Best Greg MacDonald Podcasts (2025)

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Dr Michel Neeff: We're too casual about our hearing 40:36

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1d ago40:36

40:36

The World Health Organisation estimates over a billion people between the ages of 12 and 35 are at high risk of hearing loss due to unsafe habits. The key cause for the age group is simply listening to music for too long, and too loudly, in headphones or earbuds. Even a movie cinema is likely to have unsafe sound levels. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio…

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 238 - A Decade Of Laughs (10th Anniversary Special) 1:28:51

1h ago1:28:51

1:28:51

Scott and Craig return to join Gavin, as they look back on the last 10 years since launching Major's Mess Hall.By Majors_Mess_Hall

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Allyson Gofton: Maintaining a healthy diet with a busy life 40:45

8d ago40:45

40:45

One of the most challenging parts of being an adult is trying to figure out what you're going to eat, three times a day, every day, when you're often too busy to make anything more substantial than beans on toast. Regardless, we continue the mental battle every single day, trying to figure out a way to whip up something relatively healthy before th…

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 237 - Eight Legs, One Bottle 49:27

5d ago49:27

49:27

In this episode, Gavin and Chris dive into the weird and wonderful—tackling everything from the quirks of AI and its little hiccups, to the age-old question of how to deal with house spiders, to those desperate moments when a bottle becomes a lifesaver. It’s funny, unfiltered, and proof that no topic is too strange for the podcast.…

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Greg Pain: It's okay to slouch, as long as you're moving 40:47

15d ago40:47

40:47

We know we should be doing as much exercise as possible, but for most of us it's just not possibleto run for an hour a day and find time for weightlifting. For those of us sitting at a desk for most of the day, and another good portion of it sitting in traffic, what is the bare minimum amount of movement we should be doing? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystu…

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Kyle MacDonald: Do you need a therapist or just a friend? 40:20

22d ago40:20

40:20

Society has become increasingly encouraging of people to check in on their mates, but what is the clear line between needing a catch up with a friend, and needing to speak with someone more qualified? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 236 - If You Can Get A Challenging Wank Out Of It, Then Fair Play! 52:37

14d ago52:37

52:37

Join Gavin and Chris for a fun-filled episode as they dive into a variety of topics! Gavin shares his unique experiences working as a background performer on Trailer Park Boys Season 13, offering spoiler-free insights and behind-the-scenes stories. Plus, the duo chats about Chris's new job and the things that really grind their gears. And, don't mi…

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Kent Johns: It's not about losing the weight, it's about habits 40:43

29d ago40:43

40:43

The Biggest Loser ran for 18 seasons before ending in 2016, and it's now the subject of a major docu-series showing the behind the scenes moments from the show. A study following 14 contestants after their time on the show found all but one had regained the weight they had lost, and most surpassed the weight they were at the start of the show. LIST…

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John Cowan: We need a reality check for our alcohol problem 40:51

1M ago40:51

40:51

Alcohol has been a problem in New Zealand for a while, and it may be time for a reality check. A study out of the United States found only 54% of adults consume alcohol, the lowest ever recorded since tracking began in 1939. A study in New Zealand found it to be 76.3% here - so where is the gap, and when will we finally do something about it? LISTE…

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Sir Ashley Bloomfield: Children face many barriers in healthcare 40:44

1M ago40:44

40:44

We all want to see the next generation thrive - to do better than generations before. But there are a whole host of barriers holding children back, stopping them from reaching their full potential, and creating cycles that continue through generations. We always say children are our future, so why are we not doing more to support that future? Sir A…

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Dr Sola Freeman: Menopausal women deserve more support 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

Menopause is as normal and natural as any other life change - but the stigma around it hasn't gone away. Convenor of the Aotearoa Menopause Forum, Dr Sola Freeman, joins Tim Beveridge for Health Hub. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 235 - Shootin' The Sh!t With Justine Williamson And Greg Vardy 1:05:00

2M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, Gavin and Tony sit down with Cape Breton comedy duo Justine Williamson and Greg Vardy — the creators of viral sensations Tracy and Martina! We dive into their story, from how they first met in Cape Breton to what sparked their journey into comedy, and how they developed their iconic characters that have t…

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Dr Michel Neeff: It's not just loud sounds ruining your hearing 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

Hearing loss is one of those thing that just kind of sneaks up on you, and most people never think to get it checked until you reach a certain age. Hearing loss affects 1 in every 5 kiwis, and it's projected to get far worse over the coming decades. Dr Michel Neeff is a leading ENT surgeon and he joins Tim Beveridge on the Health Hub. LISTEN ABOVE …

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Greg Pain: Maintaining your bone health as you age 41:03

2M ago41:03

41:03

Bone health is immeasurably important for our physical health, and the density of your bones have a whole lot to do with how frail you will be once you pass that 60 year mark. Greg Pain is a sports biomechanist at bioSPORT and joins Tim Beveridge for Health Hub. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 234 - Bette MacDonald 53:28

2M ago53:28

53:28

In this episode, Gavin and Tony sit down for a fun, lighthearted chat with the incomparable Bette MacDonald—a true legend of East Coast comedy. Bette gives us the inside scoop on her brand-new show Starmaker Academy, shares hilarious memories from her time on the hit CBC series Mr. D, and reflects on how Cape Breton comedy is deeply rooted in the r…

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Dr Andy Johnston: Immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatment 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

Sarcoma is deadliest cancer among children and young people, accounting for nearly one third of deaths among the 15-24 age group. Despite this, research funding remains low compared to more common cancers, and feeds back into low survival rates. It's also reportedly misdiagnosed a third of the time, highlighting the urgent need for better early det…

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Claire Turnbull: Fibre and sleep are keys to a strong diet 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

New research shows the "Atlantic diet" could be the secret to a longer and healthier life. There's also the mediterranean diet, and tuna-broccoli-chicken-rice meals. But sticking to these can be so boring on our palettes, and when you're busy with work and life - it's basically impossible to maintain! So what foods are best for us, and how can we s…

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Kent Johns: Finding the time to exercise isn't as daunting as it seems 40:47

3M ago40:47

40:47

Reports say we need 2.5 hours of exercise a week, and 10-thousand steps a day. How can we find the time and motivation to stay fit? Is there a method to sticking to a workout-plan despite a busy schedule? Tim Beveridge is joined with Health and Mental Well-being Expert Kent Johns... LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Caitlin Fris: Bladder leakage is nothing to be ashamed about 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

Bladder issues can impact people at any age, with a third of women over 35 affected by bladder leaks. Wrapping up World Continence Week, how can we help remove the stigma around incontinence? Tim Beveridge is joined with Pelvic Health Expert Caitlin Fris... LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Dr John Cameron: Alcohol isn't the root problem 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

We all know how harmful alcohol can be - especially in large amounts - but where are people drinking the most? There were more calls this week to raise the price of alcohol in off-license businesses, as it's thought that people tend to lose control at home more than in a licensed business. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 233 - Silent Struggles: Men's Mental Health Unmasked 1:03:33

3M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In this special episode of Major’s Mess Hall, Gavin and Chris are joined by friend and guest Josh Hines for an honest and heartfelt conversation about men’s mental health. June marks Men's Mental Health Month, and we’re opening up about something too often left unspoken.Together, we discuss the silent struggles many men face, why it's so hard to as…

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Dr Libby Weaver: You're not getting enough nutrients 40:52

4M ago40:52

40:52

Tim Beveridge is joined by Dr Libby Weaver to discuss nutrients and stress levels. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 232 - Artificial Unintelligence 1:09:10

3M ago1:09:10

1:09:10

On this week's episode, Gavin and Chris discussed various personal topics, including their experiences with social media misinformation and how people seem to fall for AI generated video clips. They explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons, its cultural impact, and its mental health benefits through social interaction and escapism. The conversation …

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Greg Pain: How hard is too hard when pushing yourself in a workout? 40:43

4M ago40:43

40:43

Pushing yourself to your limit is kind of the whole point of exercise - running just a little longer when you're exhausted, doing that extra rep until you can't lift anymore. But sometimes we miss warning signs, and push ourselves too hard - leading to an injury that even once fully recovered, most won't get back into the gym. So how hard is too ha…

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Kyle MacDonald: We need better allocation of mental health funding 40:33

4M ago40:33

40:33

A range of governments have flip flopped on mental health funding for years. No matter how much is put into the sector, it always seems to end up in the wrong place - or not spent at all. So where should the money be going? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 231 - Where Everybody Knows Your Name 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Welcome back to Major’s Mess Hall! In this episode, Gavin and Tony pay tribute to the late George Wendt, reflecting on the legacy of his iconic Cheers character, Norm, and the lasting impact he's had on pop culture.We also dive into the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sharing our thoughts on upcoming films and whether the franchise …

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Alex Flint: Exercises for longevity 40:39

4M ago40:39

40:39

The older we get, the more important it is to maintain health, but what movements are the true needle-movers for a longer, healthier life? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Claire Turnbull: Not all supplements were created equal 40:59

5M ago40:59

40:59

We've all heard the rumours that supplements and vitamins are just expensive waste that goes straight through you, but there are some that doctors recommend. So which are useless and which can actually improve your health? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 230 - Big Macs, Bum Wiggles, And Camel's Milk 1:09:19

5M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

In this hilarious episode, Gavin is joined by Tony and Kuki for some seriously wild storytelling. Gavin shares the chaotic details of his trip back to the UK — including getting robbed in London! Tony talks about his recent move and how he somehow managed to fall off the back of the moving truck (yes, really). Meanwhile, Kuki reveals her intense lo…

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Dr John Cameron: Skinny people have heart attacks too 40:47

5M ago40:47

40:47

We know how serious heart health is - but what can we actually do to help it? At what point should we start to be worries about how our weight is impacting our hearts - and how much does that really matter when heart issues don't discriminate? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Dr Mark Williams: Devices are ruining your sleep 40:38

5M ago40:38

40:38

Neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams partnered with Amazon Kindle and found that kiwis are checking for notifications up to 50 times an hour - a major contributor to 86% of us feeling stressed by bedtime. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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"I'm hopeful": Sir Ashley Bloomfield on the future of health in New Zealand 40:41

6M ago40:41

40:41

He was the Director-General of Health leading the country through the hardest health challenges New Zealand has faced in modern history. Today, he's a Professor at the University of Auckland's School of Population Health. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 229 - A Man Or A Muppet 1:06:51

6M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

In this laugh-filled episode of Major's Mess Hall, Join Gavin, Chris, and Tony as they dive into the quirky world of eccentric characters from their hometown. From oddball neighbors to local legends, the trio shares hilarious stories that are equal parts nostalgic and ridiculous. They also chat about what it’s like to see themselves reimagined as M…

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Niki Bezzant: It's time to stop the taboo of menopause 40:41

6M ago40:41

40:41

Menopause is one of the most natural things a woman can go through, so why is it so taboo to speak about? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 228 - Chris Hates Pizza 1:14:21

6M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Food takes center stage in this episode of Major’s Mess Hall! Gavin, Tony, Chris, and Ferris dive into their favorite meals, the foods they miss, and some surprising opinions—like Chris admitting he hates pizza. Tony reminisces about a beloved UK chocolate that’s no longer around, while Gavin shares his love for sushi. Meanwhile, Ferris gives an in…

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Greg Pain: Core strength is key 40:32

6M ago40:32

40:32

Training methods, core strength, and footwear. Biomechanist Greg Pain joins to discuss how the way people move impacts their results. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Dr John Cameron: "We don't know how paracetamol works" 39:52

6M ago39:52

39:52

Dr John Cameron joins The Weekend Collective to discuss more effective pain management methods. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Alex Flint: You don't need 10,000 steps a day 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

Have you done your 10,000 steps today? Personal trainer Alex Flint joins to discuss whether 10,000 steps is a fad marketing scheme or truly beneficial to your health. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Ethically Kate: How ethics fit into your health 39:43

7M ago39:43

39:43

Kate Hall from Ethically Kate joins to discuss living an ethical and sustainable life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 227 - Waves & Resilience: With Lara Vafiadis 1:21:41

7M ago1:21:41

1:21:41

In this episode, Gavin and Chris sit down with adventurer Lara Vafiadis, who took on the grueling challenge of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Lara shares her incredible journey, from the inspiration behind her voyage—a tribute to her late father—to the physical and mental challenges she faced while alone at sea for 98 days. She opens up abo…

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Dr Alex Bartle: Stop tracking your sleep 39:45

7M ago39:45

39:45

Now more than ever, people are putting a heap of energy into tracking the length and quality of their sleep each night. What percentage quality? How many hours? How long spent in each phase of sleep? It can be interesting to read the data, but is it really beneficial or does it create too much pressure on sleeping patterns? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystu…

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 226 - Partridgeberries 1:17:16

7M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

This week, Gavin, Chris, Tony, and Bertie are back with another chaotic yet highly sophisticated discussion (okay, maybe not that sophisticated).Chris takes us on a thrilling adventure through Switzerland, where he may or may not have considered yodeling professionally.Tony gives us the scoop on his new business, Siren—but before he can celebrate, …

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Greg Pain: Best and worst exercise trends 40:46

7M ago40:46

40:46

This week on the Health Hub, expert Greg Pain unpacked the best and worst exercise trends for 2025 - and revealed the top exercises you should be doing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Ganesh Raj: Getting over convenience food 40:29

8M ago40:29

40:29

Dealing with endless choices of processed foods is hard at the best of times, but it's even harder when you don't realise the food is processed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 225 - Ben Whitehead 1:28:24

7M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

On this episode of Major’s Mess Hall, we’re joined by none other than Ben Whitehead, the voice of Wallace in the Oscar-nominated Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, now streaming on Netflix!Ben gives us an inside look at what it’s like to voice the iconic cheese-loving inventor, stepping into the role made famous by Peter Sallis. He shares his l…

1
Kent Johns: Maintaining a routine 40:41

8M ago40:41

40:41

Health and wellness coach Kent Johns joins to discuss the important of variety in workouts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Dr John Cameron: "If you're taking a blood test, you should already know the result" 40:45

8M ago40:45

40:45

A recent study published in PLO One found that people who's parents divorced when they were under the age of 18 were 61% more likely to experience a stroke later in life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Major's Mess Hall - Episode 224 - Ferris Bueller's Day On 59:34

8M ago59:34

59:34

This week, the MMH spotlight shines upon the one they call Ferris! Gavin invites student Ferris onto the show to talk music, fragrances, religion, dating, and more!By Majors_Mess_Hall

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David Letele: You have to want it to get it 41:19

8M ago41:19

41:19

Building a long list of healthy habits and workout routines to start in the new year probably seemed like a great idea in December, but how many haven't been given up yet? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Allyson Gofton: Preparing for a delicious Christmas day 40:55

9M ago40:55

40:55

As we draw closer to the big day, everyone is preparing to consume exorbitant amounts of delicious food. Allyson Gofton joins to discuss Christmas staples and the dishes that should stay off the table this year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB