr Jin Russell, a developmental paediatrician and researcher, explores how to move beyond perfectionism and learn from failure, despite societal pressures and her own impressive achievements. She emphasizes the necessity of failure for gro…
- How women are catching the investing bug | Victoria Harris + Kirstien Taylor
The episode explores how women are increasingly participating in investing, often outperforming men. Guests Victoria Harris and Kirstien Taylor discuss resources and strategies for women to take control of their financial futures and prepa…
- Discovering difference: celebrating neurodiversity and ADHD | Sonia Gray
Sonia Gray shares her personal journey advocating for neurodiverse children and understanding her own ADHD. She discusses the challenges of raising neurodiverse children in a world that struggles with difference and her path to self-accept…
- Using creativity to unlock joy | Selina Tusitala Marsh
Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh joins Petra Bagust to discuss creativity and poetry, sharing insights from her experiences as NZ Poet Laureate and an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. They also touch upon the evolution of creative lives…
- Investing now for our golden years | Judy Bailey
Journalist Judy Bailey, 72, shares insights on aging, her fulfilling post-television career, and navigating life's challenges, including her husband's cancer diagnosis, with host Petra Bagust.
- Love in midlife and menopause | Niki Bezzant + Meg Cowan
This episode features a LIVE panel discussion with writer Niki Bezzant and relationship coach Meg Cowan, focusing on pleasure, intimacy, and love in midlife and menopause. They address myths and discuss navigating sexual journeys during th…
- Season 5 is coming Thursday 18th April!
Petra Bagust announces the upcoming Season 5 of Grey Areas, highlighting discussions on women's health, personal growth, relationships, and creativity with notable guests. New episodes begin dropping weekly on April 18th.
- Summer Series: Kate Rodger talks dating and menopause, going to the cinema and the power of vulnerability
Kate Rodger joins Petra Bagust on Grey Areas to discuss facing new challenges, embracing vulnerability, and balancing personal goals. The conversation covers stepping outside one's comfort zone and finding humor in life's ups and downs.
- Summer Series: Robert Rakete on front-footing his health, ageing authentically and keeping the romance sparkle alive
Robert Rakete discusses his journey with health, ageing, learning Te Reo Māori, and embracing a beginner's mindset with Petra Bagust. He also shares his experience with a recent prostate check-up.
- Summer Series: Miriama Kamo talks turning 50, falling off the sugar wagon, and Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Miriama Kamo joins Petra Bagust to discuss turning 50, setting new intentions such as studying te reo Māori and getting braces, and finding resources amidst life's challenges.